April 1992

PREVIEWING THE AMERICAN HOME OF TOMORROW

The first time I ever remember seriously thinking about the future was in response to the 1939 World's Fair. I was only 6 at the time, but I already faithfully attended the movies every Saturday afternoon to see Roy and Dale, The Green Hornet, and Buck Rogers.

Affordable Landscaping

Sometimes it seems that major surgery is the only way to correct a problem landscape. Trouble is, a complete garden overhaul can become a big investment. If you don't want to spend a fortune, but still want good looks, check out our collection of dramatic, inexpensive solutions.

RAISING A CHILD ALONE

After divorce, many single parents try too hard to compensate for the absence of a spouse. In the process, they neglect their own needs in order to meet their children's needs. These well-meaning single moms and dads often fail to understand that they can't take good care of their kids without first taking good care of themselves.

NEW TALK ABOUT CHOICE

Does letting kids switch schools make sense?

THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

Even the simplest instructions on a medicine bottle can get confusing. Have you ever wondered, for instance, whether "Take three times daily" is the same as "Take every eight hours"? (Hint: It's not.)

NEW HOPE, BETTER TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS

With today's treatments, fully 90 percent of those diagnosed with arthritis can expect to "go to work, get a full night's sleep, exercise, and even participate in sports," says Lynn Gerber, M.D., chief of rehabilitation medicine at the National Institutes of Health.

HOME of the future

It's the year 2010 and you've just bought your dream home. Is it a futuristic fantasy or a clone of the home you live in now? Leading American residential architect John D. Bloodgood predicts it'll be some of each.

ENCHANTING EXOTIC

CONTROL SNAILS AND SLUGS

FENCEROW FLOWERS

NEW POWER PRUNER

Creature comforts decorating turns to nature

We're creatures of habit. We build our nests from sticks and stones, feather them with soft comforts, and take great pleasure from burrowing in. Like an eagle's nest anchored in an ancient tree, Cynthia Snellman's reclaimed bungalow rests in a cliffside high above the waters of Puget Sound. Although urbanization flanks it on all sides, her tranquil earth dwelling, shared with husband, Bill Price, blends seamlessly

MORTGAGE REFINANCING

When we went to press, mortgage rates were at their lowest since 1974. In fact, requests for refinancings had created such a logjam that many deals were taking at least 90 days to close, rather than the typical 30 to 60. Some lenders weren't even returning phone calls, and appraisers were weeks behind schedule.

BUILD A TWO-PIECE FOLDING CHAIR

WHY LONELY DOGS BARK And how to remedy the problem

Dogs that bark constantly whenever they're left alone become a neighborhood nuisance. Yelling at them or threatening punishment won't stop their racket. But two simple steps often solve the problem.

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTEST

Get a real bang-- and big bucks-- from your next home fix-up project. You may win a top award and your project may appear in our magazine!

Bunnies on parade

Come on down our bunny trail, where toys, furniture, clothing, and more all have a hare-raising theme. They're so cute and cuddly, you'll want to craft every one. Now hop to it!

HOW TO PULL OFF A FRAME-UP

SIX EARTH-DAY MONEY-SAVING PLANET-HELPING PROJECTS

Who says saving the environment costs money? Here are six projects that prove just the opposite. Celebrate this Earth Day, April 22, with any one of these ideas and you'll be helping the environment and pocketing a little spare change.

Only in America

Some fabulous vacation experiences are unique to our country. Nowhere else can you ride a mule back in time two billion years-- to the floor of the Grand Canyon.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM THIEVES

Let's get the bad news out of the way first. If a professional thief is determined to steal your car, it will happen. That's all there is to it. With more than 1.5 million vehicles stolen in 1990, and better than one in 42 either stolen or broken into, there's a frightening chance that someone may try to break into or steal your car or truck.

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence.

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

Realizing that experience and longevity mean a lot in the business world, Burt, Jr., plans to advertise his part-time yard service as "Serving the Neighborhood Since March!"