PRIMETIME of your life FREE | VOLUME 5 • ISSUE NO. 3 | MARCH 2016 Interesting features for our 50+ audience
Betty Marie Baker On her own: the next great adventure By Lucinda Sue Crosby For PrimeTime of Your Life
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etty Marie Baker’s history reads like the quintessential tale of small town gal-madegood … except that she doesn’t seem small town in matters of style, attitude, sense of humor or character. Her gracious smile pumps warmth into her lovely blue eyes and her generous and helpful nature is obvious the moment you meet her.
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Betty Marie was born and raised in Tigard, Oregon. Currently the state’s 12th largest city, this picturesque spot was little more than a village when Betty was a girl. “There were only 18 students in my eighth grade class,” Betty said, “although when I finished high school, we were all the way up to 100 graduating seniors.” For most of her childhood and all her adult life, Betty’s BFF and partner-in-everything was her husband, Dick. They met when they were both seven years old and were together as friends, sweethearts and husband-and-wife for many decades until his death in 2009. As you might imagine, this sad but significant event has had a profound effect. “When you lose someone you’ve spent years and years with, it feels a little like you have lost a part of yourself. Still, it’s also a chance to grow and experience new things.”
Early on, they settled down in Tigard and started a family but Dick was always looking for another hill to climb, literally. When they relocated to Parrot Mountain, Oregon, their large home commanded 19 acres with picture windows framing a view that crossed two states, sweeping from Portland to Mount Hood. “It was incredible!” Betty said. “Amazing!” They invested in a garbage business, built up their clientele, sold their share with a nice profit and then bought a real spread in Antelope, Oregon, a hunting haven Dick had adored for years. Qui-
et and peaceful, the Baker Ranch consisted of 2100 acres of prime grazing where they ran 200 cows, four bulls and six horses. Both Betty and Dick also worked regular jobs off site and often had to wake up at 3 am to make sure all the ranch chores got done. Annual branding, which usually took place around Easter and lasted two full days, included the help of their children and grandchildren and huge meals at the end of a tough day. “It was a rugged life but I loved it,” Betty said. “We made a great team.” Continued on page 11
ALLERGY RELIEF WITH SPRING CLEANING – PAGE 8
ROASTED GARLIC TURKEY BURGER RECIPE – PAGE 14
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION PrimeTime of Your Life provides local editorial and advertising content for our active adults (50+). We strive to educate and inform through lifestyle features and human interest profiles. PrimeTime is distributed throughout the Coachella Valley.
Deb Geissler - Publisher
dgeissler@desertentertainer.com
Jose De La Cruz – Editor
news@desertentertainer.com
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jtelander@desertentertainer.com
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Lucinda Sue Crosby Feature Writer
(760) 776-5181 | 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L2 Palm Desert CA 92211 A Product of the Desert Mobile Home News. Titles registered and all contents copyright 2016 by Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All Rights reserved.
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Should Apple give the FBI access to iPhone software? Here’s some of what’s been reported
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he iPhone in question was used by San Bernardino shooter Rizwan Farook, who along with his wife went on a shooting rampage in December that killed 14 and wounded 22. The Justice Department wants Apple to help access encrypted information stored on Farook’s county-owned iPhone 5C by writing software that would disable its passcode protections to allow an infinite number of guesses without erasing the data on the device. Apple has said the request amounts to asking a company to hack its own device and
would undermine digital security more broadly. Apple chief Tim Cook said that complying with a court order to help the FBI break into an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters would be “bad for America,” and set a legal precedent that would offend many Americans. “Some things are hard, and some things are right, and some things are both - this is one of those things,” Cook told ABC News in his first interview since the court order came down. He added that the government was asking for “the software equivalent of cancer.”
Later asked whether Apple would be prepared to fight this case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, Cook said, “We would be prepared to take this issue all the way.” Some major tech companies have solidly sided with Apple while others have issued more muted statements on the importance of digital security. Verizon Communications Inc Chief Executive Lowell McAdam told Reuters Wednesday his company supports “the availability of strong encryption with no backdoors.”
Feel free to send us your thoughts on this subject by emailing news@desertentertainer.com.
MARCH 2016
33570 Walton Circle, Corner LOT, Nice Location
$40,000
33497 Acapulco Tr., 2/2, F/TK, Golf Course #3
$99,900
73039 Banff St., 2/2, Wood Laminate Floor, Priced to Sell!
$44,000
32491 Westchester Dr., 1997 Model, Sheetrock, Updated
$99,900
73390 Broadmoor Dr., Updated, NEW Kitchen/Baths, Windows
$56,000
32850 Guadalajara, 1979, 2/2, Desert View
$103,500
32141 Saucon Valley, 2/1, Neat + Clean, F/TK, Outside Deck
$63,500
73326 Broadmoor Dr., 2/2, Golf Course
$106,000
32121 Saucon Valley, 2/2, New Windows, 433A-For LOAN
$65,000
33001 Guadalajara Dr., 2/2 + Den, Golf Course, Enclosed Patio
$109,900
33249 Laura Dr., 2/2 + Den, F/TK, Close to C.H.
$66,000
73659 Algonquin Place, 2/2, Golf Course, Owner Will Carry
$117,500
73250 Broadmoor Dr., 2/2, Updated, Large Corner Lot
$67,500
32704 Tucson Place, 2/2, Corner Lot, F/TK, Updated
$118,900
32180 Westchester Dr., 2/2, Furnished, Great Deck, Garage
$69,900
33321 Tubac Trail, 2/2 + Den, Golf Course, Triple-wide, F/TK
$129,500
33120 Laura Dr., 2/2, Furnished, Sheetrock, 2-Car Garage
$69,900
73266 Broadmoor Dr., Tranquil Surroundings and View
$132,500
33611 Acapulco Trail, 2/2 + Den, NEW Furnace + A/C
$72,900
73266 Broadmoor Dr., Outstanding Deck, Views, 2/2, 1368 sq.ft.
$132,500
32725 Westchester Dr., 2/2, Updated, Furnished Turnkey
$75,000
73371 Broadmoor Dr., 2/2, Updated, Golf Course, Garage
$134,900
32790 Flagstaff Ave., 2/2 + Den, NEW Flooring + NEW A/C
$79,500
33490 Laura Dr., 2/2, Gorgeous Inside, Golf Course, F/TK
$134,900
32160 Westchester Dr., 2/1.5, Updated, F/TK, Backyard Deck
$79,900
33150 Laredo Cir., 2/2, detached garage, Golf Course, 433A
$135,000
73401 Colonial Dr., 2/2, Furnished, Open F.P., Large Patio
$84,900
32680 San Miguelito Dr., 2/2, Approx. 1600 SF, G.C., Updated
$136,900
73597 Algonquin Place, 2/2 + den, Golf Course, New Windows
$89,000
73380 Colonial Dr., 3/2, 2002 Model, Sheetrock, F/TK
$154,000
73570 Algonquin Pl., 2/2, Open Floorplan, 1344 sq. ft.
$89,000
32820 Barcelona Dr., 2/2 + den, Golf Course, Garage
$154,500
73281 Puebla Dr., 2/2 + Den, Updated, Owner May Carry
$92,500
33580 Les Rd., 3/2, Garage, Beatifully Done
$169,900
33483 Barcelona Dr., 2/2/ Triple-wide, Furn/TK
$94,500
73851 White Sands Dr., VILLA 3/2/2 Pool/Spa, G.C. View, F/TK
$199,000
73556 Algonquin Pl., 2/2, Very Updated, F/TK
$97,000
73961 White Sands Dr., VILLA 3/2/2, G.C. View, Updated
$219,900
33190 Acapulco Trail, 2/2, Desert View
$97,500
33859 Palm Lake Circle, VILLA, 3-2-2 Outstanding #4 Views!
$249,900
33641 Les Rd., 1991 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Outside Living
$98,700
PALM DESERT CONDO: 75215 Via Manzano, 3/2 , 1184 Sq. Ft.
$209,900
33141 Deane Circle, 2/2, Oversized Lot, 1512 sq. ft.
$98,900
BERMUDA DUNES: 78328 Desert Mountain Circle, 3/3, 2256 Sq. Ft.
$339,500
March 13: The Spinners, the greatest soul group of the ‘70s perform at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater at Rancho Mirage Community Park at 5 p.m. 71-560 San Jacinto Srive, Rancho Mirage. www.ranchomirageca.gov.
March 3 - 6: La Quinta Art Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Showcases the finest in contemporary artworks presented by 220 of the nation’s premier artists arriving from 35 states exhibit original works. La Quinta Civic Center Park, 78-150 Calle Tampico, La Quinta. (760) 564-1244 www.lqaf.com. March 7 - 20: BNP Paribas Open. The largest WTA and ATP World Tour combined two-week event in the world, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Featuring 10 former BNP Paribas Open and 14 Grand Singles Champions. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Ave., Indian Wells. www. bnpparibasopen.com.
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March 19: Eli Young Band. Country music sensation. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Pl., Coachella. For tickets visit www.spotlight29.com or call (800) 585-3737. March 19-20: Desert Art Festival, featuring 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring 100 artists presenting their original work in all mediums. Artists will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. Frances Stevens Park, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. www. westcoastartists.com. March 24: The Desert Symphony in concert with the Classical Mystery Tour. What would the Beatles have sounded like if they had a chance to perform live in concert with a symphony orchestra? McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred War-
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ing Drive, Palm Deert. (760) 3402787, www.mccallumtheatre.com. March 26: Disney on Broadway, the songs and dances of Diney’s broadway blockbusters with special guest broadway stars. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater at Rancho Mirage Community Park at 5 p.m. 71-560 San Jacinto Srive, Rancho Mirage. www.ranchomirageca.gov. March 25 - April 3: Sugar (Some Like It Hot). Two musicians who witness the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929 disguise themselves as
women who play in an all-girl band to avoid gangsters. One falls for the band’s sexy lead singer, while the other is pursued by an eccentric millionaire. Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 323-5123, www. palmcanyontheatre.com. March 28 - April 3: ANA Inspiration. Formerly the Kraft Nabisco, the first major of the LPGA season. Held at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, home of the event since 1972. www.anainspiration.com.
SCAM ALERT! Scammers Fool Craigslist Sellers with PayPal Con
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f you sell items online, watch out for this con. Scammers are fooling sellers with fake emails that appear to be payment confirmation messages from PayPal.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS You post a big-ticket item (vehicle, computer, furniture) for sale on Craigslist, eBay or another online sales site. An interested buyer contacts you and says that he or she wants to buy the item right away and arranges to meet for the exchange. When you arrive, however, the buyer doesn’t have cash. Instead, they claim to have sent the money through PayPal. You check your email and, sure enough, you have what appears to be a message from PayPal confirming the transfer. The scammer may even claim that the transfer is “invisible,” and that’s why you can’t see it in your PayPal account. Of course, there is no such thing as an “invisible” transfer. The scammer didn’t send any money, and is just trying to take your item without paying. Some versions of this scam also have an overpayment twist. In these, the scammer “accidentally” overpays you for the item. For example, he or she “sends” you $2,000 payment for the item you are selling for $200. Then, he or she requests that you wire back the difference. By the time you figure out the PayPal transfer was a fake, the scammer is long gone.
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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SCAM Don’t accept checks or money orders: When selling to someone you don’t know, it is safer to accept cash or credit card payments. Do not accept overpayments: When selling on Craigslist, eBay or similar sites, don’t take payments for more than the sales price, no matter what convincing story the buyer tells you. Always confirm the buyer has paid before handing over the item. Don’t take the buyer’s word for it. Be wary of individuals claiming to be overseas. In many different types of scams, con artists claim to be living abroad to avoid in person contact. Consider this a red flag. Meet sellers/potential buyers in person and in a safe place: Meet in a public area and never invite buyers/sellers into your home. Ask your local police department if they have a “safe lot” program. Even if they don’t, suggesting the parking lot or lobby of a police station as a meeting place might be enough to scare off a scammer. To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper (bbb.org/scam). To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker).
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Americans spend $1.9 billion on Easter candy. That’s the second biggest candy holiday after Halloween. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian religion. Eggs have been seen as ancient symbol of fertility, while springtime is considered to bring new life and rebirth. 70 percent of Easter candy purchased is chocolate. The art of painting eggs is called pysanka, which originated in Ukraine. It involves using wax and dyes to color the egg. 76 percent of Americans think the ears of a chocolate bunny should be the first to be eaten. The first story of a rabbit (later named the “Easter Bunny”) hiding eggs in a garden was published in 1680. Easter takes place on a Sunday, after the 40-day period called Lent. Lent is referred to as a time of fasting, but participants focus more on giving up one significant indulgence. Holy Week is the celebrated during the week leading up to Easter. Begins on Palm Sunday, continues on to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and then, Easter Sunday.
The White House hosts an Easter Egg Roll on the front lawn each year. The tradition was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. The tallest chocolate Easter egg ever was made in Italy in 2011. At 10.39 metres in height and 7,200 kg in weight, it was taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant! The white lily, the symbol of the resurrection, is the special Easter flower. Americans consume more than 16 million jelly beans during this holiday. That is enough jelly beans to circle the globe not once, not twice, but three times. Americans buy more than 700 million marshmallow peeps during the Easter holiday, which makes Peeps the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy. There used to be a tradition churches observed that resembled the game of “hot potato.” Here, the priest would toss a hard boiled egg to one of the choir boys. The boys would toss the egg amongst themselves and when the clock struck 12, whomever had the egg was the winner and got to keep the egg.
CROSSWORD
7 STEPS
to allergy relief with spring cleaning
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onging for allergy relief? To stop the endless cycle of sniffles, sneezes and wheezes, it’s time to ready your vacuum and rubber gloves. Spring cleaning helps eliminate allergens so you can relax, breathe easy and enjoy the season. “People who suffer from allergies may not realize there’s a direct connection between cleaning your home and reducing allergy symptoms,” says allergist Bryan Martin, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). ACAAI recommends seven spring cleaning steps to remove allergens in the home and avoid accidentally letting more in.
“SPOONERISMS” Across 1 Printing flourish 6 Haven 11 Links org. 14 Babies’ wombs 15 Little nothing 16 Battering device 17 Rattle a minaret? 19 CBS symbol 20 ___ polloi 21 Mil. officers 22 “Ghosts” dramatist 24 Tel Aviv’s land 27 Burden 28 Red faced magpie? 34 Ty and Lee J. 37 Seating sections 38 Lyrical lines 39 Kind of skirt 40 Singer Abdul 41 Inept 42 Hosp. area 43 “Beats me!” 44 French apple 45 Gnawing on portals? 48 Not straight 49 English writer Edward Bulwer-___
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53 55 58 59 60
Gandhi’s father Uris’s “___ 18” Cry’s partner Memorable time Malicious starring role? 64 Painter’s medium 65 Sticks 66 Had a longing 67 Born in France 68 A black key 69 Steamed
Down 1 Kind of bar 2 Community spirit 3 Show again 4 Bug 5 Giant syllable 6 Chemist Hahn 7 M.P.’s quarry 8 Stitches 9 Eur. land 10 Mattress parts 11 Briefing spot 12 Marvin of Motown 13 “I’ll second that” 18 Legal rights org. 23 Tampa Bay NFLer 25 Swedish singers
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26 Golfer Ernie 27 High rating 29 Loose talk? 30 Keep after 31 White house? 32 NBA star Lamar 33 No longer are 34 Smart 35 “That hurts!” 36 Large sea mammal 40 Pint-sized 41 Put up 43 Reveal 44 Meddle 46 Combat 47 “Frozen” snowman 50 Material object 51 External 52 Disadvantaged 53 Kind of sign 54 HOMES body 55 Handle roughly 56 Suggestion 57 Found’s partner 61 Santa’s helper 62 Health resort 63 Wrestling win
ANSWERS ON PAGE 10
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Step 1: Start in the bedroom where you spend eight to 10 hours a day. Dust mites can flourish during cold, dreary months, so wash your sheets and comforter regularly. Most mites die by drowning, but if you want to use hot water (which will kill slightly more mites) don’t use water that’s over 120 F because it can scald. Remember to also wash decorative pillows. Finish by adding allergy-proof casings to the mattress, box spring and pillows. Keep pets out of the bedroom as their dander can cause symptoms to flare. Step 2: Window treatments are a magnet for dust and allergens. Pull them down and dry clean, or vacuum each thoroughly. Don’t forget to vacuum blinds and windowsills. Tempted to open the windows to let the spring breeze in? Don’t. Unwanted pollen can enter your home and spread everywhere. Step 3: Suit up to win the war on dust by wearing protective gloves and a face mask so you don’t breathe in microscopic mold spores. Next, ditch cotton cloths and feather dusters that kick up allergens, and instead use microfiber cleaning cloths which trap and remove trig-
gers. Wipe down all surfaces including picture frames, knickknacks, plant saucers and ceiling fans. Step 4: Move all furniture, and vacuum the dust and dander that collects underneath. Use a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Additionally, clean vents. Consider shampooing carpets to remove embedded allergens. Step 5: In bathrooms, basements and tiled spaces, scrub any visible mold and mildew from surfaces with bleach, or borax mixed with water, then dry completely. The key to reducing mold is moisture control, so use bathroom fans and clean any standing water immediately. Step 6: Keep the air that circulates through your home’s ventilation system clean by using filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. Change the filter at the change of every season, or every three months. Step 7: Check your home’s exterior for any concerns that may have emerged due to cold weather. Chipped paint, roof damage or cracked siding can lead to mold problems. Make repairs as necessary. These seven spring cleaning steps may take a few weekends to complete, but they’ll help reduce allergens all season long. For more information, or to find an allergist in your area, visit www.allergyandasthmarelief.org.
March 1, 1932
The 20-month-old son of aviation pioneer Charles A. Lindbergh was kidnapped from his home in Hopewell, New Jersey.
March 1, 1961
President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps, an organization sending young American volunteers to developing countries to assist with health care, education and other basic human needs.
March 3, 1913
A women’s suffrage march in Washington D.C. was attacked by angry onlookers while police stood by. The march occurred the day before Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration.
March 4, 1933
Newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt took office and delivered his first inaugural address attempting to restore public confidence during the Great Depression, stating, “Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself...” His cabinet appointments included the first woman to a Cabinet post, Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins.
March 5, 1933
Amid a steadily worsening economic situation, newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed a four-day “Bank Holiday” to stop panic withdrawals by the public and the possible collapse of the American banking system.
March 6, 1836
Fort Alamo fell to Mexican troops led by General Santa Anna.
History This Month in
March 9, 1864
Ulysses S. Grant was commissioned as a Lieutenant General and became commander of the Union armies.
resulting in 11 million gallons of oil leaking into the natural habitat over a stretch of 45 miles.
March 10, 1880
The Salvation Army was founded in the United States.
March 12, 1994
The Church of England ordained 32 women as its first female priests.
March 13, 1943
A plot to kill Hitler by German army officers failed as a bomb planted aboard his plane failed to explode due to a faulty detonator.
March 16, 1968
New York Senator Robert Kennedy announced his intention to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.
March 17th
Celebrated as Saint Patrick’s Day commemorating the patron saint of Ireland.
March 19, 2003
The United States launched an attack against Iraq to topple dictator Saddam Hussein from power.
March 24, 1934
March 20, 1995
A nerve gas attack occurred on the Tokyo subway system during rush hour resulting in 12 persons killed and 5,000 injured. Japanese authorities later arrest the leader and members of a Japanese religious cult suspected in the attack.
March 22, 1972
The Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by the U.S. Senate and then sent to the states for ratification. The ERA, as it became known, prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender, stating, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex,”
March 24, 1989
One of the largest oil spills in U.S. history occurred as the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound off Alaska,
CROSSWORD ANSWER
The Philippine Islands in the South Pacific were granted independence by President Franklin D. Roosevelt after nearly 50 years of American control.
March 26, 1992
Soviet Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev returned to a new country (Russia) after spending 313 days on board the Mir Space Station. During his stay in space, the Soviet Union (USSR) collapsed and became the Commonwealth of Independent States.
March 27, 1977
The worst accident in the history of civil aviation occurred as two Boeing 747 jets collided on the ground in the Canary Islands, resulting in 570 deaths.
March 30, 1981
Newly elected President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest while walking toward his limousine in Washington, D.C., following a speech inside a hotel.
March 31, 1933
The Civilian Conservation Corps, the CCC, was founded. Unemployed men and youths were organized into quasi-military formations and worked outdoors in national parks and forests.
March 31, 1968
President Lyndon Johnson made a surprise announcement that he would not seek re-election as a result of the Vietnam conflict.
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Continued from page 1 Antelope was also where Betty met the most eccentric neighbors she ever encountered – the Bahgwan Shree Rajneesh and his communal followers. In the early 80s, group paid cash for and moved onto the Big Muddy Ranch just up the road from the Bakers. Secretive, security obsessed, and dressed in bold sun-
The Filler Files A Retirement Home for College Kids Not so old college students have found a home, a retirement home, at Cleveland’s Judson Manor. The students from the Cleveland Institute of Music get free housing in exchange for free performances. The twentysomething year old students also get a life-lesson from the seventy-something year old retiree residents, according to NBC Correspondent John Yang. “The residents have developed such an affinity for the students they even consider them as part of
set hues, Rajneesh and his disciples were unlike anything ever seen in those parts. Betty told me they were mischievous and intent on running the town and that the Rajneesh was hooked on Rolls Royce automobiles painted in vivid colors and figures, hoping eventually to drive a different one every day of the year. “He’d go for a spin at least once a day to their family, referring to them as grandchildren.”
show off,” she told me with a laugh. Within a couple of years, the Bahgwan scarpered back to India in the middle of the night and his movement disappeared into the ether from whence it had come. “The rumor mill included a stockpile of guns, a crematorium and look-out towers on all the dirt roads that accessed their property,” Betty said. “I still don’t know what made him take off like that. What a character!”
For Cat Lovers A nine-month old Norwegian Forest Cat named Clive went missing in the town of Toton, England for some 14 months. They found him recently holed up in a pet food warehouse none the worse for wear, although Clive’s owner noticed that he did look kind of “porky,” says the Association of Mature American Citizens.
In later years, Betty and Dick bought and rehabilitated rentals on the Oregon Coast but moved back to Central Oregon to be nearer to family. “Then we visited friends in Apache Junction, Arizona one winter and enjoyed getting out of the rain and snow. But I found Arizona a little too cowboy and the next season we visited a different set of friends in Desert Center which is just down Highway 10 from the Coachella Valley.”
The Association of Mature American Citizens [www.amac.us] provides the Filler Files as a service on issues of concern to Americans over 50.
They bought a vacation home there in 2009 but Dick passed away before they could really enjoy it … and Betty found herself entirely alone
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for the first time since they’d met. Now what? It took her a while to figure out the next steps in her life and she started by remodeling the house from stem to stern. When she discovered it still harbored too many memories, she began visiting Palm Desert. “I liked this area right away,” she said. “The people are friendly; the mountains are gorgeous. There are good restaurants in every price range. I started investigating thrift stores and found I could happily window shop for hours.” These days, she reads and gardens and keeps company with two very different men: when I asked for details she grinned and said “They’re just close friends.” Hmmm. She loves to day-trip and is always available to help neighbors out in a pinch, especially for puppy sitting. And her lemon bars are fantastic! With children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, not to mention her gentlemen callers, her life is rich and full. “I feel I’m a very lucky woman and I say ‘Let the adventures continue!”
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? KNOW DID YOU J
iminy Cricket was initially drawn as a realistic cricket, but Disney wanted something more likable, so animator Ward Kimball cam up with what he described as a “little man with a egg head and no ears,” saying “the only thing that makes him a cricket is because we call him one.”
Ever dig into your purse trying to find your car keys, while simultaneously juggling groceries? These fabric keychains can be worn around your wrist for easy access.
Iron together. This will temporarily fuse the top and bottom materials together so they are easier to sew, and will make your key chain a little sturdier.
YOU WILL NEED: • 2 coordinating fabrics
Now sew along both edges of the key chain. Try to sew fairly close to the edge, about an 1/8 inch seam.
• 1 strip of fusible interfacing (Pellon 809 DecorBond) • 1 purse strap clip • 4 inches ribbon (7/8 inch width) • Matching thread First, cut the fabric so that you have a strip of each material that measures 2.75 (2 and 3/4) inches by 13 inches. Cut 1 strip of your fusible interfacing to measure .75 inches by 12 inches. Iron both strips of coordinating fabrics a 1/4 of an inch down both sides with the right-side of the fabric face down on your ironing board. Use a piece of card stock paper to fold the material over for a nice even hem line. When both fabrics have been ironed, fold the material in half length-wise and iron. Be careful to match the edges up nicely. Take your strip of fusible interfacing and place it evenly between the two coordinating fabrics. Make sure the folds of each ironed fabric are on opposite sides.
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Take the purse clip and slide it onto the key chain. Be sure that the clip is on top of the material you want to be on the outside of your key chain. Place the two raw edges so that one is overlapping the other one about 1/4 of an inch (or to the fusible interfacing). Sew these together using a zig-zag stitch several times back and forth so that it does not come apart. Take your strip of 4 inch ribbon and burn the edges with a lighter or a match to seal it so they do not unravel. Do this very carefully! Move the purse clip around the key chain until the seam is about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch above the clip. Take the ribbon and wrap it around the area where the two ends have been sewn together. Tuck both ends of the ribbon to the inside of the key chain. Pin in place and sew the top and bottom of the ribbon. Change thread color so it matched your ribbon, it will make it less noticeable. Remember to reinforce your seam. And there you have it…a cute and functional key chain.
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P
olar bears clean themselves by falling head-first into the snow and pushing themselves along with their back legs.
A
fter their only son died at the age of 15, Leland Stanford founded Stanford University and told his wife that “the children of California shall be our children.”
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he most isolated human being ever was Al Worden, command module pilot of Apollo 15, who in lunar orbit was at a maximum distance of 2,235 miles from his fellow astronauts on the surface. While on the other side of the Moon, no communication with Earth or comrades was possible.
.R.R. Tolkein served as a Lieutenant in World War I. He fought in The Battle of the Somme, and it has been suggested that the horrors of trench warfare shaped his later depictions of Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. here is am optical phenomena called green flash where sometimes the Sun appears to have a green spot above it immediately after sunset or right before sunrise.
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here is a battery powered bell at Oxford University that has been continuously ringing for over 175 years. No one knows what the batter is composed of and no one wants to take the device apart in order to figure it out.
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arner Bros. donates royalties made from their Tasmanian Devil character to help fight a facial tumor that is decimating the native species.
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sychologists discovered that people subconsciously take on attributes of their favorite fictional characters.
D
almatians used to run alongside horse drawn firetrucks acting as a barking siren to clear crowds, thus their positive reputations with firefighters.
ichael Jackson composed songs despite not playing any instruments. He would build each element of a track with his voice, so pitch perfect that studio musicians could match chords to his singing. here is a sculpture located on the grounds of the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, Virginia that contains four encrypted messages. Of the four messages, three have been solved, with the fourth remaining one of the most famous unsolved codes in the world. he Outer Space Treaty, signed by all major space faring nations, prohibits claiming territory in space or on celestial bodies. Space is considered “the shared heritage of mankind.”
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he reason that the U.S. Naval Academy has a goat for a mascot is because goats used to be common on ships as a source of dairy products. Goats were smaller and safer than cows at sea – plus they can swim!
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ego has no military related sets because the inventor’s policy was to not make war seem like child’s play.
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he first guest to enter Disneyland was college student Dave MacPherson. He didn’t ride a single attraction because he had to get back to school. He was awarded a life long ticket to Disneyland (with up to 3 guests). The ticket has since extended to include Disney parks around the world.
Habits for a Lifetime of Good Eye Health adults. Because the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts, it’s important to take precautions to shield your eyes from the sun. Wear UV protective eyewear, as well as a widebrimmed hat.
Quit smoking
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ost of us are familiar with the healthy habits necessary to promote a high quality of life – whether we put them into practice or not. What some may not realize is that many of these common-sense teachings not only prevent disease, they also keep vital organs, such as your eyes, in tip-top shape. “Your quality of life is closely linked to how well you see,” said Lisa Shin, an optometrist and VSP provider based in Los Alamos, New Mexico. “You can take steps now to take care of your eyes and preserve your vision well into old age.” Protect your eyesight and keep your eyes healthy for years to come with these tips:
Eat a healthy diet
Research shows that certain foods can boost eye health and ward off age-related eye changes, such as macular degeneration. To keep your eyes in the best shape, incorporat eye-boosting vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as lutein and zeaxanthin (found in broccoli, corn, squash, peppers, spinach and kale); vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes and broccoli); vitamin E (found in legumes, wheat germ, nuts and seeds); zinc (found in whole grains); and omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon).
Reduce time in the sun
It’s a no-brainer that smoking is bad for your heart and lungs, but did you realize that it can also damage your eyesight? “Smoking harms nearly every bodily organ, including the eyes,” Shin said. “Cigarette smokers are at greater risk of developing both macular degeneration and cataracts.”
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can also keep your eyes sharp. A study in the “British Journal of Ophthalmology” found that those who led an active lifestyle were 70 percent less likely to develop macular degeneration. Participants in the study walked at least two miles a day, but even just 30 minutes of walking a day can go a long way toward keeping your entire body in good shape.
Get an annual eye exam
The eyes provide a surprising number of clues about your overall health. By simply peering into your eyes, your eye doctor can detect a broad array of health conditions – from hypertension to diabetes – that you might not even be aware you have. You only have one set of eyes, so it’s crucial to take the proper steps to care for them. By nourishing your body with the right foods, getting regular exercise and going in for regular eye exams, you can keep your vision sharp at any age. For more on the importance of eye health and for information on VSP Direct vision insurance, which costs as little as $17 per month, visit wwwVSPIndividualPlans.com.
Cataracts are the most common cause of age-related vision loss in
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hen roasted, a head of garlic is transformed into a buttery, sweet purée that you can stir into soups, dips, or meat mixtures. In this recipe it takes turkey burgers from the ordinary to the sublime.
• 1 to 2 sprigs fresh thyme, stemmed
Here’s how to roast it: Preheat the oven to 325F. Cut the top off a garlic head off so that the cloves are exposed. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the exposed cloves. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet. Roast 1 hour. Let cool 5 minutes. Remove the foil and squeeze the garlic head to release the roasted cloves. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
Roasted Garlic Turkey Burgers • 1 pound ground turkey (a mixture of white and dark meat) • Cloves from 1 head roasted garlic, mashed • 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce • 2 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce
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• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper • 1 egg, beaten (use half) • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 4 slices Cheddar cheese • 4 ciabatta buns
Directions 1. Place turkey in a medium bowl; add garlic, Worcestershire, tamari, thyme and crushed red pepper. Mix well. Add half the beaten egg, discarding the rest. Add breadcrumbs and combine well. Form into 4 patties. 2. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey patties and cook about 5 minutes per side, until thoroughly cooked. Place cheese on burgers while cooking the second side. Place each on a ciabatta bun. Garnish burgers with lettuce, tomato slices and your favorite condiments. Serves 4.
last six months of the tax year. In fact, the head of household filing status might be the one that causes the most headaches.
Common tax mistakes that could cost you
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ax season is in full swing, and according to the IRS, Americans often leave more than a billion dollars on the table in unclaimed refunds. With the average refund hovering at $2,800, ensure you get back your maximum refund and avoid these common mistakes this tax season. 1. Using an incorrect filing status When filing your taxes, you may be confused about whether your filing status is single, married filing joint-
ly, married filing separately, or head of household. Your filing status affects a few things: what kind of credits and deductions you might be eligible for, your tax bracket, and the value of your standard deduction. Filing status is a grey area for a lot of filers who are married and may fall into multiple categories. If you’re legally married and going through a divorce, you could potentially file as married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household. You can’t file as head of household if you and your spouse lived together at any point in the
Confused about which filing status applies to you? Consulting with an experienced professional tax preparer can help set you on the right course. They can help determine if you qualify for a filing status that is more to your advantage. 2. Taking the standard deduction instead of itemizing Only one in three taxpayers itemize their deductions, but millions may be missing out on the benefits. Often times, home ownership is a life change that helps taxpayers move from taking the standard deduction to itemizing. Itemizing your deduction allows taxpayers to deduct qualifying charitable donations, medical expenses, state income or sales tax, and employee business expenses, among others. Itemizing can save taxpayers hundreds of dollars. For example, if a single taxpayer pays $9,600 in
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mortgage interest, property taxes and charitable donations, that is $3,300 more than the standard deduction of $6,300. With a marginal tax rate of 25 percent, itemizing saves this taxpayer up to $825. 3. Forgetting to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax benefit for lower-income workers. The IRS estimates 20 percent of those eligible for the EITC fail to claim the credit on their taxes. In fact, many overlook the EITC because they may not earn enough money to have to file a return, but because the EITC is a refundable credit, those who do not owe taxes can still be eligible to receive this credit. Another mistake taxpayers make? Paying full price at the tax office! If you filed your taxes with someone other than H&R Block last year, H&R Block will do your taxes for half of what you paid last year. Make an appointment today before the offer runs out on March 31.
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