Focus on Carlsbad Spring 2009 by FocusNM.com

SPRING 2009

table of contents Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Letters, Tourism, Retirement, Grand Openings

According to Val. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Beef Frank That Cooks Itself & Baby Jack Update

Meaning of easter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Carlsbad Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The Dirt Road Band

Paradise ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Community Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Carlsbad’s Best-Kept Secret Focus on Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 tidbits & trivia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 On the road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Living desert zoo & gardens . . . . . . . . . 24 The Hondo Iris Farm & Art Gallery New business profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Xeriscaping Workshop

Xeriscaping water zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Focus on Food. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 business directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Editorial Content by Valerie Cranston Photography by Craig and Valerie Cranston - along with submitted photos The history of aprons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Henry J’s

A Fun History Lesson

The Story Behind mother’s day . . . . . . . 17 Pet Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Camping, Wellness & Treats!

Focus on Carlsbad is published quarterly by Ad Venture Marketing for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. To view online visit www.carlsbadchamber.com. Ad Venture Marketing, Ltd. Co. toll free: 866.207.0821 www.ad-venturemarketing.com

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

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on the chamber

tourism corner

Chamber kicks off the New Year at the Winter Texan Show in McAllen Texas The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce hit the road to help promote tourism in Carlsbad at the Winter Texan show in McAllen Texas January 7th -11th. Our Chamber has participated in this show which is sponsored by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for the past five years and every year this show continues to grow in attendance. The show attracts what are referred to as Winter Texans which are people from Canada and all over the East and Midwest coasts where the weather is generally very cold during the winter months. They travel by RV and spend several months in McAllen and then generally travel to New Mexico on their journey back home in April and May. Lisa Boeke, Tourism Director for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, is able to represent Carlsbad at this show with the help of the Retire in Carlsbad program and the Department of Tourism. The three day show attracts over 3,000 people each day and over 400 tourism industry related businesses purchasing booths to help attract the Winter Texans to their destination. This year over 1,500 packets of information on Carlsbad were handed out to potential visitors for the spring season. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce attends over 25 shows per year to help promote and attract potential visitors to our city. Pictured : Lisa Boeke, Marketing Director Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Mitchell with New Mexico Tourism Department and Charles Meeks, Marketing Director for the Inn of the Mountain Gods.

New Mexico Tourism Department hosts A Night of Enchantment The New Mexico Tourism Department in conjunction with all six regions hosts over 300 international tour operators at the States first Night of Enchantment. Each of the six regions throughout the state featured not only brochures and travel information but also enticed our international visitors with foods from each of their regions. Region III which is Southeastern New Mexico offered the old west theme complete with a chuck wagon dinner and of course Alien Beerâ&#x20AC;Ś Lisa Boeke Marketing Director for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce has served as region III board chair for the last 5 years.

on carlsbad

Letter from the president

Dear Chamber Part ners,

Have you heard the news? A familiar face with a new title is out there managing your chamber! We welcomed Robert Defer to the helm as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Carlsbad Chamber in December and he hit the ground running! Robert came on board in the midst of one of our busiest Christmas on the Pecos seasons and just in time to make the Bat Brigade trip. Christmas on the Pecos had its best year yet—even though the event was shorter in days, the average number of riders per night was the highest ever. Every night, Lisa Boeke and Roland Caudill could be found at the PRV braving the cold and making sure everything ran smoothly. Santa Fe was “bat-tized” in true Carlsbad fashion in January with a successful group of attendees from all ends of the community. This year the Chamber partnered with the Carlsbad Department of Development for the trip and the result was unity for the community! On Monday night, the Eddy County reception—sponsored by the Chamber, CDOD, Artesia Chamber and businesses from Carlsbad and Artesia—was the place to be. We saw the Lt. Governor, Senate and House leadership, legislators from around the state and many cabinet secretaries in attendance. With the Taste of Carlsbad around the corner—mark your calendars for April 2, and spring tourism in the air, Robert has not a chance to slow down! Nor has the many members of the Board of Directors who are volunteering huge numbers of hours to your Chamber. Every month, we recognize a board member who has gone above and beyond. The board members who have received this award for the past few months are: July—Susan Crockett, August—Jack Knittel, September—Matt Leroch, October—Rev. David Rogers, November—Bonnie Bakal, December—Mike Calvani and January—Ernie White. When you see any of these folks, pat them on the back and thank them for the work they do for the Chamber. As always, the Chamber is working every day for you and for the community; if you have questions, comments or concerns, don’t ever hesitate to call me at 575-302-6667 or drop me a note at laralaw@windstream.net. Adelante!

Roxanne R. Lara President, 2008/09

Welcome! New Members BE Accord, LLC Hutchins Electric Riverside Country Club Baby Delmonico’s Boutique Camp of the Tall Pines Weed, NM Caverns Family & Urgent Care Center Farmers Insurance Agency Flashers Galore Gizmo’s, Gadgets & More Happy Farms Artesia, NM Henry J’s Mental Note Music Studios Nana’s Fire and Safety School .................................................................

For More Info or To Join the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Drop In: 302 South Canal Street Call: (575) 887-6516 Email: carlsbadnm@carlsbadchamber.com

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Grand Openings ribbon cuttings ground breaking events

Hutchins Electric Grand Opening (Mobile Electricians)

Grand Opening for LaBella Gift Boutique 318 W. Mermod

Ribbon Cutting of Living Desert State Park’s Hoof Stock Barns

Grand Opening Carlsbad RV & Campground’s “bunk trailers” 4301 National Parks Highway

Gizmo’s Gadgets & More Grand Opening – 1507 S. Canal

Ribbon Cutting for Henry J’s (new & almost new gifts) – 117 S. Canyon

Grand Opening of Baby Delmonico’s Baby Gifts & Boutique – 307 W. Mermod

Ground Breaking at the National Cave & Karst Research Center Located at the Cascades

U1st Credit Union’s Grand Opening – 601 N. Canal

Ribbon Cutting for new shredding equipment at the Rainbow Recycling Center located at the corner of Greene & Main

Carlsbad is retirement living at its best…where every day is SUN DAY with refreshing, unpolluted air! That was the message the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Retirement Initiative gave to visitors recently in McAllen, TX at the Winter Texan Expo and Health Fair. “The expo was the perfect opportunity for the retirement initiative to showcase Carlsbad and visit with the hundreds of Winter Texans who stopped by our display,” stated Janell Whitlock, the Chamber’s Director of Retirement. Over 1,200 brochures highlighting Carlsbad’s friendly community, active adult senior centers, Lake Carlsbad beach and free recreational areas along with National and State Parks were distributed to the retirees. Residents from 37 states and Canada registered for a free weekend in Carlsbad – the winner was a retiree from Minnesota. After spending several winters in Texas, many are looking at other areas and are planning to visit Carlsbad during March and April as they return to their home states. Located in the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains, with the Pecos River running through the heart of the town, Carlsbad truly is “A Place to Call Home.”

on carlsbad

on the chamber

NEW FACE at

the CHAMBER

obert Defer became the newest face at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce when he took over as executive director on Dec. 22, 2008. He came to the chamber from Lakeview Christian Home of the Southwest where he served as director of development. “I have been a fundraiser for two different children’s homes and for Lakeview. I have 20 years experience in public relations and previously worked for a chamber in Texas for three years,” Defer said. Defer was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, and earned his degree at Tarleton State University in Stephensville, Texas. He and his wife Cindy moved to Carlsbad 11 years ago when he accepted the job at Lakeview. The couple has one son, Matt, 29, who resides in Lubbock. Defer is half Shawnee Indian and proud to share his Indian heritage with others. His father is a full-blood Shawnee from Oklahoma. Although he doesn’t recall the meeting, he was told he met his grandfather when he was little. When he was a senior in high school he attended his grandfather’s funeral. “The funeral was all in Shawnee dialect and the only thing I understood was Amen,” he said. “My father was adopted by his aunt and she married a Frenchman named Defer,” he added noting his real name would have been Prophet.

Defer is looking forward to his duties as director and working with all his bosses, the chamber’s directors and council chairs. There are always 21 directors at any given time and 10 council chairs serving on various chamber committees, he explained. “I’m feeling my way through right now and evaluating what programs the chamber already has going. I want to formulate a plan to help make those programs better,” Defer said adding he would like to see all the entities in the community (chamber, city, county and Carlsbad Department of Development) working closer together. “I hope the chamber can be a part of making that happen,” he added noting the wonderful staff he has the privilege of working with. Defer believes publicity and promotion of the area can make things happen. He also believes the area’s two national parks, Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains, and two state parks, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and Brantley Lake, can be a large part of that publicity and promotion. “I am open to new ideas and community involvement and activities,” Defer said noting he welcomes those who want to share new ideas. Robert Defer can be contacted at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, (575) 887.6516.

according to val

The Beef Frank That Cooks Itself

hat I’m about to explain may sound crazy, but it is the truth. My husband Craig, son Cory and grandson Clayton will all back me up on this one.

Oscar Mayer beef franks (pkg. of 10 for $5.49) are the hot dogs of choice at our house because they fit into my way of life living gluten-free. We do not use a special frying pan—just an ordinary non-stick small skillet used for cooking a lot of things quickly.

That first morning while busy fixing his breakfast and packing the rest of his lunch box, I realized I had forgotten the frank in the pan. When I turned my attention to the stove, it quickly became obvious there was no need for concern. The frank had rolled and cooked itself. What a frank!

This cooking phenomenon began when my grandson was not allowed to take his favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch because his school became a peanut-free environment over the summer. He absolutely refuses to eat in the cafeteria unless they serve hot dogs, which isn’t very often.

The best explanation we can come up with is that as the frank browns it bubbles up and gets off balance. The only thing it can do is roll over and over until it is cooked. Now, after several months, it’s a family joke, and any one of us will say to the other, “Oh, you’re having a self-cooker.”

Baby Jack Update

Because his vitamin pellets smell like citrus, I offered him part of a mandarin orange one day. He didn’t waste any time eating the segments I gave him, so now he gets five segments every evening. When it comes to Baby Jack, I don’t even think twice about paying $3.50 plus for a cantaloupe in the winter because he loves it and that’s just more variety to his already healthful diet.

aby Jack, the handicapped jackrabbit that came to live with our family early last summer, is now nine months. He often makes an appearance when called and follows us around when we’re in the yard. However, I’m the only one allowed to get close enough to scratch his big ears and soft forehead. When he stands up straight to stretch, it appears as though his crippled right back leg was attached backward. Just looking at it makes me hurt, but it doesn’t seem to cause him any discomfort or even slow him down. He eats his favorite foods out of a two-sectioned dish morning and evening. His vitamin and mineral pellets and probiotics are in a smaller dish by his water on the back porch. He still loves eating his ba-na-na and cutup Gala apple every day. I recently bought him Nino (baby) bananas because they are just his size and a perfect serving for him.

I suggested fixing him a hot dog in the morning, stuffing it in a bun, bagging it and putting his ketchup in a small container. Wow! Just the idea of having a hot dog everyday resulted in his favorite PB&J quickly becoming a distant memory.

on carlsbad

Baby Jack is truly one lucky rabbit because we’ve been able to scrounge fresh alfalfa all winter long from my friend Betty’s field. It takes a long time to pick 3-inch pieces on your hands and knees but Baby Jack is worth the effort. I’m convinced Baby Jack doesn’t know he’s a jackrabbit as he can be seen sitting with our two dogs, Miss Hobie and Miss Lulee. He’s curious and downright nosey at times about the goings on in his yard, and he makes us laugh when he shows off during what is referred to as his funny half hour. I shudder to think what would have happened to Baby Jack had my grandson not brought him to me months ago. He may be handicapped, but he’s perfect in my eyes and an absolute joy to have around.

community events March

6th, 13th, 20th (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.) Preschool Story Time

1st (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.) Preschool Story Time

Story time takes place Friday mornings at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Visitor’s Center. Songs, story, short walk in the park and crafts are offered for preschool children and accompanying adults. Admission is free. For more information call (575) 8875516. There will be no Story Time on the 27th because of Spring Break.

21st (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Cavern City Woodcarvers’ Show

The Cavern City Woodcarvers’ Show will take place at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Visitor’s Center. There will be exhibits and hand-carved items for sale. There is no fee to attend this event. For more information call (575) 887-5516.

April 2nd (6:30 – 9 p.m.) Taste of Carlsbad

The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will host the Taste of Carlsbad at the Carousel House at the Riverwalk Convention Center. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the chamber or from any chamber member. For more information call (575) 887-6516.

3rd, 17th, 24th (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.) Preschool Story Time

18th (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) March for Parks

March for Parks is a community event to raise money for local parks and playground improvements. There will also be Earth Day events, information booths, a silent auction, give-aways and a “Party for the Planet” children’s activity. For more information call (575) 887-5516.

25th – 26th Arts, Crafts and Antique Show

The Arts, Crafts and Antique Show will be held at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday (25th) and from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday (26th). Local and regional vendors, artists and crafters will sell their wares. For more information call Robin Cathey at (575) 2349977.

May

1st-2nd Relay for Life

The annual Relay for Life will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Friday (1st) through 10 a.m. Saturday (2nd) at the Beach Band Shell along the Pecos River. For more information call Linda Palma (575) 887-2894.

7th - 10th Living Desert Mescal Roast

The 23rd Annual Mescal Roast and Mountain Spirit Dances will be held Thursday, May 7, through Sunday, May 10, at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. There will be free interpretive events, Native American arts and crafts sale and Mescalero Apache ceremonies. Tickets for the Apache Feast dinner and dances on Friday and Saturday nights are $15 per person. Call (575) 887-5516 for more information and tickets.

15th (8 p.m.) Star Party

To join in viewing the stars during Star Party, gather in front of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. There is no fee.

15th, 16th, 17th Shooting Shindig

The Seven Rivers Regulators will host its Shooting Shindig including 10 stages, side matches, vendors and more on Friday (15th): 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday (16th): 9 a.m. –8 p.m. (Saturday meal); Sunday (17th): 9 a.m. – noon, awards presentation and sandwiches for the road. For more information call (575) 628-0028.

June 6th (7-7:45 p.m. & 8-8:30 p.m.) Music Concert & Full Moon Walk

The music concert is free. Regular admission fees apply for the Full Moon Walk at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. For more information call (575) 887-5516.

6th Car Show

The Car Show, sponsored by the Carlsbad Automotive Restoration Society (CARS), will be held at the Beach Band Shell. For more information call (575) 887-8853.

The staff of the Focus Magazine has no way of knowing about planned community events unless those organizing and hosting let us know. Please feel free to email community event information and contact number to: vcranston@gmail.com

June 6th Chili Cook-Off

Annual Chili Cook-Off will be held at the Beach Band Shell area. For more information call (575) 887-7563.

19th - 21st (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Roadrunner Gem and Mineral Show

The Roadrunner Gem and Mineral Show will be held on Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21, at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Visitor Center. There will be exhibits and sale of minerals, fossils and jewelry. There is no fee to attend the show. For more information call (575) 887-5516.

20th (Evening) Night Star Party

The annual celebration of the Night Star at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. For more information call (575) 785-2232.

26th – July 5 (9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) Carlsbad Area Art Association

The Carlsbad Area Art Association Living Desert Show will be held at the Living Desert Visitor Center. Chihuahuan Desert theme artwork will be displayed for sale in the Rotunda area. There is no fee to attend the show. For more information call (575) 887-5516.

Other Special Events Every Friday Friday Focus

(7:30 – 9:30 a.m.)

The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Friday Focus is a great opportunity to market your business and network with other chamber members at the Stevens Inn every Friday morning. Place business card in basket and, when called on, introduce yourself and business during 45 seconds. Distribute business and promotional material on tables. (Collect before leaving.) Networking opportunities are endless. For more information call the Chamber at (575) 887-6516.

Docent Continuing Education

If you want to learn about the Chihuahuan Desert and become a volunteer teacher and tour guide, contact Susan, Linda or Kathryn at the Living Desert State Park at (575) 8875516 for dates, times and topics.

Carlsbad Municipal School 2009 School Calendar Mar 20 Report Cards Go Home: 9-12 Mar 23-27 Spring Break Apr 8 Apr 10 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 22

Early Dismissal - Inservice Good Friday Easter Easter Monday End of 5th Six Weeks Report Cards Go Home: K-8

May 6 May 15 May 22 May 25 May 27-28 May 28

Early Dismissal - Inservice Sports Day Holiday Carlsbad High School Graduation Memorial Day Holiday Early Dismissal Last Day of School End of 6th Six Weeks End of 4th Nine Weeks Inservice - No Students Report Cards Go Home: K-12

May 29

on health

Living with a person who has diabetes More than 120,000 New Mexicans have diabetes, but only about 84,000 know they have it. Finding out that a member of your household has diabetes can be stressful, but by committing to help your loved one manage this disease, you can regain some control and make the situation easier for all involved.

How can you help? Education: The more you know about diabetes, the more you can help. Educate yourself by reading literature provided by the doctor. Visit informative websites such as www.diabetes.org. This site provides information about the different types of diabetes as well as nutrition and meal planning. There’s even a special section for parents and kids. Communication: Encourage family members to talk about how diabetes is affecting the household. Open communication will help everyone deal with the stress of adjusting to lifestyle changes. Ask how you can help. Discuss why it is important for everyone to be supportive. Action: Offer to be an exercise partner. Some people are more successful at sticking to an exercise program if they have someone to exercise with. Also, if you do some or all of the cooking, invest in a cookbook for people with diabetes or look for diabetic-friendly recipes online. Lesson 1: Think of your dinner as a pie chart: ¼ starchy foods, ¼ protein and ½ vegetables. Lesson 2: When eating out if you aren’t sure how the food is prepared, ask you server before you order. Lesson 3: Use a smaller plate. By doing this, you are less tempted to eat large amounts. Lesson 4: Aim for at least 30 minutes of daily activity. Walking or swimming are good choices. Lesson 5: Enjoy a wide variety of fruits or vegetables with every meal. In New Mexico, the Kitchen Creations program holds free cooking classes for people with diabetes or people cooking for someone with diabetes. For more information, visit www.diabetesnm.org and select Kitchen Creations.

on carlsbad

Are You at Risk for Diabetes? Leading risks for diabetes:

• Overweight • Physical inactivity • Family history of diabetes • People of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicities • People with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides Information from: American Academy of Family Physicians: American Diabetes Association

Dieting Tip: Eating Essential Fats Fat has been given a bad rap over the years. In fact, some fats are essential for weight loss. An all-time favorite source of healthy fat is flaxseed oil derived from flax seeds. It is the richest source of omega-3 fats that are often deficient in the typical American diet. The body uses omega-3s to maintain the integrity and function of your body’s trillion of cell membranes, which support healthy joints, shiny hair and strong nails, radiant skin and muscle membranes. Because it is widely used throughout your body, it almost never gets stored as body fat. Use it in homemade vinaigrettes, drizzle liberally on salads or sip a spoonful daily. Information from: www.Lifescript.com

on health

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

People who have fair skin or who are otherwise more susceptible to sunburn are at increased risk for skin cancer.

Those common risk factors are:

• Having a lot of freckles or moles • Having blue, gray or green eyes • Having blond or red hair • Having had many severe sunburns early in life • Having a family history of skin cancer • Being out in the sun frequently for long periods • Consistent exposure to the sun without use of sunscreen Information from: U.S. National Library of Medicine

Warning Signs of Enlarged Prostate

As men age, the prostate gland often begins to swell, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate should seek prompt medical treatment. More than half the men with enlarged prostate don’t have any symptoms. Those experiencing the symptoms below should see their doctor. • Urination that starts slowly and continues in a weak stream • Urination that becomes difficult, if not nearly impossible • The need to urinate suddenly, urgently and frequently, at least twice nightly • Feeling like your bladder has not been completely emptied • The inability to control the flow of urine or dribbling after urinating • Pain or bleeding during urination Information from: U.S. National Library of Medicine

Not all Dementia is called Alzheimer’s

A common form of dementia often mistaken for Alzheimer’s is vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). It is the second most common cause of dementia, occurring in up to 4 percent of Americans over the age of 65 and 20 percent of those with some form of dementia. Brain damage from multiple small strokes, which can occur from narrowing or blocked arteries in the brain, is often the cause of VCI.

Pain Reliever SIDE EFFECTS

Before taking a pain reliever for conditions such as headache, sinusitis or muscle or joint pain, know the potential side effects.

The potential risks are:

• Liver damage can occur in people who take large quantities of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), or those who already have liver problems. • Gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or upset stomach can occur in people who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for long periods. NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen. • Kidney damage, if NSAIDs are used frequently for long periods. • NSAIDs may interact with medicines that people take to combat high blood pressure. NSAIDs can also elevate blood pressure. • In rare cases, people can be allergic to pain medications. Information from: American Academy of Family Physicians

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An overview of the disease notes that people can greatly reduce their risk of developing the disease by lowering their blood pressure, quitting smoking and keeping diabetes and cholesterol levels under control. VCI shares Alzheimer’s symptoms such as confusion, agitation, language and memory problems and unsteady gait and falls. However, the first symptom of VCI usually is the declining ability to organize thoughts or actions. In Alzheimer’s, memory problems are usually the first sign of the condition. Information from: U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

on the road

lice Seely, owner and resident gardener at the Hondo Iris Farm, has assembled quite an impressive collection of bearded iris known for long flowing beards and striking color variations. Seely is a native of Santa Fe who moved to Hondo a decade ago. One section of her farm contains prizewinning hybridized varieties. Another section showcases antique irises planted at the turn of the century in the Hondo Valley. When she moved to the valley she brought with her a number of the “old Santa Fe Irises” that have grown along the “acequias” in northern New Mexico for centuries. There is no admission charge and no obligation to purchase anything while visiting the farm. Visitors are welcome to meander through rows of exotic irises, sit on a bench in a small wooded area or walk across a bridge over a 250-year-old irrigation ditch. You can bring your lunch and sit at one of the picnic tables located throughout the garden or sit on the hummingbird porch and watch the dance of the hummingbirds as they approach their feeders. During April, May and part of June, the gardens are filled with hundreds of blooming iris. During the summer months, lilies, poppies, wild flowers and other varieties of native plants are in full bloom. Ladies are invited to borrow a Victorian parasol for their stroll through the gardens. Call ahead or watch the local newspaper for peak blooming times. Seely is also an artist. Before starting her pewter jewelry business, Seely made her living as a painter and clay sculptor. She also paints historic devotional art called retablos (honoring Catholic saints) inspired by art from New Mexico churches and homes painted on tin, zinc, wood or copper. The two-section Gallery at the Iris Farm is a recent addition to a revitalized 100-year-old Adobe building. The entrance section is filled with her lead-free pewter jewelry designs that are fabricated in her factory down the road. The main section of the gallery is now furnished with her paintings and sculpture, along with the works of other selected artisans from around the world. Her international crafts include such items as bowls, vases and cups made in a Bulgarian village, museum quality

on carlsbad

baskets and Kuba cloth made in Africa, wall hangings and pillow coverings and some traditional Navajo weaving designs. She recently started carrying a line of reasonably priced beaded, burnt velvet jackets she can hardly keep in stock. “The gallery has become as much a place for women to shop for interesting and exotic clothing as it is a place to meander and admire colorful folk art objects from around the world,” Seeley said. The Iris Farm sells its iris two ways. Iris can be ordered in advance for July and August delivery or are available potted to take immediately. The Hondo Iris Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and other times by appointment. It is located on Highway 70 at mile marker 284 with a blue sign alongside the highway. For more information call 575-653-4062. The Iris Farm Annex where Seely’s jewelry is made is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday for free factory tours. The annex is located at mile marker 286 on Highway 70. “If you are in the area, please come and visit,” Seely said adding the only task a visitor has is to enjoy the visit and take in the beauty of the Hondo Valley. Hint: the garden is most beautiful in the morning and late afternoon past 3 p.m. For more information visit their website: www.hondoirisfarm.com

on business

enry J’s, “The New, Near New & Not New At All! Store,” is located at 117 S. Canyon. According to proprietor Robin Cathey, the store opened in November and has done quite well with many repeat customers.

The store got its name after a car, a 1951 Henry J made by Kaiser-Frazer, she and husband Michael own and intend to restore. Their faithful canine friend is also named Henry J. “The Henry J’s were only made during the years of 195153,” Robin Cathey explained. Henry J’s, right in the center of downtown Carlsbad, is in the building that once housed McCoy’s Jewelry Store. The store is filled with new and used furniture, merchandise and treasures as well as new Harley Davidson, Betty Boop and NFL and college gift items. “There is no emphasis on antiques in this store,” Cathey said, noting antiques are the center of the other business she owns, Pecos River Antique Mall. The store also carries housewares and glassware of all kinds, home décor, toys, linens, wall decorations and pictures. Cathey also accepts small or large items on consignment and collects 30 percent of the selling price. In addition to Cathey finding merchandise to sell, there are four other vendors who rent store space and sell their

wares. One vendor makes and sells piñatas for parties. “We also help sell furniture and other items for the Cat’s Meow,” she said proudly, adding that friends help run the store. Cathey wants local residents to know they can call her when they are cleaning out their house and she will come and look at what is on its way out and possibly purchase it or sell it on consignment. “Please don’t throw things away. Ask somebody before you throw it out,” she said, making reference to collectibles and useable items. New iron wall decorations and a display case full of jewelry are located in the back left corner of the store. Larger pieces of used furniture fill the back storeroom, but assistance is required for viewing. Cathey is especially proud of some of the original McCoy display cases. However, those display cases and display furniture are not for sale. Encouraging potential customers, Cathey added, “We have new things come in everyday.” Robin Cathey, proprietor of Henry J’s, can be reached at 575-302-1697.

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2802 W. Pierce • Carlsbad, NM • 575.885.3101

on food

Grilled Chicken Kabob Caesar Salad Grilled meat and bagged salad greens create dinner in just minutes.

What you will need:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces 8 medium green onions cut into 4-inch pieces 1 large red bell pepper, cut into bit-size wedges ¾ cup Caesar dressing of choice 1 bag (10 ounces) ready to eat romaine lettuce ½ cup croutons ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1 ounce) Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Thread chicken, onions and bell pepper alternately on each of four 10-inch metal skewers, leaving space between each piece. Reserve ½ cup of dressing for serving. Brush food on skewers with remaining ¼ cup of dressing. Cover and grill kabobs 4 to 6 inches from medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Arrange kabobs on romaine; top with croutons and cheese. Serve with reserved ½ cup dressing.

Raspberry Streusel Bars

A quick and easy dessert that tastes like you spent hours preparing.

What you will need:

1 pouch (1 lb. 1.5 oz.) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 tbsp. all purpose flour 1 tsp. almond extract 1 egg ½ seedless raspberry jam Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 8-inch square pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, flour, almond extract and egg until dough forms. Press half of the dough into bottom of pan and bake for 15 minutes. Spread jam over the base and crumble the remaining dough over jam. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely for about two hours. Cut bars 5 rows by 5 rows. www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes

Variation: Try blackberry, black currant, apricot or strawberry jam instead of raspberry.

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www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes

Options: Use shrimp instead of chicken. Omit using Caesar dressing on meat and try balsamic vinegar for a change of flavor. Use an oil and vinegar dressing to reduce calories. Substitute or add yellow or orange bell peppers to the red for more healthy color. Make homemade croutons with herbs of choice. To add fruit just open a can of mandarin oranges or chunk pineapple, drain and serve on top of salad. The possibilities are endless.

Walk-Ins Accepted

Apple Ladybugs Let the kids play with their food while making apple ladybugs. They’ll love decorating juicy red apples with pretzels for antennas, raisins for spots and eyes and peanut butter for wings.

What you will need: 2 red apples ¼ cup raisins 1 tbsp. peanut butter 8 thin pretzel sticks

Playing takes a lot of energy. Fun, healthy snacks made with apples, raisins and veggies can provide the needed fuel for kids. Get them to help and they’ll surely want to eat.

Apple Breakfast Muffins What you will need:

1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup whole wheat flour 1¼ cups sugar 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 2 cups grated carrots 1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped 1 cup raisins 1 egg 2 egg whites ½ cup apple butter ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 2 tbsp. chopped walnuts 2 tbsp. toasted wheat germ

Slice apples in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the cores using a knife or melon baller. Place each apple half flat side down on small plate. Dab peanut butter on to the back of the apple, then stick raisins onto the dabs for spots. Use this method to make eyes also. Stick one end of each pretzel stick into a raisin, then press the other end into the apples to make antennae.

Ants On A Log This healthy snack is one that kids can make for themselves. Simply spread crunchy peanut butter and sweet raisins over celery for a smart snacking option.

What you will need: 5 stalks celery ½ cup peanut butter ¼ cup raisins

Cut celery stalks in half with a plastic knife. Use the same knife to spread peanut butter on each stalk and sprinkle with raisins. www.recipes.kaboose.com

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil 18 muffin cups or coat with nonstick cooking spray or use muffin papers. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, apple butter, oil and vanilla. In a large bowl, stir together flours, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in carrots, apples and raisins. Stir in apple butter mixture until just moistened. Spoon the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling about ¾ full. In a small bowl, combine walnuts and wheat germ, sprinkle over the muffin tops. Bake for 15-20 minutes until tops are golden brown.

he principal use of Grandma’s apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children’s tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were also brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that “old-time apron” that served so many purposes.

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The apron was traditionally viewed as an essential garment for anyone doing housework. Cheaper clothes and washing machines made aprons less common beginning in the mid-1960s in the United States. The practice of wearing aprons remains strong in many places. There are many different apron forms depending on the purpose of the apron. The waist apron covers the body from the waist down. The big apron also covers the upper part of the body. An apron is usually held in place by two ribbon-like strips of cloth that are ties in the back. A bib apron may either have a strap around the neck or straps that crisscross in the back and attach to the waistband. The following are handcrafted artisan aprons inspired by vintage patterns: The cobbler: an apron with full coverage and versatility. The sugar: this design is full coverage that looks great on all shapes and sizes. The honey: a reversible half-apron that is pure 50s. The tart: a full halter apron that exudes effortless vintage glamour.

elebrating motherhood is a historical tradition. In the United States, Mother’s Day experienced a series of false starts before eventually transitioning into the “Hallmark” holiday we know and celebrate today. In 1858, Anna Reeves Jarvis was the first woman to hold an official celebration of mothers when, in her home state of West Virginia, she instituted Mothers’ Work Day to raise awareness about local sanitation issues. During the Civil War, she expanded the scope of Mothers’ Work Day to include sanitary conditions on both sides of the battlefield. Meanwhile, Julia Ward Howe, author of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” attempted to institute a national celebration of mothers that honored women’s inclinations toward peace (rather than cleanliness). In 1872, she initiated and promoted a Mother’s Day for Peace, to be held on June 2, which was celebrated the following year by women in 18 cities across America. The holiday continued to be honored by Bostonian women for another decade, but eventually phased out after Howe stopped underwriting the cost of the celebrations. Then in 1905, Anna Reeves Jarvis passed away and her daughter, Anna Jarvis, took up her mother’s torch. Anna swore on her mother’s gravesite that she would realize her lifelong dream of creating a national day to honor

mothers. In 1907, Anna launched her campaign by handing out white carnations to congregants at her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. In 1908, her mother’s church acquiesced to Anna’s request to hold a special Sunday service in honor of mothers – a tradition that spread the very next year to churches in 46 states. In 1909, Anna left her job and dedicated herself to a full-time letter-writing campaign, imploring politicians, clergymen and civic leaders to institute a national day for mothers. In 1912, Jarvis’ efforts met with success. Her home state of West Virginia adopted an official Mother’s Day. Two years later, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution, signed by President Wilson, establishing a national Mother’s Day emphasizing the role of women in their families and—not like Julia Ward Howe’s campaign—in the public arena. Ever since that time, Americans have celebrated Mother’s Day on the 2nd Sunday in May. Perhaps the country’s greatest proponent of motherhood, Anna Jarvis ironically never had children of her own. Yet, that didn’t stop her from making the celebration of Mother’s Day her lifelong mission. In fact, as the holiday took on a life of its own, Jarvis expressed frequent dismay over its growing commercialization. “I wanted it to be a day of sentiment, not profit,” Jarvis was quoted as saying. Information from: www.holidays.net

Walk-Ins Accepted

pet corner Tips For Camping With Your Dog

Balancing Act (Treats)

Find a dog-friendly campground – Do research to make sure pets are allowed and under what kind of restrictions. Are there big open spaces for your dog to run around? Are there leash restrictions? Are campgrounds sprayed regularly against mosquitoes, fleas and ticks? Are you required to bring and show your dog’s rabies certification?

Feeding your dog tail-wagging treats is certainly lots of fun for him and you, but making sure his diet provides good all-around nutrition is even more important. Below are some things to keep in mind.

Doggie bag – What unsettles a dog is the myriad of unfamiliar scents, people, objects and spaces he suddenly finds himself in at camp. Comfort your dog by packing a doggie bag of favorite things such as sleeping pad or blanket, toys and favorite snacks. Scoop the poop – Bring lots of plastic bags and scoop it up just as you would at home. It’s the great outdoors—not the great outhouse. Some campgrounds have banned dogs because of the negligence of a few dog owners. Dog etiquette – Your dog should have acquired at least basic etiquette such as not jumping on people, coming when called and not barking at strangers—even weird strangers— which you are bound to encounter in a campground. Dog safety – Don’t leave your dog alone in the tent. Keep your dog hydrated. Keep your dog leashed so not to chase after rabbits and unfamiliar scents. Your dog should have his ID tag on his collar at all times. Familiarize yourself with basic animal first-aid for ticks, scrapes or poison ivy.

Senior Pet Wellness Most cats and dogs are considered to be seniors starting as early as 7 years of age. For large-breed dogs, senior status starts at age 5. Senior pets need a wellness examination at least every six months. However, call your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following: • Blood in the stool or urine • Constipation or trouble passing urine • Excessive panting • Excessive weight loss or weight gain • Foul mouth odor or drooling • Hair loss • Inability to chew dry food

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Senior Pet Wellness Cont... • Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping • Lameness that lasts more than three days or lameness in more than one leg • New lumps, sores or multiple scabs on the skin • Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset • Persistent coughing or gagging • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea • Significant increase or decrease in appetite • Sudden collapse or bout of weakness • Sudden loss of housetraining • Sustained increase in urination frequency or amount (wetter litterbox) • Sustained increase in water consumption

Early Detection Is The Key The major health concerns that affect older pets can be controlled and treated if they are caught early enough. These concerns include: Arthritis • Dental Disease • Heart Disease • Kidney Disease Liver Disease • Neoplasia or Cancer Obesity • Hormonal Disorders (Thyroid Disease and Diabetes)

Symptoms Of Feline Hyperthyroidism Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any of the follow symptoms or changes in your cat’s normal behavior: • Decreased appetite • Depression • Hair loss • Hyperactivity • Increased vocalization • Increased water consumption and/or urination • Lethargy • Rapid heart rate • Ravenous appetite • Rough hair coat • Vomiting and diarrhea • Weight loss

The Fabulous Five Dogs, just like humans, benefit from eating items from the five main food groups: Breads and Cereals and other Grain Products • Vegetables • Fruits Meats and fish • Dairy Products

Please Pass the Peas Make sure that your homemade meals include a good portion of non-meat foods, especially grains, vegetables and starches. Some excellent non-meat foods that are highly nutritious and tasty to canines are rice, bagels, oatmeal, green beans, tortillas, peas, broccoli and spinach. Some even like carrots.

Must-Have Muffins Here’s a sweet sensation filled with wholesome goodness for your dog:

What you will need:

1½ cups oat flour 1 cup oat bran 1 cup rolled oats 2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. baking soda 1 egg, whisked 1/3 cup honey 3 tbsp. sunflower oil (canola will do) ¾ cup skim or nonfat milk Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 12-muffin pan with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, mix the flour, bran, oats, cinnamon and baking soda. In a separate bowl, blend the egg, honey and oil. Add the milk to the bowl with the dry ingredients and then add the egg, honey and oil mix. Stir well and spoon mixture into muffin pan, filling the cups three-quarters full. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool before serving. Store extras in plastic bags in the freezer. Information and recipe from: “Real Food for Dogs” by Arden Moore

ooted in ancient tradition and centered on impressive church services, Easter is primarily a religious festival. For 200 years, people observed it every Sunday, but eventually this tradition was abandoned and it became a holy day celebrated only once a year. Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox in Western Christianity. For Western churches, the earliest possible date of Easter is March 22 and the latest possible date is April 25. In Eastern (Orthodox) Christianity, Easter is celebrated on a Sunday between April 4 and May 8, usually following the date of Western Easter by a week or more. In some years, the dates coincide. Easter honors Christ’s resurrection from death three days after His crucifixion on the cross. Christ was buried in a small cave, and the exit to His grave was closed by a large rock. Three days later, when His followers came back to honor Him, they discovered that the rock wasn’t in its place and all that remained was a cloth that had covered His body. An angel who appeared near the cave told the people that He had risen from death. The Bible says the moment Christ left His grave was the moment everybody was given an opportunity for eternal life. Prior to Easter is Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days. It is the period when people contemplate their life, realize what they did wrong and seek

forgiveness. It is believed to be a time for redemption. One of the ways to achieve redemption is through fasting. Holy Week is the name of the last period of Lent. It starts with Palm Sunday and marks the description of the events before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, His sacrifice and His death. Good Friday is the last day of Holy Week. Good Friday is a holiday that marks the death of Jesus on the cross. The last three hours of His suffering took place from noon to about 3 p.m. There are special services in some churches for people to remember those three hours of darkness. Easter Sunday is the last day of the festivities. Some churches hold early morning services to commemorate Christ’s resurrection and reflect on the principal postulate of Christianity, which is that people can also rise from death and go up into heaven. Although primarily religious in nature, many customs associated with the Easter season have more to do with the beginning of spring than they do with religion. One of those is the Easter bunny.

See page 22 for more Tidbits and Trivia about the Easter Bunny and the Easter Egg!

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carlsbad characters

dirt road band

embers of the newly formed Dirt Road Band range in age from mid 30s to early 60s and love to play all kinds of music. They are Cathy and Ed Queen, Bill Nelson, Debbie Babbitt, Billy Glaze, James Rhoades and Troy Hatch. Nelson, Cathy Queen and Babbitt played together in another band prior to starting the Dirt Road Band in 2008. The band’s name was a result of one of the members asking the name of the road the Queen’s lived on where they practice twice a week. Access to their home is on a dirt road, so the Dirt Road Band was born. It didn’t take long for the group to grow to seven members, all of whom get along and laugh together when one is a slightly off key or a bit out of tune. Although each member comes from a different musical background, each brought to the group his or her love for playing music. The band’s music reflects old rock, new country and country rock as well as blues. They focus on songs from the 60s to the present and try not to play the same songs over and over but rather mix up the selection. Cathy Queen plays many instruments and has played music most of her life. She plays keyboard, fiddle, flute and sings with the band. Her husband Ed Queen grew up around music and plays the drums in the band. His father Milliard Queen was known as “New Mexico’s Singing Cowboy” in southeast New Mexico and West Texas. “I’ve banged around on old drums for years,” Ed Queen said, smiling from ear to ear. Nelson began playing music when he was a sophomore in high school. He’s lead rhythm guitar, and most look to him to lead the band. Babbitt plays bass in the band. She played the drums for 16 years in small bands in California and plays drums and bass in church. “Bill is the most passionate and committed, and he’s the glue that holds us together,” Rhoades said, getting the thumbs up from the others. Hatch took up guitar about four or five years ago. In the band he plays bass, sings and was appointed soundman. Glaze plays lead guitar. He bought his first guitar at the age of 18 and has played in several bands.

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“I played just with friends and I like all kinds of music, especially country and western,” Glaze said. Rhoades serves as lead singer but can also play the tambourine. He sang in his high school choir and earned a college voice scholarship. “After the first year I decided I didn’t want to eat Ramon Noodles any more, so I went on to get an engineering degree so I could eat meat,” Rhoades said laughing. Rhoades and Hatch sang in the choir when Randy Travis recorded his Christmas CD at the Carlsbad Caverns. The bands’ debut was playing for a retirement party at the Bureau of Land Management. Their second appearance was a special concert they themselves arranged at the Riverside Country Club for their family and friends. Nelson’s wife Karen made the band’s banner. “It’s a hobby we’d love to make money at,” Cathy Queen said, noting it cost each member $30 to entertain family and friends. “I guess you know you’re desperate when you have to pay to play,” Nelson added. With a big smile on his face, Rhoades blurted out, “But we’re living a dream.” “Right now, we’re kind of happy to do it and one of the pluses is everyone is in agreement,” Nelson said of the band members’ camaraderie. Above all, they share a love for music and have fun playing.

Anyone wanting information on the band and possible future event booking can call Bill Nelson at 575-499-9689.

Paradise Ranch One of Carlsbad’s Best-Kept Secrets

n the McNew Subdivision just down from Mike and Julie Lee’s beautiful hilltop home on Pueblo Road is Paradise Ranch, a western-looking town site.

Paradise Ranch, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is located on 15 acres. The campus is home to a school, large dining hall, dorms, church, ice cream shop, ladies exercise room and sauna and future barbershop and camp store. There are barns, a horse arena, animals and a pond. “We welcome and encourage visitors. We want people to visit and see what we are doing at Paradise Ranch,” said Lee, camp director. “In all fairness to the program, do yourself and the community a favor and check us out.” Lee, who has been a pastor for 30 years, and his wife Julie bought 40 acres in the subdivision nearly 10 years ago with their eventual retirement in mind. They discussed building a summer camp for kids that could also be utilized as a retreat for families. “God had laid this on our hearts. When we purchased the land I would walk and pray. I knew we were supposed to do something— something positive for young people,” Lee said. “Both Julie and I have a real passion for kids. We wanted to build a wholesome setting for kids far enough out yet close enough to town. It’s always been about children,” he added. Paradise Academy offers classes for grades K-12. About 75 children attend the school which is taught through a traditional program with the same standardized tests (Iowa Basic California Achievement) as public schools. “God has allowed us to have some tremendous workers,” Lee said, noting about 95 percent of those are volunteer. The large dining hall on the campus is equipped with a stateof-the-art commercial kitchen, antique and western-themed furniture and many different style birdhouses. There is also an outdoor kitchen between the dining hall and the two dormitories. Both the girls and boys dorms are licensed to sleep 35 people each. “My daughter and I are the cooks,” he said, noting they cook on site for academy students as well as other activities and events. All the campus buildings were built for low maintenance with refrigerated air-conditioning to help beat the summer heat. There’s a projector and pull-down screen in the dining hall for corporate meetings or workshops. Across the road from the academy, dining hall and dorms are three colorful western looking buildings. The red building is the ice cream parlor. The green building houses a ladies sauna and exercise room on one side and possible future camp store on the other side. The yellow building is an antique barbershop that isn’t operational because they are waiting to be licensed. A stage area deck is being added onto the front of green building for concert performances. Lee said Reba McIntire’s sister, Susie Luchsinger, who is a Christian musician, played for a Cowboy Church concert at Paradise Ranch filmed by RFD-TV, which is rural America’s

most important network. The concert aired on that station Feb. 22 and March 1. The white steeple church is casual in nature with antique pews and welcoming wood flooring. Paradise Ranch is nondenominational in faith and welcomes everyone. There are two Sunday morning services and a Wednesday evening service with attendance overflow made comfortable in the dining hall with closed-circuit television. The boys dorm serves as the nursery. “A church alive is worth the drive,” Lee said, noting there may be a change in program but never a change in purpose. “There’s no big shot—we’re all little shots shooting the same way,” Lee said, adding he feels more like a steward than owner. “The cause is too important to get hung up on a title.” Many activities and events are held at Paradise Ranch and open to the public. Once a month, Matthew Dinners are held. There’s no charge, no preaching—just a great meal and fellowship. The Christmas at Paradise celebration had a live nativity, carolers, visit and photos with Santa Claus, hayrides, coffee and hot chocolate and gifts for the children. Halloween night offered games, activities, face painting, fun jumpy houses and cakewalks.

“All of it is amazing,” Lee said, welcoming anyone to join in any celebrations and activities as well as booking other events such as weddings. “The hardest and most difficult part is putting a fee to anything.” Paradise Ranch has summer-day camp for children through the sixth grade. They are picked up in town by vans and provided a good noon meal. The camp is from 9 a.m. until after lunch and offers one one-week session in June, July and August. “It’s been a wonderful outreach in the community,” Lee said, emphasizing how much the children enjoyed the crafts, hayrides and horseback riding. Many people and friends have gathered and invested into the dream for children. Some have given large monetary gifts, a pick-up load of gravel, food coupons for stocking the dining hall pantry and window curtains for the two dorms. A man from Arkansas heard about the campus and brought an oldtime school bell that they ring to mark the beginning of the school day. “Many have gathered and given at different levels. It’s not the size of the gift—it’s the heart behind it. Those who have given so freely and generously have a heart for young people,” Lee said. “One of the greatest assets we have is some awesome prayer warriors. I think this was a good thing,” he added. “I love Carlsbad—I really do. It’s all about giving back, and we’ve always wanted to do something positive for kids.”

For more information about Paradise Ranch or to announce a visit, please call 575-885-7787.

The German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s introduced the Easter bunny to American folklore. The children believed if they were good the Oschter Haws (Easter bunny) would lay a nest of colored eggs. The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests. The first edible Easter bunnies were made of pastry and sugar in Germany during the early 1800s. Information from: www.easterbunnys.net

The Easter Bunny The Easter bunny is a mythical character depicted as an anthropomorphic rabbit. In legend, the creature brings baskets filled with colored eggs, candy and toys to the homes of children on the night before Easter. The Easter bunny will either put the baskets in a designated place or hide them somewhere in the house for the children to find when they wake up in the morning. The Easter bunny is not a modern invention. Some allege it comes from pre-Christian fertility lore while others trace it to the role of the hare in Christian iconography. Although its origin is uncertain, the character is mentioned as early as 1500 in German writings.

The Easter Egg As with the Easter Bunny and the holiday itself, the Easter egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries old by the time Easter was first celebrated by Christians. From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling with leaves or petals of certain flowers. W E

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The only food that doesn’t spoil is honey. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than for the U.S. Treasury. Coca-Cola was originally green.

“Stewardesses” is the longest word typed with only the left hand. “Lollipop” is the longest word typed with the right hand.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple.

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow. Were you one of them?

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000.

The sentence: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter of the alphabet.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. The San Francisco cable cars are the only mobile national monuments.

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history.

Spades – King David Hearts – Charlemagne Clubs – Alexander, the Great Diamonds – Julius Caesar

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2. The last signature wasn’t added until 5 years later. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace. Most boat owners name their boats. The most popular boat name is Obsession.

The words racecar, kayak and level are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left. (palindromes) Typewriter is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite. Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated. Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ room during a dance. Women blink nearly twice as much as men. The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors. The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

Don’t ever say there’s nothing to add to a conversation after reading all of the above.

If you spell out numbers, you would have to go to ‘one thousand’ before you would find the letter ‘A.’ What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes,windshield wipers and laser printers have in common? All were invented by women.

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Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Most drought-resistant native plants need supplemental water during the first year or two to get established. Once established, supplement watering can be reduced or eliminated altogether depending upon the plant.

Xeriscaping Workshop

Drip irrigation systems save water because they deliver slow, steady amounts of water directly to plant roots, and as a result, this type of system cuts down on evaporation, runoff and over spray.

Mulch is another important aspect of xeriscaping that helps retain water in the soil. Shredded bark and crushed rock are two of the most popular types of mulch and can be purchased at most garden center stores.

hris Dawson, botanical curator for the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, is in charge of plants within the park and greenhouse. Her duties range from pruning, watering and fertilizing to spraying for weeds and pests. “Part of my job is outreach, like setting up xeriscape workshops,” Dawson said. Dawson has organized a Xeriscaping Workshop scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at the Living Desert Visitor Center conference room. The workshop will cost $30 for those who are not members of the Carlsbad Horticulture Society (the fee will cover membership to the society and lunch) and $10 for society members with lunch. There is limited participation of 45-50 people, so sign up early. Dr. Curtis Smith, New Mexico State University extension horticulture specialist, will discuss the principles of xeriscape, and John White, assistant botanical curator for the Centennial Museum at the University of Texas in El Paso, will discuss plant selections and drip irrigation.

Genuine xeriscapes can be lush and beautiful with a wide variety of native and other water-efficient plants to create color, interest and an oasis-like feeling. A five-step guide to creating a waterwise xeriscape begins with making a wish list, taking inventory of microclimates around your home, making a design plan and installing any construction, irrigation and plants. The fifth step is maintaining and enjoying your xeriscape. “We deal not only with native plants but with any plant adapted to our environment. We grow a lot of our own plants and publish a list of native plants available,” Dawson said, noting some drought tolerant plants are also ordered from Mountain States Nursery outside of Phoenix for the native plant sale.

Xeriscaping is a creative waterefficient landscape method using plants native to a specific area. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word, xeros, which means dry. Some landscapers use a lot of rocks and few sparse plants to create low water-use landscaping called zeroscaping, which is not at all the same as xeriscaping.

This year the Carlsbad Horticulture Society Native Plant sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4th and 5th at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The society sells cactus and succulents at the Living Desert Gift Shop year around, however the selection is better during the spring and fall plant sales.

Well-designed xeriscapes don’t have to be dry, dull or uninteresting. They can be intriguing, beautiful and full of color while using a fraction of the water needed by traditional lawn-dominated landscapes. A xeriscape requires far less ongoing maintenance and some xeric plants require little or no supplemental watering once they are established.

For more information about attending the workshop for xeriscaping, call Chris Dawson at the Living Desert, 575-887-5516.

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Xeriscape Water Zones In xeriscaping, plants are grouped into specific zones based upon the water needs of the plants and the functions you want your yard to serve. Zoning creates a water-efficient landscape that is both beautiful and functional.

Zone 1: Arid The arid zone features the most drought-tolerant vegetation. Choose

native plants and other varieties that rarely require supplemental watering. Often, the most arid zones are located away from the house and other high-traffic areas.

Zone 2: Transition The transition zone is used to blend lush areas with the drier parts of a landscape. This zone takes advantage of low and moderate water use plants. Choose plants that need infrequent supplemental watering (once a week or less).

Zone 3: Mini-Oasis The lush, mini-oasis zone includes the highest water use plants and your lawn area. The shady north and east sides of

your home are perfectly suited for oasis areas. This zone can also include areas that receive rainfall runoff from rooflines and downspouts. Try to place this zone near your house. Information from: Xeriscape 101: A Step-by Step Guide to creating a Water-wise Yard, compiled by the State Engineer Office Water Conservation Program.

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