DEAR HELOISE: As a follow-up to the hint about using newspaper bags for doggie cleanup bags, I, too, use them for this purpose. However, I also donate all of my used newspapers and the majority of the bags to my local animal shelter. But do call the shelter first and ask if they take them.

— Rita G., via email

DEAR HELOISE: Store parking lots can sometimes be a very tough place to find your car. It would be a lot easier if stores would mark their rows or aisles with letters or numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or A, B, C, D. I think most people could/would more easily remember a number or a letter to assist them in finding their car.

— Ken T., Summerfield, Florida

Ken, I wish all stores followed this advice. Hunting for your car on a cold, windy day or on a miserably hot day is no fun.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: When I ordered two comforters for bunk beds recently, they came in nice fabric bags that were identical to the comforter. I cut one apart and made a pillowcase for a 9-by-16 inch pillow, which I placed in a rocking chair inside of the bedroom with the bunk beds. It’s cute, and it’s great back support when I sit in the chair to read.

— Sarah, in Lincoln, Nebraska

Sarah, this is a clever decorating idea. It not only looks cute but also pulls the colors across the room as professional designers advise us to do.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve had two dear friends for about 30 years. I’ve been blessed to be able to travel, and I’ve had these friends and their husbands join my husband and me in our three-bedroom condo numerous times in several island places. Recently, I found out that they are traveling without me — no invitation, explanation or anything. I am hurt! I have included them and their husbands over six times, and they are now traveling without me. How do I handle this?

— Kay B., via email

Kay, there are many reasons why they didn’t ask others to join them. Perhaps they are on a second honeymoon and just want to be alone. Maybe they are meeting up with friends who you’re not acquainted with and wanted to spend some private time with these people. Maybe they just wanted to be alone together.

Don’t be offended. I seriously doubt that they meant to snub you. Of course, you can always have a conversation with them about it to clear the air.

— Heloise