Jane Blacker | Arizona Homeowner | January 2022 Digital Newsletter

Vol. 9 Issue 1

LOCAL VENUE Montezuma Castle Yavapai County, AZ

CLASSIC

Literature TO LOVE

T Established in 1906, Montezuma Castle National Monument is a well-preserved prehistoric cliff dwelling near Camp Verde. More than 20 rooms carved into the limestone cliffs give a unique glimpse at the lifestyle and ingenuity of the Native Americans who once called this place home. Experts believe the ancient apartmentstyle dwelling was built over the course of three centuries. Visitors can hike a self-guided trail past the five-story lodging, walk a formal ranger tour, and get a closer look at incredible artifacts uncovered onsite at the visitor center.

Source: NPS.gov

he holidays may be over, but not winter! It’s the perfect time to get under a warm blanket and curl up with a good book. As many options as there are, they just don’t make them like they used to. Check out these seven classics that are sure to grab your attention and help you fall back in love with the written word.

1. I, Claudius by Robert Graves – A pioneering piece of historical fiction,

this novel covers the life and times of Roman emperor Claudius. It transports you to an unbelievable past that was somehow real, and that you won’t want to leave. The book was even adapted into a BBC series featuring legendary actor Derek Jacobi.

2. Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson – A portrait of life in smalltown America, the story is told through a series of connected short stories all based around Anderson’s childhood memories. It’s easy to give yourself over to the sense of nostalgia the novel conjures, while still following the pressures and pains of the characters.

3. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton – The Gilded Age of New York is the backdrop for this novel of conflicting passions. A newlywed couple is put to the test when the bride’s freewheeling cousin comes to town, piquing the groom’s interest. So affecting was this book, it won Wharton the Pulitzer Prize in 1921.

4. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky – This Russian classic follows the inner turmoil of a man after he makes the worst decision of his life.

Dostoevsky explores the human condition with psychological depth, influencing countless writers to this day.

5. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray – A complex

tapestry of unforgettable characters is woven in this send-up of Victorian society.

Thackeray makes his characters human and endearing, even providing his own illustrations at times.

6. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – No one can spin

a yarn quite like French literary titan Alexandre Dumas. The novel tells the tale of an innocent man betrayed and his quest for revenge. Action, romance, intrigue, thrills – this story has it all.

7. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte – The only novel from Bronte sister

Emily, this gothic romance explores the mad lengths some of us will go to for love.

Catherine and Heathcliff are such distinct characters that their relationship became an archetype that would be used in all manner of future storytelling.

LIFEWISE

M AG I C I N T H E

NIGHT SKY O

Open skies and warmer weather year-round make Arizona a great place to stargaze. If you’ve never had the chance to see a spectacular meteor shower, 2022 is your time. The excitement doesn’t begin until spring, but there will be plenty of opportunities throughout the year. Mark your calendars to witness these celestial events.

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE: MAY 16

LYRIDS METEOR SHOWER: APRIL 21-22

ALPHA CAPRICORNIDS METEOR SHOWER: JULY 30–31

The entire Lyrid meteor shower is best seen from the Northern Hemisphere. At its peak, the shower may produce about 20 meteors per hour, sometimes including bright dust trails that last for several seconds. A brighter moon may block some of the fainter meteors this year, but there is still potential for a good show.

With a moon at just five percent full, the Alpha Capricornids will peak in what should be a perfectly dark sky. This won’t be the most active shower of the year, producing only about five meteors per hour, but with patience the ones you will see are likely to be bright and eye-catching.

GEMINIDS METEOR SHOWER: DECEMBER 13-14

ETA AQUARIDS METEOR SHOWER: MAY 6-7 Summer skies offer a clear viewing of this above-average shower capable of producing 30 to 60 meteors per hour.

It is produced by dust particles left behind by the infamous Halley’s comet, which has been observed since ancient times.

The moon will set early in the evening, leaving dark skies as an excellent backdrop.

FLAVORFUL

A total lunar eclipse transpires when the moon passes fully through the Earth’s dark shadow, or umbra. The moon will gradually get darker before taking on a rusty or blood red color. There will be another lunar eclipse in November, but this time of year the eclipse will be most visible.

The best show of the year comes in the final month, but it should be worth the wait. It can produce up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. Faint meteors will have to compete with the light of the moon, but the Geminids are so abundant and vivid that many should shine through.

As you plan for your night under the stars, follow these tips to ensure successful skygazing. Seek out a dark sky place away from light pollution. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark before the meteor shower peaks. Don’t forget comfy chairs, blankets, and pillows!

Stuffed MuShrooMS INGREDIENTS 12 jumbo White mushrooms

1 tbs

Finely chopped celery

1 tbs

Olive oil

1 tbs

Water

1/2 cup

Oaxaca cheese

1 tsp

Chicken Flavor Bouillon

Breadcrumbs

1 tsp

Dried oregano, crushed

3 tbs

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375° F. Brush outside of mushrooms with oil. Place on baking sheet with the opening up. Combine cheese, breadcrumbs, celery, water, bouillon, and oregano in small bowl. Fill mushrooms with mixture.

Bake for 15 minutes or until mushrooms are golden brown and cheese is melted. rosemary, if desired.

GoodNes.com

About Jane J

ane Blacker has been a widely-respected member of the Valley of the Sun real estate industry since 2000. With over 30 years as a real estate professional,

her track record remains spotless-something she attributes to always placing her clients’ interests first, providing unsurpassed service, meticulous attention to detail, and staying abreast of market trends and changes affecting the real estate industry.

Jane joined Russ Lyon Realty Company in March 2001. She achieved a topproducer ranking within two years and continues to be a top producer with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Originally from England, her career in real estate began when she joined a commercial real estate company in London and worked for ten years as the Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner.

Her many community activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In 2013 and 2014 Jane was recognized by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding contributions to the community and has been the recipient of two prestigious business volunteer awards.

Jane Blacker REALTOR | SRES

Cell 480.283.3009 Fax 480.624.3711 Jane.Blacker@RussLyon.com Call Jane today if you are thinking about a new home!

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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