Old photos can be recycled into one-of-a-kind notecards; wrench can open jars

Dear Heloise: Have old photos that are not memorable enough for an album? Buy a package of blank folding card stock and envelopes at a crafts store. Cut the photos, if necessary, to the folded dimensions of the card. You have instant highquality notecards for all occasions at a fraction of the cost of store-bought greeting cards or notecards.—A Reader, via email

STAY-PUT PEN Dear Heloise: People would stop by my desk at work and “borrow” my pen and never return it. I only use pens that have tops (no clicker ones), and I keep the top. Very few people walk off with a pen without a top. This has served me well for many years.—Faye A., Silver Spring, Md.

FAN LIGHT GLOBES Dear Heloise: I have four ceiling fans, each with three to four glass light shades, and three vanity light shades in my half-bath.

Every couple of months, I place them in the top rack of the dishwasher and run them through a short cycle with dishwasher detergent. They come out sparkling.

Note: This is not for thin glass, only heavy glass shades.—Rhonda Therrien, Manchester, N.H.

JAR OPENER Dear Heloise: I found the perfect tool for opening a jar, no matter the size: the oil-filter wrench (plastic and rubber type) from the garage. It doesn’t get used; we no longer change our own oil. The adjustable rubber band makes a perfect grip for the lids.—C.P., Chesterton, Ind.

SLIPPERY SOCKS Dear Heloise: I work in furniture sales and delivery. My deliverymen sometimes are asked to remove their shoes at houses. This is a very dangerous request.

More often than not, these are very heavy, awkward, large pieces. Slippery socks on bare floors and exposed (not protected) toes are a bad combination, not to mention possible damage to the house. Please go with secure floor covering, and do not subject these men to injury.—C.M., via email BEDROOM WASTEBASKET Dear Heloise: My favorite part of the newspaper is your “Hints From Heloise” column.

I like to have a wastebasket by my bed, but it usually was in the way and unattractive. My new wastebasket is a gift bag that hangs from the bedside table knob.—Doris, via email