Reader has two hints to share

Dear Heloise: 1. Seat up or down? Bless my husband’s parents. He always puts it down! And he taught our son to do the same.

2. For Mother’s Day: Please let our wonderful children and grandchildren know that some of us cannot use fancy soaps, lotions, etc., due to allergies. No fancy food that we cannot eat due to allergies. And no large bouquets; they die within days.

What we would like are questions: “What could you use?” “Can we take you somewhere that you would like to go?” “Is there something in your home you could use help with?” And for the shutins, postage stamps, boxes of greeting cards, non-smudge writing pens, etc., make great gifts. We don’t mean to be picky, but money spent on items not used is such a waste.

I have been reading your column since we were in Oregon, Spokane and wherever our father was stationed. I saw you once in one of those locations with your beautiful gray hair. My daughter-in-law began turning gray at 30. You both are beautiful! — Jean, an 89-yearold dedicated reader in San Antonio

VINEGAR

Dear Readers: When you notice that your shower doors have water spots, vinegar to the rescue! Spray full-strength white vinegar onto the glass and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then rinse off with water. Dry with paper or cloth towels. — Heloise

MORE LOTION

Dear Heloise: I have found that the best way to use all of the lotion in a pump container is to use a screwon top from any plastic soda container when the lotion gets too low to pump. It will screw right on, and you can turn the container upside down and very easily get the remainder out when needed. — Mike in Wisconsin

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is Otter (a Lab, Bernese, Great Pyrenees and border collie mix) on his birthday. He’s not a fan of hats. — Amy Tepel, Morrison, Colorado

Dear Readers: To see Otter and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise