How to deal with porch pirates
DEAR HELOISE ❯❯ It won't be long before many of us start sending and receiving packages for the holidays. The problem is that too many packages are taken by “porch pirates” who are just low-life thieves stealing from others.
I realize that right now, many families are struggling to make ends meet, but stealing someone else's packages is not going to make things better. The thief could end up in jail with a police record that follows them. Just try to get a decent job or credit with a record for theft. Plus, with all the home security gadgets today, it's stupid to rake anything from someone's home.
I've worked out a plan with two of my neighbors: If I see a package on their porch and they do not pick it up, then they're probably not home. I'll take it, keep it at my place until they return and then take it to them. The other two will do the same for me. So far, this has worked out very well and might work for other people.
Neighbors should look out for neighbors. It builds a safer, stronger community if we all protect one another. There are, of course, other methods, and it's best to call the carrier service you frequently use to find out what suggestions they have in avoiding porch pirates.
People spend valuable money on these purchases, and they want them delivered to the correct person. After shopping for a gift for someone you care about, there's no reason a stranger should help themselves to it! — Helen D., Bloomfield, New Jersey
DEAR READERS ❯❯ Got rolls of wrapping paper at home that you don't know what to do with? Try one of these hints:
• Ask friends if they need any wrapping paper.
• Line the back of a built-in bookcase with some of your prettiest paper.
• To cover up a scratched dresser, on top of the dresser, roll out a piece of wrapping paper the same size as the dresser. Place a sheet of glass over this to secure it.
• Bundle all the rolls together and sell them in a garage sale.
DEAR HELOISE ❯❯ Please help me remove the yellow stain from my porcelain bathroom sink. What can I use? — Ester L., Moreno Valley
DEAR ESTER ❯❯ First, scrub the sink with a commercial cleanser and a soft sponge. Rinse; then fill the sink with water and 2 cups of bleach. Let stand for an hour, and then let the water out. If this does not do the trick, then the sink may have to be professionally refinished or replaced. Even pretty porcelain sinks wear out after use and time.
DEAR READERS ❯❯ If you have a pet you dearly love, consider having them microchipped. Too many people have pets that escape their yard and roam neighborhoods lost, hungry and, many times, injured because they are not microchipped. No one knows who the lost pet belongs to. Please talk to your vet about getting your pet microchipped.