Dear Heloise: I read with interest Julie G.’s letter, from Tucson, Arizona, about being overwhelmed with letters from charities. My mom, God rest her soul, received “begging letters” from every religious charity out there and, unfortunately, gave many of them money.

When she passed, I thought writing “deceased” on the envelope and putting it back in the mailbox would solve the problem. This was not the case. I asked my postal service carrier about it. He said unless the item is sent to you via first-class mail, it will not be returned to the sender. It will be discarded at your post office. Most solicitations are sent via bulk or third-class mail, so the post office is not obligated to return it to the sender.

If I receive something now (after three-and-a-half years) addressed to my mom, I open it to see if there’s a stamped envelope inside. If there is, I write a note on the return form and send it back to them: “Mrs. X passed away three years ago. Please update your records.” So far, it seems to have worked!

— Kathie Hook, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

WOMEN PUSHING CARTS

Dear Heloise: I wanted to write in with another response to the reader who was outraged about women pushing their own shopping carts. Since his retirement, my husband is often at the market with me. But pushing the cart gives me support for my recently replaced knees and my wonky back. It lets me go up and down the aisles with my list, while he is off looking for the perfect hot sauce or a new imported beer.Honestly, it reminds me of being in the market with my kids when they were young! (Except this one lifts the heavy stuff.)

— Sally Miller, Belmont Shore

ALMOST-EMPTY BOTTLES

Dear Heloise: I keep several bottles of my favorite lotion around my house. When one gets so low that it will not come out of the pump, I take the lid off and place it in my microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it gets very “liquidy.” It easily pours into another bottle, and upon cooling, it’s the same consistency. And then I recycle the empty bottle!

— Pat M., via email

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER

Dear Heloise: I am what most companies call a “road warrior” because my job requires me to travel in all kinds of weather. I usually go places by car, so I like to be prepared in case of nasty weather.If any of your readers are traveling by car in snowy weather, I highly recommend that they take a well-insulated sleeping bag (to stay warm), bottled water, food and energy bars, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and something to read. It might save their lives.

— F.C., in Pennsylvania

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Here’s a picture of our very opinionated cat, Zara. She is 13 years old and has helped us raise three dogs, who quickly learned that Zara is in charge.

— Karen Kirkpatrick, via email

Readers, to see Zara and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”