July 1983

EDITOR at large

I've been spending a lot of time with Thomas Jefferson lately, absorbed in a massive biography of him, "Jefferson and His Time," by Dumas Malone, a six-volume work 40 years in the writing. Concurrently, Ive been working on this special themed issue, "A Celebration of the American Spirit," getting acquainted with the people in it and their outlooks on life.

A REPORT FROM MORE THAN 200,000 READERS: PART 1

Last fall, in our September and October issues, we published a two-part questionnaire inviting readers to share their opinions on the state of American family life. The questionnaire is an updated version of our family studies published in 1972 and 1977. As before, we found that our readers welcome the chance to share their views-- this time, 201,320 responded and more than 10,000 of them wrote letters, too.

Creating A "Colonial" Home ON A LIMITED BUDGET

America is still a nation of resolute dreamers: families like the Housers of St. Louis have the kind of "can-do" determination to make their dreams come true.

Making the Mast of Special Skills

From the time Susie Barber (above) was a young bride, she loved to roam the fragrant countryside, gathering the weeds that grow wild along Kentucky's fencerows.

Finding New Purpose IN THE COUNTRY LIFE

Strangers who drop by the Circle T ranch in the mountains of Southern California immediately sense that the Thorsneses are a contented family. And it doesn't take long to discover what lies behind that happiness and warmth: Mike and Carole Thorsnes have a firm grip on life that comes with getting back to things that really count.

Coaxing a Prizewinning Garden from Scrubland

For Peter and Patty Abbott, of Cohasset, Massachusetts, life's great joy lies in creating harmonious natural beauty-- and, in their case, this wasn't easy to do.

Turning Their Dreams Into Reality THROUGH HARD WORK

An indomitable will for independence pervades the lives of Ike and Karen Rivers. They carved a delightful homestead from five secluded hillside acres in California with their own hands and without going into debt for materials! Whenever the Rivers accumulated a little cash (he was a parole officer, she a teacher), they bought what was needed next; meantime they camped.

Entertaining Elegantly TO SERVE A COMMUNITY CAUSE

John and Nancy McCune's "Dinner in the Diner" typifies the flair and finesse that the Oklahoma hosts bring to their festivities.

Uniting A Neighborhood BY RESTORING ITS BEAUTY

The details of this meal-for-a-crowd are handled by the Potwin Place Protective Association-- the official citizen's concern group and social committee for the neighborhood.

Home Improvement Contest Winners

Since January, 1982, when we announced the opening of our Home Improvement Contest, thousands of entries have poured in from enterprising homeowners in all parts of the country. Here are the results of the judging: 72 class and merit award winners. Projects entered by three of the first-place winners listed below-- the Haleys, the Muellners, and the Browns-- were judged Best of Contest.

Wall-Hugging Seating

Gardener's log

The dandelions and buttercups Gild all the lawn; the drowsy bee stumbles among the clover tops, and summer sweetens all to me.

Ideas to Brighten A Gloomy Kitchen

A GUIDE TO LOW-COST VACATION LODGINGS

Whether you're planning a full-fledged vacation or just a brief getaway, there are a variety of lodging options that can save you money on the way and after you get where you're going. These economical alternatives-- from budget motels to bed and breakfast establishments and hostels-- may not be for everyone. But if you're looking for good clean rooms at affordable prices, you'll want to at least give them a try.

Starting Your Own Business

From the first pioneer family who set up a trading post in the wilderness to the latest basement tinkerer turning invention into profit, entrepreneurs have stood at the very heart of the American spirit.

Tips, Tools, and 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. ...

LITTLE TOOL

AIR SANDER

QUICK SELF-SUPPORTING STAIRS

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

Between Rosemary's active social life and her summer job, I hardly knew she was back home from college-- until I saw the long-distance charges on this month's phone bill.