JoAnn S

After having work done in my yard, my previous cement slab was broken in too many pieces to reuse for a fire pit.

So, I now am planning to build a new one. I have a lot of cinder blocks and saw on different websites how to dig a hole about 6-12" and put the blocks in a circle and put sand in them, then place big rocks behind the blocks.

What I'm a little confused about is what is the best (and cheepest) to use on top of the ground for burning a fire and would be easy to clean up?

My riding tractor (Sabre 46") is over 10 years old. The past few weeks I've been having problems with it starting. I have replaced the battery, oil filter and the oil has been changed and there is fresh gas in the mower.

When I turn the key, it just clicks but sometimes after turning the key a few times, it will start.

Would this problem be cause from a bad starter, damaged wiring or the safety unit that is located under the seat?

When cooking spaghetti noodles for just a few people, I never have problems with the noodles sticking together. I add oil to the water, rinse the noodles slightly with hot water then add butter.

When I go on vacation with my family, I always have to make my famous spaghetti sauce. But when I cook a large amount of noodles, they always stick together!

Does anyone have a suggestion how to cook a large amount of spaghetti noodles and keep them from sticking together?

I got my Labradoodle when he was 3 years old because his previous owner passed away suddenly. But he isn't your typical labradoodle! He is about 130 pounds and sheds a lot! He doesn't have the real kinky hair like a poodle, so I'm sure he has more lab in him. I did receive the paperwork from the original vet when he was 8 weeks old, and it does say he is a labradoodle.

I was told that if someone breeds a poodle and a lab, that the pups aren't always going to be ones that don't shed. Does breeding a labradoodle and a labradoodle make those pups more likely not to shed?

FYI... I'm not going to breed my dog because he IS fixed! I'm am curious as of why some labradoodles shed and others don't!

I currently have a coal bin that holds 3 tons of coal. The bin lids need replaced. They had been made of wood in the past but I am looking for some other type of material that could be used that won't be heavy.

The total wide of the lid is 12' wide. There are 3 lids that I can lift up to access the coal. Each one of those lids are 4' wide x 42" in length.

Any suggestions what could be used that would withstand the weather? (I live in Pennsylvania).

OK guys! I'm a single woman and have a problem with my riding mower!

I have a Sabre Lawn Tractor (46-inch). I had the handle in position to cut grass and when I pulled the handle down to turn off the blade, it didn't do anything. The handle moved freely and the blades were still working.

Now that I turned it off, it will not start because the blades have to be in the off position and I am unable to make that happen!

Is the problem inside the area where the handle is located? I checked the belts and they all seem to be in the correction position.

PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!

I purchased a 'Combo Step Entry & Gate' ladder for my 24' above ground swimming pool and we followed the instructions how to put it together.

We put play sand in to help weight it down, as the instructions said but after putting the ladder into the pool, it still does not want to stay in place.

How can we keep the ladder to stay in place? Is there some other kind of trick to keep the ladder anchored?

I have had a 'MTD Yard Machines' 8 horsepower - 26" self-propelled snow blower since 1997.

When I went to use it today, everything was great until I tried to engaged the auger by pushing down on the handle. At first it shut off and after I started it again, it then make a weird noise and seemed to be smoking in the engine. (I do have the original manual).

I did remove the cover and checked the belts, and they appear to be OK.

Does this problem sound like it is the belts or could be another type of problem?

Being a single woman, I am not a mechanic but I at least would like an idea of what could be wrong with my snow blower!

I just purchased a new computer today but I know before I hook it up I must save files and programs. But I am a little confused how to get started to do this!

I did also purchase a USB 2.0 Flash Drive that has 8 GB.

1 - I have a lot of pictures in separate folders. Do I have to save each folder one at a time or can I copy them all over to the flash drive all at one time, and if so, how?

2 - I have a lot of folders located on my desk top. Do I have to copy them over also?

3 - When I open Windows Internet Explorer, I have a lot of folders and websites saved under my favorites. How do I save them?

My year old puppy decided to get the stuffing out of the arm rest of my 'Sorento' leather sectional. Here is a picture of what it looks like. http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/zfurniture_2057_2303558227

After looking at the damage, I realized that the only thing that is wrong is that he busted the zipper. How difficult would it to be for me to replace the zipper myself? I do know I would have to do it by hand but if I am able to do this, it would save me a lot of money from having a professional repair it!

Any suggestions of the best way to replace the zipper myself or should I not attempt this project?!

And please do NOT tell me to get rid of the dog!!!! Serious answers only!

I found what I believe is a salamander swimming in the bottom of my above ground swimming pool. I live in Pennsylvania.

It looked black, 4 legs and about 2" long. I am wondering how did a salamander get in my pool to begin with? Can they live out of water? Or was that maybe not a salamander at all!

I have a Crane toilet which was installed about 5-6 years ago.

Here is my problem.

Looking at the toilet bowl, a small stream of water is running from the front of the bowl. After the toilet has stopped running from being flushed, there is no water going through the plastic tube inside the tank. Also, there is no water on the floor.

Everything has been replace inside the tank. Yesterday I replaced the seal between the tank and the toilet and it did not correct the problem. It is not the flapper because I have placed a flat drain stopper over the hole and the water still continues to run.

If the whole toilet is removed, is there another seal between the toilet and floor that could be causing the problem or do I need to purchase a whole new toilet?

Please only answer if you actually know the answer!

I have 2 quarts of Borden's 'Premium' Eggnog. Should I add whiskey or rum or both, and how much? Is there anything else that should be added to make it an awesome drink?

My 82 year old mother still drives her 1999 Cadillac, DeVille. There are times she has problems turning the key due to arthritis in her hands.

I am wondering if anyone knows of something that I could get that would assist her to be able to turn the key easier?

In the past few years I've had to put some of my dogs down due to old age and had them all cremated. I get their ashes returned and have all of them together on my book shelf with their pictures above them.

Does anyone know where I can get online engraved name tags to put on each one of their cremation boxes?

I am having skunks dig in my yard for slugs or what ever else they eat. I hear spreading lime will keep them away. Is that true? Is there anything else that would work?

I do plan to treat the yard to keep the grubs.

I planted a Blue Girl Holly the other day. Reading the attached card the tip states, "For good fruit production, plant a male variety nearby."

Will the Blue Girl Holly not get any berries if there is not a male variety? And if I do get a male variety, how close should it be planted to the Blue Girl Holly?

My 3 month old mix (Shepherd and Bernice Mountain Dog) has 2 nails growing from one of his back due claws.

Has anyone ever had this happen to their dog? When he gets older could this cause a problem that I might have to have his due claws removed?

My puppy is a 9 week old mix of a German Shepherd/Bernice Mountain Dog.

I've been feeding him 3 times a day. That is what is recommended according to back of the puppy food bag.

How old should he be when I would change the feeding times to be 2 times a day?

I have 2 small baby birds in my garage. They are able to fly but I can not get them to leave! I have caught momma bird flying in and feeding them.

Today I have left my garage doors open all day. Will they eventually leave or decide to make my garage their permanent home?

I am unsure of what kind they are. The mother is small, gray with a long beak. I live in PA.

I took a few pictures but not sure how to attach them to my question!