Heloise

Dear Heloise: People spend their hard-earned money on outdoor flags only to have the hems fray in a short time from weather. If you turn the hem over and restitch on a sewing machine, the edges will not become ragged from the elements. I especially like to see the American flag flying fray-free in the wind. — Brenda Richardson, in Shelbyville, Kentucky

REVISITING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Dear Heloise: Regarding Jim and his check engine light fix, after 40-plus years in the automotive industry, I have seen my share. Be advised that the check engine light monitors numerous items. Some are a simple fix like Jim’s; others are far more complex and expensive to repair, especially if neglected or not diagnosed properly or promptly. Many auto-part chain stores provide a complimentary scan of exactly what the issue is. Once determined, then the plan to repair can begin. That is my first stop, as soon as the check engine icon lights up on any of my cars, particularly if traveling. — Dan, The Car Man Centerville, in Ohio

CLOCKS AND MORE

Dear Heloise; I read your hints in the Port Charlotte Sun. Alice from Virginia’s comment about digital clocks and cursive handwriting reminded me of a quip I heard that tickled my septuagenarian funny bone.

How to mess with the mind of a millennial: Lock the millennial in a room with: an analog clock; a rotary telephone; a cash register that does not tell you how much change to give a customer; a manual typewriter; a neck tie; and a road atlas. Write the instructions on how to use these in cursive. — Dan Klein, via email

Dan, quips aside, all these skills (using a road atlas, reading an analog clock, etc.) seem like lost arts! It sounds like a great opportunity for a funny septuagenarian to teach the younger kids a thing or two. — Heloise

THANKS FROM A LATECOMER

Dear Heloise: Since I am not the least bit domestic, I hadn’t paid much attention to your mom’s or your columns until recently. I’m 81 years old, and when I recently started asking the butcher questions, he looks at me like, “Have you been in the convent or prison that a woman your age doesn’t know these things?” So, finding your column has indeed been “a “find.” Thank you. — Patricia, via email

COOKIE LOVERS

Dear Heloise: We are cookie lovers and have several favorites that we buy regularly. I have three containers for them that are not see-through. I clip the picture of each one from the package and tape it to the lid. No more opening every container to find the cookie you want! Love your hints that make life easier. Thank you, Heloise! — Sharon Smith, in Fairfield Township, Ohio

TWO SPRAYS ONLY

Dear Heloise: Gentlemen of all ages — years ago, while I was at a department store, I over-heard a lady explain to her teen-aged son, who was about to sample a cologne, that all he needed to do was to give two light sprays into the space in front of him and then to walk into the mist. This was very sound advice. — D.G., in Chino Hills, California

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.