Heloise

Dear Heloise: Thank you for the time-saving, informative and interesting hints that you and your faithful readers have been providing us with for years.

Recently, there have been a couple of suggestions regarding loading the dishwasher, and I would like to add my two cents. As a family of two, we rinse our silverware and dishes before placing them in the dishwasher as we may not run it for a couple of days. Thanks to my days as a motion and time study analyst, I learned how to save time whenever possible, which leads me to my hint:

It takes the same amount of time to place an item in the dishwasher regardless of where you place it. If you “nest” the silverware, as well as your dinner plates, bread plates, bowls, etc., you can quickly unload the dishwasher with less motion and use up less time. Very rarely is something not thoroughly cleaned.

I have used this technique for years, and now the habit of doing so enables my recently blinded husband to easily unload the dishwasher. This helps him feel useful, which is priceless. — Kathleen, in Foster, Rhode Island

BERRY STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I wash my berries and store them in the refrigerator in glass jars. They seem to keep for much longer this way than with other methods. — Nelly B., via email

BOILING EGGS

Dear Heloise: The simplest way to boil eggs is to put your eggs in a pan of unheated water, then bring the water to a boil. At this point, the eggs are roughly the same temperature as the water and are ready to eat if you like soft-boiled eggs.

To firm up the egg yolk, turn the burner off and let the eggs stay in the hot water. They will continue to cook to the hardness you like. Maybe wait for a minute or two, then pour the water off and let the eggs cool until you are ready to eat.

I believe this to be a most efficient and predictable way to cook your eggs. Thanks for all your hints. — Keith, in Lincoln, Nebraska

SCARE AWAY SCAM CALLS

Dear Heloise: I just read the hint from Lois R., in St. Paul, Minnesota, about stringing along an obvious phone scam. I’ve done something similar, but what I’ve said is, “Oh, I’m so glad someone called me. I’m so lonely.” It usually results in the caller quickly hanging up! And come to think of it, I haven’t had any scam calls since.

I read you every day in the Rutland Herald. — Jane L., in Rutland, Vermont

MEDICATION STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I read your hints in the Sheridan Press. I am writing about the deliveryman who stole medication after asking to use the restroom while installing a dishwasher. He was told that he could.

What I do with my prescription drugs is this: I do not put them in the restroom cabinet; I have them in my bedroom in a box. Hope this hint gets printed. — Connie, in Sheridan, Wyoming

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 when it’s made fresh instead of having several batches on hand. — Edna H., in Prattville, Alabama

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Heloise@Heloise.com