Hard to tell where calls are coming from
DEAR READERS: No, your teenagers cannot “easily” set up your doctors as contacts to help you identify them when they are calling. Actually, it’s close to impossible to do so effectively in the real world with all the new phone systems from doctor’s offices.
These calls now come from multiple different office phone numbers or extensions, from their personal cellphone numbers (which they will rarely give out), or from their schedulers or surgery centers, again with multiple numbers or even their personal cell numbers when they work remotely. And when you ask someone to text you just in case you don’t or can’t answer, they cannot actually do so from landlines or VoIP lines.
In other words, it’s not so easy.
And, with so many robocalls, it’s even worse.
— Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: With several friends in gated communities or other places, I need to have an entry code. I put the code in that person’s contact information in my cellphone.
Additionally, it can be put on my cell calendar for a meeting. This is especially helpful for regular meetings that require special entry.
— Kathy, San Antonio
DEAR READERS: Did you know that baking soda can be used as a natural deodorant, homemade toothpaste, food deodorizer and even mouthwash? In addition, always keep an opened box of baking soda in the back of your refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh and clean.
I have put together a six-page pamphlet that details all about how wonderful baking soda is for cleaning and deodorizing. To receive a copy of “Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes,” go to www.Heloise.com or send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/ Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.
FYI: When you’re moving and your refrigerator/freezer will be closed for several days in a moving van, be sure to toss a good handful of baking inside when closing it, to prevent a musty odor from occurring.
— Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: I probably got this hint from your column years ago, but it could use a reprint.
If you buy block cheese in bulk, which we find holds a better value, do not take it out of its original packaging. Just peel back enough of the package to cut or grate what you need. Then, cover the exposed end, going about two inches down the package with foil. Press it down firmly to seal and pop it in a plastic bag. It will last much longer without forming mold.
— Carola Daly, via email Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX, 78279-5000, or Email: heloise@heloise.com.