Dear Heloise: I live in a four-bedroom house with a large family room and a big living room. When we had five children, it was great, but they're now grown and living on their own. We decided to sell and start going through this place like a tornado to get rid of things that we didn't need. My kids didn't want my hope chest, the china cabinet, Granny's dishes, and a lot of other things.

So, we gathered up the many items and placed them on the lawn with a sign that said: "It's all free." The whole front yard and driveway were covered with items. The sign also said: "Take whatever you want." We placed a notice in our church and four other churches in our area. (We made sure to lock all the doors to the house, in case someone thought that it also included the things inside.)

In a matter of four hours, it was all gone! A young, newly married couple were thrilled to get free furniture because all they had was a sofa bed!

- Harold and Julie, in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Thank you, Heloise

Dear Heloise: As I think about the things that I appreciate when contemplating our country's 250th birthday, I wanted you to know how much you mean to us. Heloise, you and your mom have given us a place to share ideas, support one another, and find solutions for real-life issues. You're a breath of fresh air instead of a wet blanket of despair.

Thank you for being the epitome of American culture. You're cherished for bringing out the best in us and showing the world love, honesty and respect for all creatures great and small. Thank you for being you!

- With Love and Respect, Karen B., in Warren, Ohio

Karen, thank you so much for your kind words and being a loyal reader of both my and mother's columns. I hope to continue to be a breath of fresh air for all of my wonderful readers!

-Heloise

SURPRISE, SURPRISE!

Dear Heloise: Reading a recent column about downsizing and who gets what reminded me of clearing Mom's house after she passed away. There were four of us going through her crafts/crap room. About every 3 minutes, we'd open a box and wail, "Why did you keep this?"

Finally, I said, "We need to stop asking why. We won't get an answer. So, with anything you find, we'll either keep it, donate it, or trash it. No more whys!" It worked very well, although there were still many laughs at what we found.

This also worked for a friend of mine, until she remembered how her mom didn't trust banks. Every pocket, every book, anywhere money could be hidden had to be checked. I believe the total was $700. Thanks for a great column!

-Marla D., in Marana, Arizona

Marla, thanks for writing in with your experience! Another reader sent in a letter, which is printed below, on the same topic but included a solution that we should probably all heed.

-Heloise

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.