HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: Your reply to the woman about using a tissue for spills rather than a paper towel? (Heloise here: I did not reply or make a comment to the reader.) How about telling her to keep a sponge, washcloth or towel handy for that, and she can throw it in the washer. Who doesn’t have old washcloth s that can be used as wiper-uppers? Or buy a bag of painter’s rags.
The only reason to use a paper towel is for something awful, like after someone has been sick or for grease. Water is an issue, and will be an even greater one in the future, but you will still be washing clothes and can toss in a few small items like counter cleaners.
— Carole, via email DEAR READER: Water is an issue right now, particularly in California, Nevada, San Antonio, where I live, and most of Texas.
We are in the fifth year of the worst drought since they have been keeping records. Using a sponge or rag, which you have to wet, then rinse and wash, is more harmful to Mother Earth here. We are in STAGE II water restriction: Water the yard only once a week, water in a restaurant only on request, and washing cars at home only on Saturday or Sunday.
Bunny, the reader you are referring to, lives in Las Vegas, where water is a precious commodity.
Please don’t be too quick to judge without checking your facts.
DEAR HELOISE: My husband had an allergy attack after we moved into a hotel during our vacation. I asked if they allow pets. They replied only in certain rooms, but people do sneak them in.
This was an inconvenience for us and the hotel to find another room. Remind your readers: There are rules regarding pets. It does no one any favors when guests break the rules.
— S.P., via email DEAR READER: Some folks do sneak a pet in, and the hotel may not know it. In your case, mention this when making a reservation or checking in. Many times they have rooms just for this case.
DEAR HELOISE: When using a search engine to look up a company or business website, I make sure I click on the link that says “Official site.” It may be listed below other sites. They can appear legitimate but are not.
— Julie W., via text message