Dear Heloise: I just read the letter where L.N. made memorable pillows for her grandchildren out of her deceased husband’s shirts. What a wonderful idea! When my husband passed, we had many pictures. These were from the time when you could not see them on the camera and had to get them all developed.

I started going through the albums, getting rid of a lot of the same pictures. When I finished the travel photos, I started on the family photos. I had a pile for each grandchild and my son. I then put them in individual photo albums with a favorite picture of that grandchild on the front.

Not only did I clean out many photos, it was therapeutic for me. — Linda Humphress, in Lincoln, Nebraska

AVOID CHOKING ON FOOD

Dear Heloise: It’s a very good habit — and potentially a lifesaver — to always have a glass of water or some other drink within arm’s reach while eating. It could help prevent death from choking. Thanks for your continued tips! — Kevin Noonan, in Loma Linda, California

UNKNOWN PHONE NUMBERS

Dear Heloise: Since we are snowbirds in Florida, we receive many phone calls from unknown numbers, especially doctors and others. So, I always answer calls from unknown numbers. I recently read that you should only answer numbers in your contact list, but this is not feasible for me. Seldom, if ever, do I receive calls that are sales calls or are unwanted. — A Snowbird Reader, via email

SCREENING PHONE CALLS

Dear Heloise: I read your column every day and love the hints your readers write in. In response to Fred, from Pennsylvania: I was getting 10 to 12 scam calls a day, and it was very disturbing and annoying. Before I listed the particular phone numbers that are allowed to call me, I contacted all my friends, family and medical providers (and I have plenty of them at my age — 80 years young) to let them know to use my cellphone number. I haven’t missed an important call yet. — Deanne Dillenbeck, Cypress, California

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

Dear Heloise: My dentist says I need a root canal, but I don’t want to go through the pain and aggravation. If I ignore this tooth, will it improve on its own? — Payton, in Massachusetts

Payton, it more than likely will not improve on its own. The pain might go away, but the infection is still hiding in there and could get worse. The bacteria can travel to the roots and jaw, causing a pus-filled infection.

If your dentist says you need a root canal, you probably do. You can get a second opinion, but please don’t ignore the problem. If the expense is an issue, many dentists will work out a payment plan for you. — Heloise

NAILED IT

Dear Heloise: I like using nail polish because it reduces breakage. But nail polish feels heavy, and I want my nails to be uncovered and exposed to air. So, here’s my solution:

I polish only the tips using horizontal strokes, and I use all the coats (base, color twice and top coat). It looks exactly like a French manicure, yet it leaves most of the nail free from polish, pink, and healthy! — R.B., in Maryland

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.