Lunch with the lonely
Dear Heloise: Each holiday season, there are more lonely people. For them, Thanksgiving and Christmas are just regular days, but even lonelier. It’s awful.
This could be your neighbor. Some of us dread holidays because we have no family, and friends are with their relatives. We usually eat a TV dinner by ourselves.
Solution: We would be ecstatic to go out for breakfast or lunch. Then you can join your family for dinner.
Please print and help us enjoy the holidays. — Lonely and Alone in Placentia, Calif.
Dear Lonely: Your handwritten note to me really pulled at my heart. You did not sign it, so I had to guess where you live by your return address. Readers, it appears it’s a retirement community.
I’m writing to “Lonely and Alone” here, as well as to others who may feel the same. It can be depressing to be lonely during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and other holidays.
If you feel like this, reach out! There are others like you, and they welcome company, too. Readers, offer to help others where you live, or volunteer at an animal or other shelter. Check on neighbors, co-workers or friends who may be alone. Invite them over for coffee and cookies, or take them to breakfast or lunch. It won’t take much time or money.
Offer a small holiday plant or baked goods (or store-bought) — ask what they might like. Just make contact! Even if they decline, they’ll know someone cares. — Hugs, Heloise
REUSING SILICA
GEL PACKS
Dear Heloise: My question: Those small packs that they put in pill bottles and electronics to keep the moisture at bay — can they be reused? I’ve heard both yes and no. — Jim M., Mingo Junction, Ohio
Yes, they can. These little silica gel packs are perfect for the following:
n Tuck several in a box of envelopes to keep them from sticking.
n Slip them in with important papers to keep them dry.
Readers, other hints? — Heloise
PERFECTLY ROUND EGG SANDWICH
Dear Heloise: To make the perfect-size egg for a muffin-and-egg sandwich, cook the egg as normal. Place a glass upside down on the egg and twist. The same can be done for the cheese. Place the excess pieces of egg and cheese on the sandwich. — Mike W., via email
MAKE IT LAST
Dear Heloise: Those plastic miniature “Frequent Buyer” scanning cards fall apart after they are on your key ring for a while. Problem solved: I laminate both sides, and they last much longer. Less wear and tear. — Timothy T., Harrisburg, Pa.