Bring the scent of outdoors in

DEAR HELOISE >> I just have to chime in on all the letters about hanging laundry out to dry. I'm going on 75, and I can still smell that beautiful scent of my mother bringing in frozen sheets off the line and putting them over chairs to dry. The entire house had this exquisite outdoor scent, and our bedrooms smelled like we were sleeping outside on a cold, frosty night.

We lived in Northern Wisconsin where we had lots of snow. My dad would plow a trail to the clothesline, then plow under the clothesline so that Mother could hang up sheets during the wintertime. I always hung out my washing, but not in freezing temperatures like Mom did.

When we moved down south, I couldn't have clotheslines, and I was heartbroken. But I do have the memories of my mom bringing in those sheets and the wonderful, outdoor smell that filled the house.

— G.M.M., in Arkansas

DEAR HELOISE >> I don't like to put my toast and eggs on a cold plate. When we used a toaster oven to cook, I would put the plate on top of the oven while toasting the bread. Now that we have a regular toaster, I had to find another way. I put a cup of water in a large zip-close bag and let out most of the air. Put that in the microwave with a plate on top and heat for 1 minute or so. It works great!

— Alex, Camarillo

DEAR HELOISE >> I used to put all the fresh vegetables in the crisper, but oftentimes, they would rot because no one wanted to take the time to get them out and prepare them. So, I purchased an oval, divided, plasticware-covered container and filled it with the ready-to-eat vegetables that I had cleaned and cut up.

I put in sliced peppers, carrots, cucumbers and radishes and red cabbage slices. On top, I place romaine lettuce leaves, which are easier to eat whole rather than chopped up. I restock this as needed until all of the vegetables are gone, then purchase more. We waste very few vegetables now.

It is very convenient, not to mention a thing of beauty.

— Carol Badgley

DEAR HELOISE >> Please check your automobile's lights monthly. Ask another person to stand in front of and behind your vehicle(s) to ensure that all of the lights and blinkers are functioning properly.

A while back, I was about to merge onto the highway, but as I advanced, I noticed a woman in the car to my left scowling at me. I didn't understand why she gave me such a nasty look until I moved ahead. It was then that I noticed her front turn signal was on. But she did not realize her rear turn signal wasn't working, and she assumed that I was just being rude by preventing her access into the lane I was in!

Please remember that on most cars, when the blinker clicks faster than usual, it is because one of the lights is burned out. This might prevent a case of “road rage.”

— Daniel G., Chino Hills