DEAR HELOISE: I enjoy reading your column very much. Many good hints.
I have several family pictures in all sorts of frames and sizes. I want to put them on a wall in the guest bedroom, where they can be seen. Is there a way to do this? Thank you.
-- Reader in Troy, Ohio
DEAR READER: You can put up two or three picture shelves on a wall and display your photos. This way you can change out photos whenever you want.
You could also arrange them in a cluster on one wall. Lay the photos on a bed sheet before hanging so you can see how it will look on the wall. Try for a sense of balance. You can mix various frame styles and they'll look nice together.
DEAR HELOISE: I saw, yet again, in your column for people to hang up on scammers. Why not recommend we don't answer unidentified numbers? We do that, and if it is a legitimate call, they will leave a message. We simply don't answer any unidentified numbers.
-- Marie, via email
DEAR READER: Many scammers are "spoofing" to disguise their identity. They can use a number that you know, such as one from a son, daughter or friend. However, you are correct about not answering unidentified numbers. And never answer any questions about personal information.
DEAR HELOISE: Yes, dog walkers should pick up after the dog. But, more to the point, why do dog walkers assume they have some inherent right to trespass on your front yard?
-- M.D., via email
DEAR READER: Dog walkers need to pick up after their dogs.
• It keeps our communities sanitary.
• Dog feces is not fertilizer.
• It contains pollutants and bacteria that can be harmful to people and pets.
• In many communities, you are required by law to pick up after your pet.
DEAR HELOISE: We have three nightlights in our home to guide us through the house in the event that we have to use the bathroom, etc.
Living in a rural area, if there's a power failure, it's very dark. Solution: We bring in the three outside decorative solar lamps and place one in each bathroom and one in the kitchen. Problem solved.
-- Leo L., Greenville, N.H.
DEAR READER: That's an excellent idea and a handy way to get double use out of your solar lamps.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email