Dear Heloise: Our residential neighborhood has barn swallows. In mid-May, we realized that they had built a beautiful nest in the corner of our very small porch, and a female sat on it as the male watched from close by. When we sure that the eggs were hatched and the babies were gone, my husband took down the nest and cleaned the porch. He installed a 12-inch owl to discourage them from coming back.

Today we found that they had started a nest behind the owl. When we removed the nest, two hours later, they had started to build on the owl’s head. We need help! — Linda E., Conway, Arkansas

FINDING HIDDEN MONEY

Dear Heloise: The letter from Susan, in Los Angeles, reminded me of my mother. We had a set of encyclopedias, and my mother would hide money in different volumes. When I got married and had a home of my own, I took the set with me. I haven’t checked each volume, but occasionally, I’ll find a bill when looking something up. — Mary E. Amsden, Temple, New Hampshire

LEAVE BOTTLE CAPS ON

Dear Heloise: In a recent column, K.M., of San Antonio, wrote about removing caps before recycling. But caps are recyclable and compatible with standard processing equipment. See the attached link for more info: plasticsrecycling.org/beyond-bottles/caps-on? — Dave McIntosh, Kalamazoo, Michigan

REUSING DISCARDED APPLIANCE SHELVING

Dear Heloise: Throughout the years, when I have replaced an unrepairable refrigerator or dishwasher, I have saved the door shelving, clear fruit/veggie bins, and dishwasher cutlery bins. They are great, reusable organizational storage containers for my pantry, sink cabinets, closets and garage. — Lynne Boyle, via email

VASELINE AND EGG WHITES

Dear Heloise: I’ve been a fan of your column since my grandma shared hints when I was a kid. A favorite was rubbing a bit of vaseline on the threads of a nail polish brush to keep the lid easy to open.

If, like me, you like your egg whites chopped finely for egg salad, use a cheese grater the next time. The egg mixes easily with the mayo and whatever else is added. — Fondly, L.A. Schumacher, North Hollywood, California

KITCHEN TIMERS

Dear Heloise: Kitchen timers can be useful for many things. I use one to help lull my daughter to sleep for her afternoon naps. Since she does not have a cellphone, I limit her time with the timer.

When someone calls, like my neighbor who loves to chat, I also use the timer to limit the call. — C.H., in Ohio

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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.