Small acts of kindness go a long way

Dear readers: Today’s sound on is about the thoughtfulness of people. — Heloise

”Dear Heloise: Recently I became very ill. I called my hairdresser to let her know I’d have to cancel my appointment, despite the fact that my hair was a mess and needed to be cut.

She offered to come to my house and do my hair that afternoon, and believe me, I was so grateful for her kindness. I want to thank those who come to our aid with very little fanfare, who aren’t getting rich, but they go that extra mile for someone else in need. For those you help, your kindness and generosity mean the world.” — Nell K. in San Antonio Fast facts

Dear readers: Here’s how to recycle 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles:

■ Cut off the bottoms and use as covers for tender new plants if temperatures drop.

■ Cut off the bottom, leaving a 2- to 3-inch rim, and use as a snack bowl, water or food bowl for a pet, etc.

■ Make a seed starter out of the bottom half.

■ Cut off the top and use as a funnel when pouring salt or sugar into another container. — Heloise Watering butterflies

Dear Heloise: Want to attract butterflies? When planning your garden this year, think of butterflies. They like to gather at wet spots to drink water. Set out an old cookie sheet or plate, with a little gravel lining the bottom, and keep it wet. You also can wet brick pavers and watch the butterflies sip water from the various depressions in the brick. — Jill E., Tupelo, Miss. Why is saffron expensive?

Dear Heloise: I love Spanish and Indian cooking, but when I went to purchase the spice saffron, I was floored at the expense! — Gloria P., Bend, Ore.

Gloria, saffron is harvested by hand from the fall-flowering crocus, but there are only three threads of saffron in each flower; 1 pound of saffron requires 1 acre of flowers (about 70,000 crocus flowers). Because it’s so expensive, it’s often mixed with turmeric. Usually, you need only a pinch of saffron to about a cup of rice. — Heloise Package confusion

Dear Heloise: What is the difference between “sell by date” and “expiration date”? — Karen T., Chubbuck, Idaho

Karen, “sell by” is the last date the item should be sold before it’s pulled from the store shelf.

The “expiration date” is the last date the item should be sold or eaten. — Heloise Letter of laughter Dear Heloise: Recently, I baby-sat for a friend who has a 6-yearold boy. He asked me if I “had any babies,” and I said, “No.” He then said, “Well, you better get some babies soon, because you’re old.” I asked him how old he thought I was. He said, “One hundred.” I am 33. — A Reader, via email