Monday, May 23, 2005
Dear Heloise: A reader wrote to you with the hint to take a basket to someone who had a death in the family. The basket had stamps, thank-you cards, etc.
Another basket hint had ideas for people in a care center; there were some specific things suggested, such as stamps, notepaper, talc powder, lotion, etc.
Please reprint this information. I read your column in The (Belmont County, Ohio) Times Leader newspaper. Violet Miller, Clarington
Violet, I'd be happy to reprint these custom-made gift-basket ideas for you. The first, a "condolences basket," is filled with items the family might need during that difficult time. It can include a pen, stationery, thank-you cards with envelopes, stamps, notepads, a gift card for a restaurant, a certificate for a ham or food tray from a grocer or deli, and a coupon of service: baby-sitting, running errands -- anything pertaining to the person receiving the basket.
The second basket is a "welcome basket," made by volunteers at a care center to give to new residents. This one can hold candy, notecards, pen, toiletries, nail clippers, nail file, hand and body lotion, a pair of warm socks, a lap blanket -- there are so many different items you could put in this basket to bring a smile to the recipient's face!
These baskets, big or small, can only be personalized by you, so add the appropriate items that you feel are right for the people you are giving them to! Heloise
Fast facts
Other uses for corks:
UPut a cork over the point of a protruding nail.
UUse a shadow box to "bind" wine corks -- keep adding until full (if they're not jammed in securely, use glue to keep them in place). Your shadow-box corkboard is ready to organize pins, tie tack, badges, etc.
UPlace a cork on the sharp end of a corncob holder or a meat thermometer in the utensil drawer.
UMemories -- write the date, where and with whom you shared the bottle of wine or champagne.
Dear Heloise: You know how upsetting it can be when you are down to your last check and you don't have any more with you? Well, I think I have solved my problem.
I now put one of those little self-sticking notepapers on the top of my fifth-to-last check to remind me that I am getting low on checks. If you have a cell phone, you can call and leave yourself a message on your home phone.
Love your column. It really has helped me out many times. Billie Holland, Lake Isabella, Calif.
Sound off
Dear Heloise: I have a complaint about automated carwashes that take a credit card, and when something goes wrong during the process, there is no attendant to talk with. Last time I used one of these carwashes, it dumped loads of suds on my car and then malfunctioned. With no rinse water, I had a mess to deal with -- and to think I paid $8 for this. K.R., Dripping Springs, Texas
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate