As I look out of the window, an icy wind blows oak leaves across the yard. The stove in the living room has been maintaining a temperature that keeps my family comfortable through this winter’s temperature swings. 【小题1】

Plants naturally lose water from leaves through a process called transpiration (蒸腾作用). As a result, the plant’s roots take up water from the soil to replace what was lost.【小题2】 The flow of warm air over the plant’s leaves causes it to transpire at a faster rate. This means plants should be moved so that they are not in the path of airflow from the stove. It also means the soil should be checked for dryness more often during winter months.

【小题3】 Plants are commonly used in entryways to welcome guests. However, a wintry chill of 50 degrees or less every time a door is opened can have an adverse effect on some of the more sensitive plants. Secondly, we generally locate our plants where they will receive the best amount of sunlight for their needs. However, as seasons change, so does the sun’s location. In fall/winter months, the sun moves southward to a lower position in the sky. 【小题4】You may need to move the plant so that the light it receives is suitable for its needs.

Since light levels are lower in winter and plant growth slows, houseplants typically have little need for fertilizer during winter months. 【小题5】 A general rule of thumb when using houseplant fertilizers is to apply the fertilizer at one-half the rate recommended on the label.

How to Be Happy: 3 Habits to Add to Your Routine

Happiness looks different for everyone. For you, maybe it's being at peace with who you are. Or having a secure network of friends who accept you unconditionally. Or the freedom to pursue your deepest dreams. 【小题1】A few adjustments to your regular habits can help you get there.

* Smile more often. You tend to smile when you're happy. 【小题2】 We smile because we're happy, and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier. That doesn't mean you have to go around with a fake smile on your face all the time. But the next time you find yourself feeling low, crack a smile and see what happens. Or try starting each morning by smiling at yourself in the mirror.

* 【小题3】You arrive for an appointment with 10 minutes to spare. What do you do with that time? Pick up your cell phone to scroll through social media? Worry about the busy week you have ahead of you? 【小题4】At the start of each month, make a short list of happy memories or things you're looking forward to on a small piece of paper or on your phone. When you find yourself waiting for a ride, standing in line at the grocery store, or just with a few minutes to kill, break out the list.

* Face stress head-on. Life is full of stress, and it's impossible to avoid all of them. There's no need to. It's said that stress isn't always harmful, and we can even change our attitudes about stress. Learn more about the upside of stress. For the stress you can't avoid, remind yourself that everyone has stress --- there's no reason to think it's all on you. 【小题5】 Instead of letting yourself get overwhelmed, try to face the stress head-on. This might mean starting an uncomfortable conversation or putting in some extra work, but the sooner you handle it, the sooner the pit in your stomach will start to shrink.