CONSIDER BUYING A BIRDBATH
Dear Heloise: On these hot summer days, our bird friends need access to water. Consider getting a small birdbath. It doesn’t need to be fancy or have running water. Any shallow container will do. Toss in a few rocks so that our little friends can stand at the water’s edge. Change the water frequently.
Our bird friends will thank you, and you will see an increase in visitors to your feeders. Watching them splash about is great fun! -- Deborah Wulff, Bakersfield, California
KEEPING GINGER FRESH
Dear Heloise: I read your column daily, but I have never sent in a hint before regarding keeping fresh ginger. Place unpeeled fresh ginger in a small air-tight container, then cover it with sherry. Refrigerate. Ginger will keep this way indefinitely. It is a great way to always have fresh ginger on hand. I always enjoy your hints. -- Paula Shuman, in Los Angeles
REUSING PLASTIC TRAYS
Dear Heloise: I reuse the 9-by-11-inch plastic trays that are sold with presliced cheeses. Some have a flat center, while others are ribbed. Rather than sending them to the landfill, I use them in my kitchen. I place the ribbed one under my coffeepot to catch any leaks. The ribbing keeps the bottom of the coffee cup from sitting in any liquid. They are sturdy and do not buckle or warp from the heat.
I place the flat tray in front, covered with a paper towel to catch any drips when I pour a cup of coffee. -- Judy Peterson, Boerne, Texas
TWO HELPFUL HINTS
Dear Heloise: Please tell your readers not to use olive oil as a lubricant. It is organic and will become rancid over time. Mineral oil is cheaper and is much better as a solvent for creaks and squeaks.
Also, have you seen the prices of honey lately? It is too expensive to use on your face. It’s better to just use plain petroleum jelly. A thin layer applied overnight will have your face as soft and smooth as satin in the morning. I’ve been using it for years and have very few wrinkles.
By the way, I’m 85 years old, and I love your column! -- Lee Blotner, via email
TEA STRAINERS WORK IN A PINCH
Dear Heloise: I was preparing a dish for dinner, and the recipe called for a piece of cheesecloth to place spices in. Well, I didn’t have any cheesecloth, but I did have four tea strainer balls, one of which was large. I filled the large tea strainer ball and one small strainer ball, and they worked just as well as cheesecloth! -- H.M., in Indiana
PET PAL
Dear Heloise: After a hearty meal, Petey, the lovable stray cat, took a blissful nap on the lawn. With the sun warming his fur and a soft breeze rustling the grass, he looks completely content and at peace. Petey’s little paws and serene expression are a testament to his satisfaction and trust, which makes the yard feel like his home. -- Cathy, Long Island, New York
Readers, to see Petey 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 Heloise@Heloise.com. -- Heloise
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:Heloise@Heloise.com
(c) 2024 by King Features Syndicate Inc.
