HELOISE: Don’t forget to care for their caregiver

Dear Heloise: My husband recently had surgery and received many cards, but one lady from our church sent a “Thinking of You” card to me with a nice note hoping my husband was recuperating well at home.

I thanked her for the nice gesture, because the caretaker generally doesn’t receive any thank-you. Most of the time, we are the ones who need to know we are appreciated and thought of.

I certainly will remember to do this for someone who is homebound caring for his or her loved one.

Evalinda in Pennsylvania

How right you are. Many times, the caregiver doesn’t get much help or attention. A card, flowers or restaurant gift card can lift the person’s spirits. Or, offer an hour or two of your time, even if the caregiver doesn’t leave but simply takes a nap or a long bath.

Heloise

Dear Readers: A potato masher isn’t only for mashing potatoes; it can be used to mash many things around the kitchen. Here are some examples:

graham crackers

pie-crust ingredients

ground beef

fruit for pies or jam

eggs for egg salad

meatloaf ingredients

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Because I have metal closet rods, there is a “seam” that prevents coat hangers from sliding easily along the rod. After living with these rods for 32 years (!), I finally got the bright idea to cover the rods with plastic shower-curtain-rod covers. It works perfectly! Now the hangers slide easily along as I look for the garment I want.

Martha Fisher, Alexandria, Va.

Dear Heloise: Recently, the lens popped out of my glasses. I found the screw, but I couldn’t get it into the frame snugly enough to hold the lens tightly. I could not get to a professional for at least 48 hours to fix the frames.

I used an old post-type earring and slid the post through the holes, securing it with the earring’s back. It worked like magic. I was able to keep it tight, and the lens stayed secure until I got to my optometrist.

Claire Grosse, Cedar Bluffs, Neb.

Dear Heloise: Take all those small sample bottles of shampoo, body wash, etc., and pour them into your liquid hand-wash bottle. I even had a larger bottle of shampoo that I no longer use, and now I use it for hand-washing!

Peggy in Longview, Texas

Dear Heloise: My Sound Off regards those who are afraid to touch the toilet seat in public restrooms, yet leave a wet seat for those who follow after them. This is so disgusting, especially when you find it out too late! Maybe a word from Heloise will make some of these people think.

A.D. in New Mexico

You said it, and I concur! Folks, take a few minutes to clean up after yourselves.

Heloise

King Features Syndicate