DEAR News Of The Area, NOW that the Federal Election is finally over (thank God) it seems a few are grieving the result, and as a consequence their current thinking, as well as their memories, lack clarity. Mr Williamson in his letter of 9 May 2025 laments the fact that we have elected a lying […]
DEAR Jasminda, I AM someone who likes a firm handshake but some people in my social circle, and even at work seem to think it is acceptable to give me a hug or even a kiss. How do I make my position clear without causing offence? Alena P Dear Alena, There is nothing offensive about […]
DEAR News Of The Area, WHY am I not surprised? Another election letdown, promises out the window. After voting at my polling station at Lake Cathie I looked around to purchase my democracy sausage, but there were no sausages to be had! What was I to say to my faithful dog, waiting in my car […]
DEAR News Of The Area, FRIDAY 2 May, and our visit to Port Macquarie brought forth an unexpected surprise in the form of a free masthead! In an age that has seen the rapid demise of regional newspapers it is refreshing that local news continues to meet the needs of a community that relies on […]
SCOTT, battling cancer, has a prognosis of just 12 months to live. Scott calls his sister, Mary, and asks her to come and live with him as his full-time carer. He tells her that if she does so, he will give her half of his estate when he passes-away. Mary tells Scott that she will […]
DEAR Jasminda, YET again I have destroyed my healthy eating plan over Easter. The couple of kilos I lost following my New Year’s resolution are back on the scales. It all feels like a waste of time trying to get fit and healthy. Do I just give in and give up? Tina P. Dear Tina, […]
DEAR Jasminda, Every time I catch up with my friends the conversation always ends up leading to our despair over American politics. I catch up with them to escape negative things and sometimes I now leave feeling worse than when I arrived. What’s the answer? Katie L. Dear Katie, It’s hard to fathom some of […]
DEAR Jasminda, WHENEVER I go to the supermarket for a couple of items, I end up leaving with a trolley full. How can I avoid the temptation and stick to my budget? Gloria V. Dear Gloria, It’s easy to feel defeated when you go into the supermarket for eggs and milk and return with two […]
