LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Many parents often are terrified when a small child locks himself in the bathroom. Recently in our home, this very thing happened to us. There was no key to unlock the door from the outside, nor could we crawl in the window,as it was too high. Know what I did?
I called a hardware store and told them what kind of door lock I had. (Most door locks in all houses usually are the same type, so if you are in doubt about the brand, you can just open another door and look for the manufacturer’s name.) There happens to be a tiny hole at the base of my doorknob where it connects to the door. I had never seen the hole before. An ice pick or a sharp object, if run into this hole, will unlock the door.
I think it would behoove many a mother to take a minute to look at their bathroom doorknobs today. Then if an emergency arises, they will know what to do. This is hazardous not only to children, but to grown-ups, too. Many times you read where a grown person had a heart attack in the bathroom while shaving or taking a bath. Some bathrooms are built on the inside - especially in apartment houses - and have no outside window. This might save a life.
- Louise Bowles, via fax
DEAR HELOISE: Please warn your readers to check speed limits when crossing state lines. If you are taking a road trip and pass through several states, be sure to know what the speed limits are or, if you are unsure, slow down until you see a sign. Highway speed limits may be 75 in one state and 65 in another.
- A Reader in New Mexico
DEAR HELOISE: I don’t know about you and your readers, but I hate cleaning up spills in the refrigerator. I bought some cheap, plastic place mats at a store and lined the shelves with them. It is much easier to clean up spills now, and if they get ruined, they are easily replaced.
- Tanya in Texas
DEAR HELOISE: My husband is a golfer, and there always are golf balls to be found in our house. One day, I started using one to massage my muscles. I roll it under my foot, especially in my arches. Or I take one in my hand and rub my shoulders and neck. It is really nice to have someone help you and roll it on your back. And it doesn’t cost as much as those expensive massagers.
- Joyce in California
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail Heloise@Heloise.com
MovieStyle, Pages 36 on 11/16/2012