DEAR HELOISE: Disposing of broken glass safely is always a problem. After breaking a glass this morning, I grabbed a plastic, gallon milk jug from the recycle bin and cut a large hole in the top, leaving the handle intact. It was easy to put the broken pieces in the jug and thenfill the rest of it with the wet paper towels I had used. I felt comfortable that this method protected us as we readied the trash for pickup, and at the same time protected the trash-pickup people.
- Marilyn G. in Arkansas
DEAR READER: A good reminder and a classic hint. Wrap broken glass in something (like a bag or newspaper) to protect anyone who comes in contact with it.
DEAR READER: A recent column discussed how change is handed back to customers, and the different ways this can be done. Wow, this really struck a nerve! A lot of you responded. Here are just a “handful” of comments on the matter:
“I am strongly in favor of receiving my coins first, especially at a drive-thru window.My suggestion is for the clerk to offer the coins in one hand and the bills in the other.”
- Molly in Spearfish, S.D. (Heloise here: This is a perfect solution!)
“My primary concern is having change counted out while it is being placed either in my hand or on the counter.” - A Frequent Reader, via email
“Coins first and then paper money. That way, the change is safely in your palm, and you can grasp the paper money in your fingers.” - Helen M., Colorado Springs, Colo.
“I understand the frustration of getting your money back all in one lump. Unfortunately, most of these cashiers are being timed on how quickly they help customers.” - A Reader, via email
(Heloise here: I’m not sure if this is the case. Yes, they want to speed up the line, but they also want to make their customers happy.)
Any cashiers out there who can tell us from your point of view? Please chime in.
DEAR HELOISE: With several long, tube bird feeders, it can get messy when filling them from a newly opened, 40-pound bag of seed. I realized that if I kept the last bag I emptied, I could place the feeder down inside it. Now, any escaping seeds are caught in the bag.
- S.J.A. in Kentucky
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
Style, Pages 32 on 03/11/2014