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After months of wintry weather and gray days, the thought of getting outside and feeling the sun on my back and a warm breeze in my hair sounds wonderful. And, well, if getting outdoors means spending a few hours shopping for antiques and collectibles, so much the better.

If you've always thought that a cupola was just a quaint architectural detail, you may be surprised to learn that there's more to this simple structure than meets the eye. Originally designed to provide ventilation, a functional cupola allows hot air to escape from the attic, lowering inside temperatures (not to mention cooling costs) all summer long. This do-it-yourself version makes a great project for those who just want the look of a cupola, as well as those willing to do a little extra work to vent the attic. Remember that it's a good idea, however, to consult with a professional before cutting a hole in the roof.

Dear Collector, Enclosed is a picture of a 4 ½-inch Paul McCartney doll. Can you please give me an idea of its present value?

Q. I know you've talked about this many times, but painting season is upon us, and I want your take on surface preparation. I know you always say that preparing the surface will make any paint job hold up longer. A. Coincidentally, Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm & Haas Paint Quality Institute has been talking to me about this very topic, so I'm ready to tackle your question with expert accuracy. In addition, now that the exterior of my house is completely painted with two coats on everything, I can live vicariously through you.

The first harbinger of spring in Spokane is not daffodils blooming or kids practicing baseball in the park. It's the first dog brought into the clinic with a tick. That's when we know spring has arrived. Fleas are more active this time of year too, although, once established in a house, fleas can even cause problems in the dead of winter.

Our two 5-year-old rhubarb plants are up about 4 to 5 inches just like usual this time of year, but in years past, this is all they do.

Robert and Deborah Osborn spent two years caring for his bedridden mother after her stroke. When she died a year ago, the couple knew it was time for change. "I'd lived there all my life," Robert says of Indianapolis. "My mom was the last of my family. After we lost her, I got the idea of a fresh start."

Though I appreciate a vacuumed carpet, sparkling windows and bathtub caulking that doesn't grow its own food, I must admit I have never done much about these things but stand in the back row and applaud a job well done. When I was married, I pretty much took care of the yard and garden, and my wife maintained the house. Oh, occasionally, she'd sneak out to prune an apple tree or plant a petunia, but I was never tempted to sneak in to scrub the toilets or change the sheets on the bed. Once, I attempted to help her with what she called "spring housekeeping" but there didn't seem to be much future in it for me, and tired of listening to my complaining she sent me outside again.

Here are some of the newest trends in tile: •Metal: Metal leaf in gold, silver and copper, etched into stone and under glass, gives tiles depth and dimension and is "one of the most evolving tile trends coinciding with the luxury tile market," said Nancy Epstein. Her company, Artistic Tile, introduced a new 12-inch gold-stone tile in various patterns at the recent Coverings trade show in Chicago. They haven't yet priced it, but consumers may call (212) 727-9331 for more information. Other Artistic Tile products begin at $5 per square foot and go up to $125 per square foot.

April has been proclaimed Urban Forest Month in Spokane to celebrate the importance of trees to our communities. Like the roads, bridges, sidewalks, power and communication wires and other gray infrastructure we rely on to keep our communities going, our green infrastructure keeps our communities healthy, livable and ultimately lower taxes for everyone.

I need some ideas on fences that would keep deer out of my vegetable garden this year. I lost several crops to them last year. It would need to be wide enough for a four-wheel tractor. What about height and length between posts? Warren McKinley, Spangle

Gene Lucia wanted to plant a garden and get out of the jungle. Lucia and his wife, Barbara, moved to Spokane last year after living more than 30 years in southern Florida. The East Coast natives decided against moving back home after several visits left them discouraged by the overcrowding and the incivility.

Years ago I bought a collection of dwarf conifers to add visual texture and year-around color to the landscape at my house. Included in the group was something that is seldom seen in Spokane, but is proving to be a fine addition to the garden as it begins to gain some size.