Home and Garden 11/11/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017

Look inside for these specials and many others.

Adopt a zero waste lifestyle Plus: Forcing bulbs • Fixes for stucco and concrete

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

Forcing bulbs

BY EILEEN TULLY, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

A

maryllis are popular flowering bulbs with spectacular blooms. The trumpet-shaped flowers can be as large as eight to 10 inches across and are produced atop an 18- to 30-inch-tall flower stalk.

Flower colors include red, pink, orange, salmon, white and bi-colors. Singleflowering, double-flowering and miniature amaryllis varieties are available.

Bulbs can be purchased pre-planted in pots or unpotted. When purchasing amaryllis, choose large, solid bulbs; they usually produce two or three flower stalks.

Select a pot that is approximately one to two inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. The container may be clay, ceramic or plastic, but should have drainage holes in the bottom.

Plant the bulb in a well-drained potting soil. Add a small amount of potting soil in the bottom of the pot. Center the bulb in the middle of the pot. Then add additional potting soil, firming it around the roots and bulb. When finished potting, the upper one-half of the bulb should remain above the soil surface. Also, leave about one inch between the soil surface and the pot’s rim.

Water well and place in a warm (70 to 75 degree) location.

Allow the soil to dry somewhat before watering again. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. When growth appears, move the plant to a sunny window and apply a watersoluble fertilizer every two to four weeks.

During flower stalk elongation, turn the pot each day to keep the flower stalk growing straight. Flower stalks that lean badly may need staking.

Flowering usually occurs about six to eight weeks after potting. When the amaryllis begins to bloom, move the plant to a slightly cooler location that doesn’t receive direct sun to prolong the life of the flowers. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife. Make the cut one to two inches above the bulb.

Don’t damage the foliage. In order for the bulb to bloom again next season, the plant must replenish its depleted food reserves.

The strap-like leaves manufacture food

for the plant. Place the plant in a sunny window and water when the soil surface is nearly dry. Fertilize every two to four weeks with a houseplant fertilizer.

Hyacinths and paperwhite narcissus can be grown without potting mix. Hyacinths are often grown in special glass containers shaped to hold a single bulb, but any container with a neck narrow enough to suspend a bulb over water will work.

Paperwhite narcissus bulbs can be grown on sand, gravel, pebbles or marbles. For hyacinths and paperwhite narcissus, add water to the container, keeping the water just below the bottom of the bulbs. If water touches the bulbs they will rot.

Tulips, crocus, daffodils and grape hyacinth can also be forced to grow indoors. They will need potting mix and a period of cool temperatures of 40 degrees. These bulbs can be stored in your refrigerator but be sure apples and other fruit are not in the refrigerator.

With tulips, the tip of the bulb should protrude over the soil line. Daffodils will grow best if half the bulb is above the soil line. It takes six to eight weeks for the bulbs to begin growing.

None of the bulbs mentioned need additional fertilizer.

Six tips for success: Choose healthy, high quality bulbs with no soft spots.

1. Always plant in a well-drained potting medium such as a blend of sphagnum peat, perlite and vermiculite.

2. The container needs to have drainage holes.

3. Water to keep the plant medium moist, but not sopping wet.

4. Until bulbs show signs of growth, keep them in a cool, dark location of 40 degrees.

When you have questions, Colorado State University Extension has researchbased answers. Get answers to your horticulture questions by visiting ask. extension.org any time day or night.

Follow the El Paso County Master Gardeners on www.facebook.com/ ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC.

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017

COMING UP AT EXTENSION

Colorado Garden Certificate program:

This is a widely recognized certification earned by attending a 10-week series of in-depth home landscape classes. Starts January 25, 2018. Classes begin January 25, 2018, and run consecutive Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm at the CSU Extension office, 17 N. Spruce, Colorado Springs, 80905. Individual classes in this series can be taken on an a la carte, space available basis.

Registration required. Go to http:// elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/ or call 719-520-7690 for more information and to register.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Fixes for stucco and concrete

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Dear Ken: Is there any way to remove paint from concrete surfaces?

I think we may have waited too long.

— Phyllis I assume you’re talking about latex paint. This is one of the toughest stains to get out of anything.

For instance, if you get some drips on your clothing, you hustle to the cold water faucet to rinse the spots and then launder quickly. Otherwise, once it sets, you’re stuck. The same is true of concrete. It’s quite porous, so anything that lands on it soaks deep into the surface. Our old friend, Goof Off, is a pretty good paint solvent. Spritz some on the spots and then blot — like we would on carpet. If that isn’t effective, you could try grinding in some kitty litter with the solvent, as we do for oil spots on the driveway.

If dissolving it doesn’t do the trick, you’ll need to resort to either power washing or covering the whole surface with a stain or some deck enamel.

KEN MOON

Dear Ken: Could you give us the pros and cons of granite versus other manmade types of countertops.

— Gary Many folks think that nothing matches the natural beauty and elegance of real granite tops — whether solid, overlaid or in tile form. It comes in a variety of colors and variegations, depending on what quarry (and country) it comes from. It resists heat quite well, but it can crack, and, as you probably know by now, it’s very expensive.

It also requires on-going maintenance, including sealing the surface. Otherwise, it will absorb stains.

On the other hand, manmade, groundup quartz material — like the Silestone, Zodiaq and Cambria brands — are virtually indestructible. They, too, are a little pricey, but they resist stains and require almost no maintenance or annual sealing. They are also available in a wider rainbow of colors than granite.

If your budget is constrained, you could consider plastic laminates — like Formica and Wilsonart. These companies have come up with new patterns that

resemble natural stone, and they are quite remarkable.

Dear Ken: We have cracks and crumbling in our stucco. The repair attempts by the stucco contractor haven’t turned out very well. Any ideas for a permanent fix?

— Tom Minor cracks in stucco — usually caused by temperature changes or slight movement in the underlying framing wood — should be ignored, unless they are wider than say, the edge of a nickel. To patch, use some ordinary spackling and then touch-up with matching paint.

In your case, the crumbling you mention is a little more serious. The Quikrete and DAP companies make a latex stucco patching compound that can cover larger areas. Then you can apply an elastomeric (rubbery) paint. It does a better job than ordinary latex because it’s a little flexible and can “breathe.”

Dear Ken: I would like to paint my daughter’s bedroom. She has a bookcase painted with flat latex. Do I need to sand it first or just apply a primer so I can paint it?

— Louise It’s always a good idea to prime before you repaint, especially if you are drastically changing colors. In fact, for big changes the paint store will sell you a tinted primer which will provide additional compatibility.

First, wash the case with some vinegar and water, rinse and let dry. Then scuff sand a little to break any glaze on the surface. Once it’s wiped down, you can apply a couple of coats of a primer/sealer, like KILZ or Bullseye 1-2-3. Lightly sand between each coat with some fine (150 grit) paper.

Then you’re ready to apply your favorite acrylic latex, semi-gloss topcoat. You might prefer an alkyd system here — what we used to call oil-based paint. Even though it’s inconvenient to handle and slow drying, it is a little harder and much more wear resistant.

Ken Moon is a home inspector in the Pikes Peak region. His radio show airs at 9 a.m.

Saturday and is carried on KRDO, AM 1240 and FM 105.5. Visit AroundTheHouse.com.

SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

green winter Make it a

with these energy-saving tips

METRO SERVICES

17-CSU-02070_PRINT_Insulation_4.64x5.43_4C_FNL.pdf

Save up to $200 a year on heating and cooling costs by adding insulation and air sealing your home.

With efficiency tips and rebates, we can help you reduce energy use in surprising and savvy ways.

Help bring the benefits of energy efficiency to our community.

Take our pledge and win prizes at changethecurrent.com.

1

5/2/17

10:26 AM

Conserving energy is a great way to protect the planet and save money. While energy bills might be highest in summer thanks to air conditioning units, certain factors around a house can make winter more wasteful and costly than it needs to be.

Energy bills are influenced by a variety of factors, including geography and how energy-efficient a home is. For example, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average monthly utility bill in Connecticut in 2015 was $153.13, while New Mexico residents paid slightly more than half that amount ($79.23) on average. Homeowners cannot control winter weather, which can greatly affect how much energy homeowners consume between December and March. However, there are other ways for homeowners to curtail their energy consumption and save money throughout winter.

Address any leaks or drafts. Drafty windows and doorways can make the air inside homes feel warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. As autumn weather grows colder, homeowners can perform simple inspections around windows and doorways to determine if they have any leaks. On a cold and/or windy day, place a hand near all windows and doors to feel if there are any leaks.

Use caulk or another type of sealant

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Call James P. Hood for a free Estimate at 322-5517 HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017

to address leaks so you can keep cold air out and set your thermostat to a reasonable, eco-friendly temperature.

Inspect air vents, faucets and plumbing fixtures. Air vents, faucets and plumbing fixtures attached to exterior walls should be inspected for leaks. Such inspections might need to be conducted from outside the home, which can make it more difficult to detect if cold air is entering the home. Look for gaps in the insulation around these areas, filling in those gaps as necessary.

Inspect heating systems at the start of each new season. According to EnergyStar.gov, heating systems account for 29 percent of the average homeowner’s energy expenditures.

Inspect your heating or HVAC system before the start of winter, making sure all gas or oil connections are operating properly. EnergyStar.gov notes that dirty burners and cracked heat exchangers can cause heating units to operate less efficiently and may even pose a safety risk. Inspect the air filter of the heating system at least once per month, as filters can quickly become dirty during a heavy-use season like winter. Dirty filters cause the system to work harder to keep a home warm, unnecessarily wasting energy as a result.

Install a Wi-fi enabled programmable thermostat. Some programmable thermostats can be very difficult to use effectively, making it far too difficult if not impossible for homeowners to set their thermostats for various temperatures in a single day. Wi-fi enabled programmable thermostats that allow homeowners to control their heating and cooling systems via their smartphones can be more userfriendly than many other programmable thermostats, ensuring homeowners are saving money and not wasting energy heating empty homes.

Winter utility bills can be costly, but homeowners can reduce their cold weather energy consumption in various ways without sacrificing comfort.

Adopt a zero waste lifestyle

Y

BY GINA CRONIN, HOME AND GARDEN

ou may have heard murmurs on the internet or from friends about a zero waste lifestyle.

Zero waste? How is that even possible? You might be thinking. And that question is valid, with the average American discarding of 4.5 pounds of trash every single day — amounting to a nationwide 254 million tons per year. Buying packaged goods, using plastic bags, cleaning with

paper towels — these are all standard practices in a typical home.

However, with 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean and 251 million tons of trash in landfills, people are starting to rethink their patterns of consumption.

The trifecta of sustainability — reduce, reuse and recycle — is resonating with more and more people who see the necessity of leaving a gentler footprint on the earth. And that’s exactly what zero waste lifestyles are all about: the aim to reduce landfill-bound trash in the interest CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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ZERO WASTE

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of a healthier planet, and healthier population.

Zero waste lifestyles not only help the environment — by reducing toxic emissions, decreasing plastic pollution, minimizing deforestation, preserving clean drinking water and more — they can also positively impact both your wallet and your wellbeing. Buying few to no pre-packaged, highly-processed or pricey specialty items equates to more costeffective bulk food products; healthful whole fruits, seeds, nuts, vegetables and meats; and more natural, home-made cleaning products.

While zero waste might be the ultimate goal, there are many steps you can take to minimize today. Reducing instead by 90, 60, 50, 40 or even 30 percent can be hugely beneficial. If every person made three or four changes, just think of how much cleaner the air, ocean, rivers and forests can be.

There are many dimensions to zero waste living, but here are five basic steps to gradually get you started: 1. Reusable bags. This might be the

easiest place to start, with some stores and even some entire cities banning the distribution of plastic bags. All it takes is throwing your reusable bags in the trunk, and remembering to grab them once you park. It’s a small effort with huge benefit.

2. Mason jars. Mason jars will become your best friend — as will the bulk food aisle. Fill your jars with everything from nuts and beans, to spices and sugar.

A lot of packaging from pre-packaged food is not recyclable, so this is a fairly important step. It is also the most difficult. There may be some packaged items that are too hard to give up at first, but switch to glass jars wherever possible.

3. Compost. Your food scraps, instead of becoming garbage, can become nutrient-dense soil for gardening. Keep your food out of the landfills, waterways and water treatment facilities, and start composting! You can Google how to make a compost pile in your backyard, or you can even freeze your food scraps and bring them to your nearest compost collection facility.

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4. Reusable napkins and rags. How many napkins do you use at a meal? Or paper towels while cleaning your counters and tables? The average American uses approximately 2,200 napkins and 45 pounds of paper towels per year. This can be easily addressed by purchasing reusable napkins and rags.

5. Reusable cups and containers. The average worker uses 500 disposable coffee cups per year. Meanwhile there is every shape, size and color travel mug that can keep your coffee hot for hours. Make the switch, you’ll be happy you did. Also, tin foil, plastic baggies and plastic wrap may be your go-to for lunch packaging, but the toll on the environment adds up. Switch to reusable glass food containers that can keep your food fresh and delicious.

6. Homemade cleaning products.

Cleaning products almost always come in bulky plastic packaging, so this is another area to consider if trying to achieve a near-zero waste life. As an added bonus, you minimize exposure to harsh chemicals found in conventional

GOREN BRIDGE

WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

weekly bridge quiz q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 10 9 5 3 2 ♥ q ♦ A k q 5 2 ♣ k 10

♠ A 9 6 3 ♥ A 6 4 ♦ k 10 7 5 2 ♣ 3

SOuTH weST NOrTH eAST 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

Partner opens one heart and righthand opponent overcalls two diamonds. What call would you make? q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠kJ♥98753♦Akq8♣A J SOuTH weST NOrTH eAST 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

Call Your Local Hail Claim Experts

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q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 8 7 ♥ k J 8 2 ♦ A 10 ♣ A k 6 4 2 As dealer, what call would you make? q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017

cleaning products. For a multipurpose cleaner, simply add ½ cup white distilled vinegar, one cup of water and 10-20 drops of tea tree, lemon or eucalyptus essential oil to a glass spray bottle and shake well before each use.

q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 6 5 4 2 ♥ 6 ♦ k q 10 9 ♣ A q 6 4 As dealer, what call would you make? q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 7 6 ♥ J 10 7 6 ♦ q J 3 ♣ A q 7 weST NOrTH eAST SOuTH 1♠ dbl Pass ?

What call would you make?

Look for answers on Monday.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

E-mail: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 1 It sold its mobile phone business to Microsoft in 2014 6 Econ. numbers 10 Beverage sometimes boxed 14 Build 15 Square calculation 16 Title type: Abbr.

17 Serf of Sparta 18 Backstage accesses 20 Unplanned acquisition 22 Kylo’s mom in “The Force Awakens” 23 Hairdos made popular by Marie Antoinette 24 Home to the National Gandhi Museum 28 Showing faith in 31 Jesus on a diamond 32 __ Linda, Calif.

34 Metal giant 35 Kia subcompacts 36 Smartphone downloads 38 “Divergent” heroine __ Prior 39 Trainee 41 Zoomed 42 Prefix with ski or pad 43 John Williams quintet 45 Ones eating on the house?

47 “You’ve got __” 49 Novelist Hunter 50 Litmus test for fun?

56 Judicious 57 “But wait! There’s more!” knife 58 Property attachment 59 Campus official 60 Tatted up 61 Sting target 62 USMC rank 63 New __ down 1 Radar’s pop 2 Where Utah’s minor league Owlz play 3 Wet forest growth

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 19 21 24 25 26 27 29 30 33 37 40 44 46 48 50 51 52 53 54 55

Statement after an ordeal Churchill’s 1945 successor Cared Worn-out washer result Invigorate Fungal disease affecting 40Down Dreaming, at times “Shh! Don’t tell anyone!”

Scottish resistance Otherwise Legend maker Spots for flowers DEA employee Literature Nobelist Canetti Geppetto, for one “__ kidding!”

Decorative curtain fabric Source of relief Accord Electronic control mechanism Pines, say Menu heading Italian “Eat!” Frontal and temporal Lip application 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit Mark for attention Three-time speed skating gold medalist Karin 1914 battle river Kegger quaff

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

Tundra

by Chad Carpenter

SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

by Paul gilligan

SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: I am a 31-year-old

mom. My two daughters are 7 and 5. When we go to the beach, I always wear a thong or G-string.

My daughters have started to scrunch their bathing suit bottoms so their suits look like mine.

When we were shopping for AMY DICKINSON new suits, my 7-year-old asked for a thong or G-string.

She could not find one in the girls’ department.

My mother suggested that I buy a regular suit and take it to a seamstress and have it altered. I don’t know if it’s appropriate for a 7-year-old to wear a thong or G-string bathing suit bottom. What do you think? — Wondering Mom

ADVICE

Question: I was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, and we’ve recently moved.

Even though I have a new primary DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN care doc, I don’t feel she understands all of my medical history. What should I do? — Lauren E., Hyde Park, N.Y.

Dear Parent: Veering from a schedule can cause problems for some children, but family life is really all about balance. This was a time when the parent should have allowed for some flexibility.

Answer: There are 15.5 million cancer survivors in America, and around 33 percent of office visits for cancer are handled by primary care physicians.

Unfortunately, research shows they’re often unprepared to do the job.

A new study looked at 12 advanced primary care practices selected from a national registry of workforce innovators. One would think this group would be better than average in paying attention to patient needs. However, the researchers found that NONE of the practices had what’s known as a “comprehensive survivorship care program.” The program should include checking for cancer reoccurrence, monitoring long-term effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatment and assessing psychological well-being.

There is a push to improve survivors’ follow-up care, but it’s essential that you take charge.

First step: Have medical records made accessible to your new primary care doctor, and get a digital and a hard copy for yourself. Include information from your cancer diagnosis, surgery, treatment and post-treatment follow-up with your oncologist and oncological surgeon, plus your records from your former primary care doctor.

Second step: Contact a local cancer treatment center. Ask about scheduling a follow-up visit with an oncologist, and inquire about cancer rehabilitation services they offer.

Third step: Download info from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (www.ASCO.org).

Search for “Survivorship Patient & Family Resources.” Bring these to your new primary doctor, and set up your own survivorship care program.

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 434 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611.

Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.

Dear Mom: A good and basic rule to remember is: If you’re wondering if something is appropriate, then it probably isn’t. This applies to behavior and bathing suits.

The reason your daughters couldn’t find a thong or G-string in the girls’ department is because in this culture thongs and G-strings are considered “sexy,” and thus not suitable for children.

Children should be dressed in ways that make it comfortable for them to swim and play. They are not mini-adults, and are not old enough to understand the sort of objectification that often accompanies the suit that you choose to wear.

While I agree that this objectification is wrong, you should protect your daughters from it while they are young.

Dear Amy: Thank you for standing up for the fa-

ther who signed his letter “Dad Needs Help.” His mother had offered to babysit for their 14-monthold daughter for the day, but his wife was insisting that the baby adhere to a very rigid schedule.

I have two children. One needed a strict schedule; the other didn’t. But families do need to learn how to go with the flow. — Experienced Parent

—

—

ADVICE

Dear Heloise: I’m writing about a hot-button issue: feeding deer that may roam in the neighborhood. Feeding deer is a bad idea.

Yes, they are magnificent creatures, and we want them to be healthy. But here are some problems with people feeding deer: HINTS • Deer should train themselves FROM HELOISE to forage. If we feed them, they become dependent on us.

• If deer congregate in small areas, they can spread disease among the herd.

• “Word will spread” that Mrs. Jones has deer food. This can bring large populations of deer to an area.

• Deer can go long periods without eating. Deer eat heartily in the summer to bulk up, and by this time of year, they instinctively reduce the amount of food they consume. If we feed them now, this natural process gets out of whack.

• Commercial deer food is not healthy; “deer corn” is difficult for deer to digest. — Dan W. in Pennsylvania Dan, excellent information! Readers, if you are feeding deer, cut back gradually so the deer will get back to their natural rhythm. Plant trees that produce acorns, nuts and berries. — Heloise Dear Heloise: I love turquoise jewelry. What’s the best way to clean it? — Crystal M. in California Crystal, turquoise is a lovely light-blue stone. It is fairly hardy, but high temperatures can damage it. Wash your turquoise pieces in warm, soapy water. Don’t use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Lay flat to dry. — Heloise Dear Heloise: I needed a cat litter box that would fit into a small space. I made one from a large, flexible garden tub. I cut the entrance high enough to keep the litter in, but low enough for 17-year-old Zoe to step into easily. The handles make the tub easy to move, if necessary. I also purchased a long-handled litter scoop to make scooping duties easier. — Jane in San Antonio —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio TX 78279-5001.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) It is better to conquer an inner war than to win a thousand battles with others. You can enjoy the day, but don’t let all the hard fought self-discipline you’ve developed slip out of your grasp.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You may feel like the master of all you survey. Since you are in a position of power you can settle old scores and differences.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Physical activity can keep body and soul acting as one. Find a release for pent-up energy by taking a bike ride, shooting some hoops, or taking care of nagging household tasks.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) What comes around goes around. You’ll find your generosity will be quickly rewarded. You may have high expectations others can’t easily meet.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Don’t monkey around. Be sincere and upbeat, as a positive outlook and optimistic demeanor are the best tools to use when dealing with others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You can make promises and accept assurances, because you know that results are what really count.

Give others a sample of your track record to earn confidence and financial stability.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. Be sure that the pile of goods on the conveyor belt at the checkout counter isn’t too big for your wallet to handle. Don’t make financial commitments you can’t keep.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Settle only for the best. Indulge your tastes for the finer things in life. Put your good taste on display for all to see in business or social situations.

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 11, 2017

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Being straightforward and honest will help maintain the peace. A friend or interesting hobby could distract you from an important matter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Intensity is the watchword for the weekend. You may be in the mood to work hard and play hard.

Spend quality time with a special someone.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Flaunt your best outfits and successes. Your sense of humor is an awesome asset but don’t let someone think you are being serious when you aren’t. A past act of kindness might be unexpectedly repaid.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Compromise and cooperation are the keys that unlock lasting security. Make sure any agreement benefits everyone involved. Find common ground by talking things out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Nov. 11

Between now and late December your social life may be more active than usual.

You could be wiser than usual and inspired to follow an idea in January. You might be distracted from investigating facts because you are busy chasing rainbows, but you will have the guidance from well-wishers that will prevent you from experiencing serious problems. You can trust your instincts and make irrevocable decisions.