HELPFUL HINTS

Today’s Sound Off is about overbooking:

DEAR HELOISE: What is it with doctor’s offices overbooking people? I had a doctor’s appointment at 9 o’clock this morning. While sitting in the waiting room a woman came in and she also had a 9 o’clock appointment with my doctor. Three minutes later a third woman came in and said she also had a 9 o’clock appointment. While I was waiting the office began to fill up with patients until it looked more like a convention center than a doctor’s office.

When I finally got to see my doctor, he spent all of seven minutes with me and left. They wanted to schedule another appointment, but I refused. I’ll see a doctor who isn’t double and triple booking patients.

Is it greed or poor planning? Frankly, I resent it! — Renee in Indiana

DEAR READERS: Here are other uses for corks:

▪ Glue together to make a message board.

▪ To hold thumbtacks.

▪ To replace lost shampoo or other bottlecaps.

▪ To safely secure loose hooks in a tackle box.

DEAR READERS: There might be a senior in your neighborhood who lives alone, who is too proud to ask for help and may be isolated and lonely. You can be a good neighbor by offering to take them anywhere they’d like to go that day or ask if you can clean out their refrigerator, do their laundry, cut their lawn or make them a meal.

These acts of giving are good for both of you. Not only are you making someone’s day, but you can feel good knowing that you’re helping someone in need.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: Every December I buy a pretty calendar for the coming year. Then I sit down and write in all birthdays, anniversaries, etc., so I don’t forget to send a card or make a phone call to that friend or family member.

— Molly Mae in Pennsylvania

DEAR HELOISE: During times of sheltering, I treat myself by ordering something (not necessarily expensive) online. It gives me something to look forward to. — Martha K., Abilene, Texas

DEAR READER: I do the same thing. We all need a lift now and then, and this is a fun way to get one.

— Heloise