ArcaMax

Q: I live next to a building that has two feet of plants and grass next to the property line. Their sprinklers are directed to my property instead of the other way around. Over the years, the water has damaged my garage and an adjacent room. They are constantly flooded to the point of sinking. Can I sue the owner for the damage? — Helga

A: ...Read more

There is an old adage out there that promises, "Teaching teaches the teacher." I believe that with all my heart. Never does a day go by that I don't learn something from my readers. Most days those lessons are small, perhaps even insignificant. And then there are days like today when it's just one big wow after another!

Dear Mary: In response ...Read more

A few years back, Eric and Donna Reed shopped for groceries and household products just once for an entire year. How on Earth? I know. That was my reaction too.

The Reeds got the idea after reading a column in USA Today wherein the writer confessed to his weakness when it came to buying clothes. So driven to buy new sweaters, slacks or shoes ...Read more

Every day my email box loads up with messages, many of which contain questions from you, my dear readers. And if you've sent a message, you are aware by now that while I read my mail and keep it filed, I just do not have enough time in my days to answer every message personally. However, I reach into that file regularly and select questions I ...Read more

Some people's generosity comes with ribbon-cutting ceremonies and giant cardboard checks. The rest of us? We show our gratitude with banana bread or offering to watch the children to give harried parents a much-needed break.

The truth is, giving back doesn't have to come with a big price tag to have a big impact. In fact, some of the most ...Read more

Q: I live in a senior community HOA. My neighbor says the roots of my royal palm are lifting her pavers around her pool. The tree, planted by the developer on my property four years ago, is 10 feet from the property line. Since the tree was already mature, I find it unlikely its roots grew fast enough to cause the damage. The neighbor wants me ...Read more

For years, I believed an old wives' tale that bananas will turn black and spoil almost instantly if you put them in the refrigerator. In fact, I even passed this notion on to you. Whoops! Hearing from reader Lin made me reconsider, test, and now, recant. Lin is right. I was wrong!

BANANAS IN THE FRIDGE

I read in your column a while back about ...Read more

If you're a fan of liquid soap for hand-washing and prefer to use body wash in the tub and shower, bars of soap may seem quite old-fashioned. And you may be surprised to learn that good old bar soap still has a valuable place in an active household! Bar soaps -- any scent, and even those little bars from your last hotel stay -- are useful for ...Read more

Not all companies are starving for business these days. If my mailbag is a good indicator, businesses that offer any kind of repair do better during economically turbulent times.

Makes sense. After all, it doesn't require a Mensa membership to know that it is often cheaper to repair than to replace. And how about those dollar stores? They're in...Read more

You spend a perfectly nice Saturday pulling weeds, trimming roses and finally conquering that corner of the yard that's been giving you side-eye since spring. You feel productive, a little sunburned and oddly proud. Fast-forward to 3 a.m. -- you're wide awake and scratching like you rolled around in fiberglass. What on earth happened?

...Read more