Stationery hard to find

Dear Heloise: I don’t have a computer. After running out of writing stationery, I went to have it replaced. What a shock to discover that no store in my area carries writing stationery!

This generation uses the computer, and handwriting is from the past. A writing tablet is all I can find.

Is writing stationery considered obsolete?—Dorothy M., Brea, Calif.

How true this seems to be! Thank-you notes and party invitations are easily found, but pretty stationery has seemed to disappear.— Heloise

SCUFF-BUSTER Dear Heloise: My husband sometimes scuffs the flat painted walls in our rental home with his wheelchair. Any suggestions?—Nancy Q., via email

Nancy, it’s best to use a gradual approach to taking care of these stains. Start with the mildest cleaning agent, and if that doesn’t work, take the next step.

To try first: a soft towel dampened with water. If you see no improvement, try a melamine-white sponge, but rub gently.

A last resort can be laundry detergent: 1 tablespoon to 1 gallon of water.

Never use scrub brushes or harsh cleansers. These can leave swirl marks, and will attract more dirt!—Heloise

THE DAILY GRIND

Dear Heloise: To store salt and pepper grinders that are open at the bottom, find a jar lid of the right size and place the grinder in it.

I keep them in the pantry so no one sees the mismatched lids.—Kate H., Tustin, Calif.

SOUNDS DELICIOUS!

Dear Heloise: I love eating a sandwich with potato chips. I decided that what I like best about the chips is the crunch. So I switched to a fresh green pepper! I cut it into small squares, so it’s just like chips.— JoAnne M., Columbus, Ohio

MAD GRAB

Dear Heloise: I keep a pair of kitchen tongs in the glove compartment of my car. It makes picking up dropped items from the floor so easy, and I don’t have to remove my seat belt.— Patty G., Parkersburg, W.Va.