She learned the importance of cross-training

Dear Heloise: I have always heard that a wife should be knowledgeable about finances in case something happens to her husband.
When my husband recently became temporarily disabled, I found out that I should know how to run our home. I needed to know such things as how to turn off the water and electricity in case of emergency, swimming-pool maintenance and about the water well, septic system and sprinkler system. Also, how to use the inside electronics (including the new television, with all its bells and whistles); car maintenance, such as oil changes and air in the tires -- the list goes on!
It is amazing what I did not know and, although he is retired, how much my husband has to do around the home. I have a greater appreciation for him.
I made a notebook on each topic with directions on how to do these things. As I find out more or when we buy new things, I will also add them to the notebook. We enjoy your column. Alicia Ingram, via e-mail
In the business world, it's called "cross-training," and it's worth learning how to do what appears to be a routine job or one you aren't always responsible for.
OK, folks, here's a little test of your "what to do" IQ:
A. The toilet starts to overflow. How do you shut off the water?
B. A breaker "pops." What do you do?
C. The disposal gets stuck. What do you do? Heloise
P.S. If you know the answers, good for you. If not, maybe it's time to learn.
Need to ripen an avocado at home? No problem. Place the fruit in a brown paper bag and wait a day or two. Need it sooner? Place an apple or a banana in the bag with the avocado to speed up the ripening. Heloise
Dear Heloise: For years I have been an avid reader of your column in the Houston Chronicle, and now here at Smith College. I wanted to pass along to you this hint that I hope will be helpful to others:
I keep a metal bandage tin in my purse as a mini first-aid kit. It holds several small containers of pills, nail clippers and bandages. Very easy to find when needed. Q. Collard, Northampton, Mass.
Dear Heloise: You know the large, zippered plastic bags that blankets, pillows and some sheet sets come in? They make ideal liners for suitcases -- they are easily scanned at airports and inspected by airport personnel, plus items are easy to find for yourself. Shirley Hayward, Rochester, Ill.
Dear Heloise: I have three shower-curtain rods at my bathtub. The outer one is for the decorative curtain, the second one is for the liner, and the third one is placed down the middle of the tub -- this is where I hang clothing I want to drip-dry. Marilyn Burres, via e-mailing
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