HELOISE Make reconnecting entertainment system a snap with a camera

Dear Heloise: Earlier this year, my wife and I agreed to replace the carpet in our TV room. Eager to move ahead with the upgrade, we ordered carpet and arranged for installation.
On the happy day, I realized that removing the furniture for the carpet installers would necessitate disconnecting all of the components from the TV and reconnecting them when the installation was complete. I broke into a cold sweat when I looked at the dozens of cables snaking from one system to another in seemingly random order
With a digital camera, I photographed the back of each component individually and the system as a group, and used the photos as a guide for reconnection! I keep the pictures for future reference. Scott Brown, via e-mail
Love it, love it, love it! Another use for a digital camera to solve a household dilemma. Heloise
Dear Heloise: For large items that don't fit into a zipper-type bag, I use the heavy, vinyl zippered bags that linens and blankets are sold in. I have an emergency blanket and other emergency items in a bag in my car.
I store those miscellaneous light bulbs that accumulate in another. The bags are great for children's musical instruments and stuffed animals. The uses are endless, and because the vinyl is heavier-gauge, it can take tougher wear than a plastic zipper-type bag. The clear vinyl makes it easy to see the contents. Cindy Messina, New Hampshire
Dear Heloise: I have finally solved the frustrating problem of finding the top/bottom of a flat sheet. After you finally determine which side goes to the head or foot of the mattress, get a permanent marker and put a dot on the hem.
Next time you change linens, you'll know top from bottom. Bonnie Driver, Houston
Most flat sheets used to have a wider hem on the topside, making it very easy to know which side is the top and which is the bottom. Now, more and more sheets have the same-size hems on both bottom and top. Your idea makes it easy to know the difference. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I am writing to tell you what my 13-year-old granddaughter suggested I do:
I have a solid-black toaster with white numbers surrounding the dial knob. I have a hard time seeing where to set the dial for the temperature, and sometimes I use a flashlight. Since the knob has a groove in it, she suggested I put a little typewriter correction fluid into the groove. It works great! Nancy F. Ebling, Whitehall, Pa.
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.
King Features Syndicate