Apr 29, 2018 3 min read

Dear Heloise: I’d like to propose using a new word, the verb “PORCHING” (from the noun “porch”), meaning “The action of sitting down for a friendly visit with somebody on your or their porch”; e.g., when asked what I am/was doing, I answer, “I am/was porching with so-and-so.”

What do you think? Try it for a while to get the feel of it. I did. — M.D.A., via email

I love it! A great way to get to know the neighbors and keep an eye on the goings-on on your block! — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Ruth D. in Manchester, N.H., shared a picture of her gorgeous black-and-white cat, Mali, in front of some lovely lilacs. Ruth says Mali is the light of her life. Our pets enrich our lives so much, don’t you agree?

To see Mali and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise

FAMILY AFFAIR

Dear Heloise: My kids and I always have fun cleaning the house on Saturday mornings. As soon as we are done, we go to the library, movies, swimming or bowling.

We have two rules:

1) My middle daughter makes the cleaning schedule. Each child has one chore per month, and then they rotate chores. She’s better at keeping everybody on their toes than I am.

2) If any child wants to visit a friend, or if they want a friend to come over, our house has to be clean. The one who wants to visit or receive visitors has to do most of the cleaning!

— Theresa N., Colorado Springs, Colo.

AT THE CAR WASH …

Dear Heloise: Here’s my method for washing the car:

* I get a bucket, add car wash liquid and place it on the side of the driveway when it’s pouring rain.

* I back the car out of the garage.

* I use a towel, dipped into the liquid, and I wipe down the car.

* I rinse.

* I pull the car back into the garage, and, using a chamois cloth, dry off the roof first, then the rest of the car and the windows. — J. Lynch, The Villages, Fla.

I love the reuse of the rainwater. Say hello to all my friends in The Villages! — Heloise

HINT FROM HIM

Dear Heloise: There’s always some liquid soap left at the bottom of the bottle, because the straw is too short to pump all of it. I solved this problem by getting a plastic straw and snipping an inch and a half at a slight angle.

I slide the piece over the pump straw until it reaches to the end. Now I can use all of the soap instead of having to pour it out, dripping like molasses, onto my hand. No more wasting liquid soap. — John E., via email

ASK AWAY!

Dear Heloise: If I find an item in the store with a tiny flaw, I ask the cashier if I can have a discount. They usually are authorized to give about a 10 percent discount on slightly damaged merchandise. — Kelly M. in Ohio