OUTDOOR WEDDING
Dear Heloise: My sister said that you had a way to keep insects from attacking the wedding cake during an outdoor wedding ceremony, but she couldn’t remember what it was. Could you reprint that secret? I’m getting married in an outdoor wedding on June 22. -- Jennifer H., Ponca City, Oklahoma
Jennifer, here it is: Place each leg of the table in a pan of water. The legs must not touch the sides of the pan. This will keep ants out. Next, take some lightweight netting or chiffon and gently drape it over the food or cake, making sure that the sides and bottom are carefully tucked under the tablecloth. This will keep out flying insects. -- Heloise
AMERICA IS THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Dear Heloise: I was not born in the United States, but I came here to attend university. I have my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, and I will start medical school later this year. I have come to appreciate the many freedoms you have here, so I have decided to become an American citizen. Democracy is a wonderful thing, indeed, and one day, I will be proud to call myself an American.
People ask me if I miss my homeland, and I usually tell them “no.” The U.S. does not have streets paved with gold, but instead, they are paved with opportunity. All it takes is planning and hard work, mixed with a little self-discipline, but here you can look back over your life and be proud of what you have accomplished because the opportunities were there. Thank you. -- A Reader, via email
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Dear Heloise: It’s fun to shop online, and sometimes you can find better pricing online than you can in local stores. However, we all need to support our local businesses to keep our local economy thriving. When we shop at a local dress store, grocery market, nail salon or any small business, we help people keep their jobs and help keep the shops open.
We also nourish friendships with businesses owners who work hard to please their customers. In addition, local businesses help sponsor many activities, such as school sports teams. As businesses grow, they increase the number of jobs and help our community with the taxes that they pay.
Buying locally usually means we don’t have to worry about porch pirates either. If a delivery needs to be made, they generally like to have someone at home to receive the item, or they will hold the item until you can pick it up. Support your community and buy locally! -- Lisa E., Wilmore, Kentucky
PLANT A TREE
Dear Heloise: There are many people who wear a bracelet with the name of someone they know (or don’t know) who was killed in action while serving in the military. I belong to a group who encourage people to plant a tree instead.
My brother was killed overseas, and in his honor, we planted an oak tree and nailed a brass sign to it with his name, rank, and the place and year he died. The tree is a living reminder of a fallen hero. -- David B., Wabash, Indiana
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:Heloise@Heloise.com
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