HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I’m writing about feeding deer that roam the neighborhood. Feeding deer is a bad idea. Yes, they are magnificent creatures, and we want them to be healthy. But here are some problems with people feeding deer:

Deer should train themselves to forage. If we feed them, they become dependent on us.

If deer congregate in small areas, they can spread disease in the herd.

“Word will spread” that Mrs. Jones has deer food. This can bring large populations of deer to an area.

Deer can go long periods without eating. Deer eat heartily in the summer to bulk up, and by this time of year, they instinctively reduce the amount of food they consume. If we feed them now, this natural process gets out of whack.

Commercial deer food is not healthy; “deer corn” is difficult for deer to digest. — Dan W. in Pennsylvania DEAR DAN: Readers, if you are feeding deer, cut back gradually so the deer will get back to their natural rhythm.

DEAR HELOISE: I love turquoise jewelry. What’s the best way to clean it? — Crystal M. in California DEAR CRYSTAL: Turquoise is a lovely light-blue stone. It is fairly hardy, but high temperatures can damage it. Wash your turquoise pieces in warm, soapy water. Don’t use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Lay flat to dry.

DEAR HELOISE: I needed a cat litter box that would fit into a small space. I made one from a large, flexible garden tub. I cut the entrance high enough to keep the litter in, but low enough for 17-yearold Zoe to step into easily. The handles make the tub easy to move. I also bought a long-handled litter scoop to make scooping duties easier.

— Jane in San Antonio

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve discovered that if I fold my T-shirts and stand them up vertically in the drawer, I can fit more shirts in, and I can see exactly what colors I have, and the quantity of each.

This works for jeans, socks and bras, also. — Susan in Texas

DEAR HELOISE: I mark all window/door locks in the open position with a red felt pen. I know immediately when they are left open. Many times, company will open a window or slider and leave it unlocked.

— Linda in California