August 1988

EDITOR'S LETTER

Of all the letters you folks send me every month, there's one type that makes me especially proud of the service Better Homes and Gardens provides to American families. Here's an example from Doris Ollett of Mantua, Utah: "In May of 1982 you offered a house plan called a House of Built-Ins, which my husband and I decided to build as our retirement home.

DO SOMETHING SPECIAL AT YOUR NEXT REUNION!

FROM OUR READER MAILBAG

WRITE US FOR THESE FREE BOOKLETS

ATHLETIC EVENTS ADD TO THE FUN

FAMILY TIES TO AMERICA'S PAST

RECORD REUNION MEMORIES ON TAPE

WHO COOKS? WHO CLEANS UP?

ARTS AND CRAFTS

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR KIDS

At 4:15 the call comes in to a hot line for latchkey children in Waterloo, Iowa. On the other end, Katie's voice wavers. "I'm lonely," she says.

WHEN CHILDREN GRIEVE

On a warm spring afternoon two years ago, while our 13-year-old daughter, Amy, was out with our cocker spaniel, he was hit and instantly killed by a speeding truck.

PRIVACY FENCE

INNOVATION HOUSE

Each year, we conduct the Innovations in Housing design contest for the best single-family house in America. To measure up, the plan must be exciting architecturally and incorporate innovative construction systems and technologies. Our promise: to build and photograph the winner for you.

BEAUTIFUL BATHS FROM BORROWED SPACE

Today's families want brighter, more luxurious and stylish bathrooms. And they're willing to sacrifice space in other parts of the house to gain a new bath or to make an existing one bigger.

PENNY-WISE PERSONALITY

Never underestimate the element of surprise for creating a highly personal environment. When money is tight, imagination is the best budget stretcher of all.

A HOMEY HOME OFFICE

"This may not be the most efficient work space, but it's a place I like to be, so the work gets done."

SEW EASY DECORATING

YOU'VE BEEN FRAMED!

THE NEW LOOK OF HOSTAS AND GRASSES

Write your own declaration of independence from yard work! Hostas and ornamental grasses are naturals for low-maintenance landscaping. One for shade, the other for sun, these versatile perennials offer an exciting variety of foliage shapes, sizes, and textures. Read on for more information on these fuss-free plants.

TWO WAYS TO GAIN PRIVACY

DRAMATIC DAYLILIES

You can enlarge your daylily garden by dividing these popular perennials in late summer. Plants should be divided when they look overcrowded (every four or five years). Follow these simple steps for sure success.

NUTRITION INFORMATION HOW TO MAKE IT WORK

EVERY RECIPE ANALYZED With each recipe we publish, we give important nutrition information. The calorie count of an individual serving of the recipe and the amount, in grams, of protein, fat, carbohydrate, cholesterol, sodium, and potassium are designed to help you keep tabs on what you eat.

JUST OUT! FOR HOME AND FAMILY

GRAPE ARBOR CRAFTS

Capture the look of this vintage quilt design in traditional appliqué or fast and easy stencils. We give instructions for both!

HOME REMEDIES FOR PETS

When it comes to the medicines on your bathroom shelf, what's good for you may not necessarily be good for your pet. Here's our guide.

WHAT'S UP, DOG?

If your dog is "itching" to tell you something, don't automatically reach for the flea powder. The problem may be entirely different.

TERRIFIC TWOSOME GETAWAYS FOR FALL

Wouldn't it be great to break away-- just the two of you-- and discover a new vacation treat as you rediscover each other? Dozens of quick and affordable getaway await.

HOW TO ORDER

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

Congressman Nick Hanfli says he isn't going to start really cranking up his reelection campaign until late September, when the weather and-- he hopes-- the voters' tempers have cooled off a bit.