DEAR READERS: Happy July Fourth to each of you. Please take a minute to think what July Fourth is really about. Yes, red, white and blue, hot dogs, hamburgers and fireworks. It's time for family and friends to get together. Play safe, be safe and have fun.
DEAR HELOISE: When I give my dog a bath, I no longer get wet. I solved the problem by cutting head and arm openings in the closed end of a large yard leaf bag. It slips on easily and keeps me dry. It's on a hanger near the laundry tub where he gets his bath.
-- Mary Lou,
Beavercreek, Ohio
DEAR READER: Woof, woof! A vision, I'm sure.
DEAR HELOISE: When we barbecue for family outings, I use my oblong slow cooker to keep the hot dogs and hamburgers hot by setting the temperature to "warm" while the family is arriving.
-- Barbara M.,
Terre Haute, Ind.
DEAR HELOISE: Can you tell me how to remove built-up nonstick spray from coated waffle grids? The buildup is pretty bad on the surface.
-- Bernadette
in Mobile, Ala.
DEAR READER: Consult the owners manual if you have it. If not, don't worry: ammonia to the rescue! Unplug the iron and let it cool. Place a paper towel on the grid, and pour a small amount of ammonia (about a tablespoon) onto the towel. Close the iron, and let sit for a few hours. Scrub the grids with a drop of dish detergent. Don't use nonstick spray on a hot grill.
DEAR READERS: Have you been thinking about starting a compost pile? Here are a few things to consider before you begin.
What goes in a compost pile? How much time will it take? Alternate layers of brown and green items. You can color-code your compost.
In a small spot in the yard, start with a base of fruit peels and vegetable trimmings. Then add a layer of soil, eggshells, coffee grounds and used tea bags. Then sprinkle a small amount of water until moist.
Next, a green layer: grass, weeds and yard clippings. Then brown again: old cardboard boxes, wood chips and other brown items as listed above.
In a week or so, everything starts to break down. Turn the pile with a shovel or pitchfork after about two weeks. When it looks like mulch, it's ready to use for your flower beds and garden. Start small until you get the hang of tending the pile.
What doesn't go in the compost pile: meat, dairy and grease.
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 07/04/2015