The days of summer are passing more quickly than grains flowing through an hour glass. Yesterday’s high school seniors are today’s college freshmen and it won’t be long before they are settling into their new lives and their new dorm rooms.
Home and Garden
: On the side of my house next to my outside wall is an open area that we want to close in so the dog won’t run out. It’s a small dog, so we only need a fence about 3 feet high. The guy we bought the house from already installed metal poles in the ground for chain link fencing. My question is, how do I stretch the fencing across the poles?
Ashira, husband Ohran and their three children moved here from South Africa and finally found a house of their dreams — a spacious home in a great neighborhood that overlooks a park. After living in a small apartment for so long, they were thrilled to have a big home with lots of elbow room. Ohran has a study, daughters Shali and Atarah have lovely bedrooms and even 3-year-old Avichai has a room designed especially for him. But even with all the space, Ashira was the only one who didn’t have a place to call her own.
DEAR GAIL: We are avid wine drinkers and, like most, save the corks. We’ve filled up jars, large wine glasses, bowls, drawers and lots of plastic bags. What can we do with them besides start throwing them away? — Katie P.
Now that vegetable gardens are in the news — there’s one at the White House and cities are encouraging residents to plant them on vacant lots — collectors are looking at farm-related toys with more interest.
An indoors farmers market, previously open only to chefs in Las Vegas, has opened to the general public. The organizer of this market is Molto Vegas, which some of you might associate with Mario Batali’s restaurants. There are some very high-quality foods being produced and showcased at the farmers market. The public is invited to attend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday at 7485 Dean Martin Drive, Suite 106, located about 1/2 mile north of Blue Diamond Road. This market is cash only, so come prepared.
: I have an older house and I want to insulate the garage. The walls are unfinished, so I think I can easily add insulation. What kind of insulation do I need and how should it be installed?
DEAR HELOISE: Here are a few of my water conservation hints:
Perspective is an interesting thing. If you’re too far away from something, you don’t see the details. If you’re too close, you miss the big picture. In my experience, the best strategy for maintaining a healthy perspective is to keep both in mind. Look at the big picture and use it as a guide as you handle the necessary details.
“Let’s not pick that scab,” my mother used to say when I would rehash some former conflict. But as a gardener, it’s OK to get picky. So get out your clippers, sharpen your fingernails or devote a stout pair of scissors to the task. Whether you grow flowers or a kitchen garden, this is the season to pinch and pick and pluck to your heart’s content. In fact, this is the accomplished gardener’s secret of success.
Fall classes for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s master gardener program are quickly coming up. Registration will take place Monday, Aug. 10, from 9-10 a.m. at the UNCE Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road. Classes are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for eight weeks beginning Sept. 14.
What’s the difference between a settle, settee and sofa? All three evolved from the “bench,” a furniture form with a flat wooden plank seat long enough to hold two or more people.
DEAR DESIGNER: My home is finished but I would like to do something interesting on my dining room ceiling. I have a traditional home and the ceilings are high. Do you have any recommendations? — Annie