HELOISE: Wasted food bothers widow

Dear Heloise: When my husband passed away unexpectedly, people brought me enough food to feed two armies, and I wound up having to throw out a huge portion of it. It would not have offended me in the least if people had offered money or to do chores for me.

I offered food to everyone to take home, and still wound up throwing good food away. Frankly, I didn’t feel like eating much then.

A Reader, via e-mail

My condolences. People do mean well, and one way to show this is to bring food. As you said, an offer to help out is much appreciated by most.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I use the drive-up window at the pharmacy, but because I have an uncommon last name, it meant I was always asked to repeat and/or spell it. To prevent this aggravation, I took a piece of cardboard and printed my name in large block letters with a wide marker. Now I drive up, show my sign and get my prescription with no hassle.

A California Reader, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I read about bleach spots on towels from toothpaste. The same thing can happen with topical acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide. We were getting bleach spots on hand and bath towels, clothing and pillowcases. I discovered that it was due to the medication my sons were using on their faces.

In some cases, they weren’t washing their hands thoroughly enough after application. In others, like the pillowcases, it was from direct contact with the face. I instructed them to wash their hands after application, and I bought some white pillowcases.

Susan, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: When I wanted to protect a tablecloth, I came up with a great, inexpensive idea. Whether it be a picnic, kids’ finger-painting, etc., I use a clear-plastic shower curtain over a tablecloth. Very easy to wipe clean. It’s a little heavier material than regular clear-plastic tablecloths.

Jean Milici, Torrington, Conn.

Dear Heloise: This year when preparing to do my taxes, I called all of my doctors, the pharmacy and both hospitals in town, and I asked them to send me a statement of all of the payments I had made for the past year.

A few doctors referred me to a billing office, but I got statements from all of them. It was nice to know I didn’t have to find all of my receipts.

Barbara, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I often tell members of my family different hints for vinegar that I have heard. One of my grandsons had a loose tooth. He was having quite a time getting it out. I asked him if he wanted me to help. Through his tears he said, “I am not going to use vinegar!”

Barbara from Missouri

King Features Syndicate