DEAR HELOISE: Martha D., in Southfield, Michigan, missed the point about flowers at a funeral. 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.

I hoped it would remind them of the nice time we enjoyed.

• Heloise

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.

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

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

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. 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.

• Heloise