Dear Heloise : I put several nail holes in a wall while looking for a stud. I wanted to cover up the holes, but didn’t have any suitable materials or the time to go get them. On my desk was white cover-up tape.
I made a small, roughly circular dot and put it on a nail hole. It held nicely and blended in with my white walls. Instant success.
— M.G. via email Maple syrup bottle reuse Dear Heloise : I have several friends in nursing homes, and I take small bouquets for them.
If I don’t have my own flowers, I go to the flower shop and buy several carnations or smaller flowers. The owner always asks if I want to purchase “vahzes” (vases), and I always reply, “No, thank you.” The reason? We use a lot of maple syrup, so we save the bottles for bouquets.
And most bottles have a small decorative “handle” at the top. I choose to spend my money on more flowers, not fancy containers for them. (Plus, my vases can be thrown out and won’t be a problem for the facility.
) — M.P. via email Helping elderly people Dear Heloise : When you take an elderly person to a beauty salon or barbershop, don’t just drop them off.
Stick around to help them up and down, to assure everyone understands everything, and to make certain that they are well taken care of. Beauticians and barbers can’t be lifting people all day long. Be on time for appointments, if not 5 minutes early, so that everyone gets the best care.
Have the correct cost ready, plus tip when earned. If the person in yo.