Parks & Travel Personal Growth Art, Books & Music Food, Wine & Recipes Celebrate the Holidays HR & Employment Law Embracing the End of Life
CONTENTS BIG WEEKLY BLEND 5. Editors Block 6. Big Weekly Blend Podcast
EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY 8. Fresh Flavors for Holiday Celebra�ons 13. Holiday Wine & Food Pairings 14. Ganache & December Foodie Fun 15. Gourmet Gi�s at The Peanut Patch
CELEBRATE THE ARTS 16. Songs & Stories 18. Books News & Author Interviews 24. The Art of American Burial Markers 29. A Visit to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
TRAVEL & DESTINATIONS 30. Fall Magic in Grand Teton Na�onal Park 40. US Winter & Holiday Des�na�ons 44. Rail Travel in England
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH 48. Celebra�ng Girls Around the World 50. Reflec�ng On Your Accomplishments 53. Embracing the End of Life 54. Human Resources & Employment Law
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EDITORS BLOCK "In seed �me learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." William Blake This December bumper issue celebrates the holiday season with cooking �ps and recipes, food and wine pairing sugges�ons, music and gi� giving, and fes�ve des�na�ons across America. Other highlights include travel stories that cover England by rail, fall adventures in magical Grand Teton Na�onal Park, a visit to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, the art history of American burial markers, and podcast conversa�ons with acclaimed musicians, composers, and authors. We also shine the spotlight on girl power around the world, personal and professional growth planning for 2024, and the world of HR & employment law. We wish you all a wonderful, safe, and happy holiday season. Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith Big Blend’s mother-daughter publishing, podcas�ng, and travel team.
Front Cover Image: Holiday Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. Photo by Steve & Karen Wilson. Podcast story is part of the Winter & Holiday Des�na�ons Across America feature on Page 40
BIG BLEND MISSION STATEMENT: Big Blend is Photo by based on the belief that education a company Story by on Page 18.weapon that can be is the most formidable waged against fear, ignorance and prejudice. It is our belief that education starts at home and branches outward. Education leads to travel, and travel leads to understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of cultures and customs different to our own, and ultimately to world peace. Our company is further based on the principle that networking, communication, and helping others to promote and market themselves leads to financial stability; thus paving the way to better education, travel, and the spirit of giving back to the community. This magazine is developed by Big Blend Magazine™, copyrighted since 1997. No part of it may be reproduced for any reason, without written permission from Big Blend Magazine. Although every effort is made to be accurate, we cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies or plagiarized copy submitted to us by advertisers or contributors. PAGE 5
Produced by Big Blend Radio, the Big Weekly Blend podcast covers each month and its various holidays and observances, pop culture, and historic happenings. Featuring special guests and interes�ng conversa�ons, as well as a themed music playlist, the show broadcasts every Sunday at 10am PT / 11am MT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET. From food and music to travel and family history, celebrate the month of December and the winter holiday season with musical guest co-hosts Johnny Schaefer (every first Sunday) and Joey Stuckey (every fourth Sunday), and special guests each week that include Chef Ivan Flowers, travel writers Eva Eldridge, Jamie Edwards, Kathleen Walls, Linda Ballou, Jo Clark, Lisa Evans, Diane Dobry, travel advisors Cheryl Ogle, tour guide Glynn Burrows, and pet si�ng specialist Angela Laws.
Follow the Podcast: * BlendRadioandTV.com * YouTube * Spo�fy * Apple * iHeart * Acast * Audible
Listen to our Holiday & Winter Music Playlist: * YouTube * Spo�fy PAGE 6
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By Linda Kissam, Food, Wine & Shopping Diva
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Martinelli's 24 Carrot Gold
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Talking Fresh Flavors for the Holidays, this episode features Linda Kissam, Carey Reilly of Mar�nelli’s Sparkling Cider, and Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Specialty Produce. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
year. Incorporate them in your own holiday tables or think of which of the following would make the impeccable gi� to the hostess or the gourmands on your list.
FUN HOLIDAY DRINK SUGGESTIONS
Try these three affordable nonalcoholic ciders from Mar�nelli’s as an aperi�f, welcome drink, or with the meal. This combina�on also makes a fun “tas�ng” event for guests. Easy to find in a wellstocked market or online. Delicious cocktail recipes can be found on h�ps://www.mar�nellis.com/
Be sure to check out:
If you want to soak in all the joyous ac�vi�es of fall and winter, a great place to start is through food. For many, fall signifies comfort foods, spending �me with loved ones, and finding just the right gi�s to help celebrate the holidays. That means crea�ng a lot of comfy meals, finding just the right baked goods, gi�ing new and tasty items to friends and family, and indulging in fun holiday drinks. Cooking up successful holiday gatherings calls for incorpora�ng everyone's favorite flavors, recipes, and gi�s. From appe�zers to the centerpiece main dish to fresh salads, roasted sides, and delicious desserts holiday cooks can take seasonal gettogethers up a notch by mixing tradi�onal classics with newly found favorites.
Gold Medal non-alcoholic Sparkling Cider: An elegant reminder of what cider was meant to taste like. Pressed from 100% U.S.-grown fresh apples with just the right amount of bubbles and no chemical preserva�ves, it’s a delicious way to celebrate any occasion. Sparkling Blush: Sophis�cated and refreshing. This 100% juice non-alcoholic Sparkling Blush is made from U.S.-grown fresh apples with a hint of cherry juice that’s perfect for holiday foods. Sparkling Apple-Cranberry: Tempt your taste buds with the tartest of Mar�nelli’s sparkling blend items. This Sparkling apple-cranberry blends the finest varie�es of U.S.-grown fresh apples with cranberry juice. No added sweeteners or chemical preserva�ves Con�nued on Next Page…
I’ve listed the ho�est holiday flavor trends for this PAGE 9
Melissa's Tamale Party Package
Melissa's Gourmet Mushrooms
Fresh Flavors Con�nued…
HOLIDAY FLAVOR SETS
Here are some great sugges�ons for gi�ing holiday flavors from Melissa’s this Holiday season. Items are available through the end of December. Melissa's/ World Variety Produce is the na�on's largest specialty produce distributor, delivering to the global market from its warehouse facili�es in Los Angeles. Tamale Kit Party Pack: $39.99: Forty-eight fresh tamales and four choices of chiles for fillings and sauces, Melissa’s ready-to-make Tamale Party Package has everything you need to host your next “Around the World Party,” or large family holiday dinner. Order now and receive (4) Tamale Kits, (1) Ancho Chile package, (1) California Chile package, (1) Guajillo Chile package, and (1) Pasilla Negro Chile package. Crepes & Dessert Sauces: $32.79: No �me for making homemade desserts? Melissa’s ready-toserve crepes can save you hours in the kitchen preparing a�er-dinner indulgences. Pair these Crepes with Melissa’s Dessert Sauces to create the most delicious, mouth-watering crea�ons. Imagine…Crepes filled with fresh strawberries and drizzled with Caramel Sauce! This special assortment includes 2 packages of Melissa’s Crepes (each package contains 10 crepes) and 2 Melissa’s fat-free Dessert Sauces. Packaged in easy-to-use squeeze bo�les, you will receive each of their wonderful Caramel (16.7 ounces) and Raspberry (15.1 ounces) flavors.
Spice Grinders: $29.33: Quan�ty/Pack: 5 bo�les. Melissa’s Spice Grinders are fresh, whole spices that you grind as you need. The freshest flavor comes from whole spices, but who has the �me to grind their own whenever they need a li�le seasoning? Adding flavor is as easy as a quick flick of the wrist with Melissa’s Spice Grinders, available in Tuscan, Spicy Sesame, Everything Spice, Rainbow Peppercorns, and Himalayan Salt. Dried Mushroom Sampler: $43.79: Quan�ty/Pack: 1 package for each variety (3 Ounces total). S�mulate your culinary crea�vity by stocking your pantry with this gourmet dried collec�on of mushrooms from Melissa's. When you have this many varie�es handy, your op�ons are limitless in the kitchen. Melissa's dried mushroom line features a Mushroom Medley blend and for more specific uses, individually packaged Chanterelles, Oysters, Porcini, Shiitake, and Morels.
GIFT BASKETS
Here’s a roundup of my favorite gi�s from Melissa’s Produce to gi� to friends, family, or even yourself! Happy Gi�ing! Organic Family Box Monthly Delivery: Why are monthly subscrip�ons so popular? Because it’s the gi� that keeps on giving! Surprise someone with this gi� of boun�ful fresh and organic produce for a whole year! Each month is a box full of fresh, inseason organic produce to experiment with.
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Melissa's A Dream Come True Basket Grilling Basket: $92.99: There’s nothing like a backyard barbeque year-round. This beau�ful woven basket holds a boun�ful array of freshly picked vegetables, making it easy to incorporate more produce into your outdoor barbeque. Also enclosed is a gourmet grill-wok topper to prevent your veggies from falling into the fire.
Check out Carey Reilly at h�ps://www.careyreilly.com/ and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
A Dream Come True - Wine Gi� Basket: $299.99: Whether you want to say, Happy Holidays to an incredible spouse or friend, or recognize an excep�onal employee or co-worker, this basket is sure to do the trick. Included in this array of fruit, depending on availability you will find exo�cs such as Mango, Papaya, Baby Bananas, Baby Pineapple, Asian Pear, Feijoa, Kiwi, and Kumquats along with local favorites like Grapefruit, Oranges, and Apples. Plus, savory snacks include sausage, crackers, chocolates, assorted nuts, a nutcracker, and a Hope Family bo�le of wine. On the pallet, warming flavors of dark fruit, burnt sugar, and baking spices mingle with a hint of leather. The wine finishes with full-bodied tannins that delicately linger.
You can spend a lot of green making too many drink op�ons. Batch your cocktails in advance and store them in the fridge.
ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY TIPS
On-Air Lifestyle Expert Carey Reilly has some great �ps for the holiday. She is a regular contributor to Fox and Friends, Wpix11, Cheddar, and Today.
Make a list to keep organized during the party planning process. A simple list helps a great deal in preven�ng any overspending.
Roll out postal packaging paper as your table runner. This will give your table a farmhouse-chic look for pennies. It’s also great to script in bold marker directly on the paper the different foods you are serving. Linda Kissam ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’ is a professional travel, food, and wine writer based out of Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, who specializes in easy, breezy des�na�on stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits. Visit www.AllInGoodTaste.info. See Mar�nelli’s Sparkling Winter Sangria Recipe on the Next Page….
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SPARKLING WINTER SANGRIA
Enjoy this fes�ve cocktail recipe from Mar�nelli’s featuring apple brandy, red wine, cinnamon, fresh lemon, Mar�nelli's Sparkling Apple-Cranberry, fresh winter fruit (persimmons, pom seeds, apple slices, cranberries) and rosemary. SINGLE SERVING .75 oz Apple brandy (or calvados) .5 oz Fresh lemon juice .75 oz Spiced simple syrup 2 oz Red wine 4 oz Mar�nelli’s Sparkling AppleCranberry 1 oz Seltzer Prepara�on: Add all liquid ingredients in goblet, add generous amount of ice, s�r and garnish Glassware: Wine goblet Garnish: Rosemary sprig and fresh winter fruit such as pomegranate seeds, persimmons, cranberries, apples
BATCH RECIPE (50 servings)
Apple brandy, red wine, cinnamon, fresh lemon, Mar�nelli's Sparkling Apple-Cranberry, fresh winter fruit (persimmons, pom seeds, apple slices, cranberries) and rosemary.
4.75 cups Apple brandy (or calvados) 3.25 cups Fresh lemon juice 4.75 cups Spiced simple syrup 12.5 cups Red wine (approx four 750 ml bo�les) 25 cups Mar�nelli’s Sparkling Apple-Cranberry (approx eight 750 ml bo�les) 6.25 cups Seltzer (approx 4.25 12-oz cans) Prepara�on: Add all liquid ingredients (except Mar�nelli’s & seltzer) into a large punch bowl. Right before serving, add Mar�nelli’s, seltzer & ice. S�r to make sure all ingredients are incorporated. Add lots of fresh winter fruit and herbs to the bowl. Put more ice into each glass when serving. Serve using a large ladle, and be sure to scoop up fresh fruit & herbs into each serving. Glassware: Wine Goblets or glass punch cups Garnish: Rosemary sprigs, fresh winter fruit, such as pomegranate seeds, persimmons, cranberries, blood orange slices, apple slices Pro Tip: Try freezing your cranberries ahead of �me to help keep your punch cold without over dilu�ng. Please note that this is NOT a subs�tute for ice; it’s in addi�on to. You must have some dilu�on to make a balanced cocktail. For more of Mar�nelli’s holiday cocktail/mocktail recipes, visit: h�ps://www.mar�nellis.com/
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It's all about Holiday Wine & Food Pairings on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast. During the podcast we taste LDV Winery's 2017 R.E.D., a blend that showcases all three of LDV's red grapes with characteris�cs from each grape showing in the finished wine. Limited new oak was used to let the flavors and aromas of the Grenache, Syrah, and Pe�te Sirah to be expressed. And along with the wine term of the month and the vineyard update, hear about Peggy's Goat Cheese Torte Recipe, that's perfect for any holiday gathering. Watch the podcast here in the YouTube player or download it on Acast.
Goat Cheese Torte Instruc�ons Beat the cheese and bu�er un�l well blended and fluffy in a food processor, mixer or by hand. Fill small spring form pan (or any decora�ve bowl) with 1/3 of the cheese mixture followed by ½ of the pesto. Repeat the process. Cover with the last por�on of cheese mixture and spread sun dried tomatoes on top, toasted pine nuts, and basil. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Unmold the spring form pan on a decora�ve plate. Serve at room temperature with sliced bague�es or crackers. Pesto Instruc�ons Toast the pine nuts in a dry sauté pan over medium-low heat. You will know they are done when you start to smell the nuts and they are lightly toasted. Remove from the heat and let cool. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process un�l the pesto is smooth, approximately 1 minute. Perfect Wine Pairing The perfect wine pairing is LDV Winery’s R.E.D., which is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Pe�te Sirah. It is a full-bodied red wine. Or LDV Winery’s Rosé of Grenache or another full-bodied Rosé.
PEGGY’S GOAT CHEESE TORTE RECIPE Serves 4-6. CHEESE INGREDIENTS 8 ounces cream cheese. 8 ounces so� goat cheese. 3 s�cks of bu�er, so�ened. 1 cup of pesto* 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, drained and minced. PESTO INGREDIENTS * You can purchase your favorite pesto or use our simple pesto recipe that follows. 4 cups of fresh basil leaves, firmly packed. 1 cup extra virgin olive oil. 1 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated. 4 large cloves of garlic. ½ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted. 1 teaspoon salt.
For more of Peggy's Holiday Wine Pairing Tips, see: * Wine & Chocolate: h�ps://�nyurl.com/35vubjpv * Wine & Charcuterie: h�ps://�nyurl.com/ ms6pkaeu Featuring Peggy Fiandaca, who along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham owns and operates LDV Winery in Arizona, "Wine Time with Peggy" airs every 1st Wednesday. Follow the podcast here: h�ps://�nyurl.com/3zynb7e6 Learn more about LDV Winery at h�ps://ldvwinery.com/ PAGE13
GANACHE & DECEMBER FOODIE HOLIDAYS This episode of Big Blend Radio features Ivan Flowers, 5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor, who shares how to make his recipe for Ganache Dipped Baby Pears as featured below, and also provides cooking �ps that relate to the various December foodie holidays. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
simmering. Once it is simmering, pour over chocolate. Let sit a few minutes then slowly s�r un�l smooth. Use immediately to dip fruit, etc. Place dipped fruit on a parchment lined baking sheet and let set. For truffles, ra�o is 8 ounces chocolate to 2/3 cup of cream. Have fun and dip pretzels, bacon, dried fruit, chips, etc.
BABY PEARS DIPPED IN GANACHE Heavy Cream Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips To make, use heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a 1:1 ra�o. If you want more, increase amounts, or decrease for less. Put semisweet chips in a heat proof glass bowl. Heat cream over medium-low heat un�l just PAGE14
TASTY TREATS & GOURMET GIFTS AT THE PEANUT PATCH
including salsas, relishes, jams, syrups, preserves, olives, and more. They’re known for their homemade fudge, and for crea�ng custom and themed gi� baskets and gi� �ns.
It's all about Holiday Shopping and Gourmet Gi�s on this episode of Big Blend Radio with Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
If you’re in Yuma, which is home to the lower Colorado River and the Yuma Crossing Na�onal Heritage Area, be sure to stop by The Peanut Patch to shop for some local Arizona gi�s and treats and take one of their free tours that happen at 10am in the months of January and February. Along with peanut fun facts, these tours showcase Yuma’s history of peanut farming and how peanuts grow. Plus, you can see how they make their homemade peanut bri�le and enjoy a free fudge tas�ng at the end!
Open from October-April, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradi�on where folks gather to buy nuts and peanuts, homemade peanut bri�le and peanut bu�er, fine chocolates and confec�ons, snacks and candies, dried fruit and dates, and gourmet gi�s
The Peanut Patch is located at 4322 E. County 13th Street Yuma, Arizona 85365. For more informa�on call (928) 726-6292 or (800) USA-PNUT. If you can’t visit the store during their open season, you can shop online year-round for all kinds of gi�s and delicious goodies at www.ThePeanutPatch.com
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Music News & Insider Interviews
This episode of Big Blend Radio features NYC mul�instrumentalist and songwriter Marlon Cherry who talks about his music career and innova�ve solo album "Fever Dreaming In Lo-Fi”. This collec�on of music is an eclec�c mix of styles, ranging from Rock, Dream Pop, Jazz, Experimental, World Beat, and even a splash of A Cappella R & B. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast. Marlon handles all of the instruments and vocals on the bulk of the pieces, with some wonderful guest contribu�ons from Terre Roche (The Roches),
Susan Hwang, Paul Brantley, Chris�na Schneider, and poet/actress, Sophie Malleret. The project was co-produced by Marlon and Zach Phillips (Fievel Is Glauque), who also engineered the recording. Marlon has worked and con�nues to work with a wide range of ar�sts including Stew & The Negro Problem (Tony Award winners for Passing Strange), Stew’s current side project, Baba Bibi, Syd Straw, actress/songwriter, Eszter Balint, Chris Cochrane (Marc Ribot, Zeena Parkins), and Terre Roche (solo and as part of the trio, Afro-Jersey with Sidiki Conde), among others. More: h�ps://�nyurl.com/45wtkwuh
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Traveling musician and composer Ben Cosgrove returns to Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the Na�onal Parks Arts Founda�on (NPAF) to talk about his recent travels, ar�st residency experiences, and beau�ful new album "Bearings." Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast. Cosgrove’s new album "Bearings" represents the latest chapter in a career that to date has included solo performances in 49 states (all but Delaware), as well as ar�st residencies and collabora�ons with
This episode of Big Blend Radio features acclaimed bassist Allen Whitman, who discusses his new soundtrack/ambient album “Monogatari No Fukei" that incorporates acous�c guitar-driven sonic environments with samples and synth that forwards a pace matching its �tle: ”Landscape Of Stories." The movement, using field recordings made on a recent visit to Japan, is compelling, occasionally contempla�ve, and o�en propulsive. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast. Allen Whitman is the former bassist with legendary virtuoso guitarist Joe Satriani and co-founder of the
Acadia, Isle Royale, Glacier, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Na�onal Parks (NPAF), White Mountain Na�onal Forest, the Schmidt Ocean Ins�tute, the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Chulengo Expedi�ons, the New England Na�onal Scenic Trail, and NASA. To write the new record, Cosgrove relied on a novel and improvisa�on-focused composi�on style that aimed to reflect the real experience of learning topographical space through movement. More: h�ps://www.bencosgrove.com/
San Francisco-based influen�al instrumental surfrock trio The Mermen. He also credits live performance and musical collabora�on with, among many others, the likes of Helios Creed, Tiny Tim, The Sandals, The Ink Spots, Nels Cline, Mike Keneally, Carmine Appice, Dorothy Moskowitz, DJ Quest, Sammy Hagar, Tony Macalpine, Dweezil Zappa, Steve Lukather, Steve Vai, Steve Morse, and John Petrucci. He has also worked extensively in live music for theater, par�cularly with Californiabased Theatre of Yugen for live performance in a modern Noh style in San Francisco, New York City, Tokyo and Aus�n. More: h�ps://�nyurl.com/56cc762n
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A Blend of Good Winter Reads from Memoirs & Coming-of-Age Stories to Travel Tales, Medical Mystery, Family, Love & Faith, Children’s Books and Young Adult Fantasy, and more…
A�er an agonizing climb to earn his pathology specialty from Harvard Medical, early discoveries in the microscopic realms threaten not only Dr. Randall Archer’s hard-won place in the field of medicine, but his very life. This episode of Big Blend Radio features author Audrey Gale who discusses her latest work, "The Human Trial," that merges three genres: historical fic�on, medical thriller, and coming-of-age story, cast with imperfect, relatable characters.
Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast. More: h�p://audreygaleauthor.com/.
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This episode of Big Blend Radio features acclaimed author Kathryn K. Abdul-Baki who discusses her compelling new memoir “Dancing Into the Light: An Arab-American Girlhood in the Middle East,” that shares her mul�-cultural coming-of-age story of belonging to two vastly different cultures, finding her place within both, and the search to find the inherent harmony in worlds at odds with each other.
Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
On this episode of Big Blend Radio writer and podcaster Chrissy Holm discusses her inspira�onal coming-of-age memoir, “Finding Sunlight: A Coming-of-Age Memoir About Love Within the Wreckage of Purity Culture.” The book separates purity culture, LGBTQ religious trauma, and a patriarchal father-daughter rela�onship from all the possibili�es of meaningful love.
Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
More: www.KathrynAbdulbaki.com.
More: www.chrissyholm.com.
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Con�nued on Next Page…
This episode of Big Blend Radio features author Glenn Hileman. Based on a remarkable true story, his novel “A Yellow House in the Mountains” (March 2024) honors the lives of his parents, Lyle and Marylin, who were lost to Colorado’s East Troublesome Fire, by showcasing the love, faith and determina�on which guided them through difficult �mes.
Watch here in the YouTube player or download it on Acast. More: h�ps://yellowhouseinthemountains.com/
Books Con�nued…
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Nature Connec�on” show features authors Meghan Elizabeth Kallman and Josephine Ferorelli who discuss their book, “The Conceivable Future: Planning Families and Taking Ac�on in the Age of Climate Change.” This book offers fresh, �mely answers to ques�ons such as: How do I decide to have a baby when there's the threat of environmental collapse?
Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast. More: h�ps://www.conceivablefuture.org/
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This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connec�on" Show features authors Rob Long and Andrew Dolberg who discuss their new book "The Great Weather Diviner: The Untold Origin of Punxsutawney Phil.” It’s a thrilling and young adult fantasy adventure that features an intrepid groundhog and his friends in search for a way to save his community.
Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
This episode of Big Blend Radio features author and entrepreneur Marc Joseph, co-founder of the resource site BabyBoomer.org, and author of the children’s book, “I Don’t Want to Turn 3” which explores what goes through a toddler’s mind that parents are so desperate to understand. It is based on the true experiences he has had with his 6 grandchildren that were born 2 each to his 3 Millennial daughters.
Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
More: h�ps://greatweatherdiviner.com/
More: h�ps://grampsjeffrey.com/
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Con�nued on Next Page…
Books Con�nued… On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou," Linda talks about the �me when she met and interviewed Suzanne “Bobo” Bollins who lived at notorious Taylor Camp (1969-1977) in Kauai, where young people fleeing the Vietnam War and materialism of the mainland were living out the ul�mate hippie fantasies, seemed a good prospect.
Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast. More: h�ps://lostangeladventures.com/
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A Short History of Place, Materials, Style & Meaning By Victoria Chick
Grave of George Taylor, signer of the Declara�on of Independence, in Easton PA PAGE 24
Revolu�onary War Soldier's Grave in Bayou Rapides Cemetery in Central Louisiana One of the things I am grateful for are people who kept historical records and wri�en journals that allow people like me to have our ques�ons answered about the past. There were ques�ons about grave markers and cemeteries that were recently answered for me thanks to the Atlas Preserva�on Company in Connec�cut.
Victoria Chick on Big Blend Radio: Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
Of course, burial has long been the most common way of disposing of bodies and, beginning historically, with the most important people in each era, some surface reminders of who was buried were constructed or placed on the site. The most durable materials available were generally chosen for markers, but the technology available to move, inscribe, or polish those materials also played a big role in the stylis�c development of burial markers. This ar�cle will be limited to the United States from Colonial �mes. In the early 1600s, there were no cemeteries, so family and friends buried the deceased as deeply as possible given the rockiness of the ground or if the ground was frozen or not. Some�mes mounding rocks over the body had to be done. This was seen even during westward expansion in the 1800s to the early 1930s in rocky desert areas. Possibly a crude carving of ini�als on a na�ve rock would mark the name of the person buried in the first years of the 1600s.
to the American colonies from Europe. However, the display of their skills was s�ll limited by whatever stone material was found in the area. The primary stones used were so�, like sandstone or slate, and could be found or cut in a rectangular shape called a tablet and usually designed with a curved top. Installed ver�cally, about 1/3 of the length would be underground to maintain stability. The decora�on was limited to low relief styliza�on of symbols such as angel faces, wings, praying hands, or o�en with a symbolic death’s head. The deceased’s name, with birth and death dates, was inscribed, usually along with a statement or poem about their life and rela�onships.
By the mid-1600s skilled stone workers immigrated PAGE 25
Con�nued on Next Page…
Markers Con�nued…
First Resident in the Historic Cemetery in Easton, Pennsylvania
We think of colonists as being dour, but many inscrip�ons point to a rude sense of humor. Stone carving was not a full-�me endeavor because the popula�on was s�ll small, but by the late 1600s in Boston, and probably New York, the popula�on (hence the death rate) was able to support several full-�me stone carvers. With the high-quality slate in the Boston area, a gravestone industry grew that shipped grave markers to towns along the Atlan�c coast.
going to the country to have a picnic at a lovely cemetery gravesite was a pleasant family excursion.
The tablet style persisted, though several more types of stone began to be used; schist, soapstone, sandstone, and its variety, termed brownstone, were easy to carve and have lasted well with minor eroding of inscrip�ons and designs. By the 1800s churchyards had become crowded with burials. Vacant areas in towns, used for burial without a permit, were considered health hazards because of vagrants and grave robbers. A movement began to build planned cemeteries in rural areas near towns. These were pla�ed out with roads, and landscaped with trees, and some had water features such as lakes or fountains. A caretaker was usually hired to maintain the grounds and o�en lived within the cemetery. Lots were sold so that families could be buried in the same area. Ownership of property in a cemetery led to purchasing many lots so an edifice tomb or giant monument could mark a burial site.
New techniques and tools for stone cu�ng and pu�ng designs on stone, cas�ng bronze and zinc sculpture, and finding more quarry sources made prices come down so that large cemetery monuments were no longer limited to the very rich. Rail access made delivery of any size monument possible at a reasonable cost within a rela�vely short �me.
City parks were a rarity un�l the late 1800s, so
In the late 1800s, two things happened to make the use of Monumental Grave Markers a phenomenon of the �me. One was the Industrial Revolu�on that increased the produc�on of metal and the other was the prolifera�on of railroads and track connec�ons not only to great ci�es but to small towns as well.
Monuments might be embellished with profiles of the deceased in cameo style. Granite and white marble became the preferred hardstone used for markers. Hard stones like granite and marble allowed for more sculptural carving with many larger monuments displaying complete threedimensional figures. Large, precisely cut stone blocks were topped with progressively smaller stone blocks and surmounted with a cross, urn, or angels. Urns, some�mes carved with a cloth draped par�ally over it, were symbolic containers of the soul.
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Mount Holly Cemetery in Li�le Rock, Arkansas Archeology finds during the 1800s, and increased travel influenced the shape and carved symbols to include elements of Classical Greek and Roman architecture such as leafy vines and graceful symmetrical drapery as seen on grave monuments beginning in the mid-late 1800s. Obelisk shapes from Egypt were adopted in America for grave markers and implied rebirth. Metal sculpture became more common a�er the Civil War when sculptures of generals and heroes were commissioned. The Monumental Bronze Company and subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada produced the most commonly found items using a unique methodology that included a sandblasted finish to imitate the mat appearance of stone. Marketed as superior to stone in terms of durability, their products were referred to as "white bronze." They included thousands of markers, custom-made effigies of the dead, off-the-shelf statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, and enormous Civil War memorials of granite block bases crowned by cast metal statues of soldiers. Some 20th-century cas�ng companies sold zinc statues of soldiers and firemen painted in imita�on of bronze to veterans' groups and municipal governments. A naturalis�cally painted or bronzed stag, which could be encircled by tombstones of members of the Benevolent Order of Elks was sold
to many Elks chapters. Cast-iron fountains with classicizing zinc statues were occasionally placed in cemeteries, originally painted light colors in imita�on of stone. By the early 20th century, even as produc�on by other companies waned, the Daprato Statuary Company in Chicago introduced copper-plated zinc Crucifixion Groups for Roman Catholic cemeteries. The most common damage to zinc cemetery monuments is breakage of the bri�le metal and separa�on at seams where components were joined at the foundry. At the beginning of the 20th century, photographic portraits began appearing on gravestones. These were porcelain plaques with a photographic image transferred to them and fired. Over the years the process has improved to be weather and fade resistant. Seeing a photograph in an oval frame on the gravestone can be rather startling the first �me encountered. In some cases, a formal photograph of the deceased’s family with the deceased in its coffin was taken at the burial site, and the photo was placed on the gravestone. This prac�ce seems to have been most common when it was a child that died. The process was patented in 1854 when two French photographers, Bulot and Ca�n, developed a way to adhere a photographic image to porcelain or enamel by firing it in a kiln. The original ceramic pictures were done in black and white and then
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W.O. Wolfe angel at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, NC. Markers Con�nued
Freeman's res�ng place in the American Cemetery in Natchitoches
mounted on gravestones. The process caught on throughout Eastern and Southern Europe, and La�n America. It was first used in the United States by Jewish and Italian immigrants who were already familiar with it.
Century.and today, grave markers and monuments serve to bind genera�ons together and to let all of us glimpse at the importance a�ached to each abbreviated life.
By the turn of the century, this type of personaliza�on was becoming very popular and available around the world. The 1929 Montgomery Ward & Company Monuments catalog sold ceramic pictures for gravestones and described them as eternal portraits that “endow the res�ng place of the dead with a living personality.”
Victoria Chick is the founder of the Cow Trail Art Studio in southwest New Mexico. She received a B.A. in Art from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and was awarded an M.F.A. in Pain�ng from Kent State University in Ohio. Visit her website at h�ps://victoriachick.com/
Catalog sales of personalized grave markers were undertaken (no pun intended) by the Sears Company in its Fall 1900 Catalogue. Simple, twopiece marble markers up to 3 piece pillar monuments could be ordered and inscribed for an extra 2-6 cents per inscribed le�er. Sears con�nued selling cemetery monuments by catalog through 1949. Memorializing the death of a family member or friend is universal whether in the mind or with a stone. During colonial �mes, the early years of the United States, the late 1800s, into the 20th PAGE 28
Thomas Wolfe grave at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, NC.
A VISIT TO DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN Recorded onsite, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Southwest Ar�st Ted DeGrazia" podcast features Lance Laber, Execu�ve Director of DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
Hear about holiday gi�s, the current Ted DeGrazia exhibits on display un�l Jan. 24, 2024 ,including “DeGrazia’s Beggars”, “Scenes from the Revolu�on," and "DeGrazia in Black and White," plus, about the visi�ng ar�sts in the Li�le Gallery, and the annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe (make plans to experience it in 2024!). DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona. Opened in 1965, it is home to over 15,000 originals of Ted DeGrazia art pieces including oil pain�ngs, watercolors, ceramics and sculptures. There are six permanent collec�ons on display and several rota�ng exhibi�ons each year. More: h�p://www.degrazia.org/
Follow Big Blend Radio’s "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" podcast here: h�ps://shows.acast.com/ar�st-ted-degrazia PAGE 29
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Antler arch at Town Square When I think of mountains, the Tetons immediately come to mind. The jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise abruptly from the Jackson Hole Valley in northwest Wyoming, crea�ng awe-inducing views. And Grand Teton, the namesake peak, towers high above at 13,775 feet tall like a formidable sen�nel in the sky, while others in the chain top 12,000 feet. Created and sculpted by geologic forces, these mountains are a thing of wonder and I never �re of marveling at their presence.
Debbie Stone on Big Blend Radio: Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
Though I’d been to the Tetons in summer and once in winter, I had yet to discover the allure of this des�na�on in fall. A�er my recent visit, I can now a�est that autumn is my favorite season here. The aspens with their white bark and bright yellow leaves set against the blue sky paints the most breathtaking and enchan�ng scene. The temps are s�ll mostly mild, yet there’s a crisp quality to the air in the mornings and evenings that reminds you that summer is over.
Though Grand Teton formally became a na�onal park in 1929, it encompassed only half of its present size. It wasn’t un�l 1950 that President Truman signed the law comple�ng the park’s expanse as it stands today.
Most people aren’t aware that the birth of presentday Grand Teton Na�onal Park involved much controversy and a struggle that lasted several decades, nearly derailing its establishment. By contrast, nearby Yellowstone NP took only two years from idea to reality.
It's easy to understand why so many people visit world-renowned Grand Teton Na�onal Park, one of the most popular in the country. Comprising 310,000 acres, this wonderland not only boasts magnificent mountains but also pris�ne lakes, an Con�nued on Next Page…
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Take the boat across Jenny Lake
Grand Tetons Con�nued…
Enjoying the landscape sans crowds is always my goal, so I get an early start to ensure that I have these special moments mostly to myself.
abundance of wilderness to explore, and a wide array of wildlife. And then there’s the wild and scenic Snake River that runs through the valley floor, serving as a main artery in the park. The closest town to the park is Jackson Hole, which is about twenty minutes away from the Moose Entrance in the southern part of Grand Teton. For a good intro to all that the park offers, head to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center located just inside this entrance. Here you’ll find exhibits and films detailing the park’s history, people, preserva�on, wildlife, mountaineering, and more. You can also get maps, trip planning info, backcountry or boa�ng permits, and find out about ranger programs, any road closures, and other per�nent informa�on. Note that while the park is open year-round, some roads, most visitor facili�es, and all campgrounds are limited or closed from November through April. Grand Teton offers some of the best hiking in the country, with over 250 miles of trails to choose from. One of my favorites is Inspira�on Point, located in the Jenny Lake area. You can take a shu�le boat across the lake to the mouth of Cascade Canyon, then hike up to the Point if you’re short on �me. Otherwise, you can take the path around part of the lake and connect with the trailhead. I personally like to do the la�er op�on one way, then return via the boat. Once you reach Inspira�on Point, take in the spectacular vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, and yes, you will be inspired! On the way down, take a short spur trail to Hidden Falls for a view of this thundering, 200-foot cascade.
When you’re done, opt to do the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, a one-way route that connects with the Teton Park Road. You’ll get nice views of the lake from different junctures and can stop in at Jenny Lake Lodge for a look-see or a bite to eat. Another hike I like is the Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake loop, which visits two lovely lakes surrounded by glacial moraines. As this is another well-known trail, I recommend doing it first thing in the day to avoid the masses – and to get parking! There’s nothing worse than planning to do a hike and then not finding a space to park. Towards the north end of the park, you’ll find the Colter Bay, Jackson Lake, and Signal Mountain areas, each with its own set of trails leading to more glorious highlights. Check out the Lakeshore Trail along the Colter Bay shoreline with views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons. Or do an easy loop for access to Heron Pond and Swan Lake. Ascend Signal Mountain on a moderately challenging hike for more peak panoramas. Hike smart no ma�er where you are in the park as you may encounter wildlife at any �me. The park is home to elk, bison, wolves, fox, moose, deer, and countless other creatures. Always respect your distance and don’t approach them under any circumstances. Injuries occur when people try to get too close, which can threaten the animals and cause them to react. Although this all seems to go without saying, it s�ll confounds me when I see
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Na�onal Museum of Wildlife Art sculpture trail people encroaching on a creature’s personal space to get that perfect pic or selfie. Some of the most popular trails pass through both grizzly and black bear habitats, so be alert, make noise, carry bear spray-know how to use it, and hike with a companion when possible. If you happen to meet a bear, don’t run. Back away slowly unless it charges you (rare), in which case stand your ground and use bear spray. I’ve never had to discharge bear spray, as during my few chance encounters with bears over the years, I retreated, and the bear never followed me. But I definitely know how to use it if necessary. For more breathtaking views, geological features, historical sites, and of course wildlife, drive the 42mile scenic loop through the park. There are numerous pullouts with notable spots including Jackson Lake Overlook, Signal Mountain Summit, Willow Flats Overlook, Oxbow Bend Turnout, Snake River Overlook, Potholes, Cathedral Group Overlook, and Elk Ranch Flats Turnout, where herds of bison can o�en be seen roaming the valley.
Row, with its picturesque, iconic barns and homesteads constructed by Mormon se�lers in the 1890s. Museum-goers and art aficionados will want to put the Na�onal Museum of Wildlife Art on their list. Built into a hillside overlooking the Na�onal Elk Refuge, just two miles from the gateway to the park, this top a�rac�on holds more than 5,000 artworks represen�ng wild animals from around the world. The permanent collec�on chronicles much of the history of wildlife in art from 2500 B.C.E. to the present. Pain�ngs and sculptures by such prominent ar�sts as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and John James Audubon are on display.
As for historical sites, there’s Cunningham Cabin, the oldest dwelling in Jackson Hole circa 1881; Bill Menor’s homestead in the Menors Ferry District; the Chapel of the Transfigura�on, a house of worship built in 1925 so se�lers wouldn’t have to travel to Jackson for church services; and Mormon PAGE 33
Con�nued on Next Page… Bear alert! Photo courtesy Four Seasons Resort
Riding the Cowboy Coaster at Snow King Mountain - photo courtesy of Snow King Mountain Grand Tetons Con�nued… Nestled at the base of Snow King Mountain, Snow King Resort is the town’s largest resort with 203 rooms. And less than a mile from Jackson Hole’s Town Square, it’s convenient to shops and restaurants. The property offers an authen�c, yet modern, Western lodging experience, featuring an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, fitness center, restaurant, and full-service spa. It’s the only resort in town where you can walk or ski directly to the base of the mountain and catch the chair li� or new gondola to the top. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the design is contemporary, with a combina�on of warm tones and cool colors, wood finishes, and whimsical artwork. With its casual vibes, you’ll feel right at home here. I found the staff to be welcoming and always willing to assist with a smile on their faces. As I am a spa girl, I headed to the recently opened Grand View Spa for a bit of pampering, which I always appreciate a�er a day of hiking. The 9,000square-foot facility boasts six treatment rooms, rain showers, eucalyptus steam rooms, infrared sauna, hot tubs, and the state’s first-ever halotherapy salt lounge. This is a place of relaxa�on and rejuvena�on, with an array of signature treatments inspired by the region’s natural fauna and flora.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the Grand View Massage, which combines aromatherapy, Swedish, and other therapeu�c techniques, and focuses on your areas of tension and stress. It was an hour of pure mountain bliss, as I was able to relax and unwind with the help of my therapist’s magic hands. I also spent �me in the halotherapy salt lounge. If you’ve never been in one of these, you’re in for a treat. Halotherapy, or salt therapy, uses a halogenerator to vaporize pure salt into the air so you can breathe it deeply into your lungs. When these vapors are inhaled, they help to boost your immune system, combat stress, and alleviate the high amounts of pollutants and bacteria we are exposed to on a daily basis. Being in the spa’s halotherapy lounge for twenty minutes cleaned out my sinuses like a Ne� Pot does without the water. When hunger strikes, head to Hayden’s Post, the resort’s restaurant. You’ll dine in a handsome, rus�c-style room with breathtaking mountain views outside the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The place evokes the Wild West with its pine beams, massive stone wall, elk antler chandeliers, and railroad �e-like par��ons accented with straps of various styles of Western leather belts. A large, double, indoor/outdoor fireplace creates a cozy ambiance.
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Hayden's Post at Snow King Resort As for the gastropub fare, there are fresh salads and hearty burgers, flatbreads, and a selec�on of seafood, wild game, and other carnivore-loving entrees. Accompany your meal with a hand-cra�ed cocktail, local cra� beer, or a glass of wine. Opt to dine alfresco on the outdoor pa�o facing Snow King Mountain. Time it right when the sun starts to set for an Instagrammable-worthy pic. Outside the museum is an outdoor sculpture trail, where you’ll experience larger-than-life works and some of the best views in Jackson. Light and the seasons play on the pieces, providing an everchanging perspec�ve on art in nature. Accommoda�ons abound throughout the park with op�ons that include lodges, cabins, and even a dude ranch, plus numerous camping sites. Reserva�ons are necessary for all. In and around Jackson Hole there are hotels, motels, lodges, inns, and B&Bs, ranging from rus�c abodes to five-star luxury resorts. Homebase for the first part of my stay was in town at the family-friendly Snow King Resort. When it comes to ac�vi�es, Snow King Resort is a recrea�onal playground for all ages. Having Snow King Mountain next door is a big plus, as you can
do everything from ziplining (North America’s steepest!) and pu�-pu� golf to riding the thrilling Cowboy Coaster (if you have a need for speed this is for you!) and alpine slide. For impressive views, take the scenic gondola to the top of the mountain, where a new restaurant, observatory, and planetarium are in stages of construc�on. Wherever you stay in town, make sure to spend some �me strolling around Town Square with its famed elk antler arches on each corner. Peruse the eclec�c bou�ques and art galleries, and dine at one of the many cafes, bistros, and restaurants for great grub. Then belly up to the bar at The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where you can sip a cold one astride a saddled seat. Yee-haw! During the second half of my trip, I moved over to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Teton Village. The Village surrounds the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and is a very scenic and popular four-season recrea�on area. It’s also easily accessible to the park and to the town of Jackson Hole. Here you’ll find hotels, lodges and condos, several restaurants and watering holes, spas, and more. Con�nued on Next Page….
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Grand Tetons Con�nued… Having never stayed in a Four Seasons property, I was excited at the prospect of experiencing its unparalleled Forbes Five-Star AAA Five-Diamond service. And I was not disappointed! The personal a�en�on that each guest receives from every staff member is notable. It starts even before you arrive, as the resort’s concierge reaches out to contact you about your stay. Then upon arrival, the contact con�nues throughout your �me at the property. There is a conscien�ous effort made to ensure that your stay is memorable from start to finish. And no detail is le� undone. The 155-room property, which includes its residen�al units, is designed in a mountain style with wood, stone, leather, earth tones, and Na�ve American mo�fs. Guest rooms are spacious and come with furnished private balconies and fireplaces, a comfortable sea�ng area, and views of either Jackson Hole Valley, the hotel courtyard, or the Grand Teton mountains. And the beds are heavenly! You’ll find the resort to be amenity-rich with facili�es that include a full-service spa (more on that later), a swimming pool, hot tubs, a fitness room, three restaurants, 8,000 square feet of mee�ng space, and even a Kid’s Club. The concierge
Easy to find a cozy space at the Four Seasons team is always available to organize on and off-site recrea�on adventures from hiking and mountain biking to fishing, horseback riding, ra�ing, and more. And skiers are in their element here with the mountain steps away. Among the many curated experiences that the Four Seasons offers is a half-day trip with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris. This memorable adventure gives you the opportunity to explore and learn about the park with a professional naturalist guide while searching for wildlife. Each safari can be customized to your areas of interest. For most visitors, the wildlife in Grand Teton is a magnet that draws them to the park. On a safari, you have an experienced guide who is well-versed in animal behavior and habitat and knows all the fortuitous loca�ons. Once he/she spots the animals, you’ll get �me to observe them with the assistance of high-powered op�cs. If the creatures are further away, these tools are especially helpful in giving you a more up close and personal view. When searching for wildlife, it’s important to understand the animals don’t appear just because you’re looking for them. It takes work and pa�ence to carefully scru�nize the landscape and some�mes
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Hot tub and cold plunge pool in the spa at the Four Seasons
I spy a mama moose and her calf all you might see is a flee�ng glimpse of an antler or fur. But then you round the corner and there’s an elk peacefully grazing or a bull moose chomping at some willows. During my safari, we were rewarded with sigh�ngs of moose, elk, bison, and pronghorn, some nearby and others in the distance. I considered this quite a successful venture. Plus, we had the added boon of striking views, fascina�ng commentary, and discussion about everything from the geological aspects of the park to its rich anthropological history. At the end of a day of ac�vi�es, I headed to the spa to soak in the hot tub. The environment oozed tranquility and the whirlpool worked its magic on my �red muscles. Though I was very content to stay in the warm water, I kept looking at the cold tub nearby. Feeling brave, I took a nanosecond plunge into the icy milieu, let out a loud gasp, then quickly returned to the hot tub. Having done hot and cold therapy previously, I know that it offers a variety of health benefits from improved cardiovascular func�on to elevated mood. And it really does help awaken your senses! As for treatments, the spa cra�s its therapies to “harness the powerful natural resources of the area” and uses indigenous flora known for its healing proper�es. Such treatments include the Wildcra�ed Facial, Turquoise Sage Body Ritual, and Alpine Glow Body Wrap.
Relax and rejuvenate in the Grand View Spa at Snow King Resort, courtesy photo The Wildcra�ed Facial was exactly what I needed, as my skin was dry and desperately craved a�en�on. This treatment exfoliates, detoxifies, brightens, and infuses the skin with deep hydra�on. Among the lo�ons and po�ons used are hand-cul�vated wild arnica, chamomile, calendula, sage, and something called Bakuchiol, a natural re�nol, to s�mulate collagen. A divine rose quartz facial massage is included. My skin glowed and felt velvety so� at the end of this heavenly experience. Dinner at the hotel’s Westbank Grill was another treat. The beau�ful dining room is cozy, yet elegant, with drama�c views of the mountain. You’ll have top-notch service, and the food is splendid – crea�ve, seasonal, flavorful – giving your taste buds a journey to remember. Opt for the enhanced bread service, where you can accompany your warm bread with Wagyu or Foie Gras bu�er, or a cashew and thyme spread. Start with the oysters of octopus and calamari. Or go big with the Grand Tower, a seafood lover’s nirvana. There are several salads to choose from including a deligh�ul Spring Salad with white asparagus and grilled ar�chokes tossed in a strawberry rhubarb vinaigre�e. And the smoked salmon chowder is a must for chowder lovers. Cont’ on Next Page…
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Four Seasons Resort, courtesy photo
Grand Tetons Con�nued… Entrees primarily feature seafood and steaks and chops that you can accompany with different sides. I had the charred Ahi Tuna and Diver Scallops with Idaho sweet corn and kale. I savored each bite of this amazing meld of flavors and textures. My husband had the chicken with a porcini chicken cream sauce, which he devoured.
Prepare to be wowed by the food at the Four Seasons!
We ended our meal with the Cowboy Cookie, a large chocolate chip cookie baked in a small castiron skillet and topped with vanilla ice cream – a melt-in-your-mouth, gooey dessert. Then we waddled out and proceeded to walk around the hotel, admiring the museum-quality art collec�on in this handsome property.
PLAN YOUR VISIT:
www.nps.gov/grte www.snowking.com www.fourseasons.com/jacksonhole Debbie Stone is an established travel writer and columnist, who crosses the globe in search of unique des�na�ons and experiences to share with her readers and listeners. She’s an avid explorer who welcomes new opportuni�es to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places, culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness, and more. Her travels have taken her to nearly 100 countries spanning all seven con�nents, and her stories appear in numerous print and digital publica�ons. PAGE 38
Big Blend Radio Conversa�ons covering the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of North Carolina to Northwest Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma & Central California
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Frozen Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah Na�onal Forest
ADVENTURES IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA From frozen waterfalls in Pisgah Na�onal Forest to fes�ve fun on the Holly Jolly Grayline Trolley Christmas Tour, the magical decor at The Biltmore Estate, and colorful holiday lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show focuses on Winter Adventures and Holiday Fun in Asheville, North Carolina. Featured guests are Steve & Karen Wilson, owners and innkeepers of The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a grand pink lady located in the heart of the Mon�ord Historic District. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
Learn more about The Lion & The Rose B&B at h�ps://www.lion-rose.com/ and follow Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show that airs every 1st Tuesday at h�p://�nyurl.com/3ewrb9b4 Con�nued on Next Page… PAGE 41
The Biltmore is a “must visit” in Asheville, N.C.
Enjoy the Holiday Lights in Natchitoches, Louisiana
HOLIDAYS ON THE HISTORIC JEFFERSON HIGHWAY Winter Des�na�ons Con�nued… It’s all about Holiday Celebra�ons, Shopping, and Fes�ve Fun on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jefferson Highway” Show featuring Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Associa�on, and Lacy Burson, Mainstreet Director of Marshall, Texas. Founded in 1915, this interna�onal highway that’s also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway,” runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast. Learn more about the Jefferson Highway at h�ps://jeffersonhighway.org/ and follow Big Blend Radio’s 4th Thursday Jefferson Highway podcast at h�ps://�nyurl.com/yc2ur6mr
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Historic Courthouse in Marshall, Texas
Sun and Snow in California's Sequoia Country
DISCOVER CALIFORNIA’S SEQUOIA COUNTRY From snowshoeing and hiking among the Giant Sequoia trees to fes�ve holiday events and dining des�na�ons, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Tulare County" Show with the Sequoia Tourism Council focuses on the holiday and winter experiences you can enjoy in California's Sequoia Country. Featured guests include Sin�a KawasakiYee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon Na�onal Parks, and Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon Na�onal Parks, Giant Sequoia Na�onal Monument and Sequoia Na�onal Forest, and charming art and agricultural communi�es including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake. Plan your visit: h�ps://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ PAGE 43
Shop Downtown Visalia, California
RAIL TRAVEL IN ENGLAND By Glynn Burrows
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A beau�ful old sta�on In the UK, we are s�ll quite fortunate that we have a reasonable rail service, enabling us to travel between most major towns and ci�es on the train network. It isn’t always a simple journey from “A” to “B”, but traveling on a train can be a very pleasant experience, seeing parts of the country which you just don’t get to see from a car or bus. If you are visi�ng the major ci�es, instead of hiring a car for the whole �me you are in the UK and driving all over the country, why not use the train on those longer stretches and pick up a car at the sta�on? Trains can be taken from Heathrow and Gatwick, straight into the centre of London and then, it is rela�vely simple to take the Underground to get to all parts of the city. From London, you can then journey on to all corners of the UK and, using the Channel Tunnel, even into France and Paris! As the UK has had railways since the middle of the nineteenth century, we are fortunate to have some amazing Victorian Sta�on buildings and many of these are s�ll in use today. The architecture and construc�on of these masterpieces of engineering are amazing and, if you are interested in any aspect of art and design, a visit to some of the old sta�ons is a must.
Glynn Burrows on Big Blend Radio. Listen here on YouTube or download the podcast on Acast.
The fact that many of the railways have been in regular use for well over a hundred and sixty years also means that the land around the tracks and buildings is o�en a haven for flora and fauna as the land has not been developed. The tracks have obviously been kept clear and the immediate areas are well maintained, but the banks on either side of the rails are o�en covered in wildflowers and plants which have been le� to flourish since the first trains passed by. Con�nued on Next Page…
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C19th Carriage for landed gentry
Rail Travel Con�nued… The history of railways is also a very popular subject in the UK, and we have hundreds of museums devoted to the development of steam-powered locomo�ves and many places where you can not only see the old trains and carriages, but where you can actually travel on them. Si�ng in one of the old-style carriages and seeing the smoke billowing beside the train as you travel through the open countryside is an amazing experience and the smell is something you will remember too. Only this year, we took our grandchildren on one of our local steam trains which run along the North Norfolk coast and even though they are very young, they really loved the things they saw and enjoyed the whole experience. We got on at the sta�on in Holt and went out to Sheringham, passing through the woods, fields, and along the coast. Seeing the countryside from a train is totally different from similar views from a car or bus, and going over the bridges and through the tunnels is always exci�ng, especially for a four-year-old, (but also for a sixtyfour-year-old). Sheringham sta�on is set up as it was in the 1940s, with all the old equipment, signs, and ar�facts do�ed around. It is a real journey back in �me. One weekend during the year, the whole town holds a special 1940s weekend, when there are hundreds of people dressed in 1940s clothes and the whole town goes back to the days of gas masks and ra�oning. If you are seriously into the history of the railways, engineering, art and design, or anything to do with Victorian architecture, a vaca�on looking at railways and only using rail transport will be a great way to combine all those subjects whilst having a great, fun �me in the UK.
As an idea, you could arrive at Heathrow and take the train to London. London has some of the most amazing sta�on buildings in the country, many of them, with a structure that has remained rela�vely unchanged since the �me they were built. There are so many of them, to choose from, you could spend a week in London, just looking at railway sta�ons. (You do need to look up though, as many of the old features at eye level have been replaced as fashions changed, but the roof structures and the main buildings are o�en quite breathtaking.) A�er a few days in London, a train up to York is a must as that is where you will find the Na�onal Railway Museum. It houses many locomo�ves and, for the serious researcher, informa�on, and many experts to help with specialist knowledge. York is also an amazing place to visit, with The Minster, the city itself, and the Castle Museum, with the recreated period streets. I would suggest at least two days in York, before another train journey to Cambridge. Cambridge is another two-day des�na�on, although not really a railway des�na�on as such, it is a place not to be missed, with its beau�ful architecture, Colleges, and the spectacular King’s College Chapel. A�er your relaxing �me in Cambridge, a journey to Norwich and out to Sheringham will find you on the North Norfolk coast. Not only will you be able to enjoy some sea air, but you will also have the chance to have a trip on a steam train too. Your day �cket gives you unlimited journeys, so, if you want to stay on the train all day, you can. If you like a game of golf, there is a Links course here too, so having a game of golf while looking out over the sea is another opportunity for you.
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Another early steam locomo�ve Sheringham Sta�on From Sheringham, a stop on the way to London could be Colchester, one of England’s Roman se�lements. The Norman Castle and the many remaining Roman ruins make Colchester a great place to explore. Arriving back in London, there is the chance to stop for more sightseeing or a short trip out to the airport for the flight home. The whole vaca�on would be using just the train, with the choice of using a taxi to and from hotels if your chosen accommoda�on was not within walking distance of the sta�on. Rail travel in the UK is not always very cheap, although there are some discounts for the holders of a rail card. Pensioners, students, and some disabled travellers can get a discount card, but it is best to do your research before you arrive. It is also o�en a lot cheaper to use the trains during the day, rather than during busy �mes, so planning journeys will be very advantageous. Glynn provides customized, private tours and also helps his clients trace their English family history. Past guests have visited and experienced stately houses and gardens, castles and churches, ruins and villages, birding and wildlife, World War II airfields, and general area taster tours too. Accommoda�ons can be in all types of establishments, from character buildings such as windmills, thatched co�ages and castles, selfcatering or five star luxury – just say what you want and it can be arranged. Nothing is too much trouble for Glynn! Visit www.Norfolk-Tours.co.uk PAGE 47
In honor of the recent Interna�onal Day of the Girl Child, this Big Blend Radio panel discussion shines the spotlight on some of the challenges that girls face around the world while also sharing solu�ons, and ways to empower and inspire. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
* ILLANA RAIA – Recently named one the first 250 entrepreneurs on the Forbes Next 1000 List, Illana Raia is the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship pla�orm for girls. She is also the author of "Être: Girls, Who Do You Want To Be?" and "The Epic Mentor Guide." More: h�ps://www.illanaraia.com and h�ps://www.etregirls.com/ * KIMBERLY BEHRE KENNA - Author of the Brave Girls Collec�on, a middle-grade book series, that includes debut middle grade novel "Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade" (Regal House/ Fitzroy), and her newest book “Je� Jamison and the Secret Storm” (Black Rose). More: h�ps://www.kimberlybehrekenna.com/
FEATURED GUESTS:
* SHETAL SHAH - A former educator and author of "Shak� Girls," a beau�fully illustrated a collec�on of poems illustra�ng the stories of 13 unforge�able, powerful Indian women that reflect the diversity of India and its diaspora. More: h�ps://www.shetal-shah.com/
* SARAH LAMBIE - President & Co-Founder of Rescue One More. Over one third of all girls in Uganda experience abuse. Rescue One More provides children in Uganda with a pathway to safety, jus�ce, and healing while working to bring an end to child sexual violence once and for all. More: h�ps://rescueonemore.com/ PLUS, CHECK OUT OUR "GIRL POWER" MUSIC PLAY LIST: * On YouTube: h�ps://�nyurl.com/2wyja4tn * On Spo�fy: h�ps://�nyurl.com/bdhbudwd PAGE 48
REFLECTING ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS By Shelley Whizin
A Journey Towards the New Year…
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Shelley Whizin on Big Blend Radio: Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
1. Celebra�ng Milestones: Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the milestones you have reached throughout the year. Whether it's a personal or professional achievement, big or small, each accomplishment deserves recogni�on. By acknowledging your successes, you cul�vate a sense of gra�tude and mo�va�on, which can fuel your drive for future endeavors.It’s always easier to see where we have faltered. Now is your opportunity to celebrate what you have accomplished and build on those experiences.
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect �me to reflect on the past twelve months and the accomplishments we have achieved. Looking back at our successes not only allows us to celebrate our achievements but also provides valuable insights and inspira�on for the upcoming year. In this ar�cle, we will explore the importance of reflec�ng on our accomplishments and how it can help us pave the way for a successful new year.
2. Learning from Challenges: Reflec�ng on the challenges you faced during the year is equally important, however, don’t get stuck there. These obstacles do hold valuable lessons that can shape your growth and development, but it’s important not to feel like a failure. Consider the hurdles you overcame and the lessons you learned from them as new ways of perceiving. Embrace the knowledge gained from these experiences and use it as a steppingstone towards future success.
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Con�nued on Next Page…
Accomplishments Con�nued… 3. Se�ng New Goals: Looking back at your accomplishments can provide clarity and direc�on for the new year. Take the �me to evaluate your current posi�on and iden�fy areas where you would like to grow or improve. Set realis�c and achievable goals that align with your values and aspira�ons. By se�ng clear objec�ves, you create a road map for the upcoming year, increasing your chances of success. Let yourself dream up what you would love and then take the steps towards what you want, instead of going away from what you don’t want. 4. Building on Strengths: Reflec�ng on your accomplishments allows you to iden�fy your strengths and leverage them in the future. Take note of the skills, quali�es, and a�ributes that contributed to your achievements. By recognizing your strengths, you can focus on honing and u�lizing them to propel yourself forward in the new year.
5. Embracing Gra�tude: Gra�tude again plays a significant role in personal growth and happiness. As you reflect on your accomplishments, express gra�tude for the opportuni�es, support, and resources that have contributed to your success. Remember, that cul�va�ng a sense of gra�tude not only enhances your overall well-being but also a�racts more posi�ve experiences into your life. Looking back at your accomplishments and se�ng goals for the new year is a powerful prac�ce that can shape your future success. By celebra�ng milestones, learning from challenges, se�ng new goals, building on strengths, and embracing gra�tude, you pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous year ahead. As December unfolds, take the �me to reflect, appreciate, and envision the possibili�es that lie ahead.
Shelley Whizin is a transforma�onal life coach and the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Ins�tute™ (SDI), established to study and teach the art and science of Being Human. She’s also the author of “The Healing Journal”, “The Story of the Magical Baby Grand Piano”, and “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspira�onal Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”. More at www.ShelleyWhizin.com PAGE 52
Embracing the End of Life
While many are celebra�ng the holiday season with par�es and gatherings with loved ones, this can be a grim �me of year for those with a terminal medical diagnosis as well as their families and close friends. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show,” Lea Brovedani shares insight on how to embrace the end of life and find peace and meaning. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
support and tools to be fully present at the end. More at h�ps://souljourneydoula.com/ On Big Blend Radio every third Thursday, Lea's background is in emo�onal intelligence and trust leadership. She is an author, speaker and workshop facilitator on trust who is recognized as a Top Thought Leader on Trust for by the organiza�on Trust Across America. More: h�p://thetrustarchitect.biz/
Known as the "Soul Journey Doula," Lea is an endof-life doula, also known as a death midwife.In this role, she helps fill the gap between medicaland hospice care and provides support for your own and your family’s emo�onal, spiritual, and nonmedical physical care needs before, during and a�er death. She gives people the emo�onal PAGE 53
HOW HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALISTS & EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEYS HELP BUSINESSES This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Show focuses on how employment lawyers and Human Resource specialists help small business owners, management, and employees. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
Featured Guests:
- California employment a�orney Ward Heinrichs who represents employers before the Labor Commissioner, EDD (unemployment hearings) EEOC, DFEH, and in both State and Federal Courts; as well as employees and independent contractors in State Court, Federal Court, and before the EDD (unemployment), EEOC, and DFEH. More: h�ps://bestemploymenta�orneysandiego.com/ - Sara Nicholson, President/CEO of Clear HR Solu�ons, Inc. Based in San Diego, Sara helps businesses develop a safe and compliant HR founda�on with services that range from educa�on and consul�ng to crea�ng professional employee handbooks and performing HR audits. More: h�p://www.clearhrstyle.com/
Ward Heinrichs appears on Big Blend Radio very 4th Wednesday. Follow his podcast appearances here: h�ps://�nyurl.com/675vz9yy PAGE 54
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