Heloise

Dear Heloise: In response to the question about how to open fruit cups without spilling: Before opening it, tilt the cup back away from you so that the juice is away from one side. When opening it, tilt it back toward you while continuing to peel off the top. Works like a charm! — Terri M., in Youngstown, Ohio

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Heloise@Heloise.com

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF SHOES

Dear Heloise: I love shoes, and I like to buy good-quality shoes that will last. I don’t splurge for designer shoes, but I do have a way to make my shoes last for a long time in pristine condition:

I don’t drive in them or walk in them at my big parking lot at work. Instead, I carry the shoes or boots that I’ve planned to wear for the day in a bag. I also have shoes that are just for walking and driving. When I get to work, then I put on the shoes that I brought to go with my outfit for the day.

I have very good luck at extending the life of my shoes, and it’s not a hassle at all. I also employ a cobbler when necessary! I read your column in the San Antonio Express-News. — Linda L., in San Antonio

CLEANING HARD-TO-REACH PLACES

Dear Heloise: I have found a solution to the pesky job of cleaning under appliances. I take a yard stick and wrap the end with a cleaning pad; then I run it under the stove and fridge, getting most or all of the dirt hiding there. — Judy B., in Vancouver, Washington

Judy, I do the same thing. It’s almost impossible to clean under some pieces of furniture or appliances. If a repairman comes in and needs to move the item, it can get a little embarrassing if he finds a thick layer of dirt, pet hair, and maybe a bug or a lost earring. A yard stick with a dust cloth on the end works well. — Heloise

POLLYANNA LETTERS

Dear Heloise: I know Christmas is over, but I wish people would stop sending annual Christmas letters. Yes, some folks like them, but I don’t know why. Every boring detail (from every new appliance they bought to a 3-year-old losing his first tooth) thrills the authors, but what makes them think that people find their lives so interesting?

I got such a letter from my sister-in-law this year. She forgot to mention her pregnant 16-year-old who dropped out of school. There was no mention of her youngest kid climbing a tree in a snowstorm and getting stuck there. They had to call the fire department to get him down. Sadly, their dog ran away from home, but there was no mention of him either.

Please think before you send a Pollyanna letter. Just pick up the phone and call whomever you wish to update instead. — Gloria W., in Ponca City, Oklahoma

PESKY PORTALS

Dear Heloise: I have a difficult time keeping track of my different doctors’ patient portals when I want to contact them via email or check an appointment or a test result. How do you and your readers know where to go? — K.B., in Universal City, Texas

K.B., I don’t seem to have this problem, but maybe one of my readers would like to send a hint on how they retrieve their information. One idea might be to call the doctors’ offices and ask them to send you a virtual tutorial on how to use the portal for their respective office or hospital. — Heloise

ON CHILLY NIGHTS

Dear Readers: Just a reminder since it’s still chilly in many parts of the country: Be sure to bring your pets inside on cold nights. They feel the cold, too. — Heloise