DEAR HELOISE: Even though school is out for the summer, I want my grandchildren to continue to learn. We love reading stories to each other at bedtime and throughout the day, but we really have fun practicing math.
When they (ages 4 and 7) are visiting, one will randomly call out to me, "Grandma, what's three plus two?" And then it begins. I answer, "Five," of course, and then I throw one out: "What's two plus one?" "What's five plus zero?"
We never forget about subtraction, and we are starting to throw in a little multiplication. Doing it fast results in lots of giggling.
They have loads of fun practicing, and they are keeping my mind sharp, too! This takes only around 30 minutes a day, and they will be more prepared for school come fall.
-- Grandma Pat in Florida
DEAR HELOISE: Here are some good hints for people who are planning a garage sale:
• In most cases, you just want to get rid of clutter. Don't price items according to what you paid for them.
• Most people come on the first day of the garage sale, so that is your best chance to make some money.
• Have your garage sale around the fifth of the month, not at the end of the month, when people have already spent their money.
• Make your signs clear -- print large, and take the signs down after the sale is over.
• Don't hold merchandise unless you get a deposit.
• Don't sell junk or things you know are broken.
-- A Reader in Cleveland
DEAR READERS: One of my favorite hints is to arrange the merchandise in little scenes so they tell a story and are more appealing.
DEAR HELOISE: When I go to the grocery store, I write my list on a large sticky note and stick it to the handle of the grocery cart. That way, it is always in front of me, and I don't lose it. My hands are free to shop and place things in the cart.
-- L.M.S. in Virginia
DEAR HELOISE: I was cleaning out my unplugged hair dryer, trying all sorts of things to pick out the lint, and after being almost done, I thought of my little vacuum to finish the job.
-- A Reader, via email
DEAR READER: You also can use an old toothbrush.
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
Weekend on 06/22/2017