Sullied grass

I’ve never written to one of these columns before, but I do read them. My family recently bought a home in a large development in the South. We don’t own a dog at this time but have in the past. The neighborhood is full of dog owners who walk their dogs and let them do their business on the neighbors’ lawns, sometimes way up the lawn and next to the house. Yes, most clean up after their dogs, but I still find it very disgusting, not to mention rude. I think they should go to unoccupied green space or have their dogs do their business in their own yards. Am I wrong for thinking that? Even though they clean it up, they can’t get it all. Thank you for your time. I’ll be eagerly waiting for your answer. — Can’t Go Barefoot on

My Own Lawn

You could purchase a “Keep Off Grass” sign. There are ones for sale online that would get your point across, with pictures of dogs doing their business.

Be careful not to be too much of a stickler about the issue, as long as everyone is cleaning up afterward. I know that stepping in waste residue is an unpleasant thought, but here’s an even less pleasant thought: being known as the cranky new neighbor.

I just read the letter from “Still Daddy’s Little Girl.” I was so moved by her story and the devastating loss her father is feeling. Your advice was good, but I have my own ideas to add.

This father is clearly a very skilled man. He not only has the abilities honed from a lifetime of work but also is able to focus on things that are important — his family, for example. Of course, I don’t know this for certain, but I imagine he was usually on time and rarely took days off. I also imagine he managed his money well and was able to make wise decisions and keep his priorities clear, at least most of the time.

If I’m not far off the mark in the picture I’ve painted of this dad, he has what it takes to start his own business. Increasingly, there are people who need help with all kinds of odd jobs. A friend of mine in his late 60s who started out as a car mechanic and later became the facilities manager at a local engineering school now has his own practice responding to the needs of a real estate company that has a number of rental units. He is a jack-ofall-trades. Because he is hardworking, inventive and pleasant, he is as busy as he wants to be. Older people and others frequently are in need of temporary help with tasks they are unable to do themselves. I’m guessing a “I can do what stymies you” kind of ad in the local paper might bring this dad some needed cash. He should know that being laid off is not the same as being permanently put to pasture.

And one more thought: Volunteering with local groups that help poor people restore or maintain their homes would be a win-win. He would help others and bring a sense of purpose, and it would open up new networks.

— Helen

All helpful, practical ideas. Thank you for writing.

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

ACROSS

1 Far from

homogeneous 8 Fight back 14 Threatening 15 Red hot chili

pepper 16 Bed buyer’s

concern 17 Still on the plate 18 Suffix for Gator 19 Like cactusfriendly climates 20 “__ making a

list ... ” 21 Family guy 23 “Oliver Twist”

criminal 25 “Sommersby”

star Richard 26 Deeply absorbed 27 Clickable pic 28 Skippy rival 29 Roadie’s load 30 San Antonio Spurs coach Popovich 31 Worth having 34 With 36-Across, mass-produced ... and what each of four black squares in this puzzle is? 36 See 34-Across 37 “Spun” tales 38 Arm

bone-related 41 News letters 42 Trike rider 43 Having no slack 44 Soft French

wheel 45 Bump up against 47 Coastal flock 48 Blues-rocker

Chris 49 Somerhalder of “The Vampire Diaries” 50 Two in a row? 51 Prompt on stage 53 Massage technique meaning “finger pressure” in Japanese 55 Stocking

attachments 59 Rodeo ropes 60 Massachusetts site of Phillips Academy 61 This one or that

one 62 Dangerous wave

DOWN

1 Bashful pal 2 Texter’s “If you

ask me” 3 Vigor’s partner 4 “Terrible” French

kid 5 Crucifix 6 Foolproof 7 Guinness suffix 8 Carted off to jail 9 Looked at closely 10 “The __ is calm tonight”: “Dover Beach” opening 11 Coming up 12 Show contempt 13 Present perfect,

for one 15 Saving one’s

bacon? 19 Really excited 21 Polynesian nation 22 One who strikes while the iron is hot 24 Top pitcher 25 Birthday present 26 Risqué 28 Soup du __ 30 Essence 32 Vintage hue on a

photo app 33 Scary-sounding

lake 35 Nautical speed

unit 36 Cross-sectional

X-rays 38 Development site 39 Metallica

drummer Ulrich 40 Woman with a

habit? 44 Nantes native 45 Flier’s window

alternative 46 Iranian faith 47 Stun gun brand 50 Winnebago

relative 52 Pakistan’s national language 54 Mt. St. Helens

output 55 Mobster’s piece 56 “2 Fast 2 Furious”

actress Mendes 57 Sleep acronym 58 Indian title