beanbag

We live in Texas, and I am afraid the rabbits are winning this war. I have used several commercial animal repellents, as well as cayenne and garlic powder--and still, we find the rabbits are eating the leaves off the vine. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!

If my front door features wrought iron scrolling and predominately black, what color hardware should I use for the entry set?

What song was she singing? I thought the song was beautiful.

I have seen Ms. Houston on several live performances lately, but we thought her performances were sub-par, to say the least. Some people have said she "is back" but her voice, IMHO isn't. What do you think?

How much will that cost?

The stylist I usually use had quit, so I used her replacement. I asked her to cover my grey and re-do the highlights. My hair was medium brown with blonde streaks and after she matched some swatches, I thought everything would be fine. Long story, but she left the colors on for more than 2 hours and now I have jet-black hair--with cherry red/pink highlights. The girl got so flustered, she handed me two huge bottles of products and said not to tell anyone she was giving me free stuff. Everyone in the place stared at me as I left, and I was so upset I didn't know what to do. So I went back to see her yesterday and she broke down and cried when I pulled off my hat. She promised to "fix it." Today I called the salon and she is no longer employed there. I spoke to manager and she said she was made aware of my problem by other employees who saw my hair. The manager said she would have to call me back after consulting her boss. Does anyone have an idea of what my rights are? I live in Texas.

Had a big kitchen mess--spilled about 1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid under sink. I grabbed some kitchen towels and wiped up the slimy mess, but wonder about the towels and how to launder them. If I put them in the washing machine it will make TONS of suds and I know that can be harmful to the machine. What would you suggest, other than throwing the towels away?

My physician has ordered me to go strictly gluten-free. I have seen people think this is a license to eat tons of meat, cheese and gluten-free cake, cookies, etc. I do not want to gain weight as I am short and middle-aged. Therefore, has anyone else out there had the same challenges and successfully figured out the calculus that will be this type of diet?

I try to eat right, I exercise, take Plaquenil, etc. My lupus is "mild" type, but I always have something "going on."

I had been doing fairly well, and then I get the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with red swollen joints and rheumatoid nodules. My face feels like it is burning on cheeks and there are lots of tiny red broken capillaries on my face. It is taking more and more Dermablend cover-up makeup to cover up my red marks.

I am feeling frustrated as it always seems like I deal with one symptom after another and wonder what I am doing wrong. If you are a lupus patient, is there anything you know that triggers your flares?

I know, I know...it could be worse, but if I listed all the symptoms I have had within the last 3 years, it would be a long list...

Dark wood cabinets. Black custom hood. Dark green granite that looks like black from a distance. Stainless sink is out of question. Walls faux finished with warm sienna brown, golden undertones. Husband likes oil rubbed bronze faucets. Think it is all going too dark. What do you think?

My dental hygenist says I have good oral hygiene, but says I am brushing teeth a bit too hard. She says there is a very small area of a tooth at the gum line where there is a change in color. She told me not to worry about it--I am. Can I do something to make the gum line go back to its former state?

My interior designer had a stroke and needed some help so at some point I offered to help her. I worked with her for several years as she tried to retire her practice. At some point, she let me work with her clients and now that my designer is disabled, I want to get some kind of professional certification. I am 54, and I do not want to go back to college and don't see myself as an interior designer, just a decorator. I am unable to work full-time due to health reasons, so I don't want to spend a fortune on training, fees, etc. I just want to learn, grow...and entrance to trade marts would be GREAT, too.

Any advice? Thanks!

My new kitchen is sort of French Country, but decidedly sophisticated look. Stone floor, dark wood stained custom cabinetry, tile backsplash, black painted hood, black island, verde peacock granite on all surfaces. I can't decide whether to request beveled edge (my favorite) or ogee edge. Anyone with opinions?

Survivors are saying they believe it is a miracle they are alive. Rescuers cannot believe no one was killed. Everyone in the media seems to agree that this incident is nothing short of amazing. Do you still believe in miracles? Do you believe God intervenes sometimes in events like this?

For what it is worth...I sure do!

Frankly, I am sickened at heart at how many people are bashing Pres. Bush as he leaves office. I know, I know...I hear it every day---how many people disagree wholeheartedly. But I am thankful for George W. Bush and hope someone out there agrees.

Hopefully, there are some music-lovers out there who run! I need to spice up things, and get geared up to hit it again after an injury.

I find running indoors demands good music and that makes the difference between an enjoyable run and BORING workout--especially while trying to get back into the flow again.

I like Kanye West's song, "Love Lockdown" and wonder if anyone has a recommendation on a remix version for running. I like the pounding drums on that song and wish that part was longer. Can you advise?

Happy New Year!

what does that mean? Thanks!

Does it bum you out, too?

In the past, I'll admit I enjoyed going to some of Tom Cruise's movies. Over the past several years, I have found myself shocked at his behavior and comments. Recently I read Andrew Morton's (excellent) biography about Cruise and was horrified to read about the beliefs of Scientology. Now there is no way I can see one of Tom Cruise's movies, despite being interested in Valkyrie. I know others are freaked out by Scientology, but wonder how this translates at the box office. If Morton's book is correct--and it is well-sourced--Tom Cruise is dangerous. I wonder if others will stay out of the theaters because he has been speaking openly about his "religion."

Your comments?

Our country is in serious trouble, but I find myself fascinated by the Hill/Bill soap opera. Do you find yourself wondering how long before Bill will be a distraction to the new administration? Wouldn't it be great to hear the lecture Hillary gave Bill as she accepted the nomination? Do you really think Bill can stay out of the limelight? What will he do with his time? It really sounds like a soap opera, but we need our Sec of State to perform MIRACLES this time! What are the chances of her success? Would love to hear your thoughts. (I know I need to get a life!)