Our experts can answer your questions about anything from maintenance to remodeling, finance to legislation, boating to gardening. Write to us or e-mail us and we may publish your question in an upcoming issue.

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Previous Q & A's

Anchors Away
Unbeknownst to me, my son borrowed my anchor and anchor line for his boat. Although he did return the anchor to my boat, he forgot to secure it to the boat, which was fairly embarrassing when I took some friends out fishing and cast out the anchor. Now I need a new anchor. Two questions: How do I live down the endless ribbing, and what kind of anchor is best for a weedy, muddy bottom?
(See July/Aug. p12)

Care and Feeding of Your Septic System
I have to admit that the intricacies of a septic system are still a little new to me, having been a flush-and-forget suburbanite in my previous life. Now I understand that even the type of toilet paper used is crucial. Could you please enlighten me about this subject?
(See July/Aug. p11)

Slippery Dickory Dock
The wood on my stairs and dock is getting older and is very slippery when wet or dewy. Since I'm getting older, too, and don't want to slip, is there a solution? The stairs and dock are still solid and don't warrant replacing yet.
(See July/Aug. p12)

The Bear Facts
A beautiful bearskin rug came with our cabin when we purchased it a number
of years ago. Do I need to clean it or how do I take care of it?
(See Sept/Oct. p12)

To Have or Not to Have . . . Flood Insurance
My cabin is not on a lake, but on low-lying land near a beautiful marsh and small creek. In the spring when the snow melts, or after really heavy rains, I am always worried about flooding, although the water has never even come close. How do I find out if I'm in a flood plain, or should I have flood insurance anyway?
(See May/June, p13)

Purple Loosestrife: Friend or Faux
Tall, beautiful, spiked purple flowers have been multiplying along my waterfront. I was quite proud of them until an old friend stopped by to visit and told me that my beloved purple flowers were actually purple loosestrife, which is apparently an invasive species! They have been happily growing there for several years. What do I do? Do I pull them up or leave them be?
(See May/June, p14)