Heloise

Dear Heloise: So many people don’t know that the accessible parking placard is to be removed while driving. In many states, it can even get you a ticket! I think one of the reasons why people don’t remove the placard is the difficulty in placing and removing it from the rearview mirror. For years, we struggled with it, and one day, my husband said that it was too bad there wasn’t something the sign could stick to. Yeah, Velcro!

You can buy Velcro in rolls like tape and in small squares. I cut a short piece from my roll and place one side on the placard and the other on the back of the mirror! Now the placard resides above the visor while I’m driving, and with just a touch, it can hang from the mirror.

I love your hints and read your column online in the Daily Freeman in Kingston, New York. — Barbara C., via email

COMMENT ON WILLS

Dear Heloise: Any lawyer will tell you that wills and special burial instructions should never be placed in a safety deposit box. I read your column in the Houston Chronicle. — Patricia R., Bellaire, Texas

Patricia, this is true. You need to make certain that your attorney has a copy of your will and that you tell your family members where you’re putting a copy of all your wishes for your burial or cremation. Discuss it with them openly, or have a family meeting to make the wishes known to everyone. — Heloise

BAD BOTTLES

Dear Heloise: I read your column a lot and just read the letter from Megan, who has difficulty knowing which way to turn the lid to open her lotion and soap pump bottles. Why not put an arrow on the top of the bottle with a marker? This way, you can just look at the arrow, and it will tell you which way you should turn it.

Also, you could put a canning jar label on the container with an arrow. Just a thought. It is difficult to open the bottles sometimes, so I understand her problem. — Lori B., in Texas

WEDDING DILEMMA

Dear Heloise: I know this is a touchy subject, but my fiance wants to ask people to contribute to the expenses of our wedding. You’ve heard it before, I’m sure. He wants to ask for $200 per couple and $150 for single friends. We’ve had some very serious fights over this.

I’d be happy with a small family wedding in a nice place or in my backyard, which is beautiful. He and his mother want some over-the-top extravaganza, and frankly, I’m ready to throw in the towel and walk away. Is this a new trend to charge people, or is it just tacky? — Suzanna D., in Mesa, Arizona

Suzanna, most couples still do not charge people to attend their wedding. Personally, I don’t favor the idea of charging others. Slow down and take a long hard look at your fiance and the life he wants. Ask yourself if you two are really compatible on the important issues.

Please keep this in mind: You do not marry someone with the idea that they will change or that you can change them. Too many women have believed that they could change someone, only to find out the other person never wanted to change.

I would advise counseling for both of you before you take this important step in life. — Heloise