Dear Heloise: I noticed several people have written about items that you can give to a graduating student to take to college (a hammer, nails, a tool kit, etc.). Has everyone forgotten that the college will have maintenance people who already have these tools and will help students if they need to assemble things?

People mean well, but don’t overload kids with things that they’ll most likely never need or use. They are only a temporary resident of their college dorm. It’s not as though they’re going to be needing a bunch of tools, a big first-aid kit, and a bunch of other things.

Think in minimal terms: a laundry bag, an alarm clock, soap (for both laundry and their body), and other things that are easy to pack and cause less clutter. After the first month, the students will have a better idea of what they really need. — Scott W., in Lubbock, Texas

Send a great hint to:

Heloise@Heloise.com

Dear Heloise: I love dogs and have two rescue babies. Every time I walk my dogs, I pick up after them instead of leaving poo on a neighbor’s yard. Yesterday one of the neighbors walked their dog past my yard and let their dog use my front lawn as his bathroom. Then they just walked off.

I knew where he lived, so I took a shovel and scooped up the dog droppings. (And it was rather large, but so was the dog!) I dumped it on his front porch. Just as it slipped off my shovel, he opened his door, and I pointed to the poo and said, “You forgot something.”

I’m tired of people who do not pick up after their dogs. If you walk your dog, then make sure to pick up after your pet. It’s not the pet’s fault; it’s the owner’s responsibility. — Walter F., in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Walter, I agree with you. If you have a pet, you need to take responsibility for their actions, which includes picking up poo! — Heloise

Dear Heloise: About peeling carrots, why peel them unless they are severely blemished? I just scrub them with a vegetable brush, and they don’t get slippery. — R.J., in Wisconsin

Dear Heloise: I live in a California where every drop of water must be saved. When I need a hot cloth for wiping, instead of waiting for the faucet to produce hot water, I soak it in cold water and put it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. I save a lot of water this way. — Rick T., in Nipomo, Calif.