JULY 2010
THE FAT CHICKS Draft horses pull their weight
The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association Volume 41, Number 07
Publisher/Editor Associate Editor
Mona Neeley, CCC
Editorial/Digital
Carissa Sheehan
Donna Norris
OFFICERS President Vice President
Chris Morgan, Gunnison
Secretary
Bill Midcap, Fort Morgan
Treasurer Executive Director
Don Kaufman, Sangre De Cristo
Bob Bledsoe, Tri-State
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Kent Singer, CREA
F E AT U R E
BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Porter Empire Grand Valley Highline Holy Cross K.C. LaPlata Mountain Parks Mountain View Poudre Valley San Isabel San Luis Valley Sangre De Cristo Southeast United Power White River Y-W Yampa Valley Associate Members
Sylvia Spangler Jim Lueck Michael Glass Dan Mills Tom Compton Stan Cazier B.D. Paddock Jack Schneider Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph Mike Rierson, John Villyard Paul Erickson Mark Grasmick Jim Jaeger Bill Jordan Stuart Travis Sam Haslem Basin Electric Co-Bank Wheatland Electric
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The “Fat Chicks” Teamster delivers horse-drawn fun with team, wagon BY AUDRA DAUGHERTY COLUMNS
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Energy Tips New dishwashers — cleaner plates and lower bills BY JAMES DULLEY
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Recipes Some new twists on some ol’ summer grilling BY LINH TRUONG
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Gardening Three great reasons to plant these annuals year after year BY EVE GILMORE
EDITORIAL Denver Corporate Office 5400 N. Washington Denver, CO 80216 Phone: 303-455-4111 Email: MNeeley@coloradocountrylife.org Website: coloradocountrylife.coop Facebook: Colorado Country Life Twitter: @COCountryLife
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ADVERTISING Kris Wendtland 303-902-7276 National Advertising Rep Groups: NCM 800-626-1181 The Weiss Group 915-533-5394
D E PA R T M E N T S
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Viewpoint Hands on control by member “owners” makes a difference BY KENT SINGER
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COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.
Outdoors It’s a delightful departure from high-tech fishing BY DENNIS SMITH
Co-op News Letters Calendar Funny Stories Discoveries
17 COVER: BRETT BARKER’S “FAT CHICKS” DELIVER THE FUN AS THEY PULL RIDERS THROUGH SOUTHWESTERN LANDSCAPES. PHOTOGRAPH BY AUDRA DAUGHERTY.
The Co-op Difference Hands-on control by active member-owners separate co-ops from other utilities BY KENT L. SINGER, CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
hen I was a kid growing up in eastern Kansas, my family would drive west on I-70 every couple of summers to visit relatives in Denver. I remember the sign at the Kansas-Colorado border Kent Singer welcoming us to “Colorful Colorado” and the sense of anticipation I experienced waiting for that first glimpse of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Once we arrived, I was always amazed that my aunt and uncle and cousins lived in a house that did not require air conditioning. I loved Colorado, and the more we visited the more I knew that I wanted to live in Colorado when I grew up. Since moving here more than 25 years ago, I have come to fully appreciate our great state, and I totally agree with Frederick Bonfils, one of the founders of The Denver Post, who said, “’Tis a privilege to live in Colorado.” These days, as executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association, I get to see a lot of our colorful state as I attend various electric co-op functions and meetings in every corner of the state. In recent weeks those meetings have included co-op annual meetings where I have been able to discuss current issues with the boards of directors, management and staff of the co-ops. At the annual meetings, I have also had the chance to find out what is on the minds of the member-owners of the co-ops. I have discovered that, from Hugo to Durango and from Brighton to Buena Vista, co-ops are thriving, and their member-owners are fully engaged in the activities of their own local electric utility. Co-op annual meetings are unique in the electric utility business. No other
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type of utility sponsors an event where the customers of the utility are encouraged to interact with and ask questions of the board and management and to share their views about the operation and direction of the company. At every annual meeting I have attended, the general manager has made it a point to ask for feedback from the memberowners of that co-op. In some cases, the co-ops have done “instant polling” where the member-owners have a chance to respond to questions ranging from their views on climate change to their desire for new programs or services. It is exciting to see this kind of direct democracy in action. It shows that co-ops frankly don’t need a lot of direction from Denver or Washington, D.C., to figure out how to best manage their business. Their member-owners keep the boards and management on their toes and let them know their concerns about rates, service, and the right balance with respect to the environmental impacts of producing electricity. This is a “co-op difference” that policy-makers (that is, our state and federal legislators) need to be reminded of. That difference is the hands-on control of the utility that is exercised by its member-owners. CREA is always reminding our friends in Denver and Washington, D.C., that the Colorado co-ops are perfectly capable of conducting their own business, and that they are in the best position to determine what policies are in the best interest of the local co-op. All of us in the electric co-op community live in a time of great challenges and opportunities. It is clear to me that the interest in our business by our member-owners and others is at an alltime high. It is equally clear to me that
our co-ops are fully engaged in the development of new ideas and innovations that acknowledge a need for increased efficiency and environmental awareness. At every co-op I visited, I heard about a new renewable energy or energy efficiency project developed in response to requests from the co-op membership. The co-ops are constantly striving to better serve the needs of their members with reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible electric service. At a conference I attended recently attended in Philadelphia, I was reminded of this effort by the co-ops to work together with their members as I listened to one of the featured speakers, Walter Isaacson. Isaacson is a former managing editor of Time magazine and the author of an excellent biography of Benjamin Franklin. During his presentation, Isaacson noted that Franklin was a supporter of the cooperative business model, and that he also understood the meaning of a common cause. Colorado's electric co-ops have had a common cause to improve the lives of their memberowners for over 70 years. During the Revolutionar y War, Franklin was famously quoted as saying that “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we will all hang separately.” I firmly believe that the continued success of the electric co-op program depends on our ability to "hang together" in the coming years.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Pony Express My June issue of Colorado Country Life arrived yesterday, and I am eager to read the article on Jack Slade and definitely have my name entered in the pool to hopefully win the book Here Comes the Pony: The Story of the Pony Express. With so much to be learned from biographical and autobiographical material, I have to wonder why anyone has the time and interest in science fiction, for instance. Too, I find it interesting why a person would be puzzled (Letters, June ’10) why the Colorado Rural Electric Association sends the Colorado Country Life magazine. When the current issue arrives I have always immediately sat down and one of the first three articles I peruse is Discoveries at the back of the issue, followed by Funny Stories. Next comes reading and searching the Y-W News to locate the names of consumers who win a $20 discount from the current REA bill. With the June issue, I was reading the Discoveries page and it came to mind to suggest a wonderful book written by an octogenarian Fran Cirbo about homesteading days, Working the Land: Building a Life. I would encourage you to go to the website www.francirbo.com to read about the book. Lois Scott, Lindon
I enjoyed reading the article about the Pony Express and the story of Jack Slade. He was one of many people who contributed to this aim for faster communication. But there were also the main characters, the riders who did the dangerous job of carrying the mail. There were probably many problems along the way, but they had to solve them on their own. Raphael Tesmer, Cheyenne Wells
Send your letter to the editor by mail or email. You must include your name and address to be published. Letters may be edited.
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Jim and Linda Shawcross, Poudre Valley REA members, won the Here Comes the Pony! book given away in June. Congratulations. Go to www.coloradocountrylife.coop for this month’s contest.
JULY 2010
Colorado Country Life 9
JULY CALENDAR July 6 in Colorado Springs Western Museum of Mining & Industry 28th Anniversary 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $2.80 admission. 719-488-0880 www.wmmi.org July 9–10 in Buena Vista Collegiate Peaks Stampede Rodeo Weekend www.buenavistacolorado.org July 10 in Salida Salida Aspen Concert Series Ingrid Fliter, piano; Anton Dressler, clarinet, at Salida High School 719-539-6153 www.salidaaspenconcerts.org July 10 in Buena Vista Arkansas Valley Art Center Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Sale McPhelemy Park, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 719-395-8372 www.avacgallery.com July 10–11 in Colorado City Greenhorn Valley Arts & Music Festival Greenhorn Meadows Park www.greenhornvalleyproductions.com July 10–11 in Leadville Lake County Rodeo Bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, kids’ mutton bustin’. Lake County Rodeo Grounds. 719-486-6371 www.leadvillerodeo.com
July 10–16 in Creede 19th Annual Woodcarving Rendezvous Exhibits and classes put on by carvers for carvers. 303-940-3505 July 12–18 in Crested Butte Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Hikes, photography classes. 970-349-2571, www.crested buttewildflowerfestival.com July 15 in Denver Outdoor Film Series at Denver Botanic Garden at Chatfield Movies in the gardens’ grassy amphitheater. Tickets can be purchased online. www.botanicgardens.org/c ontent/outdoor-movies July 17 in Leadville LC & SRR Wildflower Tour Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad, 10 a.m. 719-486-3936 www.leadville-train.com July 17 in Rye Faith Circles Fund Raising Dinner 4 p.m. at Brush Canyon Ranch. Homemade items, collectibles and antiques. 719-489-3182 July 17 in Pagosa Springs Cowboy Fast Draw San Juan Shootists’ monthly match at 342 Cimarron Circle. Practice, 11 a.m.; sign-in, noon; match, 1 p.m. 970-731-9140 www.sanjuanshootists.com
Send calendar items two months in advance to Calendar, Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver CO 80216; fax to 303-455-2807; or email calendar@coloradocountry life.org.
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July 17 in Westcliffe Wet Mountain Valley Rotary Pancake Breakfast 7–10 a.m. Custer County High School. Benefiting Custer County Rodeo. 719-783-2380 www.wetmountainvalleyrotary.org
July 17–18 in Cheyenne Wells Tumbleweed Festival & 120th Celebration Games, crafts, car show, breakfast, hamburger fry, Rocky Mountain oyster fry at Medicine Arrow Park. 719-767-5193 www.townofcheyennewells.com/up comingevents.htm July 17–18 In Leadville Rodeo Balloon Shoot Mounted riders shoot at balloons with black powder pistols. Lake County Rodeo Grounds 719-486-2848 July 18 in Lake County Tri-It-High Triathalon & Du-It-High Duathlon Hosted by the Lake County Recreation Department. 719-486-7484 www.lakecountyco.com/recreation/ node/183 July 19 in Salida Salida Aspen Concert Series Conundrum Wind Quintet Salida High School 719-539-6153 www.salidaaspenconcerts.org July 22–25 in Gunnison Writing the Rockies: The Gunnison Creative Writers Workshop Held at Western State College, the conference features keynote speakers, panel discussions and opportunities to talk with an agent or publisher. 970-943-2016 www.western.edu/writingtherockies July 23–25 in Buena Vista Balloona Vista Hot Air Balloon Festival Enjoy the sights and sounds as hot air balloons soar into the Colorado skies. 719-221-5148 www.salidaballoon.com
July 24–25 in Winter Park Winter Park Alpine ArtAffair Features 90 artists and local along with food, music and children’s activities. Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. www.alpineartaffair.com July 25 in Durango Full Moon Evening Train A moonlit ride to Cascade Canyon Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge, Railroad; 970-385-8801 www.durangotrain.com July 27–31 in Cheyenne Wells Cheyenne County Fair Livestock auction, free barbecue, pro rodeo and parade. 719-767-5716 www.townofcheyennewells.com/ upcomingevents.htm July 31 in Buena Vista Salida Aspen Concert Series American Brass Quintet Valley Fellowship Church 719-539-6153 www.salidaaspenconcerts.org August 5–8 in Steamboat Springs Steamboat Wine Festival Wine tastings and pairings, gourmet dinners, educational seminars and culinary competitions. www.steamboatwinefestival.com August 7 in Colorado Springs Burro Birthday Bash & Bluegrass Festival Western Museum of Mining & Industry celebrates with tours, gold panning and an afternoon concert, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. 719-488-0880 — www.wmmi.org
For more information on these activities, visit www.colorado countrylife.coop. Click on Events and discover what’s happening.
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The metal roofing panels are being installed over the underlayment. Hidden stainless steel nails and aluminum clips are used to secure each panel.
Heavy Metal Keep things cool this summer with a new metal roof BY JAMES DULLEY
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hen it’s time to replace an old shingle roof, is a metal roof worth the additional cost? Do metal roofs qualify for an energy efficiency tax credit? How does a metal roof conserve energy? And what type of metal roof is best?
Many — but not all — metal roofs qualify for the federal energy conservation tax credit for 2010. Metal roofs save energy by keeping your house cooler during the summer, which can dramatically improve comfort inside and reduce electric bills if your home is air-conditioned. During the winter, a metal roof has a negligible impact on the energy efficiency of your house. In general, in order to qualify for the energy tax credit the roof must meet Energy Star qualification standards. For roofing, this means the TSR (total solar reflectivity) must be greater than 25 percent when new and 15 percent after three years of aging. To be sure the roofing qualifies, ask for the specifications and a manufacturer’s certification statement (MCS). The amount of the tax credit is 30 percent of the material cost of the roof (not installation expenses) up to a maximum of $1,500. Use IRS form 5695 to apply for the tax credit, and save the payment receipt and MCS in case of a tax audit. Although it is more expensive to install than an asphalt shingle roof, a new metal roof will never have to be replaced. From a lifetime cost comparison, it is cheaper than installing an asphalt roof every 20 to 30 years. Most metal roofs reflect more of the sun’s heat than asphalt shingles, particularly black shingles. This keeps the roofing materials cooler so less heat is radiated down through the ceiling to the living area. Also, the underside of the aluminum metal surface has a lower ability to emit heat than shingles, so even less heat radiates downward. The following companies offer metal roofs: • Flatiron Steel, 970-284-6300, www.flatironsteel.com • Classic Metal Roofing, 800-543-8938, www.classicmetalroofingsystems.com • Conklin Metal, 800-282-7386, www.metalshingle.com • Follansbee Steel, 800-624-6906, www.follansbeeroofing.com • Met-Tile, 909-947-0311, www.met-tile.com Have a question for me? Send inquiries to: James Dulley, Colorado Country Life, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.
For more information on metal roofs and other energy saving ideas, visit www.colorado countrylife.coop and click on Energy Tips.
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JULY 2010
Colorado Country Life 11
BY AUDRA DAUGHERTY
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aying you’re having fun behind a couple of “Fat Chicks” will raise some eyebrows until people get to know the just what Fat Chicks you’re talking about. These particular “Fat Chicks” are part of an all-mare hitch of spotted, pinto draft horses owned by Brett V. Barker that he affectionately nicknamed. Barker tells people that as he sits behind them, what he mostly sees of them is their nice, round, colorful behinds and that is “phat” excellent and that is how they became the “Fat Chicks.” People remember the story and tend to remember the nickname. The real names of these sisters are Abby, Gail, Maude, Molly, Trixie, Stella and Lilly. “Teamster, Chef & Raconteur” is what it says on Barker’s business card. Are you running for your dictionary? Raconteur means a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes in an interesting manner. Barker, who summers with his horses near Beulah, Colorado, owns and operates Brett’s Desert Adventures in Scottsdale, Arizona. There, he
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Brett Barker’s view of his prized draft horses lead to his nicknaming these mares “Fat Chicks.”
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and the horses provide chuck wagon cookouts, hayrides, weddings, funerals, cowboy poetry, harness and tack fabrication and repair. This story goes way beyond a business though … this is a story about a man who wants to share his knowledge about life, our western heritage and horses with everyone he comes in contact with. Barker’s obvious passion in this venture is the horses. He says they are the “glue that holds the outfit together.” Both sides of Barker’s family are steeped in agriculture and Colorado going back four generations. At one time his great-grandfather owned more than 300 mules. Barker’s middle name is Vergil, after his mother’s Colorado native Brett V. Barker loves these “Fat Chicks” and loves bringing them to his ranch near Beulah for the summer. father, Vergil Walker. Vergil was a gentleman, rancher and businessman who a picnic. his clients. He loves to cook and share owned truck stops and gas stations in In training and conditioning his stories around the campfire, and he Trinidad, Colorado. He also owned and horses, he uses his vintage horse-drawn found that people of all ages enjoy raced thoroughbred racehorses through- road grader and a road drag. When he going on a wagon ride. They enjoy out Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona takes his “girls” to Colorado for the watching the process of harnessing and after World War II. He owned a gas sta- summer, he mows and rakes hay. He hitching the horses, hearing the teamtion called The Crown Service Station in has wagons that he uses to go cross- ster and even smelling the horses on Trinidad, and he and his buddies would country through the land behind his the ride. And they enjoy coming back sit around and discuss racehorses. ranch. He also uses a team to pull a vis- from a ride, “breaking bread” and sharBarker’s mother graduated from a-vis carriage for a wedding party or he ing time around a campfire. Trinidad High School in 1941. Grow- may use his freight wagon in a parade. Barker also feels the "Fat Chicks" ing up, Barker spent many of his sum- He has also used the horses in a four- and his employees are ambassadors for mers in Stonewall, Colorado. However, up hitch, pulling a stagecoach in rodeo the horse industry, and as such he Barker was primarily raised as a sub- exhibition events. Barker finds the ver- requires the people who work with him urban student athlete in Lakewood. satility of his horse hitch is one of its be neat, polite, respectful and highly Horses were not a part of his everyday main attractions for him. He likes the organized, and the horses and equipyoung life. After graduating from Col- fact that he is not limited to one type ment need to look good. Brett’s Desert orado College in Colorado Springs in of training or use of his horses. Adventures employs several young 1983, he and a good friend bought Barker has always had a day job. men and women as helpers. Barker motorcycles and took off for Arizona Currently, he as a sales executive with impresses on these young people that because it was not snowing there. Climatec selling engineered electronic they need to be polite and professionOne of the things that makes Bark- systems to the kindergarten through al with the public. The relationship er unique is the way he views what he 12th-grade education market. Bretts’s starts with the horses, but the help and does with his horses. When he was get- Desert Adventures is a sideline that advice he gives them goes beyond horsting started, he noticed that many people started with the thought of entertaining es to showing young people valuable specialized in particular disciplines with- his day job clients. He was always look- lessons that will be with them their in the horse industry. Some people just did ing for opportunities to find something whole life. cutting or roping with their horses, but different to do with his clients, whom he He encourages cross training to Barker realized that with draft horses felt had been “golfed and dinnered to show that in business and other aspects not only could they be useful around the death.” He wanted something to do with of life, the more you know, the more farm or ranch, you also can share them them that would develop a level of inti- valuable you are and the more money with people. Instead of having saddle macy and connection and was different. you’ll make. Barker encourages all of horses, you can hitch up a team to a So Barker started pairing up all the the young people who help him to get wagon and people can hop on and go for things he loves and sharing them with their education. In today’s economy, [continued on page 14] WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP
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few people can make a good living at horses. He encourages education, and then good jobs that can afford them the luxury of having horses. He hopes his legacy is that the children and young people with whom he comes in contact will view driving and draft horses favorably in the future so it will sustain itself and grow. Come summer, Barker loads up his “girls” and takes them to his ranch in Beulah to get them out of the Arizona heat. Having been raised in Colorado, he feels privileged now to own such a beautiful property. The horses are at the ranch Memorial Day through October. It is a place of rest and solitude for Barker and the horses. He can enjoy them more when they are in Colorado than when they are in Arizona. In Colorado, they are just grazing and getting to be horses, and watching and listening to them out in the pasture is a real treat for anyone who gets a chance. Then, every night there is another treat, as it sounds like thunder as these huge horses come running into the barnyard, splashing through the creek. Barker hosts a few parties for family and friends every summer and gives wagon rides, which are always the highlight of the event. The “girls” are quite popular with the neighbors and people often stop by to visit the horses during their summer break. Barker’s ranch is referred to as the “old dairy” as there was once a small dairy on the property. Some of the old timers have commented that from a distance the black and white spotted horses look a lot like dairy cows around the barn. They do some work while at the ranch, but the “girls” primarily spend four months a year just being horses, after working hard the eight months in Scottsdale. Barker’s horses get the best veterinary care, feed, and farrier care possible, either in Colorado or Arizona. He feels all this combined is the reason he has so few problems with them. He also pays close attention to the condition of all his equipment and harnesses. Safety is his number one con-
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Four of Brett Barker’s “Fat Chicks” pull a wagon down a country road using a four-up hitch.
cern and one of the reasons he has his own leather shop. He makes all his own harnesses, something he learned how to do by taking a set apart and putting it back together. Barker noted that it seems that most wrecks are caused by equipment failures of one nature or another. He is acutely aware that he has people’s lives at stake when they are around his horses and equipment, so he takes great care in making sure everything is in top condition. He’s proud of the fact that he has a perfect safety record. Barker shares his leather shop with the public as well, always with education in mind. He gives demonstrations of working with the various tools needed to make harness. He makes a heartshaped center drop, and as he’s making it he shares stories about the various metaphors that we use today that have their roots in the history of driving: getting hitched, teamwork and teamster, for example. Barker particularly likes to recount the history of “teamsters” and the value of their place in our history. He likes to tell people how horses did things 100 years ago.
Barker is something of a renaissance man, keeping alive skills that have almost vanished. He tries to pass on the stories of how horses have helped us get to where we are now. He is part of the unique breed of people that you meet in the draft horse community. When you meet Barker it is easy to see that his passion is his horses, but he also cares deeply about the people in his life. He takes concepts he has learned in business and applies them to his horses, and he shares his horses with people who wouldn’t ordinarily get that chance. And, he has a real affinity for his “Fat Chicks.” For more information on Brett’s Desert Adventures, visit www.desertžadventures.net or email Brett at brett@desertadventures.net. Audra Daugherty lives on an 80-acre ranch in Arizona with her husband Phil and seven horses. Secretary treasurer for the Arizona Draft Horse and Mule Association, she has a passion for draft horses.
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Good Grillin’ Try some new twists on good ol’ summer time grilling
BY LINH TRUONG
y this time each year, grilling season is in full swing. What better way to enjoy summer festivities than with family, friends and the smoky flavor of America’s favorite protein? You can find these recipes and many more at www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.
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Garlic-Thyme Steak 2 pounds beef flank or skirt steak or 2 pounds top round steaks, cut in 1-inch strips Salt and pepper Marinade: 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves 2 tablespoons sweet or smoked paprika 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper Combine marinade ingredients in medium bowl. Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator six hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally. Remove steak from bag; discard marinade. Place steak on grid over medium, ash-covered coals or over medium heat on preheated gas grill. Grill according to the chart for medium rare (145 degrees) to medium (160 degrees) doneness, turning occasionally. Serve half of steaks immediately, as desired. Cover and refrigerate remaining steak for later use. Before serving, carve steak into thin slices; season with salt and pepper, as desired.
MARINADE GUIDELINES • A flavoring marinade is used with tender beef cuts for a short time — 15 minutes to 2 hours. • A tenderizing marinade is used with less tender beef cuts — usually from the chuck, round, flank and skirt. — A tenderizing marinade contains a food acid or a tenderizing enzyme. — Acidic ingredients include lemon or lime juice, vinegar, Italian dressing, salsa, yogurt and wine. — Tenderizing enzymes are present in fresh ginger, pineapple, papaya, kiwi and figs. — Less tender steaks should be marinated at least 6 hours, but no more than 24 hours. Longer than 24 hours will result in a mushy texture. • Always marinate in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
For more grilling recipes, visit our website at www.coloradocountrylife.coop and click on Recipes.
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Beef Steak and Potato Kabobs 1 pound boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch thick 1 pound all-purpose potatoes 2 medium yellow or zucchini squash Sauce: 3/4 cup steak sauce 2 large cloves garlic, minced Cut potatoes into 1-1/2–inch pieces. Place in microwave-safe dish; cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high 6 to 8 minutes or until just tender, stirring once. Cool slightly. Combine sauce ingredients in 1-cup glass measure. Microwave on high 1-1/2 minutes, stirring once. Cut squash lengthwise in half. Cut beef steak and squash into 1 1/4–inch pieces. Combine beef, squash, potatoes and 1/3 cup sauce in large bowl; toss. Alternately thread beef and vegetables onto metal skewers. Place kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill uncovered about 10 to 12 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees) to medium (160 degrees) doneness, turning occasionally and brushing with remaining sauce during last 5 minutes.
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Why Annuals? The three best reasons to grow these plants year after year BY here is a bumper sticker that says, “Friends don’t let friends plant annuals.” I will admit to subscribing to this notion — at least some part of me does. But what exactly is an annual? An annual is a plant that lives for only one growing season as opposed to a perennial, which comes back on its own year after year. I prefer perennials because they require so much less from me and many of them have impressively long blooming seasons as well as the brilliant colors annual flowers are usually known for. That said, I will acknowledge that there is a time and a place for annuals.
EVE GILMORE
in the average pot or planter. They need the insulation and moisture that the ground affords them. Annuals negate this dilemma. You expect to replant your favorites each year anyway.
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For container gardens Containers can make a dramatic statement when placed strategically along a garden, near an entry or in prominent
For an area in transition When you know that part of your garden is going to see a makeover in the Annual plants add a lovely accent to this rural Colorado porch. near future, planting areas where it would otherwise be diffi- perennials may not make sense. Yet somecult to grow plants. For some gardeners, thing green and beautiful is called for. such as apartment dwellers, container garAnnual plants can fill in an area nicedens may be the only option. Because of ly providing season-long color. Plant them snow and freezing temperatures, perenni- with reckless abandon. als can have difficulty surviving the winter For food The vast majority of our vegetable crops are annuals. Some perennial exceptions include asparagus and rhubarb. Great satisfaction comes with growing one’s own food. If you’ve never done it, starting with a favorite makes sense — a single tomato plant in a container or a zucchini vine amid the perennial border. Many of the plants we call annuals are perennial somewhere in the world — somewhere with longer days and a milder climate. Either due to lack of sunlight, cold temperatures or both, these plants are unable to sustain life in our climate and perish in the fall, not to return again unless we plant them. Other annuals, though, are simply genetically programmed to survive only one season, no matter the climatic conditions. In any case, be a friend, and help teach your friends when their gardening situations call for annuals. Eve Gilmore is a landscape designer and garden coach and owner of Gardens by Eve in Durango. You can reach her at www.gardensbyeve.buzz.town.com or at 970-769-3319.
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Read previous gardening columns at www. coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Gardening.
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Timing Bluegills with Cottonwoods It’s a delightful departure from high-tech fishing BY DENNIS SMITH ack in the spring just about the time our cottonwoods leaf out and the lilacs reach full bloom, you know the bluegills are moving from their deep-water winter sanctuaries to the sun-drenched shallows of lakes and ponds in preparation for their annual spawning ritual. This knowledge is based more on folklore and tradition than actual science, but it is surprisingly accurate for predicting bluegill activity and a refreshingly delightful departure from the digital thermometers, electronic depth finders and solunar charts that a lot of today’s high-tech fishermen rely on. The bluegill spawn is actually triggered by a combination of increasing water temperatures and extended hours of sunlight. When the long sunny days of late spring warm the shallows to about 60 degrees or so, the bluegills begin to move. Bluegills have been called America’s favorite panfish. They’re easy to catch, and they taste good. Their flesh is white, sweet, firm and flaky. A mess of batter-dipped bluegills sizzled quickly in a frying pan and served with hush puppies, thick slices of sweet Vidalia onion and melted lemon-butter is an old southern tradition that tastes as good here as it does in Alabama. But you don’t have to board a jet for the Deep South to enjoy this culinary delight; you can catch bluegills — and many of their sunfish cousins — right here in Colorado. Bluegills are the most widely distributed of the dozen or so species of sunfish. They can be found in just about every farm pond and warm-water lake as well as slow-moving creeks, flooded gravel pits and city-park ponds. And, as I mentioned, they’re easy to catch. Kids especially love ‘em.
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A cane pole rigged with a bobber and a small, long-shanked hook baited with a bit of garden worm is the classic barefoot boy’s bluegill rig — and one of the most effective. You Bluegills or sunfish are easy to catch simply swing the baited and delicious to eat. hook and bobber out over the over the water and let it settle. If you’re on a decent bluegill pond, you won’t have to wait long, a minute or two at the most. Usually, it’s only a matter of seconds before the bobber starts trembling, then chugging and finally dives underwater in that telltale spiral that signals a thumping bluegill on the end of the line. Of course, you can use more sophisticated tackle if you like, and you’ll often see fly fishermen on the bluegill ponds this time of year. They’ll be stalking the shoreline or drifting about in float tubes, casting dry flies, cork poppers or sponge rubber spiders. If you ask, though, some of them will tell you they can remember when they used to do this with cane poles, bobbers and worms. A few will get that faraway look in their eyes and mention how they couldn’t wait for the lilacs to bloom and the cottonwoods to leaf out.
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Colorado Women’s Task Force
WIN THIS BEAUTIFUL QUILT Drawing set for October 20, 2010
1 ticket = $2 3 tickets = $5 Send checks for tickets to: Shelly Grantham % Morgan County REA PO Box 738 Fort Morgan, CO 80701
17 Colorado Country Life JUNE 2010
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MARKETPLACE
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18 Colorado Country Life JULY 2010
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Colorado Country Life 19
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.42 per word/month. Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay with a credit card. Send your ad to: mail: Colorado Country Life 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org
ANTIQUES
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-5470723. chaanita@aculink.net. (858-10-10)
FOR SALE (Business Only) – Country Craft Store, leased 1800 sq. ft. in the ‘Heart of the Rockies.’ 7000’ elevation at the base of Colorado’s ‘fourteeners’ mountains. $80,000, OBO, 719-942-3836, 8am-7pm. (902-10-10)
GRANDMA’S CLOCK QUIT? Expert repair of spring and weight driven clocks. Berthoud, 970-532-3022 Email: fourburros@aol.com. (126-08-10)
ANTLERS ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. Wholesale, as much as 60% off store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including giant 5’ moose mount! 970-627-3053. (105-02-11)
BOOKS “ENJOYING CRESTED BUTTE the Easy Way” Great new guidebook for finding our famous wildflowers, waterfalls, and aspens on easy trails and gorgeous drives. $15.95 plus $2.95 S&H. 501-580-9918 baskinmc @yahoo.com (891-07-10)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.) AVON sells — you earn money. Generous profits. Flexible hours. $10 start up. ISR. 719-550-0242. (133-08-10)
PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School homestudy course. Tools included. Call for info. 800-497-9793. (158-01-11)
LEARN HOW YOU CAN work at home mailing postcards in your spare time. Dept. 7507 ww.easymoneyathome.com/5 00aday 800-242-0363 Ext. 1405 (911-07-10)
SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. 800-459-2148. www.sawmill exchange.com. (267-08-10)
FINANCIAL SERVICES EARN BETWEEN 7% - 8% guaranteed in an income retirement account —Guaranteed Lifetime Income; Tax Deferred; No Risk. Call Town & Country Financial Services at 877-887-3131. (851-09-10) GREAT RATES on mobile/modular home insurance. Colorado licensed agent. Allen (719) 641-6713. (905-08-10)
CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS 1985 CADILLAC ELDORADO Barritz Conv., mint condition, collector’s dream, $15K, 970522-4600 (899-10-10) 1995-2009 — SUBARUS, Foresters, Outbacks, Imprezas, WRXs and Tribecas! Great Prices! One-Year Warranty! Dealer: 719-510-2212 or 303-870-2212. (574-08-10)
CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. Clocks of all kinds repaired. Howard Miller service. Call Robert 970-2477729. (109-07-10)
DIET FOOD DISCOUNT DIET FOOD. Highest quality, lowest prices. Our plan or yours. Diethigh protein.com. (763-06-11)
ENERGY BEGIN YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Mia Bella Candles/Gifts/Beauty. Try the best! www.naturesbest.scent-team.com. Free weekly drawing. Great income potential. (831-09-10)
FARM MACHINERY & PARTS
ECO DEPOT USA: Renewable Energy Experts — Specializing in design, sales, installation and educational outreach for solar electric, solar thermal, and wind systems. Committed to providing professional service for residential, commercial, agriculture, and school projects. NABCEP and COSEIA certified. Contact us at 719-539-6000, 877-3263376, www.EcoDepotUSA.com, info@ecodepotusa.com, Salida, CO. (903-07-10)
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FOR SALE HEAVY DUTY CATTLEPENS. Portable or Permanent; 32x45 working pen w/ 16’ crowding tub, $3,015. Call Kenneth 580-876-3699, www.cccattle equipment.com. (882-08-10) RX — SAVE 50-90% on monthly meds! Hundreds of brand name and generics from licensed pharmacy partners shipped to your door. 90/180 day supply. Prescriptions required. Advair – Symbicort – Zyprexa – Abilify – Risperdal – Lantus – Humalog – Plavix – Actos – Nexium – Lexapro – Crestor – Lipitor – Alphagan – Xalatan – Timolol – many more! Call 800-288-9526 for free info today. (886-12-10) TARPS – HEAVY DUTY. 16’x50’, hemmed. Expired billboard faces. $50 each or 12’x38’ - $35 each. Add $25 for shipping or can pick up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115 or 800-536-7446. (885-08-10)
FREE FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebible saystruth@yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (814-07-10)
HELP WANTED
LIVESTOCK FOR SALE
$400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, PO Box 450, New Britain, CT 060500450.
OREO CATTLE. Black Belted Galloways. Loveland, CO. Registered and crossbred. 970667-5333. DonAten@mesanetworks.net (694-09-10)
HOBBIES & CRAFTS
MISCELLANEOUS
ADULTS: PAINTING CLASSES, 1pm–5pm, water color, oil, acrylic $60 with supplies; $30 without. Beginners/intermediate, 970-531-0139, Grand Lake. (892-09-10)
COLORADO CENTRAL MAGAZINE features stories, history, essays, news, and more about the central Colorado mountain region. Only $25 for 12 issues. Subscribe online at www.cozine.com. (906-07-10)
ARTS ON PARK AVENUE 970531-0139, 1117 Park Avenue, Grand Lake, CO, offers art classes: Kids 10am-12pm Wed., Thurs., Friday, Saturday, Sunday $10 per person. Adults welcome. (892-09-10)
PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, slides or photos on DVD. 888-609-9778 or www.transferguy.com. (46512-10)
AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING — reasonable rates, quick turnaround. Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching. home.comcast.net. (846-08-10)
WORLD’S MOST EFFICIENT, fastest coating system for restoring commercial, metal, rubber, flat ponding roofs. Hotels, factories, schools, offices, barns, trailers. Free details 573-489-9346. (85607-10)
NEW GALLERY OPENING, Grand Lake, CO. Looking for new artists. Karen, 970-5310139 (892-09-10) SPINNING, WEAVING, KNITTING, crochet, felting, dyeing, books, patterns, classes. Table Rock Llamas Fiber Arts Studio, 6520 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908, 866-495-7747. (791-11-10)
HOUSE HELPS ARE YOUR BASEMENT WALLS bowing and cracking? We can stabilize them without any outside digging. We use a Manta Ray anchor system. www.lastchanceservices.com. (900-10-10)
IN-HOME CARE IN-HOME MEMORY CARE PROGRAM. Greater Colorado Springs Care agency provides warm companion care to comprehensive personal care, twice a week or 24 hours a day. Call us for a FREE in home assessment. Call Jeff or Pennie at HomeWatch Caregivers, 719-358-8659. (86108-10)
POULTRY/GAMEBIRDS FREE – 5 EXOTIC CHICKS or 3 ducks with 100 frypan special @ $31.95 plus shipping. Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. Brochure. Cackle Hatchery — PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www.cacklehatchery.com. (876-07-10)
REAL ESTATE 9.0% to 11.1% return, new Colorado building, 8998 sq. ft., long-term lease, national credit retail tenant, $11.7 billion Yr. 2009 sales, $3.2 million 2009 profit. Total price $866,660. Cash required $259,500, A.D. Sanford, L.L.C., call 214-212-8532. (901-07-10) 35-ACRE PARCELS, overlooking North Sterling Reservoir, ideal for custom home, exc. hunting, 970-522-4600. (89910-10)
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My mother, who is 89, has a wonderful attitude REAL ESTATE
SPECIAL SERVICES
WANTED TO BUY
ANTERO RESERVOIR ONLY 20 minutes away! Small home, 37 acres. Off the grid, 10 gpm well, solar, propane, 4 horse stalls + small barn. $135,000. 720-3085961. (830-08-10)
LAKE OR POND? Aeration is your 1st step toward improved water quality. Complete systems $199 to $369!! Waterfall? 11,000 GPH water pump only 3.6 amps! Only $429.99. wwwfishpond aerator.com, 608-254-2735. (879-08-10)
NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@hotmail.com. (817-12-10)
GRACIOUS MOUNTAIN HOME remodeled for the disabled, handicapped and elderly. Beautiful mountain setting with many amenities. Long or short term available. Pets welcome. Visit Homeaway.com, Property I.D. #288492 (895-07-10) LAND WANTED — large land buyer is seeking to purchase 500 to 50,000 acres in Colorado. Will consider bail out, bankruptcies, foreclosures and existing subdivisions. Cash buyer can close quickly. Call Joe at Red Creek Land Company 719-543-6663. (648-08-10) LOT FOR SALE $46,800. Gravel road frontage on 3+ miles of private fishing. Includes water and utilities. Between Taylor Reservoir and Tincup. Call 573-368-2711. (909-08-10) MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS, Horse Property, 40.76 acres, no covenants, subdividable, west of CR270 and CR280 near Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, www.hereishome.com, $195,000. 303-909-9701. (881-08-10) MOUNTAIN CABIN 3bdr 2ba between Taylor Park Reservoir and Tincup. Information 719-275-2431 (898-09-10) MOUNTAIN HOME, TALLAHASSEE area, 3.64 acres, 16x70 mobile home, 2/1, new roof and kitchen, $79,000, 863-801-5077. (910-0710)
RELIGION BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 207, 7549 W Cactus, #104, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination.org. (441-12-10)
ZYDECO DANCE WORKSHOPS – Durango. Music from Louisiana. Call for schedule. Malia, 970-4033081. (907-07-10)
VACATIONS JOIN US! BRANSON TOUR November 1-8! Includes transportation, lodging, insurance, most meals and spectacular Branson shows! Prices for singles, or double up and save! Visit corteztravelservice.com for more information, call (970) 565-9295 or email info@corteztravel online.com. WE’RE SAVING A SEAT FOR YOU!! (904-10-10)
VACATION RENTAL GREEN SNOW OASIS CABINS — Housekeeping log cabins with fishing, hiking, hunting. Near Telluride, 505-632-6828, 970-5627669. (908-10-10) KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makanacrest.com; kauai weddings.com. (756-05-11) TELLURIDE VACATION RENTAL. On lift 7 and the San Miguel River. True ski in/out, mountain bike, hike, fly fish, festivals. Enjoy a great getaway. Very affordable, nice. Sleeps four. 970-946-9416. (887-08-10)
WANTED TO BUY ELK AND DEER ANTLERS in bulk quantity. Also bear traps. Phone toll free 877-400-1156. Antlers1@powellantlershop. com. (863-11-10) I WILL BUY YOUR German daggers, helmets and other military items. Don Simmons, PO Box 4734, Springfield, MO 65808, 417881-5645. DSimmons@ corpranet.net. (470-12-10)
Call Kris at 303-902-7276 to place a classified ads.
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OLD COLO LIVESTOCK Brand Books prior to 1950. Call Wes 303-757-8553. (889-07-10) OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets. ANYTHING OLD! Don’t throw it away until you call us! We’ll buy whole estates before you have yard sales. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-565-1256. (871-07-10) OLD GAS AND OIL items: gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc., considered. Also 1930-40 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721. (519-11-10)
about her recent move into an assisted living facility. But one day when I visited, she complained that she needed a manicure and when she called downstairs, they wouldn’t connect her to the in-house beauty parlor. “Mom, how did you call downstairs?” I asked, knowing that there was no in-house phone service. “I used the button on the wall,” she said. “That’s just for emergencies!” I replied. “Yeah, that’s what they said,” Mom noted. “But I really need a manicure!” Sandy Reay, Monument
Back in 1975 my wife and I bought a ranch near Loma. We needed to get cattle, so I went to the livestock auction in Grand Junction and took my 5-yearold daughter along. After listening to the auctioneer yammer for a while, my daughter turned to me with a puzzled look on her face and asked, “What’s the matter with that man, Daddy? Is his tongue stuck?” Glen Paull, Fruita
OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com. (87008-10) OLD TRACTORS that don’t run. Jerry Browne, 2707 Weld Co. Rd. 19, Fort Lupton, CO 80621. 303659-7026. (220-04-11) OLD WITTE DIESEL/ELECTRIC generator, any condition, and used Bullet swaging tools. Call Walt 719-738-1176 (890-07-10) WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-08-10) WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337. (227-0910) WE PAY CASH FOR minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122. (227-09-10)
WEDDINGS DO YOU WANT TO CREATE a magical, romantic, unforgettable wedding on the beach? The NEW Beach Wedding Planning Guide and Workbook shows you how. Download now at www.Beach Wedding Magic.com. (12-10)
When my daughter was in kindergarten, we bought an old horse for her to ride. She loved to ride him as fast as she could get him to go. And to get him to go faster, she would kick him as hard as a kindergartener could. I told her to use voice commands instead. “You mean walk, trot, cancel?” she asked. Stifling my laughter I said, “No, walk, trot, canter.” She quickly replied, “Walk, trot, canter then cancel.” Doris Logan, Elbert
An 8-year-old boy was attending his aunt’s wedding just days after being told about “the birds and the bees.” The bride and groom were pronounced husband and wife; the groom lifted the bride’s veil and kissed her eagerly. In a stage whisper loud enough for everybody in the church to hear, the wide-eyed boy asked his dad, “Is he sprinkling the pollen on her now?” Elvin Benton, Buena Vista We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2010 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 or email them to funnystories@coloradocountrylife.org.
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It’s a Wrap — Elastic Laces tenex elastic laces, manufactured by Denverbased Quest Technologies, are not just for kids who haven’t learned how to tie their shoes (though his two toddlers were the reason Mike Gonzales originally created them). They are a revolutionary product that create “a fastening system that will literally wrap your shoe around your specific foot profile.” The laces help wearers avoid footwear-related pain and discomfort like binding, slipping and blistering. With an elastic core and a series of knots along the entire length of the lace, the technology enhances footwear fit, comfort and performance and is becoming increasingly popular with professional athletes like distance runner, and triathletes. You can find a dealer in your area at www.xtenex.com or you can buy them online at www.xlaces.com.
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Live, Love Catch All Summer he PhD Pocket Disc was born out of a third-grader’s assignment to crochet a round placemat. Instead of sitting on a table, though, it became more of a plaything as it got tossed around by friends and family who visited. The family found a cooperative of Guatemalan women to produce them and in return for the amazing artistry, the women are paid a fair wage and work under good conditions. It’s a perfect toy for the summer and can be taken camping, backpacking or picnicking because it’s so light and flexible. It can also help alleviate boredom on a rainy day because you can play with it inside and not break anything. Check out www.pocketdisc.com/index.php for fun games and other uses as well as the online store and dealer locator.
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MULTI-FUNCTION PLASTIC RACK his all-purposed laptop-sized rack can be used to keep food organized in a cooler or as a dinner tray, a seat or a food-preparation station. It’s perfect for camping or a picnic this summer. The Camping Rack is a familyowned and -operated business out of Silt, Colorado. The rack measures approximately 18-inches long and 10inches wide and can withstand temperature changes from subzero to 300 degrees, is flexible, prevents water from splashing up on food and holds up to 250 pounds. For more information or to order, go to www.campingrack.com.
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Bye-bye to Bug Bites ummer in Colorado usually goes hand-in-hand with mosquitoes and other buggy creatures that bite and swarm. But for a lot of people who enjoy the outdoors in Colorado bug-repellent sprays and lotions are messy and smelly and sometimes worse than the sting or the bite. Now there’s a patch that provides an alternative. The Don’t Bite Me! Patch is DEET free, provides total body coverage, is waterproof and is safe for kids. When applied two hours before going outdoors, this patch deters insects for up to 36 hours. The active ingredient is vitamin B-1, which metabolizes in the body and reduces human odors that attract insects. So go enjoy the outdoors without worrying about stings or bites. To order, go to www.dontbitemepatchstore.com.
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Win one of two packages of summertime stuff that includes each item on this page. Find out how by visiting our website at www.coloradocountrylife.org and clicking on Contests. Deadline is July 16. We will also be giving away Pocket Discs on Facebook throughout July.
22 Colorado Country Life JULY 2010
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