Hints from Heloise: Time to say no to the mooch

Dear Readers: Today’s sound off is about “moochers” who constantly borrow from others.

“Dear Heloise: My sister is a ‘moocher.’ I don’t have much contact with her because she always wants something of mine, and no matter what it is, it’s something she could afford to buy on her own. When we go to lunch, she never has any money on her, so naturally I pay.

When we go shopping, she needs a pair of shoes but is $20 short for the pair that ‘fit like a glove.’ She drops by for a visit in the afternoon and stays for dinner, usually boxing up the leftovers and taking them home. She has a decent job, making a good income for a single woman, but she always seems broke.

“Today was the final straw. She asked me to pay her water bill, but went on to tell me she just spent well over a hundred dollars on a rock concert ticket. My sister is 27 years old, and it’s time she grew up.” — C.W. in Dallas

C.W., it’s time to start saying “no” to her requests, no matter how much she claims she needs it. If things are that difficult, she could take on a second job. Many people do. — Heloise

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Here are some new uses for old drapes:

— Make into a table runner or place mats.

— Roll them up and use as pretty draft-stoppers at the bottom of doors.

— Make a tote out of them.

— Heloise

FLOWERS

Dear Heloise: My mother taught me how to keep cut flowers alive longer than just a couple of days. I add a few drops of vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in the vase. It makes them last a lot longer. — Maddie R., LaFollette, Tenn.

MILK

Dear Heloise: You should always keep your milk on the bottom shelf in the back to keep it from spoiling. If your milk is in front of the fridge or in the door, it will spoil quicker, as it is not as cold there. Since I started putting my milk where a repairman suggested, I have not had any spoiled milk. I have had milk way past the expiration date, and it is still good. — Janie in Hagerstown, Md.

ANTIQUE CHRISTENING GOWN

Dear Heloise: I have an antique christening gown, which was handmade by my great-grandmother. It’s been used by babies in my family for generations. I want to have it cleaned and then have it framed, but I’m terrified to wash it. My husband suggested hand-washing it in mild detergent and then laying it out to dry. However, I’m worried that it’s too frail to wash. How do I clean this heirloom? — Hannah D., Greenville, N.C.

Hannah, something that special needs very careful cleaning. Try to find a dry cleaner that specializes in cleaning antique garments. I wouldn’t recommend washing it because it might shrink or the weave of the fabric might be damaged. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795001

San Antonio, TX 78279-5001

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com