Goldie asks: What is the difference between a green pepper and a red pepper?

This one is easy -- When it comes to Bell Peppers, the green ones are not yet ripe and the red ones are ripe. What I don't know is if there is any nutritional difference between the two. If anyone knows the answer, please help us out.

Lydia Asks: What was that "thing" over Allison's dresser on Gary Unmarried?

Gary Unmarried, January 21. Is there anyone out there who can tell me what that thing was over Allison's dresser that looked like a window cornice?

Patricia asked: Why are some towels more absorbent than others?

The less absorbent towels are the ones that contain fabric softener. Fabric softener is a waterproofer, which of course, prohibits absorption. They initially contain fabric softener because it makes the towels feel softer and more luxurious and makes them more enticing to purchase.

When I purchase new towels, I wash them and then rinse them in white vinegar to remove the factory fabric softener. A white vinegar rinse after you have had them for a while, will also help remove detergent buildup (which can make them feel stiff).

Cotton is quite soft on its own and I can never understand why people would add fabric softener to their cotton towels.

Larissa asked: When is a thank-you note necessary?

A thank you note is only required when the person has not been thanked in person. This would typically be when the gift is not given (or opened) in person, such as a wedding gift. According to Emily Post, " Thank-you letters are not necessary for presents that have been given in person on a birthday, at a house party, a shower, or other similar occasions".

If you personally thanked Aunt Hilda at your family Christmas party for the fruitcake, you do not need to send a thank you. A written thank-you note in addition to a personal thank-you, of course, is always acceptable.

If anyone gives you a hard time about not sending a thank you note when you've already thanked them in person, tell them "Lydia says so".

And by the way, if you need a unique wedding gift, email me at lydiablogg@gmail.com and I'll send you the details of a gift that is great for weddings or anniversaries.