HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: We had friends over for dinner one evening, and we discovered that we OPINION had some chips on a couple of the rims of our nicest European crystal glasses. Having the chips repaired professionally was possible, but the cost was prohibitive. So, we decided to attempt to repair them ourselves.
By using the finest P400 sandpaper, wetting the rim surface and carefully sanding the chips, the problem was slowly resolved. Now we have repaired crystal glasses that no one could tell were previously chipped!
— Mike, Reno, Nev. DEAR HELOISE: Recently, I saw a note from a reader who added clams to their favorite clam chowder in a can. We do that, too!
Another lunch specialty that isn’t found much outside of New England is fish chowder, and it works beautifully with the same technique.
We often have cooked fish leftover from dinner, but it’s not always enough for another full meal for two — or we just don’t feel like eating the same recipe again. So, this works with any white fish, like rock fish or other meaty white fish. It also works with salmon, but it’s not as traditional.
So, heat up your favorite New England clam chowder with milk. Our grocery carries a local brand, which almost tastes homemade. As it heats, crumble in bits of the cooked fish and sometimes part of a can of diced potatoes and some butter. It is delicious and fast, saves waste, and is the center of a hearty lunch or early supper. All the best, and thank you for carrying on the good work!
— Heather Masterton Lemmons, via email DEAR HELOISE: If you go to the issuing bank of your credit card, you can set your account up so that you receive a text whenever your card is used. That way, if a fraudulent transaction occurs, you will know immediately, not when you get your statement several weeks later.
At times, I have gotten the text before the cashier even printed the receipt.
— C.B., via email DEAR HELOISE: I wanted to write in with a response to the suggestion from Jan Teets, in Cincinnati, for dealing with finger cuts. As a lifelong health care professional, I do not recommend using antibiotic ointment when it is not needed. This is because when you need to treat an infection, it won’t be effective against the bacteria.
The better choice for treating dry skin like this would be to use Vaseline instead.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to