Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: Here is this week’s SOUND OFF, about motorized wheelchairs provided by stores:

“I shattered my leg and was unable to walk for quite a while. I used the electric wheelchairs that are available in most major stores.

“My complaint is that people who used the chairs didn’t bother to plug them back in when they were done shopping. Many times the battery went dead in the middle of my shopping. You can’t imagine what a hassle that caused. If people are able to get into the store and use these chairs, they should at least have the courtesy to plug them back in when done. — Susan in Aztec, N.M.”

It may just be an oversight and not intentional. — Heloise BED BOTHERS Dear Heloise: I’m having trouble getting bedsheets to fit my queen bed! The fitted sheets are too big, and the flat sheets aren’t big enough. What’s the secret to keeping the sheets in place? My mattress dimensions are as shown on the sheet package. — P.J., via email

I do have some advice for you! Some of the newer sheet sets have “deep corner pockets,” which may be why the fitted sheet seems too big. Instead of buying sets of sheets, try buying separates. Buy a size smaller for the fitted sheet, and buy a larger for the flat sheet. So if your bed is a queen, buy a queen or double fitted sheet and a king flat sheet. And look to see if you can find some without the deep corners.

To help keep the fitted sheet on the bed and the corners from popping off, try using suspenders. Attach them to each side of the sheet under the mattress. It will keep the ends from coming off. Hope these hints help! — Heloise FREE PLANT Dear Heloise: If pieces of a plant break off during planting, many plants can be saved by either dipping the broken ends into root starter or putting them in a tall container of water until they send out roots. In fact, if many annuals are needed and money is a factor, most plants can be multiplied this way, with a little patience. — C.V., via email