Home and Garden 09/30/17

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HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

new parents Safety tips for

YEAR ROUND GARDENING:

October gardening calendar KEN MOON:

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BY EILEEN TULLY, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

repare for winter is the byword in October. In the garden world “winter” is signaled by the first killing frost.

A light freeze of 29 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit will kill very tender plants. To extend the season you can cover the more tender plants at night with a sheet or other lightweight protective covering. Be sure to remove the covering first thing in the morning. You may even successfully protect plants with a moderate freeze of 25 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your containers are moveable they can be put in a protected spot like a garage then moved back to the garden when the weather warms up. If you have room indoors cut back a favorite potted geranium to three inch stems and put it in a sunny window. It will grow and bloom before next spring when it can be brought back outside.

The first hard frost — 24 degrees and colder — signals the end of the growing season. Most herbaceous perennials will not be able to tolerate weather that cold.

GARDEN TO-DO LIST Early October, stop deadheading roses and reduce water to encourage them to go into dormancy.

All month prune dead, broken or diseased branches from trees and shrubs.

Before a hard freeze, pick and ripen green tomatoes indoors.

Save seeds of your favorite annuals but don’t expect an exact replication of your current plant (note the picture of zinnias). Zinnia seeds saved from a dwarf plant with ivory flowers produced a wide variety of zinnias from the tall California giants to pom-pom zinnias.

All saved seeds should be stored in a cool dry location.

Flowers like snapdragons, alyssum, marigolds, violas, portulaca and cosmos are excellent re-seeders.

Do not cultivate the soil around these plants if you want more of them next season.

Photo by Eileen Tully

Pick pumpkins, gourds and winter squash by mid-October, or before the first frost, whichever comes first.

Plant garlic now for harvesting next summer.

Cover asparagus and rhubarb beds with three to four inches of mulch.

Dig up and store in a dry location tender bulbs such as cannas, dahlias and gladiolus.

Parsley can be dug, divided and potted to grow in a sunny window indoors all winter.

Continue to plant spring bulbs. Allium and fritillaria are two of the more unusual bulbs that do well in our area.

If deer are problem in your garden

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, SEP 30, 2017

check deer resistance of bulbs before you purchase.

After fall harvest, summer bearing raspberry canes can be cut back to the ground.

Clean, sharpen and oil tools and equipment before storing them for winter.

Drain or blow out your irrigation system.

Set up a hose system at your water spigots for important winter watering on mild days. If you make it easy to get at you’re more likely to water over winter.

LAWNS Fertilize your lawn mid-to-late October

with a winterizing fertilizer. Experts consider this the most important fertilization of the year. If your lawn looks thin, weak or scraggly, core aeration in October will improve lawns that have thatch build up or show signs of soil compaction.

When you have questions, Colorado State University Extension has researchbased answers. Get answers to your horticulture questions by visiting ask. extension.org any time day or night.

Follow the El Paso County Master Gardeners on www.facebook.com/ ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC.

AROUND THE HOUSE

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Dear Ken: We have an 800 square foot basement. About how much would it cost to finish it out?

— Jim There are many variables KEN MOON here, but I’ll give you a ballpark estimate. Multiply the total footage by $25 to $35. Then add about $2,500 for the bathroom plumbing and finishing. In your case, that’s about $26,000.

These numbers apply to average finish specifications — that is, not too fancy with the carpet, doors and trim. If you start adding upgrades like a wet bar, home theater or gas fireplace, you’ll have to adjust accordingly.

You could save several thousand dollars by acting as your own general contractor. But this is not for the inexperienced or timid, as one or two small mistakes or misjudgments can cost more than the contractor’s fees, and then some. Another problem: since you don’t have on-going relationships with subcontractors, you’ll be a low priority when it comes to scheduling. That would not be the case for a regular contractor — who can demand more loyalty and punctuality. So if you’re not into frustrations, or if the basement needs to be finished in time for the holidays, it would be a good idea to consider hiring a professional.

Dear Ken: I stained my deck, but I overlapped with the brush a little. Now there are dark streaks. Help!

– Milt I would have recommended a roller with a broom handle screwed into the handle. That way you can follow the edges of the boards precisely. If you were to try and recoat the deck now, it may turn into a sticky mess.

So, let the sun and weather cure it over the winter, and then re-stain early next summer.

Dear Ken: I have a plumbing question.

Why is there a burst of hot water when we first turn on a faucet?

— Mark It’s expansion. When the water heater turns on, there is a rise in pressure caused by a small increase in the volume of water (hot things expand, cold contracts). Normally this isn’t a problem, but you should check your

home’s water pressure anyway. Use a small gauge you can buy in the sprinkler section of the hardware store and attach it to the cold water faucet that feeds your washing machine. It should read 55 to 60 pounds per square inch. If it’s too high, adjust the pressure regulator accordingly.

If you notice drips from any plumbing fixture or from that little pressure relief valve on the side of the water heater, you need an expansion tank. It’s a gallon-milk-jugsized device that is plumbed into the cold water line. There’s a rubber bladder inside that absorbs those pressure changes. It’s particularly handy in homes where the owners like to keep the water heater temp set to HIGH; but that’s okay only if there are no little kids or disabled folks in the house.

Dear Ken: I have 2002 cabinets in my homes. Trouble is, over the stove, there’s a sticky residue of grease I need to get off. Any ideas of something that won’t hurt the finish?

— Becky Try some TSP (tri sodium phosphate) mixed with water. White vinegar is also a good degreaser. The ultimate, of course, is mineral spirits, although I think it will eat into the finish slightly, so try an out-of-the-way test first. This material is flammable and not okay to breathe very long, so take breaks and open the windows. Follow whichever treatment you choose with Scotts Liquid Gold or Olde English.

Dear Ken: I’ve heard cellulose insulation has chemicals that can leak into the house.

What do you think?

— Jeff There are, indeed, fire suppressant chemicals in the cellulose to keep this “paper-like” material from burning. But they are minimal, and, as far as I know, don’t smell. Besides, the attic and house air spaces are separate. That’s why we can leave other, older material up there with undesirable characteristics — like Rockwool.

I like cellulose because it takes less of it to achieve a good R-value, but fiberglass is great because it doesn’t settle as quickly.

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.

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elcoming a new child into a family dynamic requires certain adjustments on the part of family members. New parents have come to expect shortened sleep schedules as they handle early-morning feedings and babies who haven’t quite adjusted to their parents’ sleep/wake schedules.

Parents soon learn another aspect of childcare that fills their days is safety.

Keeping little ones safe, whether at home or on the go, becomes the utmost priority.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Childhood Injury Report” indicates more than 12,000 children die each year in the United States from an unintentional injury. Injuries involving transportation, drowning and suffocation account for the largest number of accidental deaths among young children.

One of the first safety steps parents can take is to become informed about common childhood injuries and statistics. Educating oneself about the potential for injury is the key to preventing accidents from occurring.

The next step is to take measures to childproof areas in and around the home.

Various organizations, including Kids Health, the Consumer Product Safety

Commission and the National Safety Council, recommend caregivers take the following safety measures.

Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers to keep children away from potentially harmful poisons and household items.

Employ safety gates to prevent falls down stairs and to keep children from entering rooms that are not supervised or contain possible dangers.

Keep track of baby’s milestones, including when infants learn to pull themselves up in the crib. The crib mattress should be set to the lowest position and items removed so curious kids cannot climb out of the crib.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, SEP 30, 2017

Colorado Springs Fall Home Show features HGTV’s Ahmed Hassan

I

NEWSWIRE

mprove the value of your home with ideas showcased at the Fall Home Show! The Colorado Springs Fall Home Show, being held October 7–8, at the Altered Reality Event Center (formerly Colorado Springs Event Center), 3960 Palmer Park Boulevard at Academy, is set to feature a special guest appearance by HGTV’s “Yard Crashers” celebrity Ahmed Hassan. At the show shop hundreds of new and innovative products for remodeling and updating the inside and outside of your home. From interior home improvement designs to exterior home upgrades this show will display the hottest new trends with many at huge discounts.

On Saturday and Sunday be sure to check out “The Dirty Truth about

Landscaping” seminar presented by celebrity guest Ahmed Hassan. The interactive presentation will highlight gardening, landscape construction and sustainability. Best known as the original host of “Yard Crashers,” Ahmed Hassan has become known as a Landscape and Design Superstar. Following a series of hosting stints for numerous DIY Network television shows including, “The Dirt On …,” “Green Me Up,” and “Blog Cabin,” the network created Yard Crashers to showcase Ahmed’s high energy, motivational spirit and love for everything green. Along with appearances on “The Nate Berkus Show,” “CBS Early Show,” and “NBC’s Today Show,” Ahmed has appeared in several publications including HGTV magazine.

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17-CSU-02070_Residential_PRINT_4.64x5.43_4C_FNL.pdf

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BABY SAFETY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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Bathtubs are a common location for injury. Never leave a child unattended in a bath — even for a minute. Bathrooms can be made safer by installing a soft cover on the bath faucet head, using a secure and non-skid bath seat for the child and relying on a thermometer to check the temperature of the bath water.

Use knob covers to prevent access to the stove. Always supervise children in and around the kitchen, where there are many hazards and hot surfaces.

Use bolts or anchors to secure items like televisions, bookcases or dressers to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.

Getting a shock is easy when babies with saliva-drenched fingers touch electrical outlets. Use safety plugs or special covers to prevent access.

Make sure area rugs are secured with a nonskid backing and repair any tripping hazards so children do not fall while learning to walk.

Drapery and blinds cords should be kept out of youngsters’ reach. Window coverings that are cord-free are safer options.

Parents can benefit by learning CPR and other first aid techniques. You never

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These are just some of the safety measures parents can take to safeguard their young children from injury at home. Pediatricians may have other information that can help prevent accidents and save lives.

WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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know when they might come in handy.

Window guards and safety netting can prevent falls from windows, balconies, landings, and decks. Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are still secure.

Be sure to check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning as they should and have fresh batteries.

Create layers of protection around a swimming pool, which includes installing self-latching fences, alarms and safety covers.

Make a first aid kit and store emergency instructions inside. Post important phone numbers close to a landline phone or program them into a mobile phone.

Use corner guards to protect young heads from falls against furniture or fireplace hearths.

q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A k 4 ♥ A 10 8 7 ♦ 2 ♣ q 6 5 3 2 With the opponents passing, you open one club and partner responds one spade. What call would you make? q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ k q J ♥ k 8 6 4 ♦ A 8 4 ♣ A 10 2 NOrTH eAST SOuTH weST Pass 1♥ Pass 1♦ 2♣ Pass ?

What call would you make?

q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 10 7 5 ♥ k 8 5 ♦ k q J 10 7 2 ♣ 10 weST NOrTH eAST SOuTH 1♠ Pass 2♠ ?

What call would you make? q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 8 7 6 3 ♥ A k q ♦ 9 8 ♣ q 10 9 8 As dealer, what call would you make? q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 3 ♥ J 10 8 4 ♦ 8 7 ♣ q 10 6 3 2 NOrTH eAST SOuTH weST Pass 2♥ 3♦ 1♥ Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

Look for answers on Monday.

(E-mail: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

denniS The menaCe

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Sherman’S lagoon

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SATURDAY, SEP 30, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

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loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 1 MTV toon teen 7 Sings the blues 14 Planned city in California’s Orange County 15 Conquered 17 General courses 18 “Could be worse” 19 __ talks 20 Ones in a mess, briefly 21 Celestial body 22 Chug-__ 23 Persuaded 25 Instrument dating to the Paleolithic age 27 “Go ahead” 29 One determining 17-Across 30 Wikipedia is an example of it 32 Like most capital costs 33 Kind of response to mortal danger 39 Brody who was the youngest Best Actor Oscar winner 40 Contingency plan 43 Double-check 44 Old Italian capital 45 “__ oui!”

46 Provoke 47 San Francisco’s __ Valley 48 Presages 49 Symbolic attitude?

52 Star close to Venus?

53 Field of dreams?

54 Pucker-inducing 55 Denies 56 Parks with games down 1 Digital image format 2 Jazz virtuoso Garner 3 Street in Manhattan’s Alphabet City 4 Salad bar item 5 __ 500 6 His, to Henri

7 Reunion discovery 8 Bypass 9 Last team to play in the Polo Grounds 10 Sounds from the stumped 11 Base fig.

12 Bulgur salad 13 Spruce (up) 16 Swedish tennis great 23 Like some patches 24 Harder to explain 25 Precede 26 Inc. kin 28 Blackened from combustion 29 Exfoliation material 31 NFL Titan, once 33 Pasta pellets in Jewish cuisine 34 Thoughtful guy?

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38 Exploit 41 “Burnt” crayon color 42 Prose pieces 44 More than a little foolish 47 BCS org.

48 It’s often tapped out 50 North Sea feeder 51 They, in Tours 52 Radical ’70s org.

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

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moTher gooSe

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by mike Peters

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

Tundra

by Chad Carpenter

SATURDAY, SEP 30, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

Bizarro

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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.

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ziTS

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HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, SEP 30, 2017

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

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BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

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by Paul gilligan

SATURDAY, SEP 30, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: My mother frequently borrows money from me at the last minute for various reasons.

The “loan” amounts have gotten progressively higher, as I’ve climbed the ranks at my company. I’ve been paid back 30 percent AMY to 40 percent of the time, but she DICKINSON “owes” me close to $10,000.

My mom lives in a Third World country where the cost of living has been increasing. However, she makes questionable decisions regarding her finances, including extensive online shopping, and helping my fully able-bodied brother in Florida with his expenses. I live in New York City and I’ve been trying to buy an apartment. I found a place and want to make an offer.

As luck would have it, Mom just asked me for a loan for $4,000 to pay off the mortgage on a piece of property she’s renovated, which she inherited from my grandmother.

She says she’s in a bind and the payment is past due. She won’t ask my aunt (her sister) who coowns the property, because she doesn’t want to appear like she can’t handle her finances.

Lending my mother the money would jeopardize my ability to buy this home. But not lending the money means they’d be in arrears for the mortgage and possibly face other repercussions I may not know about. Do you have any advice? — S Dear S: You seem to be shoring up a financial house of cards, where money flows back and forth among family members, always in the form of “loans” that are seldom repaid. According to you, both the frequency and amounts have accelerated. You should expect this to continue.

You will not be able to take care of people during true emergencies if you aren’t able to secure and stabilize your own financial situation.

You can give your mother a break without additional outlay. Tell her that you can’t lend her this money, but that you will “forgive” previous loans you’ve made to her. Her account balance is now zero. If you think it’s necessary, you might want to give (not lend) your mother a small amount each month via automatic deposit.

—

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

ADVICE

DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN

Question: My father was just diagnosed with congestive heart failure. How can he still be alive if his heart has failed? — Phil P., Little Rock, Ark.

Answer: In congestive heart failure, blood flowing out of the heart to the rest of your body slows down, and blood that returns to the heart through your veins gets backed up. That increases pressure in the veins, which in turn causes water to accumulate in the body’s tissues. You get swelling of the ankles and legs, and liquid can accumulate in the lungs, making breathing difficult. The kidneys may struggle to do their job.

It’s most often caused by coronary artery disease. But a diagnosis of CHF doesn’t mean the heart is going to stop working immediately. We probably should call it “heart failing” instead of “heart failure,” because there are many ways to slow, and in some cases reverse, CHF. Unfortunately, many folks don’t take advantage of their treatment options. A recent study looked at 161 patients with heart problems: 111 were regarded to be at risk for transplant, LVAD (left ventricular assist device) or death. Yet only about 40 of the 161 thought that they were at high risk for serious health issues. And 63 percent indicated that they would decline one or more simpler forms of life-sustaining therapy, such as dialysis.

The result: Just over a year later, 33 of the 161 patients had died; 13 had transplants and 15 had LVAD implants.

A diagnosis with CFH doesn’t mean it’s time to give up. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking; giving up red meat; managing stress; eating more fruits and vegetables; shedding excess pounds; and increasing physical activity as your doctor says is safe can improve quality of life and help you live longer. Medicines can help ease or even reverse the problem, too. So encourage your dad to stay positive and get information about CHF support programs at his local hospital.

—

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

ADVICE

Dear readers: Now is a good time to aerate your lawn. This means poking small holes in the lawn, or removing small “plugs” of lawn, which will allow air, water and nutrients to get to the roots.

A summer of dry, compacted soil, grass clippings and other debris HINTS can block the grass from getting FROM HELOISE fed properly.

Rent an aerating machine at a home-improvement center, and split the cost with a neighbor. The aerator will create plugs in your lawn, which can be 3 inches long and 1/2 inch across.

If your lawn is smaller, a hand-held device, which resembles a large fork, will cut holes into the lawn. The plug method is preferred by experts, but both are beneficial.

The soil must be moist, so the day after a big rain or watering is a good time to aerate. After this process, continue regular maintenance of your lawn. — Heloise Dear Heloise: Can I use “people” shampoo on my dog? — Tara B. in Utah Tara, while shampoo formulated for people isn’t necessarily dangerous for your dog, it may have fragrance and detergents that could irritate the dog’s skin or eyes, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.ASPCA.org).

A mild baby shampoo is OK, though, especially to clean tear staining around the eyes. — Heloise Dear Heloise: For years, I’d make myself nuts trying to read the little “wash/dry” instruction tags before laundering my small throw rugs.

Now I use a permanent laundry marker and jot down the wash/dry instructions on the backside of each rug. Just a quick glance, and I’m ready to set the proper wash cycle/water temperature and drying time and temperature. Works like a charm! — Shirley E., Lynwood, Ill. —

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) Network nicely to guarantee large benefits in the future. Those innovative ideas of yours should be put into play if you want to take further steps along the ladder of success.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Motivated partners may be immersed in a key plan of action and your assistance may be necessary.

Share work as well as pleasure.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Understanding escapes your clutches and what you sense is true might not be so. Your best bet is to apply yourself to physical or mental work.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Live your life according to your highest ideals. If you believe in saving the planet then start small by recycling paper and cans.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Put new romances and new purchases on the back burner. It is a good idea to delay major purchases or contractual commitments for one more day.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You may hit a brick wall when someone is not as forthcoming and sympathetic as expected. Avoid meddling in other people’s business.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Outings and group activities could bring out your friendly side. There may be home work to do before you can escape for fun.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Those who shine the brightest make the easiest targets. Don’t let your competitive spirit get in the way of peaceful cooperation with favorite companions.

Exercise patience in the face of argument.

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, SEP 30, 2017

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Numerous distractions might interfere with your concentration. Speak clearly and your love life will run more smoothly.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The work ethic that motivates you leaves you blinded to all else, with but one straight and narrow path to follow.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Think about your goals and write them down. Much can be accomplished by letting your subconscious work on your behalf.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) It is a good idea to delay major purchases or signing financial contracts. You may temporarily get bogged down by the numbers. Tomorrow is a better day to pick up where you left off.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Sept. 30

New friends and contacts could seem glamorous and exciting in next three to four weeksd, but you might be fooled. Take new ideas with a grain of salt and wait until late November or early December to make major changes, decisions and purchases. That is when your judgment is much better. Shrewdness can pay off in January when you are at a high point when dealing with finances, career and business.