Technology helps to update the family photo history

Dear Heloise: Several years ago, my parents made a photo album containing pictures and birth and death dates of our family tree dating back to my great-great-grandparents. They included a short summary of what the people did in life, work, hobbies, etc., and made copies for all of us siblings. From time to time, we update our albums with new photos of our kids, weddings and important events in our lives.
Eventually, these albums will be passed down to our children to continue updating.
Now, if an unforeseen fire, flood or other disaster happens, we have backups of our most important photos and family facts. Wayne Schuler, Vancouver, Wash.
With today's technology and digital photography, it's easier than ever to scan and share important family photo history. Heloise
Fast facts
Do you have an extra soft eyeglass case with nothing to put in it? Don't fret -- try using it to hold one of the following:
Pencils and pens that always get lost in a briefcase, etc.
Crochet hooks -- organize and keep them in one place.
Cell phone, MP3 player or small personal data organizers.
Makeup items -- tube of mascara and lipstick, small blusher and brush.
Dear Heloise: To refresh pillows, place them in the dryer on permanent press for 20 minutes. They fluff up beautifully. M. Parmenter, Royalton, Vt.
Dear Heloise: I cut off large corners of used envelopes for bookmarks. I put one over the corner of the page. It does not harm the page -- it rides on top of it. I prefer colored envelopes from greeting cards. Helen Gebert, Premont, Texas
Dear Heloise: Next time you go to print labels or pictures from your computer and find yourself wondering which direction to load the paper so that it prints correctly, take notes. Then, tape a small piece of paper stating the instructions to your paper tray, such as "load label paper face down in paper tray." We all think we will remember till next time, but seldom do. It also can help others who use that printer. Heather Ashley of Virginia
When planting, a hoe can be a handy tool. Mark off on the handle of the hoe the depth in inches you need to plant seeds at. Then poke it in the ground, drop the seed(s) in and cover. Heloise
Sound off
Dear Heloise: Why can't stores offer packages of gift bows in colors for graduations, weddings, etc.? During the late summer and fall, these stores and manufacturers could offer packages of gift bows in richer fall colors.
I think it would really be a boon and a cost-saving measure for consumers if this sort of change could be effected. Jan Fauber, Carmichael, Calif.
One suggestion would be to check stores that sell items for a dollar. A lot of times they have lots of gift bags, ribbons, etc. Hopefully, manufacturers will read this and take notice as well. Heloise
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