HELOISE Reader is not a fan of grocery-store gift cards

Dear Heloise: In a recent column, a reader talked about the advantages of grocery-store gift cards. You responded that "the cards are like cash." The cards are not at all like cash. If I use a $20 bill to buy $19.95 worth of groceries, I get a nickel change. Try getting that nickel from an establishment in which you use a gift card worth $20!
Unlike the old paper system, the magnetic strips on these cards can be changed to reflect your new balance after you use the card to make a purchase. This forces you to buy merchandise you might not need or sacrifice your change to the merchandiser. Worse, if you don't use these cards within three months, then most merchandisers subtract more than $1 worth of fees every month from the balance of your card in order to cover their cost of maintaining the card!
If you want something "like cash," just use cash. I can't think of a worse gift than a gift card. Linda Mooring, Fairfax, Va.
Linda, of course you are right. What I meant was that if you misplace it or lose it, you are out of luck! Some people like them -- others don't. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I often pack prunes, raisins, crackers or cookies (which can be sticky or crumbly) in sandwich bags to put in my children's lunches. To avoid getting my hands sticky, I simply turn the sandwich bag inside out, grab whatever I'm packing that day, then turn it right-side out again. Voil & aacute;! No sticky or messy hands! Patty Reitz, Houston
Dear Heloise: I saw your article for microwave peanut brittle. My children do not like peanut brittle and asked me to make it with pecans. I decided to try it with pecans, but I did not have light corn syrup. I did have dark corn syrup, so I thought what the heck." My children loved it, my friends loved it, and it has become a holiday tradition around my house. Carolyn Seibert, Orange, Texas
Being a Texas gal who loves pecans, this sounds absolutely yummy! So glad you wrote. Heloise
Dear Heloise: My disabled daughter needed to take a rather large pill and could not swallow it whole. I found out from the doctor that this medicine could be crushed and mixed with food. (Check first -- not all meds can be crushed.) After failing with the two-spoon technique, I was looking for something else to use. The garlic press did the trick. I held it over the bowl and was able to crush the pill. Ann Higgins, Via Fax
Dear Heloise: Since I often have family gatherings, I have lots of extra folding chairs. I have found that the easiest way to keep them clean between uses is to cover them with king-size pillowcases. I just watch for the cases on sale and buy a couple of packages. Leila A., Via E-mail
King Features Syndicate