August 1993

EDITOR'S LETTER

Carol's country garden

An acreage on the scenic banks of Oregon's Clackamas River was a dream-come-true for Carol and Jack Kelly. Part of an original 1850s homestead, their fertile pastureland offered uncultivated potential for gardening.

A SECOND LOOK AT GAZING BALLS

PORTABLE PATHWAY

CONSIDER LILIES

START HARVESTING GOURDS

IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?

Micheline DiNardo was perfectly happy with her plan to send her son Bart to kindergarten in the fall. After all, he was going to be five in November, six weeks before the cutoff date.

DECORATING Q & A Answers to your questions

Q. I'd like to put hardwood flooring in my den and maybe a light beige carpet in the bedrooms, but the other rooms in the house have tan carpet.

Stationery objects

Everyday pages snipped, stamped, stenciled, embossed, and pierced with easy-to-do patterns assume the look of fine handmade stationery. Craft stacks of designs for gift-giving days, then tuck some away just for you.

HOME of the year

The home's elegant proportions and the precise geometry of its windows blend harmoniously. The chimney, with dual stacks separated by a sky-capturing opening, is an artful focal point. Details such as the pagoda-like flair in the roofline serve a higher purpose-- in this case, to reflect Japanese tradition that influences Northwest design. Another key to this home's graceful drama is the way it merges into the land.

Bedroom Wake-up Calls

When your bedroom decor becomes a real snore, it's easy just to roll over. Instead, snap out of it! Follow these easy-on-the-budget and easy-on-you suggestions for perking up that all-important private oasis. Our three makeovers-- one with paint, one with fresh linens, one with wall coverings-- will help you see a new dawn of style in your sleep spot.

SIMPLY SOUTHWEST BATH

You needn't be from Alamogordo or El Paso to enjoy the atmosphere of the American Southwest. A Pennsylvania couple let the drama of the desert inspire the motif for their remodeled bathroom.

PLANT A PRESIDENT'S TREE

GET THE LEAD OUT

KIDS F.A.C.E. THE MUSIC

RIVER STORY

CLEAN GREEN MOWING MACHINE

Slow global warming, beautify your yard, and forge a bond with our presidents. All you need is a seedling from the Famous and Historic Trees program. These $35 kits contain an 18- to 30-inch seedling, planting instructions, a tree shelter, a bird net, fertilizer, a certificate of authenticity, a newsletter, and a one-year replacement guarantee.

EATING RIGHT ON THE ROAD

The Scene: Family vacation, 1993. The Challenge: Feeding your family healthful foods while still racking up the highway miles.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

With each recipe, we give nutrition information. The calorie count of each serving and the amount, in grams, of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, fiber, and protein will help you keep tabs on what you eat. Also, check the levels per serving of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

THE COLD, HARD FACTS ABOUT FREEZING PRODUCE

One of summer's joys is harvesting fresh produce from your own garden. Or, if you're lucky to live near a farmer's market, you can buy just-picked produce. Freezing those summer treasures means they can be savored all year.

10 DELICIOUS SNACKS MADE WITH BANANAS

Bite into one of these quick and easy banana ideas: 1. Spread a hot dog bun with peanut butter and sprinkle with mini chocolate chip pieces, raisins, or chopped peanuts.

the trip you owe your children

FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS

The popularity of birds is soaring. Why? According to Chris Davis, who trains parrots and other exotic avian species, birds fit easily into townhomes and apartments that might crowd dogs or cats.

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

After writing our umpteenth check for Rosemary's upcoming semester at college, Chris and I are starting to understand why they call it a "liberal" education.