CONNIE OLIVER: Restoring the dying art of conversation

THE art of conversation seems to be dying. With everyone focusing on the technology of texting, cellphones and emails we are ironically less and less plugged into the human race. Conversation, especially within a family unit, offers so many opportunities . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Avoid overkill when dealing with rodents

QUESTION: I had a real mouse problem at the cottage last fall and after dispensing poison and finding all the holes, I hope, where the mice could enter, I think the problem is solved for now. We have a dirt . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

SOLUTIONS: Bounce into action with trampoline repair

QUESTION: Is it possible to repair a trampoline? Our family trampoline has a rip in the canvas-like material about 10 centimetres long. Thanks. Lori, Winnipeg ANSWER: This is the season where trampolines go up and so do many children as they . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

MIKE HOLMES: Building permits work to protect you

YOU'VE heard me talk about why getting municipal building permits is a good idea when undertaking a reno project. There are also a few other less obvious reasons why building permits work to protect you, but not many people think . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

Sunny forecast for new home construction

THE Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation released its projections for Manitoba and Winnipeg this week and all signs point towards a continued strong market for new home construction. From a provincial perspective, 2010 saw a huge increase in starts from the . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

Sold & Offered: June 4-11

St. Boniface Address: 444 De la Morenie St. Asking Price: $179, 900 Sold Price: $211, 000 Taxes: $2, 261 Square Footage: 864 Lot Size: 30 x 118 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Listing Agent: Jennifer Gulay, Royal LePage Alliance, 885-5500 Waverley Heights Address: 26 Swan Lake Bay Asking Price: $284, 500 Sold Price: $290, . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

It's the layout

Show home designed for maximum spaciousness, utility

These days, many people consider any home under 2, 000 square feet on the small side. Truth be told, that isn't necessarily so. If the layout is sound, there's no reason a home measuring under 2, 000 sq. ft. can't offer . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

Best of both worlds

Secluded home close to needed amenities

In life, most of us tend to want to have it both ways. Take the home we might aspire to own, for example. On the one hand, it would be ideal if the home -- which would hopefully be over 2, . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

The sins of greenwashing

Companies' claims of environmental friendliness often misleading

OVER a decade of marriage to a fabulously funny, "big picture" guy (read: lovable slob) has somewhat dulled my German/Russian-bred tendencies towards hyper-cleanliness and order. The addition of two fun-loving, imaginative kids (read: prolifically messy) brought me to a crossroads: Either . . .

Posted: 2011-05-28

GARDENING: Off the beaten track

Venture outside the Perimeter for greenhouse treats

Many of us have a fairly good idea as to what we are looking for when we head out to our local greenhouse. Once there, though, the dizzying array of plants has us imagining all sorts of possibilities for container . . .

Posted: 2011-05-28