Hints From Heloise: The business is in front of you

Dear Heloise: I am submitting one of my pet peeves. When I am in a store and the salesperson is in the process of waiting on me, the phone rings, and he or she chooses to interrupt my transaction to hold an extended conversation with the party on the phone. When a salesperson tells the caller to hold and continues to wait on me, I always compliment him or her for taking care of the business at hand, rather than talking further with the person telephoning. I believe that all employers should stress this to their employees. -- A Reader in Texas

This is a common complaint, and one I’ve addressed before in my column. It’s a Catch-22! The salesperson should be instructed about how management wants this handled. -- Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

E-mail:

WILDFIRE READY

Dear Heloise: We had a large wildfire in our area. Knowing how fast we may have to move out, I packed a large rolling suitcase with my photo albums and locked it in my car. I have a duffel bag packed with a couple of sets of comfortable clothes, my medical history, a flash drive with backup computer files and my address list. In case we have to evacuate, I have an empty suitcase in which to put my medications, a pillow, a blanket and my purse. I’ll also throw in the county and state maps that I’m using to follow the progression of the fire and would need in order to plan my escape route. -- Loretta in Texas

Loretta, great for you to be so prepared. Fires can spread so quickly -- you can’t waste time gathering things. Make sure to include cellphone chargers, some extra cash and a little food and water, just to be safe. -- Heloise

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Other uses for a vegetable peeler:

* Make thin cheese slices for a salad.

* Shape a candle.

* Remove celery strings.

* Make chocolate shavings.

* Sharpen pencils or crayons.

-- Heloise

DOGGIE DIAPERS

Dear Heloise: I have a dog who occasionally needs to wear a diaper due to incontinence problems. I have found that just buying regular baby diapers is much cheaper than purchasing the ones designed specifically for dogs. I get more for my money, and all I have to do is cut a small hole for her tail. -- Brenda in New Mexico

BRAND-NEW COAT

Dear Heloise: I have several lawn decorations that quickly fade in the San Antonio sun. Rather than replace them with new ones, I purchased several colors of inexpensive craft paint, used my children’s small brushes, and with a little time and effort, the decorative items look brand-new. The final coat was clear shellac to seal the colors. -- Connie in San Antonio

CALL SPACE

Dear Heloise: Whenever I write an appointment on my calendar, I always include the person’s phone number in the calendar space. This way, should something come up where I have to change or cancel the appointment, I don’t have to go nuts searching for the phone number. -- Rosalie in Virginia

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate