Tips from Heloise: Getting the last bit out of almost empty bottles, driving in bad weather and more

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Dear Héloise: I read with interest the letter from Julie G. of Tucson, Arizona, about being overwhelmed with letters from charities. My mother, God rest her soul, received ‘begging letters’ from every religious charity and unfortunately gave money to many of them.

When she passed away, I thought writing “deceased” on the envelope and putting it back in the mailbox would solve the problem. This was not the case. I asked my postal company. He said unless the item is sent to you via first class mail, it will not be returned to the sender. It will be thrown away at your post office. Most requests are sent via bulk or third class mail, so the post office is not obligated to return it to the sender.

Now (after three and a half years) when I receive something addressed to my mother, I open it to see if there is a stamped envelope inside. If so, I will write a note on the returns form and send it back: “Ms. X died three years ago. Please update your details.” So far it seems to have worked! — Kathie Hook, New Cumberland, PA

WOMEN PUSHING CARTS

Dear Héloïse: I wanted to write another response to the reader who was outraged by women pushing their own shopping carts. Since his retirement, my husband has often been at the market with me. But pushing the cart provides support for my recently replaced knees and my wobbly back. I can then walk the aisles with my list while he searches for the perfect hot sauce or a new imported beer.

Honestly, it reminds me of being at the market with my kids when they were young! (Except this one lifts the heavy stuff.) — Sally Miller, Belmont Shore, California

ALMOST EMPTY BOTTLES

Dear Héloise: I have several bottles of my favorite lotion at home. When the level is so low that it no longer comes out of the pump, I take the lid off and place it in my microwave for 30 seconds until it becomes very ‘liquid’. It pours easily into another bottle and when cooled it has the same consistency. And then I recycle the empty bottle! — Pat M., via email

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER

Dear Héloise: I’m what most companies call a ‘road warrior’ because my job requires me to travel in all weather conditions. I usually go by car, so I like to be prepared for bad weather.

If any of your readers are traveling by car in snowy weather, I highly recommend that you bring a well-insulated sleeping bag (to stay warm), bottled water, food and energy bars, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and anything else to carry with you. to take. read. It could save their lives. — FC, in Pennsylvania

PET FRIEND

Dear Héloise: Here is a photo of our very stubborn cat, Zara. She is 13 years old and has helped us raise three dogs, who quickly learned that Zara is in charge. — Karen Kirkpatrick, via email

Readers, to see Zara and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on ‘Pet of the Week’.