Hints from Heloise: A solution to the holiday string light replacement bulb dilemma

KEEP A FORM OF ID IN YOUR LUGGAGE
Dear Heloise: In regard to the hint you received suggesting that you should put a business card in the ID tag of your checked luggage, you should also put some sort of ID inside of your luggage. I’m a retired airline employee, and if the tag comes off during transit, there’s no way to find the owner. — B.T., in California
DISPOSE OF MEAT CORRECTLY
Dear Heloise: As the chief cook and bottle washer in my home, I have developed some techniques that I wanted to share with your readers:
TOILET PAPER ROLL HOLDER
Dear Heloise: In my robe pocket, I like to keep an empty toilet paper roll. I put my reading glasses in it to protect them from whatever else I put in that pocket.
I love all of the ideas people send you! I use many of them. — J., in Colorado
REPLACEMENT LIGHTS
Dear Heloise: One of my frustrations during the holidays is finding replacement bulbs for strings of lights, because they are mostly unavailable. Now when I buy strings of lights, I buy an extra string of the exact same kind so that I have plenty of bulbs to replace the ones that inevitably burn out. Joy to the world! — L.G., via email
AVOIDING FALLS ON STAIRS
Dear Heloise: I have diabetes, so I guard my feet from damage by always wearing footwear. Often I will slip when wearing slippers in the house. To further guard from tripping or falling, I remove the slippers when I go up or down the stairs so that I don’t trip or slip out of the slippers on the stairwell. I can move safely on the stairs and put the slippers back on afterward. I am also careful to use the handrail. — J.M., in Michigan
SQUIRREL-PROOFING
Dear Heloise: We have had problems with squirrels eating the pumpkins and gourds in our outdoor decorations; they are very partial to orange pumpkins. But no more!
I bought a cheap bottle of hot sauce and painted it on all of the little rodents’ autumn treats. You do have to repeat the process after it rains, but they leave our display alone for us and the neighbors to enjoy. — P.H., in Ohio
CLEAN FIREPLACE BRICKS
Dear Readers: You can clean the brick around fireplaces with full-strength white vinegar. This is done best by scrubbing the stained areas with a small vegetable brush dipped in vinegar. Wipe up any spills right away! — Heloise
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