Lifestyles After 50 Tampa Bay Edition, February 2023

At Angeline, we believe where you live is just as important as how you live. Spanning 6,200 acres in Pasco County, Angeline will be an environment for lifelong learning, with smart, innovative technologies, world-class amenities, wonderfully wide-open spaces, and one of-a-kind experiences.

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Love Is in the Air (and Footballs, and Mardi Gras Beads)

February: traditionally, it’s the month of heartfelt Valentine’s Day cards, chocolate candies, bouquets of red roses, and decadent dinners topped off with strawberries and champagne.

When I was in school, it was also the time when students made impromptu “mailboxes” out of decorated brown paper lunch bags and, during recess, dropped boxes of chalky conversation hearts into those of the cutest boys in class (and girls, to be fair; although I was “in love with” Jack, the captain of the fifth-grade baseball team).

Later, when I was newly married, the hand-decorated brown paper bags of my youth gave way to golden boxes of cream-filled chocolate truffles and crimson gladiolas in tall crystal vases.

This year, February is simply chock full of wonderful things to see and do, with at least three major festivities all in a two-week span: the Super Bowl (Sunday, February 12), Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, February 14) and Mardi Gras (Tuesday, February 21).

Within these pages, you'll find great recipes for healthy takes on Super Bowl snacks, the interesting history of "vinegar valentines," some ways

to turn up the heat in your romance, and a new travel feature, "Armchair Adventures," about marching with penguins. Read about the Oak Ridge Boys' Richard Sterban, learn to eat for a powerful heart, and catch a film review of "80 for Brady."

Wherever you are across the beautiful state of Florida, I wish you a happy and hearty February. May your team win, may you receive only love-filled Valentines, and laissez les bon temps rouler!

With gratitude,

Lifestyles After 50 Volume 34, Issue 2

Published by Connected Community Media Group

Publisher@lifestylesafter50.com

Editor Michele Baker

Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com

Website Editor Allie Shaw

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Photo by James Patterson

Armchair Adventures: Marching with Penguins

By Evelyn Kelly, PhD

Credit my fifth-grade teacher who told her eager students about the faraway land of Antarctica inhabited by strange animals called penguins. I thought to myself: someday I will see and even play with these birds that wear black tuxedos.

Many moons later, my daughter and I boarded a Norwegian Ice Cutter to visit the “The White Continent” and the penguins’ playground. The ship’s staff provided special boots to slosh through an antiseptic solution, so we would not leave any human germs behind in the penguins’ habitat. We then climbed onto special PolarCirkel boats heading for Half Moon Island with strict orders not to touch or chase the birds.

Wow! Here we were trekking the cobbled beaches inhabited by a colony of chinstrap penguins with streaks of black feathers running from ear to ear. It was December 11, the beginning of summer in that place, and the colony was a flurry of activity. We marched along with one group as they waddled to the beach. Wings at 45-degree angles to their bodies and heads up in the air, they paid no attention to us, but moved with single purpose toward the water. As their torpedoshaped bodies sailed into the depths, they now looked now like graceful ballerinas, dancing and twisting and jumping. This chowtime dance would fill their bellies with fish; squid; and krill, a shrimp lookalike.

Tired of marching, we moved to a rocky crag to observe the organized chaos of the colony. Interestingly, the birds were just like people. Some were busily gathering stones to make the nest for their brood that will come a month later. A few penguin hooligans stole the stones from the working birds’ nests when they weren’t looking. Others were just standing around, seemingly doing nothing.

Perched ominously on the timbers of an abandoned building was a line of brown, evil-looking skua birds. Later, these birds of prey will pester penguins by stealing their eggs and grabbing their chicks. Today, they were looking for weaklings and older residents. As harsh as this sounds, predator/prey is a fact of life in a land where all is ice and there are only two species of flowering plants.

Later, in different locations, we saw three of the 17 other kinds of penguins: gentoos, Adelie, and the burrowing Magellanic penguins. All were beautiful in their own ways.

The penguins’ playground was full of unknowns, surprises and terrific memories. Best of all, we had encountered marvelous creatures whose lives, it turns out, are as complex and complicated as our own.

CUTEST PET

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Each monthly subscription box contains a personalized letter, gift shop-quality dinosaur toy and books including stickers, dinosaur facts and phonetic pronunciations.

Order the Dino Binder as well and give the child a personalized binder where they can organize their coloring pages and their personalized Membership Certificate, Member Card and collectible Dino Cards.

Happy

Valentine’s Day from Juniper & JoJo in Zephyrhills

Visit our website at www.kidsdinosaurofthemonthclub.com or call 215-321-3032

ABOUT THE COVER: OAK RIDGE BOYS AMONG GREAT HEADLINERS AT 2023 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Come on out for delicious food, family-friendly fun and rides, and grab seats to hear great musicians like Willie Nelson, Ludacris, the Gatlin Brothers, Chris Young, Josh Turner, CeCe Winans, Tanya Tucker, The Jacksons, Wayne Newton, the Isley Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more!

FLStrawberryFestival.com

Oak Ridge Boys, March 2 at 3:30 PM, Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, 303 Berryfest Pl., Plant City, FL

GA Tickets $52 and up.

Oak Ridge Boys: 50 Years Together and Still Going Strong

By Noreen Kompanik

The Oak Ridge Boys – the legendary group consisting of William Lee Golden, Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban – has been performing on stage together for over 50 years. But the fascinating and unique history of this iconic group started in the 1950s. We recently caught up with ORB’s Richard Sterban.

How did you first get involved?

Sterban was in the right place at the right time. “I was on backup with Elvis, performing with the Stamps Quartet. I was in my 20s singing on stage with the greatest star in the world,” he recalls. “I have fabulous memories of those days with Elvis, but I received an unexpected opportunity to join the Oak Ridge Boys and I took it. I’ve never looked back.”

What’s it like singing together for a half century?

“We feel like we’ve never worked a day in our lives, because we love doing what we do,” says bass singer Sterban. “I don’t think there’s a group in the business that has a history like the Oak Ridge Boys. It goes back to the second World War with a performing group originally known as the Georgia Clodhoppers.” The group frequently traveled to Oak Ridge, Tennessee to entertain people working on the development of the nuclear Manhattan Project.

In the 1950s, the “Oak Ridge Quartet” were regular performers at the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. After the addition of some younger performers, the group became known as the Oak Ridge Boys. William Lee Golden joined the group in 1965, followed by Duane Allen in 1966. Richard Sterban arrived in 1972 and Joe Bonsall one year later.

Playing the historic Grand Ole Opry must be a thrill!

As inducted members, the group never takes for granted seeing their names on the wall along with other stellar performers. Sterban relates that “on the stage, there is a circle of wood that’s from the old Ryman Auditorium. We make it a point that every time we step on that stage, we touch that circle, for in doing so, we are touching history.”

Sterban also says that when the group goes on stage, fan feedback is what motivates them. They want to do the best job possible, every night, every performance, because their fans deserve it and they love performing for them.

Oak Ridge Boys: 50 Years Together and Still Going Strong cont

“A special relationship exists between the four of us,” explains Sterban. “We each bring something different to the table. We recognize we are different and we respect that. But we need each other and always pull together as a team. Truth be told, we are true brethren and the best of friends.”

And he adds with a wry chuckle, “Now that we’re older, we get along better than we did when we were younger. We’re too old to let the little things bother us.” Golden is 84, Allen and Sterban are 79, and Bonsall, the baby of the group, is 74.

Is retirement on the horizon?

How do you handle being on tour so much?

Living a good life is finding balance and being able to execute that balance between career and family. “Anything that’s worthwhile is worth working for,” says Sterban. “Family is important to the Oak Ridge Boys and we make sure that when we arrange our schedules, that we plan for quality time off with our families.”

Despite their ages and their demanding travel schedules, the group looks and feels healthy and fit. They watch their diets, exercise when they can, and try to get enough rest. Sterban says, if possible, he tries to take a nap before each show as it’s important to go on stage completely rested.

And what about branching out of the music industry?

Though the group has dabbled in other ventures – Duane Allen in producing, and Sterban writing a book “From Elvis to Elvira: My Life on Stage” – what’s most important to the group is being the Oak Ridge Boys. And that will never change.

And the group dynamics? Especially after so long together?

Sterban adds: “Let me tell you right here, right now. We do not plan to retire. Yes, we have to be realistic as we’re not kids any longer. But as long as the good Lord above allows us to have good health, we’re going to keep on. When it’s time to hang it up, the good Lord will let us know. But that day’s not here yet. We love what we do and we love doing it.”

What advice can you give the younger generations?

“The first thing you need to decide is your calling,” says Sterban. “Find out what it is you’re blessed with, talent wise and that you enjoy, then pursue that. Work at your craft. Do the best that you can every time. This works whether you want to be in the music industry, a carpenter or a ball player. There’s no substitute for hard work. Decide what you want to do,” he adds. Then go for it. Don’t let anything deter you from achieving your goal.”

And any advice for those of us over 50?

“Oh yes,” concludes Sterban, with a deep bass laugh. “Come on in, the water’s fine.”

See the Oak Ridge Boys on March 2 at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City. Tickets start at $52. FLStrawberryFestival.com

Florida Blue SENIOR DAYS

Mar. 2 & Mar. 9

Seniors 60+ get $2 Off At Gate

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Ride-A-Thon Days

Mar. 2 & Mar. 9

with $5 Off voucher from participating stores

Rotary Club of Plant City

Special Smiles Day for Special Needs

Ride All Day $20 Mar. 3, 9am - Noon

See Website for Details

Food & Fun Friday

Mar. 3

$5 Off Wristband w/any Publix or GreenWise non-perishable item

MIDFLORIDA CU Free Kids Day

Mar. 4

Kids thru High School Free Admission

Super Saturdays

Mar. 4 & Mar. 11

$5 Off Wristband with a Circle K register receipt

Ride All Day $30

Coca-Cola Family Days

Mar. 5 & Mar. 12

Ride All Day $25 w/any Coke brand can or plastic bottle

Vinegar Valentines: Sour (Not Sweet) Nothings

BY RANDAL C. HILL

It may seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, nearly half of all Valentine’s Day messages sent contained grotesque caricatures of the intended recipient and meanspirited, hurtful notices intended to drive in the knife.

By the 1840s, people in both England and America were creating Valentine’s Day missives of heartfelt poetry, often illustrated by elaborate flourishes and mailed in quilted-paper cards bound in festive ribbons. Improvements in the printing process and paper production heralded a boom in the sale of mass-produced valentines.

Then things began to change. It started quietly, a ripple that gradually swelled into a tidal wave. Some pranksters had enjoyed mailing valentines that involved gentle teasing—a little joke here, a little poke there—meant to produce a smile. But, over time, the mood of such messages soured and slowly turned increasingly crass. Sent anonymously, such vitriol could easily sting with insults that would normally never be spoken to another’s face.

These “vinegar valentines” were the popular evil twin of the traditional, positive gesture. Printers, of course, were delighted with the extra revenue, and produced the penny-a-piece cards on cheap, flimsy sheets of paper, folded, and sealed with a dab of wax. Cards could be mailed without a stamp, which meant that someone receiving such cruelty would also have to pay the postage (also one penny) before reading the snarky contents.

Anybody, it seemed, could be considered fair game—neighbors, relatives, employers, friends and colleagues, people from all walks of life and placement on the social hierarchy. Sometimes the cards targeted unwanted suitors, but many others made fun of one’s age, weight, looks, occupation, or marital status, as well as any number of human foibles.

One often-maligned group was the suffragettes, women attempting to secure voting rights:

Your vote from me you will not get I don’t want a preaching suffragette.

But sometimes the mailers (assuming that the original sender could be identified) got their comeuppance, as a popular retort might simply be a terse but powerful threat:

No vote, no kiss

So take that, fella!

In time, people tired of the relentless negativity, and vinegar valentines slowly disappeared, giving way to “normal” February 14th cards that featured positive communication. Today, collectors of 19th century ephemera have little trouble in locating traditional Valentine’s Day cards, but finding surviving vinegar valentines is much more difficult, as resentful recipients usually burned them after reading.

3 Fun Ways to Keep the Romance Alive

By Michele D. Baker

Adapted from 12 Tips for Keeping Love Alive in Your Senior Years, by

As Valentine’s Day cards and candies fill the stores, it’s a great time to rekindle those relationship flames. Here are three fun ways to keep the romance alive:

Gift Yourself Regular Date Nights

Older people focus tend to most of their energy on children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren. But your partnership is just as important, says author Jennifer FitzPatrick. “This can be a problem for second marriages or newer relationships because there are so many family members to tend to.” Plan for – and keep – regular date nights for just the two of you.

Ditch Your Sexual Routine

A study of men and women over 70 conducted by researchers at Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion found that 43% of men and 22% of women engage in sexual intercourse. Yet, many couples get into sexual routines without even knowing it, such as scheduled sex in a dark bedroom on birthdays. “Try new places, rooms and positions,” says David Bennett, relationship counselor and self-help author. “Nothing is stopping an older couple from exploring sexual kinks and

Mia Taylor (Cheapism.com)

making things more exciting.”

Try New Experiences Together

Speaker and author Silvana Clark isn’t a relationship expert, but she and her husband have been happily married for 40 years. Clark, 65, says one of the secrets to keeping their romance alive is trying new things together. “Every few weeks, one of us announces ‘Tomorrow at 4 p.m. we are going on an educational experience,’” she says. “The rules are that it must be inexpensive and something we’ve never done before, and nobody can complain. It is a surprise for the other person, and it forces us to check out local events and be creative.”

QUESTION

Q&As about Supplemental Security Income Information

from Social Security Administration

I have received calls claiming there’s a problem with my Social Security or account. What should I do? (L.

ANSWER

Peterson, Aventura)

If there is a problem, we will mail you a letter. Generally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. The latest scam trick of using robocalls or live callers has increased. Fraudsters pretend to be government employees and claim there is identity theft or another problem with your Social Security number (SSN), account, or benefits.

Scammers may threaten arrest or other legal action, or may offer to increase benefits, protect assets, or resolve identity theft. They often demand payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or mailing cash.

SSA employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. We may call you in some situations, but will never:

• Threaten you.

• Suspend your SSN.

• Demand immediate payment from you.

• Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or wire transfer.

• Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.

• Ask for personal details or banking information to give you a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).

Don’t be fooled! Watch out for:

• A call saying there is a problem with your SSN or account.

• A call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.

• Scammers pretending they’re from a government agency (caller ID or documents sent by email may look official, but they are not).

How to protect yourself and your family:

• If you receive a questionable call, hang up, and report the call to our Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

• Don’t return unknown calls.

• Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision.

• Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss.

• Learn more at OIG.SSA.gov/scam.

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

It seems to me that arthritis is a catch-all term for all kinds of aches and pains. What exactly is arthritis?

Each of the 100+ forms of arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the three most common forms among seniors –osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. None is contagious.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage—the cushioning tissue within the joints—wears down, producing stiffness and pain. The disease affects both men and women. By age 65, more than 50% of us have osteoarthritis in at least one joint. While you can have it in any joint, it usually strikes those that support weight. Common signs include joint pain, swelling, and tenderness. However, only a third of people whose x-rays show osteoarthritis report any symptoms.

Treatments include exercise, joint care, dieting, medicines and surgery. For pain relief, doctors usually start with acetaminophen (Tylenol), because the side effects are minimal. If acetaminophen does not relieve pain, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen may be used. The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are used by many who say the supplements can relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joint lining, is very different from osteoarthritis. It occurs when the immune system turns against the body,

and it not only affects the joints, but may also attack other parts of the body such as the lungs and eyes. People with rheumatoid arthritis may also feel sick.

There’s a symmetry to rheumatoid arthritis. For example, if the right knee is affected, it’s likely the left knee will suffer, too. Women are much more likely than men to get rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include exercise, medication and surgery. Reducing stress is also important, as with other autoimmune conditions. Some drugs for rheumatoid arthritis relieve pain; others reduce inflammation. Then there are the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which can often slow the disease.

Gout

Gout usually attacks at night. Stress, alcohol, drugs or an illness can trigger gout. It’s caused by a build-up of crystals of uric acid in a joint. Uric acid is in all human tissue and is found in foods.

Often, gout affects joints in the lower part of the body such as the ankles, heels, knees, and especially the big toes. The disease is more common in men. Early attacks usually subside within 3 to 10 days, even without treatment, and the next attack may not occur for months or even years.

Most people with gout can control their symptoms with treatment. The most common are high doses of oral non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (corticosteroids), which are taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint. Patients often begin to improve within a few hours of treatment.

All Rights Reserved © 2022 by Fred Cicetti Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in the subject line to fred@healthygeezer.com

FLORIDA "LADY BIRD" DEED

Avoid Probate Over your House, Condo or Rental Property the Easy Way

813-685-3133

• Florida “Lady Bird” deed

• $500.00 plus costs, if any.

• Fee consultation

PUT YOUR ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS ON ICE

by William R. Mumbauer - Attorney - www.flwillstrustsprobate.com

I am often asked by clients about where they should keep their estate planning documents such as Living Trusts, Wills and Advance Directives.

I always answer this question by first explaining where these documents, especially medical advance directives, should rarely if ever be kept. A safe deposit box is the worse place to keep these critical legal document because access is limited to normal banking hours. A safe deposit box is also not the best place to keep your Trust or Will unless you are certain you will be survived by the joint owners of the box as otherwise the box will be sealed upon your death possibly necessitating a costly and time

consuming legal process to gain access to the contents of the safe deposit. Also, a lightweight home safe is a poor choice for keeping estate planning documents since these safes are notorious for being picked up and carried away during a burglary. So, where should one keep their estate planning documents? I recommend that estate planning documents be placed in a moisture proof container and the container kept in the refrigerator. After all, access to the refrigerator is unrestricted and the refrigerator is relatively fire and flood proof and usually holds no interest to burglars.

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.

Best Little Cat House in Riverview, FL for 25 Years!

Unique Vacation Hotel For Cats Only!

15501 Boyett Road • Riverview

813-654-CATS

(2287)

www.ACountryCatHouseTampa.com

• Featured on Nationwide TV

• Large, Custom Cat Condos

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• 3 – Level Townhouses

• Private Aquarium Views

• Huge Windows Overlooking Tropical Gardens with Fountains & Koi Fish Ponds (for lizard & bird watching)

• Reasonable Rates

• Vet on Call

• Soft Music, lots of loving & petting

KLINE TOURS

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Thursday March 2 Plant City, FL $139 per person includes gate admission. Ticket to Oak Ridge Boys and a Strawberry shortcake. $109 per person without show. Departs Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Largo areas.

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE at Ruth Eckerd Hall Saturday February 18 $109 per person includes ticket and motorcoach transportation

HARD ROCK CASINO TAMPA

Monday March 13 $45 per person

NIAGARA FALLS CANADA

Sunday May 7-Wednesday May 10 $1329 per person (double occupancy) includes round trip airport transportation 3 nights lodging, 6 Meals, Hornblower Cruise Voyage to the Falls, guided tour of Niagara Falls, Skylon Tower, Welland Shipping Canal, Table Rock. Queen Victoria Park, Floral Clock, Greg Frewin Theatre, Winery Tour, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Passport or Passport Card required

CAPE COD

Sunday-Thursday June 11-15-$1569 per person (double occupancy) includes roundtrip air, airport transportation, 4 nights lodging, 4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners including a Lobster bake round trip ferry to Martha’s Vineyard with tour. Guided tour of the Cape to Provincetown with Whale Watch Cruise. Cape Cod Canal Cruise, Guided tour of Hyannis, Kennedy Museum.

YELLOWSTONE, GRAND TETONS, JACKSON HOLE, CODY

Sunday- Friday July 16-21 $3799 per person (double occupancy), includes: Five nights lodging including 2 nights in Jackson Hole, three nights in Cody. 10 Meals, roundtrip airport transportation, roundtrip airfare, Cowboy show at Bar T5 Ranch, Grand Teton Wildlife tour, Grand Teton National Park, float trip on the Majestic Snake River, Yellowstone National Park, Irma Hotel, trolley tour of Cody, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cowboy Music Revue, and Cody Nite Rodeo.

BRANSON

Sunday October 15- Thursday October 19. $1829 per person (double occupancy) includes: Roundtrip air and airport transportation.4 nights lodging at Grand Victorian, nine meals, seven shows including Oak Ridge Boys, Neil Diamond Tribute, Clay Cooper, Pierce Arrow presents Decades, Doug Gabriel, Esther at Sight & Sound, Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, AK with Holy Land Tour, Dogwood Canyon, shopping, Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

SAN ANTONIO & DALLAS

Creekside Manor I & II

are federally subsidized apartments for persons 62 and older or 18 and older with a mobility impaired disability. ADA units, Studio & 1 bedroom apartments. Rent is based on income. Located in a quiet Clearwater neighborhood

For appointment

Call (727) 441-8400

TDD: 727-447-3018

Please note there is a waitlist. Please call for more information.

TOTAL INCOME LIMIT

Sunday September 24- Friday September 29. 6 days/ 5 nights includes 3 nights on Riverwalk and 2 nights in Dallas. $2249 per person (double occupancy includes: roundtrip airfare roundtrip airport transportation, five nights lodging including three on the Riverwalk, nine meals, Tours of San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth. Alamo, Imax film “The Price of Freedom”, El Mercardo, private canal barge, Southfork Ranch, George W. Bush Library, Sixth Floor Museum, Cowboys Stadium Tour, Billy Bob’s Texas, free time on the Riverwalk.

KLINE TOURS

(727)-439-5520 | www. klinetours.net/floridadepartures

One person $22,400 • Two persons $25,600

One person $28,750 Two persons $32,850

YOUR MONTHLY RENT IS NO MORE THAN 30% OF YOUR ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.

1318 Franklin Street • Clearwater, Fla.

Office Hrs. Mon.–Fri. 8–12 & 1–4

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No ST43118

Serving the Florida Gulf Coast Follow us on Facebook at Kline Tours Florida Gulf Coast

Sensational Super Bowl Snacks

BY MICHELE D. BAKER

Superbowl LVII is coming up February 12. These recipes are healthy, festive, easy to make, and are sure to please any football fan!

STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Ingredient:

• 4 zucchinis (about 6-8” long)

• Italian sausage

• Jar of marinara sauce

• mozzarella

• mini pepperoni slices

1. Cook the sausage until browned, drain the fat, and stir in the marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados

BLT GUACAMOLE

• 1 cup romaine lettuce, roughly chopped

• 10 grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered

• ¼ cup crumbled bacon

• 1 green onion, sliced

• 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• ½ teaspoon salt

• juice of 1 lime

Remove the skin and pit the avocados – mash in a large mixing bowl with a fork. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.

2. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a channel for toppings. Fill each with sausage mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella, and top with mini pepperoni. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil. Makes 8 servings.

AVOCADO CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Ingredient:

• 2 large avocados, chilled

• 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk (not coconut cream)

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Peel and remove the pit from the chilled avocados. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts and a sprinkle of sea salt. (NOTE: if you still taste avocado, add more cocoa powder or an extra ½ teaspoon of vanilla)

Recipes and photos courtesy of Lisa Bryan, Downshiftology.com

FUN FACTS

After Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday is the second-highest eating day for Americans, who consume over 8 million pounds of guacamole!

Each player on the competing teams gets a fancy loaner car - such as a Cadillac Escalade - to drive around in the week of the Super Bowl.

The NFL doesn’t pay the singers, musicians, or other artists who perform during the halftime show. (But their streaming sales usually go up by 300% or more!)

Each team in the Super Bowl gets 108 footballs: 54 for practice and 54 for the actual game. On average, 120 footballs are used during regulation play.

The Miami Dolphins have competed five times and won twice (1973, 1974). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played in the Super Bowl twice (2003, 2021) and won both times.

As of late 2022, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady is the oldest player currently active in the NFL. Brady has seven Super Bowl rings, more than any player in history. (He won six of those rings with the New England Patriots.) He turned 45 last August, so he is five years away from being eligible to read this magazine (haha).

B.E. F.A.S.T. To Reduce Stroke Impact

Balance

Sudden loss of balance

Eyes

Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

Face

Sudden facial weakness or drooping

Arms

Sudden weakness or numbness

Speech

Sudden slurred speech or difficulty speaking

Terrible Headache

EVERY 4

SECONDS

Someone in the U.S. has a stroke*

*On average

When it comes to stroke, every second matters. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait. Get help immediately. Learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and the location of your closest BayCare emergency room.

For more information: BayCareStroke.org

Sudden onset of a severe headache 22-2445450-1122

thefinestveterinarycare

The joints of dogs, particularly the hips and shoulders, are 4. Purchase dog boots or socks that provide good traction on the bottom. These are primarily for indoor wear. They can stay on for short jaunts in the yard but take them off for longer leash walks so they don’t get tender feet over

Talk with your veterinarian about prescription pain medications when arthritis becomes an issue. Taking some or all of these measures will not only help keep your senior pet from injuring themselves but may also help slow down the aging process in a way. The more comfortable we make

Don’t Miss a Moment

RAYMOND JAMES POPS

Michael Francis conducts, featuring Joyce Yang

Sun, Feb 26, 2 am, Straz Center

Featuring Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and more.

Wed, Mar 15, 11 am, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Thur, Mar 16, 11 am, Mahaffey Theater

Would you rather have a wand or a light saber?

Sat, Mar 18, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Ronald J. Patrick is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in the Sun City Center area for over 14 years. In addition to dermatologic services, our team of providers offer a full range of cosmetic services for patients of all ages.

Ronald J. Patrick, MD • Holly K. Bartley, APRN • Michelle L. Troyer, APRN

BOOK REVIEW

“Man With Farm Seeks Woman With Tractor, The Best And Worst Personal Ads Of All Time,”

by Laura Schaefer

Personals are a great source of entertainment and they’ve been around since the 18th century. In 1727, a brave young woman in Manchester, England took out the first notice for a husband, and by the end of the 19th century, such ads were common. Whole publications were devoted to romantic and marriage-minded classifieds. Now personal ads are one of the most profitable web applications and ads are mainstream.

Laura Schaefer, also author of “The Teashop Girls,” “The Secret Ingredient,” and “Notes To Self For Young Adults,” collected 200 examples of personal ads from English and American publications including historical newspapers and modern websites. Schaefer divides the ads into 11 chapters by type: selfdeprecating or desperate, poetic, bizarre, truly sweet, awfully picky or just plain strange. For example:

• A hippie doing time in San Quentin seeks “chicks that aren’t hung up on middle-class American type life.”

• The parents of a sickly 21-year-old want a benevolent doctor for their daughter.

• A 70-year-old German baron who owns a castle wants a 1620 year-old girl.

• A man with a glass eye is looking for a woman “who also has a glass eye or some other deformity not more severe.”

• One woman wrote, “Please have all or most of your teeth; hair is optional.”

Still, my favorite ad supplied author Schaefer with the title of her book, and it actually did appear in the March 5, 1957, Indiana Evening Gazette: “Bachelor with 40 acres of excellent land would like to make acquaintance of lady with tractor, matrimony in mind. Please send picture of tractor.”

by Kathy A. Megyeri

Most people write (or read) personal ads because they’re looking for a date or because they’re curious to know what people around them are looking for. Most ads are a rich source of social history that reflect their times and reveal the social mores of the era.

One reader admitted to ordering multiple copies of this book because visitors to her home flipped through her copy and read so many entries out loud. The diverse selections are mostly humorous, bittersweet, and romantic, which make the book a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Match.com says, “This book will give you plenty of fun tidbits to throw into a conversation during your next online date.”

Some things change and others stay the same throughout the years. Personal ads and the media have evolved, and the terminology has changed, but the basic underlying idea that everyone is looking for ultimate happiness with “The One” remains the same. As Shaefer concludes, “Perhaps we can’t yet buy love, but good ad space is probably the next best thing.”

Better Health. It’s About Time.

The VIPcare Patient Experience

Going to see your doctor is probably never on your list of things to do for fun; however, it’s important in maintaining your health, especially for adults 65 and older. Patients who have an ongoing relationship with their primary care physician have fewer health incidences and unnecessary ER visits. That’s why you need a doctor that you’re comfortable with and who you trust. One you can turn to 24/7.

Quality over Quantity

It can be hard to find that doctor with whom you truly connect. Healthcare has become so rushed. It’s like doctors compete to see the most patients. Sadly, that doesn’t leave much time for one-on-one time.

That was the key difference Dan and Tina DiFrancesco noticed with VIPcare after moving from Pennsylvania.

....

“They make you feel like you’re the only one,” Tina said. “It’s really the first doctor that I’ve had like that.” ....

Time for a Better Experience

Dan had two doctors before visiting VIPcare. He admits they were nice but immediately noticed a different experience upon switching. “The doctors, they care,” he said. “You get an X-ray or something, they call you, ‘how did you make out.’”

By taking the time to know you and your health history, your primary care physician can provide you with the unique care you need and deserve. No more running around from doctor to doctor for answers. Your doctor is your direct link to comprehensive care. ....

“The whole office, they follow up,” Tina said about her VIPcare experience. “The next day, they’re on the phone with you. It’s great.”

Your Journey to Better Health

Real health care is getting you healthy and keeping you healthy. Find a trusted partner in your health and get the care and attention you deserve.

Save your energy and focus on the important things in life.

Save your energy and focus on the important things in life.

Let the energy experts at Tampa Electric show you how to save on energy costs.

When you participate in our free Home Energy Audit, one of our energy analysts will visit your home and identify areas where you can save valuable energy.

ou’ll also learn about our other energy-saving programs including Energy Planner, Ductwork and more.

Let the experts at Tampa Electric show you how to save on energy costs.

Visit tampaelectric.com/save to schedule your free Home Energy Audit today or call 813-275-3909.

When you participate in our free home energy audit, one of our energy analysts will visit your home and identify areas where you can save valuable energy.

You’ll also learn about other energy-saving programs including Energy Planner, Ductwork, and more.

Stop at our table on Thursday, June 11th 2020 at the Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest to be held at the: Town N’ Country Senior Center 7606 Paula Dr. Tampa, FL 9AM-1PM

Visit tampaelectric.com/save or call 813-275-3909 to schedule your free home energy audit today.

Bring this ad and receive a free energy-saving kit, made available through Tampa Electric ’s Energy Education Outreach program.

Our Physicians Lead the Nation in the Quality of Care They Deliver to Patients of Medicare Age

Take charge of your health and schedule with our primary-care physicians today!

We're experts in all the preventive care that's proven to keep you healthier. And we pride ourselves on being there for you when and where you need us most with same-day appointments, telehealth service and after-hours availability.

Last Month’s Answers Enter To Win!

Ruth Edmonds, Lithia

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CAT TALES

For quite a while now, I’ve been tackling the dilemma of whether my wife and I are cat people who love dogs or are we dog people who love cats.

The best I can come up with is that we are dog and cat people who love all animals: birds, hedgehogs, rabbits, chinchillas, etc. (with the exception of 8-legged critters). The Joy of my life will never learn to like spiders, although she has started sending me pictures of “cute” spiders, like the Peacock spider, and baby Jumping Spiders.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DOWN

1. Unconscious state

2. Miners’ discoveries

1. Heavenly Mlles.

3. “Fiddlesticks!”

2. Nag

4. Former First Lady

#5139

s Juan Carlos I

19. Ms. Lee 20. Felt indignant about

Change direction

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN GREAT PRIZES

5. Piece of paper 6. Grasp 7. __ Gardner 8. Shooting star

3. Not just tacit 4. Mom, dad, or madam 5. Take place 6. Friend at the école 7. Greek letter

case item

Beauty s movie partner

Article of faith

Today, Joy asked me to help her remember the names of our cats who have died. I remembered a few she’d forgotten, like the beautiful black stray, “Miles,” whom we adopted (or vice-versa) and “Bleu,” our first hurricane rescue cat. Miles, Bleu, Elizabeth, Monkey Boy, Little Bit, Fiona, Inga (“with the extra finga”), a Hemingway (who talked incidentally), Cleo, Tia, Sebastian, Zachary. Oops! Zachary is disqualified. He was a Great Dane.

The yards of our former Tampa homes are all cemeteries. It’s difficult to find adequate yard space in a gated community such as where we currently live, plus I’m told it’s illegal… technically.

The prankster in me would like to learn if there are any kids living in those former homes so that I can mail them maps with an “X” indicating where the “secret pirates’ treasure chest” is buried.

47. Existing on a flat surface 50. Fourth page of a wall hanging

Insignificant amount

Complaint to a dermatologist

Hot spot

__ PM; 2100 hours

Item in a desk drawer

Mr. Whitney

Girl’s nickname

All-in-all, I’d say we are just “animal people” with a strong leaning towards cats, and anyone who has visited Joy’s Facebook page knows she’s the epitome of the “crazy cat lady.” In fact, when there’s nothing on TV to watch and she’s bored, all I have to do is toss a bottle cap onto the floor, and that’ll keep her busy for hours, or at least until it goes under the refrigerator.

Mike is currently researching cloning and arachnids, hoping to create an eight-legged cat for Joy. If you have done this successfully, please contact him at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.

CareNeeds Plus (HMO D-SNP)

$2,100 spending card for select groceries, utilities, rent, personal care, pet care, and more.1

Dental, vision, and hearing coverage PLUS an extra $250 yearly CareCard allowance for select out-of-pocket-costs for extended coverage.

$0 dental copay for dentures with extractions.2

Never pay for covered prescription drugs! $0 copay for all tiers and stages if you receive Extra Help.3

Free unlimited rides to approved locations.

PLUS MUCH MORE!

I have Medicare and Medicaid. I heard CarePlus can help me pay my rent and grocery bills! Amy Linda CareOne Plus (HMO), CareOne Platinum (HMO), CareOne Platinum (HMO-POS)

Amy CareNeeds Plus (HMO D-SNP)

1$175 per month, up to $2,100 yearly. 2One set of complete or partial dentures every 5 years. Unlimited extractions for dentures. 3From participating retail and mail order cost-sharing pharmacies

Paul CareSalute

West and Central Florida. CarePlus is an HMO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid Program. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to anyone receiving both Medicare and Medicaid: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB/QMB+), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB/SLMB+), Qualifying Individuals (QI), Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) and other Full Benefit Dual Eligibles (FBDE). No amounts on the CareEssentials Card can be used to purchase Medicare-covered prescriptions or services, nor can it be converted to cash. Important: At CarePlus, it is important you are treated fairly. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, religion, or language in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies: Member Services, PO Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027, 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). CarePlus provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-794-5907. Hours of operation: October 1 - March 31, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an. H1019_MKBNDMFNPRcareneedsplus2023_M

“Dueling Banjos” Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell

BY: RANDAL C. HILL

In the early months of 1973, Top 10 recording artists included Carly Simon, Elton John, War, Steely Dan and Roberta Flack. In their midst, though, appeared the unlikely duo of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell, a powerhouse instrumental duo behind the million-seller “Dueling Banjos.”

Eric and Steve were session musicians until a request arrived for the pair to record a track for the Burt Reynolds movie Deliverance Indeed, five minutes into the film, at a dilapidated backwoods Georgia gas station, we experience a spontaneous jam session between city slicker Drew (Ronny Cox) and a provincial lad named Lonnie (Billy Redden).

“Dueling Banjos” unfolds between the pair as a musical conversation. Lonnie, initially reticent, slowly picks up the tune, tosses in a bit of “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” then, much to Drew’s delight, shifts into high gear, and the music builds to a high-octane finish.

Cox was a good guitarist but Redden couldn’t play a note. During the filming, Redden had to wear a customized shirt that allowed

a local musician named Mike Addis to play the banjo while hiding his own arms in Redden’s sleeves.

Weissberg and Mandell didn’t write “Dueling Banjos.” In 1954, ace instrumentalist Arthur Smith composed “Feudin’ Banjos,” which he recorded with fellow banjoist Don Reno, as an argument of sorts between two banjos. (The 1973 hit single featured a banjo and a guitar.)

“Dueling Banjos” rose next to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the country charts. Weissberg and Mandell garnered a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance the following year. But Arthur Smith had not given permission for the usage of his creation nor the credit for writing it (Weissberg was listed as the sole creator). Smith filed a lawsuit, which was settled in his favor when he received the abundant royalties he was due, enough to buy a 42-foot yacht.

See darkness in a whole new light. Engage your senses as you envision life from a new perspective. Step into the shoes of someone living in the shadows of blindness. Walk into the world of a veteran surviving memories of combat. And see for yourself how some of the most intelligent, talented dogs on this planet help people journey beyond the dark.

Discover why everyone is raving about this acclaimed multisensory experience. Reserve your seat today.

GuideDogs.org/Dark

GuideDogs.org/Dark