Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: Here is a response to a SOUND OFF that ran about people driving in the rain without their headlights on:

“In your column, a reader sounded off about drivers not turning on their headlights when their windshield wipers are on in rainy weather. This also applies when it is foggy. Many drivers t hink t hat because their vehicle has running lights on all the time, it is not necessary to t urn on t he headlights. However, it is not just from the front that they need to be seen, but also from the rear. Taillights do not come on unless the headlights are turned on. Those taillights need to be on also when visibility is reduced. Love your column in the San Antonio Express- News.” — Kathy in San Antonio

A number of states have laws that require headlights to be turned on during rain. Check with your state and insurance company about this. — Heloise FAST FACTS Dear Readers: Other uses for nongel toothpaste: Fill small holes in a wall. Dab on a pimple to reduce it.

Buff out scratches on stoneware. Clean costume jewelry. Put on a mosquito bite. — Heloise DONATION, NOT DISH Dear Heloise: I have large gatherings several times a year for family and friends, like for the Fourth of July. Because so many people come, we often have too much food. You can only have so many potato salads! So I have started asking some guests to bring canned food that we can donate to the food bank instead of a dish. This way, nothing is wasted, and we are helping a good cause. — Donna, via email BATHROOM BUSINESS Dear Heloise: Whenever my small son t akes a bath in t he evening, I use some of the time I am in there watching him to also do a quick cleanup of the bathroom. I clean the mirror, wipe the counters, clean the toilet, reorganize a drawer, clean out the medicine cabinet, etc. I do one or two things a day, and the work doesn’t build up on me. — Kathy, via email