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Killing insects

Dear Readers: Every spring, without fail, I receive numerous letters about killing insects that make life miserable. Since no one likes bugs in their home, I’m going to address this problem that many of my readers have written in about. -- Heloise COCKROACHES Dear Heloise: I hate cockroaches! Here in Louisiana, we have a real problem with them because it’s always damp here. I need to kill these creepy-crawlies without also killing the family pets. Is there a natural way to kill roaches without harming my kids and pets? -- Toni A., Metairie, ...

Compliment good behavior

Dear Annie: A few months ago, someone wrote to you about how uncomfortable the bad manners of children of a relative made her feel at large family gatherings and dinners. I read your column faithfully and did not see any readers’ suggestions printed in the following weeks. Of course, large family gatherings have not happened this past year due to the pandemic. But we will return joyfully to them, probably toward the 2021 holidays. The writer mentioned that another family in attendance displayed commendable behavior. That presents a golden opportunity, and I would offer her this ...

Single socks are used to clean

Dear Heloise: I have a collection of mismatched socks. I never throw them away because they are perfect for dusting figurines. I just spray the cleaning solution onto the sock, and I can get into small places by putting my hand inside of the sock and gently moving it around. This is a great way to keep collectables dirt-free. -- Harriette N., Lima, Ohio BANANAS VERSUS PLAINTAINS Dear Heloise: About a month ago, I was trying a new recipe that called for plantains. I figured since bananas are the same as plantains, I’d just use one of the bananas I had on hand. The recipe turned out ...

The eclipse enthusiast

My wife and I have been chasing moon shadows. Like millions of Americans, I felt the urge to keep a date with celestial destiny when the moon totally blotted out the sun. I’ll admit it: I’m an eclipse enthusiast. The area where we live would see only a partial eclipse. Longing to have the full experience, I pulled up a map that displayed the path of totality. My finger followed the path until it landed on Poplar Bluff, Missouri. This seemed to be as good a place as any to observe the eclipse. That our toddler grandson and his parents live nearby may have had something to do ...

About to blow

Dear Annie: I’ve been married for 26 years. I have a 24-year-old son at home on the autism spectrum, and his 4-year-old daughter, of whom he has full custody. They get by with my help, and money, of course. I have always been a very loving and supportive husband. I cook, clean, do laundry and whatever else needs to be done. I’m getting older now and developing arthritis. For a while, I would push through the pain to pamper my wife. Now, when we sit down, she throws her leg on me and says, “Rub my feet.” I didn’t mind when she appreciated it, but now that she expects it, this ...

Reusing containers for storage

Dear Heloise: Since I live alone and don’t have to cook much, I eat a lot of frozen (healthy) meals. I save the plastic containers after I clean them and use them as various storage containers in my bathroom and home office. They are great for lipstick and makeup brushes, and they can be stored in drawers or cupboards and easily keep the counters and desktops clear. -- Caroline Reid, Bakersfield, California LIQUOR SUBSTITUTES Dear Readers: You might occasionally come across a recipe that calls for liquor. If you do not have any on hand, here are a few things you can substitute it ...