Home and Garden 11/04/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017

Store your grill for winter

YEAR ROUND GARDENING:

Grow citrus indoors

Create more closet space KEN MOON:

Unusual sounds and odors

Look inside for these specials and many others.

Growing citrus indoors YEAR ROUND GARDENING

BY SUSAN CHRISTINE JONES, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

G

rowing citrus plants in the dry climate of Colorado Springs may sound like a pipe dream for those without access to a cool greenhouse. Happily, some varieties are suitable for container growing indoors. They require a little more effort than a common houseplant, but are well worth it. Both ornamental and useful, citrus charm the senses year round with their shiny evergreen leaves, aromatic edible blossoms, and striking fruits. Inside your home the flowers impart an energizing and uplifting fragrance.

Citrus suitable for growing indoors have been grafted onto special dwarfing rootstock, enabling them to produce regular-sized fruit on dwarf-sized trees. Varieties with low heat and light requirements are favored for indoor cultivation because blooming and fruiting is dependent on adequate heat and light.

Choosing a variety that prefers high light and heat will yield a striking houseplant, but will not flower or fruit. When choosing a tree, remember that fruit production begins in the third year. Younger plants cost less, but if you prefer flowers and fruit quickly, select a two to three year old plant. Identify and remove all growth that sprouts from below the graft union. Obtain plants from a reputable source — either a local nursery, or by mail order.

Use a light potting soil formulated for citrus with a PH of six to seven. Avoid fine particle mixes because they compact quickly, and do not use dirt with chemical wetting agents, as they contribute to overly moist soil conditions. Consider the ideal planting container for ease of movement. A clay pot will increase air flow to the roots, but can be heavy. Placing the pot on casters or a plant caddy will make it easy to maneuver to take advantage of optimal conditions. You may want to move your citrus tree outdoors for the summer. If so, gradually acclimate the plant to its new conditions by placing in a semi-shaded area for a few days. Outdoors your tree will require slightly more water than needed indoors.

At least five to six hours of sunlight per day is required; more is better. You can supplement with a simple grow light if

Citrus recommended for indoor growing: • MEYER LEMON or IMPROVED MEYER LEMON (Citrus x meyeri) • VARIEGATED PINK LEMON (Citrus x limon) • TROVITA ORANGE (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) • KAFFIR LIME (Citrus hystrix) • LIMES (Citrus aurantifolia) • CALAMODIN OR KALAMANSI (x Citrofortunella microcarpa) • ORO BLANCO GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus grandis Osbeck x C. Paradisi Macf.)

• TAHITIAN ORANGE (Citrus x limonia “Otaheite”) • CITRON (Citrus medica) • RANGPUR LIME (Citrus x limonia)

The first number in the ratio (nitrogen) should be higher than the second and third numbers (phosphorous and potassium), for example: three-one-one, or two-one-one.

needed. Choose a location free from drafts and heater vents. A 65 degree average home temperature is ideal, with a range of 55 to 85 degrees. Abrupt changes in temperature should be avoided. Citrus like humidity, and there are a variety of ways to increase it. Place the pot on a brick above a tray of wet pebbles, high enough to allow airflow beneath the pot’s drainage holes. There should be at least four to six holes in the bottom of the planter. Group several plants around a shallow tray of water set out to evaporate next to the citrus tree, creating

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017

a tiny micro-climate of humid air. Mist your citrus daily using rainwater, if possible. Move the plant into a steamy bathroom while the shower is in use.

Never ever let the roots sit in water. Water approximately every five to seven days, or when the top of the soil looks and feels completely dry to the touch. Always lean on the dry side. Citrus can tolerate some drought, but quickly perish from rotted, soggy roots. Fertilize every three weeks in spring and summer, and once every six weeks in fall and winter with a high nitrogen (N) fertilizer.

Harvest fruit only as needed. Citrus holds fresh on the branches for a long time, and will only ripen on the tree. Remember that in Colorado limes are ripe when they turn yellow (fruit stays green in the tropics).

Photos to help troubleshoot pests, nutrient deficiencies, and cultural problems are available on-line at: Texas A & M University Dept. of Horticultural Sciences: plantdiseasehandbook.tamu.edu/foodcrops/fruit-crops/citrus-diseases/ and at the University of Florida: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs141.

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

Create more closet space WITHOUT MAJOR RENOVATIONS

C

METRO SERVICES

loset space is at a premium in many homes and apartments.

Many older homes were not built to accommodate large wardrobes, while rental properties are often designed to maximize living space at the expense of storage.

Closets vary depending on the size of the home, but many tend to be a minimum of 24 inches deep so they can store garments without the clothes brushing against the walls. Bedroom and hallway closets can be four feet in length or more. Walk-in closets are the largest options, but such spaces tend to only be available in modern homes or custombuilt properties.

It is not always practical or possible to undergo renovations to create more closet space. Apart from moving to a new residence, homeowners or renters must evaluate the space they have and make some more efficient choices in how they utilize available areas.

CLEAR OUT CLUTTER The first step to more closet space is to eliminate unused items. Clothing that no longer fits or items that can be stored elsewhere should be removed from the closet. Donate as much as possible.

Some organizations will even pick up donations at your convenience.

UPGRADE HANGERS AND RODS Replace existing hangers with slimmer, more uniform alternatives that more easily fit into your closet. In addition, remove empty hangers, which are likely just taking up space.

Consider dual closet rods if space will allow them. Hang the second rod below an area reserved for shorter clothing to achieve a two-tiered design. Grouping short items together also can free up valuable floor space.

STACK TALLER Many closets are as tall as the ceilings of the rooms where they’re located.

However, the upper area may go unused because if it is not easy to reach. Install shelving above the closet rod with small swing-out style cabinet doors to offer access. In such areas, store seasonal items that you won’t need to reach for each day. Keep a step stool close by for easy accessibility.

In small rooms, homeowners may want to find another way to utilize vertical space. A loft bed, which raises the bed up to a level where it might be on the top bunk of a bunk bed, will free up plenty of storage space beneath the bed. This can be turned into a floor closet.

CREATE STORAGE FOR SMALL ITEMS Bookends, bins, boxes and drawers can be used to contain items that don’t easily conform to closets. These may be purses, scarves, ties, and more. Don’t overlook the possibilities of hanging items on the wall inside the closet or on the back of closet doors.

When finishing closet makeovers, be sure to install lighting inside the closet so items are more visible.

Complete Bathroom Remodeling, LLC

www.completebathroomremodeling.net

Specializing in Custom Bathroom and Kitchen remodeling

Call James P. Hood for a free Estimate at 322-5517 SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

Store your grill for

winter W

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017

ith this past week’s flurries are freezing weather, it’s safe to say that the peak of grilling season is long gone. Though you may see some blue skies and sunshine through the winter months that beckon you to have an off-season barbecue, it’s still a wise time to prepare your prized appliance for storage.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

GRILL CARE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

The first thing you want to do is thoroughly clean your grill. The best way to start is to set the heat to high to burn all of the food off of the grill for about 15–20 minutes. While hot, use a wire grill brush to clean the grill grates and scrape off leftover grub.

Next, allow the grill to cool and use soapy water to wash it down. Some tough spots may require a stronger oven cleaner solution. Ensure that all soap and oven cleaner is completely rinsed off once the grill is clean, to prevent residue build-up.

Don’t neglect the inside of the grill.

Once the grates are squeaky clean, remove the grates, lava rocks and/or metal heat deflectors and thoroughly clean the inside of the grill. Allow to dry, re-place the grates and close the lid — it’s time to clean the outside.

To clean the outside of the grill, wipe every surface and cranny down with a damp, soapy cloth. Make sure to get the entire lid, around the knobs and also the drip pan. The drip pan can get pretty nasty, so first empty the pan before wiping it down completely.

Again there may be some tougher areas even on the outside of the grill, but take care that you do not damage the paint when scrubbing. It might be a good idea to test a small hidden area before applying abrasive cleaners. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific cleaning care directions and tips.

Now that it’s all clean and beautiful, you can feel good about securely tucking it in for the winter. All you need is a high-quality grill cover (around $30–$40). Make sure if you are reusing a cover from last year that it is still in good shape and without any holes.

The idea is to protect it from the elements — rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc. Be sure the grill is completely dried off from the cleaning session before covering it up, to avoid rust. Check that the cover is securely on the grill so it does not blow off with the first gust of wind.

Following these care steps can keep your grill beautiful for years to come. And don’t worry, if you want to grill during that beautiful 70 degree winter day, you can always just remove the cover, light it up and grill away.

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HG 5

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HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017 SIDING & TRIM

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I’d attack this problem on multiple fronts.

Check the outside drainage — downspouts extended, soil sloped away — so you’re sure that water is not getting under the building. Also, siding should be at least six inches above the dirt. If not, re-grade or install a small retaining wall to hold the dirt back.

Then you can seal the garage floor with a deck enamel or epoxy (moisture may be evaporating through the slab and consequently raising the humidity of the garage). Finally, apply some interior, semi-gloss latex paint on the drywall.

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SIDING & TRIM

GARAGE DOORS

First, make sure that the valve under the toilet tank is full-on. Turn it all the way to the left (counter clockwise) and then back a quarter turn (all metal-on-metal valves are easier to handle if they’re kept at a little less than the absolute open position). Sometimes, when these seldom-used valves are fiddled with, they can leak. So keep an eye on the floor

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GOREN BRIDGE

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

Expires Nov. 30, 2017

Expires Nov. 30, 2017

Expires Nov. 30, 2017

underneath the piping for a few days.

If it still squeals, then we know there’s trouble inside the tank — probably the water fill valve. The rubber parts inside wear out or develop leaks. Then air gets mixed into the piping, causing the noises you describe. Look for a new fill valve in one of the do-it-yourself brands – like Fluid Master. While you’re in there, you might as well replace the flapper valve, too. This is the rubber disk that lets water into the bowl, and it can also wear out. You can buy a kit containing both devices for less than $15. They are homeowner-friendly, require almost no tools or expertise, and once the work is done, you’ll have what amounts to a brand new toilet.

Are these structural concerns?

Dear Ken: I have a newer house. There are two problems that I’m worried about.

The countertops are pulling away from the walls a little and there is a 1/32 inch crack in my lower level ceramic tile floor.

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.

weekly bridge quiz

As dealer, what call would you make?

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Partner opens three hearts and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

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As dealer, what call would you make?

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Dear Ken: When our basement toilet is flushed, it makes a high pitched whine/ whistle. What do you think it is?

— Diane

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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)

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Sealing those two surfaces may help reduce a wintertime effect, which may also be responsible for the musty smell you complain of. Slush- and ice-laden cars dripping all night long also raise the humidity, and this water vapor can condense on the colder wall surfaces. The semi-gloss paint will help repel it.

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Dear Ken: I just purchased a 25 year old home that has a strong musty odor in the garage. Is there a drywall sealer for this?

— Tom

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AROUND THE HOUSE

Deal with unusual sounds and odors

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

— John

Probably not. That crack along the edge of the countertop where it meets the wall is very common in newer houses.

It reflects the natural shifting of the house as it settles into its geological environment. Simply seal the cracks with a siliconized tub and tile caulk.

The ceramic tile floor also sounds normal. It is a very brittle material that “telegraphs” even the slightest movement of your concrete slab. This shifting, too, is normal — as long as it’s not excessive.

That’s why I always recommend carpeting over concrete slabs as much as possible.

©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

WITH BOB JONES

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rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

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by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

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luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

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by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

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BeeTle Bailey 7 Can’t stop eating, as snack across 1 It features remotely food controlled utilities 8 Bumped into 10 Blue Moon of ’60s-’70s 9 Animated queen of Arendelle baseball 10 Laura’s classic cry on “The 14 One who fits perfectly Dick Van Dyke Show” 15 Your, of yore 11 Restaurant freebie 16 Consequences of 12 Sale limit compliments 13 Private dining rooms?

17 Seashore birds 15 Playing speeds 18 Oscar Wilde, e.g.

21 Sweetener units 19 Bud 22 Like late twilight 20 Biscotti bits 23 Facebook co-founder Saverin 22 Lane of “Unfaithful” 25 “I’ve had enough!”

24 Sunny 26 Program that holds you up?

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Chinese medicine 36 Online place for handmade 41 Remove from an exchange goods 43 Barre bends 38 Vexes 45 United with 39 Bustle 47 Formal addressees 40 Koi __ 49 Player who failed to lead the 41 In a romantic fashion, lightingleague in all three seasons in wise which he hit 60+ home runs 42 “Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen 50 CIA operatives 44 Running legend 51 Scrap 46 Rabbit danglers 48 2015 World Golf Award winner 54 Casual denial 55 Holder of locks for Golf Course Designer of the Year Friday’s Puzzle Solved 49 Ended a standing ovation 52 Light __ 53 Crowdfunding website 56 Focus quartet 57 Disorderly places 58 “Vous __ ici” 59 Bar item down 1 Eurasian duck 2 Star followers 3 Loads 4 Gray 5 Sprint competitor 6 “Woo-hoo!”

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by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

by Chad Carpenter

SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

Bizarro

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argyle SweaTer

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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.

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HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017

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PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

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by Paul gilligan

SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: Earlier this year, my

partner of more than 20 years died of brain cancer. For almost all of those years, we spent the holidays with his mother and father and his siblings and their children. (Both of my parents are AMY deceased, and my only brothDICKINSON er lives in Europe.) We typically went to one of their houses, and even hosted a few times. I became close with all of them, and the kids even called me “Uncle.”

Since his funeral, the contact I have had with his family has been very minimal. I checked in with them a few times this year over email, sent birthday cards and gifts to the kids, even offered to host dinner. They declined all of my attempts to see them, so I figured they were still grieving, and did not push too hard.

Then I ran into my partner’s sister and asked about the holidays this year. She was very uncomfortable, and said that they decided they were only going to do “close family” this year. I asked her if I should plan to be there, and she said “probably not.”

I am very hurt. I considered these people family for a long time, and now feel they want nothing to do with me. Several friends gave me the advice that I should tell them how I feel, and let them know how disrespectful they are being to their own son’s memory, but I also know they have had a hard year, too. What do I do here? — Grieving

ADVICE

Question: I just

read that because I’m a vegetarian, and will be when I get pregnant, my kids will be at increased risk DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN for alcohol, cigarette and marijuana use as teenagers. What is that all about?

— Sharon F., Charlotte, N.C.

Dear Grieving: I agree with your friends in their counsel to be open about your feelings. I disagree about chastising these family members, however.

You are justified, to be sure, but I just don’t think it is useful to tell other people how to behave.

Here is some suggested wording: “Since ‘my partner’s death I have coped with my own sadness and extreme grief — and I know you have, too. I have always considered you to be family members, and my connection to you has been a refuge during a very sad time. I’m so sorry to note that this connection seems to be fading, because I sincerely believe that we could help and comfort one another now.”

Answer: The information you’re referring to was generated from data on 5,109 women and their children in a long-running study in England called ALSPAC. Overall, about 10 percent of 15-yearolds smoked at least once a week, used moderate amounts of marijuana and drank enough to cause behavior problems. But teens of vegetarian moms were 75 percent more likely to have alcohol-related issues, 85 percent more likely to smoke cigarettes, and 2.7 times more likely to smoke marijuana than teens whose moms ate meat when pregnant. That’s what’s making headlines.

But when the researchers looked more closely, they found vegetarian and meat-eating moms who lack genes that help the body absorb and use vitamin B-12 and deliver it to the fetus, have kids with a greater risk for behavioral problems. Among meat-eating and vegetarian moms who have the genes that help make sure B-12 is delivered into their bloodstream, well, in that subset, vegetarian moms are more likely to have at-risk teens. That may be because B-12 is easiest to get from meat and a lack of B-12 affects fetal brain development, causing poorer impulse control as a teen.

The lesson? Vegetarian or a meat-eater, pregnant or not, get a good supply of essential nutrients. Have your B-12 levels checked, and take supplements if your doctor recommends them. Make sure you’re eating nine servings (think handfuls) of produce daily, skip highly processed foods and added sugar and syrups in foods and beverages.

Then protect yourself with half a prenatal multivitamin morning and night starting three months before and during pregnancy.

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 434 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611.

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

—

—

ADVICE

Dear Readers: With the weather cool and crisp, what’s better than some time outside with your pet?

However, there are some safety hints to think about: Other animals are on the move.

Snakes are getting ready to hiHINTS bernate; be able to identify poiFROM sonous snakes, and know where HELOISE they might be located. Avoid these areas.

Small rodents may be looking for a warm place to settle in for the winter. Seal up areas they might get into, including the eaves and fascia board on your home. Traps and poisons are used more frequently for rodent control, exposing your pet to possible danger.

Ground cover can be toxic to pets. Grasses, twigs and even mushrooms should never be chewed on by pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org) has a Poison Control Center. If you observe your pet ingesting anything that you aren’t sure of, call the Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435, or call your veterinarian.

These hints should serve to make the outdoors more enjoyable for you and your pets. — Heloise Dear Heloise: Crushed eggshells are a great fertilizer for houseplants. I save them up until I have about two dozen. I don’t rinse them, for fear of washing away wonderful nutrients, but I let them dry completely, and crush them into fine pieces in a zippered bag.

I dig a shallow ditch under the plant, sprinkle in the shells, then re-cover and water as usual. Oh, my! The plants nearly double in size, and they are covered in blooms! — B.J., via email Dear Readers: If you have a dog who needs to wear a diaper, whether the dog is in season or has incontinence problems, buying regular baby diapers may work better for you. They are a lot cheaper; all you’d need to do is snip a hole for the tail.

Watch your dog at first, and make adjustments if needed. — Heloise —

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) Get off the beaten path. Trying out new places and activities with fascinating companions might be just the thing to invigorate your social instincts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) When you are carried away by flights of fancy it is easy to be fooled. Relationships that develop now could be based on an illusion. Some passing ideas and wishes might quickly pass from view.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Take a break from the job. Find projects to do around the house that prevent you from dwelling on work and finances.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) You might be hooked up with a weekend warrior.

Someone’s passion and drive could set an example and you might experiment with things you would never try on your own. Enjoy a spirit of adventure.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Someone may inspire you to focus on inner harmony rather than material success. You may find a few moments this weekend when you “know” you have connected with someone on a spiritual level.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Stay on top of topsy-turvy trends. Don’t let a nagging feeling that something has been overlooked spoil your plans or disrupt your tranquility.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Put your wares, as well as yourself, on display.

People will think you are better, and worth more, than you really are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Don’t rock the boat if you wish to continue gently down the stream. Good manners and a friendly demeanor will earn you some gold stars with friends.

You may go to extremes following a fantasy.

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

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The path of true love is not always smooth, but some days it is easier to navigate. Limitless possibilities might be on your mind.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Nothing can hold you back. You will achieve twice as much when teamed up with a partner. If there is something to work on, or someplace to go, be sure to take along a congenial friend or significant other.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Guard against wishful thinking. You might have a rosy picture of how people perceive you, but it might not be true.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) There is sound advice in the saying that “money isn’t everything.” Keep your thoughts, finances, and emotions focused on achieving long-term goals rather than seeking instant gratification.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Nov. 4

During the next two weeks, life may teach you serious lessons if you try to act like a captain of industry. Your business sense is at a low point. Be patient, because by December your luck and your judgment will be much better. That is the best month to apply for a new position, ask for a commitment from a loved one, or to launch an important project. In February avoid borrowing money even though your creative abilities are at a peak.