Saving old calendars to be used again

Dear Heloise: When I was touring the Canyonlands of Colorado and Utah, I bought a small 2017 desktop calen- dar with photos of the various parks. I didn’t want to throw it away, so I saved it. The dates ended up matching with the dates for 2023, so I’m using it again! I have a couple other special calendars that I’m saving for years when the dates match. And I keep a small paintbrush (never used for paint) in my car console. When I go through the car wash, I brush away dust on my dashboard and doors.

I also have a 1963 Heloise book that I intend to read. I may have given it to my mother. (I have a feeling that different attitudes are going to be evident.) I’ll let you know! — Linda G., Huntertown, Indiana

Extending the use of facial tissues

Dear Heloise: Thanks for your column. I read it in the Dayton Daily News. Here’s my hint: I use a sharp pair of scissors to cut facial tissues in half front to back before use. This will work on any brand that’s in a rectangular box (not the cube-type box). If I want to use a cube- type box, I will buy a rectangular box of tissues, cut them in half, open the side of the cube box, fill it with cut tissues (which now fit perfectly) and tape the cube box closed.

I find that half of a facial tissue is large enough for a good nose blow. This doubles the number of tissues from just one box and allows me to refill a cube box less expensively. — Beth Sorensen, Beavercreek, Ohio

Trashing grease and shredded documents

Dear Heloise: Since all of us are shredding documents to avoid any identity theft, I came up with this idea: Once I finish using the coffee grounds in a coffee container, I put all of my shredded doc- uments in the empty coffee container. Whenever I have to throw out used grease, I put it in the coffee container and then put the lid back on the container. I store the con- tainer until it is full and can be thrown in the trash can. You are saving the planet and saving anyone from going through your shredded doc- uments — two wins at the same time! — Mary, Chino Hills, California

Storing fresh ginger root

Dear Heloise: I read in your column a query from a reader about storing fresh ginger root. We use fresh ginger root in a variety of Asian- style stir-fries and sauces. I make a soy-based season- ing sauce we use on Asian dumplings, steamed rice and other dishes. It contains reg- ular high-quality soy sauce, sweet Asian vinegar, grated fresh ginger root, minced garlic, star anise and toasted sesame oil (a seasoning).

Similar to another reader, I also store fresh ginger root submerged in dry sherry, in a closed plastic container. It lasts a year that way. Furthermore, I take a teaspoon or tablespoon of the ginger-flavored sherry and sprinkle it on any num- ber of dishes for seasoning. However, when you remove the seasoned sherry, be sure you add enough to keep the fresh ginger root submerged. The sherry is even good sprin- kled on salads for a low-calo- rie dressing addition.

I read your column every- day in the Houston Chron- icle. — Lauren Kramer, Houston