Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read your column daily and have some hints for those old shower curtains.

I gave one to my husband. In the fall, he lays it out full on the lawn and rakes leaves onto it, then pulls it to the back of the property to dump. It glides across the grass. Even wet leaves aren’t so heavy and it saves stains on my sheets, too!

I also cut one into quarters. It’s great to kneel on while gardening or to put on my table when repotting houseplants.

When we had two toddlers, a shower curtain worked great as a mattress cover on the bed, under the fitted sheets.

During the summer, for those snap-set pools with hard sides, use spring clothespins and clip the shower curtain on as a cover overnight or while moving. It keeps out bugs and flying grass clippings. - Shirley Ackerman, Niles, Ohio

Dear Heloise: Need a support for drinks on the lawn? Try an up-ended flowerpot, about 5 inches in diameter. It’s easy to find a level position, and the clay keeps the glass from sliding off. - Paul Post, Norwalk, Conn.