The good life 7-23-17

The good

life Sunday, July 23, 2017

2 | Sunday, July 23, 2017

Grate

ideas

Take grilling to a new level MELODY PARKER

melody.parker@wcfcourier.com ‌

‌T

here’s nothing better than a sky-high burger piled with toppings right off the grill — unless it’s charred sweet potatoes and summer vegetables or grilled tuna pineapple poke.

Take your backyard grilling to the next level when you

host a late-summer gathering with these McCormick kitchen recipes from pit masters and celebrity chefs Dale Talde, Sheldon Simeon and Myron Mixon.

Fresh, original and flavorful — it’s all about bringing new inspiration and ideas — with a few twists and new techniques.

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Hawaiian Grilled Tuna & Pineapple ‘Poke’ Makes 4 servings

per side or until charred on outside but still rare inside. Remove from grill. Let rest about 5 minutes.

Mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, jalapeño and reserved 2 tablespoons marinade with whisk in medium bowl. Cut grilled pineapple and onion into 1-inch pieces. Add into dressing mixture; toss to coat. Cut grilled tuna into 1-inch pieces. Divide romaine evenly among 4 salad plates. Top with pineapple mixture and tuna. Drizzle with any remaining dressing.

1 package McCormick Grill Mates Hawaiian

Woodfire Grill Single Use Marinade, divided

1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into

3/4-inch slices

1 small red onion, cut into 3/4-inch slices 1 pound (1/2-inch thick) center-cut tuna steaks 1/3 cup rice vinegar 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped 4 cups roughly torn romaine lettuce, loosely

MCCORMICK PHOTO‌

packed

Place marinade in medium bowl.

Reserve 2 tablespoons marinade for the dressing. Brush pineapple and onion rings lightly with some of the remaining marinade in the bowl. Add tuna into remaining marinade; toss to coat well. Cover. Refrigerate 15 to 30 minutes. (Marinate seafood no longer than 30 minutes.)

Grill pineapple and onion rings over medium-high heat 3 minutes per side or until slightly tender and charred. Remove from grill. Cool slightly. Meanwhile, remove tuna from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.

Grill tuna over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes

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Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 3

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Korean Barbecue Burger with Grilled Kimchi and Ginger Garlic Mayo‌ Makes 4 servings For the mayo:

1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the burgers:

1 package McCormick Grill Mates Korean BBQ

Marinade

1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef

For the mayo, mix all ingredients in small bowl until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For kimchi, brush cabbage, bell pepper and pear slices lightly with oil. Grill over medium heat until lightly charred. Remove from grill. Let cool. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients in large bowl until well blended.

Coarsely chop cabbage and pears then cut bell pepper into strips. Add to bowl with dressing mixture; toss gently to coat. Cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve. Toss before serving. (Makes 5 ½ cups) For burgers, mix marinade mix, sesame oil, soy

1/4 cup finely chopped onion 4 hamburger rolls

For the kimchi:

1/4 head Napa cabbage, sliced lengthwise 1 medium red bell pepper, cored and cut in half

lengthwise

1 Asian pear, cored and cut into 1/2-inch slices Oil, for brushing 1/3 cup rice vinegar 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce 1 tablespoon paprika 2 teaspoons sesame oil 1 teaspoon ground ginger

sauce, honey and vinegar in large bowl until well blended. Reserve 2 tablespoons for brushing burgers during cooking. Add ground beef and onion into remaining marinade in large bowl; mix well. Shape into 4 patties. For best results, refrigerate patties 15 to 30 minutes before grilling.

Grill burgers over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160 F), brushing with reserved marinade while cooking. Serve burgers on rolls with Ginger Garlic Mayo and grilled kimchi.

Korean Burger with Kimchi MCCORMICK PHOTO‌

You’re not just a patient.

you’re a grandparent.

Charred Sweet Potatoes & Summer Vegetables‌ Makes 6 servings 1 pound sweet potatoes 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup cut-up yellow squash, (1-inch chunks) 1 cup cut-up zucchini, (1-inch chunks) 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, Smoked 1 1/2 teaspoons Lawry’s Garlic Salt with

Parsley

CARING FOR YOURselF MeANs YOU CAN eNjOY YOUR GRANdChIldReN.

1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pep-

per 4 ounces Spanish chorizo sausage, finely chopped (about 1 cup) 1 cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar Pierce sweet potatoes with fork several times. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes. Turn potatoes. Microwave again on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender but still firm. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks.

Set aside.

Toss tomatoes, squash, zucchini, 1 tablespoon of the oil, paprika, garlic salt and pepper in medium bowl until well coated. Set aside.

Place large cast iron skillet on preheated grill over medium-high heat (375 F to 400 F). Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in cast iron skillet. Add potatoes;

MCCORMICK PHOTO‌

cook 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly charred and tender, stirring after each minute. Push potatoes around edges of pan.

Place chorizo and onion in center of pan. Cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly charred. Push chorizo mixture around edges of pan. Add squash mixture to center of pan. Cover pan or close grill. Cook 4 to 5 minutes or until squash is tender and tomatoes begin to burst, stirring after each minute. Gently stir in water and vinegar until blended.

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9 do’s (and don’ts) 4 | Sunday, July 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

How to order wine, according to sommeliers and wine directors HOLLEY SIMMONS

‌I

Special to the Washinton Post ‌

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

was having dinner at the bar of a highend Italian restaurant in Washington, D.C., when the bartender handed me a hefty wine list. Feeling overwhelmed, I asked him to choose something for me.

“I like bold reds,” I told him.

“Pour me two glasses of wine at $25 apiece without informing me of the exorbitant price,” is what he must have heard.

Not all servers are out to “upsell,” of course, but my costly blunder could have been avoided had I not been afraid to engage in a deeper conversation about my wine preferences.

Sommeliers say that not asking the right —

or any — questions is often the biggest mistake diners make when ordering wine.

“Choosing a wine is not a multiple-choice exam with right and wrong answers,” says Bianca Bosker, a certified sommelier and the author of “Cork Dork,” a book about her intensive 18-month immersion in the world of wine.

Determined not to make a similar mistake again, I sought the advice of pros on the do’s and don’ts of ordering wine: Don’t: Be shy about your budget “A price range is always one of the most helpful things to know as a sommelier, because it narrows down the options,” says Eric DiNardo, sommelier and beverage director for

Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 5

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Viticulture Vocab 101 BLEND: A wine made with a combination of grape varietals.

that your wine has been “corked” include a wet-newspaper smell.

BODY: The overall feel of a wine in your mouth. A “light-bodied” wine is more delicate than a heavy, “full-bodied” one.

DRY: Not sweet.

CORKED: This term is used to describe a bottle of wine that has come into contact with fungi in the cork. Signs

SOMMELIER: A member of the waitstaff who is trained in wine and provides guidance on the selections.

TANNIN: A naturally occurring element, strong in red wine, that gives it texture and creates a drying effect on the tongue.

VARIETAL: A type of grape used to make wine, or a wine made from a single type of grape.

Schlow Restaurant Group.

If you’re embarrassed to admit your price range in front of your companions, Bosker recommends pointing to a bottle on the menu: “A good sommelier will pick up on your hint and won’t suggest a $150 bottle if you’re indicating something that’s $50.”

“gimmes.” If the standards are nowhere to be found, there’s probably a reason.

“Some places have a point of view with their wine list,” Bosker says. “They’re leaving off some of these more obvious wines because they pride themselves on doing things differently.”

And if something isn’t on the list, don’t ask for it.

Do: Spring for a bottle If you’d prefer to stick to what you know, tell If you and a dining companion are on the same your server what you normally drink, and they page in terms of flavor, it makes economic sense can recommend something in that ballpark. to order a bottle. “Wines by the bottle are always the better price,” says Logan, adding that Don’t: Balk at prices the price of four glasses of wine often equals the Often, the price you pay for a glass of wine is cost of a bottle, which yields five glasses. about the same as what the restaurant paid for the whole bottle. “A lot of people are like, ‘This Do: Ask for a sample before committing to a glass is such a big markup, I could buy this at a wine Most restaurants are happy to oblige when shop for less,’ “ Bosker says. “But keep in mind you ask to sample a wine before committing to a you’re not just paying for the 750 milliliters of glass. If it’s not to your taste, you should feel no fermented grape juice in the bottle. You’re paying pressure to order it. for the staff wages, for the insurance, the cost of On the other hand, if you’ve ordered a full bot- laundering your napkin, the entire experience.” tle, your options are more limited.

Alcohol sales are what help keep restaurants To be safe, talk to your server about how the in business, and by bellying up to the table, cuswine you have in mind tastes before ordering a tomers consent to a higher price than they’d find bottle. For a deeper conversation, you could ask at a wine store. “Liquids keep restaurants liquid,” whether the restaurant has a sommelier.

Bosker says. “You’re helping the restaurant surYou’ll have little recourse once the bottle has vive.” been popped. But don’t be afraid to send back a bottle of wine if you really don’t like it. Good Do: Tip appropriately and be patient restaurants want you to have a pleasant experiWhen ordering wine at the bar, the $1 per-drink ence, and they might be willing to take it off the tip suggestion doesn’t always apply. “Tipping check and perhaps offer it by the glass to another depends on what kind of establishment you’re table. at,” says Kate Chrisman, the wine director and assistant manager at Vinoteca in Washington.

“If you’re sitting and eating and having a meal, I Don’t: Fall for the “gimme” wines Most restaurants have what sommeliers refer would say use the 20 percent structure” that uses to as “gimme” wines, Bosker says, or wines that the total bill as its basis. are so familiar and popular that diners order them When ordering wine for the table, exercise on autopilot — think New Zealand sauvignon patience. Although it’s not being mixed from blanc or a California cabernet sauvignon. scratch like a cocktail, it still takes time to pre“They’re not a great value because restau- pare.

“Wine service on the floor is a little different rants know they will sell easily. Instead go with the wine from the grape you’ve never heard of than at the bar. Some people will order a bottle from the region you can’t pronounce. It might and expect it right away” says Nadine Brown, not be the cheapest of your options, but it will wine director for Charlie Palmer Steak on Capitol Hill. be a better value.”

But there are still logistics involved, she says, Do: Take note of what’s missing from the wine list including ringing in the order, retrieving the You can count on most restaurants to offer wine, double-checking the vintage and temperathe usual suspects, such as the aforementioned ture, and processing other diners’ orders.

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| SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Pop quiz

9 dos and don’ts continued ...

How to tell what glass suits your taste

HOLLEY SIMMONS

Special to the Washington Post

Still not sure what glass of wine to order? Hugo Lefevre of Eno in Washington, D.C., helped compile this simple quiz to narrow down which varietal might be 1. What’s your favorite movie theater snack?

(A) A big bag of popcorn.

Extra butter, please!

(B) Sour Patch Kids (C) M&Ms (D) Raisinets (E) A hot dog 2. What would be your last meal?

(A) Pad Thai, extra spicy (B) Sea bass in a light butter sauce (C) A slice of chocolate cake (D) A juicy steak and mashed potatoes (E) A lamb chop

your best bet.

Our methodology: If you take your coffee with sugar, chances are you won’t be turned off by a sweeter wine. If you only drink lagers, you may not enjoy an inyour-face cabernet.

Once you’re done, remember to still chat with your server before ordering: Differences arise among varietals, and the way a wine tastes can vary significantly year to year depending on growing conditions.

3. How do you take your coffee? 6. It’s summer. You’re dying to bite into a juicy ...

(A) As cappuccino (A) Cantaloupe (B) Black (B) Granny Smith apple (C) As a mocha Frappuccino (C) Kiwi (extra caramel) (D) Plum (D) As espresso (E) Apricot (E) As tea 4. What’s your favorite type of chocolate?

(A) Nutella (B) Milk (C) Fudge (D) Dark (E) A light ganache 5. What’s your favorite beer?

(A) Lager (B) Belgian-style (C) Hard cider (D) IPA (E) Pale ale

7. If you could hop on a private jet right now and go anywhere, where would you tell the pilot to take you?

(A) A castle in Burgundy, France (B) The rolling hills of Mosel, Germany (C) A cottage in Alsace, France (D) A modern resort in Napa Valley, California (E) The craggy coast of Oregon

8. What aroma of a candle are you most likely to buy?

(A) Campfire (B) Fresh-cut grass (C) Vanilla bean (D) Scotch and tobacco (E) Plum pudding 9. What’s your favorite breakfast meat?

(A) Bacon (B) A side of fruit—I’m a vegetarian (C) Honey-glazed ham (D) Steak (E) Sausage with fennel

Don’t: Wear strong perfume if you’re planning to drink wine A wine’s aroma is tied closely to its taste, which is part of the reason wine pros will swirl their glass and take a big sniff before taking a sip.

That’s why it’s best to sample wine in unadulterated air.

Do: Download these wine apps Introverts and antisocials rejoice: There are several apps that can help you choose a wine if you’d prefer to keep to yourself. Stacey KhouryDiaz, who plans to open Dio wine bar in D.C. this year, recommends Wine Ring, which makes recommendations based on previous bottles you’ve liked. Vivino, which lists ratings and suggested retail prices for wines, is also worth a download, especially if you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

But don’t haggle if you see a big price discrepancy — prices at restaurants are fixed. So only use these apps as a starting point.

RESULTS Mostly A’s:

Chardonnay Because it’s aged in oak, this white wine often has a woody finish and a buttery aftertaste.

Full of acidity, it pairs well with spicy and fatty dishes because it helps cut through the richness. “The acid helps dry up the fat content,” Lefevre says.

Mostly B’s:

Riesling or sauvignon blanc Fresh and sometimes flowery, rieslings and sauvignon blancs are semisweet white wines that pair well with tart or bitter foods and lend crispness to a dish.

Mostly C’s:

Gewürztraminer Sweet, velvety and bordering on syrupy, this varietal of white wine can have hints of ripe lychee, pineapple and passion fruit.

It’s usually ideal for anyone with an incurable sweet tooth. “Don’t be intimidated by the name of the grape,” Lefevre says. “If you can’t pronounce it, you have to try it.”

Mostly D’s:

Cabernet sauvignon A heavy hitter in the flavor department, cabernets are bold and full-bodied red wines. They tend to linger going down due to high tannins — you can usually detect flavors of dark fruits and even black pepper in them.

Mostly E’s:

Pinot noir For those who prefer a gentler red, pinot noir has you covered. It’s flowery with hints of sweet stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches and apricots.

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Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 7

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Applying online for Social Security benefits is convenient and easy

GETTY IMAGES‌

Tips for giving to the next generation From self-expression to ‌ self-direction, there are countless ways to age out loud. Some of the most rewarding ways for older adults involve passing on experiences, wisdom and skills to others.

Everyone has something to share, and these ideas from the Administration of Community Living can help you get started.

Speak: Sign up for speaking engagements, paid or unpaid, as well as storytelling events. Example: Open-mic events, often at theaters and libraries, welcome speakers of all ages.

Engage: Visit a senior center or organize a gathering focused on connecting with others. Example: Book clubs attract participants of all ages and encourage Mentor: Use professional or the exchange of ideas. personal experiences to guide a child, young adult or peer. Ex- Write: Pen an article, op-ed or ample: Visit Senior Corps at na- even a book to communicate tionalservice.gov to learn about wisdom and lessons learned. becoming a foster grandparent. Example: Start with something you know the most about, such Volunteer: Put skills to use while as a career, hobby or historical giving back to your community. event, and submit a column to Example: Sign up to collect food your local newspaper. or clothing donations, serve meals at a local soup kitchen or Create: Pick a medium and use help older adults with daily tasks art to express yourself and share at home, such as paying bills. your perspective. Example: Paint, draw, sculpt, play music, Teach: Impart expertise via for- dance, make crafts – whatever mal or informal education and suits you. tutoring opportunities. ExamFind more ideas at oam.ACL. ple: Check with local schools gov. that may need reading, math or science tutors.

Source: Family Features

You’ve worked hard your ‌ whole life, and receiving your Social Security benefits should be the icing on the cake at your retirement party. We’re working hard to make it as quick and seamless as possible for you to apply for benefits from Social Security.

Simply visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits to get started. Through our safe and secure website, you can apply for: Retirement benefits Spousal benefits Medicare Disability benefits Extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs; and, in some cases, Supplemental Security Income You don’t have to be internet savvy to finish most of the online applications in one sitting.

You can also apply in person at your Social Security office or by telephone with one of our application representatives. Call 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays to schedule an appointment.

You should also call us to schedule an appointment if you wish to apply for certain family benefits, including those for surviving spouses and children, divorced spouses and dependent children, and parents of beneficiaries.

After you’ve applied for benefits — whether online, by phone, or in person — you can securely and quickly check the status of a pending claim through your online my Social Security account. If you haven’t created an account yet, you can do so at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

You can also use my Social Security to view estimates of how much you would receive in retirement benefits and potential disability benefits and how much your loved ones could receive in family or sur-

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| SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Stay well by staying active in older years

M

any older adults are redefining age; that’s apparent as we see centenarians jumping out of airplanes, running races and swimming laps. While not all of us may share those aspirations, almost everyone desires to live longer and better lives.

Exercise is essential to AMANDA our health and LYNCH well-being as we get older; it can stave off disease and potential health declines. “There is no magic pill for better health, but many studies prove physical activity is good medicine,” says Amanda Lynch, wellness coordinator at Western Home Communities. “Moving more makes a person stronger and healthier at any age.”

In fact, activity and exercise can help to: Boost brain function; increase memory; relieve insomnia; improve balance; enhance flexibility; reduce blood pressure; relieve chronic pain;prevent disease; strengthen immunity; decrease stress; raise energy level and elevate mood.

Today’s mantra for better health is “move more.” Physical activity can take many forms — gardening, housecleaning, dancing, even parking farther away to get in more steps. It’s spontaneous and unstructured.

Exercise, however, is performing a specific activity for a structured amount of time. It could be walking for a certain number of minutes, taking a tai-chi class or swimming laps.

Both activity and exercise are important, and should be incorporated into daily life for maximum health benefits.

A core fitness concept is “use or lose.” It simply means as we use our muscles, they strengthen and become able to do more. If we don’t, our muscles atrophy or lose strength, making it harder to perform daily tasks of living.

Studies show atrophy can be reduced, even in people who are in their 70s and 80s, by incorporating fitness into daily life. That’s great news, proving it’s never too late to improve your health.

Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls was an early adopter of the Blue Zones Power Nine principles and one of the first designated Blue Zones worksites. The Blue Zones movement advocates environmental changes that help make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Jorgensen Plaza for Well-Being opens in early 2018 with

amenities that will help Western Home Communities residents, employees and others easily make the healthy choice.

The Plaza puts a swimming pool, walking track, exercise equipment, exercise classes and outpatient therapy in a convenient location — attached to the just-completed Prairie Wind independent living community, and steps away from most villas and townhomes.

It’s under construction at 5307 Caraway Lane, west of Prairie Parkway in Cedar Falls.

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Relax and reflect

For overall well-being, be sure to incorporate other aspects of wellness – social, intellectual and spiritual. Visit with friends or family; take a class or try something new; spend a few minutes each day in prayer or meditation. Let a spirit of gratitude permeate your life and see the results in your health.

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Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 9

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Day care not just for kids JODIE MULLER

Director of Development and Public Relations North Star Community Services ‌

Are you among more than ‌ 350,000 Iowans who have found themselves in the role of primary caregiver for an aging parent, spouse, or maybe even a sibling?

For millions of families in the United States, elder caregiving is simply a fact of daily life.

We are living longer. Couple that with the rise in incidence of Alzheimer’s, the aging of the baby boomers, and the impending changes to Medicaid, finding quality but affordable care for our loved ones is likely to become reality for many of us.

So where do we turn?

On a Monday morning, cars and busses can be seen dropping people off for day care services.

But these individuals aren’t who you’d typically think of when you think “day care;” this day services center is for adults.

Adult Day Care Services, like Newel Post Senior Adult Day Services in Waterloo, are an often overlooked program serving the same purpose as other elder care options, but at a fraction of the cost. At $60 for the day, Newel Post offers a 71 percent savings based on a median-priced nursing home cost of $207 a day!

The term “adult day care” may conjure up images of senior citizens being treated like a child, but this is far from the truth.

Adults using the service are not treated as children. Each person’s abilities and interests are taken into account and provided for.

Activities offered are varied, age-appropriate and engaging. In addition, transportation, healthy meals, and health-related needs are part of the package.

Adult day services benefit the caregiver who may be overburdened by the physical, emotional and financial stress associated with being a full-time caregiver. They get a well-deserved break from meeting their family member’s needs while balancing their own responsibilities.

The caregiver is able to remain in

“

The term ‘adult day care’ may conjure up images of senior citizens being treated like a child, but this is far from the truth.

”

the workforce or receive needed respite to run errands, keep appointments, visit with friends, or simply rest and recharge their “batteries.” Caregivers rest easy knowing their loved one is having fun and receiving the care and supervision that’s required.

Each day service center is different, but a typical day at Newel Post Adult Day Services begins as early as 7:30 a.m. when individuals begin to arrive.

As they begin their day, individuals gather to socialize over a light breakfast and coffee or tea.

Throughout the day, therapeutic activities are offered ranging from exercise and art class, to reminiscence activities, games,

or simply a free moment or two to enjoy music or spend time outside on the patio.

Many of the pursuits are developed to strengthen and maintain general health, thinking, memory, and communication skills.

A nutritious lunch is served.

Personal and health cares are attended to, and a registered nurse makes rounds to check on health concerns.

By 4:30, individuals attending Newel Post are on their way home, either by bus or picked up by their caregiver.

For the 156,308 Iowans over age 65 with a disability, adult day care can offer their caregivers an invaluable respite opportunity, while providing older adults with age-related disability or decline, a safe place to go during the day to receive care, nutritious meals, mental stimulation, and companionship. And, with the projected growth in the older population resulting in people requiring long-term care, the desire for a more affordable community-based option will continue to grow.

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10

| SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Chasing a dream?

Get your finances in check before acting on it LIZ WESTON

NerdWallet

Mark Howard of Basalt, Colorado, earned a hefty six-figure income during his 25-year career in financial services. His dream, though, was to teach high school — a job that paid about $40,000 a year.

When he floated the idea past his wife and business partner, Danielle Howard, her reaction was surprise and unease. He was 54, she was 44. They had two kids in college, a big house and a lifestyle based on their $250,000-plus income.

But her experience in the life planning branch of financial advice taught her to ask searching questions of clients and follow up on their answers.

“One of the questions is, ‘What would you regret not having done if you were on your deathbed?’” says Danielle Howard, a certified financial planner. “And his answer was, ‘I would regret not having taught school.’”

After a lot of “soul-searching and number crunching,” she says, they sold their house and downsized to a smaller one.

They gave up expensive vacations for shorter trips closer to home. Mark Howard, now 66, happily taught English for 10 years and recently retired from teaching this past spring.

“It was a wonderful time. I loved it,” he says.

Roll the dice, reduce risk

Improving your life sometimes means taking big risks, whether it’s starting a business, going back to school, changing careers or quitting a job you hate. Whether that risk pays off depends a lot on how you handle your money.

“Two things, in particular, make a huge difference: having small ongoing expenses and having a large cash rainy-day fund,” says Jon Luskin, a certified financial planner in San Diego.

Reducing expenses and paying off debt helps build a cash hoard ahead of your big leap and increases the odds you’ll be able to cover the bills afterward, Luskin says.

Typically financial planners recommend dual earners have an emergency fund equal to at least three months of expenses.

Single earners should have a sixmonth stash. People making a transition that involves a pay cut, or no pay at all for a while, should save even more, Luskin says.

“Figure out how long you anticipate your pay cut — one year?

Two years? — and save accordingly,” he says.

The planning required to project future income and expenses should help people discover whether their leap makes sense.

Those considering a return to college, for example, should determine the new job they want, how much the job pays, how plentiful those jobs are and the total cost of the education. That will give them a far more realistic picture of their prospects than just assuming education will always pay off, says Breanna Reish, a certified financial planner in Riverside, California.

Use your benefits

People also need to look farther down the road to see how the change may affect their ability to save for retirement and other goals. Earning, or saving, less may require working longer, for example.

going through with their plans.

Those are the same questions LaBrecque asked himself before starting his own wealth management firm in 1989. LaBrecque says he had “a nice six-figure job in corporate education” but wanted more freedom.

“I measured the benefits of doing versus the risks and weighed those against the benefits of not doing and the risks,” LaBrecque says. “I decided (hockey legend) Wayne Gretzky was right. You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

Liz Weston is a certified financial planner and columnist at NerdWallet, a personal finance webFinancial planners advise cli- clients to tell him the pros and site, and author of “Your Credit ents to take full advantage of any cons of not making the leap as Score.” Email: lweston@nerdwalbenefits they currently have be- well as the risks and benefits of let.com . Twitter: @lizweston. fore making their leap. Getting dental work or new glasses now makes sense if you’ll be making STEVE KNAPP/Lockard Realty do with bare-bones health care coverage during your transition, Steve, a lifelong resident, has consistently a leading buyer been a real estate broker and and seller agent. He has for example.

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Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 11

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Older Americans

can’t seem to retire BLOOMBERG NEWS

‌ ore and more Americans are M spending their golden years on the job.

Almost 19 percent of people 65 or older were working at least part-time in the second quarter of 2017, according to the U.S. jobs report released on Friday.

The age group’s employment/ population ratio hasn’t been higher in 55 years, before American retirees won better health care and Social Security benefits starting in the late 1960s.

And the trend looks likely to continue. Millennials, prepare yourselves.

Certainly baby boomers are increasingly ignoring the traditional retirement age of 65. Last quarter, 32 percent of Americans 65 to 69 were employed. Even past age 70, a growing number of seniors are declining to, or unable to, retire. Last quarter, 19 percent of 70- to 74-yearolds were working, up from 11 percent in 1994.

Older Americans are working more even as those under 65 are working less, a trend that the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to continue. By 2024, 36 percent of 65- to 69-year-olds will be active participants in the labor market, the BLS says. That’s up from just 22 percent in 1994.

A number of factors are keeping older Americans in the workforce. Many are healthier and living longer than previous generations. Some decide not to fully retire because they enjoy their jobs or just want to stay active and alert.

Others need the money. The longer you work, the easier it is to afford a comfortable retirement. Longer lives and rising health care costs have made retirement more expensive at the same time that stagnant wages

“

The irony is, those seniors who find it easiest to keep working — healthy, well-educated, and highly skilled people who enjoy their jobs — tend to be the least likely to need the money.

”

and the decline of the traditional pension have made it harder to save enough.

The U.S. isn’t the only place people are planning to work longer. Around the globe, workers of all ages are moving their retirement goals later and later in life.

Even after they consider themselves officially “retired,” most Americans are hoping to work a little bit. According to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, or EBRI, 79 percent of U.S. workers expect to supplement their retirement income by working for pay.

There’s a big problem with these plans. Just because you want to work doesn’t mean you can.

When surveyed, 61 percent of American retirees say they retired sooner than they’d planned.

That’s more than anywhere else in the world, according to the 2017 Aegon Retirement Readiness Survey, of 16,000 people in 15 countries. Globally, 39 percent of retirees say they quit working early. Even part-time work may be unrealistic. EBRI finds that just 29 percent of retirees say they worked for pay at some point in their retirement.

Health problems may force you to quit. While longevity has generally improved along with medical care, especially for the

wealthy and well educated, more recent trends in the U.S. show many Americans’ health deteriorating.

And employers might not be interested in you.

“Although age discrimination has been illegal for 50 years, employers continue to see older workers as a liability,” said Ruth Milkman, a sociology professor at the City University of New York. Seniors who want to extend a full-time career may be forced to take temporary jobs, for example, or work as independent contractors. “Frozen out of standard employment, older workers turn to more precarious (and less well-compensated) employment,” Milkman said at a conference last month.

Rather than retire, older workers sometimes switch from traditional jobs to self-employment, according to a study released last month by the National Bureau of Economic Research that analyzed U.S. tax and survey data. In the process, they often switch occupations as well. They pay an economic price for going solo, the study finds, with average annual earnings dropping by $18,160 for older workers.

The irony is, those seniors who find it easiest to keep working — healthy, well-educated, and highly skilled people who enjoy their jobs — tend to be the least likely to need the money. Other older Americans, faced with few good job choices, often just decide to retire and live frugally off Social Security and savings.

The share of older people in the workforce is higher than at any point since before the creation of Medicare. Even more older Americans might be out there working, though, if they were healthier and had better job prospects.

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12

| SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Compassionate allowance for

cancer survivors JERRY NELSON

Social Security Manager, Waterloo

In 2017, more than a million people will be diagnosed with cancer around the world. This alarming statistic affects people and families everywhere. Chances are, you know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease.

Social Security encourages getting checkups to provide early detection, raise awareness through education, and recognize the survivors who have gone through this battle or are still living with the disease.

Social Security stands strong in our support of the fight against cancer. We offer services to patients dealing with this disease through our disability insurance

program and our Compassionate Allowances program. Compassionate Allowances are cases with medical conditions so severe they obviously meet Social Security’s disability standards, allowing us to process the cases quickly with minimal medical information.

Many cancers are part of our Compassionate Allowances list.

There’s no special application or form you need to submit for Compassionate Allowances. Simply apply for disability benefits online, in-person or over the phone. Once we identify you as having a Compassionate Allowances condition, we’ll expedite your disability application.

Social Security establishes

Compassionate Allowances conditions using information received at public outreach hearings, from our employees, who review millions of disability cases each year, from medical and scientific experts, and from data based on our research. For more information about Compassionate Allowances, including the list of eligible conditions, visit www.socialsecurity. gov/compassionateallowances.

Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey, through good times and bad. If you think you qualify for disability benefits based on a Compassionate Allowances condition, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for benefits.

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60-plus?

Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 13

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Fashion tips to be stylish

‌M

uumuus and mom jeans or spangled capris and Aloha shirts — is this really all the fashion world has to offer women over the age of 60? Do mature women who desire to dress fashionably for summer really have to choose between “frumpy and fogey” or “too young and trendy?”

Not at all, says Catherine Brock, who blogs about style on thebudgetfashionista.com.

“Reaching a certain age doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of fashion, or that you can’t be stylish,” Brock says.

“In our youth-obsessed society, many fashion trends are geared for young women, but truly stylish clothing can work for women of any age.”

Joyce Williams (name changed to protect her privacy), a resident of Brookdale Belle Meade Senior Living Community in Nashville, Tennessee, agrees. Williams didn’t leave her lifelong love of fashion behind upon moving into the senior community. Instead, she remains an avid reader of fashion magazines, and designs and makes her own jewelry to accessorize her wardrobe. She happily shares fashion advice with other residents who seek to remain stylish after 60.

Here are some of Brock’s and Williams’ favorite tips and insights for senior women: Senior women can have trouble finding fashion images that feature women who could be their peers, Brock says. Because most clothing is marketed with images of younger models, many older women may worry about their clothes being “age-appropriate.” Don’t be limited by that kind of thinking, she advises.

The age of the model wearing the fashion is far less important

than whether the style will work for you.

Look for garments that have a defined shape. You don’t have to wear form-fitting clothing, but do avoid overalls or baggy, pull-on pants and maxi dresses with no waistline, Brock advises.

Find your colors, Williams suggests. Everyone has certain colors that complement their skin tone, hair and eyes, and others that are less flattering. Determine which ones are yours and emphasize those colors in your wardrobe.

Brock also counsels against putting too many colors in a single outfit, and says avoid wild color patterns. Instead, pick one piece in an outfit to make a color statement and use muted, complementary colors in the rest of the outfit to create a backdrop for your statement color.

Just as important as knowing your best colors, you should also know the visual line that looks best for your body type, Williams says. For example, if you’re pear-shaped, a line that draws attention to your shoulders can be flattering, Brock adds. Apple-shaped women may find an A-line skirt flattering since it creates an angle from the shoulder to the waist.

Stay true to your own personal style, regardless of your age. “If you had a well-established personal style when you were younger, it doesn’t need to change just because you’re older,” Brock says. “If anything, as you age, you can pay more attention to your personal style and be less of a slave to the season’s trends.” Adapt your younger style to your more mature place in life by focusing on creating outfits that make only one statement at a time, she

advises. For example, wear that big, chunky turquoise necklace that you’ve always loved and pair it with an outfit that’s simple and straightforward like a pair of tailored jeans and a white blouse.

Some styles work particularly well for senior women, Brock says. Blazers and cardigans pair well with V-neck tops, sheath dresses, shift dresses and button-down shirts. “In warmer months, V-neck tops with elbow-length sleeves are the new T-shirt for seniors,” she says.

“Just add a necklace for a little sparkle.”

Plus, every senior woman should have wardrobe staples such as a black blazer, white button-down shirt, dark-wash jeans, straight-leg trousers, neutral-colored cardigans, a collection of dolman-sleeve tops and T-shirts with varying sleeve lengths and necklines.

Never underestimate the power of great accessories, Williams says. The right jewelry can turn an ordinary outfit into something stunning, and you can change the entire look of an outfit simply by switching around your accessories.

“It’s never too late to discover your personal style,” Brock says.

“Start by creating a Pinterest board and saving looks you love (get a fashion-minded younger friend to help if you’re not techsavvy). Then reacquaint yourself with your body type and go shopping with a friend. Try on different cuts of pants, skirts and dresses until you both agree on which are the most flattering.

Find the cuts that look good on you and then start experimenting with colors and textures.”

Source: Brandpoint

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

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14

| SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Preparing to live at home

as you age

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

FOR THE COURIER

As you age, you begin to assess your current living environment, and how it will serve your needs in the future. These thoughts can be heavy on your heart and mind especially if you’re dealing with joint issues, heart disease, or any chronic illness that impacts your mobility and independence.

It’s not just about downsizing from a two-story home to a ranch or condominium, but assessing the environment and the equipment you might need to ensure ongoing independence.

It’s important to put safety first. Simple investments such as hand rails in the bath tub or a walk-in-tub to allow for easy entry are just a few examples of things to consider. Another consideration is a medical alert system, such as Lifeline, a wearable device to call for help.

A good resource locally is Covenant Home Medical, a long-standing durable medical equipment company focused on everything from rehabilitation to respiratory. Helping people stay safe and healthy in their own homes is the company’s focus and passion. Covenant Home Medical carries the latest in medical equipment and supplies, and submits claims to insurance companies on behalf of its customers.

“The training of our staff sets us apart from other durable medical equipment providers,” says manager Ranae Dolleslager.

“Our staff has years of experience, some as many as 20 years or more. We’ve seen every type of condition and we know how to make helpful suggestions to guide you in your planning.”

This expertise allows Dolleslager and her team to as-

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Adding tub rails can improve safety for older people who choose to stay at home. sist anyone — whether a critical care patient or someone who is about to have a hip replaced and needs to begin to plan for care at home. “Some patients require extra training, assistance, and follow-up from a therapist.

Other companies don’t have that experience, but we do!”

Helen Harrington of Waterloo has been a customer of Covenant Home Medical for more than ten years. “Everyone is so pleasant and helpful when you go there.

It’s like visiting old friends,” she says. “They’re so nice about explaining everything! They know their products, and they know their business.”

Covenant Home Medical provides free delivery of equipment and instruction, as well as 24hour emergency service by our trained professionals. There are two convenient locations to serve you, next to Covenant Medical Center on San Marnan Drive in Waterloo and Arrowhead Medical Center in Cedar Falls.

Covenant Home Medical is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you’re considering home medical equipment to make your life more comfortable – from wheelchairs and walkers to shoes and sandals – call 319-272-5626.

Covenant Medical Center proudly sponsors the RSVP project, which engages individuals 55 and older in helping to meet community needs.

RSVP, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, coordinates the Covenant Medical Center Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP); in addition to helping other area nonprofits.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, call 319.272.2250.

Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 15

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Sandwiched between aging mother and teen son

‌I

t felt like I was heading out with a preschooler. I had to remind her to put on her socks and coat. I carried tissues for her perpetually runny nose, and when she fidgeted during a long drive, I passed her the only thing I could reach: CAROLINE a bag of lozenges.

M. GRANT She worked the individually wrapped discs like rosary beads, instantly soothed.

But she’s my mom, not my child.

They say that we revert to childhood as we age, and in many ways I see that with my mom. For a while it seemed like Parkinson’s was carrying her from capable adult to forgetful child to helpless baby. That is where we stand now: I don’t remind her of things anymore, I just do them for her. I slide her shoes onto her feet, push her wheelchair, load a fork with pasta and ease it into her mouth—all gestures so familiar from my son’s early childhood.

Except that Mom doesn’t only remind me of the sweetly helpless baby he used to be; she also evokes the moody, laconic teenager he is now.

It occurs to me first at the dinner table where I urge her to eat. This never works with my kids and it doesn’t work now, but she’s withering away so I can’t help myself. She doesn’t say anything if she doesn’t want the bite; she just closes her mouth and shoots me a look, the same one I get from my 15-year-old when I suggest he try the beans. His bugs me, but from Mom it’s a reassuring sign of her personality shining through.

I used to get that look from her when I was a teenager; I kind of miss it. These days, she has to trust me to pick her wardrobe, and I channel what I’ve learned from my son: loose-fitting knits, with a minimum of buttons, snaps or zippers. Mom can’t dress herself, and we want to make life easier for her caregivers. Comfort

matters more than fashion for her, just like my son. Neither one has ever much cared how they look.

They don’t really care what anyone thinks, either, especially if they’re expected to join a group by participating in organized activities. I always think this makes life easier, but this is not their style. Mom’s residence packs the calendar with flower arranging, bead making, chair yoga, singalongs and scenic drives. When she moved in, she rejected them all with a frowning wave, preferring to read in her apartment and then, when reading became impossible, to just sit. When she moved to the memory care unit, we tried letting her dip in for an hour or so before retreating to her apartment, but that’s never the best way to enter the pool. I remembered how the preschool teacher would lead my reluctant son away gently by the hand, saying, “Wave goodbye, Mom!” Now I hear those words from the memory care director: “I’ll take Mom,” she says gaily.

“Wave goodbye!” Now Mom hardly resists activities, and while this makes my life easier, I miss how feisty she used to be in dismissing the other residents as “just . . . hoi polloi.”

My son isn’t as scornful, but from the time he could crawl, he’s made it clear that group activities are not his thing. It frustrated me when he was little, but once he got to school and I saw him resisting the first-grade Pokémon craze, I admired how he didn’t sway to peer pressure. Still, I find myself worrying that he’s isolated and lonely, so I dig for details about his day: Who’d you eat lunch with? What cracked you up? He mostly shrugs or, if I’m lucky, mutters something unintelligible.

I try the same tactic, learned from a guidebook on parenting teens, with my mom. I avoid yes/no questions in favor of “What made you smile today?” or “What surprised you?” But

the strategy is no more effective with her. I can’t tell whether she struggles more to summon the memory or to articulate the sentiment, but all I get is a shrug.

I’m alert for signs of depression, so common in both of their age groups, but have a hard time seeing through the murky filters between us.

They are both in challenging, transitional stages of life. Some of this behavior goes with the territory, some is core personality and some is due to their relationship with me. I have to acknowledge that, as the one who wants and asks the most from them, I am likely to get the least. So I try to back off, but still I wonder, do they feel this gap—between the open and expressive people they once were and the more remote people they are now—as keenly as I do?

Every once in a while, Mom emerges. Once it’s at the doctor who asks, as she always does, if Mom has fallen, and I answer, as I always do, “No, thank goodness, no falls.” But this time Mom, somehow remembering that I fell recently, points an accusatory finger at me and smiles, “But SHE did!” Another time, I walk into the room and say breezily, “Howzit?” “Hazelnut?” she asks. I’m caught short for a moment, worried, before realizing she’s needling me for my lazy enunciation and we both giggle.

My son, too, resurfaces occasionally, unpredictably. It’s like I’ve touched a magic button and suddenly a story from science class pours out: “Yeah, the biosphere project was a disaster!

We added a snail and a fish and the snail ate the fish! The meal worm crawled into the pool and drowned!” He’s breathless as a toddler for a moment, but then his self-consciousness reasserts itself. Still, I had a moment.

Mostly these days my son and my mom are ciphers, giving me blank looks and dismissive waves. I’m surrounded by photos reminding me of the

people they used to be. I look up from my desk and there’s my son at 9, unguarded, laughing at a joke; Mom beaming at my wedding. These days when I ask them to smile for the camera, she sits a bit shrunken in her wheelchair, while he affects a

stony stare.

Every relationship shifts as people age, of course, but the sharp pang of missing someone who is here and not here is never more poignant than now, as my mom disappears into dementia and my son into adolescence.

“Mom’s getting more confused.

She forgot to eat again.”

“What if she wanders off?

That would be horrible.”

“We need to keep her safe at home.

We need more help.”

If you’re struggling to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other challenges with aging, we can help.

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16

| SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Workout improves natural movement

E

xercise is good for everyone, but seniors with mobility or balance issues may wonder what kind of exercise they can do that will be safe, easy and effective. However, one type of exercise works for everyone, no matter your age or ability, because it relies on improving practical movements often involved in everyday activities.

“Natural movement is universal, and it’s about bringing movement back to the basics,” says Bradly Prigge, wellness exercise specialist with the Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Living Program. “It’s not about following

the latest fitness craze or learning the newest secret to weight loss. Natural movement is about connecting with your body and cultivating an awareness of your full abilities.”

Rather than engaging in strenuous activity for its own sake alone, natural movement training emphasizes improving the efficiency of practical movements which can include rising from a seated to a standing position, getting up off the floor, crawling, stepping under or over objects, and more. The objective, Prigge explains, is not just to improve health but also enhance how well you can perform each movement.

Efficient movement can help with balance, inspire more healthful activity, and provide prac-

tical benefits in everyday life—all of which are especially valuable to seniors facing mobility or health challenges.

“The practice and training of movement shouldn’t feel like a chore or something you have to do,” Prigge says. “Rather, it should empower and liberate you, and, as a result, enhance your life. Natural movement training can help improve your strength, mobility and conditioning, but they’re not the direct goal. Those improvements are the result of practicing and developing movement skills that are directly transferable to real world situations, like rising from a seated to a standing position, walking with balance and confidence, and lifting a bag of groceries without injury.”

Natural movement is for everyone because at its most basic level it incorporates movements that are instinctual to all humans. For example, a natural movement workout might include crawling on your hands and knees for 30 seconds to a few minutes, sitting on the floor and swiveling hips and knees to facilitate standing up, or balancing while walking across a beam.

Prigge offers some advice for making the most of your natural movement workout:  Pay attention to your movement and strive to develop awareness of your body’s sensations, and how different movements feel. For example, where do you feel pressure and/or tension in your body when making a particular move? How does shifting your body weight or changing position alter those sensations?  Only perform movements and positions that your body allows without producing pain. Just as walking, sitting, standing and other everyday movements shouldn’t cause pain, your natural movement workout should also be pain-free.  It’s alright — and even ad-

visable — to use your hands for support or raise your hips with bolsters or pillows until you develop greater mobility and strength.  Be kind to yourself and realize it is important to meet your-

self where you currently are, rather than where you used to be or feel you should be.

To learn more about natural living and the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, visit healthyliving.mayoclinic.org.

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Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 17

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

6 small steps to improve your health in a big way You want to be healthier, ‌ right? But try as you might, it always seems like something’s standing in your way. Time and money are two of the largest obstacles, and you may think it’s impossible to improve your health without a significant time or financial investment.

The good news is, however, that’s not true. Even the smallest changes can have a big impact on your health, and you can start improving your wellness today with these six simple steps.

1. Take a stand while so many others are having a seat: Did you know the average person sits about 13 hours a day? Whether eating, working, driving or relaxing, that’s a lot of sitting.

Stand up for your health by resolving to get up at least once an hour. Walk to the bathroom, the water fountain or to ask your question in person instead of via email—you’ll be healthier for it.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield surprised customers at one candy store by asking them to pay for their sweets with physical activity. Running in place, burpees, jumping jacks and shadow boxing—you can watch customers do it all in an entertaining video. And remember that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can dramatically reduce your own risk of diabetes.

feeling rested and ultimately support your health.

 5.

Smallersize your plates

5. Smallersize your plates: Over the last 20 years the average portion size has doubled and, not surprisingly, 65 percent of Americans are now classified as obese. Reversing this trend starts with reversing the portion size. To take smaller portions, start using smaller plates. Your brain will feel as though you have still taken a full plate of food but you’ll consume fewer calories.

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS ‌

Meet Carrie

3. Floss for your heart: You brush your teeth twice a day, but how often do you floss? If you’re like 80 percent of surveyed adults, you don’t, and that can increase your risk of heart disease. A good oral hygiene habit includes flossing, so add this simple task to your regimen every day.

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6. Show the world your most confident pose: Stress is often a part of daily life. Whether it’s stress caused by work, home or financial reasons, this stress can also have a negative impact on your health by raising your blood pressure and weakening your immune system. Combat stress by power posing to grow your confidence. Just two minutes of this technique can increase your confidence by 20 percent.

4. Don’t underestimate the importance of a good nap: Getting a good night’s sleep helps you function better during the day, but it can also reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. But what do you do on those days 2. Run in place ... any place: when getting a good night’s sleep Effective exercise can happen isn’t possible? Take a nap—even without the gym membership. a 30-minute nap can leave you Source: Brandpoint

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| SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

Tourist Matthew Kirkland takes a photo of a bronze statue at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy.

AP PHOTO

Road trip across P centuries in Sicily

SIOBHAN STARRS

Associated Press

ALERMO, Italy — Sicily sits at the toe of Italy’s boot, just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the mainland, at its closest point, and a short ferry ride from the town of Messina. But our gateway to Sicily was on the other side of the island, flying into the capital Palermo.

Located in the Mediterranean, Sicily has been of strategic importance from

Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 19

THE COURIER | GOOD LIFE

ancient times. The Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Saracens and Normans are just a few of the civilizations that invaded, each leaving their mark.

A rainy day led us to Palermo’s Royal Palace. Construction began in the ninth century during the Arab era, and it was later expanded by the Normans, invaders from northern France, who assimilated designs of the Islamic and Byzantine courts that preceded them. Sicily’s Arab-Norman architecture is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The jewel of the Royal Palace is the Palatine Chapel built in Byzantine style with lavish golden mosaics of saints, Arabic patterns and a wooden muqarnas-style ceiling — a type of ornamented vaulting often associated with Islamic domes.

Sicily’s Opera dei Pupi, which dates to the 19th century, features wooden puppets in tales of medieval chivalry and battles.

Some of the opera’s puppets, and others from around the world, are on display at the International Museum of Marionettes.

An in-house show stars Orlando, a medieval knight who must rescue his beloved Angelica from a legion of Saracens. Parents, be warned: It is a rather violent plot (though our daughter loved

Temple of Concordia in the Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. it), with the hero slaying dozens of marionettes, which ended up in heap on the tiny stage. Some lost their heads, one lost its face.

A few days later we were sitting on the terrace of our hotel in Taormina, on the island’s northeast coast, enjoying the sunshine, when Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, emerged from behind clouds and appeared to float, emitting two white plumes from its snow-covered summit.

Taormina is Sicily’s plushest resort, more Capri than Naples, with an ambiance that recalls “La Dolce Vita.” Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor are just a few of the famous names who

have stayed here. The resort’s main attractions are the ancient Greek theater and a cable car that takes you down to a rocky promontory called Isola Bella.

Our quest to circumnavigate the island led us next to Syracuse on Sicily’s south eastern corner.

We stayed in Orytiga (Ortigia), a small island which was once the historic center of the city, connected to the mainland by two bridges.

Syracuse’s main cathedral, il Duomo, is built on the site of a Greek temple. The original Greek columns, which can still be seen, were incorporated into a church in the seventh century.

A massive earthquake in 1693 devastated much of the region and many towns were rebuilt in a late baroque style, which became known as Sicilian Baroque. Syracuse’s Duomo is a good example and we also visited the nearby town of Noto, also famous for baroque buildings. Even if you’re not a fan of the opulent style, it’s fascinating how Sicily’s history can be explored through its architecture.

In the middle of the island’s southern coast, a road leads to the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, an ancient Greek and UNESCO World Heritage site with seven temples dating

If you go SICILY: http://www.italia.it/en/ discover-italy/sicily.html to the sixth century B.C. We visited two, the Temple of Juno (also known as Temple of Hera) and the Temple of Concordia.

Concordia, which was eventually turned into a church, is con-

sidered one of the world’s finest surviving examples of a Greek temple.

Our road trip through Sicily had taken us across the island and through history. But a winged bronze figure lying languidly outside the temple dozed in the sun as it has for centuries, oblivious to the stream of picture-taking tourists and to the passage of time.

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AP PHOTOS‌

In this 2017 file photo, snow-covered Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, spews lava during an eruption seen from the Sicilian village of Pozzillo, Italy.

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There’s more to your story.

These two Ritas met on their second day of junior high and became best friends. When Rita J. moved away from Cedar Falls more than four decades ago, this inseparable pair thought they’d been separated forever. All these years later, something unexpected occurred and now they’re closer than ever.

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