Lane County MOM | June/July 2020

real local moms

since 2005

Lane County | June / July 2020

COVER MOM

SUMMER FUN

A FRUIT AND A VEGETABLE

LISA MACMASTER

ON A BUDGET

WATERMELON

LARGE PRIZE WALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE! • 15 years experience in

the dental field

• birth to 16 years old • accepting all insurances • offering sedation dentistry • awesome monthly

prize drawings

• all new state-of-the-art

dental equipment

• lobby treehouse

with slide

• coffee bar •

fun, fun, fun

Dr. Erin Estep

Treehouse Kids Dentist provides the highest quality pediatric dentistry in an incredibly warm, friendly, and fun environment. We are committed to giving you and your child the very best care in a welcoming and playful manner.

1611 J Street Springfield, OR • 541-515-6631 • office@treehousekidsdental.com 2 mommag.com

mommag.com 2

It’s what‘s

Summer Fun On A Budget

20

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

inside that counts

Backyard Chickens

24

Watermelon

27

They know what they’re

Cover MOM: Lisa MacMaster................10

Should you get backyard

talking about

This moms gets real

chickens?

Because I said so............... 5

Summer Fun on a budget......................20

Watermelon......................27

A message from MOM

Vacation MOM................... 6 Escape to Arizona

Backyard Chickens.........24

A fruit and a vegetable

Low-cost ways for you and your crew to get outside

More ways to love your MOM mommag.com

facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.

Cover MOM

10

Photos by Fremouw Photography

Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business?

Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Vacation MOM

™

with Donnita Bassinger, page 6

Beyond the bin

™

with Sarah Grimm, page 8

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

“

– Fred Rogers.

4 mommag.com

Focus on MOM

™

with Dr. David Hackett, Pediatric Optometrist, page 18

EDITOR'S NOTE

Because I said so!

Published by GO Creative, LLC 263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Tri-Cities Business Development Manager Kim Harvey kim@mommag.com 509-460-6526 Designer Sean Carver

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2020 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.

Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

What a wild parenting journey it’s been, eh?

I

don’t think there’s a mom out there who hasn’t felt put through the ringer these past few months as we rode the waves of our new socially distant lifestyles. However the COVID-19 pandemic has touched your lives, I’m wishing you sanity and peace. And if you broke down and screamed like a howler monkey at some point during it all, you weren’t the only one...hopefully it wasn’t caught on your kid’s video distance learning session.

In the middle of the chaos, some good things happened, too. For me, it was becoming the editor-in-chief of MOM Magazine. I’ve been a fan of this publication since it began because it seemed to understand me, as a local mom, as it was geared to where I live, work and raise my children. It is with pride that I follow the footsteps of the editors before me, as this really is a brilliant little magazine for moms.

A little about me: I live in Albany, Oregon, with my husband, Kevin, and our two boys, Elijah, age 13, and Powell, age 11.

We have a big goofy golden retriever, Murphy, and a cat, Tomato. Our life on a cul-de-sac is filled with foam bullets, bikes, balls and scooters strewn about outside, and too much video gaming on the inside (even the husband is a gamer).

Life with boys is all new to me because I grew up with two older sisters. The boy moms out there warned me it would be a lot of fights, farts and video games, and they were right!

We have an unusual summer ahead of us.

Some of your family’s typical activities and escapes might be off the table, which means we’ll have to get creative. Follow us on Facebook for ideas and insights, and let us know what you’re doing with your kids this summer. As the saying goes, this too shall pass — maybe like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

Stay healthy.

Why? Because I said so!

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

mommag.com 5

to

If you’re dreaming of a vacation, Arizona has much to offer, and it’s easy to get to from the Eugene Airport.

You can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and be a few hours away from all types of adventures.

Arizona is filled with national and state parks, monuments, museums, lakes and so much more.

Everything is spread out so you’ll need a rental car and a good navigation program to explore.

40 40

17

10

8 10

10

19

6 mommag.com

LEFT An hour past Kartchner Caverns, is old town Tombstone full of Old West-themed activities.

ABOVE In the early 1990s scientists lived within the Biosphere 2, a glass-enclosed science and research center.

RIGHT There are many gorgeous resorts in Arizona, with expansive pools featuring swim-up bars and waterslides.

Phoenix / Scottsdale / Mesa There are endless options for activities in Central Arizona, which enjoys an average of 330 days of sunshine, over 200 golf courses and many amazing resorts. There is a rich history of Native American culture as well as the Wild West. Outdoor activities are varied, including biking, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, hot air balloon rides and jeep tours.

The Grand Canyon

Southern Arizona / Tucson

It’s an easy 4 ½ hour drive from Phoenix to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

A great place to stop along the way is the historic Route 66 town of Williams, which looks like Radiator Springs from the Cars movies.

If you want to venture the opposite direction, take a day trip or spend a few days exploring the southern part of Arizona. About two hours from Phoenix is the Biosphere 2 operated by the University of Arizona. Open to the public for tours ($21 for adults/ $14 for children).

Williams is also the location of the Grand Canyon Railway, in operation since 1901. You can spend the night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and then take the leisurely train trip to the South Rim. The train ride features storytellers, musicians, and an Old West show. It’s a great family experience.

At the South Rim there are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon: drive to look-out points, take a bus tour, hike into the canyon, explore museums and visitor centers, or rent a bike to ride trails along the canyon rim.

South of Tucson is Kartchner Caverns State Park, voted the “Best Cave in the USA.” The caverns are a living limestone cave that was discovered in 1974 and opened to the public in 1999. Reservations for tours ($23 for adults/ $13 for youth) should be made in advance.

An hour past Kartchner Caverns, you can visit old town Tombstone. This is the location of the OK Corral and it is cheesy fun. Arrive by about 2 p.m. as they close up early. Lots of saloons, little museums, stagecoach rides, cowboy shoot-outs, shops and Old West-themed activities.

The next time you’re craving some sunshine and outdoor adventure, make your escape to Arizona.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Sedona Sedona claims to be “The Most Beautiful Place on Earth” and it may be true.

Situated within pristine national Forest lands and only two hours from Phoenix, Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park features natural water slides for family fun. The town offers over 80 art galleries, top-notch restaurants, wine tasting, spiritual centers and peaceful spas.

Brought to you by:

MEET VACATION MOM

TM

Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for three decades and enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She lives in Eugene with her husband and three boys, is the owner of VIP Vacations and is an active volunteer with local organizations.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on @VacationMOMpage

mommag.com 7

Recyclable?

Batteries come in all shapes, sizes and types; some are harmless, but others can be dangerous. Here’s what you need to know:

8 mommag.com

Rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals and substances that are harmful to the environment—but recycling captures and reuses those materials in new products instead.

Disposable alkaline batteries sold after 1996 do not contain mercury and are safe to put in the garbage. If they have a date on them, it’s fine to put them in the regular trash.

Lithium batteries are especially important to keep out of the trash because when the outside casing is damaged, exposure to air and moisture will cause the battery to ignite.

All rechargeable and button batteries can and should be recycled at Lane County transfer stations or local battery stores.

For more information, call 541-682-4120 or visit lanecounty.org/ hazardouswaste.

Wondering if something is Recyclable in Lane County? Look it up at lanecounty.org/garbageguru

Brought to you by:

Are Batteries

This includes power packs from electric toothbrushes, tools, toys and more.

Sarah Grimm Sarah Grimm is the Waste Reduction Specialist for Lane County Public Works.

She is an avid gardener, flyfisher and lover of the great outdoors.

[ Momism #39: Look

with your eyes, not with your hands.

Home and Office Services Offered: Organizing

] “FOR EVERY MINUTE SPENT ORGANIZING, AN HOUR IS EARNED”

Decluttering

-BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Downsizing Space & Storage Design Prepacking & Staging Move-ins/Move-outs Office Operations & Efficiency And so much more…

A place for everything and everything in its place!

Professional Organizing Services by Megan Warren megan-warren@hotmail.com (541) 891-7100 www.shipshapeyourspace.com

Eugene Montessori School Educating for a better world since 1962.

A quality Montessori education for children 3 through kindergarten. The individualized curriculum includes music and P.E., snacks and a wholesome hot lunch.

Call for a tour!

Eugene Montessori School 2255 Oakmont Way 541.345.7124 eugenemontessorischool.com

mommag.com 9

LISA MACMASTER Cover MOM Lisa MacMaster has come to realize that being a mom comes with a surprising amount of personal growth.

The Family

Cover MOM Lisa MacMaster with husband, Bill, a physician at PeaceHealth, and children: Tyler, age 21, Joe, age 19, and Tessa, age 14 Photo credit: Fremouw Photography

10 mommag.com

“Just breathe, it’s going to be ok. Find patience, learn to laugh at the mistakes, get in the dirt with your kids and immerse yourself in their wonder.� mommag.com 11

Q&

A

Who is MOM?

COMMUNITY/HOMETOWN:

Eugene (hometown Menlo Park, CA) PROFESSION: Nonprofit

Executive for the Eugene Family YMCA

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

My husband and I were raised by opposite types of parents: mine were strict Irish Catholics, his were hippie therapists.

Somehow, that combination has proved to be pretty effective. We are a blended family as my husband’s first wife died when our boys were very young. I took them on as my own and we have been very fortunate to build a solid and loving family. We rounded things out with our daughter. It was not how I expected to become a mom, but I am so fortunate to have the life I do and I’m grateful.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

My mom was a great and caring mother, so I always knew that was something I wanted.

Do you think that parenting is easier or more challenging than when you were growing up?

More challenging. I realize anyone asked that question would probably respond that way, but there are some significant struggles these days with social media, 12 mommag.com

online bullying, and now the isolation and changes forced upon youth by COVID-19.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments?

The first time my boys called me mom.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different?

They’re all hard workers and good students. They’re different in how they spend their free time and what their friendships look like…we rode bikes and talked for hours, they FaceTime and play video games.

Your biggest wish for your kids is…

That they always feel loved and that anything is possible.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

I am part of the management team at the YMCA in Eugene. We have an amazing staff who care so much about the Y’s cause, whether that’s keeping retirees engaged and connected, helping struggling families

find quality care for their kids while they work multiple jobs just to get by, or inspiring people to own their health and well-being.

What have you learned professionally, that has helped you as a mom?

Take responsibility, demonstrate that to your kids. Hold them accountable so they can stand up when they need to.

How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general?

Typically, what falls through the cracks?

I have a wonderful husband who has really stepped up at home now that I work constantly. My kids are very independent and wonderful and generally make it easy for me. I am very lucky.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

Since joining the Y’s management team four years ago, I have taken up competitive tennis. It’s incredibly stressful and thrilling all at the same time.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn?

I fail regularly. Whether I’ve been short with my kids, I’ve been told I can have a “tone” to my voice and of course there are bigger mistakes. I have learned however, to own my mistakes (that doesn’t mean that comes easily) and try to own them so I can be a better version of myself. The good news is we can all get there, the bad news, it’s a never-ending journey.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years?

Get our new YMCA built!

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your community/upbringing growing up. How did it shape the mother you are today?

I grew up in the 70s and 80s and it feels so nostalgic and perfect now. We rode bikes and played ditch ‘em outside until it was dark and mom had dinner on the table. We played board games and went to sleep away camp. I was fortunate to have proximity to Silicon Valley which afforded a multitude of opportunities later like attending a fabulous university and working in an industry that allowed me to travel worldwide. And the California weather wasn’t terrible either, but too predictable, which is why I love living in the PNW — seasons and change.

mommag.com 13

Quick

questions

for MOM 14 mommag.com

Tea or Coffee?

Dog or Cat?

Hot or Cold?

Ice cream or Chocolate?

Morning or Night?

Bath or Shower?

Sweet or Savory?

(but that took years)

(quicker, I love baths)

Early or Late?

Late‌fashionably of course

Summer or Winter?

Math or English?

Coffee

Morning

Summer

Dog

Shower

English

Warm?

Savory

Hugs or Kisses?

Hugs

Chocolate

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you?

Hard work. Nothing worth having gets handed to you.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I surfed for the first time in Mexico a few summers ago. It just happened to be the day that they had the biggest waves they’d seen in years. Needless to say, I got pummeled over and over again. It was a quick reminder that the ocean’s power is not something to take for granted.

What is something you will NEVER do again?

Never say never…but I may not surf again.

What are three words your best friend would use to describe you?

I had to ask my best friend from college, and here’s what she said: “intelligent, caring and fun.” She and I met in 1989 wearing Gap clothes, neon colors and with big hair.

What are three words your kids would use to describe you?

I had to ask: intelligent, determined and caring.

What is the quality you like most about yourself?

My willingness to be goofy.

What’s your super power?

Endurance If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal?

Folding laundry. My first big job was working for the Gap. It was in the 80s when everything was folded perfectly with tissue paper and folding boards. I was a pro and still fold my family’s clothes like it’s going up into a focal wall.

Q&A

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?

Make something yummy to snack on, pour a glass of wine (if it’s not too early) and watch bad television.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)?

Honestly, I sleep better than I ever have these days. I think I’m just exhausted.

What keeps you sane?

My family. They know me, they make me laugh, they drive me crazy and they love me honestly, which means they call me out when they need to and they cradle me when I need it.

MOM’s

Favorite… …binge-worthy TV or podcast: I still love watching Friends but also love The Bridge, and Fleabag.

…words to live by: My husband taught me, it’s not about the fall (we all stumble and make mistakes), it’s about how you get up. I love that.

…way to get out of making dinner: I’ve always loved having my kids in the kitchen to cook with me, but when I went back to work full time, I started Blue Apron and my kids learned to be great cooks.

What is the best way that you let off steam?

A good work out. I particularly love my Boot Camp class at the Y because it makes me work harder than I would work on my own.

A competitive tennis match does the same — the stress of not knowing how it’s going to go and then the satisfaction of the perfect point is pretty great. You forget about all your other worries.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Definitely retail therapy. COVID-19 makes that impossible which is an interesting exercise, but I really love wandering through shops looking for that perfect something.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Ramona Quimby. I know, it’s weird, but she’s real and fallible and a tomboy and I love that.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?

Sometimes: the snuggles, the bedtime stories (a long time ago), the intense love.

It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. What surprised me the most is how much it would require me to grow…I think I thought I knew everything, but then you have a child and you realize, you know very little.

Some of the simplest questions are the hardest to answer. mommag.com 15

Who has influenced the mother you are today?

My own mother, my grandmothers, my husband and of course, my kids.

What advice would you give your younger mom self - what do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Just breathe, it’s going to be ok. Find patience, learn to laugh at the mistakes, get in the dirt with your kids and immerse yourself in their wonder. I didn’t lose myself enough in those moments.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

Love as honestly as you can. Be real and show your kids your vulnerabilities but be strong enough to also provide them with boundaries. And let them fail and clean up their own messes so they know how to do things for themselves, because one day, they will go off into the world to live their lives and although it’s painful when it happens, it’s what you’ve been working for all these years. And they do come back, don’t worry.

16 mommag.com

“Love as honestly as you can. Be real and show your kids your vulnerabilities but be strong enough to also provide them with boundaries.”

[ Momism #70:

Did you comb your hair?

]

Local Children Need Your Help!

For children without stable housing, access to basic necessities can be tough.

First Place Kids offers zero-barrier preschool so parents can focus on finding stability.

Please Donate These Items • • • • • • • •

New or used clothes (newborn-6T) Hypoallergenic diapers and wipes Arts and craft supplies Simple toys made of wood, metal, or cloth Flat-bed sheets in solid colors Pacifiers Shoes and rain boots (1C-10Y) Organic fruit, eggs, cheese, and vegetables

1995 Amazon Parkway in Eugene

donate online at www.svdp.us mommag.com 17

What’s in my medicine cabinet ave you noticed the over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops area of the grocery store is a bit overwhelming? As an eye doctor, here’s what I have in my medicine cabinet: Short-term, cosmetic redness relief: Lumify. Note that redness relief eye drops are not for allergies, discomfort, or dry eyes.

Allergy/itch: Zaditor, Alaway.

Artificial tears for dry eye* (often the cause of mild redness and discomfort): Systane Ultra, Refresh Optive, or Blink for Contacts.

Contact lens solution: use multipurpose solution for overnight storage. Saline does not have enough cleaning power. Opti-Free Pure Moist is my favorite; avoid generics.

First aid: Saline or eye wash can rinse particles or irritants from the eyes.

18 mommag.com

If you experience flashes, floaters, pain, vision changes, discharge, or double vision, you need individual medical consultation. But for minor issues, OTC products can be of help. *Many drops have preservatives that allow them to sit on the shelf between uses. Artificial Tears is the only one of these that is used more than twice per day. Look for preservative-free Artificial Tears if your total eye drop usage exceeds 8 drops in a day.

Brought to you by:

H

David Hackett, O.D., FCOVD 4765 Village Plaza Loop, Eugene, Oregon (541) 342-3100 lifetimeeyecare.net

[ Momism #58:

Did you clean your room?

]

Moms Take Care of Their Moms (and Dads Too) They’ll need more help soon.

Who can help ME help them?

What’s available? How do I find it?

Downsizing Eugene Can Help

DownsizingEugene.com

Free Consultation Contact Ron Bush — 541-514-1141

Visit us to find out more. eugenenannyservices.com 541-357-3263 eugenenannyservices@gmail.com

ronbush@equinoxrealestate.com

Do you struggle to find a babysitter? Do you miss work because your kids are sick? When was the last time you had a date night? Eugene Nanny Services can help with all of your childcare needs.

mommag.com 19

Summer fun on a

budget T

he summer of 2020 is new territory for all of us, as we learn how to safely live and travel with health restrictions in place. But summer is still on, and as moms we’re great at finding and inventing joy for our kids. It’s been a stressful spring for them, too, so it’s time to find the fun.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite, low-cost ways for you and your crew to get outside.

Here’s to a cheerful, bright summer for all of us.

20 mommag.com

them by hand to those who are more experienced. Take them home in a cooler of water, to later boil, clean and eat. Be sure to check with the state’s fish and wildlife regulations for license requirements and catch limits.

Tip: In addition to sun protection, pack water sandals or old shoes with rubber soles for everyone, which will help protect feet from the rocky bottoms of streams and rivers.

Camping

Picnics

Crawdadding

Kids of all ages will enjoy the thrill of meals around a campfire or looking for fish in nearby streams. Camping is also a superb way to unplug from screen time, which many families have had enough of these days. If campgrounds are open this summer, check your state and county park’s reservation and permit requirements. Different campgrounds have different amenities. Some of them are surprisingly appointed, with showers and small stores.

Many day-use areas throughout the Northwest offer scenic places to set up a family-style picnic. You can get elaborate with many fancy picnic menus on Pinterest to guide you.

Or, pack a few snacks and drinks, and get to-go sub sandwiches. Some families get pizza and call it good; no judgement here.

No matter if you call them crayfish, crawdads, or crawfish, finding and catching these bright red crustaceans can be surprisingly fun. Shallow, freshwater areas are good family spots for this activity, with your best chances in coastal rivers and streams. Bring small and medium-sized nets, as well as buckets for everyone. Crawdads can pinch, so leave catching

Water fun

Berry picking This is a relaxing outing that can yield lots of fresh, local fruit at the end of the day. Go early to avoid the heat and BYOB: bring your own buckets. Note that some U-pick farms are cash only.

Outdoor movie night Assemble the lawn chairs, hang a sheet on the side of the house and roll a family

Small kids are easy to please: get out a sprinkler, and they are delighted to splash the day If campgrounds away. Tweens If campgrounds aren’t open this will want to up aren’t open this summer, pitch the ante, with summer, pitch a a tent in your water balloon tent in your own own backyard. fights and squirt backyard.

The novelty of it guns more likely impresses most their style. For an kids, and it requires zero epic water balloon fight, packing. This memory-makprefill the balloons and put ing experience is great to do them in a kiddie pool of at least once. (Plus, if after a water until they’re ready for few hours you’re ready for launching, as this prevents your real bed, it awaits you premature popping. just a few steps away.)

Tip:

mommag.com 21

favorite movie. Except, uh, how exactly does one Making these monstrous project the movie? If you bubbles doesn’t take much. can afford it, portable Most recipes call for liquid projectors are sold dish soap and water through retailers with either corn such as Target, syrup or glycerin Walmart and Don’t forget added in. Old Amazon. to apply bug tennis or sports Renting is repellent before rackets, with another option: starting the netting removed, call a local party movie. can double as store or audio-visuwands. Or make your al rental business in own with a few dowels and your area. Chill the drinks, cotton rope. butter the popcorn, and enjoy.

Giant bubbles

Tip:

Stargazing

Outdoor games Use rope to create a tic tac toe grid, and get the kids involved in cutting out and decorating Xs and Os. You can use cardboard, painted rocks, old lids, etc. Another fun one is cornhole, with sets available at many retailers or as a DIY project if you have the skills. After dark fun can be had with glow sticks: add some to empty water bottles and make circular rings out of others. Ta da! You have glow-in-dark ring toss.

Grow your garden It’s not too late to start. In June and July, you can still plant bush beans, carrots and broccoli. They’ll be ready for harvest in late summer or early fall. Kids enjoy planting and watching things grow. And they might just be more apt to eat them if they have a hand in growing, tending and harvesting.

22 mommag.com

Summer meteor showers are a sight to behold. You’ll want to get away from city lights to best view them. Looking for constellations is another celestial activity. Use a mobile app such as Star Chart to identify stars, planets and constellations.

Frontline workers for keeping us safe!

With gratitude and appreciation from all of us at

mommag.com 23

Did you know? There are more chickens in the world than people.

SHOULD YOU GET BACKYARD CHICKENS?

24 mommag.com

It’s been the rage to get a few egg-laying chickens in your backyard.

Also consider:

Before you jump on the feathery trend, you’ll want to do some research. For starters, check with your town’s rules, your HOA, city ordinances, etc. Many communities limit the number of chickens, if they are allowed at all; roosters are often considered bird non grata because they crow — and your neighbors might not be so keen on Foghorn Leghorn’s early morning noise.

Space: chickens need room to

roam, and they need to be moved around. If left in one spot, the ground will likely turn hard and bare. Everybody loves chicken... including foxes, raccoons and other predators so you’ll need a secure coop.

Care and feeding: the baby chicks that arrive each year at local farm supply stores sure are cute, but they grow up fast.

Before you know it, you’ll have lovely hens scratching for bugs in your backyard. They’ll still need chicken feed, so factor that in.

Your pets: the family dog

might be too interested in the new arrivals. Some dogs might learn to peacefully coexist while others will never give up the chase. If you want healthy, unstressed birds, it’s best to keep Fido away.

Choose the right breed:

there are hundreds of types of chickens. Older kids will enjoy researching which ones are right for your family. Consider size, egg production, and personalities.

Your kids: are they old

enough to help? Young children will enjoy throwing feed and watching the chickens’ entertaining movements. Older kids can collect eggs, clean the coop, refresh water sources and so on. Make sure everyone is washing their hands properly after caring for and handling live poultry.

Find a chicken mentor:

your neighbor, friend, or helpful farm store worker can help you learn the craft of keeping chickens. You might want to [warning: dad joke ahead] pluck their brains for advice.

mommag.com 25

SCHEDULE YOUR DONATION TODAY. Bloodworksnw.org (800) 398-7888 Download the App

GIVING BLOOD IS GIVING LIFE. 26 mommag.com

@BloodworkNW

Watermelon af ru it

e l b and a vegeta

It’s been debated for years whether watermelons are considered fruit or vegetable.

The complicated yet short answer here is yes to both.

However you want to classify it, this light summer favorite is versatile, going from a sorbet to the charcuterie board, or into a fresh salsa. mommag.com 27

Watermelon

Pickled watermelon rind Wait, you can eat the rind? It’s true. Rinds can be sliced into stir-fry for a delightful crunch or pickled, as in this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS:

3-4 pounds watermelon rind 2

cups apple cider vinegar

1

cup water

¾

cup sugar

⅓

cup candied ginger, minced

1

tablespoon salt

1

teaspoon Aleppo red pepper flakes (possible substitutes: hot paprika or cayenne)

1

teaspoon allspice berries

1ea. star anise pod DIRECTIONS:

Remove all of the watermelon’s green peel, and slice off most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of watermelon flesh. Cut the rind into 1-inch cubes.

Bring the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, ginger, salt and spices to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium 2-quart saucepan. Hold the boil for 60 seconds then carefully add the watermelon.

Return to a boil and turn off the heat.

Move the pickles to a 2-quart jar using a canning funnel and ladle. Pour on as much of the pickling juice as possible. Loosely place the lid on the jar and leave at room temperature until cool.

Once cool, tighten the lid and refrigerate.

Consume within a month. These pickles must be refrigerated.

28 mommag.com

Look, mom, I picked the best one!

Watermelon Berry Popsicles No popsicle molds? No problem: use muffin tins, old yogurt containers or ice cube trays. Skip the added berries if that’s not your thing. These frozen treats hit the spot on a hot afternoon.

INGREDIENTS:

6

cups watermelon

1

cup blueberries

1

cup raspberries

3

tablespoons honey

It seems like everybody has a special trick for picking the ripest watermelon.

Some swear by the old thumping method where you knock on it and listen for a dull, muffled sound. Others feel the firmness level near the blossom end. According to watermelon. org, choosing a good one is as simple as Look, Lift and Turn.

• Look for a firm watermelon with no dents or bruises.

• Lift it: it should have a good heft for its size.

• Turn it over and check for a creamy yellow spot from where it was on the ground.

DIRECTIONS:

Add watermelon, ½ cup of blueberries, ½ cup of raspberries, and honey to a blender. Blend until smooth. Press through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds.

Fill popsicle molds ¾ full with liquid. Add whole blueberries and raspberries to each mold. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely frozen.

Thanks to the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) for these recipes and tips. Visit watermelon.org for more information.

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/mäm/ noun Takes care of her children or other living things that live under her roof. She will do anything for her family. The one person who knows where all of your stuff is. Her love is unconditional.

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