HELOISE Small tote will be a big help in an emergency

Dear Heloise: When my mother was rushed to the hospital 90 miles away from home, I jumped in the car with only my purse. Since she was in intensive care for several days, I had none of my essentials from home. When her illness was over and I was home again, I packed a small bag that I keep in the car. I have my medications, extra makeup, shampoo, toothbrush and anything else needed. I feel so much better knowing I'm ready for a quick trip. I thought this might help others. Judy Reagor, Ozona, Texas
It does pay to be prepared. One note, though -- depending on how hot it gets in your trunk, you might want to ask your pharmacist if the medications will be OK. Heloise
Fast facts: Here are several hints for parents following their child's sports or high-school band, sent in by Beth Silkworth, via e-mail:
UAlways take sunblock and insect repellent.
UBuy waterproof clothing for foul-weather days or evenings in the stands.
UTake along dry socks for yourself and your child. The child will know you really love him or her.
UGet a listing of every team parent's cell-phone number and keep it in your car. It's helpful if you have car trouble or get lost.
Dear Heloise: I recycle my "wasted" pages from my home printer by placing the pages back in the paper holder and using the other (clean) side to print recipes, articles, drafts of my work, Hints from Heloise, etc., for my own use. Cathy Kirkham, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: I send photos and other U.S. mail that require postage other than the standard first-class stamp. I usually wait in line at the post office for the postal clerk to weigh my envelope and attach proper postage.
It hit me today that I could use my kitchen scale for the same function. Just to be sure, I weighed my oversized envelope at the post office and verified that the home kitchen scale weighed the envelope at the same weight. I checked the U.S. Postal Service Web site for the exact amount of postage necessary, and voil & aacute;! No more trips to the post office. Jackie Waltrip, Carrollton, Texas
Dear Heloise: I am always getting spare buttons with the clothes that I buy, attached to the garments in little plastic bags. Unfortunately, I usually end up losing the little bags before I actually lose a button, or I end up with a box full of buttons and no idea to which outfits they belong.
I've solved my problem by sewing the extra buttons onto the garments on an inside seam. They are always handy when I need them. Diane W., Gaithersburg, Md.
Sound off: Why is the plastic wrap on new CDs hermetically sealed? By the time I get it open, my hands and temper are raw.
I hope manufacturers read this and think about new packaging that is consumer-friendly! Jane M., via e-mail
I'm with you! I keep a small paring knife handy just for this annoying problem. Heloise
King Features Syndicate