Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: One day my gardener forgot to bring his portable fertilizer spreader for our lawn, so I suggested we use my metal kitchen colander.

He was skeptical it would work as well, but it did. It worked great. The holes were big enough for a light spread, just the right amount. In no time the job was done. The gardener was truly amazed. Angela Joy, Ventura, Calif.

Boy, that was quick thinking. I would be a little cautious, though, in using the colander again for food products. I would save that colander for fertilizing and buy a new one for the kitchen. Thanks for the hint. - Heloise

Dear Heloise: After rinsing a head of lettuce to store in the refrigerator, roll it in a cloth towel before storing it in a plastic container. It stays fresh much longer. - Loretta Pigg, Sacramento, Calif.