Many Americans lack gratitude

DEAR HELOISE >>

I just finished reading the Sound Off from the 94-yearold gentleman in Ohio, and it hit a nerve. He noted the lack of gratitude of modern-day Americans for what we have. We do a lot of whining for what we don't have, yet very few of us have ever known what real hardship is.

This reminded me of when I was a kid at the dinner table and complained that my meat was tough. My father, a product of the Great Depression, responded quietly and without looking up from his plate, “It's a lot tougher where there ain't any.”

— A Reader

DEAR HELOISE >>

The letter from Jerome D. that I read in today's Los Angeles Daily News had some very good suggestions about making your home safer. I have some more suggestions on the subject:

• I have an inexpensive, very common video doorbell that also has a built-in motion alarm. I can hear the alarm and see who's at the door or if a package is being delivered, even if I'm not home.

• The motion alarm plays over the doorbell ringer in the house and on my cellphone (with the free app). There are a lot of choices of alarm sounds that come with the doorbell, one of which is barking dogs that sound real. My doorbell also has addons, such as other motion alarms by the sliding back door and the door from the garage.

• Besides the choices that come with the doorbell, it's not difficult to record other sounds that you can use. I made one that says loudly, “I've called the police, and they are on the way. So get away from here.” These sounds can be changed at will as long as you have the app, even if you aren't home.

• A lot of burglars and “follow home” criminals ring doorbells to see if anyone is home. Even if you aren't home, you could still see what the doorbell camera sees and can even talk to the person at the door. My neighbor calls me when he's not home if his doorbell camera spots a package being dropped off or when his mail is delivered. I usually get them and hang on to it until he gets home. I'm happy to help, as is my neighbor, since he does the same for me.

I also graduated from a police academy, although it was in the '60s. Had this doorbell technology been available then, it would have benefited many people.

— John S., Los Angeles

DEAR HELOISE >>

Most people like to donate their unwanted items to charity, but in what condition? Would you want a sweet child (or anyone frankly) to receive something with stains on it? Before I donate anything, I remove all stains and make sure it is clean.

Also, did you know that WD-40 removes black marks on the rubber of white tennis shoes? Another hint is that stuffed animals can be washed with a load of towels and come out looking like new. Thank you so much!

— J.M.