DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off:
"I would like to Sound Off about retractable leashes. Just because they stretch does not mean you should let them. I have two large dogs who were taught to lie down in the vet office. They are very calm and laid back. But someone at the vet's has a retractable leash and a dog that goes straight for mine. Please keep your dog away from other dogs; you never know how a dog will react to another dog! Always have children ask if they can pet a dog."
-- Sandra M., Conway
Sandra, thanks for reminding us about pet "etiquette," especially when out in public. Being in a veterinarian's office or a pet store where animals are allowed can be very exciting to some dogs and cats. However, to others it may be a scary experience.
Also, if a dog is sick or hurt, it is not going to be in the best mood.
DEAR READERS: Other uses for Christmas ornaments:
• Place in a clear vase as a centerpiece.
• Tie to bows when wrapping presents.
• Glue to a wreath.
• Tie with ribbon and hang in windows.
DEAR HELOISE: Could you print your recipe to make a cleaner for your dishwasher? The cleaners you buy at the stores are very expensive.
-- Osa M.,
Gettysburg, Ohio
DEAR READER: Osa, happy to help you save money. Cleaning a dishwasher may sound silly, but look inside and you'll see some gunk buildup. All you need is one of my favorite safe and cheap household products: vinegar. Remove the racks and utensil holder and clean them. Then use a handful of paper towels to wipe out the bottom of the washer and get rid of food debris. Put the racks and holder back in. Next, pour 2-3 cups of vinegar in the bottom and run using the low or energy-saving cycle.
Leave plates and glasses in. About halfway through, stop the machine and let the vinegar soak for 20-30 minutes. Then restart and run as usual. Wipe out the inside one last time.
Vinegar works wonders on all sorts of household tasks. This is a good way to clean washing machines as well. Add a quart or so of vinegar to the lowest water level and run a normal cycle.
DEAR HELOISE: When my two boys became old enough to ride in the front seat, I solved the "whose turn is it" arguments by using even and odd calendar date numbers; one was "even" and the other "odd."
-- Lyn in North Dakota
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
ActiveStyle on 12/15/2014