DEAR READERS: Today's Sound off is about memorials:
DEAR HELOISE: My pet peeve is litter. People leave flowers, candles in glass containers, stuffed animals and other items in a place where someone died. The thought might be good, but tell that to the person who has to clean up that mess. These piles of trash can be found along highways, on sidewalks or on private property.
Instead of leaving behind some pile of mementos, why not make a donation to a charity in the name of the deceased? It seems to me that this is a far better way to honor the person -- with a donation that will go toward doing something positive. If the person loved animals, for example, then make a donation to an animal charity, or if he or she had heart problems, make a donation to the American Heart Association.
-- Richard T.,
Miamisburg, Ohio
Richard, that's an excellent idea. All charities need financial help, and it's a lovely way to honor someone we've lost.
DEAR HELOISE: My husband loves fried peach pies. However, I have been unable to find dried peaches in any grocery store in our area for several years. Do you know why they are unavailable?
-- Mary Helen F., Texas
DEAR READER: Mary Helen, try a specialty store, such as a health-food store, or if you search the internet, you will find places that sell dried peaches. Just type in "dried peaches," and you'll find various sources that will sell you dried fruit of any kind.
DEAR HELOISE: Do you have a recipe using baking soda or vinegar to control insects (spiders and roaches)?
-- Dennis D.,
La Palma, Calif.
DEAR READER: Dennis, there are several ways to repel spiders and roaches.
In a large spray bottle, add:
1 cup of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 4 drops of peppermint oil (or citronella or tea tree oil), then fill up the rest of the bottle with water and shake well.
Spiders hate the smell of peppermint, citronella and eucalyptus. Be sure to spray all nooks and crevices, windowsills and around doors. Spray any spiderwebs you see, compost piles and in your garage.
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
ActiveStyle on 10/23/2017