HINTS FROM HELOISE

PRACTICAL, DEPENDABLE TIPS FOR TODAY’S BUSY CONSUMERS

Dear Heloise: Just wanted to tell Bob, who wrote a hint about catching cold water in the shower, to be aware that 1-3 gallons of water is considered wasteful, especially in Southern California. Please consider finding a recirculation pump. It should save you a lot of water and the hassle of buckets.

— Falcon Frank, Ventura, California

Dear Readers: To clean a blender or food processor, fill it halfway with water and add 1-2 drops of liquid dishwashing detergent. Put on the lid, run it for several seconds, then rinse and let dry. If you have a handheld European-style blender, fill a dip bowl or large glass with water and a drop of liquid detergent. Cover and whir on a low speed for several seconds. Then rinse and let dry.

Caution: Handle food processor blades very carefully. The serrated ones are especially sharp.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: At times, I have driven up to get gas only to see the display on the pump telling me that something was wrong. Either it wouldn’t take my credit card, or there wasn’t any paper in it for my receipt. However, I keep extra plastic grocery bags in my truck, so I will often take a bag and place it over the gas nozzle, showing people not to use this.

Sometimes, I will go into the gas station and tell the person behind the counter that the gas pump isn’t working or that there isn’t any paper for a receipt. Most times, they will give me the “OK” or “So what?” reply. But when I tell them that I have put the pump out of service and no gas will be pumped from it, that usually gets their attention.

— D. Hansel, In Houston

Dear Readers: This is the time when yard sales may start popping up in your neighborhood. If you are a devotee of them, always go prepared with boxes or plastic or paper bags to hold the items that you buy.

Not only will you find bargains, meet interesting people, and maybe even enjoy snacks or food that is offered, they are also lots of fun! You may encoutner interesting people in a new neighborhood.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: This is my beloved tuxedo cat, Spunky. He was rescued as a kitten from a carport 11 years ago. He understands English better than many adults. He responds to requests and instructions.

— Esther Wright, Laguna Woods, California

Readers, to see Spunky and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a furry friend to share? Send a photo and a description to Heloise@Heloise.com.