Dear Heloise: Phyllis asked how she can use up coffee grounds. In addition to the flowers you mentioned, coffee grounds serve as a terrific deterrent for keeping many animals away from plants in the vegetable garden. — William M., via email

FINGER CUTS

Dear Heloise: J.T., in Cincinnati, gave some good advice on nasty finger cuts. I used to have the same problem but not so much during the past two winters.

Every night when going to bed, I rub petroleum healing jelly for babies on my fingertips, then spread it around my hands. It works perfectly — no more split skin! I found mine in the baby section at a local grocery store. — Linda H., Lincoln, Nebraska

NEED A STRAW?

Dear Heloise: Have you ever needed a straw and couldn’t find one? Here is what I do to end this problem: Every time I snag a soda or a shake, I toss the cup but keep the straw. I take the straws home and put them in the dishwasher. Over the course of a couple of months, you will have plenty of straws in various colors. Problem solved! After all, you did pay for it, so why not keep it? — David C., Churubusco, Indiana

David, I’m going to assume you mean a plastic straw. Some states want us to only use paper straws like we did in the ’50s. Reusing straws is a good idea and puts less in our landfills. — Heloise

WATER STAINS

Dear Heloise: I have water stains on my sink and dishwasher front, both of which are stainless steel. How do I get rid of this problem? — Ashley T., Shawnee, Oklahoma

Ashley, use equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and wipe clean. Or make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, then apply it to the stainless steel. Let it set for about 5 minutes and wipe. The stains should be gone. — Heloise

NO DROP-INS ALLOWED

Dear Heloise: I dread summer! My husband and I retired in our lake house, and we really enjoy living here.  We have a boat and will sometimes go boating or waterskiing and enjoy ourselves. We worked hard to afford our lifestyle, and we also like to invite friends and family to visit and stay for a few days.

However, we do not like drop-in visitors who think they can come by anytime and use our home as a place to dump their children. Or they expect us to babysit, feed their children or their family, let them use our towels, and more.

This past Christmas, we sent out a letter to our family (and we have a large one) that we will not accept drop-ins or be babysitting and that they should come by invitation only. My husband worded the letter very nicely, but frankly, we’re tired of being used like a hotel. No one ever says, “I’ll help you.” They just expect us to be so glad that they came after they’ve raided our refrigerator.

Well, it’s caused some family drama. Do you or any of your readers know how to handle this situation? Were we wrong to ask people to wait for an invitation? — J.T.K. and R.E.K., in Wisconsin

Well, readers, what say you? Write in to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

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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.