Dear Readers: Children need to be very cautious when getting on and off a school bus. The U.S. Depart-ment of Trans-portation has reminded us that it's time to be "SAFE" with these suggestions:
STAY five steps away from the curb.
ALWAYS wait for the bus driver to signal you when to board.
FACE forward after sitting down on the bus.
EXIT the bus when it stops completely; look left-right-left and take those five steps back onto the curb.
Children should always listen to the school bus driver's instructions. - Heloise
Fried Fish Fix
Dear Heloise: I like to cook fish on my outdoor gas grill, but I don't want the fish to fall through the grate into the flame. To solve the problem, I use a splatter guard screen like I use on my frying pan.
I just spray it with nonstick spray and put the fish on that, then right on the grill. Problem solved! - Charles in Schertz, Texas
No Soap
Dear Heloise: I have an HE washing machine (low water use). Because my family uses bath gels, we have trouble with insufficient rinsing and/or stiff towels in our laundry, so I use NO detergent and very little fabric softener. The towels come out nice, fluffy and absorbent. - Pat C., Palermo, Maine
Convenient Computer
Dear Heloise: I like to move around when I use my laptop computer. I put it on a cafeteria tray to keep it steady and the airflow clear.
I can put handy things there, like glasses, pencil, sticky notes, earbuds and a flash drive. Good to go! - A Reader, via email
Jam On It
Dear Heloise: When fruits are in season, I purchase them. We eat some, then I put them in my blender and pulverize them. Next, I measure how many cups I need to make jam. I put them in bags or containers and put them in the freezer.
I only make one batch at a time. When I'm ready to make more, I thaw the pulp and make another batch. It's better made fresh instead of having several batches on hand. - Edna H., Prattville, Ala.
Virgin Olive Oil Defined
Dear Readers: Olive oil is sometimes defined as "virgin" or "extra virgin." What do these terms mean?
It's in the production method. Virgin olive oil is extracted from olives by an automated method only; no heat or chemicals are used. This results in a more flavorful oil.
Extra virgin olive oil simply means it is a better-quality olive oil. - Heloise
Wrinkle Remover
Dear Heloise: I had several cotton/polyester blouses that were wrinkled. Instead of dragging out the ironing board, I spritzed each one with cold water from a spray bottle. The wrinkles fell out, and the blouses were ready to wear when they dried. - Sue, via email
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to HeloiseHeloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate