DEAR HELOISE: I, too, had no idea who was calling me — whether it was a “friend or foe” so to speak. I have a Samsung phone, and I categorized my contacts, such as all doctors, family members, auto services and medical groups, by assigning different ringtones to each of the groups.

I get hundreds of suspected spam and political calls. So, if I hear the default ringtone, I don’t answer the call and check my voicemails to see if someone left a message there. If there is no message, I block the number. When a distinct ringtone is heard, I know to answer.

• B.E., in Vail, Arizona

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve read your column for many years. This is the first time that I have responded to an inquiry. Telling guests how much they have to pay to attend a wedding is just classless. If you’re worried about your ROI (return on investment), don’t spend a lot on your reception. Cut back on frivolous things.

• Patty C.,

in Waterbury, Connecticut

DEAR HELOISE: My first hint to Carol is to Google egg pods to find a nifty gadget for hard-boiling eggs in the microwave. I’ve had an egg pod for years and love it!

In regard to Lyn W., in California, and her African violets, my late grandmother who lived in San Francisco had them around her home. She sang to them and “petted” them — gently of course. They bloomed for her!

Finally to Linda Bloom, in Southlake, Texas, thanks for the hint on recycling the bags that are used to deliver newspapers. I leave on a cruise in three weeks and will implement your suggestion.

• Jen,

in Altadena, California

DEAR HELOISE: I wanted to write in response to the woman who was taught to peel her vegetables in the sink, but then had such a hard time getting all the peelings out the way. What I have always done is to take an old newspaper, spread out a couple of layers of it in the dry sink, and peel my potatoes and carrots and what not in there.

Then I would just wrap it up and take it out to the composter, throwing it out in the newspaper wrappings and all. Newspaper deteriorates quicker than vegetable peelings, and there’s no mess in the sink whatsoever. I read your column in the Times Union.

•Tina Urzan, in Troy, New York

DEAR HELOISE: I have flashlights that plug into the wall sockets in every room. When the power goes out, the light comes on. They can either be left plugged-in or removed for flashlights.

•Susan B., in California

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