Lawn Care:
Mowing, Fertilizing, and Trimming Your Grass
We just bought a house with a great lawn, but I want to be sure to take care of it so it looks nice in the neighborhood. At the beginning of each spring, I aerate the lawn so the water can better penetrate the soil. Then, I mow the lawn once a week to a good height, and I check the sprinkler system to make sure the grass is completely watered. Otherwise, we'll see dry brown spots in the lawn after a while. Next, I fertilize the lawn twice a year with a weed and feed mixture which helps green up the grass and kill broad leaf weeds like dandelions. I sometimes have to use an insecticide to kill bugs that are eating the roots of the grass. Finally, I trim the edges of the lawn along the fence and the sidewalk to make everything look really sharp and tidy.
Part II: Discussion
Do people have grass lawns in your hometown to beautify their yards? If not, what ground cover is used instead? How does the climate of a particular area affect how homes are landscaped?
Making Breakfast Meals
As a general rule, I prepare breakfast for my family using an old pancake recipe that my grandma taught me years ago. I mix together the ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In the meantime, I heat up a non-stick pan on medium heat on the stove. I pour some batter in the hot pan, cook it on one side until golden brown, and then cook the other side the same way. At the dining room table, the family often spreads butter on the pancakes and pours syrup on them. I also cook up some scrambled eggs and bacon to go with the pancakes, and throw some bread in the toaster. Finally, I mix up some cold orange juice to go with the entire meal.
Part II: Discussion
What kinds of things do you make for breakfast? Are there any foods you eat for breakfast that are specific to your country or hometown? If an international student from a different country ate breakfast at your house, what would you serve him or her?