Be aware of aging vehicle tires

avoid all that scrubbing:

■ Line the baking dish with aluminum foil for baking in the oven, leaving extra foil hanging over the edges.

■ After dinner, simply lift up the foil, which will wrap around the leftovers, and store them in the refrigerator. — Heloise

Removing stains from furniture

Dear Heloise: My son left a hot drink on a finished piece of wood furniture in my home. It left a discolored area. How can I get it off? — Marsha from Florida

Dear Marsha: trees. — Heloise

Taking your pet on a summer trip?

Dear readers: Our pets are family members, and we want them to participate in our activities, like summer vacations. Here are some hints to make the journey a good and safe one for all.

■ When organizing your trip, contact — in advance — parks, motels, hotels, campgrounds and relatives to find out if pets are welcome.

■ Place a portable crate/ kennel in your car to keep your pet in. Never allow your pet to roam free in the car because that can be dangerous. Never allow your pet to ride with its head sticking outside the car window because dirt might lodge in its ears, nose or eyes, which could cause an infection or injury.

■ Bring a copy of your pet’s medical history and any medications, in case of an emergency.

Don’t take your dog off its leash and be sure all ID tags are attached.— Heloise

Saving bananas

Dear readers: If you buy a bunch of bananas and they ripen faster than you can use them, here’s what to do:

Peel and mash the bananas, add a bit of lemon juice and freeze in an airtight container. Defrost before using. — Heloise