Home and Garden 12/24/16

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016

HOLIDAY

survival guide • • • •

DELEG AT E TASKS K EEP I T LIGH T WI T H T HE FAMILY S TAY HE ALT H Y AND AC T I V E H AV E A F E S T I V E COCK TAIL

Look inside for these specials and many others.

THERE ARE ALWAYS WAYS TO KEEP THE CHEER ALIVE E VERY MINUTE OF THE SE ASON.

HOLIDAY

survival guide

T

••

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

he holidays are here, and while it should be a time of pure joy and excitement to be celebrating with friends and family, it often becomes a time of stress and panic.

People become frantic and anxious about gift shopping, traveling,

and seeing near and distant relatives. Along with inclement weather, a person may feel like they are in a flurry and find it difficult to re-center. There are always ways to keep the cheer alive every minute of the season, however, with the help of this holiday survival guide.

DELEGATE HELP WITH TASKS

You do not need to play the part of superman — or woman — at your holiday

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 24, 2016

parties. There is nothing wrong with delegating some tasks to your spouse, kids, friends or other family members.

Tis’ the season to give, so people will be happy to offer a helping hand. Whether it’s delegating someone to chop veggies or wash dishes in the kitchen; or tidy up the house and wrap gifts in the living room — there is always a way for others to pitch in.

You can send someone on a run for that last minute ingredient you forgot to pick up,

or a pack of beer or bottle of wine to get the party started. The golden rule is if you are starting to feel overwhelmed and can’t keep up with yourself, it’s time to ask for help.

You’ll be relieved, and you give someone an opportunity to be your hero for the day; it’s a win-win.

KEEP IT LIGHT WITH THE FAMILY Bringing together immediate and distant relatives can make for quite the

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SURVIVAL GUIDE

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conversations throughout the day. Maybe you will get through the whole night laughing and reminiscing about the good ol’ days, in which case, you are applauded.

On the other hand, you may get caught in a scuffle about decade-old grudges with Aunt Mable, or into some sort of political argument with your second cousin Phil.

The holidays are supposed to be a feelgood time, so it’s better to keep sensitive subjects at the curb. Any pent up tension — for now — can be resolved with a warm smile and a bear hug. Issues can always be dealt with at a later date with a calm discussion over tea. If you feel the air getting turbulent, start a movie or music trivia game, or get up, grab grandma and slow dance to Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire by Nat King Cole — anything to keep things light-hearted.

ELIMINATE PET HAZARDS

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Don’t forget your pet during the holidays.

It’s important to make sure any potential hazards are kept away from pets. Nothing will put a damper on your celebration like a cat who just ate tinsel. Some décor precautions to take include making sure the Christmas tree is fully secure so it cannot tip, not leaving candles unattended and ensuring they are on an elevated stable surface, keeping wires and batteries out of paws reach, and avoiding the use of mistletoe, holly, and tinsel throughout the home, as they can be toxic to pets if ingested. Also, ensure that your pet does not get ahold of any candy, chocolate, alcoholic beverages, and other foods or medicines toxic to them.

STAY HEALTHY AND ACTIVE

Just because there are cookies everywhere you look does not mean you need to keep eating them. The last thing

you want is to feel so weighed down that you’d rather spend the evening in bed napping. Indulge — in moderation. That may sound like an oxymoron, but it is possible. Try just a little bit of everything, from the appetizers to entrées to desserts; and most importantly, listen to your body.

If you are full, take a break. Also, don’t abandon your exercise routine. If you are busy, you can always shorten your workout, but don’t cut it out completely.

A Christmas, Christmas Eve, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa hike with loved ones may also be a great tradition to start up.

TAKE A BREATHER

Sometimes you just need a second of alone time to refuel. If you feel this need, take it seriously. Step away from the hustle and bustle and family jabbering and take a few deep breaths. You can even put on some calming music, light a candle and meditate for 10 to 40 minutes. This practice can ease anxiety, calm the nervous system, clear confusion and create alertness. You will reenter your festivities with a relaxed composure and a refreshed mind, which can end up benefiting everyone around you.

HAVE A HOLIDAY COCKTAIL

When the food is in the oven and the presents are all wrapped and the guests are all accounted for, it’s time to reward yourself with a special holiday cocktail. It’s a festive way to settle in for the evening, get cozy and simply enjoy good company.

For some inspiration, search “Holiday Cocktails” on Pinterest, and enjoy a flood of excellent results. Some wonderful ideas include cranberry Moscow mule, spiced mulled wine, peppermint white Russian and sugar cookie martini. Drink responsibly and do not, under any circumstance, drink and drive.

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Trends for 2017

DE S I G N E D B Y BROW N DAV I S AND CR AF TED BY KEITH FRIT Z FINE FURNITURE, T H I S C O N S O L E I S PA R T O F A C O L L EC T I O N O F R I C H LY- H U E D F U R N I T U R E T H AT TA K E S A C U E F RO M A R T DEC O A N D M A K E S I T T H O RO U G H LY M O DE R N .

A RE A L L A BOU T E A SE , C OMF OR T

T H E A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S

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BY KIM COOK, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ecor trends take us on a little emotional journey every season. Some speak to how we’re feeling, some to how we want to feel.

For 2017, trend spotters say we’re looking for ease and comfort. Even at the luxury end of the decor spectrum, the look is less stiff suit, more velvet smoking jacket.

EPHEMERAL

“When you look at this palette, it’s a Sunday morning,” says Laurie Pressman, a vice president at the Pantone Color Institute.

These delicate hues — what she and others are calling an “ephemeral” trend — evoke airiness and light.

Gentle whites and chalky pastels, which gained popularity over the last year or two, now combine with darker yet soothing neutrals like marine, earth, moss and heather.

Textures are soft. Woods are low-luster.

“You can fall into it and relax,” says Tom Mirabile, a New York-based consumer trends expert.

Crate & Barrel’s spring collections include generous dollops of pistachio and aqua, bringing these nostalgic hues into kitchenware and accessories. Visit CrateAndBarrel.com for information.

Kitchenaid’s newest mixers and bowls come in pretty shades of cornflower and buttercup. Visit KitchenAid.com for more information.

And watch for lots of yellow, says Stephanie Pierce, design director at MasterBrand Cabinets. “From pale butter to dark mustard, yellows are cropping up everywhere,” she says, in styles ranging from midcentury modern to country farmhouse.

Some motifs are getting re-worked in subtler ways. California-based designer Alison Palevsky points to animal prints like antelope and cheetah done in gray and beige instead of the traditional colors.

“The pattern adds immediate interest

and texture to any room,” she says, citing Stark Carpet’s Antilocarpa in smoke, stone and silver.

LUXURY’S NEW LOOK

If “ephemeral” is decor’s languid glass of lemonade, “luxe” is a goblet of heady merlot.

Jewel tones, lustrous leathers and heftier, colored metals appeal to a new “visually expressive” generation, says Pantone’s Pressman. “It’s all about the finish — shine and luster.”

Shiny brass and copper have been growing more popular, note Mat Sanders and Brandon Quattrone of the Los Angeles-based interior design studio Consort.

“But 2017 will be about embracing the beauty of aged metals in furniture, hardware and fixtures.” Look for burnished finishes in pieces large and small.

You’ll see Art Deco references as well, and more of the simplicity and elegance of Danish, Italian and French modernism.

Some classic pieces are being reissued, like chairs designed by Danes Finn Juhl and Hans J. Wegner. Miami designers Todd Davis and Rob Brown are using color-infused woods in a Deco-inspired collection crafted

by Indiana furniture maker Keith Fritz. Visit BrownBavis.com for more information.

There are chic new frameless mirrors at West Elm with Deco flair. Curvy armchairs from Roar & Rabbit, as well as the Delphine console with marble top and brushed bronze hardware, evoke a continental sexiness. Visit WestElm.com for more information.

SETTING THE MOOD

“The moody palate was huge” at spring’s Milan Furniture Fair and is catching on among retailers, says New York designer Drew McGukin.

“I’ve been encouraging my clients to incorporate color in bold applications, like countertops,” he says, citing in particular a new hue from Silestone “that captures CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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2017 TRENDS

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the essence of soapstone — a deep, dusty, blue-gray hue softened with white veining.”

Visit Silestone.com for more information.

Benjamin Moore’s Color of 2017 is Shadow, a deep grayed purple. And homes magazines are touting Farrow & Ball’s eggplant Brinjal, Behr’s Havana Coffee and Dunn-Edwards’ Mackintosh Midnight as moody must-haves. Visit BenjaminMoore.com, FarrowAndBall.com and Behr.com for more information.

Look for drama in other wallcoverings too, where artistry is flourishing. California photographer Don Flood’s micro-images of abalone shells, insects, agave leaves and minerals are blown up into bold wallpapers.

Visit FliePaper.com for more information.

Calico Wallpapers’ Satori collection interprets Japanese pottery techniques in tones of burnished metallic and clay. Their Fragments collection evokes rainy, fog-bound mountain. Visit CalicoWallpaper.com for more information.

OUTDOORSY

Relaxing and refreshing, this trend hits all the “green” notes with an emphasis on

a natural palette, organic silhouettes and per with lemon branches, and botanical sketchsustainable materials. Think farmstead, writ es of orange trees,” she says. “Complementing the trend, colors like kiwi, citron and urban. chartreuse made a splash “It’s kicking off your at last fall’s decor shoes, whether you’re markets, meaning indoors or out,” they’re probably says Mirabile. going to hit Crate & homes and Barrel’s stores in chunky 2017.”

Big Sur Panfurnit o n e ture, in recently white named oak, fits Greenthe vibe, ery their as does Color of a verdant ROA R & R A BBI T 'S S O P H I S T I C AT E D S W I V E L the Year, assortment C H A I R E VO K E S C L A S S I C C O N T I N E N TA L citing its of faux banana trees, M I D C E N T U R Y S T Y L I N G . T H E L U S H BE R R Y zestiness and H U E I S A N O T H E R 2017 T R E N D vitality.

Wayorchids and magT H E A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S fair’s got some green nolias. iron side chairs with an Donna Garlough of Joss industrial look, as well as a & Main has noted the tropical transitional loveseat in the hue. Visit Waylook expanding.

“I’m seeing citrus trees in the mix — wallpa- fair.com for more information.

Sky and ocean blues are perennial favorites, in cloud-patterned textiles in PB Teen’s collection, and in embroidered, chambray and shibori table linens at Pottery Barn.

Also at the retailer are galvanized steel serveware and kitchen storage items with an easy, rural vibe. Visit PotteryBarn.com for more information.

Florals are a key component of the outdoorsy trend this spring; they’re on everything from lampshades to lounge chairs.

British designer Ted Baker has a new collection of painted tiles with lush florals and chinoiserie rendered in rich hues on sleek glass.

Visit TheTileShop.com for more information.

MIXED BAG

“The new look of global is not one single country,” Mirabile says. “It’s almost indefinable — call it neo-global, or geo-hybrid.”

Pressman sees an eclecticism created by our personal and online travels.

Think a Chinese vase with an ikat print pillow, for example.

It’s a collected, curated and comfortable look with appeal to homebodies looking to refresh their homes for the new year.

holiday dinner hosts TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME

METRO SERVICES

Hosting a holiday meal for loved ones provides an exciting opportunity to bring family and friends together during a special time of year. First-time hosts may be a little nervous and put pressure on themselves to make the meal just right. But there are a few tricks of the trade novices can employ to calm their nerves and enjoy their first foray into holiday hosting.

GO WITH WHAT YOU KNOW

Experimenting in the kitchen can be fun, but such experimentation should be avoided when hosting for the holidays.

When planning the menu for your holiday dinner, choose a main course that you have prepared in the past. Familiarity can calm your nerves, and you're less likely to forget key ingredients when preparing a meal you have made several times in the

past. If you want to experiment a little, do so with desserts that you can prepare and test for taste several days in advance. If the desserts don't pan out, you will still have a few days to find an alternative.

GET A HEAD START WHEREVER POSSIBLE

The day friends and family are coming to visit figures to be hectic. In addition to preparing the meal, hosts must also ready their homes so they can create a welcoming environment for their guests.

Once you have chosen the menu, look for items that can be prepared in advance of the big day. Desserts can often be made several days in advance, as can certain side dishes. Do as much prep work for the main course the night before the meal as possible.

DOUBLE CHECK YOUR PANTRY

Even if you're making a meal you have made a dozen times in the past, peruse your pantry to make sure you have every ingredient you're going to need. If you're used to making the meal for four people but will now be making the meal for 12 of them, make sure you have enough of each ingredient to make the meal in bulk. To make things easier, update your recipe to reflect the additional guests before going to the grocery store. Doing so guarantees you won't run out of ingredients once you start preparing the meal.

ASK GUESTS TO BRING NONESSENTIAL ITEMS

Guests will likely offer to bring something to the holiday dinner, and there's nothing wrong with accepting

help. But don't ask guests to bring items that are essential to the meal, as that can delay the meal if guests get stuck in traffic or show up late. Instead, ask guests to bring a bottle of wine, a small dessert or even some snacks guests can eat while waiting for the main course.

ASK ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES

While hosts don't need to cater to every food allergy under the sun, ask each guest if there is any particular food or ingredient they absolutely must avoid. If enough guests admit they must avoid a particular dish, you then know not to prepare it. In addition, have plenty of vegetables on hand for guests who are vegan or vegetarian.

Holiday hosting is fun, and first-time hosts can make it even more fun by employing a few veteran tricks of the trade.

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denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

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by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

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by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

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luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

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by Tom Batiuk

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loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey 12 Popular store opening? across 1 It’s commonly read by waiters 13 Periodo de tiempo 8 Place to meet 14 NFL stats 15 1992 Mamet play 21 Small distance 16 Cork holder 23 Higher than you might have 17 Enterprise enterprise hoped 18 They’re usually kept 24 Phone accessory banned at 19 1976 Sports Illustrated Disney parks Sportswoman of the Year 25 “That’s __ haven’t heard” awardee 26 Cartoon award eponym 20 E major scale note 28 Sinusitis-treating MD 22 Hawthorne cover image 30 1993 “Ethan Frome” star 23 Quiet 33 It can get you in 24 Ben, to Jerry 35 Extreme pair 27 Truce emblem source 36 Paquete de __: cerveza 29 John Paul’s successor purchase 31 Movie 37 Iceberg topper 32 Pollutant banned 39 One of Donald’s pair

by Cong. in 1979 42 Pen 34 Sights from la mer 45 Tried to make it home 35 Subjects of family disputes 47 Hip-hop group at 38 Erupted Live Aid’s 1985 40 Call to a line Philadelphia concert 41 __-Man 48 Holt’s detective partner in 43 Singer Lovato ’80s TV 44 Renée Fleming et al.

49 Mouthed off at 46 Great extent 52 Minneapolis suburb 50 Fed. assistance program 54 Execrate 51 Conniving, with “in” 55 Revealing garb 53 Durango demonstrative 56 Chicago-based professional 54 __ camera org.

55 Shares, with “out” 57 Warp, e.g.

56 Where to hear a lot of talk 58 Board game spots 59 Rayed flowers with nine sqs.

61 Bond choice between them 62 Charlie McCarthy feature 60 Moviefone owner 63 Significant supply 64 Sounded like a flute duet?

Friday’s Puzzle Solved down 1 One facing charges?

2 Two-part British academic exam 3 Noted 2013 resignee 4 Opera originally titled “Violetta” 5 “Doing that right now!”

6 Where there may be no room 7 Typographical symbol 8 Modern, in a way 9 Font choice 10 1852 literary villain 11 Turn preceder, in Texas Hold ’em HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 24, 2016

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

by Chad Carpenter

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

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by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

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by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

SATURDAY, DEC 24, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 24, 2016

by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: My boyfriend and I have been together for almost 10 years. I am 28 and he is 26.

I never really pushed the idea of getting married or having kids.

Lately, though, it’s all I can think about. When I ask him AMY things like, “When do you think DICKINSON we will get married?” he does things like roll his eyes, and says things like, “Pretty soon, I guess, since women are never satisfied with anything.”

When he says these kinds of things, it really hurts and makes me think I’m just not good enough. I’ve always been patient about this subject because of our age difference, but it’s starting to bother me.

I don’t want him to feel obligated to marry me, but I don’t want to waste any more time not knowing if we are in the same place. It’s hard for me to talk to him about my feelings.

Am I being unreasonable? Should I just wait it out? Should we see a couples’ counselor? Should we break up? I’m just so confused. — Waiting

ADVICE

Question: My son is on the high-school wrestling team, and I swear he’s developing an eating disorder with the presDR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN sure to hit a lower weight class.

He says he’s fine, but I think he can’t tell anymore if he is hungry or not. How is that possible in a growing 15-year-old? — James L., St. Louis

Dear Waiting: I, now, have a question for you: Why are you so interested in forming a permanent relationship with someone who doesn’t seem to respect you?

You have been with this man for 10 years, which means you’ve been with him for almost half of your life. I gather this is possibly your first-ever relationship.

It is completely normal for you to want to be married and formalize your family at your age and stage in life.

Plus — in life, you get to want what you want.

Don’t apologize for it. Don’t let your guy gaslight you into believing that you are being unreasonable.

Counseling would definitely help, but I’d suggest it mainly for you. If he would join you in counseling, it would help you two learn to communicate respectfully and effectively.

Breaking up would be your straightest path to getting what you deserve: a relationship with someone who loves, respects and wants to build a future with you.

Answer: We’re glad you noticed. It’s common to overlook eating disorders in young men. And young men who wrestle have a higher rate of eating disorders than the general male population.

Overall, studies show around a quarter of adolescents and adults with anorexia or bulimia are male. A 2013 study of more than 1,300 adolescents found that about 1.2 percent of males have an eating disorder at age 14, and 2.6 percent at age 17.

As for helping your son, he may not recognize that he’s short-changing himself on food and fuel.

A study out of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that anorexia and bulimia actually rewire the brain, so “I am hungry” messages are overruled! That’s why it’s important to give the topic as much light and air as possible.

Wrestling coaches should be aware of the increased risk and make sure team members don’t go for excessive weight-control measures. If your son’s coach does not do that, or disagrees with that approach, talk to the principal and school board about making it mandatory education for all team members.

School programs on health should include the risk of male, not just female, eating disorders. The National Eating Disorders Association suggests implementing an Eating Concerns Support Group at school to provide interested guys with a chance to learn about eating disorders and receive support.

If you think it has become an entrenched problem for your son, seek medical intervention from a trained practitioner or center. You can find local resources by Googling “NEDA find treatment.”

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.

—

—

ADVICE

Dear readers: This holiday, stop for a moment and consider your pets.

What are your favorite attributes of your dog or cat? Companionship is a big one — they are always happy to see us after HINTS we’ve had a stressful day at work, FROM they can tell when we’re feeling HELOISE blue, and they will give a nudge or a head bonk for cheer.

Playing with your dog or cat can bring out the kid in you, and walking the dog can relieve stress and help you break the ice and meet people.

And ending the day snuggled on the couch with the dog and the cat curled up next to you is a way for all to feel safe, warm and protected.

Make sure to take a minute to let your pet know he or she is loved today and all throughout the year. — Heloise Dear readers: Catnip and cats go together like peanut butter and jelly. Cats are comical when playing with catnip; it can give a cat a feeling of euphoria, but it’s generally not harmful. See if your cat likes it: Pour some in a sock and tie it off.

You can purchase catnip at a discount retailer or pet store. Clearly label the catnip in a sealable container to keep it fresh. Ask your veterinarian for more information about catnip! — Heloise Dear Heloise: My new rescue dog, Joe, was a chewer. The couch, the easy chair, the legs of the table — Joe probably had been abused and had developed anxiety issues that he’d release by chewing.

Here is my easy fix: vinegar. Lightly misting the objects with vinegar cured Joe of his chewing.

Now I give him lots of appropriate things to chew on and lots of love. — B.K. in Colorado Springs Dear Heloise: I took an empty, crinkly water bottle, slipped it in an old sock and tied it off. My Labrador loves the noise, and the crunchy sound keeps her happy. When the bottle doesn’t crinkle anymore, it’s time to replace it. I inspect it often for rips in the plastic. — Brandon W. in Southern California —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) Make memories under the mistletoe. You won’t need traditional holiday greenery to show warmth and affection to a special someone. Mend fences and offer apologies where needed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Banish gloomy thoughts and worries away by offering forgiveness and friendship to others.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You can create a chain of goodwill that lights up a room better than twinkle lights. Mix new friends with old ones or make a few phone calls to extend holiday wishes far and wide.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) You better not pout and you better watch out as Santa Claus is coming to town. Kindness and generosity are in the air.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Like Rudolph, you may get a chance to show off your talents at the most appropriate time. The gift of your time or expertise will be appreciated by your loved ones.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Wave a snow-white flag and call a truce. The true spirit of the holidays brightens the atmosphere, so disputes can be put aside.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You display good taste with all the trimmings. You will probably sample more than your fair share of holiday goodies. This is a good time to grow closer to the family unit.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) There are more than visions of sugarplums dancing in someone’s head. A spontaneous act of generosity may take on higher significance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) When you make your bed, you have to lie in it. Then you have to wake up and make it up again. This weekend you may have to review past decisions and make changes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Even the most miserly of the Scrooge family waits for Christmas morning with anticipation. Take care of necessities today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) “Peace on Earth, goodwill to men” might be your motto this weekend. Display your good taste by setting a beautiful table or wrapping gifts in delightful paper and bows.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Remain steadfast and true. There are many temptations in the world and you may yearn to break free from routine.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dec. 24 You are at your best when participating in group activities.

You may even meet someone who becomes a lifelong friend.

You may aspire to bigger and better things in the first month of the year. Weighty decisions about your financial future are best made during the first two weeks of February, when your assessment of material world trends is right on the mark. March and May are good months to begin a physical regimen or exercise plan.

SATURDAY, DEC 24, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

7 p.m., NBC. • We triple-dog dare you to watch all 24 hours of “A Christmas Story” marathon.

It’s a feat of stamina that’s worth at least one glorious leg lamp. 6 p.m., TBS. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

EVENTS

Christmas in Magic Town — Miniature city transformed into a winter wonderland, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Michael Garman Museum and Gallery, 2418 W. Colorado Ave., $3-$5.

Advance tickets: michaelgarman.com.

Santa’s Cabin — Pictures with Santa, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Ave.; tinyurl.com/jsyea9a.

Skate in the Park — 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave., $10 per skater, including skate rental, free for children 4 and younger with paid admission; downtowncs. com/skate.

Holiday Show — With 25 local artists, noon-5 p.m., G44 Gallery, 1785 S. 8th St., Unit A, free; galleryg44.com.

“A Christmas Carol” — 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., The Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater, 3955 Regent Circle, $18-$42. Advance tickets: theatreworkscs.org.

ON TV • OK, you’ve seen it a million times, but lovely Bedford Falls beckons again. “It’s a Wonderful Life” returns for its annual Christmas Eve airing and after a tumultuous year, it’s very much welcome, indeed.

GOREN BRIDGE

Dear Ken: I have that popcorn type ceiling and want to paint it. What is best, latex semi-gloss or flat?

– Jan

BIRTHDAYS Actor Clarence Gilyard (“Walker, Texas Ranger”) is 61. Actress Stephanie Hodge (“Unhappily Ever After”) is 60. Actor Anil Kapoor (“Slumdog Millionaire”) is 57. Singer Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs is 53. Actor Mark Valley (“Boston Legal”) is 52. Actor Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) is 50. Singer Ricky Martin is 45. “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest is 42.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WITH BOB JONES

weekly bridge quiz

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♥J8♦k6♣J

NOrTH eAST SOuTH weST Pass 1NT Pass 2♥* 2♠ Pass ? *Transfer to spades What call would you make? q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ q 8 5 ♥ 7 2 ♦ k 10 5 ♣ k 9 8 7 2 Partner opens one no trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes.

What call would you make? q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠q♥qJ984♦AJ4♣A873 With the opponents passing, you open one heart and partner responds one spade. What is your rebid? q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠A753♥J872♦42♣542

Updating your ceilings and floors

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

AROUND THE HOUSE

Partner opens one no trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes.

What call would you make? q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 10 7 ♥ A 5 ♦ A k 9 8 3 2 ♣ A 8 5 As dealer, what call would you make? q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 10 5 ♥ A J 5 ♦ k 9 2 ♣ 10 9 4 3 Partner opens one diamond and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

Look for answers on Monday.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribpub.com.)

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 24, 2016

I like semi-gloss. It tends to repel smoke, dust and other forms of pollution better than flat. I also think that thinning the paint with some lukewarm water — about 25 percent — is a good idea. That way the material will soak into the tiny crevices in your acoustic ceiling. As for preparation, don’t spend a lot of time trying to clean the ceiling first.

Simply vacuum the most obvious cob webs and dusty spots with your Shop Vac, and spray away. That’s right: spray, don’t roll. You’ll find long-napped roller covers that claim to be just the thing for acoustic ceilings, but I’ve never had luck with any of them. They get gummed up with those tiny embedded particles and then end up all over you and your furniture.

fogging; especially along the edges of the glass front.

Dear Ken: My hot water heater makes sort of a rumbling and gurgling sound when it runs. Is that OK and normal?

– Todd

KEN MOON

Dear Ken: My gas fireplace shuts itself off after about 15 seconds. The pilot is lit, but the flames won’t stay on. Who do we call?

– Lori Some furnace companies will work on gas fireplace. If that’s the case with your HVAC firm, you’ll save a service call charge by having them check the furnace while they are on site. Otherwise, call a fireplace installation company. You probably have a bad gas valve. They age under the constant stress of that intense heat, eventually wear out and need replacement.

Even if it’s behaving normally, it’s a good idea to have your gas fireplace checked out every three or four years. Why? That yellow flame deposits a layer of soot on the inside surfaces of the firebox which needs to be vacuumed out once in a while. Also, there is a metallic-coated fabric gasket around the inside of the glass which can break down.

When that happens, fumes — including carbon monoxide — can leak into the house.

One telltale sign is an excessive amount of

Older water heaters develop small areas of mineral deposits on their insides — especially in rural areas where the water can be extra hard. Because these points have a relatively large — though microscopic — surface area, they provide small boiling points as the water is heated. That’s what makes some water heaters sound like tea kettles. There’s no harm here, but this is a good time to remind you to perform a basic test. Gently lift up on the lever on that pressure/temperature relief valve. Let water flow through until all the rust and scale deposits are flushed out of the valve and the output runs clear. That way, you’ll be assured that the valve will be ready to protect the tank from any over-pressure condition.

Dear Ken: We are looking at replacing our old kitchen floor with tile and underlayment.

They want to lay it right up to the dishwasher.

Should I be concerned about not being able to get it out from under that cabinets?

– Esther Good point. I think the flooring company should try a test for you. Have them temporarily screw down a piece of the floor plus its underlayment right in front of the dishwasher. Then see if you can screw its little leveling legs upward enough to slide it out of the hole. Usually you’ll have an extra inch or so of play so you can tilt the frame of the dishwasher backwards enough to ease it through. The same goes for high-low stove combinations — the kind that rest on the floor and touch the cabinet above.

Ken Moon is a home inspector in the Pikes Peak region. His radio show airs at 9 a.m.

Saturday and is carried on KRDO, AM 1240 and FM 105.5. Visit AroundTheHouse.com.