HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Readers: Today’s Sound On is about making the best of it.

Dear Heloise: Many of us are complaining about being stuck at home due to the coronavirus.

Maybe it’s time we all took stock of what we can do while at home.

I’ve been talking about painting our living room for the past five years. Now I’ve had the time to do it. A fresh coat of paint makes the room look clean and new.

For the first time, I took up oil painting and discovered how much I enjoy it. I’ve also had the time to try out some new recipes, and now we’re eating healthier meals made from scratch.

COVID-19 is dangerous and bothersome, but it’s not the end of the world. We’ll get through this, but in the meantime, stay busy, stay connected and stay positive.

When it’s over, some will find new careers, some new paths in life and some will need help finding their way. This country has gone through worse times than these and survived. We are a country of diverse people, but in a crisis we always stand shoulder to shoulder.

Someone wiser than me once said, “This too shall pass,” and it will.

— A Reader in Utah

Dear Heloise: Is there something I can do with eggshells besides throwing them in the trash?

It seems like such a waste of good calcium.

— Louise In Iowa

Louise, I agree. Why not put those calcium-rich eggshells to good use? First, we’ll need to sterilize them. Rinse the shells then place them on a cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees for 10 minutes. You don’t want to brown them, only thoroughly dry them.

Crush the shells and then sprinkle them in your garden to add calcium to the soil and to deter slugs and snails.

To ensure our feathered friends get the much-needed calcium in their diets when nesting, mix the crushed shells with the birdseed in your feeder or just sprinkle them on the ground; the birds will find them.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: We have three nightlights in our home to guide us through the house in the event that we have to use the bathroom, etc.

Living in a rural area, if there’s a power failure, it’s very dark. Solution: We bring in the three outside decorative solar lamps and place one in each bathroom and one in the kitchen. Problem solved.

— Leo L., Greenville, N.H. Leo, that’s an excellent idea and a handy way to get double use out of your solar lamps.

Send your hints to Heloise@ Heloise.com or mail them to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.