> a new wrinkle - hadn't noticed but the menu options in OpenOffice are 
> now only visible if you pass the mouse cursor over them.
> 
> weird.
> 
> the laptop is an ASUS UX305F.
> 
> no such problems until Stretch. of course, I may have mangled the 
> update somehow.
> 
> tried a reboot also. this thing usually runs 24/7.
> 
> f.
> 
> 
> -- 
> Felmon Davis
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Felmon

I've experience that before. It's a theming problem.
Change your gtk settings on kcontrol until you find one that works and that 
you like. Install gtk theme to use.

For gtk2, I use qtcurve. You need to install both tde and kde versions.
For gtk3, I use default or adwaita.

For fonts I use tde fonts.

Good luck, let me know if this helps.

Kate