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 your care cannot make an appointment, call the shop to cancel. Many beauticians and barbers care about their customers and wonder what happens when they just disappear.
— N.G. via email Dangerous new scam Dear Heloise : My husband was reading about a new scam: If you see a young child on the street crying and holding a piece of paper with an address, do not take the child to the address on the paper.
There are a group of gang members at the address waiting. You could be assaulted, and your ID could be taken. Instead, take the child to a police station.
Be and stay safe. — M. California Keeping -drinks chilled Dear Heloise : I drink a lot of the non-carbonated, fruit-flavored solutions that you mix from powders.
I fill a 1-quart bottle about three-quarters of the way full and freeze the solution. When I get ready to drink it, I finish filling the bottle with the same solution. Then I place it in one of my tube socks, push it to the bottom, and turn the cuff down.
This keeps moisture from developing on the outside and helps insulate the bottle. It will last for several hours and won’t become watery, as it would if ice were added. — J.
P. Texas Pet pal Dear Heloise : Here’s a picture of my cat, Trixie, who is waiting patiently for her food. She is 3 years old and immediately likes to play after her meals.
But sometimes she gets bored, so we’re considering getting her a companion cat sometime in the next few months. — Cathy Jacksonville, Fla. Readers, to see Trixie and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.
com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to [email protected] .
— Heloise Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to [email protected] . I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
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