LIFE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Family, pets, food, fashion, gardening and more!

"The Grace That Keeps This World" by Susquehanna University professor Tom Bailey is the selection for the 2008 One Book, One Community: Our Region Reads program.

With 63 libraries in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Lebanon, York and Lancaster counties participating, One Book, which started in 2002, is the largest regional reading program in Pennsylvania. Organizers will encourage residents to read the novel during September and October and attend author appearances, programs and discussions.

By George Weigel/The Patriot-News

Q: I have a semi-dwarf crape myrtle. I'd like to keep it small since it's between two other bushes. When is the best time to trim it?

A: You could do a light neatening now, but the best time for shaping and significant size reduction is spring - just as the plant is springing back to life. I like to see what wood has made it through winter before pruning too early in spring. I'd hate to cut off healthy, living wood, only to find that some of what I left behind didn't overwinter.

If you're going to prune in summer, do it ASAP. Late-summer or fall pruning is not a good idea. You don't want to encourage a lot of young, late-season growth that's less likely to survive winter than the more hardened summer growth.

Ben has discovered he likes big people food over his baby food. For him, even his Gerber number 3s are too bland for him. He turns his nose up at them now, except for breakfast where he eats oatmeal and fruit. If we eat pizza he will only wany pizza. Last night meatloaf was on the table for mommy and daddy, and that is what he demanded.

We cut the food into small Ben sized pieces and place them on his tray where he picks them up and carefully eats them. Apparently he loves mommy's cooking because he smiles and laughs as he eats.

The question now is what to do with all the leftover jarred baby food? Perhaps we can do like robocop and use them as target practice? Most likely we will donate them to a local women's shelter where they can be put to the best use.

By George Weigel/The Patriot-News

Q: I could sure use your help. This is the third Japanese maple tree I have planted in 5 years in the same spot. Every year, leaves on some branches seem to crinkle and die, and by the next spring, the majority of the tree is dead. The current tree is getting yellow spots on all the leaves, and last week I noticed one small dead branch. Here we go again. The tree is located in the southwest corner of the yard in a fairly protected area.

A: I'm suspicious of Verticillium wilt, which is a deadly and soil-borne disease that basically clogs up the cambium tissue of the tree, much like hardening of the arteries in people. The tell-tale diagnostic test is to cut off a dead branch and look at the layers of wood inside. If you see dark brown streaks, it's most likely this disease. Your local Extension office or garden center might also be able to help you identify Verticillium.

By George Weigel/The Patriot-News

Q: For the last month or so, I've had holes in my yard that are big enough to trip on. I see no dirt piles. Last night the dogs chased something that my kids said was smaller than a bunny and was squealing. It managed to slide under the fence and was dark in color. What do you think might be causing the holes? What can I do? I am a single parent, recently lost my job, so tearing up the lawn won't be an option.

A: I'd be thinking groundhog or possibly a skunk. Both dig holes. Groundhogs make bigger ones as burrow entrances, and skunks make a whole lot of smaller ones hunting for grubs.

Dig into sauerbraten and tap your toes to authentic German music at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour's sixth annual GermanFest. It kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church at 420 N. Progress Ave. in Susquehanna Twp.

Church members have been busy preparing sauerbraten, hahnchenschnitzel (chicken schnitzel), kohlroulade (cabbage rolls), chicken soup, oxtail soup, bratwurst, hot dogs and baked goods.

I know I am a day late on this one, but I was shopping for a birthday present and then I picked up a few extra hours at work today. But Biden, seriously?

Have you heard about the Better World Club? It's like AAA for the environmentally-minded. Membership includes eco-travel services, discounts on hybrid car rental, insurance services, free maps, auto maintenance discounts and bicycle roadside assistance. They also donate 1% of their annual revenues toward environmental cleanup and advocacy.