Home and Garden 03/18/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017

living room TR ANSFORM YOUR

YEAR ROUND GARDENING: TREE SELECTION

KEN MOON: UPGRADES FOR A SAFER, WARMER HOME

Look inside for these specials and many others.

living room TRANSFORM YOUR

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

T

he living room may very well be the most lived-in room in the home. It’s the place where you crash after a long day at work, cuddle up with loved ones on a cold winter day, and enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies. It may also be the spot where the family gathers for game night, friends fill in to watch sports events, or where you just kick it solo with a compelling book. For these reason and more, it’s important to make sure that this space is pleasant and comfortable.

Take a look around your living room and see if there is anything that can be altered.

Is there a piece of art on the wall that you don’t even like? Change it up! Find a piece that you absolutely love and can sit there

IT’S THE PL ACE WHERE YOU CR ASH AF TER A LONG DAY AT WORK , CUDDL E UP W I T H L O V E D O N E S O N A C O L D W I N T E R D A Y, AND EN JOY YOUR FAVORI T E T V SHOWS AND MOVIES

••

enjoying. Whether it’s a colorful painting, a stunning photo, words of inspiration, a nature tapestry, or a classic Picasso or Monet print, it can bring a fresh energy into

the room. Websites like ImageKind.com and Society6.com sell canvas and tapestry prints of just about everything. If you plan on making several design changes to the

area, it’s nice to start with an artistic focalpoint and expand from there. You can work a select color from the painting onto the walls and a complimenting color onto the throw pillows or area rug.

Select design accents that strengthen the theme you’re going for. If it’s more of a Zen-feel, bamboo plants and candles are a great fit. If it’s farmhouse-themed, farm animal silhouette prints or throw pillows; antique wooden accents like an old ladder against the wall, exposed beams or worn cabinetry; and floral print throw pillows or sofa coverings work well. To keep it modern, keep with black, white and grey — with minimal decorations. A marble coffee table and glass shelving can work well here. If you love colorful spaces; Google CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017

AROUND THE HOUSE

Upgrades for a safer, warmer home

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Dear Ken: What do you recommend for a good driveway concrete sealer?

– Tony Any clear masonry sealer will work. But KEN MOON driveway sealing is a never-ending process.

That is, you’ll have to renew it two or three times a year. Why? This material consists of silicone-like, long chain molecules that are very vulnerable to our high-UV sunlight — so it will disappear relatively quickly.

Since this constant recoating can get rather expensive, I would only consider it on north-facing driveways. These surfaces get little sunlight in the winter, which means that ice and snow sit on them and go through constant freeze-thaw cycles.

That breaks down the concrete surfaces, producing that ugly “spalling” typical of older driveways. If your house faces predominately south, I would not waste the time and money to seal the driveway.

Dear Ken: We have a chilly basement when the furnace isn’t running. The heat from the sun keeps the thermostat warm, so the lower level doesn’t get heat. Is there a small gas unit we could use to heat the basement?

– Jeff There are several varieties of gas fireplace/stoves that would take the chill off your lower level. They can be direct-vented — where the flue pipe goes straight outdoors instead of through the roof. However, they may be a little pricey for your needs.

Sometimes you can simply relocate the thermostat to a more sheltered part of the main level that isn’t affected by sunshine. It’s merely a matter of splicing some low voltage wire on to the existing loop and pulling it up through another wall. Try for a location away from heat ducts, cooking, fireplaces and windows.

Dear Ken: Our house was built in 1969 and has aluminum wiring. So far,

we haven’t had any unusual problems, but it scares me. What is involved in repairing it and what about the cost?

– Tina You’re not alone. Aluminum wiring was installed in millions of houses and mobile homes during, roughly, the Vietnam War period — around 1965 to ’75. What we didn’t know at the time was that it didn’t behave itself in residential electrical settings. When you wrap it around the brass screw on a plug or a switch, it gradually works itself loose because of thermal expansion and contraction.

There have been fires associated with this phenomenon, so it’s a good idea to re-terminate those connections with copper. The electrician will attach short “pigtails” to the plug or switch wires, and then the new copper wire is run to the screw. This work is best left to a professional who specializes in this retermination process.

If any of your plugs or switches smell or feel hot, or are arcing or sputtering, consider that an emergency indicator.

Turn off that particular circuit at the breaker box and call an expert. You might as well do this now, because you’ll probably be required to do the work when you sell the house; any competent home inspector will catch it and mark it down as a safety item.

Dear Ken: My water heater is over 20 years old. I drain some water every six months, and all of a sudden it’s rusty.

Do I need to replace it?

– Jerry Probably. Water heaters usually fail when the bottom of the tank rusts out. The accumulation of material — like scale, grit and other water-born impurities — at the bottom of the tank probably encourages this eventual breakdown. That’s why it’s important to drain the tank at least once a year, as you indicate you’ve done. In spite of your efforts, it’s time to replace your old clunker before it really fails and starts

Any clear masonry sealer will work.

But driveway sealing is a neverending process. to leak. Today’s water heaters have been redesigned to comply with stricter efficiency standards, they heat water a little less quickly than you’re used to.

So, I would upgrade one size, from a 40 gallon to a 50 gallon model, for example.

FREE SPRING SEMINARS! Saturday – April 1, 2017 9 to 10:30 a.m. – Larry Stebbins, Pikes Peak Urban Gardens Saturday – April 8, 2017 9 to 10:30 a.m. – Dave, Bonide – Integrated Pest and Disease Management 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Dave, Lake Valley Seed Company – All About Seeds

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.

Spring is Here, Time to Start Planting!

60% OFF Selected Deciduous Trees Offer Expires 3.24.17

Saturday – April 15, 2017 9 to 10:30 a.m. – Lisa, Gard-N-Wise 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Camilla, Harding Nursery – Plants for Small Places Saturday – April 22, 2017 9 to 10:30 a.m. – Molly, Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Gardens – Ideas for Colorado Xeriscape

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Saturday – April 29, 2017 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Arbor Day Open House and Customer Appreciation Day: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Lisa, Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Gardens Saturday – May 6, 2017 9 to 11 a.m. – Larry Stebbins, Pikes Peak Urban Gardens – Growing the Best Tomatoes in the Pikes Peak Region 1 p.m. – Sara, Harding Nursery – Fairy Gardening

HOURS: Mon thru Sat: 8am to 5pm Sunday: 9am to 5pm

719.596.5712

721 N. Powers Blvd www.hardingnursery.com

Come in and visit with our expert gardening staff SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

Tree selection

BY FREDRICKA BOGARDUS, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

March and April is a good time to start thinking about adding some trees to your garden. Trees are an investment, which if done well, will add value and beauty to your landscape for decades to come.

Trees provide shade, shelter for birds, spectacular spring blooms, fruit and good fall color. There are several factors to consider when selecting a tree.

Scale is probably the most important factor. Scale is about right sizing a tree.

Large trees can exceed 50 feet, small trees may reach maturity at 20 feet. Like Goldilocks you need to find the size that is ‘just right’ for your garden. About 15 years ago, I planted an Austrian pine in an enclosed space. While planting, my husband expressed a concern that the

tree might grow too large for the space. I laughed off his concern saying “we’ll be long gone before that.” Wrong answer, ten years later we were cutting a healthy pine tree down because it had outgrown the space. It broke my heart — and was a costly lesson to learn — but it had to go.

Pay careful attention to mature size. It really matters.

If you are considering a flowering tree, you need to simultaneously think about fruit. Flowering trees can produce fruit that make a major mess in your landscape — are you willing to do the clean up every year? There are also varieties that produce no visible fruit. Other varieties produce fruit that politely stay on the tree through the winter (persistent fruit), providing a food Natural Guard Soil Activator

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HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017

source for birds. There is no right or wrong on the type of tree you choose, just make sure you know what you are getting.

The best insurance for getting the tree you will love is to do the research before you shop. If possible, have a few specific trees in mind as you may not find every tree you desire at local garden centers. If you cannot find any of your choices ask the nurseryman if he can special order a tree for you. Purchase the biggest tree your budget and planting options will allow. Make sure it is planted properly and watered well until established.

The following are a few suggestions to get you started: Blue Totem Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Blue Totem’): If you want a blue spruce, but don’t have space for a really big tree this cultivar is for you. It reaches only 15-20 feet tall and stays a skinny 3-5 feet wide. The blue color is great.

White fir (Abies concolor): This evergreen tree is big, mature height is 30 to 50 feet, up to 20 feet wide. It has beautiful silvery green needles that are soft to the touch. Make sure you have plenty of space for this tree.

Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum): This is a small, deciduous tree. It reaches about 20 feet in height and width. White flowers are followed by fruit that redden as the summer goes on. The fruit is persistent through winter.

This tree is thorny, but I think the persistent fruit and red fall color make up for the thorns. If the thorns are deal killer for you consider the Cockspur thornless hawthorne (Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis).

Hackberry (Celcis occidentalis): This is a big, deciduous tree, growing up to 50 feet in height with a crown diameter of up to 30 feet. Give this a lot of room. It is noted as a shade tree, it will require pruning in the early years, it’s growth habit is somewhat unruly, but if you want a fast growing, big tree this is a good choice.

If you have lawn and garden questions, go to ask.extension.org for answers. To learn what events are coming up at the CSU Extension office in El Paso County, visit http://elpasoco.colostate.edu/index.shtml.

MORE TREE INFORMATION Colorado Tree Coalition Find the Right Tree: ColoradoTrees.org/find

CMG Garden Note #633 The science of planting trees: Ext.Colostate.edu/mg/Gardennotes/633.pdf CMG Garden Note #635 Care of recently planted trees: Ext.Colostate.edu/mg/ Gardennotes/635.pdf

HOW TO RE VI TALIZE AN

aging sofa

REPAIRING, CLEANING AND RESTUFFING CAN HELP HOMEOWNERS GET A FEW EXTRA YE ARS OUT OF A SOFA .

•• METRO SERVICES

C

ouches are an important component of living rooms and dens, serving as comfortable places to relax. Sofas will be sat on, slept on and, if young children are in the house, sometimes jumped on.

Homeowners looking for new sofas often prioritize comfort, but they also want a sofa that can withstand the test of time. Although there's no magic formula, a sturdy sofa should have a lifespan of around 10 years. According to Houzz, quality sofas should feel solid and heavy. They should have joints that are double doweled and fitted with corner blocks that are both glued and screwed — not stapled — into place. Over time, even the sturdiest couch can start to show its age and look a bit past its prime. Don't fret. There are some easy ways to give that aging sofa a makeover.

Begin by reviewing the service agreement. If you purchased an extended warranty or protection plan on the furniture, you may be eligible for repairs at no cost. Stores will restrict just what is covered under such service plans, and regular wear and tear may be excluded.

However, rips, certain stains or opening seams may be eligible for repair. Covered costs means not having to spend any money out of pocket.

Cleaning may be another simple fix.

Check with the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning. Certain fabrics require specific cleaning solutions. If you are ever unsure about what to use to clean the sofa, use a mild solution of soap and water in an inconspicuous spot first. Many carpet and upholstery cleaning solutions can be used on furniture. Use sparingly and test for color-fastness before cleaning

the entire couch. For those who are skittish about cleaning the sofa on their own, consult with a professional upholstery cleaning service.

Slipcovers are another option to revitalizing the look of an aging sofa. Fitted slipcovers slide right over the existing couch cushions and can change an outdated sofa into one that looks brand new. Measuring correctly and buying accordingly will help achieve a seamless look.

There also are some easy do-it-yourself fixes for couches that may be sagging or looking deflated. If seat cushions can be removed, consider placing firm cardboard or wood on top of the springs to provide more firmness. Cushions may begin to sag when the springs underneath begin to lose their elasticity. If the cushions are the problem, replacing the foam in the cushions or the loose-fill stuffing in the pillows can breathe new life into the couch. Foam can begin to disintegrate and lose its shape and integrity.

Craft stores, home improvement centers and fabric stores often carry foam products, but those you can't find might be available via online orders.

Do not give up on a sofa just yet. It may be repaired or given a fresh look to make it appear like new.

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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

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 1 Cleaning up a mess?

5 Overcomes, as adversity 15 River to the Laptev Sea 16 Beset by dire circumstances 17 Reach new heights 18 Sharper 19 Publication for pitchers?

21 Paid 22 “I have a lady in the balcony” old radio/TV quiz show 24 Binge-watcher’s aid 25 Showman named Phineas 29 Butterflies 33 __ room 34 Largest Italian lake 36 __ Valley, Calif.

37 Court judgment 38 Metaphorical social barrier 39 Salon substance 40 They might be about nothing 42 Gather in a mass 44 Self-named 1954 or 1964 jazz album 45 Expel 47 Disgruntled fans, slangily 49 Novelist O’Flaherty 51 X-Ray __: U.K. punk band 52 Socrates or Plato 56 Meditative discipline 60 Agenda 62 Kennebunk-based personal care products brand, familiarly 63 Old crate 64 Noodle bar order 65 Windows alternatives 66 Shady time, for some

10 11 12 13 14 20 23 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 35 41 42 43 44 46 48 50 52 53 54 55 57 58 59 61

Succeed big-time Pool habitués Leave off It has two jaws Storefront sign abbr.

Miss an easy spare, say Bobwhite, e.g.

Classroom with mice Old-time screen vamp Bara Track bar Ernie Banks’ sobriquet Intensity Fix, as copy Track apparel Teaching methods A quarter of a half?

Some recliners Beer openers Scrap One of Pete Rose’s record 3,215 ’80s-90s co-star with Betty, Rue and Estelle Far from shiny First razor with a pivoting head Chiang Mai native Battleship goals Myrna’s role in “The Thin Man” Musical closing Managed care gps.

Exists no more Brooklynese pronoun

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

by mike Peters

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

down 1 Wife of Igor of Kiev 2 Socially awkward type 3 Recognize 4 Handled carelessly 5 Putting in jeopardy 6 Like many beginners’ piano pieces 7 Burn slightly 8 Keith Hernandez, e.g.

9 Marathoner’s need HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by Chad Carpenter

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

SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

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

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017

by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

AMY DICKINSON

Dear Amy: My sister and I cannot agree on whether to tell my 96-year-old aunt that my 92-year-old father (her brother) passed away.

Our aunt is in a memory care facility with some dementia.

There are times that she is really with it, and then there are other times that I have to explain to

her who I am.

My dad was an executor of her will, along with two of my cousins. My sister feels that she would freak out about the fact that my dad died, and then fret over her will, even though my cousins are perfectly capable of handling her estate.

My sister feels that we should keep this information from her, to keep her from getting upset.

I, on the other hand, feel that we should tell her.

She has a right to know. I don’t believe in treating adults like children. I know that I would be hurt if my family kept information from me. But then again, I’m not elderly and suffering from dementia.

I believe that we both want what is best for my aunt, but we are definitely coming at this from two very different directions.

My sister and I constantly argue over things like this. Honestly, once our father’s estate is settled, I don’t think we’ll have much of a relationship left.

Your thoughts? — At My Wits’ End Dear Wits’ End: I come down on your side of this issue, but there are many variables. Your aunt is not a child; she is an adult with a cognitive illness. Surely her illness will have an impact on how she processes this information, but I do agree that she has a right to know about her brother’s death.

You (and/or your sister) should discuss this with your cousins (her children), and they should seek the counsel of a social worker where your aunt is living in order to arrive at the best way to convey this information.

Your cousins (and you and/or your sister) should be with your aunt when she is told about this.

Even if her memory is impaired, she needs and deserves personal contact and comfort.

—

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

ADVICE

Question: My husband, 76, is on testosterone therapy and says he feels great.

But I heard there was a new study that was DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN negative about the side effects of the therapy. What’s the real deal? — Gladys F., Plano, Texas Answer: The news that you’re wondering about was actually a series of seven coordinated studies published in JAMA that involved 12 academic medical centers. They looked at the impact of testosterone therapy in hundreds of men 65 and older who had measurably low levels of the hormone. (About 20 percent of men over 60 have diagnosable low testosterone.)

The findings: One less-than-positive conclusion was that cognitive impairment was not improved at all for these guys with testosterone therapy.

Also, guys taking the supplements saw an increase in noncalcified plaques in the coronary artery, which could be risk for a future heart attack, angina or stroke.

On the plus side: Researchers found that the men gained bone strength and density in their spine and hips. This may reduce the risk of often life-altering fractures — did you know osteoporosis affects about 25 percent of men on Medicare?

Hemoglobin levels also went up in men with low testosterone levels and anemia. And sexual function, activity and desire improved over the course of a year.

So the benefits and risks all depend on your husband’s overall health, his goals for taking testosterone, if he was really deficient (low testosterone is considered below 275ng/dL), and how the supplements make him feel.

He and his doctor can make a considered judgement about those matters — he should ONLY take testosterone if prescribed and obtained from a reputable pharmacy!

—

Mehmet Oz, M.D., is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer and chair of the Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.

ADVICE

Dear Heloise: Some basic cellphone etiquette: • When at a table with friends having lunch, don’t read your emails or texts.

• Don’t look up everything being discussed.

HINTS • Don’t show all your pictures FROM of kids, grandkids, etc.

HELOISE I feel like I’m not there visiting with the person — he or she is more interested in what is going on with the phone. I am tolerant, however, of those expecting a call that they need to take. Thanks for letting me sound off. — C. in Kerrville, Texas Dear C.: You’re welcome! It’s a fact of our busy daily life that cellphones are now considered “an appendage” to many folks. You are correct about not excessively texting and reading texts while in a social or work setting.

Is it REALLY that important? Disengage from your phone for 30 minutes. I think you will find that the world went on without your eyes or thumbs connecting with your phone. — Heloise Dear Heloise: I work as a volunteer at a no-kill county animal shelter in Ventura, Calif. A big part of the operation is adoptions and finding foster homes for the residents. I just fostered my first pet — so rewarding, plus being a foster family allows access to all the facility’s resources.

The shelter set me up with blankets, toys, food, bowls and free vet services. For all animal lovers, please look into this rewarding experience. So many animals are in need of a warm home. — A reader, via email Dear Heloise: We moved recently, and I organized my closet as I hung up the clothes. The things I always grab are easiest to reach; seldom-worn clothes go farther back. Coats and heavy sweaters are at the end of the rod, since we don’t wear them often. I also put all my shirts together by color, and now I can go right to the blue or white section and find the one I want to wear.

Sure wish I had done this before! — Verna, via email —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) Buddy up with those who amuse you. Your knack for originality can be highly entertaining as well, so don’t sit on the sidelines this evening.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Shake your piggy bank to see how full it is. Those who are too anxious to compromise could lose their bargaining power and leave you a perfect opening to take advantage.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Knee-jerk reactions separate the men from the boys. If you want to play in the big leagues, then be sure to play to win.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Don’t let your heart run away with your head. You may be tempted to indulge in a frivolous flirtation, but a reliable partner will have business on his or her mind.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) You could find yourself in a challenging position.

Maintain a sense of humor as you tiptoe through potential mine fields.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) There is a strong possibility that a new person in your life is a keeper. You should remember, however, there are many fish in the sea and some will simply get away.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You could be thrown into contact with others with whom you can have uninhibited fun. Trust a special someone with your innermost secrets.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Liquid assets might leak away without your knowledge if you let your desire for adventure overcome common sense. An evening with a tantalizing new hookup might exceed your expectations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You can’t steamroll over obstacles when your finances are the subject, but it isn’t necessary to abandon pet projects, hopes, or dreams.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Some of it is just wishful thinking. If you are wise enough to differentiate between your personal ambitions and inspiring hunches, you can hit the target.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You can be upbeat and positive to ward off unpleasantness. If so, no one will want to bring you down by discussing their troubles.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Batten down the hatches. If you can sense what is going on beneath the surface, it will be easier to avoid obstacles. You may resent those who try to exert control over your activities.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY March 18 A passing fancy might capture your interest in the next four to five weeks, but even if it doesn’t last you will gain more than you lose. You may be inspired to make more money from shrewd business dealing and financial strategies. May is a very good time to make key decisions because you will obtain wise advice from others.

Don’t make business and career decisions in July because your instincts are off base where money is concerned.

SATURDAY, MAR 18, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

LIVING ROOMS

GOREN BRIDGE GOREN BRIDGE WITH BOB JONES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

©2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

search Moroccan-themed living rooms and have fun with the patterns, colors, textures and gold accents.

If you’re not looking for a complete design overhaul, focus on the sofa.

According to NY Daily News, data from Nielson reveals that the average American watches five hours of television per day; or approximately 33 hours per week. It’s likely that much of that time is spent on the couch, so it’s essential that the couch or sofa is supportive and comfortable in order to protect the body. Couches should be replaced every 7–15 years. If you’re at the point where you sink so deep into your sofa that it’s hard to get up, it’s probably time for a new one. Find a sturdy, high-quality couch that fits your design scheme.

Lighting sets the stage for the entire room. Multiple options for lighting in the living room are essential, because the space is used for so many different purposes. Accent lighting can accentuate your favorite painting, while ambient lighting can create an inviting atmosphere. Decorative lighting like one-

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ

of-a-kind lamps and hanging pendants can be incorporated as well. Finally, a task light near a couch or recliner comes in handy for when you are reading, writing or performing any other task that requires full light on your focal point.

Finally, rearrange and minimize if need be. Since so much time is spent in the living room, you don’t want it to be cluttered with unnecessary items or so much furniture that you can’t move around freely. Assess the space and see if you can rearrange the furniture to create more space, or see if there is an extraneous table or cabinet that serves no purpose. If you have a book case or cabinet taking up too much space, consider book shelves or regular shelving as they open up the floor while providing storage space for beloved items on the walls.

There are many ways to transform your living room; but the most important element is that the inhabitants personally enjoy the décor and can spend extended periods of time there in comfort.

Q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠974♥ QJ2♦ KJ52 ♣AKQ

With the opponents passing, you open one heart and partner jumps to three hearts, invitational. What call would you make?

WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♥

Q 5 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

SOUTH ?

What call would you make?

Q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K J 10 7 4 ♥ 5 3 ♦ K ♣ 8 5 4 3 2

♠ Q 10 8 3 ♥ K Q 8 ♦ K J 5 ♣ 10 9 3

Partner opens one spade and righthand opponent doubles. What call would you make?

Partner opens two no trump, 20-21.

What call would you make?

Q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

Q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Void ♥ A J 10 9 2 ♦ J 6 5 3 ♣ K 6 5 3 NORTH 1♦ Dbl* *Penalty

♠653♥ A832♦ J974 ♣K7 NORTH 1♦ 2♣

EAST Pass Pass

SOUTH 1♥ ?

WEST Pass

EAST Dbl Pass

SOUTH 1♥ ?

WEST 2♠

What call would you make?

Look for answers on Monday.

What call would you make?

Q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠AQ♥ K7543♦ K96 ♣Q74

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