Table of contents for 24 February 2022 in Chat

Cariad, our little Shih Tzu, runs down regularly to greet her friend Barney over the wall. They always give each other a kiss. So cute to witness. Ann Jones, Anglesey ‘How dare you stick your tongue out at me?’ says Luke, my 3-year-old son. We were at the local zoo, enjoying a lovely day out seeing all the animals. Kimberley Yetton, Papworth Everard I went out for a gorgeous winter walk recently with my husband Paul. This year we’ve been together for 30 years, which is an achievement we are both proud of. Melanie Edwards, Parson Cross Seeing the seals on the National Trust beach at Norfolk was an amazing sight. We’re so lucky that the seals choose to have their babies in the UK! Sharon Matthews, Swindon This is…

What connects Dame Mary Berry and US musician Kelis? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the five-word prize answer. ACROSS 1 Green spaces (5) 4 Bottle stopper (4) 6 Sweet on a stick (8) 13 Bounce back (7) 14 Typical, normal (7) 15 More than enough (5) 16 Solely (4) 17 Utters (6) 18 Star Trek actor, _ Takei (6) 20 Domestic servant (4) 21 Acted boldly (5) 22 Invertebrate (6) 25 Balderdash (8) 28 Get smaller (6) 30 Presses clothes (5) 32 Large marsupial (8) 34 Simple lottery (6) 35 Exchange something for money (4) 38 Quantity (6) 39 Person (5) 40 Waterways (6) 43 Strongly advise (4) 44 Rabbit home (6) 45 Menace (8) 48 Lift up (5) 49 Alien…

I’ve got spotty palms Q There are horrible spots full of yellow pus on my palms and soles. My doctor says it’s psoriasis, but it looks nothing like my friend’s psoriasis! Lydia, Romney Marsh A Sounds like pustular psoriasis, a particular form of the skin disease psoriasis that affects your palms and soles, although around a quarter of sufferers also have the more familiar scaly purple-red patches of psoriasis on their bodies. It’s more common in women and in smokers, though we’re not sure why, and usually first appears between the ages of around 40 to 60, with red hands and feet that become covered in pus-filled blisters. Besides looking unpleasant, these can be painful and interfere with using your hands or feet. Treatment means stopping smoking and using moisturiser…

Leanne Plumtree, 43, Lincolnshire When I saw a post on Radcliffe Animal Centre’s Facebook page about the dachshunds and other dogs they’d rescued in a terrible state, it felt like fate. I’d just lost my beloved 15-year-old wire-haired dachshund Dee, an RSPCA rescue, too. So, in February 2021, I headed to the centre to meet a gorgeous, long-haired ginger pup. She trotted straight over and climbed onto my lap. It was a done deal! I called her Libby and she settled in at home straightaway. Then, four months later, the RSPCA contacted me again about another dog from the rescue in need of a home. He was a little boy called Sebastian, a dachshund-poodle mix. How could I say no? It took six days for him to find the courage…

Daksha Trivedi, Meppershall, Bedfordshire Sitting at my desk, I opened my emails and sighed. It was September 2016, I’d just returned from a trip and had a lot to catch up on. To my delight, an email popped up from my twin brother Deepak. He lived in Canada, but despite the distance nothing could break our unique bond. We’d always had similarities, we both wrote poetry and had studied Science. I looked forward to his updates about his wife and daughter. But as I read this email, my face dropped. I have inoperable stage 4 cancer, he’d written. It had started in his oesophagus and spread to his stomach, but he’d discovered it too late. I’ll let you decide whether to tell Mum or not, he added. I felt sick.…

FILL ME IN Tarkhun is a popular Georgian soft drink flavoured with and named for what ingredient? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer. WIN £100 puzzle 14 Your answer: CIRCLE TIME Five times deeper than the Grand Canyon, the tallest cliffs in the solar system are said to be Verona Rupes, on a moon of which planet? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the shaded-circle letters. 3 letters AGO ARE LEA LEI NEW PAN ROE WAR WAS WOW 4 letters GALA GRAB NULL OOZE OUZO SONG THIS 5 letters NEWTS REIGN RODEO 6 letters HOLLOW NARROW NEGATE NEPHEW WAITER WINDOW 8 letters BISCUITS WIN £100 puzzle 15…

3 way to… Boost your home’s value If you’re planning to put your house on the market, here are some tips from Angela Kerr of the HomeOwners Alliance that might help you get the best price. 1 Spruce it up ‘Give your walls a fresh coat of neutral paint, as it will make your home seem lighter and bigger,’ advises Angela. ‘Another benefit is that, if a potential buyer thinks your recent redecoration will save them a job when they move in, it may make it a more attractive property to them. And spend some time decluttering – this will make your rooms appear more spacious,’ she adds. 2 Consider your kitchen ‘Many buyers see the kitchen as the most important room when viewing properties, so consider if yours could…

Courtney Rumsey, 21, Livingston, West Lothian Peeking out of the front-room window, my stomach flipped as a silver car pulled up outside. ‘See you later, Mum,’ I called, slamming the front door behind me. It was July 2019, and I was off on a first date to a country park. We’d met at a friend’s barbecue a couple of days earlier and I was smitten. It was hard not to be. My new man was tall and handsome, with bulging muscles and a cheeky smile. And he was a very welcome distraction. I’d been diagnosed with depression at 17. Mum was worried sick, but she was rushed off her feet with my three younger siblings, then aged 11, 8 and 4. The last two years had been a struggle. Maybe…

Kerry Roberts, 37, Northallerton Pulling a blanket over my tiny bump, I settled on the sofa and flicked on the TV. I was 12 weeks pregnant and felt like death warmed up. ‘Fancy a cuppa?’ asked my partner James, then 29. ‘Go on then,’ I smiled. It was May 2019 and I’d just spent two nights in hospital with hyperemesis gravidarum – severe morning sickness. Not fun. ‘Where’s Leah?’ I shouted to James. ‘She got ready here with the girls and went to the park,’ he called. I rolled my eyes and smiled. My daughter Leah Heyes, then 15, was a proper teenager now. Spent half the day in bed most weekends! But she had a heart of gold. And was so excited about becoming a big sister. She’d come…

Gavin Cueto, 25, Newport Tucking into a chocolate biscuit, I took a mouthful of tea to wash it down. ‘Thanks, Nan,’ I said. She always knew how to make me feel better. A cuppa and chocolate bicky was Nan’s answer to everything. It was 2008, and I’d always been close to my nan Elaine, then 74. She lived just five minutes away from me and my mum Julie, now 56. Growing up, I’d often pop round after school and stayed over most weekends. She was so warm and welcoming, and her house was my second home. One of 21 grandchildren, it was a place for me and my cousins to play together. But Nan was my best friend, too – I could tell her anything. Growing up, I always felt…

Petra Bryant, 34, Margate True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK The words ‘vaginal dryness’ are enough to make most people cringe. But it really shouldn’t. It happens to many of us at some point, and it’s time we started talking about it without feeling embarrassed. It was May 2021 when me and my then-boyfriend started having problems. I’d recently started the contraceptive pill, which caused vaginal dryness as a side effect. ‘It’s so frustrating,’ I moaned. Going from a couple with a great sex life to struggling to physically have sex at all. And bless my boyfriend, who popped to the chemist for some lube. But it was sticky and smelt like an explosion in a perfume factory. There must be something better we can try, I thought, so I went to check…

OVER TO YOU Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p3. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Patrik Gorman, Yate, Bristol ACROSS 1 Prod 2 Wicked 3 Trade 4 Helen of _ DOWN 1 Nuisance 2 Above 3 Unit of weight 4 Eleanor (abb.) WIN 5x £25 puzzle 6 Your answer: HALF & HALF Until 2005, St Lawrence Ground, home of Kent County Cricket Club, featured a tree of what species within the playing area? Cross out a letter in each square to get a grid filled with words. The uncrossed-out letters in the shaded squares give the prize answer. WIN £100 puzzle 7 Your answer: BRICK TRICK Merrow and ben-varrey are…

When a pair of old trainers recently sold at auction for $1.5 million, Chat wondered what was more eye-watering, the smell or the price! They were basketball legend and Space Jam star Michael Jordan’s Nikes from 1984, but they’re not the most bizarre celeb belonging ever flogged… Hey, tooth One Beatles mega-fan took a bite out of musical history when they won John Lennon’s molar for £19,500 in 2011. The tooth was originally given to Lennon’s housekeeper Dot, who kept it for years before deciding to auction it with Omega Auction House, where it was bought by Canadian dentist Michael Zuk. He could have paid for 21,666 bags of sweets or 819 check-ups at the dentist instead! Hair-raising A lock of David Bowie’s blond hair, collected by a Madame Tussaud’s…

He doesn’t like my kids Q My partner and I have been together for two years. I have three children from a previous relationship which I was honest about from the start. Our relationship was amazing until a few weeks ago, when he admitted he doesn’t like my children and doesn’t want any of his own. He doesn’t want to get married. Or even live together. I know the sensible thing to do is leave, but I’m struggling as I love him so much. He’s taken me by surprise with this. What do you think? Michelle, 48 A How on earth could you entertain being with a man who doesn’t like your kids? If he can’t accept them as part of you, you need to show him the door. No…

Georgie Copeman, 46, Maidstone, Kent Standing in front of my bathroom mirror, wearing a blue sports top and shorts, I held up my mobile and took a deep breath. Snap! I’d avoided mirrors like the plague for years. And usually, full-length photos were a huge no-no. But now, in June 2019, as I took a picture of my reflection, I was forced to confront the truth. I was obese. I’d just started a 28-day diet challenge, and taking a ‘before’ photo was part of it. ‘Yuck,’ I tutted, looking at my belly bulging through my blue sports top. I hated it. Over the years, the weight had just piled on. I’d always been on the big side. I was nearly 6ft tall at 13 years old, and had towered above…

No7 Pure Retinol Hand Cream, £14.95, Boots Fix dry skin and improve signs of ageing with a hand cream that does it all. This nourishing formula contains retinol (a superhero ingredient for ageing skin), which works to combat issues like fine lines and dark spots. Nursem Caring Hand Cream, £9.99, Boots Developed for nurses facing frequent hand washing and skin-stripping sanitisers, this will soothe even the driest of hands. Made with manuka honey, it’s care and comfort in a tube. Ps… Vitamin E Hydrating Hand & Nail Cream, £2, Primark Hate thick, sticky creams? This lovely light lotion is your go-to. It’s wonderfully hydrating on dry hands, but won’t leave them feeling greasy. Use it every time you wash your hands to really get the benefits.…

Tammy Kirkwood, 51, North Yorkshire Every mum knows how hard teenage years can be. The moodiness and door slams. Well, my Connor was no different. Since turning 14, he’d been a nightmare. Shutting himself in his room, or staying out all hours. Growing up, he’d always been climbing trees or kicking a ball, and I didn’t understand why he now wanted to shut himself away. ‘What’s wrong?’ I’d ask. ‘Leave me alone,’ he’d mumble. I worried sick. Soon he was messing around at school, getting into trouble with the police. But I was always on his back, asking where he was going, who he was with. I even asked the police and social care for help. They told me that they had intel that Connor was being targeted by county…

DRESSES STYLE TIP Try similar warm tones from head to toe. Mix these flattering dresses with tans, caramels and coffee colours. KNITS STYLE TIP Layer a lightweight jumper with a satin skirt or jeans, then team with gold jewellery for a luxe look. ANKLE BOOTS STYLE TIP Swap black boots for fresh pairs that will instantly brighten your look. Wear with patterned dresses for spring. COATS STYLE TIP These jackets will see you through to summer. Opt for fuss-free styles that will streamline your frame.…

In October 2021, Mark Gooch, 22, was found guilty of the kidnap and first-degree murder of Sasha Krause. With his hands resting behind his back, Gooch stood in a military stance, emotionless, as the verdict was read. Coconino County Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols also separately convicted Gooch of theft, in relation to Sasha’s missing headpiece and underwear. Following the conviction, Detective Lauren Nagele said the Mennonite community can now feel safe again. ‘The verdict unfortunately cannot bring Sasha back, but it does protect our society by preventing Mark Gooch from ever murdering another innocent person,’ she said. Paying tribute to his daughter, Bob Krause said Sasha was a person of deep faith. He shared an extract of a poem Sasha wrote about dying, entitled, I do not walk…

1 Call an old friend If you’ve got a pal you haven’t spoken to for a while, give them a bell. Text first to establish the best time to call, then settle somewhere comfy and away you go. Lifelong friendships with people who know you well provide a strong support network and keep you in touch with your younger self. 2 Sing a song Never mind if you’re tone deaf. Just croon in the kitchen, warble in the shower, or go to a karaoke night. Singing with others exercises the brain and improves breathing, posture, and mood, according to research from the University of Oxford. 3 Dress in colour Colour affects your mood, so ditch the dingy blacks and boring browns and draw good vibes towards you with vivid hues.…

Ella Carpenter, 47, Nottinghamshire Every Saturday, rain or shine, I’d grab my packed lunch and wellies and head to my local animal shelter. At 14, I loved to volunteer, looking after all the critters at the RSPCA. So much so that, fast-forward 33 years, and I was still there. I was the centre manager at the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre, Nottingham, and, over the years, I thought I’d seen it all. But, in January last year, we had a shocking case. Over 30 dogs had been found in a terrible state in kennels on a farm. ‘Have you got the space to take some in?’ the RSPCA inspector asked me. ‘Of course,’ I said. Well, we had enough room for 25 of them, at least. I knew we’d work it…

As part of its Help Us Help You campaign, the NHS is urging people with persistent tummy troubles to seek help, as they could be signs of cancer. Around 74% of people wouldn’t even tell a friend or family about these symptoms, but it’s so important to speak up. If you have experienced discomfort or diarrhoea for over three weeks, or had blood in your urine even once, speak to your GP. For more information, visit nhs.uk. • Visit Daksha’s website at survivingcancer.co.uk.…

Mexican eggs with tortillas Great for a lazy weekend brunch, lunch or dinner. SERVES 4 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOK TIME 15 MINS • 1tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced • 1 red chilli, finely sliced • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 4 eggs • 4 flour tortillas • 1 avocado, chopped • 100g Cheddar cheese, grated • Coriander leaves, to serve (optional) 1 Heat the oil in a medium-sized frying pan. Add the onion, garlic, pepper and chilli and cook for 5 mins until beginning to soften. Pour in the tomatoes, stir well and cook for a further 5 mins. 2 Make four dips in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each one. Cover the…

18-24 February Aries 21 March-20 April Trusting your intuition could lead somewhere profitable. Concentrate on business and finances and use your psychic ability to get ahead. A windfall comes your way! • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Don’t be shy about opening up and making it clear that you would appreciate help. A neighbour will offer you something you need if you help them with some work. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Mars, the planet of action, is in your fellow sign of Aquarius, attracting a career opportunity. So accept a high-profile role, it comes with perks. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July You feel brilliant about your efforts, as you realise what you…

Chat PUZZLES 8 CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES IS 8 MARCH 2022 (Three days later for postal entries) HOW TO ENTER TEXT Simply text CHATA followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 63333 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Future plc and Chat. If you want to receive these, please end your text with OPTIN. Texting tips Texting tips • Don’t put any spaces in an answer that has several words: eg: CHATISTHEBEST not CHAT IS THE BEST. • If the answer is a name, you need only give the surname: eg: CLOONEY not GEORGE CLOONEY. • You can…