Dear Heloise: Please let your readers know that before they throw away OLD LETTERS AND DIARIES, they should give them to their grandchildren.

I’m the genealogist in my family, and these types of items are precious to us. — Rita T., Kingwood, Texas

This would be a fun end-of-summer project — perfect for the weekend! Love reading old letters and greeting cards; so much more personal than a text or email!

But, as I’ve mentioned before, be sure that if it is your diary, there is nothing in it you wouldn’t want someone else to read. — Heloise

TINT HINT

Dear Heloise: We live in a mobile home. The front door faces east and gets very hot with our summertime temperatures.

My husband thought of a solution. He went to the auto store and bought a roll of glass window cover. We put it on our storm door glass to lessen the sun’s rays. — Caroline B.H., Rootstown, Ohio

THE ‘NOODLE OF SHAME’?

Dear Heloise: I’ve found a great alternative to the “cone of shame”: I carefully cut a pool noodle lengthwise, slip my dog’s collar inside and fasten the collar around his neck so I can slip two fingers in there comfortably.

This supports his head and will disallow licking of sutures, etc. My vet likes this idea. — Ricky R., via email

Readers, ask your vet if this would work for your dog or cat. — Heloise

POOLS RULE!

Dear Heloise: My daughter has a fenced-in backyard, and her dogs love being out there, even in hot weather. She has a kiddie pool of water for the dogs to get in and stay cool.

There is just enough water for them, and it’s not too deep for the smaller dogs. This is a good idea for dogs to be comfortable and enjoy being outside in the summer. — D.S., Lexington, Ohio

Just be sure to drain the water after each play session; mosquitoes can breed in standing water. — Heloise

$20 CHALLENGE

Dear Heloise: I challenged my family to take a $20 bill into the produce section of the supermarket and come out with dinner.

It’s not easy, and we wouldn’t do it every night, but we got a nice salad, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, and fresh corn on the cob. Delicious and healthy! — Mary T. in Dallas

IT’S IN THE BAG

Dear Heloise: A snack-size plastic bag with a zipper top can be used as an eyeglass case. Great for sunglasses on a beach; it keeps the sand out. — Mary H., Arlington, Va.

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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.