Home and Garden 12/02/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Look inside for these specials and many others.

Deck the halls

Fresh, festive plants • Eco-friendly lights • Fireplaces

Decorating the home with fresh, festive plants

HARDING NURSERY 721 North Powers Blvd.

719-596-5712 HardingNursery.com

H

COURTESY OF HARDING NURSERY

arding Nursery, Inc has everything needed to adorn a home with fresh, native greenery this holiday season. The nursery has been a special part of the Colorado Springs community since 1957. The main nursery on Powers Boulevard has more than twelve acres of stock and seventeen greenhouses, which is a joy to explore during the holidays with family or friends. East of Colorado Springs, they have more than 160 additional acres of growing fields and ten greenhouses.

Owner and manager Kristen Burnside shares her holiday tips for bringing locallygrown plants into the home to help deck the halls.

FOR THE STAIRWAY

The nursery has an abundance of Douglas fir and white fir garland made on-site from Colorado-grown fir trees.

The fresh garland can be wrapped along the stairway and decorated with lights, bows or ribbon. Another option, for those looking for something a bit more unique, is to place decorated sprigs evenly-spaced and vertically along the staircase. At either side of the base of the stairs place a decorated, potted Christmas tree. A wide variety of both live and artificial potted trees are available at the nursery. Live trees should be brought into the home ten days prior to Christmas and watered with ice cubes.

FOR THE FIREPLACE

Again, around the fireplace it is festive

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 2, 2017

to decorate with fir garland and even berry garland with big bows. The shop at the nursery sells a variety of stockings and wonderful stocking stuffers as well.

For an aromatic touch, it’s a smart idea to place pine cones with a cinnamon scent on the mantle, so that as the fire heats it up, the aroma is released into the air.

FOR THE FRONT DOOR

A wreath is a timeless way to decorate the front door. Harding nursery makes and decorates an array of wreaths on-site using native plants and festive colors. People can choose from the wide variety of unique and beautiful wreaths that have already been created or even have one custom made.

FOR THE OUTSIDE

It always looks nice to decorate with

garland or potted trees outside, with the garland along the fence and the potted trees lining the walkway or framing the doorway. Evergreens that can give the exterior some extra appeal include juniper, miniature spruce, miniature pine and dwarf mugo pine. Harding Nursery also has many different varieties of shrubs with great winter colors, such as red twig dogwood and yellow twig dog wood, as well as gooseberry, holly and snowberry, which keep most of their berries throughout winter. There are also beautiful decorative statues available that can be placed throughout the front, side and backyard.

To browse through the native firs, dwarf trees, Christmas trees, bows, ornaments, stocking stuffers and so much more in a fun setting, stop by Harding Nursery today!

AROUND THE HOUSE

Crawl space repair

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Dear Ken: We want to use your tip about covering the crawl space dirt with plastic to keep the coldness and dampness out of the house. We have a KEN MOON 20x20 space, but can’t find sheets big enough.

Any ideas about what we should use?

– Will

an occasional loose corner at strategic spots so you can check for any underlying moisture that might creep in during the rainy season.

Most plastic sheeting — or visqueen — comes in widths narrower than your crawl space; ten feet is one standard. I prefer the black, six-mil variety for this job, and, in your case, it will have to be overlapped. You can use some everyday exterior caulking to seal the joints, if you’d like. The sheets should overlap each other at the joints by about six inches. Leave

This is right up the alley of a good home inspector. You can find somebody at the American Society of Home Inspectors web site — ASHI.org (full disclosure: I’m a member).

Home inspectors are paid to be disinterested observers of troubles like yours. They’ll recommend some immediate fixes that you can share with a

Dear Ken: I’m a senior citizen with a wet crawl space. I’m reluctant to call a restoration company at first. Could you recommend someone to check this out for me?

– Anna

Dear Ken: I have a toilet problem that’s pretty mysterious. It sounds like one of my toilets is flushing on its own, but I don’t know which one since they are back-to-back. The sound lasts five to 15 seconds, then stops. Can I fix this myself?

– Carol Probably. Pour several drops of red

All Discount

food coloring into the tanks and wait through one of the cycles you describe.

You’ll probably then see a pinkish color in one of the bowls. The flapper valve that lets the water into the bowl is leaking, which lowers the water level in the tank ever so slowly. When it gets low enough, the intake valve responds by opening to let enough water in to restore the level in the tank. It’s a circular cycle that wastes water. Once you replace the flapper valve in the offending toilet, the sounds should disappear. Use one of the homeownerfriendly kits — like FluidMaster — as the replacement.

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.

“We discount the price not the service”

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SATURDAY, DEC 2, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

Eco-friendly

holiday lighting

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BY STEPHANIE EARLY, TIMBERLINE LANDSCAPING

ow much would Clark Griswold’s electric bill have been in Christmas Vacation? While his lights were amazing to behold, most of us would not dream of spending the additional $295.12 it would have cost him to light his home for the month of December (YourEnergyBlog.com). So, how can you pull off beautiful holiday lighting without the added expense? The Christmas Décor professionals at Timberline Landscaping have some ideas that can help!

THE BENEFITS OF LED LIGHTS The benefits of utilizing LED holiday lighting are plentiful, especially in comparison to older incandescent lights.

LED lights use 90 percent less power — this leads to significant energy savings and a much more manageable electric bill. While you will notice that LED holiday lighting is almost double that of traditional lighting, the energy savings will equal their cost in just four seasons of use. Gone are the days of worry over blown breakers when your lights are on while you are making coffee. These energy efficient lights are much less likely to pose a problem.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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

LED LIGHTITING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

LED lights don’t emit heat — When coupling a dry environment or dry tree with traditional Christmas lights, there is a risk of fire. The National Fire Protection Association reported that between 2010-2014 an annual average of $16.2 million in damages were caused as a result of Christmas tree fires.

Since LED bulbs do not emit heat, they are a MUCH safer option for lighting your family home.

LED lights last longer and are more durable — Remember that feeling in your stomach before plugging in a strand of lights? The dread that if one bulb was out then the whole strand was a goner? With LED lights you will never feel that way again!

If one bulb goes out, the strand will continue to operate! Their durability makes them great for both indoor and outdoor use. They are weather resistant, store well, and do not break or shatter easily.

LED lights have a brighter and truer color when compared with incandescent lights — The possibilities are endless, the colors plentiful, and LED lights even come in a variety of fun shapes (snowflake lights anyone?)

If you have not yet made the change to LED holiday lights, consider participating in Colorado Springs Utilities’ Holiday Light Exchange. Now through December 23 you can turn in your old incandescent lights in exchange for up to three five dollar coupons toward the purchase of new LED lights.

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UTILIZE TIMERS FOR ADDITIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY Who hasn’t forgotten and left the holiday lights on all day and night? Each minute they are on means additional energy usage! A digital timer should be programmed to turn your lights off and on at set times. Many offer multiple start times and programs can even vary by day of the week. This can provide added security if you are away from home for the holidays.

Be sure to check out our interactive Christmas Lights Guide at www. timberlinelandscaping.com/colorado-springschristmas-lights-guide.

Should you prefer to utilize a professional for your Christmas décor needs, it is important to choose a contractor that is experienced and has insurance.

Timberline has been designing and installing beautiful lighting displays since 2001. Since lights are owned by Timberline, lighting plans are customizable from year to year, allowing variance in design without the purchase of new lights. This also means no more storage of tons of tangled lights cluttering your home storage spaces.

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1 blk Southeast of Powers & Galley

719-591-2816 SATURDAY, DEC 2, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 5

Fireplaces complete holiday decor COURTESY OF ALL DISCOUNT VACUUM

Nothing completes holiday decor like a good fireplace or heater. Toasty interiors allow you to enjoy your bedazzled tree, spiced egg nog and favorite seasonal movie in comfort. You don’t need to chop wood and sweep ash to enjoy the aesthetics of a good fireplace anymore, All Discount Vacuum carries a range of electric fireplaces that can save you money on your heating bill and safely warm your space — with little to no maintenance.

All Discount Vacuum has many beautiful, sleek and classic electric heater styles to choose from, which efficiently heat any room

from floor to ceiling, even if the thermostat is turned down. The great thing about electric fireplaces is that you can place them wherever there is an outlet, allowing you to nestle them perfectly into the master plan of your holiday ornamentation.

According to a friendly and helpful All Discount Vacuum salesman, Heat Surge is their most popular brand. A bestseller is the Mini-Glo Efficiency Plus Touch Screen electric fireplace with Hybrid-Thermic technology. With its blend of both infrared and convection heat it will quickly warm both you and the air around you while

Ready for Winter?

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enhancing the look and décor of any room.

The intuitive touch screen allows you to turn off and on, adjust the temperature and set a timer with ease. Also, full cover Cool Touch vent technology keeps the fireplace cool to the touch, making it a safer option if there are little ones running around.

No winter home is complete without a charming fireplace. Whether you live in an apartment, condo or home, they take up

GOREN BRIDGE

WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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

Right-hand opponent opens one spade. What call would you make? q 2 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ q 10 6 4 3 ♥ 10 4 2 ♦ A 4 ♣ A 8 5 weST NOrTH eAST 1♠ dbl Pass

SOuTH ?

What call would you make? q 3 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ q J 9 3 ♥ k q 10 9 8 4 ♦ 9 3 ♣ 10

As dealer, what call would you make?

PayingPaying TOO MUCH TOOyou MUCH for Energy Energy you Don’tfor Need!

Don’t Need!

719-602-5694 719-602-5694 719-602-5694

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 2, 2017

little space but bring huge savings and ample warmth. They also make fantastic gifts!

Already have a fireplace, but it isn’t working?

The team at All Discount Vacuum can repair any electric fireplace or space heater.

Stop by All Discount Vacuum today, at 833 N. Circle Dr., Colorado Springs (9 a.m.5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.). You can also call them at 719-597-5700 or visit AllDiscountVacuums.com.

q 4 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A k ♥ J 7 5 ♦ J 4 3 2 ♣ 10 8 7 6

Partner opens one club and righthand opponent bids one spade. What call would you make? q 5 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 9 6 5 4 ♥ q J 7 6 ♦ 6 ♣ 10 8 5 3 NOrTH 2♣ 2♠

eAST Pass Pass

SOuTH 2♦ ?

weST Pass

What call would you make? q 6 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Void ♥ A k q 8 7 5 4 3 ♦ 10 9 ♣ k J 3

As dealer, 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, DEC 2, 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, DEC 2, 2017

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 1 Stay in the big house 10 Beach pretender 15 [Yawn] 16 Many a Studio Ghibli film 17 Fund for incidentals 18 Character who dances on the beach at Stavros 19 Supporting 20 Evil skill 22 Talbot Jr. or Sr. on “Rectify” 23 Obstacles on the set 25 Confident response to “Your opponent is ready” 26 Funeral rite heap 27 Poet Thomas 29 “Baby Blues” baby 30 Maranjab Desert country 31 Empty out badly?

33 Repertoire 35 Skeleton’s place?

38 Do maintenance on, as a putting green 39 Card carrier 41 Convene 42 Chill (with) 43 Kate of “House of Cards” 45 Grouses 49 Welding sparks 50 Better 52 Tar on the ocean 53 Compete 54 Like free-range chickens 56 West of Tinseltown 57 Country album?

59 History buff’s artifacts 61 Tearful queen 62 Big brother, often 63 First chips 64 Chaotic places down 1 Nursed 2 Zip 3 Overhaul the plant 4 Old hand 5 Dessert company founded in 1928

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 21 24 26 28 32 34 35 36 37 40 42 44 46 47 48 51 54 55 58 60

Shells from stands Sequentially It runs in the shower Short-lived things Indistinct Noted resident of The Dakota in Manhattan Singer?

Pale order Tone down Washes out South Seas cover-ups They’re beaten at parties Intrusive Tough guy’s exhortation Church of country Allergy sufferer’s choice Legendary court figure Mine carriers “As if!”

Caribbean city with cocotaxis German chancellor Merkel City west of Baghdad Mercury, e.g.

Bargains beyond belief Teammate of Mariano for 19 years Exploits Small change #16, familiarly Booking agent?

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, DEC 2, 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, DEC 2, 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, DEC 2, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: Several years ago my

supervisor, “Mary,” asked me to help her move to a new home. I was happy to assist her with my truck to load up boxes and furniture, etc.

When we finished with the AMY move, Mary asked if I wanted DICKINSON an antique hall “clothes tree” as a thank you for my helping. She said the hall tree was too big for her new place, and wanted me to have it.

I gladly accepted this very generous gift, and it occupies a special place in my home. However, last week Mary contacted me, stating that she has always regretted giving me the hall tree. She said that it has very sentimental value for her and asked if I would please return it.

I have not responded to this odd request and am at a loss as to what to do.

I would never think of giving a gift and then years later, ask to have the gift back. I now feel somewhat guilty. Should I give it back? I retired from my job in 2012 and have had very little contact with Mary since retiring.

Mary’s request really troubles me. Your take? — Retired Man

ADVICE

Question: I’m 65

DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN

and have struggled with my weight for years.

(I’m 5-foot-5 and 220 pounds.) Is it safe for me to get bariatric surgery? — Carol G., Akron, Ohio

Dear Retired: It is fairly ridiculous of “Mary” to ask for this piece of furniture back, all these years after giving it to you. You would be completely justified in telling her, “I’m sorry you regret giving this to me, but I have possessed it for many years and I intend to keep it.”

However — and this is a big however — you are obviously a thoughtful and kind person (I know this because you stepped up to help her move). I have a feeling that — now that Mary has unfairly imposed this upon you — you might not enjoy having this item in your house.

Give it a few weeks. If Mary has ruined your ability to enjoy this possession, contact her: “Your request to take back this clothes tree has ruined my enjoyment of it.

So — let me know when you’ll come by to get it, and I’ll leave it on the porch.” Do not bring it to her.

Answer: The Annual Obesity Week meeting that wrapped up in Washington, D.C., recently offered new insights into weight-loss surgeries.

One major revelation was from a follow-up study that tracked 367 folks ages 60 to 75 who had either sleeve gastrectomy, or open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 2007 and 2017.

These participants had an average body mass index of 46.9 (yours is 36.6); were taking more than eight medications for various conditions; and almost 63 percent had Type 2 diabetes. (Obesity and stress make the physical age of your body and the real age-related risk for postoperative complications much older.)

The participants’ 90-day major and minor complication rates post-surgery were 5.6 percent and 16 percent, respectively, comparable to the rates of younger patients. At one year out, they’d reduced their daily meds by an average of three drugs. Three years after their surgery, the group had shed more than 60 percent of their excess weight, and almost 46 percent were free of Type 2 diabetes. Overall, the surgery was as safe and effective for older folks as for younger folks.

The conference also highlighted a study showing that cognitive behavioral therapy addressing disordered eating habits before weight-loss surgery helps make gastric bypass more beneficial.

One warning: A University of California, Irvine, study found people who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and were discharged the same day had over a fivefold increased odds of death vs. those discharged the following day. Even though the overall risk in either case is low, if you opt for that form of weight-loss surgery, talk to your surgeon about staying overnight in the hospital!

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: The colder months are just gearing up; it’s the perfect time for a discussion on winter pet safety: • Make sure microchips and tags are up to date.

• Put together an emergency HINTS stash of dog food, medications FROM and water in case you have to HELOISE travel, have to leave your home in a hurry or the power goes out.

• Reflective leashes and vests are a good safety in”vest”ment for walks on short winter days and long nights.

• Your pets probably will fight this hint, but booties will protect their paw pads from salt and ice.

If they won’t keep them on, wipe their feet upon coming inside.

• The formula has now changed, but if you have old antifreeze, dispose of it properly. Antifreeze used to taste sweet, but of course it’s toxic.

Winter is coming, so be prepared. — Heloise Dear Heloise: We seniors can have hearing loss; it’s fairly common. Here are some symptoms to watch for: If you have trouble following a conversation, if high voices are hard to hear, if you have a ringing in your ear, if you answer questions wrong or if the neighbors complain that your TV is too loud, you should have your hearing checked.

Lots of these symptoms can be treated if caught early. Ask your doctor. — Robert P. in Los Angeles Dear Heloise: I love to wear makeup. It makes me feel pretty, but a little goes a long way. A strong made-up eye look, complete with liner, lashes and shadow, needs a subtle lip and cheek.

Or I can also wear a bright matte lipstick, but then I do minimal eye makeup and, again, a pale cheek. Pretty perfect! — Jillian J. in New York Jillian, keep makeup tools clean and dry. Wash brushes once a week, and discard sponges frequently, too. — 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) You might rush full steam ahead to get things accomplished if you think you have competition.

Because you are in a hurry, you might upset someone or seem brash and rude.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Responsibilities or repairs might wreck relaxation time. Spend more time doing things you love rather than tasks you hate.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You might be lost in a series of “if only” mental scenarios that emphasize dissatisfaction. Temper your desire to please others with common sense.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Take small sips. It takes time to fill your bank account, but it is easily drained. You never know when you are going to need more resources, so don’t risk them with one big gulp.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Engage in some soul-searching and self-examination before you call someone to task for minor infractions of your rules.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You can’t pick a rose in an onion patch. Don’t pretend to be something you aren’t just to impress or appease someone you admire.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Act with restraint, but think with generosity. You may be challenged to remain flexible and thoughtful when dealing with people outside your family.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Design your own future. Gucci designed luxury handbags and Frank Lloyd Wright designed awesome homes, but only you can choose the design of your life. You have more control over what happens than you think.

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

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) There is no place for extravagance when you have obligations. You can’t afford to spend foolishly. Take the time to find bargains and stretch your pennies.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You are brimming with determination to succeed and may find it difficult to unwind. Family members or friends may offer interesting amusements and could offer a much-needed break from work.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) It is difficult to get into the holiday spirit when you fear that Mr. Scrooge will come knocking on your door. You might be impractical about family needs.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Don’t be evasive about the ends that justify the means. Romantic aspirations could be within reach, but you may be bashful. Be honest and straightforward a whether dealing with money or love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Dec. 2

Not everything is quite what it seems the next four to five weeks, but that might not be a bad thing. Unleash your creativity and enjoy moments under the mistletoe. You may have dreams that beg for action, but should wait until January when the facts will be clear and your tendency to fantasize less intrusive. Your decision-making will be sharper than usual and a passing opportunity may well be worth grabbing.