Dear Readers: Today's Sound On is related to the "sweets day" at the end of this month. While there are many people who don't care for Halloween, it's nonetheless a time that many children look forward to with great anticipation!
For those of you who welcome "treaters," consider these points:
- Don't hand out any homemade edibles. While it's a good gesture on your part, conscientious parents won't let their children consume them unless they know you.
- Keep your area well-lit, replacing any burned-out bulbs.
- Remove any items in their path that may cause them to trip or fall.
- If you prefer not to give candy, consider giving out stickers, erasers, pencils or anything you can find in bulk that children might enjoy getting.
With that said, from Halloween on, it's only 3 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving, and eight weeks until Christmas!-Heloise
FAST FACTS
Dear Readers: Here is a list of other items besides candy that you can give to children during the evening of Oct. 31:
- Mini modeling-dough containers.
- A mix of inexpensive Halloween-themed plastic glow-in-the-dark toys.
- Themed pencils and/or mini notepads and stickers.
- Inexpensive little books from thrift or dollar stores.
- Mini pretzel bags.
-Heloise
COUPON UPDATE
Dear Heloise: I'm not sure which store the reader was referring to in Texas in a recent hint, but I have an idea it's the same one that I work for in Ohio.
As a cashier, as well as a crafter, I understand customers' frustrations regarding all of the coupon exclusions. Rather than strain your eyes, please call the store or ask an employee, and they'll be happy to help!
Just remember, please don't take out any frustrations on the employees or managers. As with any chain, corporate makes the policies, not them!-Randi F., via email
Randi, thanks for reminding us that the "little guy" is not to blame. So often, people take out their frustrations on the first available person!-Heloise
LETTER OF LAUGHTER
Dear Readers: Reminiscing over the funny letters that have come in through the years, I came across this one, and it still made me laugh. A young mother wrote, back in 2010: "To get rid of that little bulge around the middle, I have begun doing situps.
"Not having the type of couch or chair to tuck my toes under to help keep my legs down, my little toddler volunteered her services. Now, at exercise time, she sits on my feet and helps me count my 25 situps.
"This is helping her to learn to count, too: 'one (groan),' 'two (ugh),' 'three (oof),' 'four (moan),' etc."
Priceless!-Heloise
MICROWAVE PLATE
Dear Heloise: My microwave broke, and I can't find it in myself to get rid of that nice glass plate inside it. Any hints?-Leticia, via email
Consider placing it under a large planter, or placing it under the coffee maker in case of water spills. Or place it on top of flat surfaces in the home as a catchall piece.-Heloise
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:
Heloise
P.O. Box 795000
San Antonio, TX 78279-5000
Fax: 1-210-HELOISE
Email: [email protected]
King Features Syndicate