Could wrought-iron furniture be linked to THE Rose Garden?
Dear Helaine and Joe:I have an old set of wrought-iron garden furniture (a magnet sticks to it, so it must be iron). The set consists of a four-footed heavy pedestal table and four chairs, all with a...
View ArticleFruit and floral centerpieces
Do you need a spring centerpiece in less than an hour? Well, fruit and floral centerpieces are a snap to put together -- as long as you have the materials on hand. Even if you have to make a quick stop...
View ArticleAbout the House: Details about fans
The most recent issue of Fine Homebuilding had an article about whole-house fans and attic fans.
View ArticleNew fence gives an edge to raised beds
Since gardens are never really finished, Im happy to report that I finally have my new, large raised-bed vegetable garden prepared to the point of being able to add plants. The final step was...
View ArticleBarbedienne foundry made neoclassical tazza
Dear Helaine and Joe: I wonder if you can help me evaluate the bronze presentation seen in this dish. The piece, dated 1879, was sculpted by F. Levillain. It was cast in the Barbedienne foundry (in...
View ArticleAbout the House: A long journey in store
It’s the Yellow Brick Road of cabinet and furniture sales leading you to the wizard at the cash register.
View ArticleAbout the House: Long journey in store
We’ve all heard of IKEA. Lots of neat things to buy (as shown on TV).
View ArticleWill Barrymore prints bring fame, fortune?
Dear Helaine and Joe: I would appreciate your opinion on the enclosed pictures. Could they possibly be by THE Lionel Barrymore? They are brass (I guess) etchings that I purchased many years ago at a...
View ArticleIf impatiens mildew lingers, here are some possible substitutions
NewsdayAs gardeners, we have many decisions to make during spring: Should we expand the garden and shrink the lawn? Start vegetables from seeds or buy starter plants? Without fail, the one decision I...
View ArticleHow to take care of oak trees
Although oaks are relatively easy to care for, a few tips will help keep them happy and healthyOaks live so long and have such appeal in the landscape that planting one becomes a good investment -- one...
View ArticleBuilding trades open house set
An open house for the latest White Pigeon High School building trades class has been set for 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. today and 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the new home of Ron and Jody Davidson, 13930...
View ArticleAbout the House: CO detector is worth every cent
In a conversation with a heating contractor friend the other day, the topic of carbon monoxide detectors came up.
View ArticleAbout the House: Review your homeowner insurance policy
If your homeowners insurance is coming due, it is a perfect time to review a few things.
View ArticleAbout the House: Misconceptions about home inspections
Some misconceptions regarding home inspections need to be addressed.
View ArticleAbout the House: Ideas for empty-nesting
With all the birds getting busy with their post-migration nest-building, this isn’t the best time to talk about empty nests, but what the heck, I’m gonna give it a go anyway.
View ArticleTreasures: A Shakespeare statue
Dear Helaine and Joe:This statue of Shakespeare was a wedding gift to my husbands great-grandmother in the 1800s in England and has no flaws or visible markings. We would appreciate anything you could...
View ArticleGardener: The dirt on soil products
Every time I go to the garden center, Im amazed at the number of soil products available. There are types just for specifically starting seeds, mixtures for potting and containers, transplanting...
View ArticleAbout the House: Watch your step
Stairs are dangerous and need to be treated with respect and care.
View ArticleMarriage Matters: From boys to men
One of the best things a man can do for his marriage is to be a good father to his children.
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