Colorado Country Life K.C. Electric Association May 2011

K.C. ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

[May March 2011 2011 ]]

JOIN THE CIRCUS

Golden-aged performers juggle and giggle in Salida

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We have a NEW LOOK for the magazine and for the website at coloradocountrylife.org

Fresh, New Look!

Same Great Publications!

The magazine is more colorful and easier to read. We’ve got more information on Colorado and its electric cooperatives.

And you’ll find the website is easier to navigate and filled with even more information. You’ll also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

READ YOUR MAGAZINE // FOLLOW US ONLINE ColoradoCountryLife.coop 2 May 2011

STAY CURRENT ON WHAT’S HAPPENING

[contents]

May 2011 [feature] 16 You’re Never Too Old

Salida’s golden-aged performers run off to join the circus

BY JENNIFER DEMSEY

[columns] 20 The Buzz on Honeybees

Pollination is an important part of our existence

BY EVE GILMORE

16

22 Recipes

16 Viewpoint

e’re looking out for you W during the legislative session.

BY KENT SINGER

5 6 7 12 14 30

Letters Calendar Co-op News NewsClips Industry Story Discoveries

Savory stews and soups will keep winter cold at bay

BY LINH TRUONG

24 Outdoors

[departments] 4

A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park is more than a pretty book

BY DENNIS SMITH

25 Energy Tips

20

Keep cool, lower the heat and keep costs low

BY JAMES DULLEY

29 30

22

[COVER]

Salida’s Circus senior troupe members deliver mirth and merriment to audiences while having a good time themselves. Photo by Mike Rosso, www.fourcornersphoto.com

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor; Donna Norris, Associate Editor ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276; NCM@800-626-1181

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association Volume 42, Number 05

OFFICERS: Chris Morgan [Gunnison] President; Bob Bledsoe [Tri-State] Vice President; Bill Midcap [Fort Morgan] Secretary; Don Kaufman [Sangre De Cristo] Treasurer; Kent Singer [CREA] Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Porter [Empire]; Sylvia Spangler [Grand Valley]; Jim Lueck [Highline]; Michael Glass [Holy Cross]; Dan Mills [K.C.]; Tom Compton [LaPlata]; Stan Cazier [Mountain Parks]; B.D. Paddock [Mountain View]; Jack Schneider [Poudre Valley]; Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph [San Isabel]; Mike Rierson, John Villyard [San Luis Valley]; Paul Erickson [Sangre De Cristo]; Mark Grasmick [Southeast]; Jim Jaeger [United Power]; Bill Jordan [White River]; Stuart Travis [Y-W]; Sam Haslem [Yampa Valley]; Basin Electric, Co-Bank, Moon Lake Electric, Wheatland Electric [Associate Members]

EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: MNeeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: Colorado Country Life • Twitter: @COCountryLife 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.

[viewpoint]

Under the Gold Dome

We’re looking out for you at the Colorado Capitol

BY KENT SINGER CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

W

When the Speaker of the Cologeneration from rado House of Representatives renewable sources declares “we are adjourned as well as for sine die,” it is music to the energy efficiency ears of everyone who makes measures. Among a living working with the these was a bill that Colorado General Assembly. would have initiThe Speaker and the ated a study on the President of the Senate will economic impacts Kent L. Singer make this announcement of feed-in tariffs. on May 11. Lawmakers, Feed-in tariffs lobbyists, staff members and othrequire electric utilities (includers involved in the process will ing electric co-ops) to pay a prebreathe a sigh of relief after another mium price for power generated challenging legislative session. from renewable sources in order to This year, like last, the main focus provide a guaranteed market for the for the lawmakers was the state budpower developer. Some advocates of get. Although the economic picture is renewable energy generation argue slightly better this year, the legislathat this type of mandate is necesture still had to make significant cuts. sary to promote further renewable After days of negotiations, the energy development. CREA, along leaders of both parties were able with other utilities, opposed this to reach a compromise that will bill because we were concerned that balance the books for another year. it would result in higher electricThese cuts will have a real impact ity bills for co-op member-owners. on schools and other programs, The bill was defeated in the House but there is little interest in raising Transportation Committee. taxes given the depressed ecoThe legislature also killed a bill nomic environment we are in. that would have implemented a study At the Colorado Rural Electric of how to implement a smart grid Association, we follow the budget in Colorado. Many of Colorado’s discussions and how those changes electric co-ops already have advanced will affect you, the co-op members, meters or are installing these meters but our main area of interest is to enhance communications with energy policy. On that front, I believe their members. Given the rapid the activity of the 2011 General development of these technologies, Assembly can be summed up as however, it makes the most sense “let’s maintain the status quo.” What for each utility to determine how I mean is that although there were to best implement “smarter” grid many bills introduced to both expand technologies without being mandated and contract the new energy econto choose a system that could soon omy policies adopted over the last be obsolete. Further, investment in four years, most of these bills were expensive new metering systems may “postponed indefinitely,” the legislamake sense for some utilities, but ture’s polite term for killing a bill. not others. The smart grid bill was Many bills were introduced that also voted down in the legislature. would have expanded the new There also were attempts by some energy economy by requiring further legislators to backtrack on some of subsidies and incentives for power the energy policies implemented

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 May 2011

under Gov. Bill Ritter. One bill would have rolled back the renewable portfolio standard to the levels that were approved by the voters in Amendment 37 in 2004. The co-ops supported a bill in 2007 extending a 10 percent renewable standard to all of our members, and we have taken measures to comply with this law.

We did not support rolling back the standard because we are committed to integrating this renewable generation into our power supply mix as long as the costs are reasonable and reliability can be maintained.

Other bills introduced this year would have required the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to focus on the cost of electricity as it reviews the plans of the investorowned utilities to build facilities to serve customers. We did not weigh in on these bills because they did not directly affect the co-ops. But by rejecting these bills, the legislature continues to allow the PUC to consider factors other than cost when it evaluates utility resource plans.

The status quo was maintained.

We at CREA believe that is a good thing. We need time to evaluate the costs of our new energy economy, the costs of the new renewable power generation that is being integrated into the electric grid. We need to understand its impact on grid reliability and integrity. For those reasons, we believe that maintaining the status quo was the right choice for the legislature in 2011 and ultimately for Colorado electricity ratepayers.

CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

[letters] Different Views on Regulation

Thank you for keeping us informed about the positive, progressive decisions our local electric co-op continues to make. However, the Viewpoint article and the article on government regulation (February ’11) were quite disappointing.

Editorializing about burdensome regulations implies that they are unnecessary and that without them we would all enjoy cheap electricity on demand forever. The article was informative. Most of us had not heard of the Clean Air Transport Rule or the Clean Water Act Section or that coal ash has some viable commercial uses. However, the manner in which these subjects were discussed disappointed me. The use of scare tactics is disingenuous.

When will we openly admit that breathable air and clean water are at least as important as cheap electricity?

— Robert E. Volger, Ignacio

For years, this magazine has informed us of issues involving our energy needs. I see no political agenda in Kent Singer’s (Viewpoint) articles other than informing us what will happen if this happens or that happens.

— Kevin Schmit, Peyton

We would like to comment in regard to a letter about “partisan” comments in Viewpoint (February ’11). We have seen the comments built more on American principle than party. The principle behind the United States, and traditionally behind co-ops, has been freedom from government control, to let the free enterprise system operate and provide solutions. Please continue this line of operation and unapologetic communication. Continue to pursue freedom from burdensome regulation.

— Mark and Glynnis Cozza, Berthoud

Letters to the editor accepted via mail or email (mneeley@colorado countrylife.org). You must include your name and address to be published. Letters may be edited.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 5

[calendar]

[May] Through October 31 Dolores Sacred Images: A Vision of Native American Rock Art The Anasazi Heritage Center 9 am - 5 pm • 970-882-5600 www.co.blm.gov/ahc May 13 Hugo The Road to Pikes Peak Gold: The Smoky Hill Trail Lee Whiteley, author and historian • Hugo Depot 635 4th St Hwy 40/287 2 pm • 303-324-2634 lincolnhistory@yahoo.com May 13-15 Cañon City Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs State Convention The Abbey • 719-495-3880 afloris@q.com May 14 Steamboat Springs Skate-a-thon for Autism Steamboat Mountain 1-4 pm • 970-870-4263 lloeber@ix.netcom.com

May 20-21 Fruita Mike the Headless Chicken Festival 970-858-0360 recreation@fruita.org May 21 Salida Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup Includes picnic with singer Carin Mari; Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 307 W Sackett Ave 719-539-7289 arha@state.co.us May 21 Brush Historical Treasures of Brush Tour 303-866-4686 shawn.snow@chs.state.co.us May 21 Greeley Cowboys and Cattle Drives History Centennial Village • 1475 A St 10 am-4 pm• 970-350-9220 www.greeleymuseums.com

May 21 Cañon City Antique & Special May 14 Interest Car Show Greeley Holy Cross Abbey Hands-On History Fest 303-699-4819 Centennial Village • 1475 A St. www.oldcarcouncil.org 10 am - 4 pm • 970-350-9538 www.greeleymuseums.com May 21-22 Colorado Springs May 14 National Versatility Ranch Ignacio Horse Clinic, Competition Art and Music Festival Cactus Creek Ranch Dancing Spirit Co-op Gallery 719-659-6551 640 Goddard Ave.• 2-8 pm http://nvrha.org 970-563-4600 May 25 May 14 Colorado Springs Ignacio Picnic-n-Planes!

Spring Into Summer Festival Watch the Thunderbirds fly Downtown Ignacio over AFA graduation 8 am-5 pm • 970-563-0344 Open at 9 am • Planes fly at www.prcic.org 12:30 pm • 719-488-0880 info@wmmi.org • www.

May 14 to 15 wmmi.org Near Cañon City Rails and Vineyards Tour May 27-28 Historical tour of the Upper Grand Lake Arkansas River Bingo in the Park 303-866-4686 Lake Town Park Pavilion shawn.snow@chs.state.co.us 7:30 pm • 970-627-3402 www.grandlakechamber. com/calendar.html

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 May 2011

May 28 Grand Lake Kauffman House Season Opener Restored Victorian hotel Off Pitkin at the beach Open daily 11 am-5 pm jimelin@comcast.net May 28 Greeley Wildlife on the Prairie Centennial Village 1475 A St • 11 am-3 pm 970-350-9220 www.greeleymuseums.com May 28-29 Buena Vista Pro Rodeo River Park on South Main 719-395-6612 www.salidachamber.org/ events/Events-May-2011.html May 28-30 Durango Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Bike race from Durango to Silverton • 970-259-4621 director@ironhorsebicycle classic.com • http://ironhorse bicycleclassic.com May 29 Salida The Arkansas River Bluegrass Marathon and Half Marathon Riverside Park • 9 am 719-539-2739 dan@salidaraces.org May 30 Grand Lake Memorial Day Parade 10 am • 970-627-3402 www.grandlakechamber. com/calendar.html May 30 Colorado City Memorial Day Service Colorado City Cemetery 9 am • 719-676-2258 May 30 Howard Fire Department Pancake Breakfast Fire Station 7:30 am-11:30 pm 719-942-4213

[ June] June 3-4 Snowmass Village Chili Pepper & Brew Fest 970-925-1663 vicnkazi@hotmail.com www.snowmasschiliand brew.com June 3-5 Pagosa Springs Folk ’n Bluegrass Town Park and Reservoir Hill Park • 1-877-472-4672 www.folkwest.com June 4 Trinidad Elk Foundation Banquet Sebastiani Gym • Doors open 4:30 pm • 719-846-3517 www.rmef.org June 4 to 5 Near La Junta Picketwire Canyon, Bent’s Fort Tour Overnight stay in La Junta Requires a 4-wheel-drive vehicle • 303-866-4686 shawn.snow@chs.state.co.us June 4 and 5 Howard Chili Cook-Off Fire Station • Begins at 9 am 719-942-4213 • 719-942-3353 June 8 Grand Lake History of the Grand Lake Lodge Author Michael M. Geary Grand Lake Community House • jimelin@comcast.net

For more information on these activities, visit www.coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Events and discover what’s happening.

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@coloradocountrylife.org

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K.C. ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

[Country News] [what’s inside] n n n n n n

The Old Days at K.C. Don’t Wait Until Last Minute Blinking Lights and Outages K.C. Electric Annual Meeting The Country Kitchen 2011 Scholarships Awarded

HUGO OFFICE P.O. Box 8 Hugo, CO 80821-0008 STRATTON OFFICE P.O. Box 285 Stratton, CO 80836-0285 HUGO ADDRESS 422 Third Ave. Hugo, CO 80821 STRATTON ADDRESS 281 Main St. Stratton, CO 80836 719-743-2431 [Hugo] 719-348-5318 [Stratton] www.kcelectric.coop [web] BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Penny [president] Robert Bledsoe [vice president] Terry Tagtmeyer [secretary/treasurer] Danny Mills [assistant secretary/treasurer] James Lewis [director] Jim Michal [director] Luann Naugle [director] Dave Ritchey [director] Marvin Thaller [director] STAFF Tim Power [general manager] Chance Briscoe [office manager] Ben Orrell [member services specialist] Larry Shutte [operations manager] Paul Norris [line superintendent]

ANNUAL MEETING, SMART METERS AND AEDS

BY TIMOTHY J. POWER GENERAL MANAGER AND CEO KCHUGO@KCELECTRIC.COOP

W

We are only one month away from our annual meeting.

This year’s meeting will be held in Stratton at the high school on June 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. We will be holding elections for two Tim Power directors from Kit Carson County and one from Cheyenne County.

Please check our website or call our office for more information. We hope to see you there.

A couple months ago I wrote about our pilot program to test smart meters at K.C. Electric Association. I mentioned that smart meters allow us to communicate electronically with the meter; we can send the meter a command and it can communicate information back to our office. This is extremely valuable in many ways, but one of the more immediate benefits will be reducing the amount of time our linemen spend reading meters. Our smart meter testing is ongoing. We have installed about 100 meters near our Stratton office and have also been testing some meters at the far ends of our service territory, to ensure we can get coverage. So far things are going well.

Finally, I would like to mention our AED program (AED stands for automatic external defibrillator). AEDs have been extremely helpful in saving the lives of many who suffered heart attacks. The American Red Cross notes that the first few minutes are crucial for treating someone suffering from a heart attack. For each minute that passes without medi-

cal attention, the chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent. Having an AED available would greatly increase a person’s chances of survival. With that in mind, we are proud to have all our employees certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as AED usage. In addition, each of our linemen trucks are equipped with an AED, as are Hugo and Stratton offices.

Please keep that in mind if an emergency ever occurs.

At a recent board meeting, our board of directors elected to extend the AED program beyond K.C. Electric personnel, vehicles and buildings. The board approved the donation of an AED to all eight high schools in our service territory,

[

K.C. Electric’s 2011 Annual Meeting will take place on June 2, 2011 at Stratton High School in Stratton, Colorado.

to be placed in cabinets with an audible alarm in the gymnasiums. As high school gyms are a major gathering place for sports and other activities, we thought the gyms would be a critical place to have an AED available. We know schools are facing extremely hard financial situations right now, so we extended this program as a way to help them keep their students, parents and communities safe.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 7

[Country News] Walt Rich Recalls the Old Days at K.C. Electric

BY BEN ORRELL MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST K.C. ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION IS 65 YEARS OLD this year. I thought how cool it would be if I could find someone who worked at K.C. back then. Thanks to a tip from Robert Rueb, I found just the man. Walt Rich was Robert’s boss for a number of years until Walt retired.

When a former employee speaks of his boss with such fondness, you know that this must be a special man and special he is. He is also modest and didn’t really want to be interviewed but succumbed to the pressure from his sons. Most amazing to me was Walt’s memory. He could remember names and dates instantly. He knew who worked where, how many employees each location had and what vehicles they drove. Names like Sam Crocker, Max Toland, Slim Hansen, Hayward Miller, Glen Bennett, George Smalley, Luther Nelson, Maye Gene Snodgrass, Alice Anderson, Bus Ware, John Rose and many more rolled off his tongue like they were current employees. (Steven Gossett, 215400005) Walt worked for K.C. Electric from 1951 to 1990 but was involved with the electric business before that. He worked for Inland Utilities in 1946. It served Stratton, Hugo and Cheyenne Wells. Inland Utilities was a Fairbanks-Morse Company. It had built submarine engines in World War I and with its surplus engines began to build power plants. He also worked for B-Line Construction for awhile and built the transmission lines from Hugo to Cheyenne Wells and Stratton.

In 1950 Walt and a friend decided to get into the restaurant business. They bought the Stratton Café. Unfortunately, the friend wanted out shortly after they got started, and Walt was left being chief cook and bottle washer. Actually, he had a cook and was paying the cook 50 cents an hour and the waitress 40 cents an hour. As he looked at the wages that the power plant paid, he saw the light. It was paying 65 cents an hour. He sold the restaurant to Sam Crocker’s wife and mother and went to work for K.C. Electric. He soon worked up to 90 cents an hour.

I asked him if he started out as an apprentice. He said they didn’t call him that they just called him a “grunt.” At that time there were three linemen in Stratton, two in Hugo and two in Cheyenne Wells. As for training, Walt ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 May 2011

said they started climbing in week one and learned as they went. How about safety programs, I asked.

There wasn’t much he, said. Really, there wasn’t a lot of real expertise to draw on and sometimes that created problems. One such problem occurred when he was working in Hugo. They had asked a lady if they could trim her tree limbs so they could get up and work on some lines, and she said no. In the process of trying to work around them. Walt made contact with the line. It shocked him and he fell from the ladder. The fall was 18-20 feet.

He said he felt the contact with the ground revived him. He was in the hospital in Denver for awhile and then returned to limited duty on crutches since he had crushed Walt Rich, who worked for K.C. Electric from 1951-1990 recalls his wife, Leona, did the dispatching for the linemen from their his heel in the fall. There was no home. Back then she did not receive pay. workmen’s compenstation in those days, so while he wasn’t working he had a primitive ladder truck. Protective rubwasn’t receiving a check. When he came back ber gloves weren’t the quality they are today, to work they were rebuilding some of the and Walt said he felt the tingle of electricFlagler facility and he did framing on crutches. ity through his gloves plenty of times. K.C. How about weather problems back then, Electric purchased the first bucket truck just I asked. He relayed the following: They were before Walt retired. He never did use one. working on lines south of Flagler during an Another example of how different things extremely bad ice storm. When they reached were back then is that Walt’s wife, Leona, did the point of the outage, it was being caused the dispatching for the linemen from their by the heavy lines hanging down so far that home. She did not receive pay. Walt said they touched the barbed wire fence. The Leona always worried when he went out on a ice had built up so much that the wires were call because she was able to hear all the radio the size of a large fire hose. They took a hot talk. (Win* Lark Laue, 540300000) stick and knocked off as much ice as they To wrap up the interview I asked Walt if could reach. They then took the hot stick and he were young again, would he still consider attached it to the wire and set it upright and working for the power company. Absolutely, wired it to a fence post. Not pretty but the he said. He reiterated that when he started it power was back on. They went back the next was a hazardous occupation. “We had a safety morning to finish the job, and because the ice program but it sure wasn’t what you have had built up on the hot stick, electricity was today,” he said. “Even the foremen didn’t have able to go to ground and the hot stick was the education to safely handle electricity. Basicompletely burned up. Only the fastener recally, we were just a bunch of farm kids mained. The lines had not touched the fence willing to do whatever needed to be done.” again, so the temporary fix had worked.

As I departed I said, Walt, you know that Equipment in Walt’s early years was pretty Robert Rueb thinks the world of you. “Oh,” Spartan compared to today. They did everyhe said, with a twinkle in his eye, “I always had thing by climbing — no bucket trucks back Robert fooled.” then. They also used ladders and eventually

[Country News] Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

BY CHANCE BRISCOE OFFICE MANAGER AND CFO

More and more, K.C. Electric has been receiving late payments and been forced to apply late fees to members’ accounts. There are many factors that have contributed to these later payments, many of which have to do with the state of the economy and tougher financial times for many. (Rose Downey, 921940006) Another key factor in late payments being received might be the change in some post office procedures. There are many changes taking place at our local post office locations and more are being considered. Recently, we were made aware that some of the local post office locations are being required to send letters off to Colorado Springs or Denver for processing before being delivered locally. Many members have relied on a one-day mail time to have their payments received prior to a late fee being applied or a disconnection of service. That same mail time that used to be one day might now be multiple days, depending upon when the weekend falls.

In any event, we strongly encourage you not to wait until the last minute to mail your electric bill payment; it just might not get to us in time. As was pointed out in the general manager’s article in last month’s newsletter, you can still avoid fees by making your payment on time through the www.kcelectric.coop website (QuickPay). This service can be used anytime. You can also call us and pay by credit card or check over the phone. (Luanne Gaschler, 437800008)

BLINKING LIGHTS AND OUTAGES

BY LARRY SHUTTE OPERATIONS MANAGER

W

With nearly 3,000 miles of line exposed to the elements, many things can cause the lights to blink. Most blinks can be associated by an operation of one our protective devices.

They operate because of the presence of a fault (short on the circuit). Most faults are temporary, so the protective device operates and removes any voltage from the line for a short period of time. If the fault doesn’t clear itself, the protective device will remove voltage again. The first two operations are fairly short in duration. If the fault is still present, then the protective device will operate again for a longer period of time (five seconds).

Ultimately, if the lights blink three or four times, they usually go out.

Faults on the line can be caused by lighting, animals, wires touching each other, faulty equipment, vehicle accidents and many other things. If the fault is an intermittent fault (broken jumper or wires slapping from a storm), then a protective device will reset so it can go through the whole sequence again. In this instance, a person would likely see numerous blinks and our linemen would find it very difficult to find the exact location of the fault. (Lloyd Nordquist, 708300000) Your house or business is served by a transformer which is protected by either a fuse or a circuit breaker located inside of the transformer. If there is a fault located on your side (secondary) of the transformer, then it will melt the fuse or open the circuit breaker inside of the transformer. Both of these devices are designed to protect the transformer from being overloaded. Anytime one of these devices is activated, the lights just go out. If your lights do go out, please make sure that it is not one of your own circuit breakers or fuses that has tripped or melted. If everything looks OK on your side, then call one of our offices. Remember that we will ask for certain information, such as your location, town or county and telephone number. Road numbers work best for our rural members (example Road BB and Road 32, one-quarter mile north). For town members, your street address is the best way for us to locate you.

If you experience an outage and call our office, please be patient. We may be experiencing a large outage, so you may have to let the phone ring a little longer and leave a message. In any event, we will get our crew dispatched to fix the outage right away.

IRRIGATION METER READING

Irrigation meters will be read on June 1 and June 30. (No readings in May.)

K.C. Electric Association Annual Meeting Notice

June 2, 2011

Stratton High School Stratton, Colorado Registration: 6:30 p.m.

Meeting: 7 p.m.

Lots of door prizes Grand Prize: Cash

(Must be present to win)

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 9

[Country News] THE COUNTRY KITCHEN

K.C. Electric is pleased to announce five scholarship winners from its service territory. K.C. Electric awards two $500 scholarships and is the administrator for scholarships awarded by related electric utility organizations.

The following scholarships were awarded:

FATHER’S DAY CAKE

3 egg whites 1 ¼ cups sugar, divided 2 cups sifted cake flour 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup margarine, room temperature ¾ cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla

$1,000 Basin Electric Power Dustin Corliss Stratton High School $500 Tri-State G&T Association Patrick Halde Cheyenne Wells High School

FROSTING 3 squares unsweetened chocolate 1 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar 2 ½ tablespoons hot water 3 egg yolks 4 tablespoons margarine – soft

$500 Tri-State G&T Association Kayla Nestor Genoa-Hugo High School

TO MAKE CAKE Beat egg whites until foamy with hand mixer or electric mixer on high. Add ¼ cup sugar, beating only until it holds up in soft peaks, set aside.

Sift flour before measuring. Measure into sifter with baking powder, salt and remaining sugar. In another bowl, stir margarine to soften. Then sift in ingredients in sifter. Add milk and mix until dampened. Add vanilla and beat for two minutes, scraping bowl often with spoon. Add egg white mixture and beat for another minute, scraping often. Count only actual beating time or allow 150 full strokes per minute. Line two deep 8-inch layer cake pans with wax paper. Spray paper with cooking oil. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool completely.

FROSTING Melt chocolate in double boiler. Remove from boiling water, add sugar, hot water and blend well. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each. Add margarine, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each. Spread frosting between layers, place together and spread frosting over top and sides.

Lila Taylor Stratton, CO

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 May 2011

2011 Scholarships Awarded

$500 K.C. Electric Association Nathan McKinney Weskan High School $500 K.C. Electric Association Chelsea Flynn Stratton High School Presentation of the scholarships will be made at the K.C. Electric Association Annual Meeting held at Stratton High School on June 2, 2011. Winners were selected by the scholarship committee of the K.C. Electric Association Board of Directors.

CLAIM YOUR CREDIT ON YOUR BILL

Each month, K.C. Electric offers consumers a chance to earn a $10 credit on their next electric bill. If you recognize your 10-digit account number in this magazine, call 719-7432431 and ask for your credit.

It couldn’t be easier.

In March Stephanie Isenbart, Wanda Sweet and William Kernan called to claim their savings and Emmett Briegel called to win a prize.

Get acquainted with your account number, read your Colorado Country Life magazine and pick up the phone.

That’s all the energy you’ll need to claim your energy bucks.

You must claim your credit during the month in which your name appears in the magazine (check the date on the front cover).

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 11

[newsclips]

ELECTRIC CO-OP LINEMEN CONTINUE TO HELP IN HAITI AFTER 2010 EARTHQUAKE LINEMEN FROM SEVERAL equipment or knowledge of the co-ops throughout the United most effective techniques. Few if States recently returned from any linemen knew how to climb a Haiti after contributing three utility pole using the sharp gaffs weeks of their time and effort that are worn by U.S. linemen, to help rebuild a portion of the and a modern bucket truck was Haitian electric distribution all but unheard of. Workers system. Even more important made do with ladders and little than that, they helped coach a to no protective equipment. team of linemen from ElecSo when the American team tricite D’Haiti on how to climb members arrived, they began utility poles and work safely. training their Haitian coun“This was an opportuterparts with the basics of nity for me to give back, climbing with “hooks” and a using the professional skills safety belt. This was a week for Haitian linemen, working without standard equipment, join that I have acquired, and to firsts for the Haitian linemen, their U.S. counterparts in installing electrical equipment to make a difference where help who had never worn a hard bring electricity to Port-au-Prince. was clearly called for,” exhat, safety glasses or leather plained Bryon Sandridge, a gloves, let alone climbing gear. lineman from Virgina. “After watching the devastation The U.S. co-op team members were impressed by the caused by an earthquake on television last year, it just spirit that they noticed in the Haitian crew. “There was made sense to accept an invitation to work with other no give-up in any of them” said one of the linemen. linemen where it would make a permanent difference.”

During the next three weeks, the crew gained confiAn eight-man volunteer team answered the call for dence, first learning how to climb and then learning how help from National Rural Electric Cooperative Associato attach cross arms, brackets, arrestors and transformtion International, a nonprofit group that organizes asers while held in place by their sharp climbing hooks and sistance efforts in developing nations around the world. suspended away from the pole held by their safety belt.

The hope is that lessons learned about rural electrificaThe NRECA International linemen did return with less tion in the U.S. will translated to improve electric serthan they took in tangible items. Many on the team came vice and quality of life in Haiti and similar nations. home with the only the clothes on their back, leaving their The team was assigned to train a line crew in Port-auclimbing gear, boots, tools and the majority of their clothes.

Prince, where workers were doing their best without standard — NRECA International

Colorado Co-ops Share Expertise Internationally Electric industry personnel from India visited three Colorado electric co-ops recently as part of an exchange program established by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Employees of Highline Electric Association in Holyoke, Y-W Electric Association in Akron

and Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association in Fort Collins met with representatives of Bangalore Electric Supply Company when they visited each co-op. The Colorado hosts shared best practices for industry situations, reviewed safety strategies and led tours of wind turbines, subHighline Electric Manager Mark Farnsworth (center) and others share information with the delegation from India.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 May 2011

stations, irrigation facilities, offices and more.

The visit was part of an ongoing relationship designed to help the Indian electric company improve its performance and increase its safety as it serves its customers in south central India.

[newsclips]

Co-op Reps Look at Air Quality, Smart Grid

A

A few of the many issues facing the electric utility industry were the focus in February when representatives of Colorado’s electric cooperatives met in Denver for the Colorado Rural Electric Association Annual Meeting.

About 175 board directors, managers and staff members attended the three-day meeting. It included educational classes, a vendor fair, panel discussions, speakers, appointments with lawmakers and a chance for the co-op representatives to exchange ideas. There was also an opportunity to participate in Co-op Day at the Capitol.

Following the Monday, February 28, meetings with senators and representatives at the State Capitol, the co-op reps heard from Henry Sobanet, director of the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, regarding Colorado’s financial situation. They also heard from TJ Deora, executive director of the Governor’s Energy Office.

In the afternoon, one three-member panel discussed Colorado’s air quality and another discussed Colorado’s Smart Grid Task Force as the audience listened and asked questions.

The Colorado Rural Electric Association is the service organization providing legislative, safety, communication and educational assistance for 20 of the state’s 22 electric cooperatives.

New Executive Director TJ Deora of the Governor’s Energy Office addresses electric co-op board directors, managers and staff members in the Old Supreme Court chambers at the State Capitol in February.

INSULATION HELPS ME WEATHER THE ECONOMY. I’m sa ving $240 a ye a r j u s t by adding insula tion . W h a t can you do? Find out h o w the little changes ad d u p a t TogetherWeSa ve.com .

TOG E T HERW E S AV E .C OM

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 13

[industry]

Look Up and Live Tragic accident points to need for workers to watch for overhead power lines as they do their jobs

M

May is Electric Safety Month and a good time to take a moment think about being safe this spring.

Illinois farmer Jim Flach’s family wishes that he had taken a few moments to look around his neighbor’s field before he drove the crop sprayer he was operating into this new area. He didn’t, and one of the sprayer’s arms contacted an overhead power line. Jim left the cab to investigate what had happened and was severely burned. Tragically, Jim eventually died of his injuries.

Thousands of accidents like this happen every year in farmyards and fields, on construction sites and when

do-it-yourselfers rent long ladders or front-end loaders for major projects.

They happen when equipment touches overhead power lines. Folks on the ground who touch or even approach that energized equipment are severely injured and, sometimes, killed.

Flach’s family members are working with Safe Electricity’s “Teach Learn Care TLC” campaign, sharing the story of their tragic loss in the hope of preventing future accidents.

More than 400 electrical fatalities occur every year, and electrocutions on farms are the fourth highest of any job classification, according to the National Institute for Occupational

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND BE SAFE • Inspect the area before beginning any job • Remember to check the perimeter where ladders may lean, where irrigation pipe may swing, where tall equipment may be used • Make corrections to any hazards found

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 May 2011

Safety and Health. Most of the electrical deaths investigated in a NIOSH survey could have been prevented.

“You need to double-check, triple-check, to see what’s above you,” cautions Flach’s widow, Marilyn. His son Brett adds, “Be conscious of your surroundings.

You need to keep your eyes open and be aware of overhead lines.”

Safe Electricity urges everyone to keep at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines when operating large equipment and notes that new standards for some construction equipment require a 20-foot clearance.

“We advise using a spotter, someone with a broader view, when working with extensions or tall loads around power lines,” recommends program executive director Molly Hall.

In addition to reminding people how to avoid power line accidents, Safe Electricity seeks to educate folks on how to survive if equipment does make contact with lines. Agricultural machinery has increased substantially in size in recent years and can come dangerously close to overhead lines when leaving and entering fields. Combines and grain wagons with extended augers can reach well into the 10-foot radius around a power line. Farm vehicles with wireless communication antennas can also make contact and energize the vehicle with deadly current. On farmsteads, grain augers often tower over power lines when extended to reach the top of grain bins.

Safe Electricity urges farmers to note the location of overhead power lines and make sure all farm workers know to stay clear of them, as well as what to do if equipment does become entangled with a line.

“The best action is to stay on the equipment and warn others to stay

[industry]

away until the local electric utility arrives to ensure the line is de-energized,” says Bob Aherin, University of Illinois agriculture safety specialist. “Unless you have that assurance, don’t get off except if there’s fire, which happens only rarely.”

In the event of fire, an operator should jump clear fog the equipment, without touching the equipment and ground at the same time.

Land with feet together, and hop away to avoid deadly current flow.

One of the more frequent mis-

haps reported by NIOSH involves electrocutions and electrical burns suffered by individuals around truck beds raised high enough to contact overhead lines. Trucks must be able to unload their contents, and when raised, the top front of the bed can easily reach overhead power lines.

“Again, we encourage farmers and all operators of large equipment to use a spotter when necessary, take steps to keep equipment away from power lines and make sure everyone knows how to survive if there

is an accident,” Hall concludes.

To learn more about electrical safety and to see the Flach video, visit www.safeelectricity.org.

Safe Electricity is the safety outreach program of the Energy Education Council, a nonprofit organization with more than 400 electric cooperative members and many others who share the mission of educating the public about electrical safety and energy efficiency.

Your local electric co-ops salute the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

Memorial Day • May 30 ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 15

Cathy Haruf

Sue Mills

R ich Tyler

Norma Smith

Jeanne R asmussen

Marti Thomas

You Are Never oo Old T Salida seniors run off to join the circus

R ich Tyler ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 May 2011

Sue Mills and Marti Thomas

Robert Lowie

“Age is an issue of mind over matter.

If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

— Mark Twain

Story by Jennifer Dempsey Photos by Mike Rosso

www.fourcornersphoto.com

Dramatically welcoming the crowds to the big top, ringmasters have shouted greetings to “ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages” for more than a century. It is a nostalgic phrase and one that has special meaning in Salida, where a group of seniors are proving once

T

and for that all that it really is never too late to join the circus.

The Salida Circus was established in 2007 as a way

cus for Over-60 troupe. This ad hoc

to build community spirit and enhance personal

group of seniors — members of the

development for the residents of Chaffee County. It

community who watched Salida Circus

offered weekly workshops in trapeze, unicycle, acro-

shows and had seen the program

batics, juggling, stilts, clowning, lyra (aerial hoops)

grow — decided that its members

and silks at schools and community centers. As ex-

wanted in on the act. With their

pected, children ages 4 to 15 flocked to the classes.

interest and determination, the

“Circus for Grown-Ups” workshops were also estab-

Circus for Over-60 was born,

lished to allow those who were 16 years and older to try

bringing a whole new lively

to learn circus skills. The circus classes were a success.

circus spirit to this small

Several adults who have attained a professional skill

Rocky Mountain town.

level in these classes through the years continue to be

“I wanted to be part

hired to perform at festivals, fairs, parades and corpo-

of the fun,” said

rate events around Colorado, New Mexico, California

81-year-old Jeanne

and Utah. Ten professional Salida Circus performers

Rasmussen, a

are now on the hire-out roster and have been seen at

former teacher.

Taste of Denver, Mesa County Fair, Winter Park Resort,

Since joining the

Palisade Peach Festival, Breckenridge River Walk

Salida Circus,

Center and dozens of public libraries around the state.

Rasmussen

But perhaps the most surprising and inspiring development of the Salida Circus was the creation of the Cir-

has appeared as a plate-spinning

[continued on page 18]

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 17

[continued from page 17] Victorian nanny, a fortune-telling gypsy and a singing sea goddess.

Artist Rich Tyler, 63, has been a baby elephant, a clown and a jumping frog since joining the troupe last year. “I have always been drawn to the circus,” he said. “At one time in my life I saw the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey show come into my hometown on the railroad and set up for a show. I knew then that circus would be a kick. My friends and family feel it is only natural for me to do circus. Where else could I bring forth my inner baby elephant or jumping frog?”

At the most recent count, Circus for Over-60 boasts 21 members, ranging in age from 60 to an amazing 86 years, with the skills of the participants featuring a diverse variety of talents including clowning, contortion, juggling, plate spinning and dance.

Former schoolteacher Jerry Knowles, 78, debuted as a clown in last April’s World Circus Day celebration.

“I am a humorist by nature,” he said. “The clown role gave me the audience, the art and the style to really express myself, almost to the point of wanting to wing it. What was surprising was that it seemed so natural.

Maybe it was latent in my genes. It is gratifying being part of a larger troupe and receiving kudos from family and friends. It’s very gratifying to be part of something that makes such a difference in our community.

“Seniors need all the stimulation they can physically and emotionally handle in their lives,” Knowles added. “Research indicates that stimulation increases brain growth in older subjects.”

This fact has been shown scientifically. The late Dr. Gene Cohen, founder of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University, studied brain development in older adults. He found that brains create new cells as long as people are encouraged to keep trying new pursuits, as noted in The Creative ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 May 2011

Sue Mills, 67, sums it up nicely.

“Who would have thought being foolish could be so much fun?”

Age, Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life.

“People between 60 and 80 years old have almost limitless capacity for intellectual growth,” he reported, describing this stage of life as “the liberation phase.”

“This is a period when brain tissue is creatively restless, when people might experience a strong desire to experiment and develop innovations. This is a period when people often have a feeling of, ‘If not now, when?’ or ‘Why not?’ It’s a powerful feeling,” he noted.

Retired pastor Courtney Shucker, 65, recently emceed a Valentine’s Day cabaret as the ringmaster of romance for the Salida Circus.

“I am probably the most non-athletic person I know, but there is something about being on stage,” he said.

“Little did I realize that even I might find a place in the Salida Circus. When the Salida Circus idea first came to town, I thought, ‘Why in the world does Salida need a circus?’ Now I see what a valuable community activity it is — even for seniors like me.”

Jane Whitmer, 61, is program manager of a parenting program and since 2007 has been a contortionist, actress and dancer with Salida Circus.

“Trying new things at any age is important,” she said, “and it is important to try them in a safe, supportive environment, where falling on your face can still be a success. The circus is an amazing self-esteem and joy builder. I saw what it did for kids and then realized that kind of enthusiasm and joy could extend to participants of all ages.”

Laughter, as the saying goes, is truly the best medicine. Dr. LaVona Traywick, assistant professor of gerontology at the University of Arkansas, reported that laughter can increase energy, decrease anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve respiration and improve brain functions. In accordance with her findings, researchers at Loma Linda University in California

discovered that even anticipating a good laugh can produce health-protecting hormones. Their studies show that endorphins increased 27 percent and antiaging hormones increased 87 percent when people just thought about laughing.

“We laugh a lot, and I mean gut-busting laughter,” said 60-year old Leanna Bowman, who portrayed Ethel Mermaid in last fall’s “Lost Mermaid” show. “It has been a great way to be out in the community in an unpretentious way with my friends, dressing up and being silly.”

Sixty-seven-year-old retired special education teacher Cathy Haruf has been a dancing gypsy, scarf-juggling nanny, sea goddess and costume designer since joining the circus in 2007.

“We laugh a lot, and when the performers engage with community members, they laugh a lot,” she said.

“The circus has made our community a lot livelier.”

The Circus for Over-60 doesn’t just make its members laugh; it brings joy to their family members as well. Seven-year-old Mayla Haruf Arnold has participated in Salida Circus workshops, camps and shows since she was 5. Last year she watched her grandfather Kent Haruf, 67, perform as a hippie clown in the “Circus of Ages” show.

“It was funny when Poppy did his trick with the purple stick,” she said. “He looked funny all dressed up and his hair looked silly. I laughed really hard.”

The Salida Circus, and particularly this special golden-aged part of the Salida Circus, has brought joy, laughter, confidence and just plain old fun to its members and the entire community. It provides a place for people to be silly, to connect and be accepted by others, to use their talents and to be themselves.

And fun it is, for ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and children of all ages.

Jennifer Dempsey is director of the Salida Circus and happy to share information on this great organization. You’ll find more information at www.thesalidacircus.com.

For information on how to start a community circus program in your area, call Salida Circus at

CIRCUS 2011 SCHEDULE

The Salida Circus performs throughout Colorado all summer.

Watch for a performance in your area or take one in while you are on the road vacationing in the state. Here’s a quick view of the circus schedule. You’ll find more information on the Colorado Country Life website at www.coloradocountrylife.coop.

June 1 – 10 a.m. — Salida June 4 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Cañon City June 9 – 1 p.m. — ­ Westcliffe June 18-19 — Frisco June 23 — Salida June 24-26 – 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Salida July 2 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park July 9 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park July 9-10 – Colorado City Festival, Pueblo July 12 – 2 p.m., 7 p.m. — Pueblo July 13 – 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m. — Pueblo July 14 – 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m. — Pueblo July 16 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park July 16-17 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Aurora July 18 – 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. — Fort Collins July 23 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park July 30 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park July 30 – 1 1:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Poncha Springs at the Chaffee County Fair August 1 – 2 p.m. — Aspen August 5-7 — Crestone Music Festival August 6 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park August 6 – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Kremmling at the Middle Park Fair August 13 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park August 20 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park August 27 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park September 3 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Winter Park

See more photos from the Salida Circus and an expanded schedule at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Feature.

719-530-1494.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 19

[gardening]

The Buzz on Honeybees

Pollination by all kinds of bees is important for our existence

BY EVE GILMORE WWW.XERISCAPEGARDENS.COM Perhaps you’ve heard about the calamity that has befallen the honeybee population in recent years. If you haven’t, you should do some research.

According to avaaz.org, “Bees are vital to life on earth — every year pollinating plants and crops with an estimated $40 billion value, over one-third of the food supply in many countries. Without immediate action to save bees, many of our favorite fruits, vegetables, and nuts could vanish from our shelves.”

I realize most of us grew up with a fear of bees, but an important distinction needs to be made between these helpful honeybees and the nasty yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets that spoil picnics. Honeybees’ bad reputation is undeserved, yet the bad reputation of these stinging, black-and-yellow striped insects persists. In fact, as the previously mentioned quote would seem to suggest, our very lives depend on them.

As their numbers dwindle, it is high time we get rid of the stigmas and encourage the noble honeybee in her beneficial work. Our gar-

A bumblebee pollinates spring blossoms.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 May 2011

{

BEE FACTS

• T he queen bee can live for several years. Worker bees live for six weeks during the busy summer and for four to nine months during the winter months.

• T he practice of honey collection and beekeeping dates back to the Stone Age, as evidenced by cave paintings.

dens are a good place to start.

There are many plants that attract bees and flourish when there are bees around to pollinate them.

Plants that flower all season, flowers that bloom in clumps, and brightly colored blooms are the best bee attractors. When your flowers are visited by bees, they receive more cross fertilization and are therefore more likely to produce more blooms and be more resistant to diseases. It’s a win-win situation: you help out the bees by giving them plenty of food while your plants grow beautifully.

Remember, bees prefer feeding where there is shelter from strong winds and in sunny spots rather than in the shade. Of course, plants that attract bees are never great plants to place near an entrance or pathway, simply as a matter of common sense, particularly for those of us who have larger properties and therefore more options.

Plant the plants the bees love out in the back 40 or along that far fence line.

Those of you who have bee allergies, don’t think I’m forgetting your plight. I realize it’s not to be taken lightly, so do what you need to do to keep yourselves safe. As for the rest of you, it may be time to face your fears and contribute to the good of society.

High Country Gardens has lately been encouraging the use of bee attracting plants in its catalog

and designates them with a bee symbol. Some of my favorite bee attracting plants well adapted to Colorado’s conditions include: • Fernbush/Chamaebartia millefolium • Hopflower Oregan/Origanum libanoticum • Globe thistle/Echinops banaticus • Ornamental onion/Allium sp.

• Blue sage/Salvia nemerosa • Hidcote Lavender/Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ I’m reading a novel right now that talks about how sensitive bees are; their feelings get hurt easily and they respond well to kindness and feel our intentions. Granted, it’s a work of fiction, but perhaps, if we mean them no harm and move away from our fear, they will leave us alone.

I prune plenty of flowering Russian Sage/Perovskia atriplicifolia buzzing with bees with nary an attempted sting. I respect them, their importance in the food chain, their right to live and do their bee thing so intently, and it seems like they respect me and the work I’m doing that keeps the plants that sustain them healthy and flowering.

Perhaps you can take these ideas with you as you go to the nursery this spring to acquire some plants that nurture our bee population.

Love gardening? Read

previous gardening columns at www.coloradocountrylife.coop.

Click on Gardening.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 21

[recipes]

Food for the Road

Plan ahead and take healthy on-the-go snacks along

BY LINH TRUONG Added Fun Items you can bring along that can make your day more fun: Games such as badminton, horseshoes and croquet (if permitted) can easily be set up and can include many players.

Bringing along a football, baseball and mitt, Whiffle ball set or other similar items can allow for games to form at a moment’s notice.

Packing Bar cookies usually travel best when individually wrapped in plastic wrap.

You can even make them ahead of time and freeze them.

Wrap them in plastic wrap and then store them in a heavy zipper-type plastic bag.

R

Ready for a summer of travel? Whether you take off by motorcycle, motor home or car, you’ll want healthy ways to eat while on the road. Try these recipes here and visit www.roadtrip america.com/ recipes/Road-Food.htm for more tips on healthy food-on-the-go that will satisfy any road warrior.

Mix and Match Granola 4 cups rolled oats, wheat or barley (any combination) ½ cup sunflower or sesame seeds ½ cup nuts (optional) ½ cup honey, maple syrup or a thick syrup made with ½ cup brown sugar and 2-3 tablespoons water ¼ cup canola oil 1 teaspoon vanilla or other extract ¾ cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional) ½ teaspoon salt In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. In another bowl mix the sweetener, oil and extract together.

Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. The liquid will be absorbed and the granola will become darker and shinier.

Spread the granola in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until fairly dry and starting to brown. Stir every 10 minutes while it is baking to keep the granola on the bottom from burning. Remove the granola from the oven and stir in the fruit.

Store in airtight container.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 May 2011

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup real peanut butter (without added hydrogenated oil) ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 large eggs 1 cup buttermilk 2 2/3 cup quick-cooking oats 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or grease and line with parchment paper an 8 ½- by 13-inch baking pan. Mix the flour, baking soda and salt together. Set aside. Cream the peanut butter and sugars together. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Add the flour mixture and then the buttermilk, beating after each addition. Add the oats and combine. Add the chocolate chips. Spread the batter in the pan.

Bake for 35 minutes or until done. Cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Cut the cake into bars while it is still warm.

If you use parchment paper, before you cut the cake into bars, grab the edges of the paper, lift the cake from the pan and set it on a large cutting board. Use a ruler and a sharp, serrated knife to cut uniformly sized bars.

Love cooking? For more tasty, hiking and picnic recipes, visit www.coloradocountrylife.coop.

Click on Recipes.

[recipes]

Chocolate Party Mix 2 cups toasted cereal squares 2 cups small pretzel twists 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts 1 cup (about 20) caramels, unwrapped and coarsely chopped 1 2/3 to 2 cups (11- to 12-ounce package) semisweet

chocolate, milk chocolate or butterscotch-flavored morsels

Coat 13- by 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Set aside. Combine cereal, pretzels, peanuts and caramels in large bowl. Microwave morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high (70 percent) power for 1 minute; stir. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir to coat evenly.

Spread mixture in prepared baking pan; cool for 30 to 45 minutes or until firm. Break into bite-size pieces. Store in airtight container.

TIPS FOR MELTING CHOCOLATE • I f your microwave oven comes with a control for the heat (low, medium, high), always go for the lowest setting first. Go for short blocks of microwaving (10 to 20-second intervals) so that you can check the progress more regularly and the chocolate will not be burnt.

• W ith each heating interval, you have to stir the chocolate with a spoon or plastic spatula to check the actual extent to which the chocolate has melted (it’s not obvious based on appearances alone because chocolate gets heated insideout, and retains its shape when heated). This allows for more even microwaving. Stirring is essential.

Don’t judge us by our relatives Just because your crazy black-sheep cousin shares the same last name, it doesn’t mean you act like him. Well, perhaps you’ve heard, a lot of lenders are in trouble — but not all financial institutions are the same.

For affordable financing and insight backed by nearly a century of ag lending experience, call Mountain Plains Farm Credit today.

At Mountain Plains Farm Credit, we’re financially sound and have money to lend.

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We’re committed to providing reliable and competitive credit for agriculture and rural America — even if your cousin is crazy.

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Loans | Leases | Appraisal | Insurance

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 23

[outdoors]

Fishing by the Book

Glossy guide is more than a pretty cover

BY DENNIS SMITH

I

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 May 2011

It’s apparent from the moment you pick it up that, as angling guidebooks go, Steve Schweitzer’s A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park is a decidedly unique accomplishment.

You’re immediately taken by the embossed cover, glossy paper, striking color photographs, detailed topographical maps and beautiful watercolor illustrations by local artist Rick Takahashi. But if you think these cosmetic appointments are all that sets this volume apart from its myriad bookshelf buddies, you’d be dead wrong.

While these artistic features are refreshing departures from the typical black-and-white newsprint arrangement common to the genre, the real beauty of Schweitzer’s book lies in the amazing wealth of relevant information between its covers and the impressive attention paid to organizing it for ease of use. In short, it ain’t just pretty; it’s intrinsically functional.

Schweitzer spent 10 years backpacking, photographing and fly-fishing the park. He meticulously logged detailed notes on trail conditions, access and difficulty, weather patterns, water temperatures, fish species and numbers, insect hatches, flies used and, well, 20 different data points in all. Not to mention that he invested countless hours deciphering U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stocking records and creel census studies before attempting the gargantuan task of summarizing and cataloging all that information into a series of easy-to-use reference tables designed to answer every fly fisherman’s number one question — Where shall I fish today?” followed by the why and how of it all.

Flytiers will go gaga over the pages of full color fly plates complete with material lists and recipes for tying well over 100 park-specific fly patterns, many of them created by local guides and cata-

logued by species, type and application.

There are charts and tables addressing the park’s insect hatches by season; a list of streams, creeks and lakes in the park; lakes over 10,000 feet that hold fish (many of them don’t); and a 20-year history of average snow-free dates arranged by both backcountry campsite and elevation so you can plan your trips accordingly.

And trips are essentially what this book is all about.

With a subtitle that states “A fully illustrated guide to over 150 destinations,” it’s easily the most comprehensive guide available.

There are chapters designated to hiking, backpacking and the gear essential to ensure safe and comfortable fishing in the backcountry, as well as the requisite trail routing information highlighted on U.S. Geological Survey quad maps and elevation profiles.

Descriptive paragraphs detail trail conditions and difficulty ratings. Plus there is information on what you can expect to encounter in the way of scenery, weather, species, conditions and techniques for each body of water.

Another innovation unique to this guide can be found in its associated interactive website at www.fly fishingrmnp.com, where you’ll find trip planning tools, current conditions, downloadable maps, discussion forums, podcasts, apps, checklists, links to area fly shops, updates to the book, fly patterns, hatch charts and on and on.

If you fly fish Rocky, you’d better get this book. Seriously. It’s available on line at www.amazon.com or www.flyfishingrmnp.com, in most chain stores and at local fly shops.

Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop.

Click on Outdoors.

[energy tips]

KEEP YOUR COOL

Lower the heat, cut the cost BY JAMES DULLEY

W

What can a home owner do to keep cooling costs down while still maintaining a comfortable home environment?

Heat coming in windows and doors increases the temperature inside a house significantly. Even the most energy-efficient windows and doors have an insulation R-value much less than the typical house wall. There also are gaps around doors and windows that, even when sealed with weather stripping and caulk, allow in some hot outdoor air.

Adding awnings is a good way to reduce heat coming through windows. Installing an awning over a door also helps reduce heat gain.

If you have windows that are exposed to the sun, install SunScreen (www.phifer.com) suncontrol window screening. This is made from strong polymers and has a dense weave to block more than half of the sun’s heat.

For homes with venetian blinds, the slats should be rotated so they slope to the outdoors from bottom to top. As the air between the window and blind slats gets hot, it tends to flow upward. With the slats rotated properly, this hot air tends to stay between the window and the slats.

When you can’t stop all the energy gain at the windows and doors, you can make maximum use of ventilation through them. This ventilation can be cross-ventilation from window to window on the same floor or through-ventilation from a window to an upper vent. The air coming in will be warm, but it will make you feel cooler as it flows over your skin.

Next month in Colorado Country Life

Roller Derby Teams in Colorado

For more information on energy use visit coloradocountrylife.coop.

Click on Energy Tips.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 25

[marketplace] 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 $1.63 per word/month.

Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad to: mail: Colorado Country Life

5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

ANTIQUES

CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@aculink.net (858-10-11) MAY 21 – CELEBRATE Armed Forces Day Fly-In at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum (next to the Pueblo Memorial Airport). Honor Guard and Flag Raising at 8:00 am; open ’til 5:30 pm. No admission fee this date. Donations gratefully accepted. Five aircraft with open cockpit including B-29. Military vehicle show and displays; pancake breakfast and lunch on site; many military artifacts and uniforms in addition to 28 aircraft on display; aviation history; PlayPort for the children.

Private pilots encouraged to fly in. Short walk from ramp to

museum. Visit us at www.pwam. org call 719-948-9219 for details, or email at milnedel@yahoo.com (953-05-11)

ANTLERS

ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. We are the manufacturer and we sell all of our products at wholesale prices; save as much as 60% from store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including 5’ Moose Mount, 56” Elk Mount and giant Moose Paddles. Showroom open May 15 through October 15 in Granby, CO. 15 years at this location, over 900 satisfied customers! (970) 627-3053. (105-12-11)

Mother’ Day is 8.

Happy Mother’s Day ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 May 2011

BOOKS

WE ARE ANNORA: A True Story of Surviving Multiple Personality Disorder, local author P.S. Marrow’s new release – Visit us at WeAreAnnora.com (956-05-11)

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.

(133-07-11) BECOME A MORTGAGE BROKER. Earn up to $200,000 a year. www.easymoneyathome.com/ ad?pin=7507 or call toll free 800242-0363 Ext. 1405 (911-07-11) BUSY, FULL SERVICE, AUTO REPAIR workshop in SW Colorado.

Est. 35 yrs. Owner retiring and may carry. 6 bays, paint booth, and offices. Little competition.

1-970-563-4500. Please ask for Joyce. (942-05-11) INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE and gun store. Cortez. Owner has health issues. 970-565-2474 (948-06-11) INSTANTLY RENEW METAL, rubber, flat roofs. Saves replacement. E-mail azteccollc@socket. net 573-489-9346. (856-08-11)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

K-LAWN – LAWN FERTILIZING business opportunity. Part-time seasonal work. Be your own boss. NOT a franchise. It’s YOUR business! Training by turf professionals. Superior quality products. Protected territory.

Low startup costs. www.k-lawn. com 800-445-9116 (914-07-11) LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales. No investment. No risk. Training/ website provided. Weekly/ monthly income plus bonuses and benefits. Call Carrie at 303579-4207 or fill out form at www.workathomeunited.com/ ourabundance (932-07-11) PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info. 800-497-9793. (158-01-12)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS

1985 CADILLAC ELDORADO Barritz Conv., mint condition, collector’s dream, $15K, 970-5224600 (899-06-11) 2005 40 FT. ALFA GOLD motorhome, diesel, loaded, 2 slides, non-smokers, new $400K, now $145K, 970-522-4600 (899-06-11)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS

50 SUBARUS! (1995-2010) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices!

One-year warranty! Dealer: www.MonumentMotors.com 719-481-9900 (574-08-12)

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION

DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Call Robert 970-2477729. (109-07-11)

DIET FOOD

DISCOUNT DIET FOOD. Highest quality, lowest prices. Our plan or yours. Diethighprotein.com (763-06-11)

ENERGY

WE SPECIALIZE in finding the right solution for your needs, wind, solar, or hybrid systems from 1 kW to 1000 kW. We’ll start with an Energy Audit to reduce your usage and then install a system to help you free yourself from rising energy costs.

Chinook Energy, Haxtun, Colorado, 888.520.1258, 970.520.1258, sales@ColoradoWindTurbines. com www.ColoradoWind Turbines.com (968-05-11)

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

COMMERCIAL WEED AND FIRE spray equipment. 307-660-8563 or visit us at www.oldwyoming brandcompany.com (949-08-11) [Continued on page 28]

[marketplace]

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ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 27

[classifieds] 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 $1.63 per word/month.

Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad to: mail: Colorado Country Life

5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

FARM MACHINERY & PARTS

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.sawmillexchange.com.

(267-09-11)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GREAT RATES on mobile/modular home insurance, auto, motorcycle. Colorado licensed agent.

Dennis 719-641-6713 (905-05-11)

FOR SALE

14,000 WATT-HOURS/MONTH from the sun. System includes 3x60 watt panels, 30-amp controller, disconnect box, and 300-watt inverter. $929. Specs: blhn2010@yahoo.com (961-05-11) HEAVY DUTY CATTLEPENS. Portable or permanent; 32x45 working pen w/16’ crowding tub, $3,015. Call Kenneth 580-8763699, www.cccattleequipment. com (882-05-11) JACK ROBERTS Original Oil Paintings. Collection of 10 large oils. Trappers and Indians motif.

Grand Junction area. buckand gloria@yahoo.com (962-07-11)

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. thebiblesaystruth@ yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (81408-11)

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 May 2011

GARDENING

OLATHE SWEET CORN seed.

Discount to co-op members.

970-323-5708, olathehardware@ qwestoffice.net (877-05-11)

HELP WANTED

$400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. Free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, Box 450, New Britain, CT 06050-0450.

EARN $60,000/yr PART-TIME in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available.

800-488-7570. www.amag appraisers.com (935-05-11)

HOBBIES & CRAFTS

ART TEACHERS wanted for summer classes. Rocky Mountains.

Call 941-623-3720. (892-08-11) AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING — reasonable rates, quick turnaround. Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-08-12) GRAND LAKE, CO., Arts on Park Ave., 1117 Park Ave. Art classes.

Kids $20, ceramics $10 ea., paint & frame $10. Adults: Watercolor $40, oil $75, acrylic $65, pastels $65, drawing $55, includes supplies. 970-531-0139 (892-08-11)

IMPROVEMENTS & REPAIRS

NEED A LOAN? Members Federal Credit Union can help with your Auto, Home, Credit Card, and more! Visit www.mbrcu.com or email loans@mbrcu.com to learn more. (965-05-11)

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

OREO CATTLE. Black Belted Galloways. Loveland, CO. Registered and crossbred. I left out contact information for Oreo Cattle 970-667-5333, Donaten@ mesanetworks.net (694-08-11)

MUSIC

NOT EXACTLY AN EVEN RHYTHM but you’ll enjoy the music of the West in Rodeo Roots to Modern-Day Cowboys.

The roar of the crowd will fill your imagination as you read this book (not a CD) about the Wild West. It’s only $25. Call 303-455-4111 to order one today.

(106-12-11)

POULTRY/GAMEBIRDS

FREE – 5 EXOTIC CHICKS or 3 ducks with 100 frypan special @ $35.95 plus shipping. Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video.

FREE COLOR CATALOG 417-5324581. Cackle Hatchery – PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www. cacklehatchery.com (876-07-11)

REAL ESTATE

14 ACRES – RETIRE in southern Colorado. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, out buildings. 4 miles east of East Spanish Peak, 505-323-4498. (967-06-11) 35-ACRE PARCELS, overlooking North Sterling Reservoir, ideal for custom home, exc. hunting, 970-522-4600. (899-06-11) FOR TRADE – Home, 2.5 acres, 150 ft. on the St. Johns River in Welaka, Fl., 2Br, 1 1/2B PLUS nice guesthouse, indoor pool, large dock & covered boat house.

Fruit trees. The property was appraised at over $600,000. Will trade for smaller home, land, or condo, and you pay approx. $275,000 note. ALSO: house on small lake in Interlachen, Fl., 2-3Br, 2B on 1.5 acres. Will trade for your asset of approx. $40,000 and you take responsibility for $65,000 note already in place. For pictures, funvillebh@ aol.com or 970-944-5229. (96905-11)

REAL ESTATE

GRAND JUNCTION HORSE FARM, 3130 A 1/2 Rd, 3550+ sq. ft. home on 14 acres. Newly remodeled, new central air, new boiler, new water heater, new roof, half brick ranch w/new vinyl siding.

5 bdrm, 3 1/2 bath, living room, dining room, large kitchen, large family room. New carpet/tile/ wood floors. Full horse barn w/ indoor stalls & outside runs. All steel fencing, arenas, loafing sheds on large pastures. Additional fencing around home & inground heated pool. RV building (50x28’), two large ponds, etc. Ginny 970-260-9629, Terry 970-261-3001, Gin.5@NetZero.net (946-06-11) LAND WANTED — cash buyer looking to purchase 500-20,000 acres in Colorado. Will consider bail outs, foreclosures, joint ventures, condo/commercial projects. Will close quickly.

Call Joe @ Red Creek Land 719-543-6663. (648-08-11)

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 (441-06-11)

SPECIAL SERVICES

LAKE OR POND? Aeration is your 1st step toward improved water quality. Complete systems $199 to $369!! Waterfall? 7,000 gph super hi-efficiency waterfall pump, just 3 amps! $399.99! wwwfishpondaerator.com, 608-254-2735.

(879-12-11)] THE VALLECITO EVENT CENTER is perfect for your wedding, reunion, retreat or other group activity. Located 26 miles NE of Durango, our beautiful handicapped-accessible facility is lakeside and offers 30’x60’ multipurpose room, tables, chairs to seat 160, fully equipped kitchen, restrooms, covered decks and 40’x80’ outdoor cement patio. See photos at www. vallecitolakechamber.com or call 970-884-6080 for information, availability. (957-05-11)

TICKETS

NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available. Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888-637-7633) or www.NFRRodeo.com. *BBB Member; Since 1990. (912-11-11)

VACATIONS

CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND cruise, 10-night beginning Sept.

24. Call for pricing and details.

Bon Voyage Cruise and Travel, 719-596-7447 (958-05-11)

VACATION RENTAL

KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-2456500; makanacrest.com; kauaiweddings.com. (756-05-11)

WANTED TO BUY

I WILL BUY YOUR German daggers, helmets and other military items. Don Simmons, PO Box 4734, Springfield, MO 65808, 417881-5645. DSimmons@corpranet. net (470-06-11) MOTORCYCLE OR DIRT BIKE --running or needing work okay.

970-554-1627 (959-05-11) NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_ inaz@hotmail.com (817-10-11) OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates.

We’ll come to you! Call 970-7593455 or 970-565-1256. (871-05-11) OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. consid ered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-2505721. (519-11-11) OLD MODEL AIRPLANE engines and parts considered. American, foreign. Call Don at 970-669-3418 (866-06-11) OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-8594209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com.

(870-06-12)

[funny stories] WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. Call Gary at 970-674-9596 (960-07-11)

WE PAY CASH FOR minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122.

(227-09-11)

WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-02-12)

WEDDINGS

WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337. (227-09-11)

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 WeddingMagic.com. (106-12-11)

PLACE AN AD IN CLASSIFIEDS

And watch your business grow!

Call Kris at 303-902-7276 for more information.

2011 Hawaii Dream Vacation Raffle 7-night dream vacation includes roundtrip air for 2, lei greeting on arrival, luxury hotel & rental car.

Send Checks for tickets to: Drawing October 12, Shelly Grantham 2011 at 6 p.m. % Morgan County REA Tickets are $10 each.

Proceeds benefit: Washington, D.C., Youth Tour, Leadership Camp and the Employee Burn Fund

PO Box 738 Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Send a self-addressed stamped envelope, and return address labels for each ticket purchased with phone number along with your check. (Make checks payable to CWTF Raffle.)

My 2-year-old son Cyrus and I went out to check on a calf we had been doctoring that wasn’t doing well. When we got there, the calf was dead.

“What’s wrong with that calf?” Cy asked.

“The calf is dead. We couldn’t make it better and it died,” I explained.

“So the calf can’t walk any more?” Cy asked.

“No, honey,” I replied. “It’s like when you step on a bug and smash it. It’s dead.”

Cy had a puzzled look on his face as he asked, “Well, Mom, who stepped on it?”

Erin Carlson, Fort Morgan I was at the doctor’s office for my annual physical. The nurse started with the basics.

“How much do you weigh?” she asked.

“135,” I said.

The nurse put me on the scale. It turns out my weight is 180.

The nurse asked, “Your height?”

“Five-foot-four,” I said.

She checked and said I measured only 5-foot-2.

Then the nurse took my blood pressure and told me it was high.

“Of course it’s high!” I screamed. “When I came in here I was tall and slender. Now I’m short and fat!”

The doctor put me on Prozac.

Birdie Casement, Denver One day, while keeping my 4-year-old granddaughter entertained, I told her to write a letter to her mom and dad. She was busy writing beautiful scribbles when I asked her what she was writing.

She gave me a puzzled look and said, “Mimi, I don’t know how to read.”

Sherry Payne, Mancos 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 2011 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@coloradocountrylife.org.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 29

[discoveries]

{

WILD, WILD

WEST FESTIVAL

It will be bulls and music and fun in the heart of historic downtown Pueblo May 20-22 when the Wild, Wild West Festival returns for its third year. There will be live music, a street fair, carnival rides, the duck race and more centered around Riverwalk and the Union Avenue Historic District. And, the Professional Bull Riders Invitational will be hosted at the Colorado State Fair Events Center May 20-21.

ALL ABOARD! The railroads played an important role in the history of Westcliffe and its surrounding mountain valley. Visitors learn that story inside the All Aboard Westcliffe’s Interpretive Center on Rosita Avenue. There is also a single stall engine house and a Denver and Rio Grande Western caboose to see during this museum’s summer hours.

For information, call 719-7783-0945 or visit www.allaboardwestcliffe.org.

Wings Along the Water Avid bird-watchers can add to their life lists as they explore Colorado’s byways.

Many of the Colorado birding trails listed at www.coloradobirdingtrail.com are close to the state’s scenic byways, sometime sharing the same road. For example, birders exploring the Frontier Pathways may want to take time to also explore the White Water Trail.

Both trails start east out of Pueblo near Pueblo Reservoir, which is one of the best birding lakes in the state. Birders will find roadrunners, sapsuckers, tanagers and more. The bird-watchers can then head north to Highway 50 and follow the birding trail while history buffs can head east to museums and historic markers.

[Firehouse — Silver Cliff] The old, clapboard firehouse stands tall and lonely as one of the few remnants of a bygone era in the Wet Mountain Valley of south central Colorado. Once at the center of the third largest city in Colorado, the firehouse now guards its history in a small but interesting museum open Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons (1-4 p.m.) from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Main Street in Silver Cliff.

Visitors will see a rare 1879 hook and ladder wagon, hose carts, firemen’s helmets and dress hats, original bylaw booklets, the fire chief’s desk and more fire-fighting memorabilia from the 1870s and 1880s.

Other items of interest include period furnishing, household items and clothing, mining equipment and the teller cages from the original Bank of Westcliffe.

For information, call 719-783-2615.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 May 2011

[Colorado Trips] Want to follow some Colorado history this summer? Then, load up the car and head out on one of the state’s 25 scenic and historic byways. Drive one of these well-documented roads and you’ll weave through historic towns and open country, drive past dusty ghost towns and historic ranches, and see the most amazing scenery anywhere.

Each of the designated byways has a story to tell as it illuminates the past and brings together communities determined to celebrate and preserve their heritage.

For instance, the Frontier Pathways’ Y-shaped route east and south of Pueblo takes travelers up from the plains into the Wet Mountain Valley below the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Visitors experience different plants, animals, geology and weather, and there are a variety of museums, points of interest and historic markers to add to the story.

Or try a byway in another part of the state, such as the West Elk Loop, a summer trip that starts in Carbondale and Marble before circling through Hotchkiss, Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Visitors will pass wilderness areas and sleepy hamlets, as well as museums and shops.

In northeastern Colorado, Pawnee Pioneer Trails stretches across some of the last untouched prairie in the country. An amazing museum in Sterling, wildlife and towering buttes are all part of the draw for this trip.

There are more byways and more information at www.coloradodot.info/ travel/scenic-byways. Pick a trip and enjoy Colorado this summer.

[travel]

Shoot for Fun

Add a shutterbug festival to your travels

W

Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a professional who earns a living through the lens, travel and photography tend to go hand in hand. If you’re looking to hone your photographic skills or pick up on a few tips and tricks, consider adding a photography festival to your travel plans.

Palm Springs Photo Festival Palm Springs, California http://connect.palmspring sphotofestival.com/

Moab Photography Symposium Moab, Utah www.moab photosym.com Master photographer John Sexton will keynote the Moab Photography Symposium set for May 12-15.

Wild West Photo Fest Casper, Wyoming www.downtowncasper. com/event.php?id=403 This June 3 festival is sure to provide breath-taking backdrops.

TIPS FOR GREAT VACATION SHOTS • Take two sets of batteries and a charger. Keep one set charging while the other is in the camera.

• Carry your camera in a waterproof bag. Dampness can ruin your camera.

• Pack enough memory. Buy the storage you need before you leave home.

Morro Photo Expo Morro Bay, California http://morrophoto.com This annual festival is typically held in October at Morro Bay, which is located on the Pacific Ocean between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Colorado Photography Festival Denver, Colorado www.coloradophotographyfestival.com The first Colorado Photography Festival will be held August 13-14 in Denver and will focus on different aspects of nature photography.

Telluride Photo Festival Telluride, Colorado http://telluridephotofestival.com The second annual Telluride Photo Festival is set for September 19-25. While geared to professional and experienced amateurs, the festival also looks to educate the next generation of photographers by offering classes and photo safaris geared toward amateur and intermediate photographers.

Black Hills Photo Shootout Spearfish, South Dakota www.blackhillsphotoshootout.com In its second year, the Black Hills Photo Shootout provides unique field workshops, scenic photo walks, hands-on seminars and informal social events. Photographers of all skill levels and interests are invited to participate in the September 31-October 2 event.

Meet the locals.

Travel Colorado this summer. Watch the Discoveries section for new places to visit and gear to make your vacation more FUN. ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2011 31