Home and Garden 08/19/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017

Awnings: A smart choice

YEAR ROUND GARDENING:

Bee-friendly pollinator plants Turn a backyard into an oaisis Tips for staining wood

Look inside for these specials and many others.

BEE-FRIENDLY POLLINATOR PLANTS AGERATUM Ageratum houstonianum ALPINE STRAWBERRIES Fragaria vesca APPLE Malus spp.

ASTERS Aster alpinus and Symphotrichum spp.

BEE BALM Monarda spp.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN Rudbeckia spp.

BORAGE Borago officinalis CALENDULA Calendula officinalis COSMOS Cosmos bipinnatus CORNFLOWER Centaurea spp.

CROCUS Colchicum spp.

CUCUMBER Cucumis sativus DANDELION Taraxacum officinale FOXGLOVE Digitalis spp.

GLOBE THISTLE Echinops sphaerocephalus GRAPE HYACINTH Muscari spp.

Photo by Susan Christine Jones

HOSTA Hosta spp.

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

Bee-friendly pollinators

P

time spread through Europe and Africa. They are not native to North America, but were brought here from Europe when settlers discovered that many of their favorite Old World food crops would not grow successfully without the pollination of honeybees. In Colorado, early attempts to establish a melon-growing region in the Arkansas Valley were unsuccessful until the introduction of honeybees.

The most attractive plants to bees contain both pollen and nectar in abundance. Scent and color attract pollinators to flowers.

Essential oils in plants impart fragrance into the air to lure in pollinators. Contrasting color patterns on flower petals are detected by special ultraviolet photoreceptors in bee’s eyes. The unique markings create tiny runways that serve as nectar guides, directing bees right to the flower’s sweet,

HYSSOP Agastache foeniculum JOE-PYE WEEDS Eutrochium spp.

LAVENDER Lavendula augustifolia LEMON BALM Melissa officinalis LILAC Syringa vulgaris MELON Cucumis melo OREGANO Origanum vulgare

nourishing liquid. These mini landing pads, unseen by humans and most other animals, are only visible to insects with vision in the ultraviolet spectrum.

To create a long-lasting source of food for bees in your garden, grow flowers with overlapping bloom times. Include at least one plant that flourishes in each growing season to span spring, summer and fall. Even small spaces such as window boxes, pots and rooftop spaces can entice bees. If you have more space, consider dedicating a patch of yard to habitat by leaving marginal areas in their undeveloped state. Undisturbed landscape provides natural habitat for pollinators, who in turn support wildlife forage plants and beneficial insects. A simple mound of excavated soil left undisturbed along with bare dirt areas provide space for ground nesting bees to build nests and CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 19, 2017

HYACINTH Hyacinthus spp.

MINT Mentha spp.

BY SUSAN CHRISTINE JONES, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

ollination occurs when pollen grains are transferred between male and female flower parts: from the anthers to the stigma.

Bees use nectar and pollen gathered from flowers to feed themselves and their offspring.

In their search for food, bees assist with pollinating 90 percent of all flowering plants, and at least 30 percent of the food crops humans rely on. Honeybees — though not native to North America, are the most important carriers of pollen, crucial to crop production and Colorado’s agricultural economy. Native pollinators are equally important to the reproduction of wild plants and more. They include native bees, bats, wasps, flies, birds, ants, moths, beetles, butterflies and small mammals.

Honeybees originated in Asia and over

GOLDENROD Solidago spp.

POPPIES Papaver spp.

POPPY MALLOW Callirhoe involucrata PRIMROSE Primula vulgaris PURPLE CONEFLOWER Echinacea purpurea RED CLOVER Trifolium pratense SAGE Salvia officinalis SEA THRIFT Armeria maritima SEDUM Hylotelephium spectabile SNAPDRAGONS Antirrhinum majus SQUASH Cucurbita pepo ssp.

SUNFLOWERS Helianthus annuus SWEET WILLIAM Dianthus barbatus THYME Thymus spp.

VERBENA Verbena officinalis WITCH HAZEL Hamamelis spp.

YARROW Achillea millefolium ZINNIAS Zinnia elegans

Why awnings are a

smart choice for your home

O

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

ut West Awning Co. has been a staple of the Pikes Peak Region since 1903.

The company provides commercial and residential awning services to clients throughout El Paso, Teller and Pueblo counties. More than 100 years ago the company was both an awning and outfitting company, gearing up hunters, hikers, homeowners and business-owners with everything they need – from backpacks to tents to patio awnings to entrance canopies. Today, the locallyowned and operated business keeps up on all of the cutting-edge products and technologies in the awning industry, and is a member of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association.

“We stay ahead of the curve and consistently keep track of trends and manufacturing techniques,” said Richard Forward, President of Out West Awning Co. “Many do not look into the marketplace deep enough to understand what makes an excellent awning versus an okay one versus a weak one. Good, better and best applies to every industry and ours isn’t an exception.” Forward is very particular about how he builds his awnings, and has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars on top-notch equipment, which can be viewed at his showroom at 1865 N. Academy Blvd.

Time and time again, awnings prove to be a smart addition to any home. Forward shared some reasons why:

1. Reduces home energy costs A study by the Center for Sustainable Building Research found that awnings can decrease cooling costs by 25 percent or more.

••

2. Protects you and your family from harm UV rays

Enjoy the great outdoors without the squinting or sunburns. If you want more control over your awning, Out West Awning Co. also has retractable awnings.

3. Increases outdoor enjoyment

Awnings provide the perfect environment for entertaining guests or simply relaxing with the family.

4. Improves curb appeal and increases home value

Awnings add usable outdoor space, which is appealing to buyers. They are also more affordable than building and a porch or deck, and do not require upkeep. At the same time, they are beautiful; and Out West Awning Co. has a near-endless selection of colors and designs.

5. Adds attractive living space without a huge investment A fixed awning creates an elegant, upscale outdoor living room in a costeffective way.

6. Safe from the elements.

There is no need to bring your party indoors if the afternoon rain showers pass through. Keep dry and continue having fun. Awnings can withstand wind, sun, snow, rain and hail.

Out West Awnings is also thrilled to announce that they are designing their own line of retractable screens. The screens are available in more than 140 colors. To learn more, contact Richard Forward at 719-570-9778.

Out West Awnings Co.

1865 N. Academy Blvd. • OutWestAwningCo.com SATURDAY, AUG 19, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

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HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 19, 2017

Summer is in full swing, but many homeowners aren’t maximizing its potential for fun in the sun. Creating a vibrant outdoor space can expand the living area of one’s home, while providing a unique venue for entertaining or relaxation, allowing homeowners to enjoy every free moment to the fullest.

From the ultimate sports bar to a zen paradise, the outdoor design possibilities are endless and can be customized to meet one’s priorities, be it entertaining friends and family or creating the perfect tranquil retreat. As a leader in home comfort for nearly 40 years, Napoleon Fireplaces has extensive expertise in designing products and environments that help create memorable moments that last a lifetime. The company recently enlisted a third party research firm to help examine the connection people have to different areas of their home and outdoor spaces, and how the design of those spaces can have a direct impact on emotions.

“The research shows the most loved areas of the home combine relaxation, socialization and functionality,” said Stephen Schroeter, Napoleon’s senior vicepresident of sales and marketing. “Outdoor spaces provide a great opportunity to accommodate all three, yet they are still vastly underutilized by most homeowners.”

Following are Schroeter’s top tips for creating the outdoor oasis of one’s dreams: ADD AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN. Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity — and for good reason. Not only do they meet a basic need, but they do so in a fun, engaging atmosphere. No one wants to be stuck inside preparing a meal when the party is out under the sun — or stars. The showpiece of every great outdoor kitchen is a quality, professional grill, which can be freestanding, or built-in to save on space.

Napoleon’s Prestige PRO Series grills are packed with features for professionallevel grilling right in your own backyard.

Innovative products like the OASIS Outdoor Kitchen allow users to personalize their outdoor area with a cooking and storage

solution that fits their space and their budget. Other culinary considerations include outdoor refrigerators or beer dispensers to keep beverages cold and flowing freely, pizza ovens, and sinks for easy clean-up.

ESTABLISH A GATHERING PLACE. One of the most important features of an outdoor space are areas for socialization.

A central location with a variety of seating options creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Adding the element of fire to a space sparks emotion, provides a focal point, and enables the space to be used later into the season. Consider a built-in fireplace or a fire pit that can be moved to different locations depending on the situation.

CREATE PRIVACY, DIVIDED ZONES. Escape the hustle and bustle while making a space feel more intimate with the use of barriers like large plants or trees, a pergola or privacy panels. Designing distinct spaces with divided zones helps create the feel of a secluded getaway and gives each area purpose.

DESIGN FOR ALL THE SENSES. Our favorite spaces are those that delight all the senses. In addition to designing a comfortable, beautiful space, consider adding outdoor speakers for music that sets the mood, or a water feature that eliminates street noise. Relax and enjoy the delicious smell of grilling or the experience of roasting marshmallows over an open flame. Consider adding fragrant bushes to fill the night with a sweet scent.

Get creative.

ADD ACCENTS. Small touches can go a long way. Homeowners can personalize a space with items that define their style and personality or focus on a fun theme.

Don’t be afraid to add bold pops of color — an outdoor living area is a great place to explore a more adventurous design than might be considered inside the home.

It’s never too late to transform a simple backyard into a welcoming oasis.

For more outdoor design ideas, visit napoleonfireplaces.com/inspiration/ outdoor-spaces.

Tips for staining wood

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taining wood can transform the look of everything from fencing to decking. While wood can be beautiful in its natural state, staining can protect the wood and complement landscaping and other home design elements.

Staining can seem like a simple project, and that is often true. However, certain woods, such as pine, cherry, maple and birch, can be difficult to stain. Boards with attractive grain patterns also can absorb stain differently, resulting in blotching and uneven tone.

Before beginning a staining project, it is important for homeowners to test the stain chosen on a sample piece of wood to see how the color and absorption turn out. This gives homeowners the chance to understand what they're dealing with and time to make any necessary

accommodations to achieve a more even look.

Begin by gathering the necessary supplies. A pair of latex or vinyl gloves will protect your hands. Drop cloths will catch any drips or spills. Safety goggles and a dust mask provide protection if sanding is required prior to staining. If sanding is necessary, homeowners will need an orbital sander, hand sander and sandpaper.

Start with the coarsest grit sandpaper and move to a higher grit for a smooth finish.

Wood that is covered in paint may need to be stripped prior to sanding. Follow the directions carefully when using chemical strippers.

Natural bristle paint brushes are handy for oil-based stain applications. Synthetic paint brushes can apply water-based finishes. Many do-it-yourselfers find that foam brushes or paint pads are the handiest because they provide a smooth finish and

there's no need to clean up the brushes afterward.

Many professionals recommend using wood conditioners or pre-treaters so that the stain will not leave blotches on the wood. This is especially important for homeowners who determined their wood is prone to uneven color absorption. Allow the conditioner to dry according to product directions.

Stain should be applied so that it is evenly coated. Wipe off the excess to get the preferred color. Apply more stain as necessary to get the desired color. Many stains only offer color, so you'll need to apply a finishing coat to protect the wood.

Otherwise, look for a product that combines stain color and a finish to save time.

Remember to remove knobs, hinges and handles from a piece before staining, as the stain may affect the color of any metal hardware and damage it.

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YEAR ROUND GARDENING

COMING UP AT EXTENSION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

reproduce.

When selecting plant varieties, include native plants to provide food for native bee species, while contributing to biodiversity that declines due to development and urbanization. Do not collect native plants from the wild. Avoid highly-hybridized varieties that contain less pollen. Choose single-blossom flowers, not doubles — they have less nectar and are hard for bees to access. The list of recommended plants includes food attractive to both native and non-native bees. Provide a steady supply of fresh water in shallow containers with twigs, leaves and stones to create safe landing areas so bees can drink without drowning.

When purchasing plants for bees, determine if the seedlings have been raised with neonicotinoid pesticides. Referred to as “neonics,” these neurotoxins are controversial and may be toxic to bees. For a bee-friendly garden use the least toxic and most environmentally-friendly methods for pest control. Pesticide use can harm

pollinators. Explore mechanical solutions to weed and insect control. For safe alternatives to insecticide see fact sheet 5.576 at CSU’s website: extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/ insects/leafcutter-bees-5-576.

If you wish to do more than provide a few select foraging plants for bees, contemplate creating a habitat garden where in addition to food, the water, cover and specific shelter required for raising young are close by. For bees and all pollinators, home is where the habitat is.

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 719-520-7684 or emailing CSUmg2@elpasoco.com.

For current garden tips visit www.facebook. com/ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC For current classes visit elpaso.extension. colostate.edu.

Preservation through Dehydration: Thursday, August 24, 6 – 8 p.m. $15 Learn the basic methods of drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, leathers and jerkies.

Peach Sale: Tuesday, August 29, 2:30 – 6 p.m. $49 for 20 pounds.

Colorado State University Extension – El Paso County is bringing in a limited supply of Colorado Western Slope Organic Peaches. Pre-order

by August 20 at 11:30 p.m.

Peach Preservation Workshop: Wednesday, August 30, 6 – 8 p.m. $15 This class will cover canning, freezing and dehydrating your harvest.

Fall Bulbs, Rhizomes, Tubers and Corms: Thursday, September 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m. $15 This class is on plants that store food underground.

Visit elpaso.extension.colostate.edu or call 719-520-7690 for more information and to register.

GOREN BRIDGE 2017

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

WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

weekly bridge quiz q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 8 5 ♥ A k 9 3 ♦ A 4 ♣ 10 9 6 5

Partner opens four hearts as dealer and right-hand opponent passes.

What call would you make? q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠854♥kq62♦96♣Ak75

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719.596.5712 721 N. Powers Blvd www.hardingnursery.com HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 19, 2017

Partner opens one heart as dealer and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make? q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠73♥2♦q82♣kJ87542

Right-hand opponent opens one heart.

What call would you make? q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠9872♥A♦AqJ5♣9765

weST NOrTH eAST 1♥ Pass 1NT

SOuTH ?

What call would you make? q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J 9 ♥ A 5 4 ♦ k 10 8 7 6 5 ♣ A 5

Partner opens one heart and righthand opponent bids one spade. What call would you make? q 6 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠kqJ9864♥82♦k2♣Ak

Right-hand opponent opens one heart.

What call would you make?

Look for answers on Monday.

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

E-mail: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

SATURDAY, AUG 19, 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 19, 2017

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey 9 Sharp-edged tool across 1 Bass-baritone role in an 1885 10 Nine Inch Nails founder Trent Savoy Theatre premiere 11 Briny 7 King Features Syndicate 12 Natural history museum parent attractions, briefly 13 Brown world?

14 School with trimesters called 15 “I have a bad feeling about halves this” 17 Cheap opening 16 Strike a chord 21 Bellyache 18 There’s one right in front of 24 Kan. Army installation you 25 Go up against 19 MSN, for one 27 Turn off and then some 20 Wore with jaunty confidence 29 Cape Cod catch 22 Scuttle 31 Forensics ridge 23 Most of a pool cue 32 Stallone roles, e.g.

26 11, at times: Abbr.

34 Sitting Bull’s people 27 Cooked 37 “Forget I said anything” 28 Vital vessels 39 Downsizes 30 W-9 filers 40 German royal house, 1714-1901 33 Look for business?

41 Knight aide 35 Panasonic flat-screen 42 Buffet 36 Welsh herder 43 Tied up 38 Peruse, as a catalog 45 Scouting ops 41 Majesty 48 Weird Al song that wonders, 44 Four-time WWE World “Tell me why I bid on Champion Brock __ Shatner’s old toupee” 46 Wharf 51 Picked dos 47 Dressy accessory 52 Took off 49 Curling piece 53 Noteworthy times 50 Audible pauses 51 How cherries jubilee is served 56 Stretch (out) 58 Like 54 Dungeons & Dragons bird 59 Politico with a father, brother 55 Shout on arrival and son named George 57 1984 Winter Olympics city 60 Strongly suggest Friday’s Puzzle Solved 61 Alito and Thomas 62 Danny, vis-à-vis the “Bloodline” siblings 63 Sharp weapons down 1 Best Supporting Actress two years after Whoopi 2 Exhibition with blades 3 ’90s loser to Deep Blue 4 Flap 5 Forest digs 6 “Rubáiyát” poet 7 Word before and after against 8 Israel’s Olmert

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

by Chad Carpenter

SATURDAY, AUG 19, 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 19, 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 19, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

ADVICE

Dear Pappa: This boy is not a “young man.” He is a boy. He is a challenging child, for sure, but please remember that he is still a child, in challenging circumstances.

You and your son should spend lots of alonetime with him while you’re at the beach. Let him choose some things he wants to do, and also include him in some of the rituals you and your son enjoy during your time together. Basically, bring this boy into the “guy” fold, and demonstrate pro-social, polite and respectful behaviors that he can emulate.

Please understand that even if you’re not aware of it, he is watching you. He may also be testing you, so work very hard to be patient.

Your daughter is the one you and your son should speak with (privately) about her parenting. A lot of parents have been helped using the techniques described in “1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting,”

by Thomas Phelan.

Answer: Great question, George. Solar retinopathy — the medical term for sun-caused damage to the retina — has been endangering people since, well, for all of human history. Yet, every eclipse sees folks who end up with transient or permanent burns to their retina. In 1988, scores of Italians in a cult of sun worshipers suffered solar retinopathy after a sun-staring ritual. And a study in the Journal of Optometry found that several young people who viewed a 2011 eclipse without eye protection — they told researchers they had only glanced at the sun for a few seconds or minutes — suffered damage. For three of them, the visual disturbances (black spots, blurred vision, color halos, etc.) resolved after weeks or months, but for one 14-year-old they became permanent.

Clearly, it’s essential that you use reliable eye protection and use it correctly.

Substandard solar eyeglasses are for sale all over the internet. One investigation found that only 119 of 140 claimed to have the proper certification of safety standards. So use only ISO-rated eclipse sunglasses (or welder’s glasses rated 14 or higher). ISO-approved solar-eclipse glasses must meet specific safety requirements for light transmission through lenses and lens quality. They also have to include the name of the manufacturer, instructions for safe use and warnings of the dangers of improper use, either on the glasses or in the packaging. Make sure you check.

NASA says that the American Astronomical Society has verified manufacturers of eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers that meet ISO standards: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical and TSE 17.

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 Amy: Help! Soon, my wife and I will be spending our annual week at the beach with our daughter (single mom) and her 8-year-old son. Also present will be our son, his wife and their two daughters.

AMY My grandson’s social behavior DICKINSON (mostly when he’s with his mom) is, in my opinion, atrocious for an 8-year-old. At the table he pouts, plays with his food, leaves the table, returns, picks food from his mom’s plate, etc. Often, when out in public, he still throws temper tantrums until his mom bribes and threatens, and finally gives in.

We know there is an issue with no father figure, but this young man is now 8, and the days of bribing, threats and temper tantrums should be over.

Interestingly, when this young man is alone, with me, my son, or both of us, his behavior is exemplary. In anticipation of bad behavior, my son and I want to confront him, in a gentle way, at the first outburst. Would it be appropriate for us to ask to be excused from the group, go to a private room, and just call this young man out? Or, should we just do our best to ignore it? — Pappa

—

Question: I keep hearing about the danger of looking at the eclipse. I want to protect my eyes from damage, but DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN how do I know I’ve got the right eclipse sunglasses? — George F., Portland, Ore.

—

ADVICE

Dear Heloise: Back-to-school time is here, and with my busy family, we are in need of organization!

I decided that a good place to start for us was the mudroom.

Before, it was a cluttered mess, HINTS with three kids and a husband FROM dropping books, bags and boots HELOISE back there. Here is how I got everyone’s stuff together: • Hanging hooks gets book bags and backpacks off the floor. Also, hooks are a good spot for seldom-used raincoats and umbrellas, hooded sweatshirts and winter coats. I hang some hooks lower for my young kids so they can reach.

• Cleaning off the benches and donating old shoes and coats that don’t fit is a good way to make new space.

• Each member of the family gets a basket that hangs over a tray, so icky items can drip-dry.

When we are organized, the household runs more smoothly! — Jamie T. in Oklahoma Dear readers: Below are places to avoid wearing “jangly” jewelry, i.e., bracelets: • Church.

• A wedding.

• A memorial service.

• The classroom.

If you want to make a statement with your jewelry, a bold earring or ring would be a better choice. — Heloise Dear Heloise: My weight-loss efforts had hit a plateau for a long time, but I finally had success with the hints below, and I thought I would share them with your readers: I drink water in place of other beverages. It is filling, and there is no sugar or calories to worry about.

I use vinaigrette dressing instead of creamy dressings on my salad.

Adding one hour of exercise weekly to my present workout schedule burns extra calories.

I eat one serving of fish (not fried or breaded) five times a week.

I hope this helps others! — Gloria P., via email —

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) The tempo speeds up and much more can be accomplished. Use the next few days to tackle projects that need accuracy as well as a flair for the creative.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Sing your own anthem. Lead a few cheers for your side and don’t be bashful or shy when confronted by new ideas and people.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Get things out in the open. It is hard to ignore the elephant in the middle of the room. Discussion is more useful than disapproval.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Head home with someone with similar desires.

Don’t be manipulated into a power struggle. This can be a good day to buy something that is very old or very new.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Make the guy or gal of your dreams aware of your intentions. Although you might think you don’t have a chance, you will intuitively do or say the right thing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This is a great weekend to hang out with a group of friends who share your passion for a hobby or sideline.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) If you’ve got it, flaunt it. It could be your inviting smile or your powerful connections that will act as an aphrodisiac for a certain someone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Forgive, forget and find out why you got together in the first place. This is a good time for family gatherings and to restore peace and tranquility with those you love.

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, AUG 19, 2017

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) “Off with the old and on with the new” is the best way to deal with people and social events. Amorous fires may be burning brightly in the wee hours of the night.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) A relationship might seem to ebb and flow like the waves, but you can keep your balance and remain on your feet.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Explore the wide open limitless spaces. New friends might recharge your social batteries so you can travel far and enjoy a change of scene.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Engaging in a casual fling might be just what the doctor ordered. Once you try it, however, you might want a lifetime prescription. A new romance might be destined to turn into a lasting connection.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aug. 19 Your friendliness, trustworthiness and sincerity shine like a bright copper penny during the upcoming six to eight weeks.

You may attract many admirers and will impress a new boss with your talents if you want to move upwards on the ladder of career success. This is an excellent time to meet the person of your dreams. In October you should concentrate on networking and becoming part of a peer group while your popularity sparkles.