August 1981

EDITOR at large

Dan Kaercher, our health and education editor and the author of "Would your youngster be better off in a private school?" in this month's issue, is himself the product of public schools. His family lived in the Omaha area when Dan was growing up, and he began his education at an inner-city school there.

What If Your Tax Return Is Audited?

Most of us would feel apprehensive or even downright scared if the IRS challenged our tax returns. It's sobering to consider that we might have to pay the government more money unless we can convince their experts otherwise. But is a tax audit likely in your case? And if you do face an audit, what are the best ways to handle it? What can you do when you and the IRS disagree?

Would Your Youngster Be Better Off In a Private School?

One in ten American youngsters will attend classes in a private or nonpublic school this fall, and the proportion of children in such schools (both religious and non-church-affiliated) is expected to increase during the '80s. Many middle-class urban families are turning to nonpublic schools in search of higher academic standards, old-fashioned discipline, and instruction in religious values.

Antiques & COLLECTIBLES

Whether you collect rustic weather vanes or exquisite cut glass, chances are you can find interesting pieces at auctions and flea markets, as well as through mail-order advertisements and dealers. But, before you buy from any of these sources, be sure to review the important shopping tips that follow.

WOODLAND Wildflowers FOR A NATURAL LOOK

Don't overlook the woodland wildflowers when planning your garden. These welcome harbingers of spring look delicate, but they thrive in partial shade and rich, moist soil In fact, if your garden proves to their liking, many species will quickly multiply, completely carpeting an area with early-season color. Some woodland wildflowers grow rapidly from seed; others are best started by dividing established clumps or by purchasing nursery stock. Remember, do not dig any woodland wildflowers from the wild.

HOW TO MAKE A DREARY OLD HOUSE YOUNG AGAIN

If you have a "boringly boxy" house-- something like this one-- don't feel sorry for yourself. Your two-story home is probably more energy-efficient than the rambling ranch next door. And as for that frumpy, old-fashioned look, that can easily be changed. To demonstrate, we'll show you how one architect successfully face-lifted an over-the-hill house.

ONE-STEP Quilting FOR A CLASSY NEW LOOK

Have you avoided quilting because you thought it was too tricky and time-consuming? Well, even if your stitching repertoire consists only of a simple backstitch, you can fashion these elegant hand-quilted treasures by using a new one-step technique. What makes it so easy is that you design and quilt your projects as you stitch, teaming quilt pattern templates with jewel-toned floss. The possibilities range from a jiffy pillow top to a bed quilt or window cornice. For a sampling of delightful quilting projects, please turn the page.

Gardener's log

During the cool days of late September, roses often produce their most beautiful blossoms of the year. To encourage this late display, give the plants an application of plant food around the first of August and water it in well. Continue a regular watering schedule if rains are scant in your area.

Fast-order grill

Programmable air conditioner

Pest controller

Triple-duty skin protector

TIPS, TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

This feature is written by you. It's a wide-ranging collection of shop hints, installation tips, and repair shortcuts that you-- along with millions like you-- have picked up from your experience as a do-it-yourselfer. We pay $25 for each problem solver we publish. See the box below for submission details.

WHO HAS ACCESS TO YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS?

Unfortunately, the answer to that question is, "More people than you probably would wish." Primarily due to the proliferation of computer record keeping, some of the most intimate detail's about your life may be available to insurance companies, government agencies, and research organizations.

MAKING MORE OF A TINY BATHROOM

You know the kind of baths we're talking about: so small that when you wash your hands you almost have to stand in the tub, so short on storage space that extra soap is kept in the kitchen, and so outdated that the fixtures were discontinued in the '60s.

HOW TO USE FLOOR COVERINGS, FOR ALL THEY'RE WORTH

Floors lead a rough life! We count on them to add vital color, texture, and pattern to our room schemes. And, at the same time, we expect them to obligingly withstand the daily onslaught of foot traffic and gritty, tracked-in grime.

SERENE TABLE SETTINGS IN THE ORIENTAL STYLE

Simplicity, order, and an equal respect for each individual object, whether it's a single branch of blossoms or a hand-painted plate... that's the essence of Oriental design.

AMERICA'S BEST TRAIN VACATIONS

Nothing compares with vacationing by train. It's really a vacation within a vacation: You savor getting there as much as you enjoy your destination.

HOW TO BE A Smart Tire Shopper

What kind of tires are best for your car? To help you decide, here's a rundown on what's available, plus information about the new federal grading system.

BANKRUPTCY WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU MUST DECLARE BANKRUPTCY?

Although the rules and penalties pertaining to bankruptcy were liberalized somewhat by the 1978 Bankruptcy Reform Act, that doesn't mean that bankruptcy now is the easy way out rather than a last resort. Going bankrupt still may leave a personal stigma, and it also can make it difficult to obtain credit for years to come.

MOVING? How to Help Your Pet Adjust

Moving time can be just as trying for your dog or cat as it is for any other member of the family. The main difference is that your pet doesn't know why life is suddenly topsy-turvy. But there are ways you can smooth the transition from home to home and make the move easier for your puzzled pet.

How to Order Material From the Magazine

Stencils. You can do it! Make any of these lovely items shown below easily and quickly. To make QUILT, order stencils A, C, D, E, and F; CORNICE, C & D; BOX, E; TOTE, H; APRON, B; CHAIR SEAT COVER, F; PILLOW, E

A Handy Towel Ladder

A Conversation Pit You Can Build

Better Homes Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

The Man Next Door

Dick Dresch says he was looking forward to viewing the TV serialization of a popular novel. But after sitting through all the commercials during part one of the drama, he decided to save time by reading the book.