Dear Heloise: I am so delighted to read a recent column from another  lady over 80 who enjoys hanging her clothes outside. I’m with you, my dear! I thoroughly enjoy being out in the fresh air, and since my umbrella-type clothesline is out at the back patio, it can’t be seen from the street out front.

I get an extra bonus of that nice “fresh air” fragrance from folded sheets and pillowcases in the laundry room closet and T-shirts that are put away in a drawer. I’m amazed at how long it lasts! I am in accordance with her that it’s the one household duty I actually enjoy. It’s even fun to dance around with Mother Nature for good drying days. — Avis, Rockingham, Virginia

AVOCADO FACIAL

Dear Heloise: In my line of work, I travel a lot, so when I’m home, I like to use some simple routines that help me take care of my skin. I mash half of an avocado and mix it with 1 egg white, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (melted in the microwave) and a little lemon juice. Mix well and apply it to your face and neck.

I leave it on for 30 minutes while I lay down and close my eyes to relax. Afterward, I wash it off, usually in the shower. A mask like this seems to help my skin stay smooth and healthy. — Carla M., Detroit

SNAKE SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: I was saddened to see your response to the lady who found a snake in her house. I live in the Central Texas area, which supposedly has the highest number of snakes of any state — approximately 47 species. Of these, only four are venomous!

Snakes are most beneficial in controlling the rodent population. Snakes, even venomous ones, will not harm you unless they are threatened. Some snakes can actually kill another venomous snake. Become familiar with the snakes in your area, and you may begin to appreciate them. — Roger Malcik, Temple, Texas

VENOM VERSUS POISON

Dear Heloise: Just an FYI: Some snakes are venomous, not poisonous. Venom is injected, while poison is swallowed. — Jerusha, via email

HEADLIGHT CLEANER

Dear Heloise: Plastic headlight lenses can become cloudy and unattractive due to vehicle exhaust and tire particles. To clean them, make a paste of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and water. Then sprinkle a small amount of salt on a wet paper towel and gently rub the lenses for about 2 minutes each. They will sparkle like new. — Tony Elia, via email

CLEAN WITH A ­FLASHLIGHT

Dear Heloise: I’ve been doing this since we moved into our new smaller home, and I wondered why I didn’t do it before! We no longer have much carpeting, just a waterproof floor and two small dogs. I vacuum, but realized that it was not enough after laying a powerful flashlight sideways on the floor. Oh, my! Now I do this every time I vacuum, and I feel so much better after, as do my lungs! Hope it helps others. — C.Z., in Pennsylvania

GOODBYE, WINE STAINS

Dear Heloise: My husband and I love drinking red wine when we serve beef for our guests, but there always seemed to be a red ring left on the tablecloth due to a tiny bit of wine running down the side of the bottle. Finally, we found the secret.

We found that if we double-loop one of those cloth-covered hair ties (the kind used for ponytails) around the neck of the bottle, it will catch any drips of wine from reaching our white tablecloth. — A.S., in Oregon

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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.