Home and Garden 05/13/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

Look inside for these specials and many others.

ANNUAL FLOWERS FOR

hummingbirds CONTAINER GARDENING KEN MOON: E X TERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE LONG BLOOMING PERENNIALS

ANNUAL FLOWERS FOR

hummingbirds

BY JULIE MCINTYRE, SUMMERLAND GARDENS

Let’s face it, this is the best time of year. Sunny days, beautiful flowers, birds chirping. And, weekly visits to your local garden center to see what plants you’re going to grow this year. It’s a serious task, with so many colorful flowers to choose from, but only limited space, you have endless possibilities.

When selecting your baskets and flowers for pots, you might also want to consider adding a few plants that would encourage hummingbirds to visit your yard. Fortunately, the hummingbirds have great taste, so adding these will only make your plantings more spectacular.

These are easy to grow annuals that prefer full sun and a good potting soil that drains well. But you can always stop by Summerland Gardens and we will help you select the best varieties for your conditions that will keep the hummingbirds coming all summer.

AGASTACHE, OR HUMMINGBIRD MINT There are annual and perennial versions of this plant, the annual one will flower all season but not survive our winters.

Flowers are tubular in pink or orange — or a combo of the two — and will continue to bloom all summer. Leaves have a pleasant minty fragrance that makes them deer resistant.

CUPHEA VERMILLIONAIRE OR FIRECRACKER PLANT This is a favorite of our hummingbirds at the nursery. They will even follow this plant as you carry it to the car. Cute little tubular deep orange flowers keep blooming all summer and will satisfy all the hummingbirds in the neighborhood. Tolerates hot and dry conditions.

LANTANA Tropical annual that likes it hot and sunny. Non-stop blooms in yellow, orange, cherry red, pink and in two-tone colors. Very easy to grow — the hotter it gets, the more flowers you’ll see. Tolerates dry conditions.

SALVIAS There are annual and perennial varieties of this plant too. The annual ones bloom all summer and make great colorful additions to pots. The most attractive ones for the hummers bloom in red, but they will visit the blue flowers if they’re in the vicinity. These make great companions with hummingbird mint and lantana, which creates a colorful feast for the eyes and for the birds.

Stop by 124 E. Cheyenne Rd., and we’ll show you the best varieties to pick to keep you and the hummers happy. More info at SummerlandGardens.com

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

•

•

Make mom smile with beautiful Colorado-grown plants, hanging baskets and flowers for her garden this Mother’s Day. Visit Summerland Gardens to find the perfect gift!

Summerland Gardens

124 E. Cheyenne Rd., Colorado Springs Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

••

Just like

old friends

We Carry

Local Raw HONEY

W

PEONY (PAEONIA) Not only are they deer-resistant but they also offer one of the prettiest flowers

around; doubles or singles in colors from white and pink to yellows and oranges.

Peonies are long lived (up to 100 years), and like well-drained soil and full sun.

Ask us how to plant them for best performance.

SIBERIAN BUGLOSS OR FALSE FORGET-ME-NOT (BRUNNERA) It’s all about flower color with this plant — it’s covered in Periwinkle flowers in spring. Easy to grow in the shade, and with consistent moisture forms a ground cover and can self-seed. “Jack Frost” offers silver leaves with green veins. But periwinkle flowers — such a treat to see each spring.

POPPIES (PAPAVER) Another long lived, super tough, deerresistant friend that has beautiful papery flowers in a variety of colors each spring.

These plants thrive on neglect and can spread into an impressive clump, making quite a show when in bloom.

Stop by and we’ll show you more of our favorites or check out our website SummerlandGardens.com.

Local Raw HONEY

We Carry

LocalCenter Garden

1827Raw W. Uintah

HONEY

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

632-8491 KNOWLEDGE • INTEGRITY • QUALITY PRODUCTS

www.RicksGarden.com

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1948

We Carry

Garden CenterLocal Raw

BY JULIE MCINTYRE, SUMMERLAND GARDENS

hat makes a good friend?

Why do some friends become old friends and others just seem to fade away over time? Is it their loyalty? Their dependability? Their ability to be there when no one else is? Or maybe it’s just that your styles mesh, you get along, they make you happy.

Whatever those qualities are, they are the same for a good perennial plant.

Perennials, or plants that come back year after year, take the abuses of winter and re-appear, loyally, dependably and stronger than ever for you each spring.

And seeing them peek out of the ground is like seeing an old friend you didn’t realize you missed. You take the time to notice them, see how much they’ve changed, catch up and marvel at how happy you are to see them.

Need to add some old friends to your garden? Here are some favorites that are always a pleasure to see each spring.

We Carry

HONEY 1827 W. Uintah West of I-25

Across From Uintah Shopping Center 1827 W. Uintah OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

632-8491

Garden Center

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

We Carry Local Raw Honey

www.RicksGarden.com 632-8491 www.RicksGarden.com

1827 W. Uintah

$5 OFF

Garden Center

3Garden for Soils $12

20% OFF $10 OFF 20% OFF 3 for $12 632-8491

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

This Spuds For You

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

Perennial Flowers

www.RicksGarden.com Coupon must be presented at time of We Carry

Local Raw HONEY

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One coupon per customer. Expires 4/30/2017

Garden Center

1827 W. Uintah

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

632-8491

www.RicksGarden.com

1827 W. Uintah

We Carry

Local Raw HONEY

purchase. One coupon per customer. Expires 4/30/2017

Any Hanging Basket Garden Center

1827 W. Uintah

632-8491 We Carry

Raw HONEY

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One coupon per customer. Expires 4/30/2017

Garden Center

1827 W. Uintah

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

www.RicksGarden.com

www.RicksGarden.com

632-8491

Great Gifts for Mom!

Garden Soils

All Vegetable & Flower Seeds www.RicksGarden.com Local

632-8491

We Carry

Local Raw HONEY

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One coupon per customer. Expires 4/30/2017

Garden Center

1827 W. Uintah

West of I-25 Across From Uintah Shopping Center

632-8491

www.RicksGarden.com

Limit 12

Top Soil, Sheep & Peat, Cow & Compost

Not valid with any other coupon. Expires 5/19/17.

Not valid with any other coupon. Expires 5/19/17

2 for $28

Shade Cloth

Reg. $16.99ea. Covers up to 2000sf

Allows enough light to grow under while offering HAIL protection. $1.99 per linear foot, 6ft wide, Reg $2.49 per foot.

Not Not valid valid with with any any other other coupon. coupon. Expires Expires 4/21/17.

5/19/17

Not valid with any other coupon. Expires 5/19/17.

Natural Guard Soil Activator

$5 OFF

Any Rose Bush for Mom Gift Certificates also make great Mother’s Day Gifts!

Must present coupon. Not valid with any other coupon. Expires 5/19/17.

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

The frugal gardener – container gardening

BY EILEEN TULLY, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

A

colorful container of blooming plants is a beautiful addition to any outdoor setting. You can spend hundreds of dollars on gorgeous containers, but frugal gardeners go with inexpensive pots and focus on the plants that fill them with color, fragrance and motion. You can create striking containers for little money and

Photo by Eileen Tully

have fun in the process.

UNDER $25.00 LARGE CONTAINERS — AT LEAST 24-INCH DIAMETER

• Plant a hybrid tea rose. Just one. They are available around $20.00. Find one that is suited for our climate and has a high ARS score over seven and you’ll really score. It will give you blooms from mid-June to frost. Surround the

Dahlias are one of the most dramatic summer flowers. rose with an inexpensive filler plant — six sweet alyssum, for example. Or, better yet, plant something from your garden. I dig up a few Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) ground cover plants and put them around the edge of the container.

If you mound mulch around the rose in autumn and get it near some protection, like a west wall, the rose will come back. I have a container grown “Queen Elizabeth” rose that’s five years old.

• For dramatic height, privacy and graceful motion on breezy days, plant a grass like zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis). It can grow four to seven feet in a single season. That’s a sizable bang for your buck. If your yard lacks privacy three large containers of zebra grass can make a living wall for part of your yard.

• Dahlias are one of the most dramatic summer flowers, and they are easy to grow in a large container. Purchase tubers and plant now. Wind can blow over top heavy plants so place them in sheltered locations.

• Tomatoes, the determinate kind, will thrive in a large container. Determinate tomatoes are bred to grow to a compact height then put out their fruit. Look for the symbol DET on the plant label. Roma, Better Bush and Celebrity are examples of determinate tomatoes. A few marigolds planted in the container add color and are a good companion plant.

UNDER $15.00 MEDIUM SIZE CONTAINERS — AROUND 14 TO 16-INCH DIAMETER.

• A six pack of annuals can fill a container once they mature. You can get dramatic effects with a container of pansies, verbena, marigolds or zinnias.

The annual vinca is a good choice in deer prone areas.

• Go exotic. All you need is a single Hibiscus or Mandevilla plant in a mid-size container. These plants are divas and don’t want competition.

Place them near garden seating to increase enjoyment.

• Vegetables and herbs are naturals for mid-size containers. Lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard grow easily.

For convenient salad making, place containers near the kitchen door.

• Parsley, dill, sage, rosemary, thyme and oregano are herbs that are inexpensive and easy to grow.

FREE — OR ALMOST FREE

• Want to inspire a young gardener? A packet of easy-to-handle and easyto-plant Nasturtium seeds (about $2) will get them excited about gardening.

It takes a couple of weeks for them to emerge but the results as they grow and grow are amazing. A mid-size container is recommended.

• Dig up and divide perennials. One example: Sedum “Autumn Joy” comes up early in spring, and when divided and transplanted to a container it grows uniformly bushy until bloom time in August. A few other suggestions of perennials to divide — Shasta daisy, bugleweed, tall phlox (Phlox paniculata), asters.

Lastly, make your own potting soil.

The really frugal gardener looks for all kinds of ways to save money. Mixing your own potting media can be one way to stretch gardening dollars. For a lightweight soil mix Canadian sphagnum peat moss, soil or compost, perlite and vermiculite in equal parts. Peat moss is hydrophobic (repels water) so be sure to thoroughly dampen it before mixing and planting.

When you have questions, Colorado State University Extension has research based answers. Get answers to your horticulture questions by ask.extension. org any time day or night. Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. you can phone 520-7684 or email CSUmg2@ elpasoco.com For current garden tips visit www. facebook.com/ColoradoMasterGardeners.

EPC. For current classes visit elpaso. extension.colostate.edu.

Mother’s Day Sale!

Treat your mother to some flowers!

Hanging baskets, flower planters, herb gardens, succulent bowls.

We also carry great jewelry, beautiful pottery, hats and garden tools.

GIFT CERTIFICATE SALE!

Get a $40 gift certificate for only $35!

Let mom pick her favorites! Flowers, herbs, baskets, something from the gift shop! Whatever she wants!

Offer expires 05/19/2017.

One Certificate per coupon. Must present coupon

124 E. Cheyenne Rd. near the intersection of S. Nevada & Cheyenne Rd.

719.477.0267 www.summerlandgardens.com

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 5

A proper start H

helps potted plants thrive

BY KRISTEN BURNSIDE, HARDING NURSERY

arding Nursery has everything you need to create beautiful pots for your landscape.

Before getting started, keep these tips in mind to make sure your potted plants flourish.

CHOOSING A CONTAINER

When selecting the right pot, look for one with suitable drainage. If it’s a large

pot, filling the bottom with packing peanuts before adding potting soil will help.

FERTILIZER & POTTING SOIL

Choose a fertilizer that is time released and contains a growth supplement. We carry a wide range of potting soils that help with water retention.

PLANTS

Consider whether the pot will be in the sun or shade. Impatiens, begonias and coleus love the shade while pansies,

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

marigolds and snap dragons thrive in the sun. Also keep in mind that most annuals bloom all summer while some perennials have a specific bloom time.

DESIGN

It’s a good idea to use one color for impact or several different plants to add texture, color and depth, white flowers really tend to draw the eye. Set the plants in the pot to see how it looks before you start planting. Taller plants, such as large geraniums or tall zinnias, should be

placed in the center of the pot, medium height plants like petunias in the middle, then finish the edge with vines such as vinca vine or sweet potato vine.

Make sure to use plants that prefer a similar environment and use different sized pots to add contrast and texture.

Once you’ve finished, give the plants a good watering then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

To learn more, visit with our expert gardening staff at Harding Nursery, 721 N. Powers Blvd.

Pros and cons of automatic irrigation systems

Long blooming perennials for

long lasting color

METRO SERVICES

Water is essential to keeping a lawn or garden in good health. The trouble with watering is that it can be timeconsuming, especially if your idea of watering is standing outside with the hose. But thanks to irrigation systems, watering has become a lot less hands-on.

An irrigation sprinkler or drip system takes much of the work out of watering a landscape. Some can also be fitted to deliver fertilizer and weed-prevention products to a lawn. But before any digging takes place, homeowners might want to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of irrigation systems.

ADVANTAGES

One of the most obvious advantages is the time savings afforded by an automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation system. Once installed, many systems can be set to a timer to water at specific time intervals and on certain days of the week. This means there’s no need to worry about forgetting to water the lawn and coming back from vacation to find crisp, yellow grass.

Another advantage is that irrigation systems, particularly the drip type, can be positioned so that water is more effectively targeted where it is needed. Nozzles can be adjusted and underground drip tubes will deliver water right to the roots, rather than spraying walkways and driveways.

Another advantage is that automatic irrigation systems are generally hidden from view, which means there are no unsightly hoses stretched across the lawn

and no more tripping hazards. Sprinkler heads pop up to spray and then retract when the job is done. Underground drip systems do their work out of view. For families with young children and pets who share outdoor spaces, automatic systems may be a safer option.

DISADVANTAGES

The primary disadvantage associated with a sprinkler system is the expense.

These systems can be quite costly depending on the size of the property.

Furthermore, portions of the lawn will have to be dug up to install pipework and attach it to the plumbing system of the home. This can equate to days or weeks without use of the yard. Afterwards, the landscaping will have to be repaired.

It is best to install an irrigation system prior to the installation of sod or extensive landscaping because some of it will have to be torn up. Homeowners who already have pristine yards may be turned off by this reality.

Even the most efficient sprinkler systems can have their pitfalls.

Wind can wreak havoc on sprinklers, directing water in the wrong direction.

Underground pests may damage waterdelivery systems, resulting in water pooling or broken parts. The repairs to fix an irrigation system can be much more costly than replacing a damaged garden hose.

Irrigation systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and homeowners should weigh their options before installing a new system.

••

BY HEATHER GUNNERSON, SPENCER’S PRODUCE, LAWN & GARDEN CENTERS

Planting a variety of perennials and annuals in the garden is always a good idea, but get more bang for your buck with long blooming perennials. These varieties of perennials are known for a long lasting show of color.

Shasta daisies, Russian sage, salvia, coreopsis, coneflower, yarrow, and gaillardia are hardy, drought tolerant, and make welcome additions to most flowerbeds.

Shasta daisies are a familiar and friendly flower, blossoming from summer to fall.

Russian sage is a prolific bloomer, growing into a large mound of beautiful blue flowers, blooming in late spring and are often the last to die back. Salvia May Night and East Friesland Salvia are great in full sun. They are blue/purple and give a striking pop

of color. Coreopsis is a cheerful yellowgold and reaches about 18 inches tall.

Agastache come in several colors, are deer resistant, and perfect for summer through fall color. Nepeta, known as catmint, is shorter, dusty blue, and will sometimes flower a second time if cut back after its first bloom. Penstemon is another great low maintenance and long blooming choice with native varieties available. Your local garden center can help you find perennials with bold color that lasts!

For location and hours, visit SpencersGardens.com.

Gophers, Moles & Voles - Oh My!

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Specializing in Custom Bathroom and Kitchen remodeling

We will get rid of burrowing rodents from your yard.

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protected species and can do great harm to your property.

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

It’s Time to Plant

AROUND THE HOUSE Let’s Get Growing Together!

PEPPER PLANTS

-28 Hot Varieties• Habanero- chocolate, red & orange • Ghost • Thai and many more.

-23 Sweet Varieties• Bells in green, red, yellow, orange & chocolate.

• Sweet banana or cherry • Too many more to mention PRICES START AT

Tomatoes 110 Varieties -

$5.99

Exterior home maintenance

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

• Siberian - sets fruit at 38o, ripens in 48 days • 62 Heirlooms & Open Pollinated • 17 Beefsteaks • 33 Cherries & Roma • 5 Low Acid • 20 for containers & small gardens

Dear Ken: My garage door is being difficult.

In the winter, I have to hold the button until it goes down — but not in warm weather. What’s happening here?

KEN MOON

$2.99

Not all varieties available in this size

Expires May 21, 2017. Must present coupon.

Limit one free per customer per visit.

Perennials

Over 300 Colorful Varieties

• Sun • Shade Expires May 21,2017. Must present coupon.

Limit one free 4 1/2” pot per customer per visit.

Prices Start at

• Wet • Dry

$3.99

.com For more info visit our web site. Hours: Mon-F 9-5:30 Sat 9-5 Sun 9-4 HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

– Karen

Your faithful friend needs a tune-up.

Apparently, the side tracks are no longer parallel, or the rollers themselves are pinching. It’s more apparent in cold weather because steel parts tend to shrink and put other moving parts in a bind.

Every two years or so, you should invite a reliable garage door company over to adjust and tweak everything on and around the door. They will tighten all the bolts and lag screws on its surface, lubricate it, balance the springs and adjust the tracks and rollers. They will also do a reversing test to make sure the system is safe.

The garage door is not a DIY item. The springs and cables are under incredible tension and so can injure you without warning. The only thing I do to mine is to spray some Teflon-based lubricant (WD40 is okay, too) on the rollers and tracks occasionally.

Dear Ken: I have big windows in a sunroom which get quite hot, and we want to know what you think of window film?

Does it last? Is it good for privacy?

– Carol It’s mostly good for saving energy. It can help reflect heat inside in the winter time — saving heating dollars; and back out in the summer — lowering your air conditioning costs.

You can apply it yourself if you have a little help and a lot of patience. Buy the 90+ material at the home center or hardware store. You apply it just like they do for an automobile: cut it to approximate width, apply a soapy film to the window, remove the backing to expose the sticky part (this is where you’ll need another pair of hands), slide it into place and, finally, squeegee out the water.

There are some privacy benefits, but they aren’t 100 percent. Although the reflected sunlight keeps folks from seeing in the daytime, at night, when you are backlit with interior lighting, you will be seen.

It is long-lasting, up to a point. Since this is mostly installed on the south and west-facing windows, it eventually breaks down. One other thing: most window manufacturers will not honor their warranty CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

HOURS: Mon thru Sat: 8am to 6pm Sunday: 9am to 5pm

We have a GREAT selection of Mother’s Day gifts for you to choose from!

ROSES! • Gorgeous roses in full bloom: Hybrid Tea, Floribunda,

VINES IN FULL BLOOM!

Grandiflora, Climbing, & Shrub – all starting at $34.95

Clematis and Honeysuckle

• Tree-form and small patio-tree roses

20% OFF FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS! • Color Bowls – already planted for Mom, or let her build her own!

• Hanging Baskets starting at $39.95 and up • Great selection of annuals and perennials • Rose of Sharon • Small patio trees • We Sell Fairy Garden Supplies Gift Cards Also Available

Any 1 deciduous tree as well as any 1 evergreen tree $149.95 and UP. Limit one per person. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Offer expires 5/19/17.

Photos Are For Illustration Purposes Only. Sale ends Friday, May 19, 2017.

Lots of beautiful plants from which to choose – you’re sure to find just the one that shows Mom how much she means to you!

2017

719.596.5712 721 N. Powers Blvd www.hardingnursery.com

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

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 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 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, MAY 13, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey 5 Start of a modern across afterthought 1 Old man, in Mannheim 6 Chandon’s partner 5 Key with five sharps: Abbr.

7 Awkward moment makeup 9 Mess up 8 Beetle cousin 14 Unavoidable 9 Short do 16 Oocyte producer 10 Exhaust (oneself), as in a 17 Relaxed to the max workout 18 Name probably derived from 11 Drum with a fife scat singing 12 Symbol of sovereignty 19 Like Orson, on a ’70s-’80s 13 Strong pitches sitcom 15 Grab, as at a smorgasbord 20 Band with a self-named 1978 21 Restricted pending debut album disciplinary action 22 “Lady Jane Grey” 24 Takes a turn for the worse? playwright 23 Queen of Thorns portrayer on 26 Pace 27 Cal. entry TV 28 Driver’s choice 25 Floaters in a Japanese 30 Speck ceremony 33 Sycophant’s specialty 27 Turkish title 34 Record trademark 29 Cassowary cousin 35 Sneaky chortles 31 Dog in the Reagan White 36 50-50, say House 37 Real estate buy 32 Metaphor for high speed 38 Suffix with Congo 39 Sacrificed considerably 44 Teen’s source of funds 40 Fixers 45 “Really?”

41 Sign of summer 46 Ancient Greek physician 42 Leb. neighbor 47 Anticipate 43 Low mark 49 Help on the job?

44 1942 Hayworth/Mature 50 Big shot musical 53 Scratches (out) 48 Neutral shades 55 “Your money’s no good here” 51 Surface application 56 First flight launch site 52 Overly precious, in 58 Partner of all Portsmouth 60 D-Day craft 54 It makes everything taste better, they say Friday’s Puzzle Solved 57 Child with dishes 59 Talus 61 Classic theater 62 Glaze causes 63 __ Doon, Bay Area community named by a Scotsman 64 One may be taken on the road 65 Sugar source down 1 Clip contents 2 Lascivious look 3 Broadcast genre 4 Zhou __ HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

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, MAY 13, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 13

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 14 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: Our 25-year-old daughter was a strong, compassionate, emphatic, loving person until her upcoming wedding turned her into a self-centered brat.

We gladly gave her some money AMY to offset wedding expenses, and DICKINSON then things went haywire. She has told everyone the cost of her wedding is $350/plate, and expects either cash, or a gift equal in value. I am beyond appalled, but she claims this is quite acceptable to her generation. I told her that rude is rude, no matter what.

She has also refused to give the clergy an honorarium, saying that performing this wedding is part of his job.

She is marrying a lovely man who is a kind and gentle soul, and defers to her. I’m concerned that what should be a happy celebration has turned into an entitled gift grab, and my daughter just wasn’t raised that way.

We are going into this wedding with heavy hearts instead of joy. Is there anything we can do?

What are we missing here? Is this entitlement really accepted now? — Sad Parents

ADVICE

Question: Based on information in your column, we started a campaign in the school district for later middleDR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN and high-school start times. But we are getting pushback and need some more ammunition. Can you help? — Elizabeth H., Nyack, N.Y.

Dear Sad: Your reaction to your daughter’s rudeness and selfishness is completely appropriate.

No, her demands are not “the norm.” Although some young couples do openly ask for cash for wedding gifts, they should never set a “price” for attendance.

Yes, stiffing the officiant is a rude, disrespectful, obnoxious affront to a vital service on this day.

I’m embarrassed for her, and for you by proxy.

One natural consequence of your daughter’s selfishness and rudeness is that people in her life are going to be disappointed and/or disgusted.

You can hope that she has fallen into a Bridezilla trance, from which she will somehow recover, but the sad fact is that she will have a very hard time undoing the impression she has made surrounding this landmark occasion.

Do not enable this behavior by feeding the Bridezilla with any more cash, or by making excuses for her.

Answer: We agree that too many schools are ringing the school bell alarmingly early — and many organizations and sleep specialists concur.

There’s even a website for Start Schools Later Inc. (a nonprofit advocacy group) at startschoollater. net/success-stories.html that lists examples of school districts across 44 states that have gone to later start times. You’ll find great academic and anecdotal data to support smart parents like you.

According to Start Schools Later: “Nearly 10 percent of U.S. high schools start before 7:30 a.m., 40 percent start before 8 a.m., and only around 15 percent start after 8:30. And more than 20 percent of U.S. middle schools start class at 7:45 a.m. or earlier. To accommodate those schedules, bus pickups start shortly after 5:30 a.m. in some districts, and teens must wake at 5 or 6 a.m. to get to school on time.”

Parents know the toll this takes on kids. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine agrees. In a newly released position paper, it says unequivocally that middle and high schools should start at 8:30 or later. .

Multiple studies show that when adolescents get short-changed on sleep they are at risk for poor school performance, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, increased depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, risk-taking behaviors, more car accidents and athletic injuries. So remind the school board or whoever is resisting that if the concern is teaching young minds (and maybe even better teacher performance) and getting great outcomes, later start times definitely improve academic performance, alertness and mental health.

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

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

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ADVICE

HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear readers: Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, and it’s such an important time to honor the woman who gave so much so you can be your very best!

How will you celebrate it?

Breakfast in bed? A bouquet of flowers? A pedicure? A gift card? All good choices for her.

Homemade art projects made by the little ones will tug at Mom’s

heart.

And if your mom is no longer with you, be sure to take a moment to reflect, and maybe call somebody else’s mom just to say hello. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: We just found out we are going to be grandparents! I saved our daughter’s crib from when she was a baby in hopes that she could use it. I see that the crib has some green mold on it. Will it still be all right for our daughter to use for our grandbaby? What do you suggest we use to clean it? — Roxanne H., Orwigsburg, Pa. Roxanne, congratulations on becoming grandparents! How exciting! Surely you will enjoy all the cuddles and snuggles, love and laughter a new baby brings.

About the old crib: There are many ways to repurpose a crib, but using it for your newest family member is NOT one of them. Cribs have gone through many safety redesigns over the years.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that cribs older than 10 years should not be reused for a new baby. The screws and bolts can loosen, the slats probably are not the correct recommended width, and drop-side cribs have been banned altogether. Bottom line: A new crib should be on your shopping list. Relegate the old one to the garden, maybe, and have some plants grow around it. — Heloise Dear readers: When applying moisturizer to a clean face, don’t forget your neck and decolletage (the upper chest). These areas need moisture also — they are exposed to the weather, the sun, the wind, etc. Take the extra moment to tend to them.

— Heloise —

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) A well-thought-out presentation could make someone sit up and listen. You may be able to get someone to enter into an agreement that they may have been unwilling to do in the past.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Sometimes more is less. Buying in quantity could leave you short of funds when you really need them.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) The show must go on. Wrap up the most pressing projects as soon as possible, but hold off on making crucial financial and career decisions.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Don’t feel content with your significant other simply because you bought them an extravagant gift. Work to solidify your situation through love, kindness and genuine affection.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Be friendly without airing all of your troubles. If you can’t say something good about someone, then say nothing at all. Participating in neighborhood social activities could boost your morale.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Take your time if you must commit to a new project or answer a sincere proposal.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Count your blessings. Home and family will rally to your side whenever help or trustworthy advice is needed.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Rock and roll. The people talking about you behind your back have only positive things to say. Devote your energy and attention to performing tasks that will improve your reputation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You are bighearted enough to forgive and forget, but you must remember that your kindhearted feelings could change before the weekend is over.

Temper generosity with common sense.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Scheming can be demeaning. The only way to reach your goal is through hard work and being honest and aboveboard.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Set the bar higher and gain greater respect. Differentiate between sincere compliments and casual comments.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Review your plans for the future. Those in close connection will be happy to make binding promises.

People will see your best side and are willing to trust you when their money or heart is on the line.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY May 13 You might feel confident that you can compete on any playing field during the next three to four weeks. Start an exercise program or join a sports team to keep in tip top shape. New friends or online activities could interfere with your daily routines in June and July. Put your social agenda on the back burner and knuckle down to honor your obligations. To achieve your ambitions, you will need to gather experience until you have paid your dues.

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 15

Saturday, May 13, 2017

GOREN BRIDGE

AROUND THE HOUSE

GORENWITH BRIDGE BOB JONES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

©2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ woodpecker damage on my five year old cedar siding. I’m trying to sell it and some of the siding looks terrible.

on newer windows after you install the film.

So, if that’s your situation, check with the window company first.

Dear Ken: I have concrete issues. The previous owners put a skim coat layer on our patio, and it is now coming off in chunks. We would like something new on the patio. Any ideas? Do we need a jackhammer? I hope not.

When this material starts to slough off, it’s fairly easy to complete the job. I’ll bet a few well-placed blows with a small sledge hammer would finish it off.

There are many choices for your patio.

You could use natural flagstone, glued on with an appropriate mastic (avoid tile, since it is so slippery). How about using brick or manmade pavers? They can be installed without any glue or mortar and bedded with fine sand. It’s really a great scheme in our climate, because they are free to move and shift in response to temperature and other stresses.

Three passes to you. Do you open or don’t you?

You can buy some of the same siding and use it to create “plugs” to hide the damage. Using a hole saw in an electric drill, cut the birds’ holes out and substitute a plug of the same size cut out of the new wood. Use a little wood glue to keep it in place. Once you apply a dab or two of stain to match the rest of the house, you’ll have created a virtually invisible patch.

Do the best you can, but keep in mind that rough cedar siding is a natural, rustic-looking material, so a buyer wouldn’t expect it to be blemish-free, as if it were, say, furniture.

Q 2 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

Did you know that all Dyson vacuums require regular maintenance?

NORTH 1♠ 2♥

EAST Pass Pass

SOUTH 1NT ?

WEST Pass

What call would you make?

Q 3 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 10 9 8 ♥ Q 8 7 3 2 ♦ A Q 9 ♣ 9

With the opponents passing, you open one heart and partner responds one no trump. What call would you make?

Q 4 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ K 6 4 2 ♥ J 10 8 5 3 ♦ K 10 4 ♣ 10

Q 5 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ K 4 2 ♥ Q 5 2 ♦ K Q 6 ♣ K J 10 4 SOUTH 1♣ 1NT ?

WEST NORTH EAST Pass 1♠ Pass Pass 2♣ Pass

What call would you make?

Q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Q 10 8 4 ♥ 7 5 4 ♦ K 4 ♣ A Q 10 7 SOUTH Pass ?

WEST NORTH EAST Pass 1♦ 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)

HEAVY DUTY SCHOOL MODEL SEW & SERGE SEWING MACHINES

Singer’s authorized sewing machine retailer purchased large quantities of 2017 school model sewing machines.

THEY MUST BE SOLD NOW!

These heavy-duty machines are built for years of extended service. All machines are new in factory sealed cartons. 25-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY INCLUDED.

What is a Sew & Serge Sewing Machine?

FIRST, IT IS A SOPHISTICATED SEWING MACHINE… That does Buttonholes (any size), Invisible Blind Hems, Monograms, Ribbing, Double-Seams, Zippers, Sew-on Buttons, Rolled Hems, Darning, Applique, Zig Zag, Basting, Quilting, and much more.

Just Turn the Dial to Sew Magic!

SECOND, IT HAS A PROFESSIONAL SERGING STITCH… That allows you to sew the seam and serge the edge of the material in one operation. With the purchase of an optional cutter you can trim the excess material.

THIRD, IT IS DESIGNED TO SEW ALL FABRICS Without pressure adjustments, such as Levis, Canvas, Upholstery, Silk, Percale, Organdy, and they even sew Leather!

All makes and models Sales and Service

All Discount Vacuum & Sewing Center 719-597-5700

833 North Circle Drive (Between Platte and Galley) Financing Available Layaway Accepted

Includes a routine clean and lube, suction test, check all seals and cleaning of roller brush. Offers available only with coupon and may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 6/24/17

♠ K 10 ♥ 9 5 4 ♦ 7 5 2 ♣ A Q 10 9 7

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

SPECIAL EVENT

Keep your vacuum running at its best! Great Prices, Even Better Service!

VACUUM TUNE UP SPECIAL!

♠A5♥ K85♦ J42♣K9853

– Larry

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.

Dear Ken: How can I cover up

Q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

39

$

NOW YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL IN ONE MACHINE! -THIS IS AN AUTHORIZED SALE-

95 Reg. $69.95

LIMITED QUANTITY LAYAWAY !

AVAILABLE

Authorized Dealer A trademark of the Singer company Must present coupon with purchase. Expires 6/24/17

“We discount the price not the service”

HG 16 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

198

$