December 1978

GIVE A LIVING LEGEND

How did various plants and flowers originate? That question has inspired a wealth of colorful legends. One of the best-known concerns Narcissus, who became so fascinated by his reflection in a pool that he pined away, leaving only a flower bearing his name to preserve the memory of his vanity. Lilies reportedly sprang up from Eve's tears, shed as she fled the Garden of Eden with Adam.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GAS AND OIL

Buying gasoline and oil for your car can be baffling. You're confronted with a thicket of familiar national brands and not-so-familiar discount brands. And at each service station there are different grades of gasoline and types and weights of oil, and all have different prices.

How to order material from the magazine

DOLL FURNITURE PATTERN Make the cradle, bench, hutch, rocker, and dry sink shown in this issue with our pattern. Pattern is full-size for each piece and includes illustrated step-by-step instructions.

LIFE INSURANCE: WHAT ARE THE PAYOUT OPTIONS?

Getting the right amount of life insurance Is important, but so is making sure the money will be distributed in a way that suits your family's needs. Talk over the options with your beneficiary now, and make the appropriate arrangements with your Insurance company. Here's what to consider.

Wood furniture upkeep

Whether antique or brand-new, all wood furniture needs proper care. Even furniture that is factory-finished with a protective coating is vulnerable to damage from weather and wear. Here's how you can keep your wood furniture looking its best.

A Homespun Christmas Index of Instructions

for all crafts projects shown on pages 75-91. How to enlarge patterns ... 48 Package wraps......... 48 Schoolhouse block wall hanging, page 75..... 136 Log cabin quilt, page 75....... 136 Burlap crèche, page 75....... 138 Soft-sculpture candles, page 77 ... 138

Auto-focus camera

"Talking" storybook

Speedy yogurt maker

Finger wrench

Compact projector

Electronic scale

Toasty togs

Toy scooper

Double-duty light

1978 SENSIBLE GROWTH AWARDS

Each year, the National Association of Home Builders and Better Homes and Gardens cosponsor a competition to recognize excellence in the design and planning of new housing developments. Entries from all across the country are judged by a panel of builders, developers, land planners, and architects.

Ceiling make-overs

In any room redo, the ceiling deserves as much attention as the walls. Here's a rundown of different ways to freshen up the overhead view.

A Homespun Christmas

Shopping editor's choice

The Man Next Door

Reverend George Hall used a perfect example in last Sunday's sermon: "Snowflakes," he said, "don't amount to much individually, but when they decide to cooperate, they can shut down a freeway."