Hang a Christmas tree!
Dear Readers: It’s been a year for the books, hasn’t it? If you are pushedd for time and space and want to put up a tree with a smaller footprint, you can makeake one, and attach it to the wall!
Grab some evergreen garland andnd some damage-free, easy-to-removeve picture hooks. Shape the garland,d, beginning toward the ceiling, into a tree configuration, and pin with a picture hook, then work your way down the wall.
Complete the “tree” with a star on top, ornaments that can easily hook onto the garland and even lights!
It’s perfect for a child’s room, apartment or a senior with limited space. With the damagefree picture hooks, disassembly will be a breeze. - Heloise
TECH TALK TUESDAY
Dear Heloise: I hear the term “spoiler alert” quite a bit. What does it mean? - Grandma Mary in Florida
Grandma Mary, ever write somebody about a great film or play you saw or a book you’ve read? Before you tell about a plot twist, the downfall of a character or the outcome of the story, you might alert your audience: Spoiler Alert!
You’re warning the person that you might be about to reveal information critical to the plot or the outcome of the story, so if they don’t want to know, they should stop reading right away! - Heloise
GONE PHISHING
Dear Heloise: My bank just posted on its website a reminder: They will never text me or call me asking for personal information to “reactivate” my account or frozen debit card. They remind their customers that if it sounds suspicious, it probably is. - Ken R. in Texas FIREFIGHTER REMINDER
Dear Readers: A refresher on some holiday
behavbehaviors, from a firefighter in St. Louis,is, fifirst printed last year:
- Never burn wrapping papeper in the fireplace. It burns quickly anand can give off dangerous fumes dudue to chemicals used in manufactuturing. - Ribbon is an extreme choking hazard. Keep away from pets and small children to avoid a trip to the ER or the emergency veterinarian.
- Finally, and this should be obvious, but DO NOT use real candles on the Christmas tree, and don’t leave candles burning unattended. - Heloise
COCKTAIL QUICKIE
Dear Heloise: To remove the skin from garlic, I put several cloves in a cocktail shaker and give it a quick shake. The skins separate easily. - Wren B. in Calif. SWITCH IT UP
Dear Heloise: I’m cleaning more nowadays, and I pay particular attention to light switches and doorknobs. These get extra wipes with the disinfecting wipes. - Joseph T. in Conn. MOVE IT!
Dear Heloise: Enjoyed your moving tips this week. I would add:
- The IRS requires that taxpayers notify them of a change of address. You should file Form 8822. Many state tax authorities have a similar requirement.
- If you have a professional license to practice your profession, you will be required to notify the applicable state agency.
- When you get your new driver’s license at your new home, be sure to also change your voter registration. - Bob in North Carolina