Dear Heloise: Here's a hint most people probably never thought of. If you have an elderly parent who no longer drives, or have an elderly neighbor in the same situation, think about whether there's a car in the driveway. If not, that makes the home more of a target for burglars, etc.
If you need more space to park a car, ask your neighbor or relative if you can park the car in his or her driveway. This is a win-win situation: You have a space for your car, and your neighbor has a car in the drive to help make the home look occupied. We do this for my mom, and park our second car in her driveway several nights a week.
It's also a good hint to remember if your relative or neighbor is in the hospital or rehab center for several days or weeks.-Amy P., Decatur, Ala.
MELTED ICE CUBES
Dear Heloise: I believe you had a hint on how to tell if your power was out for a length of time. It involved an ice cube.-John C., via email
I sure do, John, and it is very simple. Take a few ice cubes and place them in a zippered bag and then in the freezer. If you return and see that the cubes have melted, then it's a good guess that the power went out for a considerable amount of time.-Heloise
BE PREPARED
Dear Readers: Waiting rooms at hospitals usually are the last place anyone wants to be. If you know you are going to be there for a while, go prepared. As the saying goes, "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best." With that being said, bring your cellphone charger in case you drain the battery waiting. The old-fashioned way would be a crossword or a good book you've been longing to read. Maybe now would be the time to take up crocheting.
Please do not forget about etiquette in the waiting room. If you have children with you, please bring something to entertain them. Also, don't let them run wild or make a lot of noise.-Heloise
NOISY APPLIANCES
Dear Heloise: Recently, my dishwasher started making horrible noises. Because it didn't do it all the time, I grabbed my cellphone and recorded it. I played it for the repairman, who knew right away what the problem was.-Kris Powell, Lincoln, Neb.