Dear Heloise: In a recent column, there was a good suggestion from Nancy Ingraham about helping her daughter find important documents — both her living will as well as her last will and testament. But don’t forget to keep copies of your durable power of attorney and health care power of attorney documents. The last document is especially important in case of serious medical issues that may incapacitate the person involved in some way.

Our lawyer suggested to me and my wife that we keep copies of our respective powers of attorney in our cars just in case they may be needed when decisions have to be made at a health care facility. His point was that it is more convenient to go to your car than to drive what may be a longer distance to get it.

Best regards and smiles. — Tim Davis, via email

SAVING WRAPPINGS AND PACKAGE DECOR

Dear Heloise: We’ve always saved the beautiful, fun and imaginative packaging decorations to use for family gifts next year. There are howls of laughter at recognizing old ornaments, snowmen bows and Santas, although some do become a bit bedraggled with use and age. Nevertheless, they’re so dear!

Also, apple boxes with dividers make great storage boxes, and the trouble is worth all the fun! We read you in the Amarillo Globe-News. — Dee Wells, via email

HARD WATER

AND TOILETS

Dear Heloise: Living in San Antonio, we struggle with calcium and deposit buildup. I decided to leave a small spray bottle of cleaner in each bathroom. After we flush, we spray the bowl and the water.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort or time. Make sure you spray it after the last flush before going to work. I waited a few months before writing to you to check its efficacy. No more hard water rings! — Sharon, San Antonio

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

Dear Heloise: You gave some very good advice to Regan, who was contemplating going to college at 23. I would like to add that local community college might be an excellent choice for a number of reasons.

First of all, community colleges are much more economical. Second, there are a lot of older students who started college at a later age. The vast majority of students are there to learn and get their degree, not party, and many of them work full-time or part-time.

P.S. She shouldn’t worry about picking a major her first year. Take the basic courses during the first year while doing research on jobs. And network with other people. Find out what jobs are available, where the jobs are and their pay rates. — Joseph Smith, Baton Rouge, Louisiana