Dear Heloise: I keep a spray bottle filled with isopropyl alcohol that is set to shoot a stream — not a mist — at any cockroaches I see in my house. The alcohol is absorbed through their exoskeleton and internalized so that they quickly die. Any overspray of alcohol evaporates, unlike commercial bug sprays, so clean-up is just a soap and water swipe for any roach detritus. — H.E., in Tucson, Arizona

FINDING THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

Dear Heloise: I have a great-granddaughter that is being raised by a single father and two brothers. ( She’s a girl sandwich.)

Unfortunately her father is the hostile type (“the whole world can take a flying leap at itself”), and if he didn’t think of it, it’s a bad idea. She could use some help becoming the charming, thoughtful, well-received social individual (which isn’t likely to happen without a little help). There is very likely someone in your readership who can suggest a book that could be of help.

I am a native of San Antonio and have enjoyed you and your mother’s suggestions all my life. (I’m 97.) Thank you. — Beryl L., in Texas

Beryl, you might have to speak to the girl’s father about his sour attitude. It’s a very touchy subject, but ask him to be more encouraging and positive around his daughter. If her father has a sister, perhaps she can step in to show his daughter a brighter side of life and how to look for the good in other people. — Heloise

DESTINATION WEDDING SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: I’d like to think that the destination wedding couple considered the pros and cons of a wedding in Hawaii, but in this day of impulsive actions, it’s reasonable to believe that they did not. Maybe they’re from an affluent family where expenses aren’t a concern, but expecting people to fork out thousands of dollars and take a week out of their schedule just to attend a wedding is asking for a bit much.

Making all the arrangements for a local wedding can be mind-numbing, so I cannot imagine trying to pull together a venue, caterer, photographer, etc., a few thousand miles away at probably double the cost! And let us hope that both sides are 100% understanding of each other’s situations and not offended by the outcome. They need to wish each other well and celebrate together after the fact.

An alternative would’ve been to have a local wedding, then honeymoon in Hawaii. I’m sure they could’ve arranged a very simple ceremony on the beach and restate their vows with only close family and friends who are able to take part. — Mike F., via email

CLEANING UP CLUTTER

Dear Heloise: My husband and I are downsizing and buying a smaller place in a cute country town we’ve always loved. This means we need to get rid of a lot of stuff. It suddenly dawned on me that this should have been an annual project instead of waiting 32 years to give away an old crib, over 100 books, duplicate kitchen tools, old bikes, and much more. This weekend, we’re having a “It’s free! Come and get it!” event.

A word to the wise: Don’t wait 32 years to unburden yourself and your house. This has been a back-breaking mess, but it would have been easier if we had done this little by little each year. — Charlotte M., in Marietta, Georgia

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com