Reader Cassy writes to us with this question:

My husband would like to build a deck (low to ground) that will hold a hot tub. He wants to put a pergola over the hot tub. I have never seen one and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to build one, pictures, or good places to shop for one???

Cassy, thanks for writing! A quick online search found a few sites that might help you out. Lowes has an online how-to on building a pergola — you’ll probably notice that the skill level is listed as “advanced.” Does that describe you? Popular Mechanics also has a pergola DIY — and not only does this one have 3D animation, it calls the project “simple”! And here’s another good article at Reader’s Digest.

We like the look of a pergola, too. Readers — have you built one? Any advice for Cassy?

I like even minor items like tissue boxes to have a little personality, so it’s no wonder I came home with two boxes of these very friendly tissues from Trader Joe’s. They’re decorated with some old-timey artwork, but it’s what the tissue is “saying” to me that I like. “I’m there when you need to pick up icky things,” it says. “I’m there when you run out of toilet paper.” It even offers a kindly reminder to check my pockets before tossing my pants in the laundry. Where the tissues fall short are, sadly, softness. Simply put, they aren’t! (They’re like the Clint Eastwood of facial tissues.) But for 99 cents a box, I guess I won’t complain. –Mary T.