Don’t turn memorials into messes
Heloise
Dear Readers: Today’s SOUND OFF is about memorials:
”Dear Heloise: My pet peeve is litter. People leave flowers, candles in glass containers, stuffed animals and other items in a place where someone died. The thought might be good, but tell that to the person who has to clean up that mess. These piles of trash can be found along highways, on sidewalks or on private property.
“Instead of leaving behind some pile of mementos, why not make a donation to a charity in the name of the deceased? It seems to me that this is a far better way to honor the person — with a donation that will go toward doing something positive. If the person loved animals, for example, then make a donation to an animal charity, or if he or she had heart problems, make a donation to the American Heart Association.” — Richard T., Miamisburg, Ohio
Richard, that’s an excellent idea. All charities need financial help, and it’s a lovely way to honor someone we’ve lost. — Heloise
Dear Readers: Most of us have hair conditioner at home, and here are some additional uses for it besides on our hair:
■ Loosen a tightfitting ring.
■ Use it to shave your legs.
■ Use on your dog after its bath to keep the coat smooth and freshsmelling.
■ Add a little to the final rinse of handwashed lingerie.
— Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Orange County (Calif.) Register, and I have a question: Do you have a recipe using baking soda or vinegar to control insects (spiders and roaches)? — Dennis D., La Palma, Calif.
Dennis, yes, I do, and in fact there are several ways to repel spiders and roaches.
In a large spray bottle, add:
1 cup of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 4 drops of peppermint oil (or citronella or tea tree oil), then fill up the rest of the bottle with water and shake well.
Spiders hate the smell of peppermint, citronella and eucalyptus. Be sure to spray all nooks and crevices, windowsills and around doors. Spray any spiderwebs you see, compost piles and in your garage. — Heloise
Dear Heloise: We use a basket-type coffee filter, and the last ones in a package tend to get flat. I discovered that if you turn them upside down and use the bottom ones first, that problem is fixed! — Cindy H. in Ohio