Q: I’m composting in plastic trash cans with holes. It’s taking a very long time to make compost, despite adding carbon to my grass clippings and kitchen waste. I water and turn it every few days. What am I doing wrong?
Home and Garden
In the 1940s, the “work triangle,” developed by the University of Illinois School of Architecture, helped set into motion many kitchen design rules of thumb. Back then, kitchens were much smaller and considered a place where a single person did the cooking and baking, so utility was top of mind.
Winter fruit tree pruning starts as soon as leaves drop from the trees. It’s easier to see the branching structure of the tree — I call it the tree’s “architecture” — after the leaves are gone. This is also the time for the major pruning of landscape trees and shrubs.
Q: I am selling my home, and the buyer had a home inspection done. The inspector found a few small items that need to be fixed. One item that needs to be fixed is in the attic. Apparently, there is an area where two wires connect that are not protected. What is involved in this repair?
Paris is often referred to as the “City of Light” because it was a place of enlightenment (education, philosophy) in the 18th century. But during December, Las Vegas becomes the real city of light as Strip casinos and homes throughout the valley burst forth with holiday decorations that rival Disneyland’s Main Street.
Remember Clark Griswold installing his colorful house decorations in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”? Clark made a number of mistakes (he attached every single light line with staples), all for comedic effect. But in real life, those mistakes are not funny.
Living in England as a student and traveling to other countries in Europe always left me marveling at the wonderful history and architecture found in those historic countries. The respect shown for styles from the past and the great lengths they’d go to in order to restore and preserve beautiful buildings and furniture always left me wondering why it wasn’t quite the same back in the USA.
The holiday season is upon us again. How will your household practice giving in a green way?
Q: My son and I are thinking of landscaping his front yard in December. Will plants and trees survive when planted that time of year?
As the time nears to gather around the table with friends and family for holiday get-togethers, a well-set table can create a long-lasting memory.
Dear Gail: We want to redecorate our master bedroom and don’t know where to start. Do we buy things as we see them? Or is there a specific order? — Patricia
Q: My wife started complaining about a lack of hot water, so I ventured out into the garage to check out the water heater. It is an old water heater, but I took the door off and peeked inside and discovered there was no flame. Following the instructions on the tank, I re-lit the pilot, but as soon as I let go of the button, the pilot light went out. I originally thought a breeze may have blown it out, but now I don’t know what to do.
Q: Can I prune fruit trees now, or do I need to wait until they are dormant in January? Will you be giving fruit tree pruning classes again this year?
It’s an incredible time for blank space. Walls that begged for print or texture can now be swathed in rich patterns and luxurious materials that can quickly be put up and taken down as your design tastes evolve.
“Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night.” — Hal Borland (1900-1978), American author and journalist, “Autumn on the Doorstep — September 13,” Sundial of the Seasons (1964)