Revitalize
Educate
Nurture
Empower
Women
WINTER 2016
Seasonal Trend Report: Tips to Refresh Your
Wardrobe ILLUMINATED
A P.I. IRENE MYSTERY PT 11
TRACY WAINWRIGHT
3 Steps to Take Action in Your Life, Career or Business
The Coaching Spot Bianca Negrón How to Add a Unique Twist to Your Holiday Décor This Season
www.renewvamagazine.com
Contents 3 The Gift List for Loved Ones 4 The Coaching Spot - Bianca Negron 5 Self-Employed: Make More Happen with Your Resources
Winter 2016
6 Handy Holiday Hints 7 Simple Steps To Prep For A Turkey Dinner 8 Tips To Keep Your Family Healthy & Happy This Winter 8 Sudoku Puzzle 9 How To Add A Unique Twist To Your Holiday Décor This Season 10 The Coaching Spot - Bianca Negron 10 Sudoku Solution 11 Illuminated - A P.I. Irene Mystery Pt. 11
RENEW Magazine is a monthly publication designed for and targeted to women. RENEW is an acronym; Revitalize, Educate, Nurture, & Empower Women. RENEW Magazine provides readers with holistic, lifestyle editorial content benefiting women. Placement of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. RENEW Magazine is published by Orchard Business Group. Articles are the opinions of the writers and do not reflect the opinion of the publisher, advertisers, or their agencies. All copy is protected and cannot be reproduced without written permission from Orchard Business Group. Publisher further claims no responsibility for errors or omissions. Orchard Business Group Eneida Orchard - Publisher/Editor P.O. Box 593 • Lightfoot, VA 23090-0593 • 757-561-5219 info.renew.va@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/ renewmagazine.va • www.renewvamagazine.com Contributing Writers Bianca Negrón Castro • Tatrece Swann • Janice Underwood Tracy Wainwright • Brad Orchard
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Front Cover ID 35812307 © Vladimirnikulin | Dreamstime.com
(Family Features)
With all kinds of personalities on your gift list this holiday season, it can be a challenge to brainstorm multiple types of presents for multiple types of people. From thermal trackers and greeting cards to clothing subscriptions and smart thermostats, and everything in between, know that there’s something out there for everyone – even when you’re searching for that elusive gift for the person who has everything. As the holidays creep closer and closer, turn to some easy inspiration, like these gifts, to make sure everyone feels the joy of the season.
A Perfectly Painted Present
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
If you can’t make the family holiday party or want to put a smile on a loved one’s face, a greeting card makes for a heartwarming offering. Created by disabled artists who follow the motto “Self-Help, Not Charity,” the festive cards are available in sets of six for $9.95. Each card features a painting by a member of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, an international association that includes 800 disabled artists who support themselves by selling their work as cards, calendars, books, puzzles and other gifts. Find more card and gift options at mfpausa.com.
Hot Holiday Tech If you have someone on your holiday shopping list who loves the hottest new technology, look no further. The new LTO-Tracker thermal optic from Leupold will let them “see” heat signatures up to 600 yards away, viewing smooth, high-quality images in one of six different thermal filter modes. Great for outdoor observation, home security or just having fun, the tracker is designed, machined and assembled in the United States. Learn more at leupold.com.
Keep Control of Your Climate When you’re away at a holiday party, help save energy at home with the Nest Learning Thermostat, which is available at U.S. Cellular and learns the temperature you prefer. The thermostat programs itself in about one week and easily connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to control the temperature from your phone, tablet or laptop. It’s the perfect gift to ensure you stay warm during the holidays, all while saving energy when you’re out. For more information, visit uscellular.com.
A Gift for Him For the man in your life or for yourself, go for a gift that keeps giving like Innovative Menswear’s monthly subscription. Sign him up for the perfect tie, sock and underwear collection, and it’ll be like gifting him his own personal fashion coordinator. Each month, through Innovative Menswear’s monthly subscription service, he will receive a self-selected, fashion-forward ensemble that provides a way to stay current and look great. For more information or to sign up, visit INMensWear.com.
A Wheel of a Deal Create a quality memory for a young one in your life by giving a classic holiday gift – a bicycle. Every child deserves the joy of feeling the ground beneath his or her tires, whether it’s a bike for a young beginner or a growing rider. With countless sizes and styles, there’s sure to be a bicycle that’s a perfect match for the adventurer you’re looking to please.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
WINTER 2016 RENEW
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Bianca Negrón Certified Leadership, Life & Instructional Coach Certified Business Image Consultant & Personal Shopper Certified Mindsonar Professional
3 Steps to Take Action in Your Life, Career or Business “Things are bad, Girl.” This is the phrase I always hear from family members when I call them to say hello. During our call there is always much warmth, love, understanding. Then I hear the same old phrase: “Things are bad, Girl... nothing gets better!” This phrase reminds me of an illusion many of us share. The illusion of “Not enough” is developed by the Coach Kim George, she is the Founder and CEO of The Abundance Intelligence® and author of Coaching Into Greatness: 4 Steps to Success in Business and Life. (www.coachingintogreatness.com/aboutkim.html) The illusion of “Not is enough” can be applied to our life, career or business. This illusion is manifested in our lives when we start believing that our partner, marriage, family, health, or whatever we have accomplished in life is not enough. We believe there is always something more. In our career it occurs when we think our job, salary or effort is not enough. In our business it can be when any attempt whether sales, services or other accomplishments are not enough because we believe there is always “something” more to do. This illusion can also block our decision making. However, sometimes the illusion of “not is enough” may be the motivation you need to take action to improve your life, career and business. A common belief about this illusion is that we must have “something” in order to begin taking action. Therefore, the biggest fear becomes taking the first step. You need to identify and define what you want to achieve. What can you do? Stop complaining, start taking action! You have the ability to change your environment and create the necessary conditions for the success you deserve. Here are 3 simple steps to get you started: 1) Value Yourself: Create a list of your abilities and strengths, then evaluate and give yourself credit. They will support you in taking action on what you want to accomplish. 2) Be Self-Aware: Recognize what motivates you. This will help you understand and acknowledge how your emotions and way of thinking can help you achieve what you want. 3) Take Action: Stop procrastinating and take action. Start making those important decisions you have been avoiding for the success of your life, career or business. What will be your first step? When will you do it? Stop thinking about it, start doing something about it! “The worst evil that can happen is that man comes to think ill of himself”-Goethe
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Self-Employed ??
Make More Happen with Your Resources The ability to stretch a budget can help businesses or those who are self-employed weather lean times and flourish in good periods, and being efficient with time can mean surviving a busy season with your sanity intact. But these principles can be hard to uphold.
Serving Hampton Roads for 36 years!
To help, here are a few tips to assist freelancers, entrepreneurs and small business owners to make more happen with existing resources. Seek Out Resources Taking care of certain logistics is easier these days, as retailers like Staples offer resources for small businesses, such as their Small Business ©Gen Y Girl (StatePoint) Hub, where you can design and order business cards, print marketing flyers and posters, get invitations, announcements, calendars and brochures, many on the same day that you place the order. “When you are on a tight schedule, having one place where you can go that meets a bulk of your small business needs is extremely useful,” says Melanie Salinas a photographer and the blogger behind “Story of Five.” Salinas, who recently partnered with Staples as part of their #MakeMoreHappen campaign to help small business owners learn about resources to help them get things done, is a frequent user of both Staples’ online hub, as well as their in-store Copy & Print center. Keep Expenses Organized “Don’t mix business with pleasure. Easier said than done when you’re working from home, but it’s a must. Keep business expenses separate from family expenses,” says Salinas. It may seem like an extra step now, but you can avoid accounting headaches and help make tax time a breeze by staying organized. Good organization will also help ensure you don’t overlook expenses that could lower your taxes. Create a Workspace If you are looking to take your business to the next level, it’s important that you have a dedicated workspace where you can get stuff done. Look to programs like Staples Rewards to get cash back on purchases, special coupons and deals. “Even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom, creating a functional workspace will help you boost productivity,” says Kayla Buell, who runs “Gen Y Girl,” a Millennial career and lifestyle blog, who recommends sprucing up the area with supplies and décor that inspire and motivate you.
GET ORGANIZED & RECEIVE $ 100 FREE Accessories* For any room in the house! Inner Space Systems has over 36 years of experience in providing and installing quality products for your home. Visit our showroom or visit our website for a glimpse at what we can do for you! • Custom storage solutions: closets, pantries, home offices and more • Custom glass shower and tub enclosures
Use Time Wisely
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Marketing yourself or promoting your business can be tough, especially if your days are full working for existing customers and keeping your business going.
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“Promoting sounds like a lot of work when you’re bursting at the seams, but you have to communicate with people you want to hire you,” says Susan and William Brinson, who own a thriving photography business and blog at “House of Brinson.” “We use the weeks where we’re slow -- around the holidays for instance -- to work on promotions.”
• Garage Organizational Systems
More business ideas to save time and money can be found by visiting Staples.com and by following #MakeMoreHappen on social media. Give yourself a cushion -- both on your calendar and in your wallet. Smart approaches to running your business will boost your productivity and stretch your budget.
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ne of the most memorable moments at any holiday dinner is when a moist, delicious turkey is brought to the table. Everyone grabs their forks at the sight of a perfectly brown bird glistening with juicy flavor. Make sure your holiday meal is a special one by following these simple tips for making the perfect holiday dinner:
(Family Features) Planning the Meal Get your plans in writing, including your menu, how many people will attend, any special dietary needs of guests and what time you plan to serve the meal. Buy the turkey early, and look for a bird with a pop-up timer in the breast, which ensures proper cooking time. “http:// www.volkenterprises.com/” Learn more at volkenterprises.com. Thawing the Turkey Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds in weight. For example, a 20-pound bird takes four days to thaw. Thaw it faster by covering with cold water in the sink and changing the water every half hour per pound of turkey. Don’t unwrap a frozen turkey before thawing. Refrigerate the turkey as soon as it has thawed, or cook it immediately. Preparing the Bird Baste the turkey with extra-virgin olive oil, butter, margarine or wine. For an unstuffed turkey, place a stalk or two of celery, seasonings, a cut-up onion and a handful of parsley in the cavity to keep it moist. If you stuff the turkey, pack the neck and cavity loosely with stuffing prepared just before you plan to cook the bird. Heat oven to 325 F. Place turkey breast-sideup on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Lay a “tent” of foil loosely over the turkey to prevent over-browning. The turkey is done when the meat thermometer is 180 F and the stuffing is 165 F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for the red stem to go up on the pop-up timer, press a thumb and forefinger into the thick part of the drumstick to see if it feels soft or wiggle a drumstick to see if it moves easily. For easier carving, let the turkey stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. 6 RENEW WINTER 2016
Simple steps to prep for a delicious turkey dinner Preparing Homemade Rolls Purchase Frozen Rhodes Ready to Bake Rolls, which give you that original homemade taste with no preservatives. Coat baking pan and large sheet of plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray. Place frozen dough on the pan and cover with oiled plastic wrap so it won’t stick to the rolls as they rise. Let rolls rise for 4-5 hours, until they double in size. Carefully remove the plastic wrap. While you are carving your turkey, put rolls in the oven at 350 F and bake 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Brush tops with butter or olive oil, if desired. Dinner rolls can also be used to create side dishes or desserts, such as this Butterscotch Bubble Loaf.
(holiday dinner table with turkey and vegetables)
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Don’t Forget the Add-Ons Surprise your guests with something different from years prior, such as new recipes or add-ons. For example, if you serve salad add something new, such as olives, pearl onions, raisins, nuts or mandarin oranges. Mashed potatoes are expected. For a flavor kick, try adding mustard, garlic or other flavors when mashing. Add color to your favorite green vegetables by placing pimento or strips of steamed red bell on top. Try an unconventional take on stuffing, such as making stuffin’ muffins in muffin tins or serving stuffing inside an empty green bell pepper. Serving a Sweet Treat Watermelon is a source of antioxidants and vitamins, and has more lycopene than any other raw fruit or vegetable. You can also opt to serve a sweet treat with your turkey with this recipe for Watermelon Cranberry Sauce. Planning for Leftovers After two hours at room temperature, cooked food should be stored in the refrigerator. If possible, carve the entire turkey before the meal and store the extras as soon as everyone has a plate. There are many great recipes that feature leftover turkey, such as stir-fry with vegetables, wraps, tacos, burritos and, of course, good, old-fashioned turkey sandwiches. To help with planning and preparation, and for more delicious recipe ideas for your holiday gathering, visit culinary.net. To learn more about food promotion and view a photo gallery of classic celebrities, such as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Abbott and Costello, Dinah Shore and others, with turkey and other foods, visit adventuresinpr.com.
Butterscotch Bubble Loaf Recipe courtesy of rhodesbread.com Heat oven to 350˚ 24
Rhodes Yeast Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2
Watermelon Cranberry Sauce Recipe courtesy of watermelon.org Servings: 4
box non-instant butterscotch or vanilla pudding mix cup pecans, chopped cup brown sugar cup butter or margarine
4 1/2 1
1/2 Cut dinner rolls in half and dip in dry pudding mix. In sprayed Bundt pan, arrange rolls, alternating with pecans. Sprinkle any remaining pudding mix over top. Combine brown sugar and butter. In microwave, heat together about 1 1/2 minutes until butter is melted and syrup is formed. Pour syrup over rolls. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, or even with top of Bundt pan. Carefully remove wrap. Bake 30-35 minutes. Cover with foil for last 15 minutes of baking. Immediately after baking, loosen foil from sides of pan with knife and invert onto serving plate.
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cups fresh cranberries cup organic sugar teaspoon vanilla extract lemon juice (from 1 lemon) lemon zest (from 1 lemon) cup maple syrup cinnamon cups minced watermelon
In 3-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, heat cranberries, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest until simmering. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until cranberries are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add maple syrup and cinnamon to pan. Simmer another few minutes. Remove from heat to rest 10 minutes. Stir in watermelon and serve warm, or chill and serve cold. For Additional recipes Sponsored by Dawn Vermette, Tupperware, visit: www.renewvamagazine/recipes.html or scan code. WINTER 2016 RENEW
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Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy & Happy this Winter
W
ith colder weather comes an increase in weather-related illness and health issues. From activity levels to mood, diet and more, seasonal weather affects all areas of your life. But, don’t let the winter blues get you down -- follow these tips to help keep your family healthy and happy during the cold-weather months. “Winterize” Your Diet
(StatePoint)
©Olesia Bilkei - Fotolia.com
Some fresh fruits and veggies can be hard to find in winter. The Cleveland Clinic suggests turning to root vegetables like beets, carrots and turnips since they can withstand cold temperatures, making them easier to find. Also on their list of suggested foods are oatmeal, soup (without a lot of salt), sushi, broccoli and cauliflower -- all of which provide essential nutrients to support immunity and boost vitamin levels.
Also, be sure to work vitamin D into your system. It aids bone health and muscle strength, but during shorter, cloudy days of winter, you might not get the necessary amount you need. Harvard School of Public Health recommends daily 15-minute walks outside to get some sun, and eating vitamin D-rich foods such as dairy products, breakfast cereals and fish like salmon and tuna. You may also consider a supplement. Keep Moving Studies show that daily exercise and activity offer immune-boosting benefits. People who exercise 30 to 45 minutes a day experience a 40 to 50 percent reduction in the number of days they get sick, according to studies at Appalachian State University‚Äôs Human Performance Lab. Encourage the family to get active with step or fitness trackers. Daily or weekly step goals and challenges with siblings or spouses are fun ways to keep everyone moving. FitBit, Garmin and Jawbone all make trackers with corresponding mobile apps to help monitor goals. And, when cabin fever sets in, grab the kids and head outside. Cold weather activities nearby or on a trip away, such as sledding, skiing and snowboarding, can offer additional exercise outside the normal indoor routine. Always be Prepared When the weather gets cold, the risk of certain illnesses like cold and flu rise. What’s in your feel-better-fast kit when your family gets sick? Items that doctors recommend to have when a cold or the flu hits include: pain and fever relief (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), tissues, fluids (especially cool water), soup and tea, throat lozenges and a digital temperature monitor. Instead of waking young children to get accurate temperature readings with a digital thermometer, consider picking up TempTraq the next time you’re at Target, CVS or Walgreens. It’s a wearable, Bluetooth monitor that safely and continuously senses, records and transmits body temperature for 24 hours through its free TempTraq app. You can even receive fever alerts so you can eliminate poking or prodding kids in the middle of the night, providing peace of mind for you and much needed rest for them during sick days. For a happy and healthy winter, use these tips to inspire your family to eat right, get active and be prepared for colder weather. 8 RENEW WINTER 2016
W
e all love our holiday traditions, and that includes the way we deck the halls -- from special ornaments to favorite festive wreaths. However, you may be looking for ways to revamp the tried-and-true look, especially when entertaining friends and family.
How to Add a Unique Twist to Your Holiday Décor this Season
Here are some unique ideas for adding a twist to your usual holiday decorating routine. Mix and Match Add dynamism and vitality to your home by infusing older, vintage elements that you’ve had and enjoyed for years with more modern pieces that speak to you today.
(StatePoint)
You can also breathe new life into these items by using them differently this year -- for example, moving your favorite garland from the bannister to the mantel, or hanging a wreath on a wall instead of a door. Think Scent
When many people plan their holiday decorations, they start with visuals. Why not try mixing it up by focusing on fragrance first? Scent is closely associated with memory, so adding holiday fragrances to your home allows you to both build new memories for future seasons and reflect on happy times in the past. For inspiration, draw on the vibrant spirit and brisk weather that the holidays bring. Use candles to add a finishing touch to a holiday gathering. They also make for a great host or hostess gift. Check out the new holiday fragrance lineup from Yankee Candle, which offers both classic favorites, as well as new modern takes on traditional themes. Fragrances include “All is Bright,” a blend of citrus on warm musk, “Bubbly Pomegranate,” a mix of juicy berries, pomegranate and citrus, “Alpine Martini,” a tart concoction spiked with mountain berries and fresh snipped pine, and “Christmas Thyme,” a lemongrass and thyme scent that’s mingled with sandalwood and musk. For holiday inspiration, visit www.YankeeCandle.com. Get Cozy Incorporate wintry throw pillows, quilts and blankets into living areas. Fabrics like table runners and tapestries can also add warmth around the house. Crank up the fireplace. Be sure that all your efforts work to combat the brisk season with a touch of coziness. Beautiful Tablescapes When hosting guests, don’t just set the table, create an impressive and unforgettable tablescape. One sleek and modern way to do so is to add candles, tumblers, vases, ornamental table toppers, fresh greens and seasonal flowers. Tumbler candles, such as those from Yankee Candle, come in various sizes and designs, so you can stagger the heights for eye-catching appeal. Consider using their Pure Radiance candles that feature a crackling LumiWick, creating a soothing sound that evokes a fireside. This season, add fragrance, beauty, and brightness to your home with unique twists on traditional holiday themes.
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E
ach season brings with it new fun experiences, but also -- the opportunity to refresh your wardrobe. “This season, there are plenty of new colors, styles and patterns to try,” says Brittany Moeller, women’s buyer for Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse, a fashionforward shoe retailer that offers high fashion styles from top designer and name brands. Moeller is sharing some tips on how to wear the latest trends.
Seasonal Trend Report: Tips to Refresh Your Wardrobe
(StatePoint)
• Update Feminine Pieces with Edgy Accents: Lace blouses with bows, pleated skirts and touches of velvet are all popular pieces. They can be worn with blush and rose gold tones, as well as leather accents to add an edgy flair to an overall feminine look. For example, try this season’s on-trend Boho bell sleeve blouses with a leather jacket, leggings or over-the-knee boots. • Select Top Seasonal Colors and Patterns: The current palette features a variety of earth tones -- from olive to taupe -- as well as sultry romantic shades, including wine and cognac. Patchwork and plaids round out the top pattern trends to look for regarding both women’s fashion and menswear. Makeup, accessories and footwear are all ways to incorporate these colors into a your wardrobe. • Add Key Accessories: Gold jewelry, including thicker bib necklaces and gold chains, continue to remain on-trend. Handbags featuring longer straps and a fun geometric box shape -- also known as camera bags -- are a “must-have,” according to Moeller. • Enjoy Boots and Booties: The short boot, or “bootie,” is featured front-and-center as the most versatile piece for the season. Booties with block heels or wedge bottoms complement wider leg jeans and pant styles. While brown or black boots are wardrobe staples, this season offers a variety of new options in updated colors -- including navy, taupe, wine and olive. “The best thing is that there aren’t any rules when it comes to wearing booties. It’s all about mixing it up,” Moeller said. “Pair booties with jeans and a plaid shirt, leggings and a sweater, or a dress and fringe jacket. Looking ahead, booties with open toes or an exaggerated cutout can even be worn with shorts this coming spring.” For more inspiration, visit offbroadwayshoes.com.
Solution to Puzzle on Page 8 10 RENEW WINTER 2016
With a little creativity, you can make the latest trends your own.
L
eon set his cup down and sighed. He opened his mouth, then closed it again. He shook his head. “Such a waste. Brilliant. Talented. And he threw it all away.” Hazel swirled her tea in her cup. “I remember. It broke Maggie’s heart.” Silence filled the small kitchen. Leon’s wife had been gone almost seven years, but Hazel knew he still missed her tremendously. How could he not after seventy years of marriage? “Yes,” he finally responded. “Before that, they’d been so close. You know, all the grandkids had come up and spent time each summer when they were kids. Out of all the great-grands, Jaime Part 11 was the one who made an effort to visit.” She grinned. “I remember when he was about eight. Fell of a horse. Maggie convinced him to get back on. Then she had to talk him off at lunch time. He cried.” He chuckled. “He loved that horse. Rode her every time he visited.” Quiet filled the room again, except for the ticking of the cuckoo clock on the wall. “He stopped coming after he was arrested.” “Maggie never talked about what happened.” “She couldn’t.” Hazel tipped her cup and drained the last of her tea. “And you?” “I love my kids.” “Of course.” “And my grandkids.” She pictured her own five grands. “Definitely.” “I don’t always agree with their choices.” “Understand that one.” “Including their parenting choices.” Hazel nodded. Then remembered he couldn’t see her nonverbal response. “Sometimes they parent better than we did.” “Sometimes they don’t.” He reached forward, cupping his hand around his mug and drawing it to his lips. She waited for him to finish. “James is also very bright. Head of his class. Attended MIT. Was making six figures by twenty-five and seven by the time he turned thirty.” “Wow.” She’d known the Willis’ grandchildren had done well, but not that one of them was a millionaire. “Yes, well. He worked sixty to eighty hour weeks to be that successful that fast. It’s one reason Jaime’s an only child. He never had time for another. Or his wife. She left him when Jaime was twelve.” “Rough age to watch your parents split.” He nodded and turned his head towards the window. A bird had landed on the outside ledge. It pecked the window, then flew off. His empty gaze turned back to her. “That’s when he started going downhill. At least, that’s what Claudia said after he was arrested. Blamed James’ wife for leaving and causing all of Jaime’s problems. She never could see that her son shouldered much of the blame for being an absent father.” “What about now? What’s happened to Jaime since then?” “I’m not sure. He stopped coming up after Maggie died. I never really could relate to the boy.” Did he know his great-grandson was using the property now? Well, what she assumed was Jaime and his friends. “He never comes to visit anymore?” He should his head. “Wait. There was one time, a little less than a year ago. Carolee, my nurse, saw him pull into the entrance of the back field on her way in one day. She waved and he came up to the house around lunch that day. Never did say why he was in town.” by Tracy Wainwright, Home Manager, Writer, Speaker, Conference Director WINTER 2016 RENEW
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