No unsolicited calls, please

Today’s Sound Off is about selling your home:

DEAR HELOISE » I’m tired of people calling me at all hours and asking if I want to sell my home. I’ve told them “No, and please do not call me again.As it so happens, I’m on the Do

Not Call list, but so far that hasn’t stopped anyone. I sincerely believe many of these callers are scammers, and if they are not, they are certainly a bunch of creeps.

If I wanted to list my house for sale, I would do it with someone I know and trust, not some random stranger. As things are now, I plan to stay here for a long time.

Lately I’ve been gathering the phone numbers of the callers, and I plan to hand it over to the people at the Do Not Call Registry. I’ve been told there is a stiff financial penalty for violating this service.

— Lisa E., Camden, New Jersey The Federal Trade Commission pursues violators. You can also go to complaints.donotcall.gov or call (888) 382-1222 for additional advice and information.

Fast fact LEAVING A PHONE MESSAGE FOR SOMEONE? PLEASE REMEMBER ...

-- Speak a little slower.

-- Be sure to leave your full name and phone number.

-- Keep your message as brief as possible.

-- Don’t mumble or hold the phone too close to your mouth.

-- If at all possible, don’t talk on the phone while driving.

SALT vs SALT

DEAR HELOISE » What is the difference between kosher salt and regular table salt?

— Ava T., Hanover, New Hampshire

No slave to fashion

DEAR HELOISE » I’ve never been a slave to fashion, and decided years ago to live in comfortable clothing. At 81, I feel I’ve earned the right to wear comfortable shoes, which means I don’t wear high heels anymore. By wearing tennis shoes and ballerina flats, I’ve avoided falling, bunions and back problems. Personally, I believe more people should wear flats and ignore fashion. Fashion trends are for the young, but older women should wear what they want. After all, no one looks good when their feet hurt.