Also: Ann Richards memorial fans, wedding pumpkins and a do-it-yourself dog wash
Q: I want to go on the ghost tours in Austin that tour haunted houses around Halloween. Whom do I contact?
A: You are looking for Austin Ghost Tours, 853-9826 or hauntedtexas.com. Walking tours of the ghosts of the Capitol district or the Warehouse District are $15 per person. The Haunted Sixth Street tour? $20.
Q: There have been two people who have inspired me, and whom I have admired ? Mother Teresa and Gov. Ann Richards. I planned to attend the memorial service for Richards at the Erwin Center, but was unable to attend.
They handed out Governor Richards fans to people at the memorial. How can I get one?
? N.K.
A: Thousands of fans were printed but none remains.
The Ann Richards fan connection began during her 1982 campaign for state treasurer. They were remnants of a birthday party and distributed at a rally.
The fans at the funeral service featured a Richards vignette reflecting on seeing an elderly woman near a senior center: "That small woman is what the business of public service is all about. I imagine seeing what she sees . . . There are real people with real lives who are counting on us. And we will not ? we cannot ? disappoint them."
Q: I'm getting married at the end of October. It's not a Halloween theme, but I want two pumpkins at the entrance ? one with my name and the other, my sweetheart's. I'm trying to find a professional pumpkin carver. Can you help?
? J.B.
A: Pumpkin carving is an art but does not seem to attract for-hire professionals. Check with your florist to see if he can tackle the job.
Since you want something simple ? names ? you can probably tackle the job yourself. Pick up stencils at a craft shop such as Hobby Lobby, 13729 Research Blvd., and mark the pumpkins before carving. Or sign up for a class such as the pumpkin-carving contest at Michael's, 3201 Bee Cave Road, on Oct. 7. Work under the supervision of experienced carvers.
Preservation tips? Slow decay by spraying the finished pumpkins with hair spray or a clear acrylic ? inside and outside. Rub cut edges with petroleum jelly. Store inside in a cool spot. In lieu of a candle, place a small, 25-watt light bulb inside by poking a hole in the back for an electric cord. If mold appears, wipe with a mild bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach in 1/2 cup water).
Q: Is there a do-it-yourself dog wash facility, similar to a do-it-yourself carwash, in North Austin?
? J.Y.
A: Yes. Dirty Dog has two locations (2706 S. First St. and 3411 N. Lamar Blvd.) and provides equipment ? tub to towels. Prices begin at $12 for dogs weighing less than 30 pounds for self-service baths (no appointment).
How often should your dog be washed? Consult your veterinarian. Jacob Mireles, veterinarian at Brykerwood Veterinary Clinic, 1501 W. 35th St., says wash your dog as needed, but generally aim for twice a month with an oatmeal-based shampoo (unless a medical shampoo is necessary). Washing a dog too frequently strips the coat of oil, Mireles says. Oatmeal shampoos (such as Natural Oatmeal by Biogroom, $8.50) are sold at area pet stores such as Bark 'N Purr, 4604 Burnet Road.
Contact Jane Greig at P.O. Box 670, Austin 78767; (512) 445-3697; e-mail jgreig@statesman.com or fax (512) 445-3968. For more Jane Greig, visit www.statesman.com/life/greig.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
