Dear Heloise: When storing luggage, coolers and other items, always make sure that all compartments are zipped or snapped closed. I took a cooler off the garage shelf and found a nest of baby mice in there! — Karen R., via email

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Heloise@Heloise.com

SECOND-TIME BRIDE

Dear Heloise: I have a question I don’t recall seeing in your column before. I’m getting married for the second time, and I really want to wear white, but my two sisters and mother are pitching a fit. Mom thinks a nice, soft blue is better, while my sisters say pink or beige is probably a better choice.

My first husband and I eloped, and I got married in a red and white gingham sundress. I felt as though I was getting married while wearing cafe curtains! This time around, we’re having a small ceremony and a luncheon afterward, but I want to look my best. I want a white or ivory dress that is mid-calf length, and I want to carry a bouquet of roses.

Can you give me advice on what is the correct thing to wear for my second wedding? I love your column. Keep up the good work! — Connie W., Gloucester, Massachusetts

Connie, weddings today can consist of anything you want, and since this is your wedding, not your mom’s or sisters’, you can wear what you want. I’ve had second-time and even third-time brides wear silvery gray, snowy white, red velvet, and every other color imaginable.

Find a dress you like, then wear it with a smile and a lovely bouquet. From all of us here at Heloise Central, we send you both our best wishes for a long and happy life together. — Heloise

STAINED PLASTIC BOWLS

Dear Heloise: It’s hard for me to cook for just one person. I’d rather make a meal for a gang than one or two people because I always have a ton of leftovers. I would store or freeze the leftovers in plastic bowls, but I noticed how badly they got stained.

Finally, I bought some new plastic storage bowls, and before I placed food in them, I’d use a little nonstick pan spray on the inside. It stopped the leftover Italian food from staining my plastic bowls.

I picked this up from one of your columns from years ago. I have scrapbooks filled with your hints! Thanks for your wonderful column! — Samuel G., Fresno, California

USING A CANE

Dear Heloise: I just read the letter from a woman in her early 80s who said that she avoids crowds for fear of being knocked down. I am also in my early 80s and have some difficulty with walking and balance.

When I started using a cane (and now a walker), I found that people are more careful and often helpful. I have had teenage boys go around me and say, “Ma’am, I’m going to open the door for you.” If I had known how nice and helpful people could be, I might have started using a cane when I was in my 60s! Love your column! — Shirley, in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin

SLUG SALOON

Dear Heloise: I had a difficult time with slugs and snails in my garden. A neighbor told me to bury a pie tin so that the edge of the tin is level with the ground, then to fill the tin with beer. It works! I set it in my garden, and overnight, it killed about a dozen slugs and a couple of snails. — Holly D., in San Antonio