day, try to do something good for the environment (i.e., recycling, not letting the water run). Or try doing something good for somebody else (giving a compliment or holding the door open for someone). Then do one good thing for yourself without guilt, like reading five pages from your favorite book or using your good china for breakfast. — Heloise

AMERICA THE

BEAUTIFUL

Dear Heloise: A reader incorrectly stated in a recent column that an America the Beautiful pass was $80 annually. Actually, the lifetime pass is $80, while the annual pass is $20. The senior pass is available to persons 62 and older. — James Maroney, via email

STORING OFF-

SEASON CLOTHES

Dear Readers: Here’s a great way to store off-season clothes:

Suitcases are usually empty when we’re not using them, so you can store these clothes inside of them. Then when you buy new suitcases, you can keep your seasonal clothes in the old ones without having to dump out clothes when you take a trip. — Heloise

COLLAPSIBLE CANE

Dear Heloise: I’m 75 with various back issues that have changed the way I walk. I don’t lift the toes of my feet high enough when I take a step, which has caused me to trip on slight rises in sidewalk joints.

So, I purchased a collapsible cane with a ball on the end, the ones usually made for a visually impaired person. I painted the red ball with spray paint (I had a can of black available), and I covered any other red parts with decorative duct tape.

As I walk, I loosely hold the cane in front of me, which alerts me to changes in the sidewalk and reminds me to lift the toes of my shoes. No more tripping! — Cindy M., A Decades-Long Reader, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

TOUCHING UP PAINT

Dear Readers: Here’s how to touch up small scratches or chips in paint at home. If the areas are small, do not use a large paintbrush. Instead, grab a cotton swab to dab the paint over the affected areas. When done, just toss the swab. No brush-cleaning needed! — Heloise

DON’T LET GRAPES

GO BAD

Dear Readers: Do not allow grapes to rot or toss out. Instead, put them into a zip-close bag and freeze. It will make for a fun and healthy after-school snack for your children. — Heloise