Dear Heloise: I use pistol-grip grabbers/reachers to pick up small branches from the yard after wind storms. It’s also handy for getting things from hard-to-reach areas and high places. — Harriet, in Morris Township, New Jersey

A PERFECT SALMON

Dear Heloise: Do you love salmon but hate the smell and cleanup? I have a perfect solution. We have a newish electric stove that heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time. We preheat the oven to 425 F. While it heats up, we spray foil with nonstick spray. Before wrapping the salmon in foil, we season it with olive oil, lemon, maple syrup and fresh herbs.

Next, we turn the oven off once it’s heated to 425 F, put the salmon in the oven, and forget about it for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the salmon will be moist and perfectly cooked every time. — Your Fan Sue Rehkamp, in The Villages, Florida

AVOIDING A MESSY KITCHEN

Dear Heloise: If you like using flour and other countertop mess-makers during prep and cooking, I found that a great way to avoid an annoying cleanup is to spread a doggy-training pad across the countertop. Then you can make as big a mess as you like! Just roll up the pad and toss in the trash. — Patrick M., via eamil

Patrick, this method may sound good, but you’re adding to our overflowing landfills. A better trick might be to use a thick sheet of clear plastic that you can rinse off after each use. — Heloise

HOSPITAL NECESSITIES

Dear Heloise: My sister was in the hospital recently. I compiled a list of items I thought of, or she asked for, to make her stay there more comfortable:

— A box of tissues

— A toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash

— A comb and mirror

— Lip balm

— Magazines

— Socks

— Scrunchies

— A bag for dirty clothes

— A flexible straw

— A nail file

— A notepad and pen

— Hard candy

— Hand lotion

— Eyeglasses with their accompanying case

It’s good for me to always have a list of current medicines she’s taking and all her allergies just in case. I also keep a list of doctors and emergency contacts/current phone numbers. — Rose, in Florida

PAPER JAM

Dear Heloise: Help! My paper shredder got jammed! What on earth do I do? — Heidi L., in California

Heidi, your shredder may have a “reverse” switch. This will back out many particles of the paper. Try this first.

If the jam isn’t cleared, unplug the shredder and wait until it’s cool to the touch. Take the top (the shredder head) off and pull out the jammed paper from underneath. Carefully use a screwdriver, letter opener or tweezers to pick out more paper particles.

As a last resort, soak a small amount of shredder oil onto the blades for about 30 minutes. This will dissolve the paper enough so that it can break apart and pass through. — 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.)