Identify yourself
Dear Readers: Today’s SOUND OFF is about how the phone is answered at some businesses:
“People who work at businesses should clearly identify themselves and the business or service where they work. When I worked, I responded with: ‘Hello, this is (my first name and the name of the business).’
“With so many people using cellphones, because of digital technology, often the first syllable spoken is lost in transmission. If someone answers with a short name, it is unintelligible if they don’t use that old reliable word ‘Hello’ first.
“I read your column in the Houston Chronicle on my tablet, even though I live far from Houston now.” — Eric Z., Alpine, Texas
Eric, you are right. It only takes a few seconds to say “Hello, Eric Z. here, EZC Company.” — HELOISE HERE: Goodbye!
TRAVEL HINT — FEWER CLOTHES
Dear Heloise: You had given a great hint for storing dress scarves around paper-towel tubes.
To enhance that, try wrapping numerous scarves you want to take on a trip around a paper-towel roll. You don’t need as many blouses/tops, since you can take a plethora of scarves.
Then gently push them inside a “knee-high” hosiery (with its mate stuffed in the tube) so they don’t get disturbed in the luggage. — Vicki M., Fredericksburg, Va.
Scarves can change the look of an outfit in a minute! A white/black/red blouse can look like several different ones with a scarf tied, wrapped or draped over the blouse. — Heloise
SHOP AND SAVE MONEY
Dear Heloise: I used to walk the grocery aisles deciding my needs for the week and purchasing items I thought I would use that week.
I’ve learned that if I plan meals, make a list of the needed items and stick to the plan, I have plenty of food for the week. Also, my bill is ALWAYS between $50 and $100 cheaper.
A bonus is that this takes out the guessing game I played trying to figure out “What’s for dinner?” — Bea C., Paradise Valley, Ariz.
SOAKING AN ITCH
Dear Readers: If you get an itch or rash after swimming or wading in lakes or ponds, it’s not all in your head! It’s caused by tiny little parasites that can be in the water, usually fresh water. Do rinse off in fresh, clean water, and dry well with a towel.
Still itching? Over-the-counter medications for allergies will help relieve the itching. Home remedies include one of my faves — baking soda. The other old-fashioned one is regular oatmeal (not brown-sugar flavored!), or even Epsom salts. Soak in a tub of cool/warm water, with a cup or so of any of the above added. — Heloise