DEAR READERS: Here is a response to a sound off that ran recently about shopping carts being left in handicapped spaces:
"I had to use a walker while recovering from back surgery, and I always liked to find a cart next to handicapped parking. I could leave my walker in the car and use the cart as a walker to get into the store. When I carried groceries out to the car, I always left the cart in the blue-striped area next to the space for the next person to use."
-- F.B., Birmingham, Ala.
That is a good point. Some people may need to use the carts to get into the store. Maybe the stores could consider placing cart corrals by the handicapped parking spots. That way, carts aren't just left out. Then everyone could win.
DEAR READERS: Here are other uses for straws:
• Children can use them for skewers instead of metal ones.
• Place over cut flower stems to help keep them straight.
• Use as a hole punch in cookie decorating.
• Give to kids to build with.
• Use as handles in homemade popsicles.
DEAR HELOISE: We have a seasonal home during the winter months. This year, we are having problems with our recliner having squeaky springs. What can we do to eliminate the squeaks without having to take the furniture apart and trying to oil the springs?
-- Joan in Florida
DEAR READER: Unfortunately, once a chair starts squeaking, the only way to take care of the problem is to oil it. You can contact the manufacturer to see if it will send someone out to look at the chair, but you should be able to oil the chair yourself pretty easily. Lay down a plastic tarp and flip the chair over in the reclined position. Remove the bottom covering, if necessary, and oil the springs and hinges using mineral oil or a spray lubricant. Wipe away any excess, and flip the chair back over. Leave the chair on the plastic drop cloth for a day to catch any drips. Hope this helps.
DEAR HELOISE: I save the toothbrushes that I get from the dentist and use them for cleaning. They are great for scrubbing grout lines, around the sink or any other grooves you might need to clean. A lot of times, they are softer than the abrasive sponges and are better at getting into tight spaces.
-- T.Y. in Illinois
DEAR HELOISE: When summer is over and all my sunscreens have expired, rather than dumping them, I use them for moisturizer on my dry skin during the winter months. They are still creamy. I'll even use them on my legs after shaving.
-- Annette C., Staten Island, N.Y.
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 03/23/2015