Tonight's the night: When you go to bed, turn your clock back an hour (fall backward) as we return to standard time. Now go the next step: Reprogram interior and exterior lighting timers to start earlier (it will be dark earlier starting Sunday afternoon). Do the same for automatic sprinkler systems so they don't come on at inconvenient hours.
Power to beat a blackout
It's never too early or too late to think about hurricane protection. For your emergency kit: the Blackout Buddy from Eton. Plug it into the wall and it's an AM/FM radio, clock and alarm. When the power goes out, its LED light and radio automatically turn on; the light lasts 12 to 16 hours, the radio 4 to 8. It's also a flashlight. The Buddy is 3 by 5 inches and comes in white or silver. Use it in the bedroom, or as a travel accessory, keep one in the garage, and when storms or power outages threaten, you're prepared. It's $29.95 and is available at www.etoncorp.com by calling toll-free 1-800-872-2228 or at RadioShack.
Remodeling made easier
House About It (Gibbs Smith, 304 pages, $24.95) is a reference work for those who are building or remodeling. Author Sherri Koones has researched hundreds of building components, from roofing to trim, doors to floor tile, and provides information, details, pros and cons, prices, Web sites and phone numbers. Turn to the List of Terms so you won't be baffled by such expressions as "built-up roofing" or "inverter" or "SEER." It's a handy encyclopedia you'll turn to again and again.
Eating spaces, vintage places
Dining rooms and kitchens of six homes on Morrison Avenue in Tampa's Old Hyde Park will be on view from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6. The homes were built between 1915 and 1925 and retain historic touches even though the kitchens have been modernized. Local restaurants and home-accessories stores will decorate the dining tables. Sponsor: Hyde Park Preservation. On tour day, tickets will be available for $20 cash or check only on Morrison Avenue at Rome and Newport avenues. Information: www.oldhydeparkfl.org
Clarification
Dimitrios Vakalopoulos can be reached at Finecraft Custom Furniture, 18331 U.S. 19, Hudson. Call (727) 869-9090. Contact information was incomplete in a story Oct. 23.
