Dear Heloise: One way to avoid items that get left in pockets — and I taught this to my children — is to put your hands in your pockets and push down when removing your pants instead of pushing down on the waistband. This way, you will automatically know if there is something in your pockets. This might not work for the back pockets, but they usually are not the problem.
P.S. I read “Hints From Heloise” in the Colorado Springs Gazette. — Karen M., in Colorado Springs, Colorado
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:
Heloise@Heloise.com
DONATING TO SHELTERS
Dear Heloise: Everyone seems to think that only animal shelters ask for money, but a great many shelters have “wish and need” lists on their website. I recently got a new washer/dryer combo, but my older units worked perfectly, so I donated them to a shelter.
They can always use paper towels, old terry cloth towels that are still in decent shape, batteries, pet food, kitty litter, blankets, and more. Just check out their websites and help these wonderful volunteers who help animals. — Amber L., in Detroit
Amber, thank you for your hint! Shelters always welcome donations from their wish list. You might also want to add heating pads, electric fans and office supplies. In addition, if you have a vehicle that is still in working condition, many shelters will be happy to take it off your hands. — Heloise
THE WRITTEN WORD
Dear Heloise: I have learned the hard way that texts, emails, and really any form of written word that attempts to express an opinion or an edict is rarely interpreted in the way it was intended, especially if it is addressed to numerous people with different perspectives.
My suggestion is to respond to people on a case-by-case basis in person as it occurs, even if it means turning people away in real time with the excuse that you have a conflict. This way, you can judge and tailor your response as appropriate for the case at hand and maybe even make an exception if it suits you. — Barbara O., via email
Barbara, people usually do a mass mailing to get a message out when the message is time-sensitive, or there is a large group to whom it needs to be sent. It would be to time-consuming to do an individual message for everyone. If someone misinterprets a message, they can always call or email the sender to ask questions about the meaning of the message. — Heloise
CAREGIVER CLARIFICATION
Dear Heloise: It drives me crazy when people use the word “caretaker” when they should use “caregiver.” A caretaker is a person who takes care of grounds or property. A caregiver is a person who gives care to a person. — Janice, in Dayton, Ohio
HOMEMAKING HINTS
Dear Heloise: Here are some of my hints:
— When cracking hard-boiled eggs, I put them in a plastic bag and crack away. I peel them in the bag and do a fast rinse; then I’m done.
— When I’m running low on milk for cereal, I add some water. I never notice the difference.
— Whenever a sponge has had it, I wash it, dry it, and cut it into fourths. They come in handy for yucky little jobs in or out of the house. I toss them out when I’m finished.
P.S. I wanted to share my favorite expression (I heard it years ago from a DJ on the radio): “Doing housework is like stringing beads with no knot!” — A.J., in California
A.J., I love it! My mother, the original Heloise, would surely have concurred! Thank you for your letter. — Heloise