Dear Heloise: If you’re like me and are often out and about but wonder if you left a pot boiling, take a picture of the stove in its off position. Granted, if you go to this much trouble, you should remember. But you can also do this with parking spots at a mall or other places. — Bonnie Waterhouse, in Burbank, California

MONEY-SAVING HINT

Dear Heloise: In this past month, I have come across four establishments (two restaurants, a travel agency, and a car mechanic) that put a surcharge of about 3% on my bills when I used my credit card. Cash, check, EFT or debit card use could save you money. — P.T., in The Villages, Florida

ICE MAKER TIP

Dear Heloise: The ice maker bin in my new refrigerator was way too large; it was taking up too much room and holding more ice than needed. Therefore, I purchased a clear plastic container that was about the size of a shoebox and replaced it.

Also, when I have sufficient ice made for a while, I just turn it off until it’s needed again. — Jean Milici, in Torrington, Connecticut

‘EGGCELLENT’ EGGS

Dear Heloise: I break three or four eggs into my personal blender and add a decent-size spoonful of cottage cheese (in place of cream or milk) and a dash of salt and pepper. I blend the ingredients and pour the mixture into my pan to scramble. They come out nice and fluffy, and they have the added protein from the cottage cheese. — Cheryl, in South Dakota

A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 ARGUMENTS

Dear Heloise: My No. 1 use for my cellphone is in grocery stores. I take a photo of a sale item with the price showing, so when I get to the checkout, there’s no questioning the price. This has happened in past months, and the picture’s settled it.

I read your wonderful column in the Journal-News in Hamilton, Ohio. — Betsy, via email

TO PUSH OR PULL?

Dear Readers: When you’re moving objects, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.gov) recommends pushing the object whenever possible instead of pulling it. When you push objects, OSHA says that you use more muscles over a greater area of your body. But when you’re pulling the same object, you can risk muscle strain, which can cause a painful injury. — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: I love your column and have used many of your tips over the years. I’ve attached a photo of my 8-year-old golden retriever, Rocky. He is on high alert here in our backyard in New Hampshire, looking for squirrels to chase! They always outrun him, but he never stops trying!

Thank you for all that you do! Best regards. — Leni Hodgins

Readers, to see Rocky and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

(Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.)