ABB

Our 3-year-old dog has slept in her crate ever since we got her as a puppy. About a month ago, she started balking at going into the crate at bedtime. She hides or runs away when it is bedtime. We put her in the crate anyway and after a couple of minutes she relaxes, curls up and sleeps through the night just as she has always done. We do not use the crate for anything but night-time and we have not had any changes recently. Any thoughts?

My four-month-old puppy loves ice cubes - both to play with and chew on. Is there any danger in this? I don't think it is a choking hazard, but is there a danger I haven't thought of? Thanks.

I have a 12 wk old Coton de Tulear puppy (similar to a Bichon or Havanese). I know you do not want to allow the puppy to jump on the furniture or be anywhere above the ground because the puppy may become dominant. But what about the car seat? I bring my puppy in her carrier in the car. It only fits on top of the back seat, not on the floor. Is this the same as allowing her on the sofa? Thanks.

I am buying tickets to Mary Poppins on Broadway but I am not sure whether to go for the orchestra seats or the front mezzanine. Is the show better viewed from a slight distance or close up? My 7-year-old daughter will be with me. Are there obstructions in the front mezzanine that may block her view? Thanks.

I will only have one day in Hamilton, Bermuda. What one restaurant would you suggest? I am not looking for the best in fine dining. I prefer to get a real flavor of the local cuisine.

We are taking a cruise in June out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. We are planning to drive to the pier and park in the lot. If anyone has done this and has any advice, please share! Thanks.

I'm planning on making cupcakes for Easter. Is there anything besides colored coconut that I can use to simulate grass for the decoration? The children don't like coconut, but I want that spring look of grass. Thanks.

I am considering laying insulation in my attic myself. I have never tackled a project like this so I am looking for tips, tricks and advice about it, especially what problems I may face.

I have a brick fireplace (interior) that I want to paint. It is not painted now; just plain brick. What is the best kind of primer and paint to use?

We are remodeling our kitchen without replacing the cabinets. The cabinets may be MDF and are certainly not solid wood. Would granite slab be too heavy to use as a countertop? Are there other natural stone alternatives that are lighter in weight?

We have had some minor vandalism in our neighborhood. Other than better lighting in the area, any advice on prevention?

Our mailbox has been vandalized twice in recent months. I have no reason to think I am being targeted, or that it is anything other than stupid kids playing a prank. I am, however, terrified that something much more serious is going to happen. Any advice on dealing with these feelings? Am I over-reacting?