Home and Garden 05/20/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017

Look inside for these specials and many others.

Strawberries A native Colorado garden Hail – the dreaded “H” word What a plant wants Late spring freeze damage

A native Colorado garden can be just as aesthetically-pleasing as an English one

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

“O

ur main focus is to show people all of the beautiful plants that want to grow here — plants that you don’t have to convince and beg to grow,” says Julie McIntyre, Owner of Summerland Gardens. “Often people come in with this expectation of growing an English garden in their backyard — but those particular plants and green grasses are not adapted to grow here.”

McIntyre spends ample time with each client in order to come up with ways to achieve the aesthetic they desire, while using plants that are more appropriate for the high plains desert climate here in Colorado Springs.

Summerland Gardens, right off Nevada at 124 E. Cheyenne Rd., has been a staple to the area for more than a decade.

“I started the garden center in my house but then out-grew it,” McIntyre says.

“The site of our current garden center is

historic, and was the Starsmore family’s original dairy and orchard, before their home was relocated to the Cheyenne Cañon visitor and nature center.” McIntyre is botanic garden trained and has worked for the Atlanta Botanic Garden, a garden center in Philadelphia and was a curator at the conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gar-den. “I love lush green tropical plants, and there’s a place for that and nothing is out of the question if enough time and resources are put in, but there’s a place for sustainable gardening as well.”

Colorado Springs has a dry climate, it’s not like other areas of the country where you throw seeds in the grass and they grow. However, there are ways to achieve a plentiful, colorful garden without having to tend to it constantly all season. The best rule of (green) thumb is to stick with plants that suit the climate and are tough. “For example, if someone wants a Japanese maple in their backyard, it’s generally not adapted to this climate, so I’ll show clients black lace elderberry

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017

— similar in aesthetic but much tougher and deer-resistant too,” she says. Though nothing is 100 percent deer-proof, Summerland Garden provides many perennials, ornamental grasses, groundcovers, trees and shrubs — clearly labeled — that are deer-resistant.

“Lilacs are another old homestead plant, where you’ll see houses that have long been abandoned, but there’s the lilac still happy and alive,” says McIntyre.

“It’s a good tough plant. Even after the last frost we went through they weren’t happy but they survived it.” Lilacs have beautiful, sublimely-fragranced flowers through the season. Buckthorn is a native, tall, narrow-growing shrub that provides an elegant and airy touch to any garden.

“Don’t let the appearance fool you, though. These plants are tough as nails, the deer won’t eat them, and they’re a great substitute for a willow.”

Many people hear the word “xeriscape” and they imagine a barren backyard full of rock and gravel, but that is simply not

the case. Xeric landscaping is designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Summerland Gardens stocks a multitude of xeric (drought-resistant) ground-covers, ornamental grasses and even stunning flowers. “As far as perennials, peony and Indian paintbrush are deer-resistant, tough, gorgeous flowers with lots of colors,” says McIntyre. “Chocolate flower is another great option, and who doesn’t want flowers that smell like chocolate?”

Vegetable and herb gardens are also a possibility in this climate, McIntyre explains, but they’ll need more a bit more work. “The native soil may not be rich enough, but we have plenty of raised beds, pots, soil and fertilizer to get people started with successful vegetable and herb gardens.” Another thing to consider with vegetable and herb gardens is the deer, and many gardeners have moved these types to a raised balcony or patio to fend them off.

Visit your local lawn and garden center with photos of your trees for the best advice and products.

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one inch in diameter — where no leaves are budding, and clear back to the larger branch. Work a granular tree and shrub fertilizer into the soil near the trunk and water well. If your tree sustained major large limb damage, prune to make a clean cut and treat the wound with pruning sealer.

Call a professional arborist for main branches on large trees that are broken.

Pests take advantage of weakened trees.

Apply a systemic insecticide drench once new leaves have opened to prevent insect infestations. Visit your local lawn and garden center with photos of your trees for the best advice and products.

Spencer’s Produce, Lawn and Garden Centers is located at 1430 S. Tejon St. For more information, go to SpencersGardens.com.

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This season’s late freezes and snowstorms have caused a lot of damage to trees and shrubs. From leaf damage to limbs that have broken and trunks split down the middle, everyone will see the impact that the weather made in our yards.

The health of a tree prior to the freeze makes a big difference in its recovery.

Brown, falling leaves are common.

It’s important to wait for at least two weeks before pruning or fertilizing.

Giving the tree time to recover naturally allows reduction in stress and you the opportunity to evaluate the extent of the damage. Sap is running through the upper branches of the tree, sending energy to create new growth.

Prune smaller branches — less than

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Photo courtesy of Harding Nursery

Strawberries, the versatile fruit of summer

BY KRISTEN BURNSIDE, HARDING NURSERY

S

trawberries are a wonderful, cheerful option for a patio planter or in the ground. These versatile plants can be planted in strawberry pots, which don’t demand much space; or they can be planted in with your annual color bowl as filler, or mixed in with you perennial landscape. These delicious sweet fruits require full sun.

The Fort Laramie is an ever-bearing strawberry that only gets six to 12 inches tall, and they can spread two to three feet. They also look lovely in hanging baskets, because they will trail over the sides — allowing the red fruit to ripen right in the full sun. Fort Laramie strawberries are perennials when planted in the ground and annuals in hanging baskets or patio pots. They are great for fresh eating, but if you have an excess of them you can make jellies and preserves.

They are also delectable for baking and make a great addition to your favorite

salads. At Harding Nursery, you can buy number ones or two-and-one-fourth-inch strawberry plants depending on your needs.

Here’s a mouthwatering recipe courtesy of Joan Harding:

SE T TLER’S STR AWBERRY GL ACÉ PIE

INGREDIENTS: • One quart strawberries • One cup water • Three tablespoons boiling water • One cup sugar • One cup biscuit mix • One-fourth cup butter • Three tablespoons cornstarch METHOD: Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Pastry: Put biscuit mix and butter in a bowl. Add boiling water and stir vigorously with fork to form a ball. With fingers and heel of hand, pat evenly into a nine inch pie pan, bringing

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dough up over edge of pan, and flute the edge. Bake for eight to 10 minutes in a preheated oven. Set aside to cool.

Filling: Wash and hull strawberries.

Simmer one cup of the berries and twothirds cup of water in a medium sauce pan for three minutes, or until berries soften. In a separate bowl, blend sugar, cornstarch and remaining one-third cup water until well combined. Stir into berry mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened. Place remaining berries into pie shell and cover with cooked berry

mixture. Chill for two hours or until firm.

Optional Garnish: Beat a three ounce package of cream cheese until fluffy. Add two tablespoons of cream and one-fourth teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pipe cream cheese garnish along the edge of the cooled pie. Enjoy!

What a plant wants

BY JULIE MCINTYRE, SUMMERLAND GARDENS

We hear it a lot this time of year.

It’s a sad thing, really. And we try to help as much as we can. But I think it’s time to address this head on: no one has a black (or brown) green thumb. Anyone can be successful growing plants, it just takes some basic plant knowledge. So let’s venture back to school days and reexamine the basic needs of plants so that you can see what step you might be messing up if you’re killing plants.

WHAT A PLANT NEEDS 101: AIR

During the process of photosynthesis, plants need to take in carbon dioxide to aid in the production of food for itself.

Good, ok, you’ve got this one, nothing to mess up here, as long as you’re not growing in a vacuum, there’s air everywhere, skip to the next one.

NUTRIENTS Plants need nutrients found in soil to grow and function properly.

You’re looking pretty good on this one too. However, in some cases, the nutrients aren’t naturally there to begin with or have been leached out over time, as in houseplants you haven’t repotted since the ’90s. So we must sometimes replenish and replace by using fertilizers.

Simple. Most can just be mixed in when watering; and when you tell us what you’re growing, we’ll show you the best fertilizer to use.

SUNLIGHT Plants need sunlight to produce sugars and food for themselves.

This one’s a little trickier and needs some attention. It’s simple, once you know what kind of sunlight your plant needs: direct sun, shaded sunlight like on

a front porch, or a little of both. Observe your spot and notice — is it sunny or shady? Then ask us to show you plants that match your conditions. Black thumb warning: don’t grow a shade plant in hot direct sun, or a hot sun plant in a basement. Certain death.

WATER Plants are approximately 90 percent water, which is needed for photosynthesis, cooling the plant, and carrying nutrients, along with a lot of other important tasks.

Water is the key, it’s the step that’s the easiest to mess up and when improperly done can cause all sorts of plant death.

Unfortunately, there is no set answer on how much to water because it’s influenced by the type of plant, light, temperature and overall conditions. The best rule of green thumbs is to water

thoroughly, so that the roots get wet and then let it dry out a little in between watering. But, always ask about the water requirements of your favorite plants and we’ll help you. Green thumb award is on its way.

Get your questions answered by one of our gardening experts at Summerland Gardens, 124 E. Cheyenne Rd.

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Growing strawberries in the Pikes Peak region YEAR ROUND GARDENING

H

BY FREDRICKA BOGARDUS, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

aving a strawberry bed as part of your landscape is quite achievable in our area, even at high altitude.

Key factors for success are plant selection, location, soil, proper planting and perhaps protection from wildlife.

There are three major categories of strawberries. June bearing varieties produce one large crop per year. Contrary to the name that particular crop will more likely appear in July than June in Colorado. Ever-bearing cultivars produce two crops per year, the berries are smaller than June bearing, but they are more reliable in the event of a late freeze. If the spring crop is lost because the blossoms freeze, the late summer crop is still to come. Day-neutral varieties produce throughout the summer — but production is smaller both in fruit size and quantity, and hot

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017

Winter Hardy Straw berries

weather may stop production. They are somewhat higher maintenance, requiring frequent fertilization and removal of runners.

Overall, ever-bearing varieties are probably the best bet for our region.

Fort Laramie and Quinalt are two recommended cultivars.

The most important factor in terms of location is sun. Strawberries need full sun, and at least six hours a day of direct sunlight — more if possible. If you are replacing sod with a strawberry bed there is one additional consideration. Grubs that may have been undetected in the sod can damage the strawberry plants. If you are unsure about the presence of grubs in the sod then it may be best to remove the sod and not plant your berries till the following year. In the mean-time, consider getting your crop started in containers.

Soil preference for strawberries is a sandy loam. However, strawberries can tolerate different soil types. Amend with organic matter to improve tilth. Fertilize at a rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Use a balanced fertilized that contains nitrogen, phosphate and potassium (NPK). If you are unsure of your soil type consider having a soil test done through Colorado State University.

Extension has the kits and mailers, you can pick them up 17 N Spruce St. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Strawberries are fussy about planting depth. The crown of the plant must be at the soil line. Too deep and it might rot.

Too shallow the roots will dry out. The pattern of planting rows will depend on the type of strawberry you choose to plant. Please consult the resource below for specific instructions.

The first season of planting you should remove the first flowers. After July 1 you can allow them to develop into fruit. Fertilize regularly, in autumn keep the soil damp till the first frost. Then withhold water to harden the plant. Water in late November (assuming no snow on the ground) and mulch well with clean straw. The mulch should stay on until the plants are actively growing.

You may find that the birds in your garden get the berries before you do. If that is the case, use some bird netting on top of the bed to keep them off.

For more information check out CMG GardenNotes #763 “Growing Strawberries in Colorado Gardens.” This can be found at www.ext.colostate.edu/ mg/gardennotes/763.pdf.

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. – 12 p.m. you can phone 520-7684 or emailing CSUmg2@ elpasoco.com.

For current garden tips visit www. facebook.com/ColoradoMasterGardeners.

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

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AROUND THE HOUSE

Proper ventilation in the bathroom

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Serving Colorado Springs Since 1934

Dear Ken: My toilet flushes by itself several times a day. Is this a serious problem? Do I have to live with it?

– Flo

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It’s trying to tell you something: “I’m leaking and I need attention.”

KEN MOON First, to confirm my diagnosis, add a little food coloring to the tank. Wait for it to flush, then take a look in the bowl. If some of the color has leaked in, you know the flapper valve has a pin hole and is letting water dribble into the bowl. The noise you hear is the valve working to restore the water level after it falls to a certain level.

The fix is easy. Replace the flapper with a new one, and while you’re in there, replace the fill valve, too. I like the FluidMaster brand because it’s quite homeowner-friendly. They require virtually no tools or prior experience. You can buy both valves on a plastic shrink card for around $10 – $12.

One more thing: if you have a toilet that’s 20 years or older, the leak can be in the porcelain on the underside of the flapper. Not to worry. Look for a replacement set with a metal valve seat and glue you can squish in place over the hole.

Dear Ken: I live in an old house and want to add a bath fan. I don’t want to chop a hole in the side or the roof. Can I vent the bath fan into the attic? How about mold issues up there?

– Lee The moist air from this fan needs to go somewhere. If it simply blasts into the attic space, it will eventually produce mold. You need to aim the end of the tube directly at one of the attic vents (my preference for this, by the way, is one of those gable vents in the end of the house).

That way, you’ll avoid building up high humidity in the attic.

Don’t forget to create a flat spot in the tube by bending it just above the bathroom ceiling. Why? As moisture condenses in the cold pipe, it will remain in the little “trap” you’ve created —

eventually evaporating, instead of dripping through the ceiling.

Dear Ken: I have a cat issue: They come into my yard to do their business. How can I get them out of here? Or at least discourage them.

– Bill You can buy cat repellent spray at some pet stores or online. Also, red pepper flakes can be a deterrent. Trouble is, you have to keep renewing them every week or so. If they go in a specific area every time, scatter dried pine cones around, so they can’t find a smooth place to walk and squat.

Cat don’t like to be startled. You can find motion detector sprinkler heads that will do just that. I’ve heard folks say they work well to deter creatures of all kinds, including your neighbor’s feline. When the critter gets close, he’s greeted with a short, sharp burst of water that will be long remembered after a time or two. Check out PondParts.com for starters.

Speaking of startling, I found a charming anecdote online by a woman who finally found a use for one of those singing fish toys that belt out Limbo Rock or some other ditty when their little motion detector is activated. She half-buried one in the garden, and when the cat came by, the fish began howling and twitching, and, she says, the animal went straight up into the air five feet, ran from the yard and was never seen again.

Dear Ken: We moved into a 1941 house. When we shower, there are brown drops on the ceiling that smell funny when you wipe them off. Any tips?

– John They may be leaching some minerals out of the plaster ceiling. I think you need more ventilation as soon as possible.

Install a through-the-wall fan or one in the ceiling that exhausts through the attic (see Lee’s problem, above).

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

BEAT THE RUSH

The dreaded “H” word

D

BY MIKE ESTES, RICK’S GARDEN CENTER

id you know that Colorado is rated number two in the country for damaging hail storms? Aren’t you glad we’re not number one? There is little else that can ruin a garden faster than this icy disaster. The question is what can we do to limit the damage. Building a permanent structure using wooden uprights to hold the framework with metal hardware cloth fastened to the top would certainly do the trick. It would be long lasting method but be sure to build it tall enough to walk under.

If that seems a bit much, consider this method. Using PVC or black poly pipe create a series of arches over the garden and fasten a 30 percent shade cloth over the top. The sturdy nylon fabric will still allow 70 percent of the sun to pass through which is just fine for growing a garden but offer you decent protection for up to nickel size hail. There are many shade fabrics out there but not all are as

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Because hail storms are normally accompanied by strong wind expect to see damage approaching from the side. tough as nylon. Unfortunately, once we exceed the nickel size then all bets are off without the metal cloth.

One last tip: Because hail storms are normally accompanied by strong wind expect to see damage approaching from the side. Be sure to bring the cloth down to ground level, especially on the west side

given the prevailing wind during a thunder storm.

If you need a little more advice on how to build your hail shelter come on down to Rick’s Garden Center and we can show you all the options including bulk shade cloth, tie down clips, and design ideas. 1827 W Uintah St, Colorado Springs.

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denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

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Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

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rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

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Baldo

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

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muTTS

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Funky winkerBean

luann

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PeanuTS

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SATURDAY, MAY 20, 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 across 7 __ learning 1 Canine cleaners 8 Divider’s opposite 13 Canine fixers 9 Metro abbr.

15 Brown nemesis?

10 Slugfest feature 17 Be unproductive 11 “¿Qué es __?”: “What’s this?”

18 But 12 Confident walk 19 __ wage 14 Pico de gallo pepper 21 24/7 16 Cure-all 23 Movie makeup dept. creations 20 Having an unusually large 25 Small group yellow part 26 Capacity count 22 High-end fashion accessory, 27 French physician Paul for briefly whom an area of the brain is 24 On tap named 27 Run with abandon 29 Rose on the charts 28 Sampras rival 30 Idris of “Zootopia” 31 Essentials 32 Small part of a big machine 34 Monterey and Montclair, for 33 Neat wrap-up? short 34 Milky Way cousin 35 A’s in Hebrew school?

37 JFK skill 36 Small stream 39 2010 role for Denzel 38 Title role for Roger Moore and 40 Mus. version Val Kilmer 41 Go together well 44 “That’s enough outta you!”

42 Gun 46 Texas city near Juárez 43 Skein makeup 47 Toadies 45 “Later” 48 “__ Fideles” 49 PC components 50 More angry 51 Vowel-free lunch 52 Former White House daughter 52 Baited with a red herring 54 Prefix with drama 53 Violinist Mintz mentored by 56 Reel off Isaac Stern 59 “__ Maria” 55 Ipanema greeting 60 __ dos: both 57 Recess in church 58 Winner of the most Grand Friday’s Puzzle Solved Slam singles titles in the Open Era 61 Dialogue box?

62 Company known for programming languages down 1 Stein’s partner 2 Maryland state bird, e.g.

3 National capital from the Algonquin for “to trade” 4 Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos 5 Commonly long-handled tool 6 E-card occasions HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

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dilBerT

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BaBy BlueS

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PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

HG 14 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017

by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: My husband of 40plus years, “Paul,” is an elected official in our city. Paul is also involved in politics on the state and national level.

He is clearly respected. People often engage me when he is AMY not around and ask how he feels DICKINSON about a certain issue or candidate.

If I answer, I often find myself embroiled in an uncomfortable conversation. I have tried redirecting people to Paul, but they usually barge ahead with their comments. Because of my marriage, they seem to assume that politics is “my thing” too.

This is getting more and more challenging, especially in today’s political climate. I’m trying to come up with a statement that will let people know I want to stay away from political conversations.

Should I say, “Could we please talk about other things — I’m on a political fast?”

I want to be both tactful and clear about my intentions. What can you suggest? — The Wife

ADVICE

Question: I have a two-year grant to study in the states, so I brought my family from Mexico City.

We’ve been here DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN only for about six months, and my boys, 10 and 15, are gaining weight. How can I help them avoid that? — Maria G., Austin, Texas

Dear Wife: I like your response — it is clear and polite. Following up your statement with a question directed at your inquisitor might further redirect the conversation, although it does occur to me that even a polite query about the weather (“Wow, can you believe this drought?”) can be made political these days.

I further suggest carrying a supply of your husband’s business cards. You can hand one out and say, “I can’t speak for my husband, but his email address in on here; I hope you will feel free to get in touch with him.”

I face this issue (to a lesser extent) because of the work I do. And so when I’m having coffee at the local diner and someone approaches me with a personal problem they would like me to try to fix, I will sometimes say, “That sounds like a good question for my column. Why don’t you send it to me and I’ll see if I can tackle it?”

This is a way to try to differentiate between the personal and professional, which is what you are politely trying to do.

Answer: Welcome! We’re sorry, but crossing the border puts you at certain health risks. The fastfood, quick-stop, drive-thru American diet packs on pounds. But there are solutions.

First, teach your kids (you do this, too) to look on ingredients labels for added sugars and added syrups. They’re in almost all processed foods and sugary drinks. High-fructose corn syrup is one of the biggest sugar polluters, and the corn it’s derived from is generally genetically modified, which means it’s usually been treated with the pesticide glyphosate (brand name Round-Up).

New research has shown possible links from GMO foods and glyphosate-treated crops to endocrine disruption, organ damage and birth defects.

Second, trans fats used in snack foods, margarine, packaged baked goods and fried fast foods, and saturated fats, found in processed and red meats and full-fat dairy, are found throughout our food chain. They’ll pack on pounds and are bad for your heart and other organ systems. Instead, go for monounsaturated fats, like extra-virgin olive oil and healthy fats found in nuts, avocados and polyunsaturated oils.

Lastly, say “no” to grains that aren’t 100 percent whole! Whole grains help you avoid weight gain, insulin resistance and diabetes, while refined grains, such as white bread or rice, are associated with those health hazards.

It will take attention to detail for a while, but you’ll get it down. Then you and your family will have an easier time controlling your weight — and you’ll have more energy, mental focus and a happier outlook.

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

Dear readers: Springtime brings warm days, beautiful flowers, birds chirping and, unfortunately, fleas. Discuss with your veterinarian flea control and prevention.

There are a lot of good flea HINTS medications on the market toFROM day, but read the labels carefully.

HELOISE Here are some hints to keep in mind: • Never give flea meds indicated for dogs to cats.

This can be deadly.

• Use only one flea treatment (flea shampoo, drops, oral medications) at a time. Using more than one med on your pet could cause toxins to build up in the animal’s system.

• Your source of information should be your veterinarian. There is so much you can find on the internet, and some of it is accurate, and some is not. — Heloise Dear Heloise: I work part time as a substitute teacher in an elementary school. It saddens me to see bright 6- and 7-year-old kids who are having trouble doing simple math. One pupil was having trouble counting by 10. To help at home, it would be a fun game while, say, preparing dinner to practice counting by 10 with Mom. And start with a number like 6: 6, 16, 26, 36, 46, etc.

I know that every family is different and time is at a premium, but this can be a fun way to teach your kids math. — Theresa J. in Texas Dear Heloise: When I mail packages to my parents, I stuff the packages with my kids’ homework papers as packing material.

Mom and Dad are happy to see what the kids are working on — math papers, writing compositions and art projects. The packing material is as fun as the package! — Donna R., Encino, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I’ve discovered that cat litter makes a great absorbent. I had a grease stain in my driveway and sprinkled some cat litter on it.

The stain was greatly reduced in just a couple of hours. I just sweep up the litter and dispose of it properly. — Amelia A. in Cleveland —

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) You may be torn two ways by a family feud or a career conundrum. Take a step back and look at the facts dispassionately.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Charming new friends could boost your spirits or upgrade your outlook. You may strike a harmonious chord with a like-minded individual within a group or organization.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You can discern the difference between a mere pipe dream and a tangible, attainable goal. This is the time to act on creative inspirations as you can follow them through to a satisfying end.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Avoid taking offense if you feel you have been fooled or misled. Your confidence in defending your rights might be out of place.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Capitalize on connections. Make key contacts in the community by offering your services or making donations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Get out the fine-toothed comb and check to see if your plan has bugs. Use a scientific method to examine your objectives and determine if they are worthy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Steer key relationships back on track. An open mind, loyal heart and generous wallet are great tools to use. Show yourself to be a leader if morals and principles are at stake.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A situation may have reached its expiration date.

Don’t tempt fate by trying to resuscitate a dead issue.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) A fool and his money are soon parted. Keep the piggy bank closed and save money. An investment that is doomed to fail may be offered.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your companions can make or break your public image. Secrets can be exposed and volatile relationships can become a source of gossip. Act as though your every move was being broadcast on live TV. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Steady as she goes. If everything has been running smoothly lately, there’s no need to shake things up. What has worked for you in the past will keep working for you in new circumstances.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Practice makes perfect, so practice until you reach perfection. If you made promises in the past be sure to honor them, but don’t make more promises.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY May 20 Your street smarts will help you take advantage of moneymaking opportunities during the next two to three weeks.

Your life may be dominated by friends and social networking throughout June and July.

Those who are truly your friends will still be by your side in September and October. That is when you will have better luck and better judgment as well, making this an excellent time to launch your most important plans.

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 15

GOREN BRIDGE

WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

weekly bridge quiz q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ q 8 3 2 ♥ 10 6 5 ♦ 10 5 3 ♣ k 10 3

Partner opens two no trump, 20-21, and right-hand opponent passes.

What call would you make?

Rain or Shine!

Right-hand opponent opens one diamond. What call would you make? q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠J♥kq987♦964♣k532

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

NOrTH 1♠ 2♦

♠ J 10 7 3 ♥ k q 10 8 5 3 ♦ k 10 ♣ 8

What call would you make?

As dealer, what call would you make? q 3 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A J 10 9 8 7 5 ♥ k J 10 7 ♦ 8 ♣ q

eAST Pass Pass

SOuTH 1NT ?

weST Pass

q 6 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ k J ♥ A 6 4 ♦ J 9 7 4 2 ♣ A 10 6 NOrTH 1♣ 1♥

eAST Pass Pass

SOuTH 1♦ ?

weST Pass

eAST 5♦

SOuTH ?

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What call would you make? weST NOrTH 3♣ 2♦

WE GOT YOU COVERED!

Look for answers on Monday.

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What call would you make? q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 7 5 ♥ A 10 8 3 ♦ 10 9 2 ♣ A k q 8

(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.)

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HG 16 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017

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