Black widow?
My father, a widower, is in his late seventies and still a good-looking man, although starting to lose his grip mentally. He has become forgetful, even to the point of sometimes needing reminding who I am — despite the fact there are only the two of us in our family now. A very attractive woman in her sixties, with great legs that she really shows off, is making a rather obvious play for him and steadily reeling him in. He is quite wealthy and I am not sure I trust her motives. Should I do anything?
IM, London
Sort out power of attorney for yourself quickly, and you will know from her reaction when you tell her what you have done what her real intentions are. It sounds as if your father will soon get over her: send him off on a Rhine cruise and, when he returns, he will have forgotten all about her. Of course, once you are in charge of the money, you might find she takes an interest in you, but if she is as attractive as you say… Keep an eye on what she gives you to eat and drink, though.
Flushed away
A friend of my wife told us her central heating system was contaminating her hot water supply. Her plumbers gave her system a power flush, which she reported was very thorough and she was satisfied with the results. A week later, during our own annual service, my wife told me that our plumbers also recommended a complete flush, but the cost is extra. She wants to go ahead, but is insisting on using her friend’s plumbers, despite their estimate being higher than our own. Should I let her go ahead, or is power flushing something I could reasonably have a go at myself?
RM, by email
I hope there is some twisted sexual innuendo going on here, because otherwise your life is dull beyond words.
Rainy season
What should I do with my wet umbrella in the office? There isn’t anywhere obvious to leave it — we don’t have anything as old-fashioned as umbrella stands by the coat hooks.
JS, London
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Apparently it is now frowned upon to ask the work-experience kid to stand in a corner all day holding your coat with your umbrella hooked over his arm. (They don’t know they’re born.) Instead, suggest to your office manager that a couple of buckets to stand wet brollies in would make life more pleasant for everyone this winter. If this idea is rebuffed, accidentally hang your dripping umbrella inside her coat next time.
Follow Mrs Mills on Twitter at @MrsMillsST. Send problems to: Mrs Mills, The Sunday Times, 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF, or mrs.mills@sunday-times.co.uk. No correspondence can be entered into