Dear Heloise: I read your reply to Courtney, from Hammond, Louisiana, about lost luggage. It reminded me of the time I flew from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to California. My luggage never showed up on the carousel. The first thing they asked me when I reported it was: What does your luggage look like? It didn’t match any of their pictures on their chart because my suitcase was about 25 years old. Eventually, they got it to me a day later.

If I ever fly again, I will take a picture if my luggage. Also, I will pack a change of clothes in my carry-on. I read your column in the Journal Gazette, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. — Bonnie Bennett, Convoy, Ohio

NO CRUNCH

Dear Heloise: Here’s a hint I want to share with your readers: My husband does not like cooked onions or anything crunchy in certain dishes. In order to get the flavor but not the crunchy pieces, I put the onion or celery in my blender and blend them until they’re a juice. Then I add this mixture to things like meatloaf and stuffing. Thank you for your consideration. — Janet F., Whittier, California

AIRTAGS

Dear Heloise: I have another hint for travelers. Invest in an “AirTag” from the Apple Store, which is about $25. Synchronize it with your iPhone, then place the AirTag in your suitcase. You will always know where your luggage is! Having an AirTag can also be very useful in your car, in case it gets stolen or misplaced (as in a parking lot).

I understand there are also bracelets for children that have AirTags in them — just in case your precious little one gets lost at the zoo, circus or wherever. — Kay Shaw, Harrison Township, Michigan

KETCHUP FOR CLEANING

Dear Heloise: I enjoy reading your column, and I haven’t seen this hint yet. My copper-bottom stainless steel pot was tarnished and sitting in the sink, bottom up. At the same time, I was also opening a restaurant packet of ketchup, when some spilled on the copper bottom of the pot. After some time, I looked down and saw that the spot where the ketchup leaked was gleaming!

I was amazed. So, instead of using the ketchup for food, I spread it on the pot and cleaned away. The pot became like new again with that freebie ketchup packet. Now, I don’t discard extra packets. I save them for my polishing miracles.

I guess it is the acid in the tomatoes, but who cares? It works! I follow your column daily in the Temple Daily Telegram. — G.P., in Texas

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is my toy poodle on a walk along old Mulholland, in Woodland Hills, California. She is very curious about everything! She is 4 years old and loves everyone she meets. She’s very popular on our walks. Here, she wanted to see the view I was looking at and needed to stand up to see over the burn. — Gloria Wilson, via email

Readers, to see Gloria’s toy poodle and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.