Dear Readers: Today, and every day, we celebrate mothers for their selfless love and dedication to their families. Mother's Day is a special time to remember these marvelous women.
Take some time tomorrow to honor Mom!-Heloise
A WEIGHTY SUBJECT
Dear Heloise: In my exercise class, we are required to bring our own free weights. This can mean lugging 30-plus pounds of weights!
We discovered rolling tool bags from a big-box hardware store. This bag has an extra-wide mouth and base; the dumbbells are distributed evenly in the bag. This makes lifting the bag in and out of a car easier.-Deborah in Aberdeen, Md.
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Mary H. in Arlington, Va., sent a picture of her two roommates-Zoe the boxer and Bernie the Lab. Mary drapes a sheet over their bed, which is easier to launder than a huge stuffed pillow!
To see Zoe and Bernie, visit Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week."-Heloise
CLEANING
A BIRDBATH
Dear Heloise: Is there anything that can be used in a birdbath to cut down on the stains and not hurt the birds?-Edda B., Williamsport, Md.
Edda, yes, we must take care of our feathered friends! A great, nontoxic cleaner is one of my faves-Baking soda! Sprinkle a small amount in an empty birdbath, and add enough water to make a paste. Scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse thoroughly. Then fill with fresh water.-Heloise
WAYS TO SERVE
Dear Heloise: For taking cupcakes or cookies to school, I use a flat cardboard tray that canned beverages come in. The tray is a convenient size, and can just be tossed afterward. To make it look festive, cut a strip of colorful paper to glue around the outside.
For serving grapes, I cut the stem into pieces with the grapes attached. That way, when someone reaches for a grape, he or she can take a little sprig, and the whole bunch doesn't get picked over.-J.R. in Alaska
King Features Syndicate