Hints From Virginia

Dear Virginia,

What’s the best way to remove ketchup stains from my husband’s dress shirts?
—Dirty in Detroit

Dear Dirty,

These are the eternal problems facing us each morning with a swell like the redundant waves, eroding and depositing, and we must watch and only watch as they retreat to charge again. I use cool water, mild bleach, and a laundry stain remover.

Dear Virginia,

My husband has been complaining that my mother’s roast recipe is bland. I want to spice it up without completely covering the original flavor. How can I honor my parents and my husband, all in one dish?
—Hungry in Albuquerque

Dear Hungry,

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” — Virginia Woolf

Dear Virginia,

My son recently moved into his own room upstairs. The trouble is, his giant rock collection is putting pressure on the roof joists. Also, we live near a river. Any tips?
—Despondent in Orlando

Dear Despondent,

No.