HELOISE Home owner couldn't believe hazard

Dear Heloise: You do not know just how much I appreciate your very interesting and informative columns. I reside in Beaumont, Texas, and am in the process of selling our home here. We had not used our fireplace in three or four years for the simple reason that we had not had our chimney checked in that time. I saw the letter in your column about the importance of having your chimney checked and cleaned, and I had my chimney checked and cleaned the very next day. I could not believe the hazard that existed inside my chimney -- approximately half of a 5-gallon container of soot and debris.
I could never have lived with myself if the new owners had lighted a fire, etc., and you know the rest. We will never know the lives and homes that became protected because of the letter in your column. Thanks! Laverne in Texas
Laverne, glad you and others found our information helpful. This is a good reminder for buyers of homes with fireplaces. Be sure that the chimney has been checked and cleaned, if necessary. The Chimney Safety Institute of America suggests having your chimney checked every year and having it cleaned if needed to prevent the possibility of carbon-monoxide poisoning and chimney fires. For more information on chimney safety, go to the CSIA's Web site at csia.org. Heloise
Dear Heloise: To use up all of the toothpaste left in the tube, first squeeze all the paste out and then cut off the tip of the tube. There is still plenty of toothpaste inside the tube and the tip. This way, you can use all the paste until the last drop. Eugenia Korfanty, Dallas
Dear Heloise: Long ago, I took my children's baby mobiles apart and hung them on the Christmas tree each year. Now my children are grown, and I have given the mobile ornaments to them to hang on their trees as a start of a family tradition. Pat Dalton, via fax
Dear Heloise: I read the other day about the lady taking crossword puzzles in her purse to have when she has long waits. I do the same with "word find" puzzles. This is especially good when waiting in the doctor's office. I have done this for many years. My mother loved doing them, too; I guess I inherited it from her. Dixie Hambleton, Steinauer, Neb.
Dear Heloise: Recently, I needed to replace my old vinyl miniblinds and decided to try metal ones with the clip-on valances. It always bugs me to have to throw away all of the extra slats. I discovered that I can store three or four blind slats behind the valance slats. I like having that little safety margin if for some reason I need to replace one. Karen Stein, via e-mail
King Features Syndicate