Dear Heloise: When composing an email, write the entire message, review it, then fill in the recipient’s name. This avoids unintentionally sending the wrong message to the wrong person. (I learned this the hard way.) — Jeanne T., in Cleveland, Ohio

JUST ROLLING ALONG

Dear Heloise: In reference to Nita H., in Westbrook, Maine, who asked about cleaning wooden rolling pins, here is another take on the subject. The inside mechanism is a well-oiled machine, so I was always told that it should not be put in water. It ruins the metal rolling parts and keeps them from operating correctly.

Just like the pan to your bread machine isn’t supposed to be submerged in water, neither should the rolling pin. So, I usually wipe it well with a paper towel, then maybe use a damp, soapy, wrung-out dishcloth if needed. Then I just dry it with another paper or cloth towel. I love your column! — J.L.K., in Wyoming

J.L.K., thanks for your hint. I just take the scratchy side of a sponge, wet it, and pour a little dishwashing soap on it. Then I scrub the roller on the outside. I also use the sponge to wipe off the soap and finally dry it on a paper towel. I still have and use my mother’s rolling pin, which she received as a gift before her wedding. — Heloise

TANGLED APRONS

Dear Heloise: I just read about Carolyn’s trouble with washing her aprons and having them get tangled. She could try pinning a safety pin to each strap and to the side of the apron. If the strap is still too long, double the strap back and pin it again. — Brenda V., via email

Brenda, she could also dry her aprons on a line outside. — Heloise

WATERMELON SAVES THE DAY

Dear Heloise: My son-in-law works in a factory that is not air-conditioned. The hot temps are brutal and make him very thirsty. So, my daughter started putting watermelon pieces in his lunch, and things changed for the better.

For whatever reason, watermelon actually controls a person’s thirst more than water. Maybe this is an ancient and well-known remedy. We wanted to share because it made the summer factory work bearable for her hubby. — Sue B., in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Sue, watermelon has some diuretic properties. However, watermelon is 92% water, according to the National Watermelon Promotion Board and is often recommended for people after an intense workout.

It also contains electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium and contributes to a person’s overall hydration in hot weather. Add to this the fact that ice-cold watermelon tastes great on a hot day. — Heloise

TOO MUCH PERFUME

Dear Heloise: Please add restaurants, movies, concerts and churches (there are likely more) to the list of places to avoid wearing scents to. We need to keep remembering the phrase “we are a society with no scents” and keep the fragrance to a minimum.

I sat next to a dear friend at a group dinner last night. I knew immediately I wouldn’t enjoy my meal because all I could smell was her heavy, perfumed, almost powdery scent. It is really sickening to those of us who are sensitive to scents to be in the situation, especially when you can’t move to another seat and know that a migraine will be coming. — Elaine A., via email

Elaine, I usually just give one spray to the back of my neck before I dress. This way, I only give off a faint scent as I walk by someone. A little perfume or cologne goes a long way. — Heloise

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Heloise@Heloise.com