Dear Heloise: My “resourceful mom” has nothing on my Texas friends who make “Pols.” They save their leftovers and put it in the freezer. When the tub of leftovers is full, they heat it all together and serve it as “Pols.” Pols spelled backward is “slop”! — Tom, in Santa Ana, California

CUMBERSOME CROSS-BODY BAGS

Dear Heloise: Even though I usually wear a cross-body bag, it becomes cumbersome when doing my grocery shopping. Usually, there is a safety belt built into the top of the shopping cart that is designed to keep small children safe. I secure my purse using the seatbelt. No one will be able to steal my purse while my back is turned unless they also take the cart! — M.W., in California

DRAINING A WATER ­HEATER TANK

Dear Heloise: Draining a hot water tank can be dangerous. One way to do it safely is to turn off the breaker to the water heater, then take a long shower. When the water starts to feel lukewarm, you know that all the water in the tank is at a safe temperature to drain. — Karen Cameron, in Post Falls, Idaho

CEMETERY ­MARKERS

Dear Heloise: I was told this hint from a vet at an American Legion while purchasing a marker for my father’s grave: Take a coffee can, fill it with cement, and place the marker in it to dry. When it’s dry, dig a hole large enough for the can and bury it at the grave. I did this 30 years ago, and it is still in place. Unfortunately, there are those who would steal markers if they’re not buried like this. — Linda Saenz-Troiano, via email

BEEF FAT FOR BIRDS

Dear Heloise: Please tell your readers that beef fat is not a good substitute for feeding birds suet, which is rendered beef fat from around the organs. Beef fat can affect the birds’ feathers and waterproofing. You can make your own suet by cooking it or buying it very cheaply from a butcher. Commercial blocks are OK but are not of great quality.

And never give them bacon grease, which has preservatives in it. Suet can be offered to birds year-round, but be careful that it doesn’t melt! — Gail Schirm, via email

KARATE PAYS OFF

Dear Heloise: Just a word about self-defense: I took a karate class and was taught how to defend myself. I never really thought it would be needed because I don’t live in or go to dangerous places or rough areas of my city. I was wrong because one evening after a concert, a man approached my husband and I in a parking garage. He had a knife and demanded money and my wedding ring.

Since my husband had a cast on his leg and was walking on crutches, he told the assailant that he could have the money but not my wedding ring. The assailant got angry and threatened to kill us, so I hoisted up my skirt and performed a rapid karate kick to his gut. We ran to our car, drove to a diner, and called the police. I don’t know if the police ever caught him, but we were unharmed.

Some people have told me I was foolish to do what I did, but my husband and I are alive. By the way, I’m taking a refresher course in karate. — Robin S., in New York

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com.