Dear Heloise: I've recently received a membership-renewal notice with a "reply date" that was close to the date I received the notice in the mail. Fortunately, I keep records of when my membership was paid and when it will expire. In this case, I was paid up for another year. The request to renew did not have my expiration date.

I've also received notices from various magazines that I subscribe to asking for payment way in advance.

It is important to keep a record of the payments made and the expiration date. Who knows how many people pay for renewals way in advance?

— Diane Hodges, Colorado Springs, Colo.

How right you are!

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: This is what my granddaughter, Anna, does on cold winter nights to warm her bed: She spreads one of her fleece throws on top of the fitted sheet. These throws are very inexpensive, and they are softer and warmer than a towel, which another reader suggested.

— Sara Johnson, Little Rock, Ark.

Dear Heloise: When I make a label or instructions for something around the house, like a kitchen canister, new appliance, etc., I do it on my computer. I can use many different fonts and colors. It's fun to do, lets me get creative, and it even has spell check!

— Kay, Rosebud, Texas

Dear Heloise: As one of the conservation-minded who has received another semi-disposable contact-lens holder, the question of how to re-purpose the growing collection has been answered. Designed to be liquid-tight, each reservoir perfectly protects and preserves whatever is scooped or poured into it. Result: Every drop of skin-care products or cosmetics may be used.

— Claudia, San Marcos, Calif.

Dear Heloise: Our upholstered kitchen chairs don't get the wear they once did, so on the first day of the month, I rotate the chairs one place clockwise around the table. This way, each chair will get some wear.

— Jean B., Carlsbad, Calif.