Q We use traditional lights on our real tree and the strings are at least 10 years old. We buy replacement bulbs as necessary. Some of the bulbs seem hotter than others. Some are too hot to hold between one's fingers. What is too hot?
A If it's too hot to hold, it's a hazard. Someone, especially a child, could touch the lights and burn their hands. And when they're that hot they are more likely to cause a fire.
It may be time to switch to new mini-lights, which burn cooler. But better yet are LED light sets.
Their plastic epoxy bulbs stay cool and are less likely to break than the glass on traditional light strings. LED strings tend be thicker and sturdier, less likely to tangle, and the sets can last 20 years. In addition, LED lights use 100 times less electricity than standard holiday light bulbs and 10 times less than the mini-lights. The Minnesota Energy Agency figures that if you have 500 bulbs lit for five hours a day for 30 days, you can expect to pay $24 if they are standard incandescent bulbs; $2.40 for mini-lights; but only 24 cents for LED lights. They're also environment-friendly. Using far less electricity means less greenhouse gas, such as carbon dioxide, is released into the atmosphere from power plants. In addition, many incandescent light strings, especially mini-lights, are marketed for one-season's use only. Long-lasting LEDs mean less waste.
Right or left is right Q I saw a car on the road that had the steering wheel on the right side instead of the left. Is that allowed in Minnesota?
A Yes. The steering wheel can be on either side of the car; the driver just has to drive on the right side of the road.
Addressing widow Q Please tell me the correct way to address an envelope to a widow who no longer uses her husband's name. I've been addressed as Mrs. Joyce and Ms. Joyce. I always thought you were addressed as Mrs. (with your husband's name) until you remarried.
A It's up to you. The traditional form is the husband's name, such as Mrs. Robert Smith. But you can decide if you prefer Mrs. Jane Smith, or Ms. Jane Smith.
