Dear Readers: We recently printed a hint (that has been printed many, many times) from a reader about leaving keys in the office refrigerator as a reminder not to forget a perishable item.
Joanne L. of Garden Grove, Calif., wrote with an interesting opinion. Here's what she said: "Leaving keys in a shared (work site, etc.) refrigerator is a terrible idea! Any office might have a thief, or outsiders (delivery folks, concession-machine attendants, even gardeners or repair personnel) who have access to the refrigerator. They might take the food without realizing they have someone's keys! It's also possible that an honest employee could mistake your bag for his or hers, and drive off with your keys, leaving you stranded or even locked out of the building!
"A MUCH better idea is to put a large paper clip or snap clasp on your key ring, then write yourself a reminder on a piece of paper large enough to catch your attention and attach it. I have done this for years, and it works.
"You also might have business (or organizational) keys on your personal key ring. If your keys are stolen, the thief then has access to the business or organizational building (school, church, etc.), as well as your personal car, home and so on. Any employer or supervisor who observes employees leaving key rings in the refrigerator should put an end to the practice immediately."
Heloise here: A very good point indeed, and I guess it depends on the office or workplace. Some are small, while others are large!
I've been to several manufacturing plants where they have more than one refrigerator. One even had a sign on each fridge that said "This refrigerator gets cleaned out on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday!"
Here's another caution from a column reader: "I read the hint about putting keys in your groceries in the refrigerator at work so you wouldn't forget to take the groceries home. That sounds great, but beware of co-workers who take it upon themselves to clean out the fridge ... with no notice. Your keys could end up in the trash."
Thanks for the input. — Heloise
Dear Readers: With e-mail and text-messaging popular, we might forget to take the time to write a note or letter. Rereading letters from parents and grandparents can help people learn about their family histories: romances, births, graduations, weddings and deaths!
Write a short note or letter to someone you care about. You just might brighten the person's day! class="boldText">— Heloise
Dear Heloise: It is recommended that we discard our mascara after three months. When I buy a new tube, I put a sticker on the bottom with the month when I should replace it. It really helps. — Carla in California
Carla, this is a general guideline from the industry. If you don't use your mascara much, then it will last longer. However, if it gets clumpy, thick or smells funny, it needs to be tossed out! — Heloise
Dear Heloise: When visiting relatives in a nursing home, take family photo albums, with pictures of family reunions, vacations, weddings and graduations. They help create some bright moments. — A Reader in San Angelo, Texas
Dear Heloise: Instead of spending a lot of money on plastic containers for gift-wrapping paper, a 5-gallon paint bucket that has been thoroughly cleaned will hold several rolls. Also, you can buy tool aprons for these buckets at many hardware stores. These aprons wrap around the bucket and are held in place with snaps. The various pouches on the apron can hold scissors, tape, ribbon, gift tags and various other supplies needed. Plus, the bucket has a handle for toting around. — Carolyn in Texas
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.