Home and Garden 08/12/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2017

Flowers in the fall

YEAR ROUND GARDENING:

Getting rosemary through winter 2017 Plant Swap KEN MOON:

Removing excess moisture 7 reasons to shop farmers’ markets

Look inside for these specials and many others.

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

Getting rosemary through a Colorado Springs winter

BY FREDRICKA BOGARDUS, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

R

osemary is an herb that is popular to grow in Colorado. It has wide culinary use, anything from marinades to bread will benefit from a sprig or two. It is a very attractive, subshrub plant that looks great in the right spot in your garden. It is a tender perennial plant, which will not survive our winters without protection.

This herb is from the Mediterranean, a region with long summers and gentle winters. Rosemary officinalis is described by the USDA as a zone seven plant, but other sites consider it zone eight. That means that it will probably not survive in temperatures below about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some cultivars described as zone six hardy, meaning it might survive at zero degrees Fahrenheit.

You can overwinter rosemary indoors.

My personal experience is that it always becomes infested with insects in winter, and I end up throwing the plant out. About a year ago I was told that it was possible to keep rosemary alive in the garden by putting a wall of water on the plant in late autumn.

Honestly, I didn’t believe it would work.

However, I had three rosemary plants in pots and thought why not give it a try?

So last year in late summer I took the first step in a trial that I was positive would end with dead plants. I moved the plants from pots, to a sunny (south-facing) space near a light-colored wall. My goal was to find the microclimate in my garden that would stay the warmest, and have good drainage. The plants adapted well to the transplant, and in late October I placed a season extender on each plant. The extender looks kind of like a plastic tepee, comprised of cylinders that are filled with water. They are widely used by gardeners to plant tomatoes a few weeks earlier than our climate allows. The water in the tubes heats up during the day, then warms the plant in the colder nighttime.

Trade names for this type of season extender include Wall o’ Water, Tomato Teepee, Kozy Coats, etc.

The plants in this new warmer environment starting growing a bit, putting new foliage on that I was sure would turn black as soon as we had a hard freeze.

The freeze came about two weeks into December. One night it went down to

Steps to overwinter rosemary in your garden 1. In August, relocate your plants if necessary • Sunny, south-facing is best for winter sun • Well-drained • Accessible in winter 2. The wall of water will accommodate up to about an 18-inch diameter plant. Prune back before covering if necessary.

3. In October put up and fill the walls of water, probably late October.

Watch the weather and get it done prior to first drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Consider using a tomato cage or other option for additional stability in the wind.

5. Remove the wall of water in May and watch your plant thrive (I hope).

negative six degrees Fahrenheit, and I was sure the plants were gone. Dead. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the now-frozen solid water enclosure, and the plant still looked green. About two months later in late January one of the plants bloomed! The plants survived the winter. I was able to cut sprigs of rosemary for cooking whenever the structure wasn’t frozen.

One of the walls did blow down a couple of times. Refilling the walls in mid-winter was not fun, I will try to avoid repeating that. This year I will try to contrive some kind of external structure to prevent the structure from collapsing and emptying out mid-blizzard. Some kind of tomato cage will probably suffice.

This column generally tries to provide well-tested scientific information. This is not that. It is one trial, in one garden, during one winter. While we had some very cold weather last year, we also had lots of warm days in between. Except for the January windstorm I would categorize the winter of 2016-17 as mild. I encourage you to give this technique a try if you are okay if your plant doesn’t make it through next winter.

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017

This is the same rosemary plant photographed first in January (top), then in June.

When you have questions, Colorado State University Extension has research-based answers. Get answers to your horticulture questions by visiting ask.extension.org any time day or night. Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. you can call 719-520-7684 or email CSUmg2@elpasoco.com. For current garden tips visit www.facebook.com/ ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC. For current classes visit elpaso.extension.colostate.edu.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Removing excess moisture, unpleasant odors

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

KEN MOON

2017 Plant Swap

NEWSWIRE

Join the Colorado State University Extension on August 19 for a community Plant Swap, held at the Extension Office at 17 N. Spruce Street.

HOW THE PLANT SWAP WORKS:

1. Bring your plants to the swap, Saturday, August 19 from 8 – 10 a.m. for check-in.

2. At check-in, you will receive a numbered ticket admitting you to the swap.

3. Participants will swap in the order of the numbered tickets beginning at 10:30 a.m.

4. Each plant accepted entitles you to one “swap.”

5. Swap begins at 10:30 a.m.

GUIDELINES

• Only perennials and houseplants will be accepted. No annuals or vegetables.

• Plants must be healthy (no bugs, diseases, etc.). No noxious weeds or invasive species.

• Labeling is encouraged and appreciated.

• Up to 20 plants per person allowed.

• No more than five of any single variety.

For more detailed plant guidelines check out elpaso.extension.colostate. edu/2017-plant-swap.

Dear Ken: I have a refrigerator in the garage for extras. It doesn’t behave well, now that it is so hot.

Any ideas how to make it more efficient?

— Barbara

That second refrigerator doesn’t like temperature extremes, especially in the summer. So it’s important to constantly monitor the inside temperature of both the fresh food section (ideally about 38 degrees) and the freezer compartment (0 degrees is about right). Most garages are hotter than they need to be, so I’d suggest you consider an insulated, steel garage door, plus add some batt insulation to the attic and walls, then add a layer of sheetrock. Refrigerator or not, that will save you energy, summer and winter. You could also install a simple though-the-wall vent fan.

Actually, garage refrigerators are more finicky in the winter. Most manufacturers say they should be in environments that get no cooler than 55. Why? When the ambient temperature gets below that, the freezer quits running because the fresh food side doesn’t call for cooling. That means that the freezer starts to warm up, and thaw out your expensive food. To offset that, hang a 25 or 40 watt light bulb in the fridge side so it “sees” a little heat.

Bottom line: These back-up refrigerators do much better in a more moderate part of the house, like the basement.

Dear Ken: One of my toilets rocks, and there is a little water underneath. Should I replace the wax ring?

— John Probably. In some cases, especially on an uneven floor, you should use two rings.

By the way, the rocking is easy to fix. You can purchase small plastic shims to wedge under the low side. Then caulk around the base-expect for the backside. Leaving it open allows water to escape quickly if there is another leak. That “telegraphs” the problem to you long before any permanent damage occurs.

Dear Ken: What can I do about moldy-

smelling towels this time of year?

— Cindy Run them through two cycles with the hottest water they can tolerate.

For the first load add a cup of vinegar and run through the entire washing sequence. Then add three-fourths cup of baking soda and repeat. This two-step process will remove excess detergent and softener that may be impeding their absorbency and causing them to dry out more slowly. Finally, tell the kids they can help by hanging them up spread out — not folded — after they are used.

While we’re on a smelly, summertime subject, a word or two about disposers.

The biggest contributor to that sour smell is that rubber splash guard. Clean it thoroughly with an old tooth brush dipped in ammonia. One of my friends also has luck using an old-fashioned, bristled toilet bowl brush. It just fits through the opening, and it not only cleans the splashguard, but also the entire inside of the metal disposer casing.

It also helps to occasionally throw in several handfuls of ice cubes plus half a lemon. The ice scours, while the citric acid in the lemon helps sweeten the innards of the disposer.

Dear Ken: I noticed a puddle of water when the central A/C system is working.

Where do you think it’s coming from?

— Mark Cooling produces a fair amount of condensed water vapor inside the coils on top of the furnace. Normally, this flows down the condensate line and into the nearest floor drain. If yours is backing up and leaking somewhere else, you may have a plug up in that coil cabinet. Call your HVAC contractor to come take a look. They may want to take things apart and clean out accumulated dust and dirt. This is a good idea every five years or so anyway.

It will restore proper air flow through the system, prevent coil freeze-ups and shave dollars off your cooling bill.

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

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

SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

Flowers in the

I

fall

Gaillardia

BY JULIE MCINTYRE, SUMMERLAND GARDENS

t’s the time of year when the summer flowers are slowing down and there might not be as much color in the perennial garden as there was a few weeks ago. Now’s the time to take stock of your garden and see if you can add some season extending color into the landscape. There’s no need to just see green, add a few of the fall divas for fall drama.

We’re all familiar with traditional flowers associated with the late summer/fall garden. Perennials like Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Coreopsis, Gaillardia, Asters and Mums all deserve a spot in the garden to bring flowers when the rest of garden is winding down. They bring gold and russet colors, as well as purples and lavenders, that combine to enrich the fall pallet of changing leaves. These are all garden work horses and will flower until, and even after, the first frost.

HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017

Other perennials to consider that bloom through fall are hummingbird mints (Agastache sp.) and red birds in a tree (Scrophularia macrantha). Both plants are hummingbird favorites and help to keep them fed until they migrate south in the fall. They are also deer and rabbit-resistant, require well-drained soil, and will flower best when planted in full sun. Hummingbird mints flower in oranges and pinks and offer aromatic leaves that smell like root beer or licorice, depending on your nose. Red birds

in a tree offers little red flowers that look like little birds sitting in a tree and can become quite a large specimen, growing up to threeto-four feet tall.

If you want to add something different, some garden gems with delicate flowers that seem to magically appear like shimmering jewels among the late season garden, try fall flowering bulbs. We tend to associate planting bulbs in the fall with having to wait until spring for blooms, as with tulips and daffodils. But there are a few varieties that CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

7

BEAT THE RUSH

reasons to shop farmers’ markets

METRO SERVICES

A farmers’ market is likely coming to a field or open parking lot near you — if there isn’t already one operating nearby. The United States Department of Agriculture says that, between the years of 2008 and 2013, the number of farmers’ markets doubled across the country.

Farmers’ markets will continue to thrive and expand as people increasingly realize the benefits of supporting local food providers.

Buyers who are not yet familiar with farmer’s markets can examine the following seven reasons to break the ice.

without GMOs. Farmers’ market retailers also tend to give firsthand accounts of where their foods come from and how they are grown or raised.

1. ENJOY FRESH, SEASONAL FOODS

5. LEARN SECRETS AND RECIPES

Foods at farmers’ markets tend to be limited to in-season offerings. Some nutritionists suggest eating seasonally available foods is better for your body, because humans ate seasonal produce for thousands of years before shipping and refrigeration changed how people received the majority of their foods. In addition, many people feel that fresh, seasonal foods taste better than the alternatives.

In addition to fresh produce, farmers’ markets may offer baked and other prepared goods. Shopkeepers often mingle with their customers, offering trade secrets and recipe ideas. Additionally, local farm families supported by farmers’ markets generally offer supreme customer service to keep shoppers coming back week after week.

2. DISCOVER NEW FOODS

A farmers’ market can be an exciting and flavorful social gathering place for families and groups of friends, as well as a great place to meet other members of the community. Sometimes farmers also mingle with local artisans, so the market can be a one-stop-shopping locale for locally produced food and art.

There’s always something new at a farmers’ market, and this can entice shoppers to expand their flavor palates.

Explore interesting, locally-grown items. Even children may fall in love with colorful fruits or vegetables and their refreshing tastes.

3. EMBRACE ORGANIC AND NON-GMO OFFERINGS Many farmers’ markets offer foods that are organically grown and are produced

4. INDULGE IN NUTRITIOUS FOODS The vivid colors and smells emanating from farmers’ markets indicate just how fresh and nutritious the offerings tend to be. Farmers who peddle their wares at farmers’ markets adhere to careful farming methods to ensure their foods are as nutritious as possible.

lower than other retailers. That’s because local farmers don’t have to transport their items as far as retailers whose foods were shipped from far away places.

Any time of the year is perfect for grabbing a tote bag and browsing the wares at a nearby farmers’ market, where shoppers are bound to find something fresh, unique and delicious.

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HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017

are planted in the fall and flower shortly after planting. Bulbs in general are well worth adding to the garden, whether fall or spring blooming; they are easy to plant, are tough and durable, and provide a lot of color without a lot of expense. Fall blooming bulbs produce their leaves in the spring, go dormant in the summer and then send their flowers up in the fall. Bulbs need to be planted right after getting them, and they’ll produce flowers four-to-six weeks later.

Generally, these bulbs are offered before other spring flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils so check with us to see if they’re available yet.

Some to consider are the autumn or saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). Producing iridescent purple flowers with bright orange stigmas, these flowers are the source for the Mediterranean spice saffron. Known as one of the most expensive herbs, the yellow stigmas of the flowers are hand plucked from each flower and dried. It takes hundreds of flowers to produce a commercially viable amount, which explains its expense. For the home gardener, a couple dozen bulbs can provide enough

saffron to make a few quality dishes. Visit our website for instructions on how to harvest saffron.

Colchicums are another fall flowering bulb well worth planting anywhere there’s open ground and part sun. There are different varieties, but waterlily is a favorite, named for its large double flowers that resemble water lilies in form and size. They are purplish pink and have a silky texture to them, contrasting beautifully with the golds of fall. They require a well-drained soil and consistent moisture through the summer while their leaves are out.

Of course, flowers aren’t the only things that add color to the fall landscape.

Consider adding shrubs that offer beautiful fall color as their leaves begin to change.

Dwarf burning bush (Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’), as its name implies, is grown for its intense red fall color that sets the landscape on fire in fall. Its mounded growing habit features green leaves spring through summer, corky stems that add some winter interest, and deer-resistance. Other shrubs to consider for spectacular fall color are Sumacs, Viburnums and Serviceberries.

denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 1 Modern categorizing aid 8 Sign of stress 15 Pennsylvania home of the world’s oldest operating wooden roller coaster 16 “All will be well” 17 Homophonically named ’60s sitcom lady 18 Steel work 19 It’s cut and dried 20 Fish-eating bird 22 Really feel the heat 23 Coast Guard pickup 25 Wave function symbols 27 Night spot 28 Financial pg. debut 31 “The __ of King William”: Old English poem 33 “Golden Boy” dramatist 35 Friend of the Fry Kids 39 Place to buy a landscape 40 Unspoiled 42 It’s generally celebrated on the same day as Tet 44 Per person 45 __ con gas: Spanish soda water 46 Nevada copper town 47 Troubling bank msg.

48 Cutlass, e.g.

51 Angels’ org.

53 Peabody-winning journalist Ifill 55 Cutlass, e.g.

57 Buckwheat porridge 61 Waiting to get in, say 63 Studio mascot 65 Cover, as a cover charge 66 __ glass 67 Like most cartoon characters 68 Only president to win a Pulitzer Prize down 1 Pillar of Islam 2 Nautical direction 3 Michelin unit 4 Traffic chorus 5 “Candida” singer 6 “The Phantom Menace” boy

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 21 24 26 28 29 30 32 34 36 37 38 41 43 44 49 50 52 54 56 58 59 60 62 64

Certain Celt High dos “Madam Secretary” actress Flee Word with grass Poe classic Make an unexpected connection with Stable population Org. Indonesia left in 2008 Edge furtively Pioneering music player Radio host Glass Rocker alternative Torn Fr. titles “The Voice” host Carson Section in Disney’s Animal Kingdom “Correct!” sound Greek theater Word with war or far Point in the right direction?

Old name for England Praises Con targets Dwarf who traveled with Bilbo “The Old Curiosity Shop” girl Trans-Siberian Railway city __ wave Broke ground Red’s pal in “The Shawshank Redemption” Expected Former AT&T rival

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

Tundra

by Chad Carpenter

SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

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

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

by Paul gilligan

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

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: What should I do if my significant other isn’t supportive of surgical/cosmetic changes that I want to make to my body? I’ve flat-out asked him how he would feel if I got lip injections (just to test the waters).

AMY I want other, more extreme proDICKINSON cedures as well. He told me that if I had something like that done, he would leave me.

I’ve been in a relationship with him for four years, so it kind of hurts my feelings that he would drop all that just because I wanted to make a change to my body so that I won’t feel as insecure in it. He says it would make him feel that I’m not who he thought I was and that it’s vain to do these things. Do you think his feelings are justified?— Curious about Collagen

ADVICE

Question: I’m afraid to let my kids go swimming when we head down to the west coast of Florida this summer. Is there DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN a real danger of contracting flesh-eating bacteria? — Sheila K., Camden, Maine

Dear Bipolar: Every time someone talks openly about having a mental illness, it helps to reduce the stigma. We’re getting there.

Answer: The recent news that four people on the Alabama Gulf Coast have been infected by vibrio have spawned tabloid-style headlines about socalled flesh-eating bacteria. Necrotizing bacterial infections (that’s the medical name) are dreadful, but exceedingly rare; there are only around 700 to 1,000 cases a year. In the U.S., various vibrio strains cause about 80,000 illnesses, but only around 100 deaths, annually.

Eighty percent of vibrio cases are reported from May to October, as waters along coastlines warm.

When it comes from shellfish, vibrio can trigger a few days of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Entering the body through an opening in the skin, vibrio can cause problems with wound healing, and if it gets into the bloodstream it can cause fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions and, yes, it sometimes can prove fatal.

Risk of infection is greatest for people with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV and anyone receiving immune-suppressing therapy. Risk also is increased for anyone who has had recent stomach surgery or is taking medicine to decrease stomach acid levels. So what can you do to avoid exposure?

• Don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish. Wash your hands with soap and water after handing shellfish; don’t cross contaminate cooked shellfish with raw shellfish.

• Stay out of brackish or saltwater if you have cuts or scrapes. If you have an open sore and are on docks or at the shoreline, cover your wound with a waterproof bandage.

• Wash any wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they’ve been exposed to seawater or raw seafood.

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.

Dear Curious: I’m not sure why you are asking me about your boyfriend’s feelings. He has given you his honest opinion, and he (and I) shouldn’t have to justify his feelings.

The downside of your choice to “test the waters” in this way is that you don’t seem to have prepared yourself for the answer.

It is your body. You shouldn’t feel compelled to discuss your choice with anyone in advance.

I’m not a fan of cosmetic procedures (certainly “extreme” ones), but if someone I loved wanted to do this, and if they could afford it and it didn’t harm their health, I’d tell them to have at it.

I suggest that you do what you want to do. Don’t ask your boyfriend to weigh in beforehand, and don’t ask for his opinion or approval afterward.

Dear Amy: “Waiting for Sorry” reported her history of mental illness, and her need for her mother to acknowledge it.

Thank you for trying to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. The stigma is what keeps many people from acknowledging this reality. — Bipolar

—

—

ADVICE

HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Heloise: My kids want a rabbit as a pet. Are they good pets? Are they expensive to care for?

What hints do you have for caring for a rabbit? — Jody D., Calumet City, Ill. Jody, rabbits are cute, and they can be excellent pets.

Here are some hints to keep in

mind: • You can train the rabbit to use a litter box.

• A rabbit is quiet, so no barking!

• Your pet rabbit needs human interaction. Rabbits are indoor animals. An outside cage is a big NO-NO. • A rabbit will develop a fun personality, just like a dog or cat.

• A lot of care is important. Rabbits are delicate creatures and can’t be handled roughly; children need to understand this. Rabbits can bite and kick.

• Regarding expenses: An indoor crate is necessary, which can run about $100; the animal will need medical checkups with a veterinarian, including a spay or neuter; special rabbit pellets; lots of fresh vegetables; hay for bedding; and litter.

• Search rescue groups to adopt a rabbit. There are different breeds; a larger breed usually is better for kids.

• Rabbitproof the house. Rabbits are known to chew.

With some work, as all pets require, a rabbit will be a fun and loving member of your family! Ask your veterinarian for more information about having a rabbit as a pet. — Heloise Dear Heloise: I enjoy all of your clever tips and look forward to each new idea as it comes along.

My casseroles were too salty most of the time, so I started putting bits and pieces of corn chips and wheat chips in a plastic bag with breadcrumbs and giving them a good shake.

The salt merges with the bread, and the chip bits are much nicer to use as a topping for the casserole. — Jane A., Beavercreek, Ohio —

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

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) People may see you as a go-getter. An extra dose of enthusiasm and plentiful physical energy will keep you from becoming sedentary this weekend.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You may be tempted to break away to spend time with new friends. Supporting your social activities might cost a few dollars but might easily bring you riches of another kind in return.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You can use a creative approach to moneymaking and to preserving your possessions. You might find it possible to turn straw into gold or make a silk purse from a sow’s ear.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Get a bottle and funnel ready. Your creative juices are flowing. It may be time to capture some ideas and preserve them for the future.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Stifle a yawn at a formal gathering. Public appearances might result in private boredom. A new friendship might be on the horizon.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) It is fundamental to your happiness to get logical.

You could absorb someone’s pain, and feel bad yourself, or you could be a bright light that burns away someone’s pain.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) A chance meeting with someone new may have the potential for a long-term relationship. Shifting gears to initiate new endeavors requires a cautious wait-and-see attitude.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Exude a silent mystique to make the best impression on others. You can use the weekend to follow up on new social contacts.

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Ride out the rough spots. Friends may upset plans or your timing could be off, but you will be able to make a good first impression on anyone you meet.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You may participate in a championship for congenial companionship. Your interest in others shines through and other people will be flattered by your attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) If you are looking for positive information and opinions, you will find them. If you allow dialogues to degenerate into an exchange of sad stories, however, the positive thrust will be lost.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) This can be a good time to discuss unique ways to make more money. Write down your thoughts and ideas for later use.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aug. 12 High energies and enthusiasm can help you get a great deal accomplished during the next two to three weeks. You can be a role model for others and may even receive recognition for your leadership skills.

Your business sense and financial skills are enhanced in early November, when you can shrewdly negotiate and deal with investments. December is a very good time to put your most important ideas and plans into motion.