KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR | Annie's Mailbox Neighbor's second-hand smoke affects baby

Dear Annie: My 3-month-old son was born prematurely and has severe lung problems. We live in a condo, and my neighbor likes to smoke cigars on his patio. Unfortunately, the smoke goes straight into our windows. We have tried keeping the windows closed, but that is unpleasant when the weather is nice.
When I told my neighbor that his cigar smoke was hurting my child, he retaliated by calling animal control and complaining because our dog was barking after 10 p.m. We now bring the dog inside at night so she will not bother him.
Tell me, Annie, if he is allowed to call the police because of my dog, why can't I do something about his secondhand smoke that threatens the life of my son? Trying to Breathe in California
Dear Calif.: We contacted Joe Watt, executive director of the Bay Area and Central California chapter for the Community Associations Institute, the national organization representing community and condo associations. He said he knows of no condos that ban smoking outside a home. You might ask your condo association to talk to the man and find some accommodation. However, the association can be involved only on a "good neighbor" basis. In the meantime, close your windows.
Dear Annie: My husband, "Joseph," and I have been married for five years. Four years ago, Joseph gave his son, "Adam," $4,000, with the agreement that Adam would pay back the loan as soon as he got a job. Adam has now been working for three years but has paid back only half the money. He still owes us $2,000.
Recently, Adam told us he is planning a week-long vacation with friends. I am irritated that he would spend money on a vacation when he is still in debt to us. Joseph works long hours, and I have two jobs. We had to move in with my mother to make ends meet. How can I get this loan repaid? The Second Wife in Augusta, Ga.
Dear Wife: Ask Joseph to suggest a repayment schedule that Adam would be willing to follow, perhaps $50 a month, until the entire $2,000 is repaid. But let Joseph be the one to speak to Adam. You should stay out of the negotiations.
Dear Annie: I read the letter from "Nude in Washington, D.C.," whose boyfriend objected to her walking around the house without clothes on. I loved your response, Annie, I just wish you had been more forceful. But then, that is why you are writing the column and I'm not. I'd be fired the first day on the job. I am also a home nudist. I would enjoy being nude with others as well, but I rarely have the opportunity. My wife doesn't like being nude and won't even sleep in the buff. Thus, I am only nude at home if she is not here. We have been married for 29 years, and although I have never wanted to be with anyone else, I still miss the freedom of being nude. I am simply not a textile person. Ms. "Nude" needs to realize that her boyfriend, like my wife, is not going to feel differently about the situation, no matter how long they are together. To be honest, I can't imagine any normal male not wanting to be with a naked woman in the privacy of her home. However, if she stays with him, she should understand that she will have to give up this particular freedom. Paul in the Midwest
Dear Paul: Thank you for being the Voice of Experience. We heard from a great many nudists, most of whom suggested that "Nude in Washington, D.C." look into nudist clubs to find a more tolerant boyfriend. One reader took us to task for using the phrase "prancing around naked," saying nudists absolutely do not prance. We appreciate the education, and in response, say, to each his own.
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