Queries about scratchy voice irritate working journalist

I see no way to prevent people who don't know you from asking the question.

who don’t know you from asking the question. However, when they do, I think you should stick with the truth and allow them to own their bad feelings for having asked such a personal question.

Dear Abby: Recently I borrowed a power tool from a neighbor. When I tried to use it, it didn’t work. So I called my neighbor and we tried to fix it with no luck. To be polite, I said I was sorry. He replied, “You could pay for it.”

It’s a fairly expensive tool, and I definitely did not break it. It never worked. Do I owe him anything other than to thank him? If it was something under $50, I’d probably offer to buy a new one to keep relations cordial. But under the circumstances … — It Didn’t Work

Dear Didn’t Work: Talk to your neighbor again and repeat what you said. However, THIS time tell him your apology was not an admission of guilt, but condolences and regret that you were the bearer of bad news. Then give him MORE bad news, that you will not be paying for something you didn’t break.

Dear Abby: My wife and I have recently come across a locally owned Chinese restaurant that’s affordable. The food is quite delicious. My wife takes issue with the Styrofoam containers the restaurant provides for leftovers. She claims they leak chemicals into the leftovers on top of being environmentally unfriendly.

On our last visit, to my surprise and consternation, she brought her own glass food storage container with her to the restaurant. Is it appropriate to bring your own container to restaurants for leftovers? — Leftovers To Go

Dear Leftovers: I’m wracking my brain trying to come up with a reason why it would be inappropriate, if the patron doesn’t mind the hassle of bringing it. In fact, it seems like an intelligent, environmentally friendly solution to an overcrowded landfill problem, as long as the restaurant doesn’t object.

Dear Readers: At least once a year, you should review everything in your medicine cabinet.

Reorganize all items by usage. Items you use frequently, like toothpaste, mouthwash and bandages, should be on a lower shelf. Cold medicine should be placed on a high shelf. Arrange medicine so the labels can be read easily. And store them in a cool, dry place away from kids and pets. Next step, go through your medications. Read the labels and throw out the following:

■ Capsules that are sticking together.

■ Tablets that have a funny odor or are cracked or discolored.

■ Liquid medication that is not uniform or has separated.

■ Medications that have expired.

■ All bottles that don’t have labels. — Heloise

CARING FOR KITTY

Dear Heloise: We just brought two new kittens into our home. What kind of illnesses should I know

One thing to look for is ear infections, which are very common in cats. They can be caused by allergies, mites, excessive ear wax or fleas. Here are the symptoms to watch out for: You will observe a definite change in your cat’s behavior. Your cat will start to shake its head all the time and constantly paw at or scratch its ears. You might see raw spots emerge on its ears. If you see any of these signs, take your cat to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. — Heloise

HOW TO REMOVE BLOOD STAINS

DEAR READERS: Sometimes when you cut yourself or have a small accident you might bleed onto your clothing. It’s key to deal with this type of stain on washable garments right away. Take these steps:

1. Use unseasoned meat tenderizer to get rid of new blood stains.

2. Wet the stain area with cold water, then place the clothing on some paper towels and cover the affected area with tenderizer. Let stand for several minutes.

3. Brush the blood away with an old, clean toothbrush until the blood disappears.

4. Wash as you usually would. — Heloise