You’ve heard the wise saying, “Good fences make good neighbors.” It’s been around in one form or the other for hundreds of years and Robert Frost immortalized it in one of his poems just over a century ago. The advice is solid and you can take it one step further, should you desire. Attractive and one-of-a-kind fences…
In Florida, Man Finds Remains of a Historic Battlefield in His Driveway
By Paul Guzzo From Tampa Bay Times Florida―It initially seemed like a child’s treasure-hunting tale. Aaron Defaria’s kids would bring him what they called diamonds, dug out of the shell-and-rock driveway at their Seffner home. But he thought they were just shiny rocks, chalked it up to childhood imagination and thought little of it. Then,…
Backyard Farmer Raises Rabbits, Chickens, Tilapia and Fresh Vegetables at Home. He Wants You to Do It, Too.
By Ted Glanzer From Hartford Courant HARTFORD, Conn. — While there’s still plenty of debate swirling around the age-old question, Hartford resident Travis Stewart is certain what came first for him: the egg. Then came the chickens. The self-proclaimed Backyard Farmer on Preston Street, whose operation includes two raised-bed gardens with kale, mint and other…
Five Options to Sidestep Dealing With a Relative
Dear Monty: We are planning on selling our home soon. My wife’s sister has a son that is a real estate agent. We do not want to use him, but we know that it may sour our relationship with her sister if we do not. We are wondering if you may have some suggestions. Monty’s…
Home Seller in a Marketing Quandary
Dear Monty: I had my home inspected before putting it on the market. The home inspector tagged the furnace and said I should have a heating technician check it out. The furnace company inspected it and said there was no defect. He also offered to replace it for $8,000. I am in a quandary because…
How to Stop Worrying That Your Housing Bubble Is About to Burst
You bought the biggest house they said you could qualify for, taking advantage of low rates and creative financing. Who knew you could afford such a great home? But now, several years later, your low-interest rate has disappeared and the adjustable-rate mortgage that seemed like a good idea keeps pushing your payments higher. Or perhaps…
Drowning in Scraps of Fabric
Longtime readers of this column may remember the reader who wanted to know where she could donate her fabric scraps. I offered details on a small organization in Texas that turns new fabric scraps into quilts for shelters, churches, and other charities. Apparently, reader G.W. was not the only reader with fabric scraps too good…
Help! I Have Issues With Your Tub and Shower Soap Scum Cleaner
If I were keeping track of the number of responses from my readers that are filled with praise and gratitude, there would be thousands of hash marks next to Tub and Shower Soap Scum Cleaner. And the word used most often to describe it? “Magical”! But now and then, a response will report problems having…
Nearly 1 in 4 Homeowners Would Have to Sell Home If Interest Rates Rise More: Survey
Nearly one in four homeowners say they will have to sell their home if interest rates go up further, according to a new debt survey from Manulife Bank of Canada. The survey, conducted between April 14 and April 20, also found that 18 percent of homeowners polled are already at a stage where they can’t…
Cultured Marble Creates Elegant Bathroom Decor
Dear James: Our bathroom has ceramic tile walls and floor. When we remodel, we want something more contemporary, yet easy to clean. What do you think of cultured marble? — Gary C. Dear Gary: There are some very attractive new ceramic tile choices, and ceramic tile is one of the most durable materials for a…
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