Su imner
pleasures

TREEHOUSE page 18

A basket tied with a long cord
to one sill allows her to hoist up
the snacks and supplies she
needs, and a walkie-talkie keeps
her in touch with her parents or
playmates in other parts of the
yard. The view takes in a vibrant
bougainvillea. The neighbors
raise exotic birds, which adds to
the junglelike seclusion of
Natasha's hideaway.
The family has agreed on just
a few basic rules: Neither
Natasha nor her guests can sit
in the windowsills, throw any-
thing down or use matches or
fire.
Paul said he wanted his
daughter's treehouse to be "a
place where you don't have to be
told you can't do this or you can't
do that. Simple. Practical."

BUILDING YOUR OWN

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GAGS & CI
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PlOnCA 'A DILA la VAALAII

WALK THE PLANK!

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From the tradition of Northern
Michigan, the original E.G. Nick's
now offers PLANKED WHITEFISH
It's cooked and served on a special
plank that holds all the delicious
whitefish flavor.

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• Helium Tank Rentals From $19.99
• Balloons ... Latex and Mylar
• Hilarious Greeting Cards
• Over-The-Hill Party / Gag Gifts
• Bachelor/Ette Party Gifts
• Jokes / Gags / Candy
• Cool Ties, T-Shirts and more!!

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Give Us A Ring-A-Ling On The
Ding-A-Ling For Easy Balloon Pick Up!!

1

■11 .. Rom Ism =IP

H ANY HELIUM TANK.HfNTAVI
PURCHASE OF

OF: ALLOO
woopGtt pi rot'•

PLANKEIWHITEFISH!

West Bloomfield

E.G. NICK'S

pasta • ribs • plankfish

6066 West Maple at Farmington Road (810) 851-0805

20 • stnvn ►

ER

1996 • STYLE

7 -0330

Knollwood Plaza
7414 Haggerty Rd.
(at 14 Mile Rd.)

Livonia

261.5740

Royal Oak

288-4440

17134 Farmington Rd. Northwood Shopping Ctr.
(at 6 Mile Rd.)
3339 N. Woodward Ave.
(at 13 Mile Rd.)

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-9, Sun. 12-5

••••"'

Waterford

681-2223

Highlander Square
4189 Highland Rd.
(E. of Pontiac Lk. Rd.)

PP:711

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Are you inspired to build a
treehouse for your kids?
Prior to construction contact
your city's planning board for
any needed permits.
But if you're looking for ideas,
here are some suggestions:
• If you have neighbors whose
view will be affected by your
structure, check with them be-
fore you start building.
Also check your covenants,
conditions and restrictions or the
rules of your homeowners' asso-
ciation.
• Let the tree suggest the
style of house you will build.
• Make the structure propor-
tionate to the size of the child.
This means lowering ceilings so
the building isn't taller than it is
wide and placing windows low
enough so the child can see out.
• Keep the structure rustic
and simple, but use good mate-
rials so rain won't cause it to
warp and bow.
• Prime and paint the exteri-
or to protect it from the elements,
or use redwood that will weath-
er nicely.
• Use galvanized nails that
won't rust.
• Keep corners rounded
whenever possible and sand
wood to guard against splinters.
• If you want windows, make
them of nonbreakable Plexiglas.
• Make decisions based on
safety.
• Check your homeowner's
insurance policy for liability cov-
erage. ED
Glenda Winders is a writer for
Copley News Service.