HELOISE Dad's gifts get teenage driver ready

Dear Heloise: The day has arrived that I dreaded -- my teenage son just got his driver's license. Now, the worry begins. One gift I did give him was a cell phone. Knowing he can call if he has a problem is a big relief. The second is a kit I made up with important tools, etc., that he can use in an emergency. I also put the original car owner's manual in the glove compartment for him to look up information he might need. The following is what I put in his emergency kit:
UFirst-aid kit.
UTool kit with screwdriver, wrench, tire-pressure gauge, etc.
UFlashlight.
UFire extinguisher for grease fires.
UFlares and roadside reflectors.
UBattery cables.
URaincoat and umbrella.
My son really appreciates this kit and has added a couple of things himself, like maps, a small blanket and a list of phone numbers -- for his insurance company, towing companies, etc. Now he is set to take to the road. John F., via e-mail
John, good advice, and a much-needed tool and emergency kit that all autos should have. Glad you wrote. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Recently, while breaking down boxes to take to our community recycling center, I discovered that my name, address and phone number were on them.
I immediately tore those labels off and destroyed them. Anyone who receives packages from parcel services, please be aware of this practice of using the receiver's name, address and, most importantly, phone number (for delivery problems) on labels.
If this information gets into the wrong hands, it could cause many problems in the future. I am glad that I caught this in time, before I received telemarketers' calls or unwanted mail -- or, worse yet, possibly identity theft. It only takes a few extra seconds to remove these labels. Lana Jackson, Albion, Ind.
Lana, how right you are! Also, take a look at your address labels on magazines before you toss them! Heloise
Dear Heloise: To keep family members' towels separated when using, each person can choose a different-colored plastic or decorated wooden clothespin.
And, for a fun little project, children can use colored markers to decorate their own wooden clothespins with their name, flowers, stars, etc. Marsha Vanprooyen, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Dear Heloise: I have a large family, and each person likes his or her sandwich made a different way. We have a simple but cute system to mark picnic sandwiches.
Each person picks a small cookie cutter and makes an impression on the bread. If the sandwiches are in plastic bags already, there's no mess at all. It's easy to divvy up the sandwiches now! Nikki Pratt, Bryan, Texas
Dear Heloise: I keep a handkerchief and also a sandwich bag in every purse. If I spill something, I can use the hanky to wipe off the spot. If the hanky becomes too wet, I put it in the sandwich bag. Also, the hanky can be used to clean eyeglasses. Nancy Chute, Columbus
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
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