HELOISE Answering machine users sound off

Dear Readers: We had a Sound Off from a reader who complained that her friends and family hung up on her answering machine instead of leaving a message. Boy, did this strike a chord! Read on ...
UFred Chasnov of Arlington, Va., says: "I handled the problem of getting friends to leave messages by telling them that I have to use my answering machine to screen out unwanted calls from solicitors. Only by leaving a message are my friends able to get through to me. This works really well for me."
UDonald M. Coberly of Sacramento, Calif., says: "I feel that letting your machine answer when you're home is very rude and arrogant. When I am home, I answer my telephone. If it is a salesperson or someone I really don't care to talk to, at least I am courteous enough to tell them that."
UJames, via e-mail, says: "If it's your choice not to answer the phone and to let the machine screen your calls, then it's my choice not to leave a message. If you don't want to answer your phone, don't answer your phone, but don't complain about friends who are spending their time trying to talk to you while you sit there and seethe because they won't leave a message."
USandra Popp of Hutchinson, Kan., says: "We have a solution that works very well in screening calls. We have put a message on our answering machine: 'You have reached (phone number or name). We're using our Caller ID to screen calls. If your number shows up unavailable, we won't answer, but if you would like us to pick up, please identify yourself. Otherwise, leave your number and we'll call you back.' This tells people we know that we will talk to them, and it also doesn't tell unwanted people that we're not home."
So, there you have it -- to leave a message or not, it is up to you! Heloise
Fast facts: I have discovered endless uses for address labels. Here is one idea: Put labels on all the things that might be left behind -- casserole dish, cell phone, inside a Bible cover, on your medicine bottles, on an asthma inhaler, outside of your wallet and on your key ring, memo book, notebook and luggage.
There are endless possibilities! Sure hope you can use this! Jacquelyn, Big Lake, Texas
Dear Heloise: I keep shallow saucers under my houseplants to catch the runoff when I water them. The water used to run over before I noticed it. It was awkward to lift the dripping pots and empty the saucers.
Now I use a rubber turkey baster with a squeeze bulb to pump the overflow out of the saucer. The basters are very cheap at discount stores.
I am 85 years old and have enjoyed your column for decades. I look forward to reading it for many more years. Mrs. Cortez G. Temple, Decatur, Ala.
Thanks for the kind words, and I hope you will be reading it many, many more years! Heloise
Dear Heloise: To remove screw-on bottle caps or jar covers, wrap them with rubber bands. Alfred B., San Antonio
King Features Syndicate