Lifestyles After 50 Lake Edition, January 2025 by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

LAKE EDITION ~ JANUARY 2025 Florida’s Most Read 50+ Publication Since 1989

FREE Take One Home!

LifestylesAfter50.com Volume 36 Issue 1

Articles in this issue:

Armchair Adventures: Plan Travel in January, p. 4 Wishes and Dreams and New Year’s Resolutions, p. 9 Healthy Geezer: Secondhand Smoke, p. 12

LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS | HUMOR | HEALTH | RECIPES | BOOK REVIEW

Anniversar y Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine

Serving patients with chronic pain for 23 years

Trusted Pain Care In Your Neighborhood

Kickstart the New Year with Healthy Habits As the new year begins, it's a natural time to reflect on the past and set new intentions for a healthier lifestyle. Instead of fleeting resolutions, consider adopting sustainable habits that not only benefit your body but also support your mental health. Here’s a look at simple but effective healthy habits to adopt this year for longterm health and happiness. Prioritize Physical Activity Physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle. Many studies show that just 30 minutes of movement a day can have remarkable benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, improving heart health, and reducing stress levels. Make Healthy Eating a Priority

PROGRAMS OF EXCELLENCE*

Clearwater Tampa

n I n t e r v e n t i o n a l Tr e a t m e n t s

St. Petersburg

41 275

Gulf of Mexico

301

Bradenton SR

Lakewood Ranch Sarasota

Venice Englewood ST. PETERSBURG 5959 CENTRAL AVE., SUITE 101 Port Charlotte ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33710

& Procedures n Medical Management of Chronic Pain n Pain & Addiction Medicine n Pain & Balance Physical Therapy CASTLE CO N N O L LY n Behavioral Health TOP DOCTORS n Clinical Hypnotherapy * Programs of Excellence availability vary by location

CLEARWATER 2540 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239

Since 2018

2424 ENTERPRISE RD., SUITE C CLEARWATER, FL 33763

ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE

727-263-4865 n RamosCenter.com Arcadia | Bradenton | Clearwater | Englewood |

MEDICARE, MOST COMMERCIAL INSURANCES, VA, PERSONAL INJURY & WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACCEPTED Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 2

A diet rich in healthy food plays a major role in achieving and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Aim to consume more whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains—and cut down on processed food. Stay Hydrated Hydration is often overlooked but plays a huge role in overall health. Water helps regulate body temperature, flush out toxins, and keep organs functioning properly Limit Screen Time and Social Media Use Prolonged screen time, especially on social media, has been linked to increased anxiety, sleep disruption, and decreased attention spans. Reducing screen time can be challenging, but it’s essential for both physical and mental health. Pay Attention to Sleep Quality Good sleep is the foundation of a healthier lifestyle. Poor sleep can lead to issues like high blood pressure, weight gain, and lowered immunity. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and establish a relaxing bedtime routine. New Year, New You As the new year begins, there’s no better time to embrace healthy habits. In addition, start the year off right by making an appointment with VIPcare and experience personalized, compassionate primary care designed for you! Call 352-656-6061.

Fireworks, Firsts, and New Year’s Resolutions

One of the best things about January is the beginning of the New Year. There are all the “firsts:” first Photo by James Patterson sunrise, first meal – cornbread, greens and black eyed peas for luck, if you live in the South – first kisses. It’s your oncea-year chance to start over fresh, rethink old ideas, and maybe gain some new habits. (See the story on page 4 about an unusual, fun way to make resolutions). The second-best thing is the fireworks!

I was always a little in awe of people who got married on New Year’s Day. One couple, friends of mine for decades, went one step beyond and got married at sunrise on January 1 and then served a wedding breakfast of homemade, piping-hot oyster stew and fresh bread to their dozen guests. Every year on their anniversary, they have a serious talk about whether they want to stay married for another

year. (Every year they decide to, but I’m impressed that they make time for the discussion.) My aunt, on the other hand, was born January 2. She missed being the “first baby of the New Year” by just one day – there were several other babies who were born on January 1, and I’m not sure which one got the honor in that small town my people call home. My aunt will always be number one in my book, so I’m not sure it matters much. (On a side note, I once read about a pair of twins – probably apocryphal – the says that one twin was born on December 31 near midnight and the other in the first few minutes of January 1. So they not only had different birth days, but also birth months, and birth years!) Whatever your plans and resolutions are for this New Year 2025, I wish you sunny skies, fair winds, and much joy.

Have a great month and we'll see you in February!

Lifestyles After 50 Volume 36, Issue 1

Published by Connected Community Media Group Publisher@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Michele Baker Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com Website Editor Allie Shaw Allie.Shaw@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution Distribution@lifestylesafter50.com 813-336-8247 Questions/Customer Service 813-336-8247 Press Releases Editor@lifestylesafter50.com Advertising Sales Sales: (813) 336-8247 Ext. 2 Sales@lifestylesafter50.com Nancy Cotto Nancy.Cotto@lifestylesafter50.com Joe Gess: 813-817-9855 Joe.Gess@lifestylesafter50.com Jim Commiskey: Jim.Commiskey@lifestylesafter50.com Joan Marchand Joan.Marchand@lifestylesafter50.com Bob Hart Bob.Hart@lifestylesafter50.com

Funfest & Event Sales Events@lifestylesafter50.com

To Learn More, call 813-336-8247 or email info@lifestylesafter50.com Lifestyles After 50 P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583 (Fax) 813-331-2634 www.lifestylesafter50.com

Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 10th of each month. All rights reserved. As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 3

Wishes = Dreams = Resolutions By Michele D. Baker Finally… a new, fun way to set New Year’s resolutions! Instead of writing down the usual suspects – better health, more money, spend time with family – let’s get really specific in a new and unusual way. The theory behind resolutions is that if you say you’re going to “get in shape,” it’s hard to follow through because it’s vague and difficult. Let’s change that around and create wishes and dreams, instead! This new, simple way of looking at and creating resolutions is simple: turn your resolutions into something you’re excited about doing, and you’ll succeed! STEP 1: GRAB SOME PAPER AND A PEN. See? We told you it would be easy. STEP 2: PUT ON YOUR IMAGINATION CAP AND BRAINSTORM! This isn’t your “thinking cap…” it’s much stronger! Give yourself a short time limit – like five minutes – and set a timer. Ask yourself these questions and write down the first things that spring to mind. This is a brainstormed “laundry list” and you should totally ignore those little negative thoughts – not enough time/money/ support – in the back of your mind. Don’t “think” – just “wish”! • What would I like to happen most just for myself in 2025? • What would make me happiest in 2025? • What would make my life easier, more fun, more exciting, or less stressful? If you want, get specific. “What health-related change would I most like to happen for me in 2025?” or “What financial windfall would make me happiest in the first half of next year?” STEP 3: WHITTLE DOWN YOUR LIST

STEP 4: “ACT AS IF” The next step ventures even further into the realm of imagination. (Be sure your Imagination Cap is on tight.) Looking at the wish you just circled: • Pretend it has already happened. • Write down how it feels to be actually experiencing the wish. Happy? Excited? Motivated? Joyful? • Describe how it affects you: what is better? What is easier? What is more fun? What are you going to do with those casino winnings? Be specific. STEP 5: MAKE YOUR WISH Now that you’ve got your wish down and you’ve felt how it feels to already have it, state your official wish, adding in any details to make it specific. Give it a time limit. Here’s an example: “I wish for a perfect health report from my doctor in April. My eyesight is 20/20, I have lost ten pounds of belly fat, my hearing is excellent, my blood pressure is 120/80, I can easily pick up my grandchildren with no strain because I’m so strong, and I have the circulatory system of a 25-year-old. My doctor can’t believe it – she’s calling me a medical miracle. And boy, am I sexy!”

Take a look at your brainstormed list. Does one of the items stand STEP 6: TUCK AWAY YOUR WISHES out? Do you find yourself returning over and over to a certain Last step: hide the wish somewhere you’ll find it in a couple of word or phrase? Does one of the wishes seem “brighter” or months. Then stand back and see how far you’ve come! Happy “happier” than the others? Great! Circle that one! wishing!

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 4

Strawberry Peanut Butter Pie This easy and delicious pie will remind you of wax-paper wrapped sandwiches in grammar school lunchboxes – a tasty combination of peanuts and fruit. The recipe is made with a can of strawberry pie filling, but if you buy fresh berries at Strawberry Fest, substitute those instead. Ingredients: • 12 oz. crushed pretzels

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1-1/2 cups frozen whipped dessert topping, thawed

• 1/2 cup butter, melted • 1 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese

• 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry fruit filling/topping

Method: Combine pretzels and granulated sugar then stir in butter. Press crumb mixture onto bottom and sides of 10-inch pie plate. Cover and chill. With electric mixer on medium speed, beat together peanut butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar. Fold in whipped dessert topping.

Spoon 1/2 cup pie filling into crust-lined pie plate. Carefully spread peanut butter filling over top. Top with remaining pie filling. Cover and chill 2 hours before serving.

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 5

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 6

THE LARGEST

RV SHOW IN THE COUNTRY!

JANUARY 15-19, 2025 Florida State Fairgrounds

Wednesday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAY WED-FRI $2 OFF ADMISSION First Responders & Military $2.00 off Everyday!

Orange Cauliflower with Rice and Edamame An Asian-inspired twist on the standard cauliflower side dish, this delicious and nutritious dish will have you headed back for seconds. Save time by preparing the rice and edamame ahead of time and reheating before serving. Ingredients: • 1 Tablespoon corn starch

• 2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce

• 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 5 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 head)

• 1 large Florida orange

• 1 cup edamame (soya beans), shelled

• ½ cup Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing • 1/3 cup ketchup • 2 teaspoons sugar Method:

• 3 cups fresh, hot, cooked longgrain white rice • Chopped green onions (optional)

Mix the cornstarch and vinegar until blended.

strips. Add dressing, ketchup, sugar, chili-garlic sauce, and cornstarch mixture; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add cauliflower florets and carefully toss to coat. Cook covered on medium heat for 5 minutes; uncover and cook an additional 5-6 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Microwave the edamame on high for 2 minutes. Plate the rice and sprinkle over some edamame. Remove the orange peel strips from the cauliflower and serve florets and sauce over hot rice and edamame. Sprinkle with chopped green onion before serving hot.

Wash the orange; using a vegetable peeler, cut 5-6 strips of peel and place in a large saucepan. Cut the orange and juice it over the peel Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 7

Music Flashback: “Mandy” by Barry Manilow

upbeat, funny and self-deprecating. The audience loved him.”

BY: RANDAL C. HILL

Sifting through hundreds of discs, Clive was drawn to an obscure tune called “Brandy,” a 1971 English hit by American expatriate Scott English. But when Davis showed Manilow the hauntingly beautiful ballad of lost love and regret, Barry balked and grumbled that English’s tune wouldn’t help him as a careerlauncher. Clive disagreed, though, and pushed hard for a first-class production and subsequent promotion. Manilow finally decided not to argue with his new boss and reluctantly agreed to record the song.

Imagine that you are a multi-talented singer who just isn’t “happening” in the music-recording world. You might ask yourself, “What would it take to soar to the heights of that world, ride high on the hit charts and sell out concerts night after night? I’ve got a record contract but can’t find a song that will launch my career.” Such is a conversation 31-year-old Barry Manilow might have had with himself as the year 1974 began to wind down. But when his big break finally did arrive, he almost blew a golden opportunity. Enter Clive Davis. A former Columbia Records executive, the Harvard-educated lawyer was set to take over Bell Records — Manilow’s recording home—and rename it Arista. To see what Barry had to offer, Clive evaluated him when he opened a show for Dionne Warwick. “I was really taken by his performance,” Davis enthused later in his autobiography. “He was a terrific singer, and his manner was

The savvy businessman knew that there was nothing more important than to match the just-right singer with the just-right material.

Davis had the single’s title tweaked to avoid confusion with the 1972 Looking Glass hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” To Barry’s amazement, “Mandy”—as it was now known—shot to the top of the Billboard chart, and thus Barry Manilow was catapulted overnight into the pantheon of record superstars. You can see and hear the original British hit of “Brandy.” Go to Google, key in You Tube, add “Brandy Scott English,” then select the concert video clip. You’ll find it’s 1971 UK “cool” at its best.

Movie Preview: Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl BY RANDAL C. HILL

Netflix has a belated Christmas gift for you—an animated film from England that offers the latest from the delightful (and highly popular over there) Wallace and Gromit franchise. Developed by the fiendishly creative punster Nick Park, his works have been around in the UK since the early 1990s and have earned him three Academy Awards and a Peabody Award. If you have missed previous Wallace and Gromit offerings, here’s a brief description: Wallace is an odd-looking, eccentric guy who resides in Wigam, a fictional burg in northern England. He’s an inveterate inventor, creating elaborate Rube Goldberg-like contraptions that usually come with flaws that keep Wallace’s creations from achieving their desired goals. He also offers some off-the-wall services, such as a pest-control service called AntiPesto. (Park has always loved punning.) Gromit is Wallace’s pet dog and best friend. The cool canine enjoys knitting, playing chess and cooking. He never speaks—he has no visible mouth—but

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 8

communicates through facial expressions and body language. Highly intelligent, Gromit is a graduate of Dogwarts University. He enjoys good books (“Pup Fiction,” “The Bone Identity”), classic films (“Citizen Canine”), and popular rock bands (The Beagles, The Red Hot Chili Puppies). Did we mention that Park enjoys making puns? In “Vengeance Most Fowl,” Wallace has created a “smart gnome” called Norbot. Norbot has a mind of his own and becomes the main suspect when goods are pilfered from gardens across the region. Wallace and Gromit learn that an evil crime boss—a penguin named Feathers McGraw—is seeking revenge for Wallace and Gromit’s part in his incarceration for a diamond theft. (McGraw has stewed for 30 years while being locked up.) The three-foot-tall, gun-toting bad guy wears a rubber glove atop his head—don’t ask why—and never speaks, his muteness and his beady eyes only making him more terrifying. Wallace and Gromit movies employ stop-motion animation techniques, where films are shot one frame at a time and clay models are moved slightly to create the impression of movement. Opens January 3.

Armchair Adventures: January: Looking Ahead to Travel Story by Evelyn Kelly, PhD While wandering through the Vatican Museum in Rome, I spotted something intriguing: an unusual bust of a man with two faces: one gazing forward and the other backward. Why would a sculptor create such a piece of art? The plaque provided the answer – it was Janus, god of gates and doors, a figure of transitions. He symbolized beginnings and endings, guarding the inside while keeping unwanted elements out. JANUARY: A MONTH OF REFLECTION AND NEW BEGINNINGS January takes its name from Janus, the god who looks to the past and future, a fitting metaphor for this time of year. Ringing in a new year means a new beginning and ending. January is full of quirky holidays; however, one day stands out for dreamers and planners: National Plan Your Vacation Day on the fourth Tuesday in January. Let Janus inspire you to make this year different. Break free of monotony or routine through travel! Whether it is a short drive to a nearby destination or a more adventurous journey – a cruise, a flight, a train ride, or an overland bus trip – stepping out of your comfort zone can rejuvenate the spirit. FOR THE ARMCHAIR ADVENTURER Not everyone can physically travel, but that does not mean the joy of exploration is out of reach. My dear friend Susan, though physically incapacitated, travels the world through books and documentaries. From the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the vibrant markets of Marrakech, she explores every continent from the comfort of her armchair, enriching her life with the knowledge and wonder of new places. TRAVEL: THE NEW FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Travel is a powerful tool for maintaining mental and physical health. A groundbreaking study by Eastern University in Perth, Australia revealed that travel significantly enhances mental well-being and even slows the aging process. This discovery, supported by evidence that travel fosters social engagement, appreciation of nature, walking, and learning new things, made worldwide headlines.

Entropy, an idea from physics, is a theoretical basis for this. The natural tendency of a system, including the human body, is to move from a state of organization to chaos and disorder over time. By introducing novelty, travel slows down entropy, keeping our systems healthy and reducing the effects of aging. A Finnish study further supports this, showing a strong link between vacation time and increased longevity. TURNING CHALLENGES INTO GROWTH You may argue that travel can be stressful – flights delayed, crowded terminals, long lines. But even these challenges can build resilience. With every hiccup, we adapt, learn, and grow. Aboard a boat on Chesapeake Bay, a man named Tom shared how travel had saved his life after battling depression and undergoing triple bypass surgery. For Tom, travel was more than an escape; it was a way to rediscover joy, purpose, and a more active, fulfilling life. As you step into this new year, take a cue from Janus. Look back with gratitude and forward with purpose. Embrace the challenge of stepping outside your comfort zone. Engaging with new cultures, landscapes, and experiences can transform your life, enhance your well-being, and keep you feeling young. Evelyn Kelly co-authored the book “Have a Love Affair with Travel: Your Ticket to an Exhilarating Life.” She and her daughter have traveled to 88 countries, 50 states, and seven continents.

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 9

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 10

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 11

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

Q. How dangerous is secondhand smoke? My son smokes in the house and it is annoying.

Secondhand smoke—also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)—is made up of the “side stream” smoke from the end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the “mainstream” smoke that is exhaled. Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke absorb the same 4,000 chemical compounds that smokers do. More than 60 of these compounds are known or suspected of causing cancer. About one in a hundred deaths worldwide is caused by secondhand smoke, which kills an estimated 600,000 people a year, according to World Health Organization (WHO) researchers. Secondhand smoke causes increased cardiovascular risks by damaging blood vessels, decreasing your ability to exercise and altering blood cholesterol levels. Some research indicates that people exposed to a spouse’s cigarette smoke for several decades are about 20 percent more likely to have lung cancer. Those who are exposed long-term to secondhand smoke in the workplace or social settings may increase their risk of lung cancer by about 25 percent. Some of the components found in tobacco smoke that are known to cause cancer or are suspected to be carcinogenic include: formaldehyde, arsenic, cadmium, benzene and ethylene oxide. Here are a few other chemicals in tobacco smoke along with their effects: ammonia

DELIVERED

to your mailbox every month. Florida’s Most ~ Read 50+2021 Publication Since 1989 LAKE EDITION JULY

(irritates lungs), carbon monoxide (hampers breathing), methanol (toxic when inhaled), and hydrogen cyanide (interferes with respiration). Throughout the world, governments are taking action against smoking in public places, both indoors and outdoors. Smoking is either banned or restricted in public transportation. Several local communities have enacted nonsmokers’ rights laws, most of which are stricter than state laws. Although air-conditioning may remove the visible smoke in your home, it can’t remove the particles that continue to circulate and are hazardous to your health, so don’t delude yourself that running the A/C is the answer to secondhand smoke dangers. To solve your problem, try to get your son to seek help in fighting his addiction to nicotine. There are many programs available. Call your doctor for some recommendations. Meanwhile, for your own health, you should insist that he not smoke in your house. All Rights Reserved © 2024 by Fred Cicetti Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in the subject line to fred@healthygeezer. com.

Florida’s Most~Read 50+ Publication LAKE EDITION OCTOBER 2020 Since 1989 Florida’s Most Read 50+ Publication Since 1989

LifestylesAfter50.com Volume 35 Issue 12 LifestylesAfter50.com

SARASOTA EDITION

FREE - Take One Home!

~ NOVEMBER 2020

Florida’s Most Read 50+

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 LifestylesAfter50.com

Publication Since 1989

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 10

FREE - Take One Home! FREE - Take One Home!

LifestylesAfter50.com VOLUME 31 ISSUE 11

Wel come Back S nowbirds

Articles in this issue:

Season the Holidays with Sassy Spirits, p. 5 Breast Cancer Awareness Medicare Open Enrollment Armchair Adventures: Brazil: Boat Santas, p. Are 9 you signed up for Medicare? If not, learn about how ƌƟĐůĞƐ ŝŶ ĞĂĐŚ ŝƐƐƵĞ͗ disease—learn how to prevent and recognize breastDay cancer. you can enroll this season. Parents’ Dog Days of Summer Healthy Geezer: Are Vitamins Celebrate Worth Taking? p. 12 • Humor • Pop Culture History the parents in your life Volunteer with Neighborly/Meals on ǁŝƚŚ ŐƌĞĂƚ ŐŝŌƐ Žƌ Ă ĐŽŽů ĚĞƐƐĞƌƚ Wheels this season to brighten up Snowbird s’ Guide to Fun your summer

• Health • Music Flashback • Local news & events

Not sure how to spend Veterans’ this winter? HEALTH Day Travel LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS RECIPES | BOOK REVIEW about what| you can do for fun |thisHUMOR | Learn Want season.

to honor veterans and

educate yourself? Read

To subscribe, simply email us at info@lifestylesafter50.com.

Or mail this coupon along with your payment of $21 for 1 yr/$38 for 2 yrs. Lifestyles After 50 PO Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583 Or call our office at 813-336-8247 to pay with a debit/credit card. Name Email Address

City State Phone

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 12

FREE Take One Home!

LAKE EDITION ~ DECEMBER 2024

Zip

Tampa Bay Ragu Pasta Bake This easy and delicious casserole style “lasagna” is easier and quicker, but just as delicious. Feel free to add additional leftover veggies or switch out the hamburger for ground turkey. Add sauteed firm tofu squares for a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty. Ingredients: • 3 cups penne pasta • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • ½ cup chopped carrots • ½ cup chopped celery • ½ cup diced onions • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic • 8 oz. ground beef

• 1 jar (24 oz.) tomato basil pasta sauce • 1 cup milk • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Freshly chopped basil (optional)

Method: Preheat the oven to 350. In a pot, cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting the salt. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, garlic and onions and cook 4-6 minutes or until veggies are crisp tender, stirring frequently. Add ground beef and continue to cook until beef is browned. Drain fat. Add the pasta sauce and stir well. Cook about 5 minutes until the sauce is hot. Stir in the milk and heat again. Drain the pasta and add to the pasta sauce mixture. Stir in the parmesan. Spoon the pasta and sauce into an 8” x 8” baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with mozzarella. Cover and bake 15 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve with green salad.

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 13

TALK TO YOUR KIDS NOW ABOUT YOUR WILL

by William R. Mumbauer - Attorney - www.flwillstrustsprobate.com I believe the best way to pass your wealth on to the next generation while minimizing family conflicts is to be transparent with your children regarding your Will (or your Trust) so there will be no surprises for them. You really don’t want your children asking “why?” in respect to your testamentary decisions after you’re gone. By talking to your children now, you can insure that each child understands your decisions and appreciates the responsibility each will have after your death; the so-called “why” and “how”. Parents often fear that full disclosure could create conflict among their children, but by keeping your estate plan secret likely insures that those conflicts will arise after your death. It’s been my professional experience that when parents are transparent about their wishes, this often helps their children work through and manage any conflicts caused by their parent’s testamentary concerns. Mr. Mumbauer, a 5th generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. Mr. Mumbauer takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving. Mr. Mumbauer is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar. Mr. Mumbauer is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of Wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating among judges and lawyers for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High. His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.

DENTAL Insurance

Are you at risk?

Great coverage for retirees. Coverage for cleanings, fillings, crowns — even dentures! Get dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Get Screened for Risks of Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease Special Screening Package for $149

Get your FREE Information Kit It’s easy! Call today

Call 877-205-8996

1-844-995-3175 Dental50Plus.com/After50

Product/features not available in all states. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. To find a network provider, go to physiciansmutual.com/find-dentist. This specific offer not available in CO, NV, NY, VA – call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for a similar offer in your state. Certificate C254/B465, C250A/B438 (ID: C254ID; PA: C254PA); Insurance Policy P154/B469, P150/B439 (GA: P154GA; OK: P154OK; TN: P154TN).

6347

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 14

Life-Changing No more common sickness By Doug Cornell, PhD

ost of us live our lives expecting to get germs that cause MRSA, influenza, and other sick now and then. infections that tend to spread in hospitals. It doesn’t have to be that way! Based on the results, they urged hospitals Medicine cabinets are full of remedies for to use copper for surfaces like faucets and after we get sick. Wouldn’t it be better not to doorknobs. Those that did cut the spread of bad get sick in the first place? germs by over half, and saved lives. Scientists have The strong proof found a natural gave inventor Doug way to kill Cornell an idea. He the germs that had been getting cause common 2-3 bad colds a illnesses, like year. So in 2012 colds and flu, he made a smooth before we get copper probe with sick. a tip to reach where That’s lifegerms collect in the changing! nostril. Don’t just treat The next time he symptoms with felt tickle in his CopperZap®: pure copper kills germs in nose, mouth, skin. noseawhich costly meds. warned Avoid the symptoms completely. him he was about to get a cold, he touched the • Kill the viruses that cause colds, flu, Covid, copper gently to the tickly spot for 60 seconds. cold sores and fever blisters. “It worked! The cold never started,” he • Kill the fungus that causes sinus trouble and exclaimed. “Now I use it right away at any sign mold allergies. of cold or flu about to start.” Since then he’s • Kill the microbes that steal your sleep with gone over 12 YEARS without a single cold. congestion and stuffiness. He asked relatives and friends to try it. • Kill the bacteria that cause pinkeye, styes, All said it worked, so he patented it, called it a thrush, ringworm, and similar infections, even CopperZap® and put it on the market. after they have already started. Soon hundreds tried it. Over 99% said copper Scientific studies prove pure copper kills bad Customers use pure copper against: germs instantly, just by touch. Colds, Flu, Covid That’s why ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Sinus trouble from germs Aztecs used copper thousands of years ago to Cold sores or Fever blisters stop sore throats and skin infections and to heal Canker sores that get infected wounds. They didn’t know about bacteria and Sleep loss from congestion viruses, but now we do. Stuffy nose, drippy nose Tests show copper kills microbes, including Mold allergies germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungus, that Hay fever worsened by bacteria cause illness. High-power microscopes show Strep throat germs like the Covid virus start to die instantly Pink Eye and Styes when copper touches them. Skin infections, warts, ringworm Scientists say the high conductance of copper Infected sores disrupts the electrical balance in germ cells, Cuts and Wounds destroying them in seconds. Thrush and Tongue Infections The EPA, NIH, and others now say copper Getting sick after air travel kills germs, even antibiotic-resistant ones. The EPA tested pure copper against the ADVERTORIAL

worked if used at the first sign of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat. Thousands of people now use pure copper to kill germs that would otherwise make them sick. CopperZaps® are pure copper. The handle is curved and textured for lots of contact with your fingers. The whole thing is pure copper, which can kill bad germs you pick up if you touch anything a sick person has touched recently. We have sold over 100,000 CopperZaps®. Nearly all the reviews are 5-star. Users say: “It changed my life!” “I was skeptical, but it works!” “I can’t believe how good my nose feels.” “I’m thrilled and amazed.” “Is it supposed to work that fast?” “One of the best presents ever.” “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” “Cold sores gone!” ”I love it!” “It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.” “I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache or congestion.” “You guys have made my Christmas shopping easy.” “So grateful Mom told me about it.” “It’s made my quality of life so much better.” “Best sleep I’ve had in years!” Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. Many families have stopped getting sick from germs the kids bring home from school. Copper tarnishes naturally, but EPA tests show it kills germs just as well when tarnished. CopperZaps® are easy to use, easy to clean, include directions. Carry in purse or pocket, weighs 2.3 oz. Made in USA of pure American copper. Save on meds. Save time. Cut stress. Sleep better. Probably live longer, too. Buy once, use forever. Never wears out. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each with code NMPA. Guaranteed to work or your money back. CopperZap LLC is top-rated by Better Business Bureau, with zero complaints. Users say, “Best money I ever spent.” And “Worth every penny.” Also “I would pay ten times as much for this.” Order at copperzap.com or call toll-free 888411-6114, 9-4 Pacific time on business days. Real people in the US answer. Statements not evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 15

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 16

PUTTIN’ ON THE DOG AND GETTIN’ BIT: STRAWBERRY PIE & CHERRY STRUDEL By Barbara Taylor Sanders At a recent barbecue in my backyard, my friend Donna shared a nightmare about trying to impress her new neighbors with her culinary skills. One inspired summer day, she drove out to a U-Pick-Fruit farm in the county and lovingly hand-picked two quarts of strawberries. That same day, she made pie dough with real butter, then artfully rolled it out to fit in a brand new, over-sized, expensive Pyrex pie pan. The shell was baked and cooled, then filled with a yummy strawberry mixture made from the finest of ingredients. The following day, Donna proudly presented the gorgeous pie with a “welcome-tothe-neighborhood” note, painstakingly written in calligraphy. The new neighbor, an absent-minded doctor, opened the front door, took the dazzling strawberry pie, thanked her, and then closed the door. Unfortunately, she never met the woman of the house.

Social Security Q&A

Information from Social Security Administration

SOCIAL SECURITY’S TOP 10 WEBPAGES FOR 2025 SSA.gov is your best resource to learn about Social Security programs and benefits and conduct business with us. Our website is designed to make it easy for you to find what you need. Here are our top 10 webpages: my Social Security — You can open a personal my Social Security account to verify your earnings, view your Social Security Statement, get benefit estimates, and more, at www.ssa.gov/ myaccount. Social Security blog — You can find the latest Social Security news and updates at blog.ssa.gov. You can easily share these informative articles with others.

About five weeks later, Donna bumped into one of the teenagers. She greeted him with a friendly smile. “How did everyone enjoy the strawberry pie I made?” she asked, expecting a praise report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Do you need answers to Social Security-related questions? Visit www.ssa.gov/faq to find answers to common questions and other valuable information.

“Oh, was that from you?” he asked, scratching his head before confessing. “Yesterday, Mom was cleaning out the fridge and found it way in the back. It was completely covered with black mold, so she pitched the whole thing in the trashcan. Mom wondered where it came from,” he added with a chuckle before walking off.

Retirement application — You can complete and submit your online application for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes at www.ssa.gov/retirement.

Upon hearing that story, my other friend Susan seized the opportunity to get something off her own chest.

Disability application — You can apply for disability benefits online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability.

“Well, that reminds me of the time I brought over my homemade cherry strudel, and it landed in your trashcan!”

Publications — Visit our online publication library for information about key subjects at www.ssa.gov/pubs (includes audio versions).

Susan glared at me. I sneaked a peek at my husband. He shrugged his shoulders. We both drew blanks, which only added insult to injury. “Cherry strudel?” I smiled weakly, completely dumbfounded.

Medicare — Sign up for Medicare at www.ssa.gov/medicare/signup.

“How could you not remember?” Susan’s hazel eyes were blazing. “It was Labor Day weekend, three years ago. I spent all day Friday making two large pans of cherry strudel. I brought the platters over on Saturday morning for your party on Monday. I told you not to let anyone touch the second platter. I was really looking forward to having some at your party.”

Online Services — You can take care of most business with us by visiting www.ssa.gov/onlineservices.

I was still drawing a blank, so she continued.

Fraud and Scam Prevention and Reporting — Learn how to recognize and report Social Security fraud and scams at www.ssa. gov/fraud.

“When I asked where it was, you said your husband and the kids started eating it and it got real gooey and messy in the pan, so you threw it out. Then you went digging around in the trash can and found the remains in the aluminum foil.” At this point, all I could do was smile and hope for the best. Susan’s eyes were still flashing, so I definitely knew better then to sing, “The first to forgive—gets the blessing!” And I’m finally learning that whenever you try to put on the dog, you always get bit!

People Helping Others — Use these resources to help your family and others in your community at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty.

Remember, if you need information or want to do business with us, the first place to go is our website. Please share these top resources with your loved ones.

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 17

41. Parasite 31. Sedate; unchanging 42. One listed in a will 33. Fortress 43. Pick-me-up 34. Inclines 44. Animal covered 36. Earth shade with curls 39. Sorority letter 46. City in Colorado 43. Snack from the bakery 48. Azerbaijan, once: abbr. 45. Place to store food 49. Broke one’s fast 47. Thundered 51. United group: abbr. 50. Quit 52. Family tree members 52. Hereditary unit 58. Saw 53. Opposite Fill in the answers and win great prizes! The first correct 61. Term of affection of “acknowledge” answers selected from the drawing on the 20th will win. 62. Reason to bathe 54. Look toward LAST Send answerscloth along with your name, address, 63. your Velvety 55. Ms. AdamsMONTH'S telephone number and email to: 64. Suffix for defer or differ 56. City near Tívoli WINNER: Lifestyles After 65. City in 50 Ohio or Peru 57. Fem. titles Karen Cornex, 66.BOX Birch tree 58. Swirling bath P.O. 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583 Sarasota 67. Prepared Easter eggs 59. Companion 68. Letters 60. Colts’ home: abbr.

JANUARY cROSSWORD puzzle

34 38 41 44

23 28

24 30

25 32

Birds of a Feather I’m not an expert on birds by any means. I am fascinated by them and have accumulated a number of books and field guides over time. From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, I was recently able to download a free app which identifies birds by recording their calls, and then produces a picture alongside their names.

When we lived in our Florida retirement community, the most 35 36 37 prolific birds to be found were the Snowbirds, easily identified by their pale white plumage sometimes punctuated by reddish, 39 40 #5131 #5131blistered or flaky patches. When the weather warms, their CROSSWORD PUZZLE CROSSWORD PUZZLE 42 43 ACROSS ACROSS DOWN DOWN homing instincts kick in and they fly north to their nesting 1. Swat 1. Swat 1. Geneviève 1. Geneviève 5. Without delay, for short 5. Without delay, short abbr. and for Clotilda: and Clotilda: abbr. grounds in Canada or near the Great Lakes. 45 46 47 9. Dog owner’s item 9. Dog owner’s item 2. Piece of wood 2. Piece of wood

14. Yarn 14. Yarn 3. Edmonton’s loc. 3. Edmonton’s loc. 15. Ms. Falana 15. Ms. Falana 4. Larger on the bottom 4. Larger on the bottom 49 50 51 16. Stand 16. Stand than on the top than on the top 17. Singer __ James 17. Singer 5. __ Beast Jamesof burden 5. Beast of burden 18. Dogs with wrinkled 18. Dogs with wrinkled 6. Very old French coins6. Very old French coins 52 53 foreheads 54 7. Pond growth 55 56 57 foreheads 7. Pond growth 19. Fertilizer ingredient 19. Fertilizer 8. ingredient Tomato __ 8. Tomato __ 20. Very clever 20. Very clever 9. Cavalry soldier 9. Cavalry soldier 58 59 60 61 23. One of 86,400 23. One of 10.86,400 Actor Estrada 62 10. Actor Estrada in a day: abbr. in a day: 11. abbr. Tiny land mass 11. Tiny land mass 24. 12/24 or 12/31 24. 12/2412. or 12/31 90˚ from ENE 12. 90˚ from ENE 63 65 13. Pronoun 25. Cub Scouts’ 64 org. 25. Cub Scouts’ org. 13. Pronoun 28. Cooks leftovers 28. Cooks21.leftovers Equal 21. Equal 32. Artificial 32. Artificial 22. Turn away 22. Turn away 66 67 68 34. Speeder’s nemesis 34. Speeder’s nemesis 25. Ewe’s pastime 25. Ewe’s pastime 35. Roman road 35. Roman 26.road Television station 26. Television station 37. Tight 37. Tight 27. Mexican Indian 27. Mexican Indian 38. On one’s toes 38. On one’s toes 28. Numerical comparisons 28. Numerical comparisons ACROSS DOWNof homes 39. Section ACROSS DOWN 39. Section homes bigwig 29.ofMagazine 29. Magazine bigwig 1. Swat 1. Geneviève 1. Swat 1. Geneviève 40. Disneyland attraction40. Disneyland attraction 30. Grow exhausted 30. Grow exhausted 5. Without delay, for short andforClotilda: 5. Without delay, short abbr. andSedate; Clotilda:unchanging abbr. 41. Parasite 41. Parasite 31. 31. Sedate; unchanging 9. Dog owner’s item 9. Dog 2. listed Piece wood42. One owner’s item 2. listed Piece 42. One inof a will inofawood will 33. Fortress 33. Fortress 14. Yarn 3. Edmonton’s loc. 14. Yarn 3. Edmonton’s 43. Pick-me-up 43. Pick-me-up 34. Inclines loc. 34. Inclines 15. Ms. Falana 4. Larger on the bottom 15. Ms. 4. Larger on the bottom 44. Falana Animal covered 44. Animal 36.covered Earth shade 36. Earth shade 16. Stand than on the top 16. Stand with curls than on the top with39. curlsSorority letter 39. Sorority letter 17. Singer __ James 17. Singer 5. Beast of burden __ James 5. Beast of burden 46. City in Colorado 46. City in43. Colorado Snack from the bakery 43. Snack from the bakery 18. Dogs with wrinkled 18. Dogs 6. Very old French with wrinkled 6. Very old French coins 48. Azerbaijan, once: abbr. 48.coins Azerbaijan, once: 45. Place to abbr. store food 45. Place to store food foreheads 7. Pond foreheads 7. Pond growth 49. Broke one’s growth fast 49. Broke one’s fast 47. Thundered 47. Thundered 19. Fertilizer ingredient19. Fertilizer 8.ingredient Tomato __ 8. Tomato 51. United group: abbr. 51. United group: abbr. 50. Quit__ 50. Quit 20. Very clever 9. Cavalry soldier52. Family 20. Very clever 9. Cavalry soldier unit 52. Family tree members members 52.tree Hereditary 52. Hereditary unit 23. One of 86,400 10. Actor Estrada 23. One of 86,400 10. Actor Estrada 58. Saw 58. Saw 53. Opposite 53. Opposite in a day: abbr. 11. Tiny land mass in a Term day: abbr. 11. Tiny land mass 61. of affection 61. Term of affection of “acknowledge” of “acknowledge” 24. 12/24 or 12/31 12. 90˚ from ENE 24. 12/24 or 12/31 12. 90˚ from ENE 62. Reason to bathe 62. Reason bathe 54. toLook toward 54. Look toward 25. Cub Scouts’ org. 25. Cub 13. Pronoun Scouts’ org. 13. Pronoun 63. Velvety cloth 63. Velvety 55.cloth Ms. Adams 55. Ms. Adams 28. Cooks leftovers 21. Equal 28. Cooks leftovers 21. Equal 64. Suffix for defer or differ 64. Suffix for defer or differ 56. City near Tívoli 56. City near Tívoli 32. Artificial 22.inTurn 32. Artificial 22. in Turn away 65. City Ohioaway or Peru 65. City Ohio or Peru 57. Fem. titles 57. Fem. titles 34. Speeder’s nemesis34. Speeder’s 25. tree Ewe’s pastime66. Birch nemesis 25. Ewe’s pastime 66. Birch tree Swirling 58. bath 58. Swirling bath 35. Roman road 26. Television 35. Roman road 26. Television 67. Prepared Easter station eggs 67. Prepared Easterstation eggs 59. Companion 59. Companion 37. Tight 27. Mexican Indian 37. Tight 27. Mexican Indian 68. Letters 68. Letters 60. Colts’ home: abbr. 60. Colts’ home: abbr. 38. On one’s toes 28. Numerical comparisons 38. On one’s toes 28. Numerical comparisons 39. Section of homes 39. 1Section bigwig 2 29. 3 Magazine 4 5 1 6 2 29. 7 3 Magazine 8 4 9 bigwig 5 10 6 11 7 12 8 13 9 10 11 12 13 of homes 40. Disneyland attraction 30. Grow exhausted 30. Grow exhausted 40. Disneyland attraction 15 14 16 15 16 41. Parasite 31. Sedate; unchanging 41. 14 Parasite 31. Sedate; unchanging 42. One listed in a will 42. One listed 33. Fortress in a will 33. Fortress 17 18 19 17 18 19 43. Pick-me-up 34. Inclines 43. Pick-me-up 34. Inclines 44. Animal covered Earth shade 44. 20 Animal36. covered 36. Earth22shade 21 20 21 22 WIN with GREAT RECEIVED BY THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH. curls PRIZES! CROSSWORD 39. SororityMUST letter BE 39. with curls Sorority letter 46. City in Colorado Snack from the bakery 46. City in 43. Colorado 43. Snack 23 24 23 from the bakery 25 26 2427 25 26 27 48. Azerbaijan, once: abbr. 45. Place store food 45. Place to store food 48. Azerbaijan, once:toabbr. 49. Broke one’s fast 49. Broke 28 47. 29 Thundered 30 2847. 31 29Thundered 32 33 30 31 32 33 one’s fast 51. United group: abbr. 51. United50. Quitabbr. group: 50. Quit 36 36 37 52. Family tree members 52. 34 Family52. treeHereditary members unit3435 52. Hereditary unit37 35 58. Saw 58. Saw 53. Opposite 53. Opposite 39 38 3940 40 61. Term of affection 61. 38 of “acknowledge” Term of affection of “acknowledge” 62. Reason to bathe 62. Reason 54.to Look bathetoward 54. Look toward 41 42 41 43 42 43 63. Velvety cloth Ms. Adams 63. Velvety55. cloth 55. Ms. Adams 64. Suffix for defer or differ 56.defer City or near Tívoli 64. 44 Suffix for differ 56. 45 46 City near 47 45 Tívoli 44 46 47

#5131 #5131 CROSSWORD PUZZLE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 18

I’d never seen them, but I frequently heard some complaints about old Coots at the clubhouse during potluck dinners. I’m sure many hover about whenever food is readily available. The only thing I need now is binoculars. I left three pairs at our last home in the rush of moving day. One pair was gifted me by The Joy of my Life. Two pairs were given to me by my dear friend Kieth in North Yorkshire, England. An avid birder himself it was he who piqued my interest by sharing his hobby with me. I must say there are many beautiful birds throughout the United Kingdom (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). My very favorite bird is the peregrine falcon. One day while on holiday, I had my camera aimed as Joy, Kieth and his wife Jeannie were posing for me. Suddenly, far behind them and in the sky, I spotted a Peregrine in stoop. It literally took my breath away. Mike is currently shopping for a decent pair of field glasses. If you have any recommendations or birding tips you want to share, contact him at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.

BOOK REVIEW

by Kathy A. Megyeri

“I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life,” by Anne Bogel (Baker Books) “If a reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,” said Jojen, “the man who never reads lives only one.” (George R.R. Martin, “A Dance with Dragons”) For International Literacy Day on January 8, Ann Bogel offers this love letter to our reading lives. Bogel, podcaster of “What Should I Read Next?”, “Modern Mrs. Darcy,” and author of “Reading People,” delves into what shapes us as readers, what we bring to the page, how to read and choose good books, and what happens when we read bad ones. She explains how we connect with some books in such powerful ways and what happens when we peek into other people’s reading lives. Bogel also offers reading recommendations and literary matchmaking. Bogel discusses books’ impact on her own life, such as her devotion to the works of Jane Austen and the fact that when she read “The Geography of Nowhere,” she discovered the hidden gem of Seaside, Florida. She recommends always reading the author’s acknowledgements first to gain insights into who the author thanked to deepen one’s appreciation for and increase one’s understanding of the writer and the story. She also discusses the rite of passage from having books chosen for us in school to choosing books for ourselves in adulthood when we read only to please ourselves. Such a transition happens slowly over time, as we discover not

only what to read, but how – and then determine what kind of reader we will become. Bogel revisits old favorites because each time she rereads a book, she discovers something new, bringing a new perspective and fresh eyes to the page. Old favorites highlight the gap between who we are and who we used to be. (Don’t believe it? Try reading a favorite from your childhood to see how much you’ve changed.)

reading habits as well.

Bogel also suggests sharing books and recommending our favorites to others: sharing ourselves. She even advises us to keep reading journals to document our reading lives. It can be a simple log with a title and the date we read it or a favorite quote from the author. (Photograph the books you’ve read and make into a coffee table scrapbook for a child or grandchild.) It’s a record of our

Ironically, writing about reading inspires you to read more, helps you remember what you’ve read, and helps you recommend favorites to others. Even though you’ve just started such a habit, you’ll wish you’d begun sooner as it’s a gift to yourself. Remember, reading is a lifestyle. Books shape, define, and enchant us. Bogel recalls her favorite line from “The Storied Life of A. J. Febry” by Gabrielle Zevin, “You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question, ‘What is your favorite book’?”

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 19

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills. Sudoku #365

The object of the game is to fill all the Solution #364 blank squares with the correct numbers. 5 4 9 6 8 1 3 7 2 Each row of 9 numbers 3 7 6 must 4 2 include 5 9 8all1 Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills. digits 1 through 9 in any order. Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills. The object of the game is to fill all the blank 8 column 2 1 of 3 9 9numbers 7 5 must 4 6 squares the of correct numbers. row and Each column ofeach 9 numbers must include Thewith object the game is toEach fill all the 5 9 7 in2 of 1the8order. 4 9 square 3 9 include allsquares digits 1 through any Each by63 subsection 9 by blank with the9 in correct numbers. all order. digits 1 3through any much include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers 9 1 4 5of 6the3 9 8by29 7 Each 3will bywin. 3 subsection selected on the 20th Eachfrom row the of 9drawing numbers must include all 2 3all 8digits 9 71 4through 6 1 59. must include digits 1 through square 9 in any order. Send your answers Each of 9 numbers must include 7 6 5 8 3 2 1 9 4 along withcolumn your name, digits 1 through 9 in any order. address,alltelephone 4 8 2 1 5 9 7 6 3 Each by 3 to: subsection of the 9 by 9 number and3email square must include all digits 1 through 9. 1 9 3 7 4 6 2 5 8

JANUARY WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU SUDOKU JANUARY 3

Lifestyles After 50

3 P.O. BOX4638, SEFFNER, FL 33583 4 28 2 4 7 6 1 8 3 8 GOOD 13 8 LUCK! 1 2 5 3 4 LAST 9 MONTH'S 6 5 3 51 7 WINNER: 3 1 9 8 1 Karen Cornex, Sarasota 4 7 5 1

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for this month. Circle each answer you find and list it in the space provided. Answers can be found in all directions–forwards, backwards, LAST horizontally, vertically, and below, diagonally. Antwenty example is answers given In the grid can be found to get you started. MONTH'S

WORD SEARCH

th today. answer find and list it in WINNER: Send your answers Circle along with each your name, address, that you telephone email to: grid. Answers can be found in all thenumber rightandof the Phyllis Isaacs, Lifestyles After 50 Sarasota backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. A P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583 get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in

8 7

Today's Category: U. S. State Capita THIS MONTHS' CATEGORY: US STATE CAPITALS

1. ___ 2 6 5 2. ___ 3. ___ U D O A T N A L T A C O 4 4. ___ # 307 6 9 G H S I D D S G C L N S 5. ___ 6. ___ 3 6 U E A T S I D K Q B I T 7. ___ 4 8. ___ D E S D D A T O L R SEARCH S LWORD WIN GREAT PRIZES! SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH. In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for 9. ___ today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at T E E E T O C O P N S N 10. __ the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions -- forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to 11. __ Y U R F V inHthisN N answers M theNtwenty N find A you get you started. Can puzzle? 12. __ # 307 Today's Category: U. S. State Capitals 13. __ K A G T S E O G Z D A E Solution #365 Salem Inaugurations Past. 1. ____________________ 14. __ U A E N U J B 8 4 6 2 5 3 1 A 7 B 9M C B E 2. ____________________ S F O R E R R E I P V 15. __ WORD SEARCH 1 5 3 7 9 4 8 2 6 3. ____________________ Solution #305 U D O A T N A L T A C O Where was the first Oath of Office taken? What 16. __ 4. ____________________ In the grid found that fit D the category for President? N X S 7 2below, 9 6twenty 1 8answers 4 3 3can 5 5be 6 D C D D N N D P 8 Gspace 1C 4Lprovided __________________________________________ S and I list D it7 Din S N2 S 9at 5. ____________________ 17. __ today. Circle each answer thatGyouHfind the Answer & 1 8 6 7 5 3 4 9 2 the right of out the grid. Answers can be found in all directions -- forwards, 6. ____________________ submit these What Article and Section of our Constitution spells 18. __ 4E 4Adiagonally. 1 T 9S 6OI AnD2Fexample U and K5 BIis given I7 L N D C E O ____________________ N T 3C LQ 8 question backwards, vertically to 7. the Presidential Oath of Office? 3 1horizontally, 2 8 7trivia 6 5 9 to win a prize __________________________________________ 19. __ get you started. Can you twenty answers in this puzzle? S 68 L 3 L2 R 7D 4 E S3 D 9D 6 A T1 O5 8. ____________________ 4 9 8 1 2 find 5 7the N C O R D O ____________________ T G X O D C 9. 20. __ 2 6 4Today's 5 3 Category: 1 9 8 U.7S. State Capitals A B M C B U A E N U J

Trivia Palooza

6 1 2 5 9 7

9 4 7 3 8 6

5 8 3 9 8 3 4 2 1 5 2 1

1 5 6 7 4 9

2 7 4 6 3 8

3 4 2 8 9 5 1 9 7 6 5 3

7 6 1 8 2 4

T E E E T O C O P N S N 10. ____________________ Salem 1. ____________________ 11. ____________________ N F V H N Y U R 2. ____________________ 12. ____________________ 9 8 7 4 6 2 3 5 1 Name ____________________ 13. ____________________ O G Z D A E U D O A T N A L T KA AC GO T S3. E Address 4. ____________________ 14. ____________________ City StateI D D S ZipG C EL SN FS O R5. E R R E I P V G H S ____________________ 15. ____________________ Email Phone 6. ____________________ 16. ____________________ U E A T S I D K Q PB DI DT N N D D C D S X N 7. ____________________ 17. ____________________ Mail to: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL, 33583 ____________________ 18. ____________________ O L N D C E S was L our L December R D winner E !S D D OA FT LO I N8. C Brenda Scheib, Ft. Myers 9. ____________________ 19. ____________________ Last month's answers: The North D C____________________ O N C O R D TPole,EJingle E Bells E(Christmas T OEve,C1965)O P TN GS XN O 10. 20. ____________________ Please enjoy playing our Crossword, Sudoku and Word Search Puzzles. 11. ____________________ The more puzzles you play & submit, the better chance you have to win! A N M N N F V H N Y U R WIN GREAT PRIZES! WORD SEARCH MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH. 12. ____________________ 13. ____________________ K A G T S E O G Z D A E 14. ____________________ Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 20 E S F O R E R R E I P V 15. ____________________ 16. ____________________ P D D N N D D C D S X N 17. ____________________ Play every month to be entered in5a drawing 3 1 to9win a8prize! 7 6 4 2 Deadline forAentries: January B M C 20th B U A E N AU NJ MB N

I Miss Cookbooks By Patricia Finn The holidays are over, but January is still “cooking season.”

and it would take a lifetime to make everything in them.

November was even scarier because it is the official start of what I call The Kitchen Season. Housewives know what I am talking about. November and December we baked and cooked our sweet little selves silly in order to provide love from the kitchen. A feast in November to be followed by holiday baking and Christmas dinner. Frankly, I loved it. With a “leave me alone, I’m in the kitchen” attitude I rolled up my sleeves and covered myself with flour.

Now, when I want to find a recipe, I spend more time online than cooking. Googling the name of a dish, for example chicken marsala, I soon learn that half of Europe has chicken marsala recipes. If I click on one assuming that the next page will be the recipe… it isn’t. I need first to enter my email, password, mother’s maiden name and zip code. (In less than three minutes I would have found the recipe in a cookbook.)

Now in January, I find I miss cookbooks. Cookbooks have joined the list of items that are now online. The cookbook online experience does not save me any time. I head down a rabbit trail of countless options, passwords and clicks. I prefer the old school method of selecting a cookbook, using the Table of Contents and finding the right recipe. All I want is a list of ingredients and directions! The only negative to using a real cookbook is that the pages get very messy. (If you invest in a cookbook stand, take my advice and get one with the essential splatter guard.) In my kitchen heyday, I relied on two cookbooks (yes, just two): the “Fannie Farmer Boston School of Cooking” cookbook and “The Pleasures of Your Processor” – that food processor cookbook carried me through my 21 years of full-time housewifery. Everything I ever wanted to make was in these two books

The online recipe experience is not all negative. I am impressed by the mouth-watering photo parade of perfected dishes. I can think of no better proof that we have reached the pinnacle of career specialization than food photography. How does someone become a professional food photographer? Who chooses food? Does the food photographer arrange what is on the plates or just the lighting? (Idle minds want to know.) Our world is complex, and we are a species of specialists. Applying specialization to food, let’s look at one food category: desserts. First, choose between cookies, puddings, pies, or cakes – just to name a few – and then a subcategory such as wedding and special occasion cakes, fruit or cream pies. Philosophers no longer need to gaze at the night sky to contemplate the vastness of the universe. Infinity can easily be found with one online dessert search.

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 21

Seniors getting Together WOMENSEEKING SEEKINGMEN MEN WOMEN 5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING 4907 - SWF. 59 yo, 5’9”, 160 lbs, smoker, TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and blonde hair, blue eyes. I like fishing, movladies welcome to sing ies, traveling, dancing, goodfour-part food. Seeks harmony withthe the Venice Gondolier SWM who likes same. Singers Chorus. No previous musical 5409 - WRETCHED old hagg seekingfun. experience required. Just having miserable old troll. If U respond U obvi941-953-3752.

ously have a sense of humor & R adventur5626 SHW LOOKING FOR easy ous. I’m–76, blonde, petite, earthy, toCOMPANIONSHIP B with. Love singing, Idancing, am newbiking, to cooking, cars & vintage men. Must Florida,vintage 59 years young. Looking for have a little class & a lot of character. a FF SOH male. Likes, relaxing on the

beach, music, fishing, camping, flea 5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long markets. - No drugs - TLC. I am blonde hair,NS youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND,5.1 and 155 lbs. -dancing, Parrish theatre, travel. NS. Fine dining,

Looking for retired W gentleman, 5’9”, 655635 – SWF RETIRED, SECURE, 75, HWP, SOH. Will speak soon. Send photo ISO trustworthy, honest man &80YY phone.

NS-ND. Enjoy quiet times, pleasant conversation, dining out, social 5436 - TAMPA VETERAN NEEDS COMPANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for gatherings and listening to music. healthy, 45-65music for LTR. compuer I share W, piano as Need a pianist. operations, applications expertarea. and handy Friendly and fun. Sarasota

homemaker. Quiet music, parks, swim5628local – NEW TO FL Looking to fall in ming, touring. Veteran literary a plus. Tampa. love one more time. R-63 YY. 5’2” 160

lbs. blonde hair, blue eyes SF. Enjoys 5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, HONEST walks, sunsets, dining out, traveling GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like SOH, SD,with NDRG. forLTR. WM, to meetNS, SWM sameLooking interest for SD, NDRG. Must know how to treat Laid back, no drama. Like animals. Hills-a lady. Age doesn’t matter. Let’s give it borough & Pasco. a try!

5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN 5639 –C-man SENIOR GAL,loves 71 with desires who really Godnatural and is (not enhanced). Drive, ambition, active, lives a healthy life, helps his neighenthusiasm, stamina, seeking guycabor, enjoys nature (including picnics), noeing andsame a friend to all animals. Apollo I’m all with the temperament. ofBeach the above. I’m a W ,etite lady with long hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: 5640 YEARS OLD – Looking Mid 50’s82 and up. I live in Hillsborough 40, feeling 30.write Veryme, active. Dance, County. Please tell me about yourself. exercise and travel. Seeking a

younger man 45 to 65. Athletic fit and

5431 – LONELY WWF, looking for love & willing to take care of all my needs. companion. Man should be 70 to 80 yrs Tampa old. I am financially secure, have a car & condo. I live in N. St. Pete. 5643 SWCF. VERY LONELY. – ISO

N/S man who can slow dance. I go

5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. to Elks, Moose and Eagles. I have a FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only with W, condo near Bay80’s. Pines. I’m 85 years widower in early SOH, honest, NS. old I 5’6” tall and enjoys day trips. Leave am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent. a message. St Pete. Please respond with phone/email. Be safe & well.

5644 PLANT CITY WIDOW – A Plant City -widow who misses her longtime 5413 WW ISO BUDDY, FRIEND to pal husband best friend. Searching around withand who’s about my age, 80’s, gal or guy with SOH. Good health, for a white easy-going malefinanin his cially secure toand havestart fun &aenjoy life. No 70s to meet friendship Trumpers religiouslead zealots Let with andorperhaps to please. a longtime the good times roll. companion to share my life with. Plant City

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 22

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING

5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, TOGETHER. Wanna and ladies slender, brunette, greensing? eyes, Men adventurous, welcome to sing four-part harmony love walks, parks, outdoors, healthy food. with Am happy, loving,Gondolier kind. LTR, intimacy? Have photo. the Venice Singers Chorus. No Tampa. previous musical experience required.

Just having fun. 941-953-3752.

4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman. For5620 – ELDERLY, AFFLUENT, looking mer airline stewardess and model, nice 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white withseeking Ph.D. in 40-50 healthcare. professional WWM trim Fulbright scholar, eats healthy exercises. SWF. Enjoys theater, travel,and dinner with Likes and animals.inWW. Loves the Lord. winesports + conversation condo overlooking Florida.

Sarasota Bay. Send photo(s) + resume.

MEN WOMEN 5622SEEKING – HI – A VERY MATURE W, M, 140 lb., white hair, brown eyes, of reasonable 5411 - BM seeks LTR with 50-65 yr old looks, 5’8”. In Tampa. NS, SD only. Shall we woman of character. I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60 meet forNS. coffee, and Yes,Free myto parents year old. Children aresee? adults. travel. are of Italian descent, but born in I am a one woman man. Race is not an the issueUSA. Seeking is! H, W, P, lady who is mobile and character likes life, but wants more. Trump can offer 5407 - ISOlife. BF,Now 50+, slender build whoI likes to a better you know how think.

5642 SWM – Y 71 SOH, open-minded. seeking fit, attractive, female. Very handsome, very fit senior. 5’11”, blueW,eyes, ISO fun HWP F for ST LT. 175, 33701, NS, silverI'm hair. Let’s enjoydancing, life’s pleasures. ND. fun, enjoy cuddling, Dunedin. Outdoors, walking , holding affection. hands, karaoke, romantic movies, much 5417 - PINELLAS PARK, FUN LOVING more. Not intoSWW sports. SWM, seeking to enjoy sports activities, bridge, dominoes,FOR pinochle and swim5647 SEARCHING A NICE ming at Mainlands. I’m 88 and very active. WOMAN – Optimistic, 5’8” NS, ND Looking for SWW over 70. I’m 6’3”, 235 lbs into longevity. and ahealth dancer.and Pinellas Park. Like smiles, especially from the heart. Giving contempt the boot! Practicing love is easier. Join me. New Port Richey area.

5648 SBM, 73. – Happy holidays! Enjoy Florida and all it has to offer. Would luv to meet single lady, (race unimportant) to have a great time with. “Old skool” kind of guy. Riverview.

read, go out to eat, movies, laid back, enjoys 5630 – &LOOKING FOR FEMALE laughter is drama free. Look forward to hearing from you. I amI’m a WM, 155SM, lbs,LTR, NS and COMPANION 80, 5’11”, YY, SD, FF, drama TLC. I free. like fishing, golf, going to the beach,

spending time with family, watching

5415 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, P, FF, likes cards, TV, watching movies cuddling on sofa. walks, cooking, travel, fun.

Romantic. She should like the same, plus

some- HI, of her own. Lehigh Acres 5424 Lonely guy, WM, 5’8” , 160 lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, NS, fi t, active and 5629 – WANT TO TAKE A TRIP adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early TO ALASKA? Fly there and back, seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, motorhome camping & Jeep waiting for LTR. Let’s be happy and celebrate life.

us there, sightseeing & fishing. I am 86 YY, 5393 - SWM, 69, 5’11” , AVG. Hair black, thinWM,WW, C,NS, 5’9” 165 lbs, SOH. Excellent ning, DAV, honest, sincere, relocated Hudson. health, very active. Southern country Retired Leo. ISOI'm WHF, widowfor preferred, atgentleman. looking a long-term tractive, sm. butt, NS, ND, handy homemaker, companion to finish our life's journey. I've intimacy yes, no baggage, drama. been a home & business owner in Tampa for over yrsNS, . I am an active and healthy 5428 - M, 60 WW, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. person looking similartogether, qualitiesquiet in a Likes sharing manyfor activities evenings; adventurous. partner. be I have all my own teeth and hair too. Give me a call and maybe we can 5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, 5’7”, have some fun. Marvin

To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 8 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. To ReSPonD To An AD: Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad # on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583 CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NSNon Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

Seniors Getting Together

Personal Ad Placement only $68 per month! Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement. MArk The ediTiOn(S) YOu WOuLd Like TO run YOur Ad in: ❍ Tampa Bay & Suncoast (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco) ❍ Lake/Marion/Sumter ❍ Southwest & Sarasota (Lee, Charlotte/Manatee)

Ad Copy ••• PLeASe PrinT neATLY ••• 30 Word Limit TITLE:

(First 4 Words)

widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen 5638 – HELLO. SWM SEEKING petite for friendship, to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Willbe answer alll. relocatable gal to my companion, best

friend, life partner and lover. I’m secure,

5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New easy going, loving and romantic. NS, ND. York Attorney, former New York Police Officer, 5’7” 150lbs. Share my life and Save looking for loving relationship withhome. kind and that rent. Send photo and phone number sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preplease. No pets.area. ferred. Clearwater

5624 SEARCHING FOR LTR – N/S.

5412 - LOOKING FOR ADVENTEROUS WOMI enjoyed thehealthy, simple retired, pleasures in life. AN. SWM, NS, enjoys country Looking for someone to share it all with. music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attracAge and lookssunsets, are notmovies, important. tions, sun rises, walks Will in the park. For more info, write me. Pinellas County. answer all. Palmetto 5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM

CITY:

(No Charge)

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $68 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is conﬁdential.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

Email: Make checks payable to: Lifestyles After 50 Mail to: PO Box 638, Seffner, Fl 33583

KLINE TOURS DAYTONA 500 BUS TRIP Exclusive ticket and motorcoach transportation will be offered to the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with departures from the Sarasota-Bradenton Clearwater-Dunedin, Largo, Seminole, and St. Petersburg areas. Just $199 per person includes a race ticket with a ticket value of $240. Our package includes your ticket and bus transportation for just $199. Option to add UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race Access for just $95 (a $110 Value) LAS VEGAS 5 Days/ 4 Nights, Monday –Friday, February 10-14 or May 26-30, $950 per person (double occupancy). Includes Round-trip non-stop air from Tampa to Las Vegas, Round-trip Airport to Hotel Transfers, 4nights accommodations at the fabulous Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

AROUND TOWN JANUARY 3: COFFEE CHAT IN PAJAMAS Tradd’s Landing, Harvest Blvd., Clermont JANUARY 5: FARMER’S MARKET Downtown, 670 W. Montrose St., Clermont JANUARY 11: COROCZNY FESTIVAL Lake Sumter Landing, 1000 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages JANUARY 11: BRICK CITY ANIME WEC Exposition Center 1, 1284 NW 87th Ct. Rd., Ocala

NEW ORLEANS PRE-MARDI GRAS 2025

JANUARY 11-12: LAKE SUMTER ARTS & CRAFT FESTIVAL

Monday, February 24- Friday, February 28, 2025, $2099 per person (double occupancy) Roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, 5 days, 4 nights accommodations in French Quarter 7 Meals New Orleans School of Cooking, comprehensive city tour of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World Museum, National World War II Museum (including 4D film), Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise, Louisiana Swamp Boat tour, and reserved parade bleacher seating for four parades in New Orleans

1000 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages JANUARY 13: ALOHA PARTY Rohan Regional Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, Wildwood JANUARY 14: THE LOVIN’ SPOONFUL Savannah Center, 1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages JANUARY 15: TWO OLD HAGS

NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT 2025

Two Old Hags Wine Shop, 410 W. Main St., Leesburg

Sunday-Wednesday December 14-17 $2099 per person (double occupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, 3 nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Resort., 6 Meals, and four shows, including a Christmas Dinner show in the ballroom at Gaylord Opryland with the Frontmen. Amy Grant & Vince Gill at the Ryman, General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise with entertainment., Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, guided city tour of Nashville, Delta Flatboat ride, Treasures for the Holidays, Ice.

Village of Faith, 8653 Co. Rd. 127, Wildwood

KLINE TOURS (727)-439-5520 | www. klinetours.net/floridadepartures Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No ST43118 Serving the Florida Gulf Coast Follow us on Facebook at Kline Tours Florida Gulf Coast

JANUARY 16: ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND JANUARY 18: FIRST IN SHOW World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala JANUARY 21: JANUARY FESTIVAL HITS Post Time Farm, 13710 US-27, Ocala JANUARY 24: QUILTS – BLOSSOMING ARTS Rohan Regional Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, Wildwood JANUARY 25: CRUISE-IN Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Dr., Eustis JANUARY 25: HOME SHOW World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala JANUARY 25: LOS PRIMOS DEL ESTE I-75 Flea Market, 4121 NW 44th Ave., Ocala JANUARY 31: MARION COUNTY FRIDAY MARKET McPherson Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala JANUARY 31: CHRIS JANSON Sheltair Aviation OCF, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Suite 400, Ocala

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 23

Don’t Just Add Years to Your Life.

Add Life to Your Years.

Embrace a healthier, fuller life with VIPcare. Primary care for 65+.

Schedule your appointment and start living your best life

(352) 656-6061 www.getvipcare.com

Lifestyles After 50 • January 2025 • 24