SENIOR LIVING

The Value of Grandparenting – Then and Now

Written by DANA PEVELER. Executive Director of Senior Living—Leisure Living Communities

My brother and I were able to spend weekends, all our holidays, summer and spring breaks with our grandparents. I’m sure they mischief-proofed their homes before our arrival, but I think back on some of the stunts we pulled and still wonder how we didn’t seriously injure ourselves. I’m not sure if our parents were aware of all we got by with, or if they needed the break so badly that they just prayed for the best! Either way, going to Grandma’s for spring and summer meant laughter, exploration, cousins, homemade desserts, and no place to be except where our bare feet could take us!

Memaw (Mom’s mom) and Grandma (Dad’s mom) showed up in tandem to help take care of us whenever Mom and Dad needed them. I heard stories about my Memaw, who after listening to a colicky me cry relentlessly for hours, demanded that my mother “Hand that baby over!” My mother relinquished me without question to be tightly rolled in blankets and warmed by an old drum stove, putting me instantly to sleep.

Fast forward 25 years - marching in as a one-person army, my mom was the same. She stayed with me each time I came home from the hospital until I could manage on my own. In the years that followed, Mom showed up with all the essentials to help me with the latest childhood sickness; many times, taking them with her to give me time to recover from whatever ailed me. Without me even asking, she set about folding mounds of laundry, washing stacked up dishes … whatever she could see we needed. Like her, I never questioned it – just appreciated the help and thought that’s how people grand-parented. That’s why 26 years later when I joined the glorious “Grandparent’s Club,” I had a whole How-To video in my heart ready to put into action.

Geography hijacked my plans. It never dawned on me that I might be a grandmother from a distance. Nor did I consider we would have to schedule when I would come, and where I’d be when he was born. Based on my experience, my role was to come to her house and take over for as long as necessary. Slow down, Speedy! My daughter had redefined the role and yes, she would like me to come help the week she came home from the hospital with her husband’s parents coming the week after. Okay – well at least I got to be there when he arrived. With a familiar element to my role reestablished, I was content.

They live out of state, so getting the call to action meant biting my nails for 10 hours instead of pacing the floor of labor and delivery. Longest. Drive. Of. My. Life. We arrived just after he was born. Perfect timing! Nope. So there’s this thing now where parents get some bonding time with the baby without anyone else around. You probably already knew this. I did not know this. Thank goodness our daughter and son-in-law are great communicators and told us very gently that he was here, she was fine, and that they were spending time alone with our new grandson. As soon as they were ready, she would text me. I’m not even kidding, I literally heard the sound of my grandparent brakes screeching to

a halt, “Okay – just keep us updated.” In hindsight, as busy as their lives are, those minutes with that little one where time stood still were the most precious of all. I’m so glad they had them.

I don’t know how long it was – maybe an hour, but it seemed like forever before they finally invited us to see him. With caution, I was careful to use hand sanitizer and look at him through tears in his bassinet. I heard my daughter say, “Mom, you can pick him up!” I remember asking if I could kiss him as I was lifting the warm little guy up. Ya’ll, it matters. Please don’t just assume you can kiss all over babies – their parents are nervous enough without having the added concern of potential illnesses.

It’s been such a learning curve for this somewhat southern Nana. What I thought I would be doing isn’t anything like what it’s evolved into. We’ve learned that no matter what we want to do, we have to respect their parents and not over-buy when it comes to presents. We’ve learned to ask them what they’d like us to buy – or not buy. That was a hard one to swallow. We offer our ideas and sometimes they mesh, other times they send us an Amazon Wish List to pick from.

Grandparents get pure joy from giving the grands tasting new foods. I was caught chocolate-fingered giving my grandson a taste of icing. “Mom, please don’t give him anything new to eat without telling us, because we’re introducing new foods selectively, so that we’ll be able to tell what it is if he has an allergic reaction to something.” Whoops. I’m glad that Pop Tart his granddad snuck him didn’t raise a reaction! Refusing to let this child live without knowing the taste, I used fruit as the appeal and asked her to put chocolate-covered strawberries on the menu for the next day. He didn’t like them as much as we did, but we’d found a great compromise!

We’ve always agreed on sleep schedules. Naps can’t be a variable. Making sure the kiddos stay on their sleep schedule makes for a much better visit for everyone. Work any schedule you have around theirs. Also, if you get the chance to get up with those grands in the morning and let Mom and Dad sleep in, do it! Not only will their parents be eternally grateful, but it’s also a precious time of day that makes for special bonding and snuggles!

Prioritize your own health. Grandkids want their grandparents around for a long, long time. Our grandson now has a two-year-old little sister. It went all the way to my soul when she, still holding her daddy’s hand, asked ME to carry her down the stairs at a restaurant! The little stinker, refusing to sit on my hip, dangled herself two-thirds down my body the whole way. Two or three steps from the bottom, I had to put her down to let her walk by herself. I made myself a promise that I’d be strong enough to carry her all the way next time. Workouts have commenced!

I share all this because we’re approaching spring, where so many grandparents get the privilege of caring for their grandchildren during the breaks. If you’re like I was, what you thought that would look like may not be how it’s turned out. As long as you keep the lines of communication open, respect their parenting decisions, not taking them personally, everyone wins!

Today, the much-coveted call came: “Mom, I need you on the calendar for June – can you come watch the kids?” I may have danced a little! OL

HOME &

GARDEN

5 Preparation Steps Before Building Your Dream Home

Content Provided by JMJ Custom Homes

The most frequent question prospective custom home builders ask is, “Where do we start the process when wanting to build a custom home?” The honest truth: the process should start months before any building ever begins. The construction process can be much more exciting and less stressful once you develop a good plan and choose a builder you feel confident working with. To avoid any costly mistakes, we advise following these important steps in planning to build your home.

Plan Your Budget

Before designing your home and signing any contracts, you need to know what your realistic budget is. Most banks are happy to work with you in the beginning and walk you through the pre-approval process for a construction loan. This information is vital to know before moving forward with the process.

Finding the Right Location/Lot

Finding the perfect location for your future home can sometimes be a challenge. Before designing your home, we always suggest finding the lot first. The layout of the lot may greatly affect the size or style of the home you can build. Be sure to reach out to family, friends, realtors, and builders you have in mind to see if anyone has a lot for sale that fits your needs and budget.

House Plan Design

Once you feel confident in the location of your home and have an ideal budget in mind, the fun truly begins! Our suggestion is to start looking at plans online to get ideas of what you like and do not like. Once you feel ready to start the designing process, it is time to choose who you trust to design the home. You can research different architects or ask builders opinion. Rick Bivins, owner of JMJ Custom Homes, has been creating custom floor plan designs for his clients for over 30 years. The design of your home is vitally important and you truly need to work with someone you trust to guide you in the right direction to bring your vision to life.

Choosing the Right Builder

The most important step when preparing to build a home is choosing the builder you feel confident working with and can bring your vision to life. Building your future home is a huge deal and lengthy process, so you want to find someone you trust entirely and enjoy working with. Communication, trust, and honesty are the most important factors to consider when choosing a builder. Living in a smaller community like Owensboro gives you the advantage of getting opinions from people around you who have built in the past. Finding a team with a great reputation is essential! The other side of choosing a builder is also finding a contractor who uses quality sub-contractors and suppliers throughout the entire project. Here are a few questions we recommend asking when meeting with future builders. • How long have you been in

business? What types of homes do you prefer to build? • How do you communicate with your homeowners during the building process? How do you communicate with your sub-contractors and suppliers? • Are there specific sub-contractors and suppliers you work with? Why have you chosen to work with these people/businesses? • How do you provide a bid estimate for the home or project? Is this an average ballpark based on square footage or is the home actually bid per the client’s specifications?

Signing the Contract

When the time comes to sign the final contract for your home, be sure you know exactly what is included in the final bid price. Every builder has a slightly different process, and it is smart to ask the questions up front before work begins on your home. You will be given a specifications sheet that shows exactly what is included in the price. We advise to read over the contract thoroughly and make sure all questions are answered before moving forward with the contract signing. Once you feel confident in the contract price and specifications, the building can begin! OL

JMJ Custom Homes has been in business for over 30 years. Following these steps when building a custom home will help make the process more enjoyable and run smoothly. We are so thankful for the team of businesses and employees behind us, giving us the opportunity to offer top quality homes and customer service for the Owensboro community. Please feel free to give us a call with any building questions or needs you may have at 270-683-7100.

How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Space While Working from Home

Content Provided by Bassemiers

Over the last couple of years, working from home has become the norm for many people. In fact, a study from Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 4.1% of the United States workforce works from home half of the time or more. That equates to over 60 million people!

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people and businesses have transitioned to working from home. Working from home can have many benefits, like no uniforms or dress code, creating your own schedule, and the ability to change your workspace & scenery. Having an outdoor office is a great way to accomplish a change in scenery, especially if you have a comfortable outdoor space to work in.

Benefits of Working Outside

Staying inside can be comfortable, but there are multiple benefits to having an outdoor workspace. Staying inside for days and hours at a time can cause our brains to become lethargic & lose focus.

Going outside can help fuel your creativity, change your scenery, and refresh your brain. And, spending time outside can strengthen your immune system - which is something we could all use on a regular basis. So, how do you set up an ideal outdoor workspace?

Take Care of the Necessities

If your laptop battery has a long life, you can work from your porch, patio, or anywhere you like. But, if your laptop requires a power source, you’ll need to set it up near an electrical outlet. You can use an outdoor extension cord to reach a table or comfortable chair outside. you can end up with back or neck pain worse than what you experienced sitting at your indoor desk. Having comfortable furniture for your outdoor workspace is key to preventing that.

If you haven’t already, it may be time to invest in the best quality outdoor furniture available. You’ll need something that is durable, comfortable, and practical for both a workspace and spending time outside after work. Seating with some padding & support will keep you comfortable and productive. Or, if you need room to spread out papers or books, you may want to opt for a table & chairs set. This way, you have room for work and a space to enjoy dinners outside with your family.

Allow Some Shade

It can be hard to stay under the shade and still in the range of a wifi connection unless you have an awning or umbrella. The sun can glare on your computer screen, making it difficult to see things. A retractable awning can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. Retractable awnings keep your outdoor space cool & comfortable. They allow you to be protected from the elements with a push of a button. And, by restricting the amount of natural sunlight that hits your home, they can also lower the indoor temperature of your home by as much as 15 degrees (which could save you up to 60% on the cooling portion of your energy bill!).

Another (more portable) option for shade is a tilt umbrella. It can be set up and adjusted as the sun moves, allowing you to stay in the shade all day. Tilt umbrellas are great options if you have a smaller space.

Find Everything You Need

If you’re ready to create an outdoor workspace, Bassemiers is here to help. Scan the code to find more tips on finding patio furniture and creating an ideal outdoor living space for you! OL

Homebuyers Guide

Content Provided by Liberty Financial, A Division of ETFCU

Getting Ready to Buy

GETTING PRE-APPROVED

Before you can go out looking for just the right home, you need to find out if you will be able to get qualified to finance that home with a mortgage specialist.

KNOWING YOUR CREDIT

Part of the pre-approval process will be getting credit qualified for home financing. Find out at this time what is on your credit. If you don’t qualify, develop a plan to build your credit and get qualified in the near future.

CREDIT REPAIR PROCESS

When a new file is received for credit repair, the steps are as follows:

• Credit report is reviewed by the certified credit counselor. • Simulation is run to see how much the score would increase if certain accounts are paid down/off. The simulation also gives us an idea of the timeframe it will take to get to the target score. • The credit counselor will reach out to the client to discuss a plan. • Credit counselor will follow up to make sure the client is staying on track, and to answer any questions the client may have.

SELECTING THE RIGHT FINANCING

There are going to be a lot of choices when it comes to financing with varying down payments, terms, fixed or adjustable rates, qualifications, and monthly payments. Go over all of your options and decide which program best suits all of your financial needs and goals.

How to Find the Right Home for You

CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS

• What makes you comfortable in your current home? Is there anything in particular you’d like to duplicate? • What is your primary reason for searching for a new home? • Do you have children? What are their ages, interests, and activities? • Do you entertain a lot? What areas of your home will you primarily use to entertain? • How long do you expect to live in the home? • Do you have any pets that stay in the house or outside? • Would you consider yourself to

be more casual or formal? • When you imagine your dream home, what do you see? What images come to mind?

Found Your Dream Home?

MAKING AN OFFER

Once you have found the property you want, you will write a purchase agreement. While much of the agreement is standard, there are a few areas that you can negotiate.

NEGOTIATE THE PRICE

What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors, including its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the urgency of the seller. While some buyers want to make a very low offer, just to see if the seller will accept, this often isn’t a smart

choice, because the seller may be insulted and decide not to negotiate at all.

Typically you will not be present at the offer presentation; it will be presented to the listing agent and/ or seller. The seller will then do one of the following:

• Accept the offer • Reject the offer • Counter the offer with changes

By far the most common is the counter offer. In these cases, a realtor’s experience and negotiating skills become powerful in representing your best interests.

OFFER IS ACCEPTED

After your offer has been accepted the first thing you want to do is set up a home inspection. You can get a recommendation from your loan officer or your agent, but it will be up to you, who you would like to use. They will be able to identify any repairs or major defects that would demand immediate attention.

GETTING YOUR LOAN APPROVED

One of the first steps of the loan approval process is ordering an appraisal on the home.

The appraiser will confirm the value of the home, based on similar homes that have sold recently in the surrounding area. The home must appraise for the purchase price, as determined by the purchase agreement. If the home’s value is determined to be below the current purchase price of the home, the price will have to be renegotiated with the seller.

Closing

PREPARE FOR IT

Closing day marks the end of your homebuying process and the beginning of your new life! To make sure your closing goes smoothly, you should bring the following: • A certified or cashier’s check for closing costs and down payment. • Make the check payable to the attorney or title company that will be closing your purchase. • Photo IDs.

OWN IT

Transfer of title moves ownership of the property from the seller to you.

The check or wire funds is provided by your lender in the amount of the loan and delivery of your deed, the document that transfers ownership of real estate. At the end of closing, the deed will be taken and recorded at the county clerk’s office. It will be sent to you after processing. OL

Find Peace in Your Spring Garden

Your spring garden can be a delightful addition to your meditation practice. It can be very simple to design a special space that will appeal to all your senses without requiring much time-consuming maintenance. These are some ways to create a garden that can improve your peace of mind come rain or shine.

Designing a Spring Meditation Garden

SELECT LUSH PLANTS.

An abundance of green plants helps to create a relaxing atmosphere. Any variety of mint or other herbs will add a pleasing scent. If you live in a warm climate, you can enjoy the rustle of bamboo or look for an ornamental grass that’s suited to your region.

INCORPORATE OBJECTS OF MEDITATION.

Depending on your faith tradition, you may want to include a statue or another meaningful image. A simple arrangement of rocks or weathered wood can add extra appeal. Many people also find it helpful to rake gravel or sand. Many specialty stores sell these readymade “Zen Gardens.”

INSTALL SOLAR BIRDBATHS OR FOUNTAINS.

The sound of running water can stimulate your mind while it masks background noises. With solar devices, you can enjoy the effect and be good to the environment. You’ll also delight in the song and company of the birds you attract.

ARRANGE FOR COMFORTABLE SEATING.

If you prefer to sit on the ground, you may just want to keep a spot clear so you can bring a cushion or mat outdoors with you. If you use a chair, ensure it promotes good posture so you can keep your back straight and your feet on the ground.

BUILD A PATH.

Even in a small garden, a path can enhance your sense of space and exploration. You can contemplate a trail of stones or diversify your practice with some walking meditation.

Spending Sunny Days in Your Spring Meditation Garden

CLEAR AWAY DISTRACTIONS.

Put aside internal and external distractions when it’s time to meditate. Depending on where you live, it may be helpful to meditate early in the morning when there’s less traffic and other background noise.

MAKE DISTRACTIONS PART OF YOUR

PRACTICE.

If external distractions persist, welcome them into your practice. Use the sounds of car horns and people talking to train your mind to stay focused on your meditation object instead of pursuing other thoughts. Note the interruption and bring your mind back to your contemplations.

WARD AWAY BUGS. There are many ways to steer clear of insects without killing them. For wasps, keep a look out so you can stay away from their nests. Avoid the things that attract them like perfume, bright colors, and food. For natural ant repellent, try planting some mint or cucumber.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EXCESSIVE SUN

EXPOSURE.

You get just as much sun whether you’re exercising or sitting down. Use a sunscreen with full spectrum protection and wear a hat, especially if you meditate at midday when the sun is strongest.

Enjoying Your Spring Meditation Garden on Rainy Days

DEVELOP SOME SHELTERED SEATING.

Spring showers are a natural part of the season. By building a gazebo, you can stay outdoors and enjoy the sound of the rain without getting wet. If you’re working with more limited space, install a large umbrella over your chair. It will help protect you from the sun as well as the rain.

DESIGN A ROOM WITH A VIEW. When stormy days keep you inside, you can still keep your garden in sight. Meditate by a window where you get a good view of your yard.

Your spring garden can make your meditation practice more pleasant and productive. No matter what the weather brings, use the natural beauty of the outdoors to help calm your mind. OL

Why should a person consider adding professional outdoor lighting to their home?

Content Provided by NiteLiters

Being able to see your house and landscaping in the dark is not the only reason to light up your home. Lighting does so much more for your home than just provide visibility, although that is important too!

There are many reasons to add lighting to your home, starting with curb appeal and property value. A well-lit home and properly designed lighting can increase your home’s beauty and value. An emphasis on design is important. When considering outdoor lighting, avoid a cookie cutter design that does not consider the uniqueness of your home and your lifestyle. A few generic lamps in the ground will never do your home justice. Look for a company who will create a custom design for your home with a variety of high-quality lamps and fixtures and who will take your needs and opinions into consideration.

Another important reason to light your home is safety and security. This includes your own safety as you light your stairs, driveways, pools, and other outdoor areas of your home. It also includes preventative measures against burglary. Studies have shown that most burglars would move on from a well-lit home and choose another house. Design is also essential in safety. A company must be able to see the needs of a homeowner and be able to design a safe, practical lighting system while not sacrificing artistry and beauty.

NiteLiters is a fully-insured outdoor lighting design firm committed to quality and dependability. For more than 20 years we have been designing, installing, and servicing outdoor lighting systems. We enhance your home’s exterior by adding lighting to landscaping, architecture, and outdoor living spaces. In addition, our lighting provides safety and security and increases the value of your property. OL

Prepare for Spring with Your Pet’s Safety in Mind

Content Provided by Kentuckiana Animal Clinic

Spring is quickly approaching, and with a change in seasons just around the corner, several people will be sprucing up their homes. Whether reaching for new plants for the garden, treating the yard for pests, or cleaning up the house, it is important to remember the safety of our pets.

Garden/Plant Safety

Plants are a beautiful way to freshen up your home or office space. They provide color and brightness to any space, while also helping to purify the air. If you have pets, though, you should be sure to do your research before reaching for that new plant. While most plants tend to cause nothing more than oral irritation or mild gastrointestinal upset, there are a few that can cause serious health problems. It is always best practice to be sure all your house plants are either in areas where your pets cannot access them, or be sure they are petsafe before bringing them home. Some specific plants you should be aware of bringing into a pet’s environment are Lilies, Sago Palm, and Azalea/Rhododendron.

Pest Control

Most people are already aware of the dangers of rat bait/mouse bait, but there are several other forms of pest control to be aware of. If you are treating pests in your yard, house, or garage, or having someone come treat your home, be sure to check for petsafe products or be sure your pets are out of the environment for an appropriate amount of time for their safety.

Rat/Mouse Bait

There are two major forms of rodenticides. The first, and most common, are the anticoagulant rodenticides. These types of baits block the vitamin K channel, preventing animals from being able to clot their blood. This disruption of the vitamin K channel

will eventually lead to internal bleeding and death. The other form is the neurologic rodenticides. These two products are much more challenging to treat, as there is no antidote, so are more likely to be fatal. It is very important that you keep all the packaging if you are using any of these products to be sure your pets are treated appropriately if accidental ingestion occurs. Immediate intervention is essential, so if you suspect your pet ingested some form of rodenticide, please call your veterinarian immediately.

Essential Oil Toxicity

Essential oils have made a big rise in popularity over the past few years. Although they do tend to be relatively safe, they can cause issues in our furry friends. It is important to remember that essential oils are a very concentrated form of a natural product, meaning it is easier to see toxicity with these products than with the naturally occurring products (i.e. oranges are not toxic to dogs and cats, but the concentrated form of citrus oil could lead to irritation). Signs of essential oil toxicity include respiratory changes/respiratory distress, lethargy, drooling or pawing at the face and mouth, skin rashes, burns on the lips/ tongue/gums, and even vomiting. It is important not to diffuse in an area that will come into direct contact with your pet and it is recommended not to apply essential oil products directly to your pets. It is also important to remember that pets like birds, rabbits, and rodents are more sensitive to respiratory irritants, so it is imperative not to diffuse near these pets. OL

RESOURCES

If you suspect your pet may have come into contact with a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also proactively reach out to a pet poison control hotline. By reaching out to these hotlines, you will speak directly to a veterinary toxicologist, who will then be able to formulate a specific treatment plan for your pet. These hotlines do typically come with a fee, but will provide your veterinarian with the exact treatment plan for your pet. The most common hotlines include the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).