Heloise

Dear Heloise: Martha D., in Southfield, Michigan, missed the point about flowers at a funeral in a recent column of yours. Of course, the dead person can’t “appreciate the beauty,” But family and friends are comforted by the fragrant, lovely gestures of sympathy! — Lisa N., in Idaho

Lisa, yes, this is true. I also enjoy sending a plant or flowers to people while they were alive. If I went to visit someone and stayed at their home, I always sent flowers, which I arranged to have delivered after my departure with a note thanking my host and/or hostess.

I hoped it would remind them of the nice time we enjoyed and thank them for their hospitality. It was just intended as a nice thing to do in addition to my hostess gift. — Heloise

FAST SHOPPING

Dear Heloise: Regarding the idea from Jan S., in Pennsylvania, I, too, make a list of the aisles in my local grocery store and leave spaces in between for the items I need on each aisle. I started this when my local store expanded. At about the same time (16 years ago), my husband had a stroke, and I couldn’t leave him alone for a long time. So, having this list of each aisle and the items I needed on each aisle made my shopping trips much faster.

I still use it today even though he passed away and I no longer need to hurry with my shopping. It still is very handy. — Sue R., in Murphy, Texas

Sue, I know what you mean. I visit my own local grocery store so often that now I could shop blindfolded!

P.S. I’m sorry for the loss of your husband. I’m sure he appreciated the fact that you took such great care of him. — Heloise

DOUBLE DUTY

Dear Heloise: For a dry, disposable cloth sweeper, you can get double use out of your dry sweeping cloths. Instead of disposing of the cloth after using it, turn it over, reinsert it, and use the other side. — Laura B., in Fort Wayne, Indiana

SOOT STAINS

Dear Heloise: We have an old fireplace from 1965 that is made of porous split-faced blocks. Over the years, the fires have deposited soot on the blocks, and I can’t clean it. I have tried commercial brick cleaner, trisodium phosphate, and salt mixtures to name a few treatments.

I really don’t want to paint it or resurface the fireplace because if it was clean, it would be beautiful. Any suggestions on how to clean the blocks? — Terry, in California

Terry, I consulted with a builder, and here was his suggestion:

— Use a drop cloth, heavy rubber gloves, and eye protection. Always test solutions first on a small area.

— There is a “soot sponge” that some hardware stores carry, or you might find it online.

— First, try baking soda mixed with vinegar and a little water, then go to town on the soot with a hard-bristled brush. Rinse. Always start at the top and work your way down.

— Try trisodium phosphate again. Follow the instructions on the container and leave on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

While these steps may help, you may have to repeat them to get the results you want. And the stain may have worked its way into the area so deeply by now that you might have to live with a shadowy stain there. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com