HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I am a mail carrier in Arkansas. We get ants, wasps, yellow jackets and spiders that nest in mailboxes. Placing a fabric softener sheet inside the mailbox will deter them. Replace often. please, do not spray bug killer into the mailbox. The spray gets on the mail, which transfers to your hands and ours.
— Judy in Arkansas
DEAR READERS: Today’s Sound On is about those people who rescue animals.
DEAR HELOISE: I believe it was Gandhi who once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” There are many people who find a sad little stray or an animal that was dumped by a callous person and bring the animal to us at the shelter. These rescuers dive under trucks, climb trees and do whatever they need to in order to save a cat or dog or any animal. They might hear a tiny cry or see a shivering animal, and they do what they can to provide shelter and food.
These are the unsung heroes. To all of those who cannot say, “It’s not my problem” when they see a homeless stray, thank you.
— Natalie C., Muncie, Ind.
DEAR READERS: Here are some uses for old sheets: Use as drapes or swags at the window.
Use as a large tablecloth. Sew two together to make a duvet cover for a comforter.
DEAR HELOISE: Years ago, when my husband and I went to sell our home, I had no idea about the dates that we bought things, such as the new furnace, new windows, a refrigerator, etc. I now keep a book with all my information in it: The dishwasher — bought in 2016; the replacement windows — bought in 2015; the new front door — bought in 2014; and so on. This book will help us when the time comes to sell our home.
— Rikki K., Pettibone, N.D.
DEAR HELOISE: Scammers are at it again. They are calling people and asking, “Is this (name)?” They’ll use your name, and you’ll probably say “yes” out of habit, but don’t answer. Just hang up, because they could record your answer in your voice so they can use it in a fraudulent way. Most people are now not answering the phone if it’s not a number they recognize or it’s from an area code they don’t know about. Be proactive and refuse to give scammers an audience.
— Dawson J., Reston, Va.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email Heloise@Heloise.com