Drivers should be more careful

Dear Readers: Here is this week’s Sound Off, about drivers in traffic:

“What bothers me is drivers who know a lane is ending or blocked and need to get over, yet they zoom past and wait till the very last minute to force their way in.”

A Frustrated Driver in Texas

You have voiced a Sound Off that is probably one of the top seven complaints printed in my column. It seems that those drivers think they are the only ones who want to get out of the traffic jam.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Other uses for laundry baskets:

Store large toys in one.

Place a blanket in one and use as a pet bed.

Use as a hamper in a child’s room.

Flip over for a mini table.

Use in the closet to corral shoes.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I know you write about drinking your Heloise Spiced Tea. My mother use to serve it all the time, but she passed away, and I can’t find this recipe. Can you please repeat it? Thanks so much.

Kat. S. in Houston

Kat, I’m sorry you lost your mother. Isn’t it interesting how some of the little things make a difference in our lives? Here is the recipe for you, and I hope it brings a smile to your face every time you make it:

6 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon whole cloves

A whole nutmeg or a teaspoon of nutmeg

2 cups tea leaves

2 tablespoons grated orange peel

2 tablespoons grated lemon peel

Wrap cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmeg in cheesecloth (double thickness) and crush them up. Hint: Put the whole spice bag in a heavy plastic bag, and use the flat side of a hammer to crush the spices.

Add this to your favorite tea leaves (I use green tea leaves), along with orange and lemon peel, and place in a container. Give the container a shake every now and then to mix the ingredients well.

When you’re ready for some soothing and tasty tea, add a teaspoon of the mixture for every 6-8 ounces of boiling water. Stir this several times, put the lid on and let the tea brew for at least 5 to 10 minutes. For some other tea concoctions, send for my pamphlet filled with coffee and tea recipes. Just send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (70 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Coffee & Tea, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Heloise

Dear Readers: I try to carry a small book in my tote bag when heading out for an appointment. You never know how long the wait will be at the doctor’s office, car-repair shop, etc.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: We purchased small trash cans for our bathrooms, the ones with a pedal to lift the lid. Plastic produce bags fit perfectly inside them.

Anne N. in Alabama

2015 King Features Syndicate