Retiree wants to give time and effort to a good cause, not money

Dear Abby: I’m a very hands-on person, recently retired, and I would like to do volunteer work. Sounds simple, right? Well, it seems no one needs volunteers. I have been looking for something, preferably ecological in nature, for two years.

But whenever I inquire, I’m flooded with appeals for money. I was hoping you might give me some more ideas.

— Broke But Available

Dear Broke: Would you be interested in helping to keep your neighborhood clean and free of trash, starting a vegetable garden to feed the needy, performing yard and gardening chores for elderly members of your community who can no longer do it themselves? How about teaching a class in ecology at a community center?

If that is not to your liking, would you deliver meals to shut-ins for a while? An animal hospital or pet rescue group may be able to use a willing hand in exercising the animals in their care. The options are there. Sample them until you find something to your liking.

Dear Abby: I am a 40-something woman and have been with my partner for four years. I am the mother of three boys; he’s a father of two girls. We live at my house. Whenever his youngest comes to visit (she’s 16), she insists on his every second of attention.

He eats it up. It’s so frustrating. They both ignore the fact that I am here. It’s very upsetting and, I don’t think it’s normal. What about you?

— Miffed in Michigan

Dear Miffed: Have you discussed this with your partner?

I don’t know how often the girl comes to visit, but clearly she is starved for her father’s attention. I don’t think you should begrudge it.