Gravesite flowers disappear

Dear Annie: The artificial flowers on my grandparents’ graves have gone missing three out of the past four times my mother and I have put them out. We put new flowers on the graves several times a year. It is disheartening to drive to the cemetery a few weeks later and discover that the flowers and vase have gone missing. Once, my mother had used an etched crystal vase.

I never knew my grandfather, but my grandmother was special to me, and both her parents were very special to my mother, of course. We are the only family members who honor my grandparents with “fresh” artificial flowers anymore.

Could you please offer a plea to people to be respectful and leave flowers in the cemetery alone? They are nice-looking flowers; we do not allow them to become shabby and faded. If we check on the flowers and they no longer look nice, we remove them and then go buy replacements. Janice in Texas

Dear Janice: I would contact the cemetery office to ask about its policy on artificial flowers. Sometimes caretakers remove artificial flowers when the wind begins blowing the plastic pieces apart. It’s also worth making the cemetery office aware of the fact that your flowers and vases have gone missing in case it’s the work of not a caretaker but a thief. Here’s hoping that’s not the case.

Dear Annie: I think you blew it with your answer to “Digital Age Discrimination.” I am a senior and struggle with the computer. Best thing that ever happened was when my smartphone got run over by a car.

I take it you did not check with any major grocery chains regarding the problem for seniors with digital coupons. When my computer was down and there were some items I wanted that had digital coupons, I went to the Kroger manager and asked whether he could help. He said I could just tell the cashier to put in the code to get the digital coupon discount.

I no longer have to hassle with the annoying problem. I hope you publish my letter to inform your readers of how to get around this issue. And if other chains are not doing this, then their customers should be complaining to management to do likewise or taking their business to a chain that does.

EDH in Roanoke, Va.

Dear EDH: A simple, human solution to a technical problem. Thanks for writing. I think your letter will help many.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators .com.