Rooms need more racks
Dear Readers: Here’s this week’s SOUND OFF, about luggage racks.
“Many people read your column, and I would like to make a public request: All lodging-type establishments should provide two luggage racks in every room.
“Many people travel alone and probably need only one, but as a frequently traveling couple, each of us would like to have one.
“We shouldn’t have to reserve a room with two beds so that we can have one for our luggage, but we often do.” — Pat K., Cypress, Texas
Pat, I feel your pain, because when my husband, David, and I travel, he ends up putting his things on a chair. Sometimes I use a luggage rack, and other times I don’t. When traveling alone, I, too, ask for two double beds, and the second one becomes my extra desk.
Request an extra rack when you check in, or pull out the ironing board, set it up against a wall and voila — extra space! It may depend on the hotel/motel; generally, the lower-priced places don’t have them. It does cost the establishment to put one in every room, and two would make the cost of your room go up! Some “guests” will steal ANYTHING from a motel room that is not tied or anchored down! — Heloise (Too many miles and too many hotels!)
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:
Heloise
P.O. Box 795000
San Antonio, TX 78279-5000
Fax: 1-210-HELOISE
Email: Heloise(at)Heloise.com
FAST FACTS
Dear Readers: Here are other uses for old, clean pantyhose:
n In the garden to tie plants.
n As a paint strainer.
n To keep wrapping-paper rolls from unwinding.
n Cut into circular segments and use as hair ties.
n As an exercise band!
— Heloise
VERSATILE JACKET
Dear Readers: It’s time for festivals, craft shows and women’s shows. Years ago, I found a beautiful, quilted, lightweight jacket — blue, green, sort of patchwork, with lovely beading and some netting. It screamed “Me!”
I looked closely and discovered that the quilted jacket was well-lined with a beautiful turquoise fabric, the seams were finished, and I thought, “Hmmm.” I turned it inside out and discovered I could wear it with the lining side out. All I did was carefully clip the tag from the neck area.
I got two jackets for the price of one — great for travel! When shopping, check handmade and commercial items. They may serve double duty. — Heloise
SHELF MILK
Dear Heloise: A friend told me about milk that doesn’t need to be refrigerated until opened. Is the nutritional value different from refrigerated milk? Can it be used in place of regular milk? — Betty F., Victoria, Texas
Yes, it can. It’s been around a long time; you may just now be hearing about it. Packaged in a special container, it can sit on the shelf for up to six months. After opening, it needs to be refrigerated and used within 10 to 14 days. And yes, it does have the same nutritional value as “regular milk.” — Heloise
REPOT PLANTS
Dear Heloise: When I repot plants, I cut up a foam egg carton and put the pieces in the bottom. No extra weight. — Green Thumb, via email