The Home Front

By Compiled by JUDY STARK

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 22, 2000

Briefs on the home front

Behind 'This Old House'

What happens at This Old House when Steve and Norm aren't around? How does the work actually get done? You can watch what goes on when the videocameras are turned off by visiting the show's Web site (http://www.pbs.org/thisoldhouse). Three EarthCams have been installed in the 1865 Second Empire townhouse in Charlestown, Mass., that the show is remodeling for its fall project. Pictures of the exterior, basement, and second floor will be updated every two minutes around the clock. (Having trouble sleeping? Log on and watch the paint dry at 2 a.m.)

The write door

Make a door do double duty: Paint a portion of a door with blackboard paint, then surround it with molding for a finished look. Add a chalk tray and attach an eraser with hook-and-loop fastener. Try it in the kitchen, for lists and memos. How about in a child's room to give the kids a place to scribble? Or the home office for phone messages, supply lists and the to-do list.

Clean energy

Those thrifty Yankees! Here's how some residents of the Northeast save energy, according to a survey conducted for New England utility companies. Some have used their dishwasher to wash everything from hats to computer keyboards to bowling balls, or used the dishwasher's heat to defrost meat, steam fish and cook oysters and potatoes. (A clambake in the dishwasher? Bring on the seaweed!) One Vermont resident rigged his clothes washer so he could use the "gray water" on his lawn. Asked to choose their favorite appliance, women selected the dishwasher; men chose the television.

Pick a size, any size

Make the most of your kitchen drawers, yet keep them organized with this new item from Rubbermaid: an adjustable cutlery tray/drawer organizer. It expands from 11.75 inches to 19 inches wide. The side compartments lock into place to corral large items, and rubber grips on the bottom prevent the tray from sliding. Suggested retail is $7.99.

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