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WATER AEROBICS

TAI CHI

THE ENERGY OF INFINITY

Tomato & Roasted Bell Pepper & Basil Soup

PAMPERING THE MODERNDAY PET

ROAD TRIP MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN LOOP

Tomato, Roasted Bell Pepper & Basil Soup

If you use milk do not bring heat past a low simmer or the milk will curdle.

If you want a silkier soup run the pureed soup through a mesh strainer before adding back to the pot.

INGREDIENTS • 1 onion • 4 cloves garlic • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) • 1 can whole tomatoes • 1 jar roasted bell peppers • 1 cup chicken broth

• 2-4 tbsp dry or fresh basil • 3 tbsp tomato paste (optional) • 1 cup low fat milk (optional) • 1tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional) • Salt & pepper

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat pot to medium. Roughly chop onion and garlic. 2. Add olive oil and onions to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions just start to color a little bit. 3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until it just starts to “speak” to you (that means it starts to smell really good, but be careful, garlic goes from perfect to burnt in a hot second).

If you are spicing the soup up with red pepper flakes, add them to the garlic. 4. Add tomatoes and bell peppers and heat for 5 minutes. 5. Puree the soup in batches with basil in a blender. If you are using a low fat milk, puree it into your last batch before adding the soup back into the pot. 6. Bring soup to a low simmer and add balsamic vinegar, if using. 7. Add salt and pepper, taste and adjust.

LIFESTYLE HABITS TO EXTEND LONGEVITY: Having a sense of purpose

Socializing within and outside the family

Engaging in physical activities

Not smoking

Celebrate Your

100 Birthday th

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Following a high plantbased diet

By Patricia Danflous

orget about looking for the Fountain of Youth or the magical drink that promises you will live to be 100 or more. Wait – if that search means you will start taking long walks, snacking on fruits and vegetables and taking time to stretch your muscles, you could be on the right path!

Exercise, stretching, and healthy eating are essentials to living longer, productive lives. According to nutritionist and fitness specialist Kirk Vidrine, “there are not a lot of super secrets about living to be 100, but you may be surprised about what we have learned about living longer.

“Living a long life is dictated 10 percent by genetics and 90 percent by lifestyles,” Vidrine says. “The goal is not just about achieving a high number of years, it is about living better. Why live longer and be miserable in pain when it is possible to enjoy your retirement and golden years in a better way?”

The reality is no matter how hard you try, you are not necessarily going to make it to 100. In fact, only one in 5,000 in this country live to 100. But the good news is, after age 65 women have an average of 20.3 and men have an average of 17.6 years of life remaining. This means there is plenty enough time to add physical activities and make the dietary changes that will affect your quality of life.

Having a form of spirituality

Drining alcohol moderately

The Majestic Mountain Loop Your Next Roadtrip!

By Suzanne Fox

E

xplore California’s central Sierra, where the vast scenic beauty of national parks meets small town charm of the communities that surround them.

Journey from destination to destination along the Majestic Mountain Loop to explore Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks on an unforgettable three-day vacation.

The Majestic Mountain Loop highlights features of each park and offers pre-crafted itineraries and shows time-crunched travelers how much they can experience in just three days.

Itineraries have been developed for different seasons and can be followed starting at any park. The best routes have been mapped out for people who have big travel aspirations but are pressed for time.

Visit Yosemite | Madera County Day One

Start your adventure in Visalia, and enjoy some of the finest farm-fresh cuisine at over 60 locally-owned restaurants. Trek to Sequoia National Park, with suggested winter/spring stops at popular attractions such as the world’s largest living thing, the General Sherman Tree.

Located in the heart of the park, Wuksachi Lodge offers the perfect overnight respite for travelers along the Loop.

Day Two

Take in the panoramic settings and savor the fare at The Peaks Restaurant. From there, enjoy the echoing canyons in Kings Canyon and visit the 2nd largest tree on Earth, the General Grant Tree.

After a long day, travelers are welcomed into the Oakhurst area town, situated in the foothills that connect Kings Canyon to Yosemite National Park. Here, visitors are encouraged to visit the local museums and art galleries, take a ride on the historic railroad, visit a winery, or relax with a glass of local wine at one of the many restaurants.

To learn more about the Majestic Mountain Loop, visit www.majesticmountainloop.com Rhonda Salisbury • 559-683-4636

Day Three

‘Loopers’ will be up early for a full day of adventuring to Yosemite’s most iconic spots. Often speechless as they gaze down the valley from Tunnel View and look out at Half Dome from Glacier Point, travelers relish in the stunning wonder of this famous Park.

Visit Yosemite | Madera County

Delaware North

Kings Canyon National Park

Trek to Sequoia National Park, with suggested stops at attractions such as the world’s largest living thing, the General Sherman Tree.

TAI CHI

THE ENERGY OF INFINITY

By Tami Charbonnet

P

ressure from financial concerns, children, relation- damage. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. However, ships and countless other life issues demand meth- due to physical restraints, some people may lack the ability ods to reduce stress. Studies show stress as a direct to maintain an exercise regimen. cause of physical, emotional and psychological

Tai Chi improves strength and balance

Welcome to the World of Tai Chi An ancient martial art, Tai Chi is embraced as a method to reduce stress and reap physical and emotional benefits.

Tai Chi originated in China as a form of self-defense, but has developed over the centuries as a healing exercise focused on the mind-body connection.

It is a beautiful flow of slow but controlled movements that require mental focus, relaxation and acceptance of infinity; energy without end.

Movements are soft and flow with no tension. The body’s joints are never extended. This gentle series of movements make Tai Chi safe and healthy for everyone.

Tai Chi Benefits Tai Chi improves strength and balance. Aside from the physical benefits, studies have proven that Tai Chi contributes to an overall feeling of well-being.

While practicing Tai Chi, tension is released in the body and negative emotions subside. It is effective for all ages and physical conditions, as it can be practiced from either a sitting or standing positon.

Thousands of people practice Tai Chi daily for health maintenance and healing.

Visit the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association (ATCQA) (www.americantaichi.org) for a class locator.

BAKED SPINACH TURKEY MEATBALLS THIS IS AN EASY AND TASTY TURKEY MEATBALL RECIPE THAT SNEAKS IN A SERVING OF SPINACH. IT IS GLUTEN FREE, GREAT FOR KIDS.

Nutrition per serving: 275 Calories; 13g Carb; 13g Fat; 25g Protein

Sean Peters is an electrical engineering PhD candidate currently studying at Columbia University. To read more about Sean and his recipes, visit mybodymykitchen.com.

INGREDIENTS • 10 Oz fresh or frozen spinach • 1.25 lbs. lean ground turkey • 1 large egg, beaten • 1/2 cup oat flour or breadcrumbs • 3/4 cup onions or green onions, finely chopped • 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped • 1/2 tbsp parsley • 2 tsp olive oil • 1/2 tsp oregano • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes • salt & black pepper to taste • 1/2 tbsp brown sugar/honey DIRECTIONS: ❶ Preheat oven 400 F. ❷ In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions; cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant. ❸ If using fresh spinach: add spinach to skillet, increase heat to medium-high and cook until tender. ❹ Set aside cooked vegetables to cool. ❺ In a large bowl, combine turkey meat, egg, oat flour (or breadcrumbs), parsley, oregano, pepper flakes, honey/brown sugar (optional), salt and black pepper.

If using frozen spinach, add it in this step.

❻ Add cooled, cooked vegetables and mix thoroughly. ❼ Lightly coat baking dish with cooking spray. ❽ Scoop about 1/4 cup of turkey mixture and shape into balls; place into baking dish. Lightly coat or drizzle each ball with olive oil. ❾ Bake meatballs uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through; turning after 10 minutes of baking.

When made with oat flour, these meatballs are very moist! If you like your meatballs to have more bite use bread crumbs or a bit more oat flour.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Serves: 6

Pampering The Modern-Day Pet

By Michele Robert Poche

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et parks, bakeries, designer boutiques ... it’s a great time in the world to be a pet. We love our furry little friends. So why wouldn’t we want to pamper and even spoil them a little when we can?

Enter the pet resort.

Gone are the days of simply paying the neighborhood kid to peek in on your cat or board the dog at a conventional kennel while you’re away. Today's pet demands more. Here are just a few of the amenities you can expect at high-end pet care and lodging.

LODGING Resort guests are pampered in stateof-the-art environments with fresh bedding, soothing music, natural lighting, premium food, on-call veterinarians and one-on-one attention.

SPA SERVICES Pets are treated to stress-releasing massage, aromatherapy, facials, and antioxidant baths.

EXERCISE Guests have plenty of opportunity to socialize and burn off energy on walks, trails, swim breaks, yard play and even treadmills.

GROOMING Technicians provide nail clipping, ear cleaning, dental care, bathing and trimming for every breed and lifestyle.

TRAINING Resorts offer classes in obedience and manners.

TRANSPORTATION Offering pick ups and drop offs, resort vehicles can also take guests to offsite field trips for fresh air and exercise.

WEBCAMS 24/7 webcams are available so you can check in on your pet from anywhere.