Dear Heloise: Like so many of your readers, I have several electronic devices from phones to toothbrushes. Each one has its own cord, and I can never remember which cord goes to which item. So, I attach a file folder label with the name for the device that the cords go to, and this saves me a lot of time hunting for the correct cord. — Gary R., in Indiana

PARSLEY

Dear Heloise: I love parsley (the Italian type) and put it in mostly everything I cook; plus it is good for us. I keep it fresh for a month in a heavy jar or glass of water in the door of my refrigerator. I just pull out it out whenever I need it.

I also put dried parsley in the microwave on a paper towel for about 30 seconds — not a second longer.

Love your column! — Lucille, in Reseda, California

SURRENDERING PETS

Dear Heloise: I realize people surrender their pets to a shelter because there usually is a dire need to do so, such as an elderly person who can no longer take care of the pet. There are also people who are very ill, and we’ve had a couple who said they were dying of cancer and wanted someone to give their pet a good home.

However, the other day, we had a couple come into the shelter, and they brought in their elderly dog who was 11 years old. They didn’t want him any longer and wanted to adopt a younger dog, a 6-week-old puppy to be exact. We told them “no.”

A pet is a lifelong commitment, not some used vehicle that you trade in for a flashier model. It was suggested that they adopt the young dog as a companion for the elderly dog. This time, they were the ones who said “no.”

Please remind your readers that pets become attached to people and places and deserve better treatment than being dumped in a shelter just because they are old. Pets are family members. Treat them with love and respect until they take their last breath. — Penny B., Fairborn, Ohio

POISON IVY

Dear Heloise: Please advise your readers to teach their children what poison ivy and poison sumac looks like. You might not think it’s serious, but for those who have experienced it before, they know it’s very important. My 10-year-old daughter was sent home from camp this past summer because it had spread to several areas of her body, and she was miserable. There was no need for her to suffer if she had known what the plant looked like. — Angela R., Somerset, New Jersey

NO MACHISMO HERE

Dear Heloise: It’s with great pleasure that I get to write to you in regard to Frank A.’s question. In most situations, it’s not a macho/male thing that women have to carry bags or push heavy carts instead of their husbands. My husband, Manny, had a quadruple bypass in 1995. Since then, I will not allow him to carry heavy items or push a heavy cart. My husband gets embarrassed because I do so, but I tell him, “I know I don’t have to but want to.”

After 28 years of marriage, I still carry all bags of groceries and push heavy carts simply out of love. — Mrs. Adela Vega Munoz, in San Antonio

— — —

Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.