Landscape logic Fall is a good time for planting most trees and shrubs in the home landscape. If you’ve bought plants in containers or balled and burlapped, you’re less time-bound because the soil stays with the roots. You can plant them any time the soil can be worked. Transplanting of trees can be done in the fall as well. The smaller the tree and With many of us wrapping up mowing of our yards for 2011, a common question I’m asked is, should one adjust the mowing height of the lawn mower? The answer is no.
Mowing shorter does not reduce damage from snow mold, and mowing higher does not improve insulating properties. The best recommendation is to maintain the recommended mowing height all the way up to the last mowing of the season. As long as you stay at a height of 3 to 3½ inches for most cool season grasses, your lawn will be fine. Information: 379-1665. — Extension educator Mike Ferree
Recommended reading “Zeitoun,” by Dave Eggers. $15.95 “Zeitoun” is the true story of one family caught between two of America’s greatest policy disasters: the war on terror and the response to Hurricane Katrina. Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun run a house-painting business in New Orleans. In August 2005, as Hurricane Katrina approaches, Kathy evacuates with their four young children, leaving Abdulrahman to watch over the business. In the days following the storm he travels the city by canoe, feeding abandoned animals and helping elderly neighbors. Then, on Sept. 6, police officers armed with
M-16s arrest him in his home. You will marvel at the bravery of Abdulrahman and grow furious with what our government puts him through in the name of homeland security. Above all you will be moved by the Zeitouns’ love of New Orleans and America in spite of their travails, and the hope they represent for our collective futures. Told with eloquence and compassion, “Zeitoun” is a riveting account of one family’s unthinkable struggle with forces beyond wind and water. — Viewpoint Books
Beauty bits Thinning lashes? It seems to be a problem for many, but you don’t have to resort to prescription topical treatments just yet. Try these tips to keep your eyelashes in good shape: • Use a gentle remover and pat or dab at the lids rather than rubbing or pulling. • Never tug at lashes.
• If you use a lash curler, make sure you’re not pulling on your lids at all. • If you want to remove clumps from mascara, you must do it when the mascara is still wet and easy to comb through. — webmd.com
Out and about Get ready for the pink party of the century. This year, our annual She Goes Out: Pamper Party is going pink in honor of breast cancer awareness. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28 at The Commons. Browse and shop salon, jewelry, health, food and clothing vendors; sample appetizers; and Page 48
enjoy entertainment from the Dancin’ DJs. After the event, enjoy a special pink drink available for purchase at many of the downtown restaurants. Admission is free.
she magazine • october 2011