Drilling pilot holes

Dear Heloise: When hanging up pictures, it is best to drill a pilot hole into the plaster for the nail before hammering it in. If one does not drill a hole, the plaster surface will splinter, creating patch work if the picture is to be moved or taken down in the future. — Ray, via email

THE ARMY WAY

Dear Heloise: I spent nearly 25 years in the Army, and one of the first things you learn in basic training is how to make a bunk with two flat sheets. The Army doesn’t use fitted sheets for mattresses.

To make your bed the Army way, you take a flat sheet and place it even with the foot of the bed. The excess sheet goes at the head of the bed, and you tuck it under the mattress and do hospital corners. The top sheet is done the opposite way so that the sheet is even with the head of the bed and the excess is tucked in at the foot of the bed.

This method can be used on any size bed using two flat sheets, eliminating the need for a fitted sheet. — Joyce Williams, in North Little Rock, Arkanasas

SHOWER SAFETY

Dear Heloise: When I get ready to take a shower when I’m alone, I place a towel on the closed toilet seat with some of it hanging over the edge. I lay my cellphone on the towel. If I fall getting out of the shower, I can just pull the towel down with my cellphone on it to call for help. I enjoy your column every day along with my breakfast. — Frances, via email

SOAK THE BEANS

Dear Heloise: For gas-free beans, soak 1 pound of beans overnight with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of castor oil. The next day, drain well, rinse two or three times, and cook like you usually do. There’s no gas at all and no change in the taste. — Johnny, in Texas

A BRICK IN EVERY POT

Dear Heloise: When I help my wife plant her flowers, I put half a brick in the bottom of the pot. It helps them stay upright during the occasional windstorm. — Rich K., in La Vista, Nebraska

MOIST BREAD

Dear Heloise: When I make cornbread whether from scratch or a box mix, I replace 1/4 of the milk called for with either plain yogurt or sour cream (reduced fat works fine) and bake as directed. This makes the cornbread moister, and it won’t dry out after cooling.

I read your column every day in the Sidney Daily News. — Susan M., via email

VALET PARKING TICKET

Dear Heloise: My wife and I recently stayed at a nice hotel in Florida where they had valet parking. While we were out to dinner, I managed to lose my valet parking ticket. Thankfully, I had taken a picture of it with my cellphone, which helped the valet locate my car. Otherwise, I’d have waited a long time before they finally found my vehicle. — Vernon G., in Holland, Michigan

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Could you leave it up to me to befriend animals? This is the latest and the only one we have. Her name is Snowball. — Doyle Hansel, via email

Readers, to see Snowball and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

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.