Dear Readers: Every day, try to do something good for the environment (i.e., recycling, not letting the water run). Or try doing something good for somebody else (giving a compliment or holding the door open for someone). Then do one good thing for yourself without guilt, like reading five pages from your favorite book or using your good china for breakfast. — Heloise

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Dear Heloise: A reader incorrectly stated in a recent column that an America the Beautiful pass was $80 annually. Actually, the lifetime pass is $80, while the annual pass is $20. The senior pass is available to persons 62 and older. — James Maroney, via email

STORING OFF-SEASON CLOTHES

Dear Readers: Here’s a great way to store off-season clothes:

Suitcases are usually empty when we’re not using them, so you can store these clothes inside of them. Then when you buy new suitcases, you can keep your seasonal clothes in the old ones without having to dump out clothes when you take a trip. — Heloise

COLLAPSIBLE CANE

Dear Heloise: I’m 75 with various back issues that have changed the way I walk. I don’t lift the toes of my feet high enough when I take a step, which has caused me to trip on slight rises in sidewalk joints.

So, I purchased a collapsible cane with a ball on the end, the ones usually made for a visually impaired person. I painted the red ball with spray paint (I had a can of black available), and I covered any other red parts with decorative duct tape.

As I walk, I loosely hold the cane in front of me, which alerts me to changes in the sidewalk and reminds me to lift the toes of my shoes. No more tripping! — Cindy M., A Decades-Long Reader, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

TOUCHING UP PAINT

Dear Readers: Here’s how to touch up small scratches or chips in paint at home. If the areas are small, do not use a large paintbrush. Instead, grab a cotton swab to dab the paint over the affected areas. When done, just toss the swab. No brush-cleaning needed! — Heloise

GETTING ORGANIZED

Dear Heloise: When I lost my husband to cancer, I decided that it was time to get organized. I got a two-drawer filing cabinet and folders, then labeled all the folders. Inside, I keep my will; all of my important paperwork such as birth certificates, car titles, and property information; and a personal letter to each of my children.

I’ve explained to my kids that I don’t want them to have to hunt down documents after I’m gone. My living will is taped to the side of the refrigerator.

After my husband died, there was so much confusion and bickering that I figured this could be one way to avoid all of that and keep everyone calm. — G.M., in Maine

DON’T LET GRAPES GO BAD

Dear Readers: Do not allow grapes to rot or toss out. Instead, put them into a zip-close bag and freeze. It will make for a fun and healthy after-school snack for your children. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.