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Dear Heloise: I agree with Jim R., in Waterbury, Connecticut, about dates on items. Half the time, they’re stamped over the ingredients or in someplace you can’t read. It’s a ploy for us not to see it. I’ve been writing letters to companies, and they do answer but only send coupons for me to use. Nothing has changed with the actual products.
Also, another pet peeve of mine is the new digital price tags on store shelves that are so small I can’t read them. When it says “must buy 4,” does this mean we need to buy 4 frozen pizzas that won’t fit in the freezer to get the sale price? (Haha!) It’s hard to believe, but some people don’t have cell phones to see the sale prices — like my sister (RIP), who was always complaining to the manager. Eventually, he’d just tell her the sale price.
I love your column and read it in the Orange County Register. — Deano, in Huntington Beach, California
PACKAGING SOUND OFF
Dear Heloise: I have literally suffered for several years trying to remove hearing-aid batteries from the packaging. I have cut my fingers, bruised my hands, tried scissors, used a serrated-edge knife, prayed, screamed, and yelled. Nothing has helped; I don’t have sufficient strength. It’s impossible, and the older I get, the worse it has become. When I called the vendor, they were very sympathetic and even refunded the cost, but nothing was done to solve the problem.
At the age of 94, I’ve come up with my own solution. I bought a pill box with a month’s capacity. After purchasing the batteries, I request the assistance of the first person with strong hands who comes to visit. He very kindly tears open the battery package using scissors, a knife, a flower cutter, a serrated knife, or whatever else he chooses. Eventually, he’s able to access them. (I provide the bandages as needed.) I gratefully load the container with one in each compartment. Then we sit down, have a very pleasant visit, and eat whatever I have baked for the day.
I enjoy your column, as I did your mother’s, for many years. Your advice was and is very helpful. I hope this complaint will some day contribute to a change in the packaging. But I’m not counting on it. — Joann, via email
Joann, thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing such a humorous solution to a frustrating problem! I’m so sorry that you’ve had such a difficult time with this packaging; it really should be easier for everyone to manage. — Heloise
SLIDING CUTTING BOARDS
Dear Heloise: People are making the issue of sliding cutting boards too complicated. Just lay a damp (or even dry) dishcloth/washcloth on the counter under your cutting board. Problem solved! Then, when you’re done slicing and dicing, you can use the dishcloth to wash your board! — James H., via email
MORE ON TINY HOLES
Dear Heloise: Another thing that can cause holes in T-shirts is bleach. — Patricia R., in Bellaire, Texas
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.