Michiana House and Home - June 2024

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542

800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328 www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLISHER

Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

EDITOR

Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS

BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Zellers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS

Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com rnichols@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication. MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

No reproduction of Michiana House and Home is allowed without express written permission.

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $47.00 for one year; and $79.00 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House and Home, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2024

editor’s note...

As I wrap up editing this issue of Michiana House and Home, we’re prepping for Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer.

Summer has officially arrived on my street. The neighbors and I have been busy mowing the lawn (a HUGE shout out to my neighbors, The Adkins, who have helped me out by mowing my lawn when I’ve been insanely busy) and getting flowers and veggies planted either in gardens or containers.

When it comes to the outdoors, this issue is packed with all sorts of useful information. First of all be sure to check out Julie Young’s article on this year’s Builders Association of Elkhart County’s annual Parade of Homes Plus. This event is for anyone considering building a custom home, a home renovation or looking for some help with interior design. The Parade is held six

days with convenient hours so people can visit after work if they need too.

As we continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary, Julie took a look back at fencing and found not much has changed. The materials have improved, lasting longer while still offering a unique design element.

Julie also wrote about what to look for if you want to power wash your house, driveway, patio or deck. What she learned is this really isn’t a DYI job.

BethAnne Brink-Cox is back in the line up. She is a new grandma as her first grand baby, Ezra Alexander, proved to be very impatient, arriving several weeks early. BethAnne wrote an article about baby proofing grandma’s house since we’ve learned a lot about child safety over the last few decades.

With warmer weather also comes all sorts of pests into the yard. Several times this spring, I’ve woken to the smell of skunk. BethAnne wrote about the best ways to deal with moles, chipmunks, rabbits, ground hogs (which can do serious damage to a home’s foundation if it decides to set up house close to the house) and more.

BethAnne also wrote this month’s Did You Know which is filled with fascinating stuff about the month of June.

So take a break from the gardening and yard work. Maybe enjoy some time hanging out in that new patio set you just purchased as you flip through this month’s issue.

Enjoy!

Lauren Zeugner, Editor

grandbaby Preparing Grandma’s House for a new

What does this entail? Used to be Grandma and Grandpa might have a crib and a high chair, but that was usually about it. Babies have a lot more equipment than they used to, and there are more safety factors in play, as well. I don’t remember plugs for electrical outlets or locks for toilets and cabinets when I was a child. But those are very important, because children are so inquisitive and explore everything they can; a baby can drown in as little as 2 inches of water!

Another thing that has changed as we began to know better is the amount of bedding, pillows and toys in a child’s crib. There should be as little as possible of each, according to the experts these days. You might be tempted by the deluxe look of bumper pads and ruffles and big thick comforters to make a really cozy looking crib, but the baby should have just a sheet, and wear a swaddler, to sleep (and

By BethAnn Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

What fun this is to share with you, as a brand new grandma! Ezra Alexander made an incredibly early arrival, but he’s grown steadily and progressed just as he should. So 25 years after creating a nursery for our daughter, we are busy with a room for Ezra (it’s meant to look like camp, and has been a lot of fun to prepare.)

follow the ‘back to sleep’ rule.) If the room is comfortable to you, whether warm or cool, it will be for the baby, as well. You don’t want the littles ones to burrow under covers they may not be able to shake off or crawl away from: suffocation is one of the leading causes of infant death.

I mean, we don’t want you to see danger at every turn, but it’s wise to know what the biggest risk factors are. That’s why you don’t use window coverings that have cords or ties, and it’s why you don’t have rugs on the floor-go with either a bare floor or a carpeted surface, because no one wants a slip and fall.

That’s why there are child safe toys, such as stuffed animals that have embroidered features rather than buttons or pompoms, which could be a choking hazard. That’s why baby monitors are so popular now; it means you can step away from a child safely sleeping and still hear breathing and can hear cries or other sounds as the baby begins to waken. Some of the monitors now have cameras in them

as well, so you can see whatever is (and isn’t) going on with your slumbering little one.

And car seats have certainly changed in the decades (we won’t say how many) since my own childhood. Many hospitals and birthing centers now have you bring in the seat you’ll use before you can take the baby home, so they can be certain the seat you’ll be using is safe and safely installed, as well. The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, in partnership with Lutheran EMS Kosciusko and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, provides free car seat inspections. And they know what they’re doing: each technician has had 32 hours of training and education before they are certified.

Most important for Grandmas and Grandpas is to be sure the baby’s parents feel good about any preparations you’ve made. After all, you want them to leave that baby with you every chance you get, right? Settle into that rocking chair and fall in love every time you look a that sweet face. n

Something for Everyone

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

A LOCAL TRADITION

Joyce Watkins, chairperson of the Parade of Homes Plus, said the event is a Michiana tradition that allows builders to showcase the latest and greatest features in both ranch and two-story homes.

Approximately 3,000-6,000 people take the tour annually and with so many homes on the parade route, she has no doubt even more folks will come out in 2024.

“Whether you are planning to build a new home or remodeling an existing one, the Parade of Homes Plus is a local tradition that we are very proud of,” she said.

Bristol’s Chelton Glen neighborhood is the central site for the Parade of Homes Plus with five homes on the tour including a 2,212 square-foot modern farmhouse by Schrock Homes. According to Bo Letherman, the structure features three bedrooms and 2.5 baths on the main floor as well as a 550 square-foot finished basement, a cedar timber frame front porch and a number of customized elements for guests to enjoy.

“This is a new floor plan for us and it’s exciting to be at that central site,” he said. “We also have a second home on the tour that will still be under construction during the show, but we will have some 3D renderings of what it will look like when it is completed.”

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

In Elkhart’s Timberstone neighborhood, Fireside Homes offers a 1,300 square-foot abode for the empty nester on a budget. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom spec home is an affordable option for someone looking to downsize or enjoy a simpler lifestyle. Fireside president and owner James Byars says although they do a lot of high end, customized work, they also have clients who do not want to wrap their entire retirement in their house.

“They want to travel and enjoy their lives and this gives them a lower cost place to call home when they are here,” he said.

Byars said he loves participating in the Parade of Homes Plus because there is a genuine camaraderie among Michiana builders and it’s a great opportunity to see what everyone is doing. He also likes hearing visitor feedback as they tour the homes as well as an-

If you are ready to see, touch and experience your next dream home, then you won’t want to miss the Builders Association of Elkhart County’s Parade of Homes Plus June 15-16 and 20-23. With 13 feature homes constructed by 11 area builders, four “hard hat” sites, and a remodelers showcase, this event truly has something for everyone!

swering any questions they might have.

“It’s fun to spend time in the home and talk to people about what they are looking for,” he said. “Even if you are not looking to build right now, we are here for you and ready to talk!”

Show hours are 1-8 p.m. June 15-16; 4-8 p.m. June 20-21; and 1-8 p.m. June 22-23. Homes are closed Monday-Wednesday. Homes under construction are open 1-8 p.m. June 15-16.

For more information, visit https://baec.com/events/2024-paradeof-homes-showcase/ n

FEATURED HOMES

KW Yoder Construction | 68040 ReYo Ridge, Niles, MI

Town & Country Builders | 20354 Hillandale Rd., White Pigeon, MI

Jeremy’s Construction | 11311 Fishers Pond, Middlebury, IN

Team Construction | 21179 Winfield Ct., Bristol, IN

Team Construction | 53336 Winfield Ct., Bristol, IN

Straight Talk Construction | 53337 Winfield Ct., Bristol, IN

Schrock Homes | 53369 Harwick Ct., Bristol, IN

Elevation Home Builders | 53314 Harwick Ct., Bristol, IN

Fireside Homes | 2200 Timberstone Dr. E., Elkhart, IN

M.J. Construction | 2553 Timberstone Dr., Elkhart, IN

M.J. Construction | 51576 Ash Rd., Granger, IN

Journey Homes by Miller Brothers | 18475 Barrington Dr., New Paris, IN.

R. Yoder Construction | 263 Wellview Ct., Nappanee, IN

HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Schrock Homes | 21228 Hallton Dr., Bristol, IN

Miller Brothers Builders | 58826 CR 115, Goshen, IN

REMODELERS SHOWCASE

Bail Home Services & Construction | 724 The Circle, Elkhart, IN

Stone Ridge Landscaping | 68340 Edgewater Beach Rd., White Pigeon, MI

Then and now —

good fences still make good neighbors

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

They are used to define boundaries, ensure privacy, protect amenities and keep pets contained while keeping other animals at bay. Above all, they are designed to accent a home’s aesthetic. They are practical, functional, decorative and over the past 20 years, fences have become more versatile than ever!

TRIED, TRUE, AND TRENDY

They say the more things change, the more they stay the same and that is certainly true when it comes to fencing. While the individual materials may not have evolved much over the past two decades, their look and affordability has. Homeowners looking for simple fencing solutions may turn to traditional chain link which offers homeowners an affordable option at a reasonable price. However, chain link is no longer the zinc-colored galvanized steel metal that will eventually rust. Today’s chain link is wrapped with PVC and polyester coatings that come in a range of colors and are as pretty as they are practical. Wood has been a fencing staple since time began, and while

it can be cut in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes, it has its drawbacks. Homeowners may flock to it as an affordable option to ensure privacy, however, it must be maintained annually, and warped/rotting boards must be replaced. Although it is typically more expensive than chain link, it is less expensive than vinyl and decorative metals.

Speaking of decorative metals, wrought iron is often used for front yard fencing, corner properties or period homes that have a certain aesthetic to maintain and while wrought iron is still readily available, the accessibility of aluminum panels in recent years have brought the rich look of wrought iron to abodes on a budget!

VINYL VERSATILITY

Vinyl fencing has been around since the mid 1980s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it became affordable for homeowners to consider. Offering the look of a variety of fencing styles in a wide range of colors, vinyl isn’t cheap, but it offers the best of all worlds and its only getting better!

Today’s vinyl panels can be stamped to mimic a wood grain, can be mixed and matched with other materials to offer homeowners a fence that complements the architectural style of the house and can be turned sideways to evoke something more wall-like. Newer styles offer ventilation for those who live in warmer areas or whose properties are prone to strong winds all without the maintenance associated with wood options.

INCOGNITO OPTIONS

Homeowners looking to keep their dogs in their yards without purchasing a large amount of fence materials may choose to look into an “invisible” option. These fences have also undergone a number of changes over the past 20 years. While some use buried wires to electronically contain a pet, others utilize your wireless network to keep Fido close to home. Make no mistake, these solutions are not foolproof. Not only can pets jump the system, if your network goes down, your wireless system may not reset. Invisible fences are not designed to be a replacement for a traditional fence, but they are an attractive option for those who do not want to disrupt their landscape with a lot of costly materials. n

YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES

Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.

JUNE

1-30

| SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND

FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd. (574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

michiana around

J UNE 1-30 | WARSAW LAKE CITY SKIERS

2455 Hidden Lake Drive

The Lake City Skiers will be performing 1 hour shows at Hidden Lake. Pre-show starts a 6 p.m. Future show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25; Sundays June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Facebook.com/lakecityskiers.

JUNE 6-15 | WARSAW DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, 2515 E. Center St., Warsaw.

The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts presents Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” 7 p.m.

Tickets required (574) 267-2618 wagonwheelcenter.org.

JUNE 10 | ELKHART TRIVIA NIGHT IN THE GARDENS

Wellfield Botanic Gardens 1011 N. Main St., Elkhart 6-9 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for the public. Members receive 20% discount off first two tickets purchased. 35522.blackbaudhosting. com/35522/Trivia-Night-in-theGardens

JUNE 12 | SOUTH BEND CHILDREN’S DAY AT POTAWATOMI ZOO

Free admission for children under the age of 14. 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

JUNE 15-16, 20-23 | ELKHART COUNTY PARADE OF HOMES PLUS

Builders Association of Elkhart County

Hours: 1-8 p.m. June 15-16; 4-8 p.m. June 20-21; 1-8 p.m. June 22-23. Homes closed MondayWednesday. Homes under construction open 1-8 p.m. June 15-16.

For more information, visit https://baec.com/events/2024parade-of-homes-showcase/

JUNE 15-16 | SOUTH BEND 57TH ANNUAL LEPPER PARK ART FAIR

907 Riverside Drive. Featuring over 80 find artists from throughout the U.S. Free admission

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday leeperparkartfair.org

Annual celebration held by the North Webster Lions Club, featuring vendors, live entertainment, demolition derby, Wheelsrace, the Cutie Parade, Cutie King and Queen Pageant and the Queen of the Lakes Pageant. Free admission, free parking. (574) 834-4316

JUNE 19-22 | NORTH WEBSTER MERM AID FESTIVAL

nwmermaidfestival.com, facebook.com/Mermaid Festival

JUNE 20-23 | ELKHART ELKHART JAZZ FESTIVAL

Various Venues Tickets: $15-$89

Thelerner.com/event/36thelkhart-jazz-festival

JUNE 22 | GOSHEN BOTTOMS UP BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Goshen Moose Lodge 836 388 Johnston St. 1 p.m. — $5 entry for non Moose Members allevents.in/goshen/bottomsup-rocking-another-battle-ofthe-bands

JUNE 25 | SYRACUSE WETLAND ADVENTURE

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, 11586 N. SR 13, Syracuse.

Interactive activities and crafts geared toward preschool and elementary-aged kids. Free event, no registration required, but kids must be accompanied by an adult. Those wishing to participate in the canoe scavenger hunt should bring a life jacket if possible. wacf.com n

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

furniture especially the resin variety that is often dotted with black algae.

CLEAN AND TREAT:

When the outdoor living spaces take center stage, it’s important that a home’s exterior surfaces sparkle and shine. Everything looks better and lasts longer when it’s properly cleaned, provided that you use the best technique for the job.

“Different surfaces require different methods,” said Joe Cenova of Cenova Pressure Wash in Mishawaka. “We use high-quality commercial pressure washing and soft washing equipment to ensure professional results.”

How long the job takes depends on the size of the house. Scott Landis of Landis Power Washing said an average ranch style house takes between 1 and 2 hours. “We have a truck with two washers in it so that would take half the time as our other two trucks that just have one washer in them,” he said.

POWER VS. PRESSURE

While it may be tempting to purchase power/pressure washing equipment and solutions at the local hardware in order to handle the task yourself, experts say you may wind up doing more harm than good. Although the terms are used interchangeably, power washing and pressure washing are two very different things. Power washing involves heated water and is suitable for larger areas such as an extra-long driveway or anywhere that you may have extreme dirt, grease, moss and weed build up or where you have slick spots

due to mold. The heat helps break up even the most stubborn stain, but it is best used on hard surfaces that can withstand both the heat

“Pressure washing alone will not remove those black spots or make your furniture look like new,” said Kenneth Miller of Miller Soft Wash in New Paris. “We use an algaecide to get rid of those spots and make your items look great.”

A professional pressure washer will know which chemicals will bring out the best in your exteriors. They also know which serve as a bleaching agent and require

BEFORE AFTER

and pressure. Pressure washing uses cold water combined with a cleaning solution and is best used on wood decks, patio, and outdoor

a neutralizer so that they do not compromise the landscape.

SOFT WASHING

When it comes to cleaning the exterior of your house or your roof, soft washing is the way to go. Soft washing is a cleaning technique that uses a low-pressure spray and biodegradable chemicals to safely wash glass, screens, vinyl, brick, and stucco siding as well as asphalt roof shingles. This method does not damage the materials in the process but also gets below the surface to kill mold, moss, and other microorganisms.

Brian Tompkins of HH Pro Wash & Handyman Service in Elkhart said his process is a gentle, yet effective soft wash approach

that provides a deep clean while protecting your valuable assets from damage or harm. He said an inexperienced firm can destroy one’s siding if they are not careful, especially when it starts to oxidize.

“When I do a house, our homeowners can usually get two summers out of the wash before they see any new algae growth. Our process can also clean shingles without blasting away granules in the process. We use a 12-volt pump to apply chemicals and then we let it sit. It’s almost gone immediately and over the next month, it will rinse out naturally with the rain,” he said. “It really is the best process to use.”

Scott Landis of Landis Power Washing noted the soaps his crews use are safe for both plants and animals. “Because we spend most of the spring/summer washing homes with lots of landscaping, we make it a point to make sure we do not harm plants.” While his crews use warm water to wash the mold and grime off, they then use cold to rinse everything down.

WHEN TO SCHEDULE

When to have your home cleaned is really up to you. “Most people like to have their home washed early spring so its nice and clean all summer and fall,” said Landis. “Winter can bring along a lot of molds and dirt to siding, concrete and decks. This past winter we had a lot of moisture and very little sun and because of that we had a lot of mold growth. We also have people who want it done in the fall to get all the fly and spider dirt off their homes from the summer. So really it is up to the homeowner when they want it done.”

Landis noted by the middle of March his crews are booked two months out. “The earlier you contact us the better chance you have to get your work done when you want it done,” he said.

Landis, who is celebrating 20 years in the business, said when he quotes, “We separate everything out into different line items (house, driveway, sidewalk, patio, etc). We do this so the homeowner sees the prices for everything and can pick and choose what they want washed.”

Photos provided by Landis Powerwashing LLC.

Five Insect Friends and Their Relatives

By Len Harms Michiana Master Gardener

With the advent of summer and the “bug season” we need reminders that not all insects are our enemies but can also be our friends. When we use insecticides to kill insect pests, we are also eliminating some of our best insect helpers.

Lady beetles, or lady bugs, have been valued since medieval times as helpful insects. With their four stages of complete metamorphosis both the larval and adult stages are beneficial predators of softscaled insects, especially aphids which are known as one of the most damaging insects to crops. An adult lady beetle can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime. One verified story about the vedalia lady beetle comes out of California where it is credited with saving the fruit industry in the late 1800’s after being imported from Australia in a very carefully controlled experiment.

Predatory bugs are divided into two categories—ones with incomplete metamorphosis and those with complete metamorphosis. Most of them feed on other insects using their piercing, sucking mouthparts to pierce the body, inject venom and suck out the inside. Some of the predatory bugs with incomplete metamorphosis are minute pirate bugs, damsel bugs, big-eyed bugs, and the descriptively named assassin bugs. Among these insect categories are often thousands of species all of whom behave similarly. Predatory bugs with complete metamorphosis are ground beetles with ridged wing covers and size ranges from one half inch to two inches. Many can be visualized by their names, such as blue ground beetle, metallic beetle, soldier beetle and tiger beetle. All live up to their name, predatory bug.

Gilbert Waldbauer in his book What Good Are Bugs? writes that of the approximately 900,000 insect species that have been identified, only about 1.5 percent are hostile to our interests. Insects occupy a special place in the environment and their benefits outweigh their negative effects.

In this article five of our most beneficial insect species, lady beetles, lacewings, hover flies, predatory bugs, and parasitic insects are featured, mainly for their work in controlling harmful insects or pollinating flowering plants.

Lacewings, referred to as “aphid lions” in their larval stage, are another predator that voraciously feed on soft-bodied insects, like aphids, mealybugs and their eggs. They have sucking mouthparts that inject paralyzing venom into their prey and hollow jaws through which they suck out the liquid parts of the victim. Though tiny in size the larvae mature into green and brown-winged adults that serve as very good pollinators.

Hover flies, or syrphid flies, appear as two-winged insects with similar markings to some bees with brightly colored yellow and black bands of equal widths around their bodies, similar to honeybees. Their distinctive two wings set them apart from bees which have four wings. Both the larval and adult stages of hover flies feed on garden pests as well as pollinate flowers as adults. They are named for their interesting flying abilities—hovering, suspending in midair, darting forward, and flying backwards.

As we go about our daily lives, insects carry on with their interesting lives while doing the tasks that they have adapted to do. Many work for our benefit and are worthy of our protection and appreciation.

References: Encyclopedia of Insects and Spiders; What Good Are Bugs?

Parasitic insects are so named because of their dependence on host insects. Most progress through complete metamorphosis spending all or part of their life on the host. With some variations most behave in a similar way. The adult lays an egg on a host insect. When the egg hatches the larva burrows into the insect’s body and feeds internally from the host. Then they emerge from the host, pupate nearby and appear as adults later. Some examples of parasitic insects are braconid wasps, ichneumon wasps and tachinid flies. One wasp, trichogramma, in this category is very tiny and develops to adulthood inside another insect’s egg. These wasps are widely used around the world for biological control, and the eggs can be bought commercially. n

BLUE GROUND BEETLE

MINUTE PIRATE BUG

SOLDIER BEETLE

BRACONID WASP

ICHNEUMON WASP

TACHINID FLY

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Recipe courtesy Giada de Laurentitiis

Show : Everyday Italian Episode: Care Packages

Ingredients:

Cookies:

2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 lemon zested

Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 lemon, zested

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the butter and the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest . Beat to combine, stir in dry ingredients.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon the dough, about 2 tablespoons for each cookie, onto the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.

To make the glaze:

Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden about 2 hours. Pack the cookies into an airtight container.

Italian Helper

Courtes y of Grad De Laurentis, Giada Entertains, Episode: ‘70s Throwback Party, Copyright: FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients:

Kosher salt

1 pound elbow macaroni

8 ounces ground beef sirloin

8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casings removed 1/4 cup olive oil

2 shallots, diced

1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed

1 1/2 cups tomato puree, such as Mutti

2 cups freshly grated Parmesan

1/4 cup mascarpone

2 cups baby spinach, torn

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions, 3-4 minutes, drain well.

Heat the olive oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and sausage and cook, breaking up the meats with the back of a wooden spoon, until cooked through and browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in the shallots and garlic, cook 2 minutes. Deglaze with the tomato puree, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 4 minutes.

Add the macaroni to the sauce, sprinkle the bare pasta with parmesan and mix well. Stir in the macaroni and spinach and cook an additional 3 minutes, until the sauces is creamy and the spinach is wilted.

photos: foodnetwork.com

How to deal with UNWANTED V ISIT ORS in your yard

THEN....you start to see holes. Or little mounds. Or any number of disturbances that show you the small wildlife is waking up. Skunks, moles, rabbits, chipmunks and so on. Apart from the unsightliness, you’re also at risk, walking across your lawn; you can step on what looks to be solid ground, but isn’t. You can twist an ankle in a burrow you might not have noticed.

And though you’ll see all kinds of ads for gadgets and services to rid your lawn of these, what really works? Are there natural things you can try? Well, yes. Often mentioned are solutions of garlic and soap, or cayenne pepper, things you can put in a spray bottles and treat every plant or area you’re not happy with. Vinegar is mentioned sometimes, and you can plant certain things that will repel pests. Marigolds and nasturtiums are quite successful in their way, so plant them near the areas you want to treat.

But that might not be enough. Still, you don’t need to employ the drastic measures used in the final scenes of “Caddyshack” (seriously, don’t blow up your yard!) So what do you do? You call in the pros. After all, these small creatures (bats! possums! raccoons!) have been around since forever, and the experts know exactly how to manage them best.

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

We’re always so happy to see the last of the snow melt away even though at first the landscape is all pretty dead-looking. But soon enough it starts to green up, especially once the sun strengthens and we get enough rain. Might even see some dandelions or violets, a sure sign of spring.

First of all, you’ll need to determine exactly what kind of pests you want/need removed. Some companies specialize in specific ones; pests aren’t only small animals, but bugs as well. Are you suddenly seeing ants everywhere? (Make sure you don’t have any spills left untended, especially sweet ones.) Are you seeing damage to your house? It’s not just about lawns.

Next, after you’ve selected a business that will best meet your needs, have an assessment, so you can determine what will be needed – and not just for the immediate time. You might need to schedule regular service calls, once or twice a year as the seasons change. There may be things you can do that will lessen the return, such as adding fences or making sure you’re not inadvertently setting out a buffet; keep garbage and compost properly covered and keep the surrounding areas clean, as well.

Something else you may not have considered: wind chimes! You may like the lovely sounds, but a lot of animals do not. And make sure your yard stays clean; no piles of weeds, trash from cleanup, and so on–they’ll burrow right underneath it all and call it home.

A good general overview for each season:

For fall/winter–seal all entry points, trim shrubs and trees, store firewood away from the house, and have your fireplace and chimney cleaned–you might not know you have a bird’s nest or two in your chimney until you light the first fire of the season!

In spring, install row covers on vegetable gardens, fill empty burrows with gravel, check your fences for holes, and plant things the critters don’t like, such as daffodils, lavender and bleeding heart. In summer, make sure your yard stays well-groomed and drain any standing water.

Just remind your unwanted visitors that this is your house and your yard, and don’t take any guff from them about being there first! n