Dear readers: Right now, some of your holiday gifts and gadgets may require new batteries. Here are some helpful tips on installation, disposal and use:
● What type and size of battery is indicated? Do not use a different battery or size.
● Never mix new and old batteries – if one of them goes out, replace all of them.
● Make sure the battery contacts are clean and lint-free.
● Pay attention to the polarity. The more and the less must match.
● Do not throw batteries into fire – they can explode!
Always follow the instructions in the article for installing the battery.
Dear Héloise: I was reading your article on how to pick up what your dog leaves. It reminded me of another use of these little bags. Many times I have a small amount of garbage after a meal, fat from the pan and other small amounts of garbage.
I put a [clean] dog bag in my two-cup measuring cup and put the garbage or grease or other liquids that I don’t want to get down into the bag. I tie it up and throw it in the trash bag. It’s so much cleaner than throwing it in the trash and less smelly.
– Judy M., by e-mail
Dear Héloise: I drink black iced tea all year round, and a few years ago I discovered that if I used an extra tea bag and filtered tap water, I would get cold brewed iced tea. perfect overnight in the fridge. It is not a concentrate, like cold brewed coffee (no dilution necessary).
What makes this tea on top of hot tea or hot tea is that it has absolutely no bitterness – just a full flavor. It heats in the microwave to get the best hot black tea I have ever had. My husband, who always sweetens his hot tea, finds it useless with this tea.
– So Cal Tea Lover, by e-mail
Cal tea lover: Aren’t the teas and coffees refreshing and soothing? Whether hot or iced, these drinks are delicious all year round. And filtered tap water can also brighten up the flavor. I have compiled a collection of my favorite coffee and tea recipes in a handy brochure; would you like to receive one? It’s easy! Visit Heloise.com to order or send a long stamped envelope (70 cents), mailed to you, with $ 3, to: Heloise / Coffee & Tea, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX, 78279-5001. For info: Keep the coffee grounds for mulch or put it in the trash. Do not throw them in the trash.
Dear Héloise: Walkers can be used as shopping carts. Just lift the seat from the walker and use the basket underneath. I also keep a cardboard box in the trunk of my car. I put it on the seat when I buy more than there will be in the basket. Work for me!
– Bernadette D., by e-mail
Dear Héloise: Why don’t the clothing manufacturers of coats and jackets line up the sleeves, which makes it easier to go over three-quarter sleeves or thick sweaters? It’s annoying to try to put an unlined sleeve on clothes.
– Judy by email
Héloise’s column appears six days a week on washingtonpost.com/advice. Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or email it to [email protected].