w why, I vote you just let it go. Focus on yourself and your health. Lean on those in your circle who know, love and accept all of you. You said it best yourself; while it’s no doubt disappointing to learn why your former friends have turned their backs on you, you can feel confident knowing you’re not losing out from their lack of presence in your life.

Dear Heloise: Everyone should have a will and their obituary done before anything happens to them. List your financial information, hospital records if you have them, all insurance policies and even a list of people to contact when you die.

You might consider writing a letter to a number of people, which is to be mailed or handed out only after you’ve died. Place the letter and any accompanying photos in an envelope, seal it and write their name on the front. If you do write a letter to someone, make it personal and kind.

Don’t wait until the last moment to do this sort of thing, because you might not be able to write or make your wishes known. I am paying for my own funeral as well as picking out the songs I want played for my church mass.

I may be old, but I’m not ready to go just yet. I hope to see more great-grandchildren enter this world someday. — A Reader in Youngstown, Ohio

Reader in Youngstown, Ohio, you’re right. Not just elderly people, but anyone 21 and older should have their will made out. It will make things so much easier for your friends and family to know what you want and who gets your possessions.

However, never put in your will how you wish to be buried or cremated. Tell people before you die because a will is read after your death and burial. — Heloise

POTPOURRI

Dear Heloise: After opening a new bag of potpourri, I was searching for an attractive bowl for the new bag. There was a lovely bowl, which had been in the china cabinet with potpourri, that had lost its scent long ago. Instead of throwing it away, I thought of spraying it with an air freshener. I sprayed the inside of the bag, then placed the old potpourri inside and shook it gently. I now had a new supply of potpourri.

P.S. We read your column in the Tribune Chornicle. — Ann H., Niles, Ohio

Ann, what a clever idea! Do you grow roses, marigolds or other flowers? If so, you can make your own potpourri by drying out your flowers. After they are dry, remove the petals and spray them with a little essential oil in your favorite scent, poured in a spray bottle. You can put the petals in a glass jar and give them out as a gift, or scent your own home with your creation. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com