HINTS FROM HELOISE

DEAR READERS:

It’s springtime and the growing season will soon be upon us. Are you looking to spruce up your yard with flowers or trees? There’s a consideration you need to make.

When digging, there could be a risk of damaging underground power lines, water mains, cable and telecom lines, and natural gas lines that may run through your property. To be sure of their location, you should call 811, a number the Federal Communications Commission established to “call before you dig.”

You must call 811 at least two working days before you dig. The utilities that have underground lines near your dig site will come out and mark the lines with paint or a flag. You must leave 18 inches on either side of the marked lines when you dig.

Also, call 811 if you’ve already dug and uncovered or damaged a utility line. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

— Heloise P.S. By the way, try planting a tree in a square hole to help prevent the roots from getting bound. Give it a whirl!

DEAR READERS: In today’s world, where everyone is on the go all the time, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sit back, relax and just read a good book.

Scrolling, watching super-fast videos and “liking” random people’s opinions have replaced page-turning and wonderment. Too quick and fleeting, social media on our cellphones doesn’t afford us the chance to relax and unwind.

When the opportunity arises, settle in and reach for a book. Let your mind take a vacation from the everyday pressures of life.

Experts agree that reading a book helps us widen our perspectives and empathize with others. Don’t become so busy that you forget the simple joy of reading a good book.

— Heloise DEAR HELOISE: My hint is for people who are irritated by the sock seam that runs across the tops of your toes. It seems that even the more expensive socks have it these days.

I simply turn my socks inside out! No one is the wiser. The only socks this doesn’t work with are some intricately woven ones.

— Marsha, Blairs Mills, PA DEAR HELOISE: I read your column every day. I have a message to detergent makers: Most of us do not have laundry rooms like on TV with lots of windows and sunshine streaming in. In my laundry room, the measurement lines on detergent bottle caps are difficult to see when they are a dark color. Clear is best, but white works too.

— Lynette H. in Ohio DEAR HELOISE: After keeping house for 58 years, and even establishing an “orphan sock drawer,” I realized if I put all the socks in a sweater laundry bag they would all match up. No more discovering socks in fitted sheets, etc.

— Wynn in Alabama SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000 Fax: (210) HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

Copyright 2020

King Features Syndicate Inc.