When it's as hot as the devil's toenails outside, the thrill of the garden is somewhat diminished. Which doesn't mean that I'm not thinking about the garden or about what I want to do to the garden, I'm just not "doing" it as rapidly as when temperatures were cooler. (Today)

Ten years ago, not many houses in Penn had vaulted and tray ceilings, a bedroom in the walkout basement and a large deck and patio. But Fred and Mariann Randolph chose a blueprint with those features for their new house in Saunders Farm Estates. (Today)

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services will host a model home tour at the Sarver's Mill development in Sarver from noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Guests will be able to tour five different model homes -- of every home style available. These include a townhome, cottage, bungalow and three-and four-bedroom two-story homes. (Today)

Q. My sunny front lawn has a big brown patch in it. At first, I thought it was just the hot, dry weather, but I discovered these insects scurrying around in the dead grass. (Today)

Our old West Highland terrier Harry is getting more decrepit by the minute. We don't know his exact age, and there's a running dispute in our house over how old he is. (Today)