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Save coins and find dollars

Dear Heloise: Several years ago, my husband and I decided to start saving the coins we had in our pockets at the end of each day. We found several containers and separated the coins, putting pennies in one container, nickels in another and so on. After a year, we got some coin wrappers for each of the denominations and filled them with the coins that we had saved. After a couple of hours, we realized that we had a couple hundred dollars worth of coins to cash in. You might not become rich, but it’s fun finding money that you probably didn’t even miss. -- Sherry Brewer, Los ...

Haunted by granddaughter’s addiction and death

Dear Annie: Our granddaughter had been on drugs for several years. She had been in and out of jail and rehabs. She had two children, ages 1 and 2. She basically abandoned them, so we all decided tough love and prayer were the answer. She was found by the side of the road where someone dumped her, dead or dying from a drug overdose. Now we all feel guilty that we should have done something other than the tough love approach. She was only 23 years old. What should we have done? -- Heartbroken Grandpa Dear Heartbroken: I’m terribly sorry for the loss of your granddaughter. Death is ...

Reader submits two hints in one

Dear Heloise: If you’re given flowers, set them in front of a mirror. The bouquet will look twice as large. While at thrift sale, seek vases of various sizes. Every room should have some red color because it brings the room to life. You can also pick one color to use in three places in each room; it creates an inviting and welcoming scene. Using your favorite soothing color throughout the home makes for a harmonious look. Remember, if you like it, it will look great in your space! I also have another hint. If you have trouble removing rubber gloves, grab a wet rag to tug them off ...

Learning it’s OK to lean on others

Dear Annie: Please give me your opinion. I am an 84-year-old widow. I have one child, a son, and one grandchild in town. My other children live hours away. I no longer drive. I am financially independent and have someone to come clean twice a month, drive me to run errands, go to the doctor, do grocery shopping and take me to the beauty shop. I have taken care of my parents and my husband’s parents, and I know this can be very tiring. I truly hate to have to call on my children. I try to be careful, and I don’t spend unnecessarily. It adds up when you have to have extra help. My ...

Take a look at these traveling hints

Dear Heloise: Since I travel about 99 days a year for my job, I’ve learned a few tricks that might be of help to others who travel. I’d like to pass these hints along to your readers: 1. If your hotel curtains don’t close all the way, take one of the pant hangers and clip the curtains together in two places. 2. Place all underwear in zip-close plastic bags. If your luggage needs to be opened and inspected, an inspector can see what you have without directly handling your personal items. 3. Place all liquids, such as shampoo and conditioner, in plastic bags to insure that your ...

Family troubles leaving me at a loss

Dear Annie: It has recently come to my attention that my middle adult son has molested my adult daughter when she was 8 years old. She broke down and told me tearfully last week. She is now 23, and he is 31. And I am completely at a loss of how I should feel, think, react. I’m basically an emotional wreck. He is married with four children (whom I now fear for), not to mention what his wife would think/do... I’m REALLY at a loss because we were/are so close. Please, any thoughts on this? My daughter and I are OK; she knows I’m here for her and we will go at her pace and not push ...