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Dear Heloise: Up until my 50s, nothing was more relaxing than reading in a very hot tub of water. However, since then, there is no way that I can get out of the tub, even with grab bars. Now I just take a shower and accept that I'm getting old. I'm in my 80s.-- Donna, in The Villages, Florida
Donna, have you tried a shower stool? You can sit down and relax while getting clean. Like you, I, too, enjoy the feeling of hot water flowing down my back. But a slippery tub is just too dangerous for me and thousands of others.-- Heloise
EUROPEAN BEDS
Dear Heloise: I was reading a letter in the Dayton Daily News about the lady whose mother had trouble getting out of bed due to the height of the bed. When we lived in Germany, all the beds were lower. They don't "do" box springs. They had a flat bottom cover that went over the slats and then had the regular mattress.
It made so much sense, as it was so easy to get in and out of the bed. It didn't sacrifice any comfort. As a matter of fact, I found it more comfortable than all the American beds I've ever slept on.-- Sandy Doerr, via email
Sandy, if possible, it's always good to go to a mattress store before buying a bed and test as many options as possible. I never thought that I'd like a platform bed, but I tried one and liked it. It's what I ended up buying!-- Heloise
LOVE PACKAGES
Dear Heloise: Those who are asking about how and where to dispose of Bibles, sunday school literature, tracts, etc., can do so with the Love Packages organization that is located in Decatur, Alabama, and Butler, Pennsylvania, with various drop-off locations. This literature is sent to pastors and missionaries in different parts of the world. You can learn more and/or contact them at LovePackages.org or 217-532-6701.-- Gene F., via email
PET-FREE HOTEL ROOMS
Dear Heloise: As a pet lover, I'm sure that you'll be able to address this issue. With so many hotels accepting pets, how does one with allergies cope? My experience is that pet owners often leave their pets alone in hotel rooms. The pets are nervous in new surroundings and often have accidents.
This odor and the allergy-affecting dander that stays in the room have made it almost impossible for me and others I know to travel! Do you have any suggestions? The majority of hotels generally do not guarantee that the room has been pet-free.-- Janice, via email
Janice, you bring up an interesting issue that I’m sure others with allergies have to think about. First, if you smell dog or cat urine in your room, you should call the front desk and request a different room. When it comes to animal dander, well, the maids can vacuum all day and still not get it all. However, this would also be a good reason to ask for a different room if you start coughing or sneezing. You might also try calling ahead and asking the hotel if it has any pet-free rooms.
Well, readers, I’d love to hear if any of you travelers have had a problem with hotel rooms that once housed pets. Let us know here at Heloise@Heloise.com.-- Heloise
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.