DEAR READERS: A springtime Saturday is the perfect time to check out your plumbing mechanisms:
Tighten loose connections to the washing machine, and check the hoses for signs of wear, like cracks and leaks. The washer tends to get used more in the summer, especially with a busy family, so prevention is a good practice. Every three years is a good interval for replacement of hoses.
Next, be careful about what goes down the garbage disposal. Thick summery food waste, like corncobs and husks, watermelon rinds and banana peels, most likely will overtax your disposal. Place these items in your compost pile. Run plenty of cold water with whatever items you do send through the disposal.
You always can call your plumber to come and inspect your sewer lines. Inquire about trees that are close to the house during the inspection. Root growth can be a problem.
DEAR HELOISE: Choke chains are terrible for dogs. You cannot train a dog using fear and intimidation. Also, the chain can catch on carpet and furniture indoors, and on tree branches and other things in the yard. I don't know why these horrible things were ever designed.
If you are training your dog, it is best to use reassurance, encouragement and positive reinforcement. Do you think I've made myself clear on how I feel about this subject?
-- Mary S., Hammond, Ind.
DEAR READER: Choke chains should be avoided.
DEAR HELOISE: Unfortunately, I broke my ceramic spoon rest. I tried to glue it back together with ordinary white household glue. It fell apart. I decided to use transparent tape after I reglued it. I set it overnight, and then removed the tape. It has held together. I thought that might be helpful to your readers.
-- Patricia T. in Wildwood, FL
DEAR HELOISE: I just had a loved one die and I received many cards with money in them.
One thing that I had never heard of was that several cards had a book of stamps for the thank-you cards.
This is a great idea. Next time, instead of money or flowers, I will send a book of stamps with my card.
-- Rae T., Omaha, Neb.
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
HomeStyle on 05/27/2017