Heloise 6/13

June 3, 2026 Updated Fri., June 5, 2026 at 8:31 p.m.

Dear Heloise: My husband enjoys feeding birds. We also have a lot of squirrels. The squirrels used to climb up the pole and eat the birdseed. So, he put a slinky on the pole, and the squirrels won’t climb up the pole anymore. Problem solved! – Margaret, in Griffith, Indiana

Dear Heloise: When I know that I’m going to have company, I put a new roll of toilet paper on the holder. I put paper towels in the guest bathrooms, and I crumple up a towel and put it in the trash basket to encourage their use. An old rule: When not in use, put down the lid on the commode. This is what the lid is for. – M.T.B., in Alabama

Dear Heloise: For Tanya, who’s suffering from dry hair, please consider changing up your whole routine. All those strokes create friction. Brush your hair as minimally as possible with a lot of finger-styling/detangling. Be gentle with your hairbrush strokes. Your regular maintenance should include a more relaxed washing schedule (every two to three days), cooler water, a sulfate-free shampoo, and a good conditioner.

Use a heat-protectant spray or cream before blow-drying your hair, concentrate on drying at the root, and use a low setting to finish. Then apply a finishing serum, concentrating on the ends. A nighttime serum can be beneficial as well. Good luck! – Cindy L., via email

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