Home and Garden
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Shedding light on the importance of darkness to natureDec 17, 2018 5:00 am - "Boy, it's dark!" I mutter at 4:30 p.m. when I leave the nature center. My husband winks as he reminds me that this happens every December and that I say exactly the sam...
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Learn to identify trees in winter at Jan. 6 Land Conservancy workshopDec 16, 2018 10:00 pm - The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is hosting a winter tree identification class from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Jan. 6, at Hennen Conservation Area, 4622 Dean St. in...
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Antique porcelain bowl is a treasured giftDec 16, 2018 6:01 am - Q. This is a photo of an antique bowl that was given to me by a friend. Because I had admired it several times, my friend gave it me. It is decorated with pastel flowers...
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Boxwoods add color and structure to winter gardenDec 16, 2018 5:00 am - Boxwoods are valuable in the garden all year long, but their evergreen leaves of rich green and dense shapes — whether trimmed in formal designs or left to grow naturall...
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How to plan your smart home - and weigh privacy risks
Dec 15, 2018 12:00 am - NEW YORK (AP) - You might have heard of lights that turn off with an app or voice command. Or window shades that magically rise every morning. Technology companies are p...
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Get the most use from your dining nookDec 09, 2018 6:01 am - Your kitchen's dimensions and layout and number of diners are the starting point to get the right plan for your breakfast or dining nook. These spaces are usually adjace...
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1904 World's Fair souvenir is a shoe-inDec 09, 2018 6:01 am - Q. Enclosed is a photo of a pair of porcelain shoes that belonged to my grandmother. On the bottom of each shoe are the words "World's Fair - 1904." They are a cream and...
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Take care of garden tools to save your money for plantsDec 09, 2018 6:00 am - Winter came early and with an enthusiasm seldom seen in November. It left many gardeners, including me, with garden chores undone. Cleaning garden tools is one task that...
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Select a healthy Christmas tree before bringing it homeDec 09, 2018 5:00 am - When choosing a Christmas tree, select one with firm needles that don't drop off when the tree is raised up a few inches and dropped to the ground. A small amount of nee...
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Young evergreens may need help in the winterDec 09, 2018 5:00 am - Q. What is an evergreen anti-desiccant and how do I use it? A. Let's start with what is desiccation? Desiccation is the drying out of plant tissue by wind or lack of soi...