Taking care of your vacation home

Home-watch service gives peace of mind

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Owning a second home in the sun-drenched desert can give you paradise on Earth or your worst headache. Take the couple who closed their new Phoenix home for the summer without making arrangements to have their property checked. . . .

Posted: 2011-03-12

It's not too late to save that white plastic furniture

QUESTION: A short time ago you gave a solution to rid outdoor white plastic furniture of the black weathered marks. I have a favourite chair that looks very weathered but have forgotten your solution. Can you share it with me? . . .

Posted: 2016-10-01

Aromatic sanctuary

Indoor herb gardens add savoury touches to recipes, elicit fond memories

‘Welcome to our living aromatherapy space, ” said Dave Hanson on my visit last week to Sage Garden Greenhouses. Every customer who walks through the door of the greenhouses located at 3410 St. Mary’s Rd. is greeted by the different . . .

Posted: 2025-11-29

Measure twice, cut once for perfectly cooked fish

Question: I am trying to incorporate fish into our family diet, how do I determine how long to cook fish? Rebecca Answer:  Measure the thickest part of the fish and cook it for six to eight minutes per half-inch in a 425 . . .

Posted: 2020-04-25

Designers pine for natural wood

Using wood in design is nothing new. Keeping it natural — without a stain or a single stroke of paint — isn’t new, either. However, a growing number of designers and woodworkers are putting the natural aesthetics of bare wood . . .

Posted: 2016-08-06

Plant a victory garden to combat coronavirus

During Second World War gardens were grown to ease food shortages and boost morale

Forced to shelter in place, most of us are coming down with a bad case of cabin fever. Instead of worrying about the future and whether that scratchy throat you woke up with this morning is something serious, plant a . . .

Posted: 2020-03-28

HOP creating happy homeowners in West End

At long last, Housing Opportunity Partnership is back building homes in the city's West End."It's been a while, " said HOP's president, Lori Thorsteinson. "I believe we finished our last home on McGee Street back in early 2013. Now that . . .

Posted: 2014-08-22

SOLUTIONS: Prevent rust from forming around paint can

QUESTION: How can I prevent rust from forming around the lid and the rim of a latex paint can after I have used it? I tried putting plastic wrap on the top but it still rusts and when I open . . .

Posted: 2012-10-06

Caterpillar smartphone helps contractors see through walls

The rugged new smartphone from Caterpillar will let users see through walls. Well, sort of. The Cat S60 smartphone, set to be released in the U.S. in August, will feature thermal imaging, said Caterpillar program manager Phil Raso."If you’re in . . .

Posted: 2016-07-09

Infinite illusions with infinity pool

Water flowing over far edge creates sense pool and river are one

OTTAWA -- The gate swings inward, and you feel as though you've stepped into a surreal painting. Greeting you is the luminous surface of a swimming pool. You do a double-take because it looks like the glassy surface flows . . .

Posted: 2008-08-10