Silencing the microwave sounds

via email

Water conservation

Dear Heloise: Here are some hints about conserving water. Living in the rural Midwest, my parents learned to live on a well (never hauled water in 30 years). My husband and I moved from Los Angeles in 1991 to live in a rural area with a well. In 31 years, we’ve never had to have water hauled in.

I have a 4-quart bowl in the left sink to catch cold water before it gets warm. That water is used to rinse our cups and for handwashing bowls and cans before putting into trash. During the summer, it’s used on deck plants. In the shower, we have a bucket to collect cold water, before showers, to be used on plants and to flush the toilet — or if the power goes out.

From March to October, I have nine rain barrels that accumulate water from the gutters to use on growing vegetables and flowers. I use a hydraulic pump with a hose system to pump water to a second-story balcony for vegetables. I love your hints. We all need to conserve water. — Kathy Iier, via email

Save Christmas cards

Dear Heloise: As soon as I open a Christmas card, I cut out the return address and tape it inside the card. At the end of the season, I rubber-band them, mark the year, and save the cards for the next year. When I sit down to write my cards, I have the addresses all ready and can reread any notes they have written. — Mary Jo Martinsen, via email

Gifts for grandma

Dear Heloise: I suggest an Amazon gift card (so she can buy whatever she wants) or postage stamps as great gifts for grandparents. — Robert Provines, via email