Dear Heloise: My 14-year-old refrigerator just died (even though I know they used to last longer). In my desire to find another French door model with a bottom freezer, I neglected to consider factors other than style, color and width. I’m short (about 5 feet, 1 inch tall), and because of the financial factor, I chose not to get a “counter depth” model.

Unfortunately, I did not test how difficult it might be for me to reach all the way to the back shelves, especially the upper shelves. Also, the new model is a couple of inches higher, which creates other challenges. In retrospect, I should have done a “test run” in the showroom by thinking about stocking or cleaning the shelves and reaching far into the surface of the top shelf.

There are also other issues; for example, there is no butter keeper! I have to live with my choice now and will adapt, but I’m passing this lesson to others. — Madeline, Rutland, Vermont

GREASE FOR

THE BIRDS

Dear Heloise: I save grease in wide-mouth jelly jars all year long for my chickens to peck at during the cold days of winter. I keep the jars in the fridge until they’re full, then freeze them. Wild birds also appreciate a little fat on a cold day! It saves money, too, since I don’t have to buy suet. — Holly, in Maine

BAY LEAF HINT

Dear Heloise: I learned this hint from your mother many years ago, since it was printed in our newspaper. It involved putting a bay leaf in your flour to keep out weevils. I have never had a problem since I started doing this many years ago.

I have also been known to keep a leaf in dry dog food, since I got a bad package of food one time. Also, I keep one on the pantry shelf. No more bugs!

I love reading your hints. I just wish our paper published the hints on Saturdays, too. Thank you for all that I have learned from you and your mother. I am just a few years older than you. Keep the hints coming, and best wishes! — L.D.P., Temple, Texas