Plug-in doorbell helps elderly loved one

Dear Heloise: Recently, my aged father was very ill. While my brother and his wife live the house, their sleeping quarters and workspace are downstairs from where my parents were.
We worried that my mother might need them quickly and couldn’t get to the door to call them very easily.

I thought of our inexpensive plug-in doorbell. We attached the button to something that Mom could take with her into several rooms. It works like a charm, even from the floor above.
Even though my dad passed away, they bought one so that Mom can summon them if she needs to. – Dawn O., via email
Dear Dawn: My heart sends you and your family a hug on losing your dad. I know how tough it can be. Thank you for sharing this hint, which I know will help thousands of my readers who are taking care of family. – Heloise
Dear Heloise: Is there any way to keep microfiber sheets from pilling? No matter what brand I buy, those annoying little pill bumps start forming after a few months. – Karen, via email
Dear Karen: It’s probably not the brand, as you have found out; it’s the way they are manufactured or how you are washing them.
First, wash using the delicate cycle so there is a minimum amount of agitation.
It’s really the rubbing against other materials that causes the little fibers to “pill,” or cause bumps.
The same for putting them in the dryer. So do try to wash and dry them alone, with nothing else that may have an abrasive action. And hang them to dry, if you can. – Heloise
Dear Readers: Bob Biron of Manchester, N.H., sent in a photo of his adopted dog, Buddy, sitting next to the fireplace. Bob says that Buddy isn’t concerned about a long, cold winter: “I’ll just hang out by the pellet stove like last winter.” To see Buddy’s photo, go to my website, www.Heloise.com, and click on “Pets.” – Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read the letter from someone who had photos that smelled like smoke and wanted to know how to get rid of the smell.
How about scanning them on a color scanner and reprinting them?
They can be reprinted on photo paper, which can be bought at any office-supply store.
Or take them to any place that prints photos to have them reprinted. – Shelley, via email
Dear Heloise: My husband and I inherited a beautiful dining-room table. I want to take care of it. When we have gatherings, I am a little worried that someone will let a drink sit on the table and leave a water ring.
To help relieve my anxiety, I put two tablecloths on. The bottom one is smaller and can’t be seen, but provides extra protection. I also put out coasters. – Rosanne B., Salt Lake City