HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: Today’s Sound On is about the thoughtfulness of people.
DEAR HELOISE: Recently I became ill. I called my hairdresser to let her know I’d have to cancel my appointment, despite the fact that my hair was a mess and needed to be cut. She offered to come to my house and do my hair, and believe me, I was so grateful for her kindness. I want to thank those who come to our aid with very little fanfare, who aren’t getting rich, but they go that extra mile for someone else in need. For those you help, your kindness and generosity mean the world.
— Nell K. in San Antonio
DEAR READERS: Here’s how to recycle 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles:
Cut off the bottoms and use as covers for tender new plants if temperatures drop.
Cut off the bottom, leaving a 2- to 3-inch rim, and use as a snack bowl, water or food bowl for a pet, etc.
Make a seed starter out of the bottom half.
Cut off the top and use as a funnel when pouring salt or sugar into another container.
DEAR HELOISE: Want to attract butterflies? When planning your garden this year, think of butterflies. They like to gather at wet spots to drink water. Set out an old cookie sheet or plate, with a little gravel lining the bottom, and keep it wet. You also can wet brick pavers and watch the butterflies sip water from the various depressions in the brick. — Jill E., Tupelo, Miss.
DEAR HELOISE: I love Spanish and Indian cooking, but when I went to purchase the spice saffron, I was floored at the expense.
— Gloria P., Bend, Ore. DEAR READER: Saffron is harvested by hand from the fall-flowering crocus, but there are only three threads of saffron in each flower; 1 pound of saffron requires 1 acre of flowers (about 70,000 crocus flowers). Because it’s so expensive, it’s often mixed with turmeric. Usually, you need only a pinch of saffron to about a cup of rice.
DEAR HELOISE: What is the difference between “sell by date” and “expiration date”?
— Karen T., Idaho DEAR READER: Karen, “sell by” is the last date the item should be sold before it’s pulled from the shelf. The “expiration date” is the last date the item should be sold or eaten.