Dear Heloise: Last month, I got my five grandkids started on a project that I hope will be lifelong. I took egg cartons and filled each egg slot with dirt. Then we planted seeds in each of the egg slots. They got so excited when the tiny green leaves started to sprout.

My goal is simple. I want them to learn to grow food and understand how good food tastes straight from the garden. I want them to learn how important it is that we all take care of the Earth and feed not only ourselves but others as well. This is how I taught my own children to appreciate and care for the world around them. — Sandra K., Joplin, Missouri

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Heloise@Heloise.com

A SANITARY LUNCH

Dear Heloise: My daughter could get lunch from the school’s cafeteria, but I choose to pack a lunch for her because there’s too much fat and salt in her school’s lunches. But more importantly, I also include a packet that contains a moist towelette for her to wipe her hands with before and after lunch.

Since the pandemic, I’ve been especially careful about handwashing and how it can prevent the transmission of bacteria. We lost family to COVID. — Hannah W., Santa Fe, New Mexico

TAKING CLOTHES TO THE DRY CLEANER

Dear Readers: Be certain to point out spots or stains when you take your clothes to the dry cleaner so that they can place a sticker on them. This way, the spots will get proper attention and won’t get missed. Try to remember what caused the stain because this can help the dry cleaner decide which kind of remover to use. — Heloise

GPS GOES MIA

Dear Heloise: Just before we got married last summer, my husband bought an SUV with a new GPS. First off, I don’t need a GPS system to tell me how to get out of my own neighborhood. I already have that one figured out.

But when we couldn’t figure out where we were in Wyoming, our GPS system went crazy and got us completely lost! Finally, we came to a little town out in the middle of the vast, open land, and I found a gas station that actually had paper maps. Thank heavens! Although my husband has a degree in business, he still found a paper map a bit confusing. But I could easily read a paper map because I’d always used one before I got married.

My point is, learning some of the “old school” things comes in handy. Learning how to cook, keep house and read maps always comes in handy. You should also know a few basics in case of medical emergencies. I know technology is taking over many of the old skills, but what do you do when it breaks down? — Katherine H., Bend, Oregon

Katherine, I have to agree with you. I don’t think we should become so reliant on technology that we forget some very basic skills. They might save our lives or come in handy during a pinch one day. — Heloise

PET REMINDERS

Dear Readers: Don’t forget to have your dog or cat vaccinated against rabies or distemper. While you’re at it, have a microchip implanted into your pet. If they’re lost, they will be easier to find because a vet can scan them.

Also, if you have not yet had your pet neutered or spayed, please do so immediately. Dogs and cats are domestic animals and cannot survive in the wild or city streets for too long. And last of all, if you’re looking for a pet, try your local shelters first. — Heloise