Hints from Heloise: Keep eye on purse at grocery stores

Dear Heloise: I recently read the hint in your column for grocery-shopping safety. I have been practicing these hints for years, along with another great tip. I place my purse in the child seat of the shopping cart, use the child safety belt to wrap around my purse strap a couple of times, then clasp the belt together. I rarely turn away from my cart, but just in case I do, my purse is secure from would-be snatchers. — Kathy, Rogersville, Tenn.

Kathy, I see many women do this. But please keep in mind that someone can reach in and grab your wallet or checkbook! Never turn your back or look away — it takes only a second to "liberate" something. We have printed this caution many times and wonder how many times purse theft occurs in a grocery store. So, has this happened to you or someone you know? What was the outcome? Send your reply to Heloise@Heloise.com, fax to 210-HELOISE (435-6473), or mail to Heloise/Purse, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: While my niece's husband is serving in Iraq, she laminated an 8-by-10 photo of her husband. The photo is with their son's toys. He plays with it often, and when he picks the photo up, he's told, "That's Daddy." — Janis Stanley, Kilgore, Texas

Janis, this is a wonderful hint and a super way to keep children reminded of what an absent parent looks like. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Automobile drivers should be reminded that when cleaning snow from their windshields, they also should clear the snow from headlights and taillights. — Ben, Hope, Ark.

Ben, safety first! Thank you for writing. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: The last thing I like to do before guests arrive is install a new full roll of toilet paper in every bathroom. I have been stranded too many times at other places! I use the partial rolls after the guests are gone. — Carol, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Dear Heloise: Like many readers, I take a variety of supplements, vitamins and some prescriptions. My medicine cabinet looks like a pharmacy. To know when I need to reorder, I turn the container upside down. That way, with a single glance, I know what's needed. — Michael B., Thousand Oaks, Calif.