Familiar face solved the case of lost camera

Dear Heloise: After a visit to the town I grew up in, I discovered I had lost my digital camera. I called a few places, but no luck. About six months later, my mother called to say she had my camera and would mail it to me. It seems someone recognized her picture in the camera and called her. Since then, the first picture I take is of my business card, with my name and phone number.
Also, I use the camera before a doctor visit. I take all my medications and line them up on the counter. Then I take a close-up digital picture of them. I print this picture on plain paper and give it to the doctor. Much quicker and more complete than writing them down. Jim Ward, Anaheim, Calif.
Don't you love small towns and communities? I have a mailing label stuck on my camera and cell phone. My camera was once returned, too. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I always lock the car when I get out to put gas in it. We saw a man jump into a car and drive off while the woman was putting gas in -- she had left her keys in the ignition. The worst part of the story was that her baby was in the car seat in the back. The best part of the story: They got the baby back unharmed, as well as the van. Marlene Nichol, Thousand Oaks, Calif.
It's wise to play it safe at all times. And for heaven's sake, folks, don't leave the car running to go into the store! Heloise
Fast facts
Dear Heloise: I love those mints that come in the metal tins. Don't throw the tin container away:
Whenever I take a trip, I put jewelry in one.
Use to store cotton balls or swabs.
They make great storage for doll shoes and other small accessories.
Calling or baseball cards can go in one. Tony from Maryland
Dear Heloise: I was in a hurry to produce a large amount of potato salad and was frantically trying to figure out a shortcut. I rarely make the stuff because it's such a pain, and most recipes say to boil the spuds in the jackets, cool, then cut into pieces. Instead, I peeled, chopped and steamed the pieces in a steamer basket for about 20 minutes, and they came out perfect. No burned fingers, no mess and no mushy, waterlogged potatoes. Jennifer Bayles, Houston
Sound off
Dear Heloise: Is your pet peeve all those junk fliers and business cards left at your door? I put a typed, bold-printed, small sign that read "no fliers please" outside my door. I had to make sure to tape it in the exact spot (door handle) where they were left. Instantly, I had almost none. In a week, I might get one. It sure worked for me. Ginger in Orange, Calif.
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate