Lifestyle Columns
-
Asbestos ceiling was not disclosedMar 31, 2026 8:40 pm - Q: The house we’re buying was built in 1974. Our home inspector did a thorough job, but he missed one thing. He never mentioned possible asbestos in the textured ceilings. Shouldn’t he have said something about this?
-
Don’t be too eager to dig into wet soilMar 31, 2026 5:30 am - It is best to wait to work your garden’s soil until it dries, even though the early warm days may tempt you to get started in the garden. The structure of the soil can be damaged if you dig while the soil is too wet to work.
-
From roots to rainforest: How different trees use water to thriveMar 30, 2026 10:31 am - If you plant a sapling for Arbor Day, this year on April 24, or Labor Day, for that matter, you can’t just expect it to grow. It needs to be watered. Actually, it needs a good soaking.
-
How new Fannie Mae mortgage lending guidelines may affect condo boards, ownersMar 25, 2026 1:17 pm - On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae changed their mortgage lending guidelines concerning reserve funding levels for condominium associations. These revisions will significantly impact condominium boards’ decision-making and directly affect an association’s FNMA eligibility for home mortgage lenders.
-
How Tri-Cities traffic woes compare to Chicago’s most frustrating expresswaysMar 25, 2026 11:11 am - A survey by Munley Law identified Illinois' angriest commutes, with the Stevenson Expressway topping the list, followed by the Kennedy/Dan Ryan and Eisenhower Expressway. Tri-Cities traffic issues on roads like Randall and Kirk roads, though annoying, seem minor by comparison.
-
Homemade cheeseburger mac a healthier take on Hamburger HelperMar 25, 2026 5:11 am - Nearly 20 years ago, Hamburger Helper’s Cheeseburger Macaroni and I were good buddies. I wanted to make a quick, tasty dinner as inexpensively as possible. Did I read the ingredient list on the side of that box? No. Was I as focused on healthy meals as I am now? No. Now I knew I could do better.
-
Expert gives advice on controlling insects, propagating houseplants and starting seedsMar 24, 2026 5:43 pm - Gardening expert Tim Johnson offers tips on controlling insects, propogating houseplants and starting seeds.
-
Sellers’ home inspector missed defectsMar 24, 2026 5:08 pm - Before we purchased our home, the sellers provided a home inspector’s report stating there were no major problems. However, we’ve discovered the sewer line may need replacement and a deck and retaining wall in the backyard are totally rotted.
-
Rare birds and new friends: A 5-day California birding journey leads to great findsMar 23, 2026 10:19 am - Birders, when not outside watching birds, can be observed inside plotting their next big trip. I was one of them last month, attending the 30th annual San Diego Bird Festival.
-
Can absent board member assign proxy to another?Mar 18, 2026 4:43 pm - I am on the board of my condominium association, and I cannot attend all the board meetings in person because I travel for work. Can I give my “proxy” to another board member to vote on my behalf during the board meetings?