Chicz - A magazine for FUN women - September/October 2019

a Magazine for FUN women!

September/October 2019

With love, GRANDMA A feeling of

HYGGE

TM

The Jeff Beach

DIET

Here for families.

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We’re raising our families here for the same reasons you are —because nothing compares to this part of the world. We are here for the long run so you can be too.

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Fabulous fall!

Inside this issue September/October 2019

Cooler weather upon us and the days grow shorter, but there’s a special feeling of relaxation and calm that comes with autumn. German The Jeff Beach Diet 4 philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Notice that autumn is more Real Chicz of the season of the soul than of nature.” It’s a time between the heat of Douglas County 24 summer and the cold of winter when we Minnesotans begin to settle in to our homes and find some balance in our lives.

Puzzles and horoscopes 28 Autumn is also the best time to delve into the Danish concept of hygge; to Food and drink clear out the clutter and Buffalo bites • 4 embrace the simple Fall in love with these autumn wine pairings• 5 things in life.

Andy’s choice: Bourbons and ciders Our favorite dieter and Oktoberfest beer, oh my! • 7 guru, Jeff Beach, gives Tea time: Endless variety • 8 UNKNOWN you a great recipe as How to pick the best pumpkin he lauds the wonders in the patch • 8 of pu-pus and Al Edenloff gives you some autumn wine pairing The art of aging your beer • 9 ideas.

Technology We’re also trying out a new column, With love, Grandma, TOP Photo tips: Evaluating exposure • 20 featuring a special family recipe. We’re hoping it will inspire RUNWAY you to share your favorite with us as well as a little history STYLES FOR Family FALL from your family!

9/11: We will never forget • 13 Lowell Anderson’s series, Tea Time, brings you up to Mommy and Me Crafts • 16 speed on the endless variety of teas that are available.

Mountain biking trails at Brophy are a hit • 18 Give tea a try this fall. It’s the perfect time.

A Guyz Perspective: Take that family vacation • 23 Celeste Edenloff again brings you Real Chicz of Douglas County, featuring a Brandon-Evansville teacher DIY/Arts and her aha moment that was the key to her career.

Preserve your special recipe • 6 We have articles on the keys to a great kitchen Pour art • 22 as well as how to identify mold and mildew in your ADD MORE home and treat them. Ross Evavold gets you in the HYGGE TO Finance YOUR HOME know about mountain biking at Brophy Park and Securing financial information isn’t scary • 15 Eric Morken continues to bring his views on life in A Guyz Perspective, encouraging you to take a family Home vacation.

Function: The Key to a great kitchen • 10 There are gardening and photo tips, financial Remove cabinet doors for an instant kitchen upgrade • 10 info, tips for selecting the perfect pumpkin and so Mold and mildew: The Fungus Brothers • 11 much more.

Hygge: Bring a feeing of comfort to your life • 12 This issue of Chicz is filled with information and Add more hygge to your home • 12 fun ideas. Check it out!

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.”

17

12

Lori Mork, Chicz editor

To advertise in Chicz call 320.763.3133

Jody Hanson, Publisher Lori Mork, Editor/Designer Chicz is a publication of Echo Press, 225 7th Ave. East Alexandria, MN 56308 ©2012 Echo Press

Ourdoors

Fall gardening: The best bulbs to plant • 19 WITH LOVE, GRANDMA

6

Pets

Why do cats rub their faces on everything? • 27 Can I change my rescue dog’s name? • 27

Entertainment

Between the Wines book club review • 14 Halloween reads • 14

Your writers

Chicz contributing writers • 30

Send your feedback to:

chiczmag@gmail.com September/October 2019 Chicz 3

Don’t

W

poo-poo heavy pu-pus

By Jeff Beach

hen it’s football season, it’s time to think heavy pu-pus.

What the heck are heavy pu-pus, you ask?

Well a pu-pu platter is the Hawaiian version of hors d’oeuvres or an appetizer platter.

During his time in the Air Force, my father-in-law was stationed in Hawaii. As he explained it, if a social event was offering light pu-pus, it meant appetizers, but probably not enough for a meal. Heavy pu-pus indicated a buffet that would amount to a full-blown meal.

So when my family gets together for football and heavy pu-pus, it means a spread laid out in front of the TV to nosh on and call it lunch or dinner.

But heavy pu-pus at our house doesn’t mean Hawaiian food. Some staples of the Jeff Beach Diet pu-pu platter include:

•Hummus with carrots and celery – a favorite of the vegetarian in the family.

•Chicken wings or drummies •Stuffed olives (I like garlic the best.)

•Cocktail meatballs in a barbecue or sweet ketchup sauce •Lefse and pickled herring, especially for Vikings games.

•Cheese and crackers, sometimes with summer sausage. (On the Jeff Beach diet, you can eat summer sausage all year round.)

Loyal readers of the Jeff Beach Diet (if there are any) may recall a couple of cheese ball recipes I shared for the holiday season. Cheese balls certainly have their place on the platter.

But perhaps the most common pu-pu on my platter are roasted potato wedges. Here’s the simple recipe:

The

JEFF BEACH

diet

Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on the The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickin’.

PU-PU ROASTED POTATO WEDGES INGREDIENTS: Potatoes, at least one per person you are expecting.

Cooking spray Old Bay seasoning DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut each potato into eight wedges by slicing the potato lengthwise, then putting the

Buffalo bites I love buffalo wings, but am not a fan of deep fried chicken. I found this recipe in one of my Pillsbury cookbooks and love how easy it is!

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 1/4 cup chili sauce 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce 1-1/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 cup chunky blue cheese salad dressing

4 Chicz September/October 2019

flat side of the half potato on the cutting board and making the three more lengthwise slices and repeating with the other half of the potato.

Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Put potato wedges in a bowl and spray the wedges, tossing to coat at least somewhat evenly.

Then sprinkle the potatoes with Old Bay. Don’t go crazy, or they will get too salty.

Arrange seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet and sprinkle a little more Old Bay, if needed.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and flip the potatoes and cook until done, about another 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve with ketchup, ranch, hummus or whatever suits you.

That’s it. Many happy, heavy pu-pus to you all.

By Lori Mork

DIRECTIONS: Mix butter, chili sauce and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix half the chili sauce mixture and the chicken, then brown in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, until well browned and not pink in the center, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Add remaining chili sauce mixture; toss to coat. Serve chicken with toothpicks and blue cheese dressing for dipping and celery sticks.

autumn

Fall for these

wine pairings

By Al Edenloff As the days slowly get shorter, let the season linger with a glass of wine that pairs beautifully with the fall harvest.

Generally, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the fruity Roses, sweet Rieslings and refreshing Pinot Grigios of the summer and say hello to more full-bodied white wines and light to medium reds that can ease you into the cooler temperatures and shorter days ahead.

Here are some suggestions for what to drink with five favorite fall foods: Squash dishes. Try them with a Viognier (pronounced “vee-own-yay”) a

full-bodied white wine that’s similar to a Chardonnay but a touch less acidic. Viognier also works well with root vegetables like carrots, turnips and yams.

Apples. This is tricky because there are so many varieties of apples and recipes for them. For fresh cut apples, break out a Burgundy or a Pinot Noir. With a slice of apple pie, pour a glass of sweeter wine like Moscato. If you like apples covered in caramel, try them with a tawny port.

Pears. A dry Riesling, with its crisp, fruity notes, works well with pears. For a light appetizer, put a slice of havarti cheese on a pear slice, take a bite and sip a Sauvignon Blanc.

Sweet potatoes. A sweet white wine, Gewurztraminer (pronounced “guh-vurtstruh-mee-nr” or “guh-vurts” for short), is a good choice to go with roasted sweet potatoes. For sweet potato fries, pour a Merlot.

Cauliflower. OK, this may not be everyone’s favorite fall food, but it can make for a delicious wine pairing. If the cauliflower is in a creamy sauce or soup, try it with a dry Pinot Gris or an oaked Chardonnay.

If you’re roasting or grilling cauliflower steaks, try them with a Rhone-style wine, such as Syrah, Grenache, Viognier or Mourvedre.

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HeartlandOrthopedics.com September/October 2019 Chicz 5

By Lori Mork

O

ne of the things I cherish most are my memories of my grandma in her kitchen. A Swedish immigrant, my grandma came to the United States as a 14-year-old with very little understanding of English, but she and her family made their home in northern Minnesota. There, she fell in love, married and had eight children – one of them my father.

I always loved when we would pack up the car and visit. She was an amazing cook and turned out delicious food while cooking on a coal stove.

One treat I waited impatiently for at Christmastime was her Swedish Nut Bread – a hard, biscotti-style cookie flavored with cardamon and liberally sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. My mother still makes that treat for us at Christmas and I’ve put my hand to that recipe many times as well.

SWEDISH NUT BREAD INGREDIENTS: 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup shortening 4 cups flour 8-10 cardamom seeds, crushed 1 cup lard 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients throughly.

Spread into two loaf pans and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Cool and slice into 1/4 to 1/2-inch slices. Bake slices on a cookie sheet at 300 degrees until lightly browned.

Grandma

With love,

Cardamom kahr-duh-muh m

The aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice or condiment and in medicine.

It is also often used in baking in the Nordic countries, in particular in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, where it is used in traditional treats such as the Scandinavian Jule bread Julekake, the Swedish kardemummabullar sweet bun, and Finnish sweet bread pulla.

We’re looking for your submissions!

If you have a favorite recipe from your grandmother, great-grandmother or your children’s grandmother, we’d love to have you share it us. And, if you have a photo of that person and a little story or history on the recipe or person, please send it along.

Grandmothers have a way of leaving us with some wonderful memories!

Preserve your special recipe!

Nearly all of us have one of these – a special handwritten or typed recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Here are a couple of ways to preserve that recipe.

FRAME IT. Why not find a beautiful antique frame to fit the recipe and hang it on your wall. If your recipe

6 Chicz September/October 2019

is two-sided, you can use one of the newer style frames with glass on both sides so that the recipe is still usable.

Another way is to frame it in a shadowbox with a vintage wooden spoon or other cooking tool that would share the story of this recipe.

Both would serve as an heirloom as well as a piece of art.

ANDY’S CHOICE:

By Andy Mellgren

Bourbons and ciders and Oktoberfest beer,

S

eptember was named National Bourbon Heritage Month by the United States Congress in 2007. Bourbon is a uniquely American whiskey.

In order to be labeled Bourbon, the liquid must be distilled from a minimum of 51% corn, aged in charred oak barrels for at least three years and be produced and bottled in the United States of America. While over 90% of bourbon is produced in

Kentucky, it can be produced in any state.

For those looking for something unique, check out hard cider. There are dozens of different apples used specifically for making cider.

The most common apples used for making ciders are referred to as “spitters”’ as they typically have a much higher level of tannin making them not so tasty to eat but lovely to drink! Cider apples

oh my!

are called bittersweets or bittersharps.

Love beer? Never fear, Oktoberfest is here!

Oktoberfest beers are a Märzen or Märzenbier style lager that originated in Bavaria. Historically Bavarian law decreed that brewing ended in the spring, and began again in the fall. Many of the spring beers were brewed in March (Märzen).

These brews were kept in

cellars and caves during summer months.

Food pairing ideas for bourbon, cider or Oktoberfest beer include creamy baked pastas, cold cuts, crepes, cheddar, bleu or pepper jack cheeses, pheasant (any game meats) and cookies. Cookies go with just about anything.

Get your backyard celebration on with Bourbon, ciders and Oktoberfest beers.

Prost!

L L A F cidER

& R E E !

B Y R T P LOCAL. SUPPO

AL

.

O T SH O

OC L T R

The money spent here, stays here in Alexandria.

Downtown by Big Ole & next to Viking Plaza, Alexandria ~ Monday – Thursday 8am-9pm Fri-Sat 8am-10pm Sun 11-5

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DOWNTOWN & PLAZA LIQUOR September/October 2019 Chicz 7

The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, is an evergreen shrub that grows in East Asia. Depending on how they are picked, processed and stored, tea leaves can provide a nearly endless variety of flavors.

(Wikipedia/James Steakley)

Endless variety

By Lowell Anderson

One of the great things about drinking tea is the nearly endless variety of tea types and flavors available.

If you’re the type of person who likes to explore, tea offers almost unlimited options. On the other hand, if you’re the type of person who tends to find a favorite and stick to that, there’s a tea for you also.

In an earlier installment of this series, we talked about the three main types of tea: green, oolong and black. Although these are some of the most popular teas, there are actually a few other varieties.

On one end of the spectrum near green teas, are white and yellow teas. These teas, which come mostly from China, tend to be lighter and milder than green teas.

On the other end of the tea spectrum are the dark teas, one of the most popu-

lar of which is pu-erh (sometimes spelled puer). Pu-erh, which is produced in China, is a strong black tea with an earthy flavor. This tea is a truly fermented tea that is pressed into cakes or bricks and allowed to age - sometimes for many years.

Another way to organize teas is by their country of origin. The majority of teas come from China, India and Japan, with a few from countries such as Sri Lanka and Taiwan. However, teas from Japan tend to be mostly green teas with a distinctive flavor which some people like and others don’t care for.

One easy way to tell if a tea is from Japan is that the name usually ends with the word “cha.” In addition to green teas such as sencha and bancha, there is also genmaicha, which is tea mixed with roasted

Tea Time Fifth in a series

Exploring the world of tea rice. Matcha, a green tea ground to a fine powder, makes a thick, frothy drink that is used for Japanese tea ceremonies.

A couple of other popular drinks that contain the word “cha” - but which are not necessarily from Japan - are chai, which is black tea mixed with spices and milk, and kombucha, which is made by fermenting sugared tea.

Many people also enjoy teas that are blended with fruits or flowers. However, for something really different, you could try lapsang souchong, a unique Chinese tea that is dried over a fire and has a smokey taste.

With all these possibilities, it’s no wonder that tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world.

How to pick the best pumpkin in the patch With Halloween just around the corner, visiting the pumpkin patch at your nearest u-pick farm may be in order. You can take a hayride, wander through a corn maze, eat your fill of apple cider donuts and, most importantly, choose the perfect pumpkin.

Here’s how to find it.

Look at the color. Find one that’s a deep and even orange tone, with no yellow or green patches.

Knock on it. Pumpkins should sound hollow when tapped.

8 Chicz September/October 2019

Check the stem. It shouldn’t be soft or feel loose in any way.

Inspect it. The bottom should be flat enough to provide a stable base, and the entire pumpkin should be firm.

If you’re planning to carve or paint your pumpkin, make sure the one you choose has a pleasing shape with no strange bumps or spots. If they’re available, consider coming home with a blue, white or green pumpkin instead of an orange one. They’re just as tasty and make a striking fall display.

The art of

aging your beer Are you a fan of quality beers with rich, complex flavor profiles? Good news: proper aging can enhance the character of your favorite brews.

Here’s how to best store them.

UPRIGHT Unlike wine bottles, beer bottles—even those with corks—should be kept upright to age. This prevents prolonged contact between the liquid and cap and minimizes the surface area of beer that’s exposed to air.

DARK Light is your aging beers’ worst enemy. Store your stash in a dark room or wrap the bottles with paper bags to prevent their contents from developing an unpleasant

skunky scent.

COOL Store your bottles a good distance away from any heat source. Keep them somewhere the temperature is both cool and consistent (around 59 °F is ideal). A small, infrequently used room in the basement would be a good choice.

DAMP Craft beers age best in a damp environment—around 65 percent relative humidity is the sweet spot. To maximize your chances of success, consider purchasing a beer cellar that you can program to maintain optimal storage conditions.

Keep in mind that beers with a higher alcohol content

age best. Experiment with imperial stouts, barley wines or strong Belgian ales, for example. Furthermore, while there are some exceptions, it’s bet-

ter to avoid aging beers that are particularly hoppy – these are best enjoyed fresh. Don’t hesitate to ask a local expert for advice.

Stop into Bon Jos to see the available colors for the 2019 Fall Season

(320) 763-5157 602 BROADWAY ST. Downtown Alexandria & Little Falls

Great for all your travels.

Mix & Match to meet

your style September/October 2019 Chicz 9

FUNCTION: The key to a great kitchen

By Betty Ravnik

Fall is upon us and our attention moves indoors. The days are cooler, giving us a good reason to get in the kitchen and start cooking comfort food.

Did you know there are days and weeks and even months dedicated to food?

October is National Pizza month, National Vegetarian Month and National Seafood Month! All of this talk brings me to the kitchen and yes, October is even National Kitchen and Bath Month!

As a kitchen and bath designer, I have seen what a dysfunctional kitchen can do to the homeowner. Extra steps to prepare a meal, poorly arranged appliances, minimal counter to prep a meal and inadequate storage all lead to stress.

Preparing food for our family and friends is one of the most rewarding experiences

that create a lifetime of memories and when a kitchen does not support the user it creates the wrong memories.

A kitchen does not have to be big or expensive to be functional. Function is having things we need stored where we use them. Function is fitting the height of the counters and the wall cabinets to the users. Function is keeping appliances and the sink in close proximity of each other (not less than 4’ nor more than 9’) so there is efficiency in tasks preformed.

Function is having landing spaces as you move food and dishes through the space.

Another concern with function is having enough room for people to work no matter if it is a one cook kitchen or a multiple cook space. The National Kitchen and Bath Association has recommended distances for seated diners, walk ways and work areas. Having too tight of a

space can hinder the activities and even cause conflict when cabinet or appliance doors interfere with each other not to mention your family!

We also don’t have to hold on to certain beliefs like dishes going into a wall cabinet. Dishes work better in drawers or tall pantry cabinets. Actually, wall cabinets are becoming less desirable because of the views to the outdoors or to your family in the next room.

With all this talk about function it insinuates that pretty is not important. It doesn’t hurt the psyche when a kitchen is beautiful. When we are surrounded by beauty we naturally are calmer and less stressed.

Here’s to a fall of cooking and baking.

Did I say October is National Cookie Month?

Remove your cabinet doors for an

instant kitchen upgrade

Do you love the airy look of open shelving in a kitchen? If so, removing your cabinet doors is an easy way to modernize your space without making a huge investment in time or money spent.

To get the look, remove the doors, fill in any imperfections and paint the interiors of the cabinets.

Choose a color that contrasts the rest of the kitchen or the dishware you plan to store inside. Bright jew-

10 Chicz September/October 2019

el tones, pale pastels or dark hues can all provide visual impact. If you’d like to make even more of a statement, use wallpaper instead.

Keep in mind that daily cooking can cause grease and dirt to accumulate in the kitchen faster than in any other room in your house. If you take the doors off your cabinets, only store items you use regularly to make sure everything stays clean.

Mold and mildew:

By Sherrie Martinson

The Fungus Brothers

J

ust like nosey neighbors and relatives, these two will show up unexpectantly and not want to leave. Usually it’s when you are about to start painting! So how do you tell the difference between the two and what do you do about getting rid of them?

Mold and mildew both like moist, warm areas to make their homes and can grow on many surfaces. They will show up in damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements and crawl spaces.

To be able to tell the difference you can put a drop of bleach on the area and wait for a few minutes. If it becomes lighter, it is mildew; mold remains dark. Mildew is gray or white.

With a flat powdery appearance, mold is usually fuzzy or

slimy with irregular shapes that can be blue, green, black or white. Mildew will lie on the surface of a moist area and is easily wiped away, whereas mold will penetrate below the surface and is not as easy to remove.

So, what does this have to do with your painting project?

Unless you remove the sources of moisture and spores of these fungi, they will return and cause your paint to chip or peel. Besides causing adhesion issues with your paint, they can cause health related problems.

There are several ways to remove mold and mildew.

Bleach is probably used the most, but is only effective if used on non-porous surfaces. The chlorine in bleach will not penetrate into wood and drywall. The water component

of bleach will penetrate those surfaces, but will only add more moisture to the problem.

Because the roots of the mold are not killed, it will return. In saying that, there are some better options that are natural cleaners and will kill the spores. Here are some recipes that will do the job:

1 2 3

One-quarter cup borax to 4 cups water. Wipe or spray onto surface, wipe excess off and let dry.

White distilled vinegar, do not dilute, spray surface, let sit for 1 hour, wipe off and let dry.

One-quarter Tbsp. of baking soda and water in 16 oz. spray bottle (white vinegar can be added to this). Spray, wipe off and let dry.

There are products available to help you in a mold/mildew situation. The mold killing interior/exterior primer can be applied over and kill all existing mold, mildew, fungi, and odor causing bacteria. If the area is wet, slimy or heavily soiled it must be cleaned prior to the primer. For optimal protection, topcoat within 72 hours. There is also a topcoat that is moisture-resistant, blister­proof and guaranteed mildew-proof for 5 years.

By keeping an eye on some of the trouble spots that contribute to mold growth, you should be able to stay clear of expensive and unhealthy problems. Now that you know the difference between the two and how to get rid of them, you can get going on your project. Happy painting!

September/October 2019 Chicz 11

hyg·ge

/ˈhju:ɡə/HEW-gə

noun a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being

HYGGE: Bring a feeling of comfort to your life Hygge. This word has become all the rage in mainstream culture recently, especially in the world of retail where it is used to hype the sale of blankets, candles, furniture and even socks.

But hygge is not something you can buy. It’s a popular Danish – and Scandinavian – concept, encompassing a lifestyle that focuses on slowing down, being present and finding contentment in everyday moments. Hygge is comfort – like a hug from your life.

The idea is to step back from the fast lane of life and find pleasure in the simple things; those things that make you em-

brace your life. It’s not any one item; instead, it’s about the value of everyday life.

Simplifying life, whether it’s clearing out the clutter in your home or stepping back from the hustle and bustle of your day, can bring hygge.

You don’t need to intentionally try to cultivate hygge in your home and your life, but if you begin to surround yourself with only those things that you use or love, you will find that hygge, or comfort, will surround you.

You’ll know hygge when you feel it. The Danes have it right.

“Hygge happens when we commit to the pleasure of the present moment in its simplicity. It’s there in the things we do that give everyday life value and meaning, that comfort us, make us feel at home, rooted and generous.”

Louisa Thomsen Brits, Author The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connection

Add more hygge to your home REMOVE THE EXCESS CLUTTER. Decorate your home with items that are meaningful and make you happy.

SPEND TIME WITH THOSE YOU LOVE. It doesn’t matter what you do – play games, read, share a cup of tea or a glass of wine, or just cuddle up together.

TURN OFF THE TECH. Put your work away, stow the ipads and phones and turn off the TV. Focus on what you’re doing, whether it’s cooking a meal or doing homework with the kids.

12 Chicz September/October 2019

DIM LIGHTS AND LIGHT A CANDLE. That little change in atmosphere when you add the ambiance of a candle creates a cozy atmosphere in your home.

BRING OUT THE COMFORT. Do you have a favorite wool blanket? Enjoy a crackling fire? No matter what you enjoy, create an atmosphere of relaxation. Fall and winter is the perfect time for this as the days get shorter and the air gets colder.

9/11

By Cheryl Graham

I remember learning about Pearl Harbor in school, comprehending more each year as I reached maturity the starkness of the attack and the sobering details of the horror and sacrifice of that day. I will still never truly understand the events of Pearl Harbor or feel the simultaneous injury and call to action that the following days inspired.

I do understand 911. I am still acutely aware of the

goosebumps that crawled up my spine as I realized this was not an overblown media event or even a tragic accident – this was an attack. Each hour I sat glued to the TV revealed footage that wrapped itself inside my very humanity.

The people stranded on the top floors, making the impossible decision to jump instead of being burned alive.

The horror of the first tower collapsing . . . then the second.

The realization that the first responders who selflessly ran into the wreckage to save lives would never come out.

As a generation of young adults enter the world who will only learn about 911 from a textbook, I beg those of us to truly remember to pass on our knowledge.

Share your story. Most of us were affected in some way. In this time of political polarity, talk about how we

all united as a nation to aide in the rescue efforts, to bring those responsible to justice.

Explain the simultaneous vulnerability and strength we felt. Tell people how heroism of passengers on the fourth plane spared the White House.Honor the thousands who lost their lives on 911 and especially the hundreds who sacrificed themselves so that others would live.

Driving Smiles One Sale at a Time!

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September/October 2019 Chicz 13

Educated by Tara Westover

E

ducated was selected as one of The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2018 and the author was named one of the

“EDUCATED”

Rated 7.7 Reviewed by the

“Between the Wines” Book Club

100 most influential people of 2019.

Author Tara Westover was born the youngest of seven children to survivalists and ideologists in the mountains of Idaho. Her mother was a midwife and healer and her father salvaged for a living.

Because of her father’s extreme mistrust of doctors, hospitals, formal education and the government, Tara and her siblings did not attend school and did not receive professional medical care, even with extreme injuries resulting from car accidents, burns, and other traumas.

The family spent considerable time stockpiling canned goods and setting up safety precautions for the devastation their father was sure was coming.

While the children were homeschooled to some extent, most of what they learned was self-taught. As a teenager, Tara purchased textbooks and

Between the Book Club review taught herself enough to get a satisfactory ACT score and to be admitted to Brigham Young University. She studied history and graduated with honors, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree and later a Doctorate from the University of Cambridge at Trinity College.

She was also a visiting fellow at Harvard University.

This interesting read spotlights a lifestyle many of us are incapable of even imagining. Yet, it feels real because Westover writes with the innocence and naivete of a young girl who simply didn’t know she wasn’t living a “normal” life. She shares fond images of her mother, talks lovingly of an older brother and paints “near normal” images of her participation in local plays.

Some of the most

disturbing portions of the book revolve around the danger these children were put into on a daily basis, and an abusive relationship Tara had with an older brother.

One simply has to wonder how no one ever intervened to save these children from what appears to be a life of neglect.

However, some of Westover’s family has disputed certain elements of her book, including her suggestion that her father had bipolar disorder and her mother suffered a brain injury following a car crash.

The author herself questions some of her memories, and shares those with footnotes throughout the book. Regardless, it’s safe to say Westover didn’t have a typical upbringing, and her story is one of overcoming.

Halloween reads: a brief all-ages guide October is the perfect month to read something spooky that weaves together supernatural elements to entertain or scare you. Here are some suggestions for readers of all ages.

KIDS There are many books written about witches, monsters and pumpkins aimed at preschoolers and their parents.

School-age kids may like The Witches by Roald Dahl.

Preteens are likely to be intrigued by the mysteries of Nancy Drew or thrilled by volumes from the long-lived Goosebumps series. You can also try Coraline or The Graveyard Book, both written for kids by author Neil Gaiman.

14 Chicz September/October 2019

TEENS If your younger teens haven’t yet been introduced to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, this is the perfect time for them to be initiated. Older teens may prefer something a little different like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Or try some classic horror stories like Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

ADULTS If you haven’t read the Gothic classic, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, October is the perfect month. Or, discover why H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe are considered masters of their craft. Stephen

King has countless scary stories to choose from and Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles are among the best in the genre. If you prefer whodunnits, you can’t go wrong with an Agatha Christie mystery.

If you’re looking for a way to make your Halloween reading a family affair, choose a story that everyone will appreciate and listen to the audiobook together. It’s the perfect activity to enjoy while munching on Halloween candy.

scary!

Securing financial information isn’t

By Collin Stumpf The fall months are a wonderful time of year. In September, we’ll see students going back to school and October will bring football games and the change of colors in the scenery.

Additionally, the weather provides a great opportunity to either be active, or to slow down and enjoy each day. Also in October, we can’t forget about the scariest holiday of the year: Halloween! Though Halloween can be scary, we’re here to debunk how scary and overwhelming securing your financial information can be.

There are countless ways to start securing your financial information; these steps require little effort but make a big difference! One way is to ensure your online pass-

words—especially those tied to bank accounts and payment methods—are different and unique to your other passwords. Remember: email addresses can be easily found online so, if you pair that with a basic or overused password, a hacker could easily gain access to your account. If that doesn’t give you a fright, I don’t know what will! Be sure your passwords have various characters, numbers, and special symbols; the longer the password, the better!

If there’s one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s that a “treat” is better than a “trick.” To avoid tricks, be very careful of any odd emails that show up in your inbox. If you don’t recognize the sender, or weren’t expecting com-

munication from this person, proceed with caution! If the strange email has a link or attachment—DON’T OPEN IT until you can verify it’s legitimate. Hackers use your email as a gateway into your computer and personal documents, which could include financial information or other highly confidential data. Don’t get tricked by sneaky emails!

The unfortunate reality is: everyone is worried about their financial security—and they have good reason to be! Rather than starting from scratch, be sure to talk with

your financial institution about your concerns. They likely have a wealth of information about this very subject so be sure to tap into that resource first! Another place to look is online—on trusted websites!!

If used carefully, the knowledge of the “world wide web” can be extremely useful.

So, during the scariest time of the year, stock up on sweet treats, throw on a costume, and rest assured that your financial information can be safer tomorrow than it is today!

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September/October 2019 Chicz 15

By Melanie Danner

STRING ART

(Pinterest) SUPPLIES: Hammer nail about 1/2” Colored Yarn apart.

Hammer Tear off the picture when Outline picture of what you nailing is done. would like Tie a knot to 1 nail.

Nails Weave the yarn around the Tape (painters or masking is nails to create the outline. wonderful) Then weave the yarn to fill Wood board (8”x8” is great) the outline of the nailed picture.

INSTRUCTIONS: Tie off to a nail.

Tape picture on board.

PUMPKINS (Pinterest)

SUPPLIES: Card stock Hole punch Ribbon Scissors (Craft scissors with different blades are fun!)

Twine INSTRUCTIONS: Decide how big you would like your pumpkin and cut twine to desired length.

Knot one side of the twine. (I used a bowline knot.)

Cut paper to desired length and 1/2” to 3/4”

“SPOONIE AND FORKIE” (Elle)

SUPPLIES: Construction paper Embellishments (ribbon, fabric, felt, etc.)

Glue/Hot glue gun Google eyes Plastic spoons and forks Pipe cleaners Scissors INSTRUCTIONS: Wrap a pipe cleaner in half

16 Chicz September/October 2019

around the utensil and twist to create the arms.

Loop the ends to create the hands.

Glue one face. Eye and eyebrows are awesome!

Add embellishments and give them a name.

For even more fun, create more items for your Spoonie or Forkie, like a bed!

wide. You will use 10 to 12 strips per pumpkin.

Add a hole punch in each end of the strips.

String the strips using one hole.

Once they are all strung, string the second hole, using the last one strung first.

Then push the papers down to create a “C” and tie a knot.

Add a ribbon and cut off the extra twine.

Fan out the papers to create the pumpkin.

Top runway styles for W

ith the arrival of fall, fashionistas everywhere are scoping out the sweaters, coats and

scarves that are now in stores.

Here are the top must-have items for autumn.

WOMEN These are the fall fashion trends you’ll want to live in this season.

Long wool coats. Sleek wool coats that reach past your calves are an essential item this autumn. Choose one in a neutral tone (think classic colors like beige, black and grey) or opt for impact with a checked or plaid pattern.

Monochrome. Drape yourself in the same color from head to toe. Those looking to make a major statement should wear purple. From pale lavender to dark aubergine, shades of violet are the in thing for fall.

Dark florals. You don’t have to stop wearing floral prints just because the tempera-

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Fall florals, however, should be more somber than their springtime counterparts with dark backgrounds that will match the weather outside.

MEN Here are some high fashion looks to incorporate into your fall wardrobe.

Black leather. Stay warm this season in a black leather trench, blazer or bomber. If a leather jacket isn’t your style, choose accessories such as a belt or shoes instead.

Knit scarves. Long wool scarves that look like they could have been knitted by your grandmother are everywhere this season. Opt for one with contrasting stripes or a single dark tone.

Combat boots. Dust off your old Doc Martens, because you’ll want to wear

these army-inspired boots all season. This type of footwear goes with everything, from weekend looks to formal apparel.

When it comes to accessorizing this year’s fall looks, both men’s and women’s fashions favor bold and chunky pieces (such as bags, belts, rings and watches) and statement socks in flamboyant colors.

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September/October 2019 Chicz 17

Mountain biking trails at Brophy are a hit

By Ross Evavold

Area bikers have even more options with the addition of mountain biking trails at Lake Brophy County Park, with the Runestone Off Road Cyclists Club playing an integral role by helping secure federal matching grants.

The results are a wonder to behold.

“We’re really happy with the way they turned out,” biker and club member Jeff Brand said. “It’s difficult. It’s unique.”

It also prompted a veteran mountain biker to call the trails “amazing.”

Brand explained that most trails in Minnesota are cross-country oriented, weaving through wooded areas. These, Brand said, feature “rocks, rollers and burns … and a fair amount of elevation in a relatively short space.”

Todd Emmons, another dedicated bicyclist, has spent a lot of time on the mountain bike trails at Lake Brophy County Park, and has been quite impressed.

The trails are on a rolling hills setting, and have jumps and banked corners.

“You can actually get parallel to the ground on some of them,” he said, while

bikers can soar several feet into the air on the jumps. The biking term “mandatory air” most definitely applies.

A mountain biking class was held in August to get people familiar with some of the trail’s features, and another is being planned for mid-September.

Drawing card Another Douglas County Park, Kensington Rune Stone Park, has fairly-new dedicated mountain bike trails that include a 3.5-mile loop and several shorter ones. When you add those to others, including ones being built in Glenwood, the area will be able to claim 3540 miles of trails, Brand said.

The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails in Ironton are often mentioned as a big regional draw for bikers, and trails in Duluth and the Twin Cities also bring bikers from outside the area. The Brophy trails could fit the same bill, with Brand calling this a tremendous opportunity to bring bikers from all over into the Douglas County area.

Emmons agreed.

“We’re going to draw some of those people here,” he said.

Rules of the trail: etiquette for mountain biking The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) developed the “Rules of the Trail” to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails.

Ride on open trails only.

Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.

Leave no trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable

18 Chicz September/October 2019

to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

Control your bicycle. Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk.

Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

Yield to others. Do your utmost to let fellow trail users know you are coming – a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around

corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

Never scare animals. Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise.

Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain).

Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding – and prepare accordingly.

Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling. For more information, visit the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) at www.imba.com.

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Fall gardening:

best bulbs to plant With the arrival of fall, gardeners should start preparing their yards for winter and spring. For most, an important task is to plant their spring-blooming bulbs. Here are some of the hardiest types.

Crocuses. This will be one of the first to bloom in your spring garden. Choose from a variety of species in different colors and sizes, and plant them in a spot that gets partial or full sun.

Daffodils. These spring flowers will grow back year after year with little help from you. Plant them in partial shade or full sun for best growing results.

Alliums. This ornamental variety of the onion family produces big purple balls of blooms. They love the sun and will return every spring.

Tulips. These blooms come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. They do best when planted in areas with partial shade or full sun. They’re perennials, so you won’t need to plant new bulbs every year.

To ensure they take, bulbs should be planted before the ground freezes but only after the weather is reliably cool.

For a spring garden that’s continuously in bloom, be sure to plant bulbs that flower at different times during the season.

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September/October 2019 Chicz 19

The histogram for the underexposed photo shows that the majority of pixels are in the dark range (left side). The flat area on the right side of the histogram shows that there are very few light areas in the image.

EVALUATING

O

The histogram for the overexposed photo shows that a lot of the pixels in the image are lighter and toward the right side of the scale. The flat area on the left side of the histogram shows that there are no real blacks in the image.

The histogram for the well exposed photo shows that the majority of the pixels are in the midtones range, with one spike on the right showing a few highlights such as the clouds and small reflections.

20 Chicz September/October 2019

By Lowell Anderson

ne of the most basic things in photography is exposure. Getting an image that is bright enough, without being too bright, is the most fundamental aspect of taking good pictures.

Compared to the old days of film, we have it pretty nice now with digital cameras. You just take the photo and look at the image on the screen. If the exposure isn’t right, you make an adjustment.

Of course, it’s not always that easy. First of all, the brightness of the monitor must accurately reflect the resulting photo, which is something that can be fine tuned on most cameras. But often the bigger problem is that when shooting outdoors, the brightness of the ambient light can make it difficult to accurately judge the image on the screen.

Fortunately, there are some ways to overcome that handicap, since most digital cameras have a couple of built-in tools for exposure evaluation.

One of the most useful and easy to use is the highlight warning, also known as the “blinkies.” When turned on, this warning shows areas that are overexposed and completely white by flashing black and white in those areas.

Although it is common to have small areas of these high

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exposure lights, they should be minimized as much as possible, since there is absolutely no detail in those areas. In other words, no matter how much you adjust later, they will still be pure white.

The second tool is the histogram. This tool is a little harder to understand, but gives you a lot more information about the overall exposure.

The histogram is basically a graph or map of where the different shades fall on a continuum of light to dark. Not only will the histogram give you some of the same information as the highlight warning, but it will also show you if there are areas that are completely black.

To read a histogram, remember that the left side shows black tones and the right

PHOTO

TIPS

side shows white tones, with midtones in the middle. The height of the peaks shows how much of a certain tone the image contains. A properly exposed image will generally taper up from both sides and be highest in the middle.

Understanding and using a histogram will probably take some experience, as well as a more in-depth explanation elsewhere. However, once you know how to use it, it will give you the most accurate information to help you fine-tune your exposure.

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Y

By Rachel Kubik

ou’ve probably seen pour art on social media, at art shows or hanging on someone’s living room wall. The abstract, marbled designs have become more and more popular within the last few years. The paintings are formed by pouring combinations of thinner paint onto the canvas and tilting it so the paint spreads.

The fun part about this type of art is that you never know what it’s going to turn out like until you start tilting. With this tutorial, you can make your own pour painting without having any previous art or painting experience.

1 Gather your supplies. You’ll need a canvas plus disposable cups and popsicle sticks for mixing paint. You can either buy pre-mixed paint, made especially for pour art, or you can use regular acrylic paint and thin it out yourself with pour medium (found at craft stores) or Floetrol (found at home improvement stores). If you’re looking to make art with separated cells, the circular bursts of color, you’ll need silicone oil or dimethicone as well. A drop cloth or tin foil to cover your area, gloves and an apron are also necessary for easy clean-up.

Mix your paint. If you decided to mix your own paint with pour medium or Floetrol, make sure you do this separately by color.

It’s up to you how thin you want the paint to be. However, a good rule of thumb is one part paint to two parts Floetrol. You want to avoid overusing Floetrol because the paint can become translucent and will turn out a muddy color when it dries on the canvas.

After the paint is your ideal consistency, two to three drops of 100% silicone oil is optional for helping make cells in the art.

2

22 Chicz September/October 2019

4 Pour and tilt. This is when the fun begins. Make sure the canvas is level but raised to allow paint to drip; setting the canvas on four plastic cups works great. Pour the paint directly over the canvas, making sure to cover all areas. Or for a different effect, flip the

cup quickly over and lift it up after waiting a minute or so.

Tilt the canvas in any way you like, spreading the paint until you can’t see any canvas left.

Paint will drip over the edge, which is why it’s essential to have something underneath to catch the spills.

5 Wait for it to dry. Drying time will be anywhere from just overnight to a few days. Make sure the canvas is drying on a level surface, otherwise the design will keep changing. When it’s dry, you’ll have your very own marbled masterpiece.

3

Fill the cups. How you fill the cups with paint is also up to you. For more lines of color, add more layers. It’s recommended that the lightest paint colors go on the bottom of the cup, especially white, because it’s the heaviest color and tends to sink to the bottom when the cup is flipped over.

a guyz perspective

Take that

family vacation

By Eric Morken

A lot goes into planning a family vacation with two young kids. First and foremost, it’s deciding when to take that first long trip out of state.

My two daughters are 3 and 6 now, and my wife and I recently wrapped up a family vacation that required some long travel time when we spent seven days in the Black Hills. We wrestled with whether or not to take the girls to Montana but decided the nearly 12 hour drive from Alexandria to Hill City, S.D. was long enough at their ages.

Any worries of how the girls would handle a lot of hours on the road were mostly misguided. Sure, they got into their usual spats. The taking away of desserts was threatened a few times when they wouldn’t stop kicking and hitting each other from their car seats, but the good outweighed the bad.

The Black Hills is a great vacation destination for families with young kids with so many opportunities to get outside. Bear Country U.S.A., a drive-through wildlife park, was thrilling for them with so many big animals to see up close.

Reptile Gardens was worth going back for twice, and a trip through Custer State Park had our vehicle within 20 yards of hundreds of bison.

The campground we stayed at was Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort. A family could spend the entire trip here with kids. There are events each day and night for families, and those were nice to come back to in the evenings.

It was fun to look over the photos from this trip a month later with school starting up soon. Our oldest will start first grade this fall. It’s cliche to say how fast time goes by, but it really does.

Don’t wait to take that family vacation with young kids. There will be a few hic-

p o h S p o ne St

We are your

Ofor all your needs!

Aubree (6) and younger sister, Kyla, play around with the snake statue at Reptile Gardens in the Black Hills of South Dakota on a family vacation this past July. (Eric Morken / Echo Press) cups along the road. Maybe a couple fights among siblings or between mom and dad, but those aren’t the things you remember.

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real chicz of douglas county

‘Aha’ moments add up for math teacher

By Celeste Edenloff

When Louisa Glenetske was in high school, she wanted to be an architectural drafter. However, halfway through her senior year at Osakis High School, she changed her mind.

She ended up making a connection with her high school math teacher, Sarah Maddock, and did some math tutoring not only for her peers, but also some middle school students.

“She (Sarah) was definitely an influence on me,” said Glenetske, who has been a math teacher for the last 15 years. “We still talk math stuff together and I am thankful for the connection I made with her.

Glenetske, a 2000 Osakis graduate, began her teaching career in 2004 in the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa School District.

She taught there for four years before being hired as a math teacher for the Brandon-Evansville School Teacher. She is now the math teacher for grades 9-12 in the B-E School District.

24 Chicz September/October 2019

When choosing to become a teacher, Glenetske said she knew math would be the subject she would teach because she said, “Math has always been my thing. It came fairly easy to me.”

However, choosing teaching as a career may have come as a shock to some as Glenetske said she was fairly shy in school.

GARNERING RESPECT In her first week as a teacher, she remembers seeing a student who stood 6 feet, 2 inches, and who was acting up in the hallway. In so many words and in a stern, authoritative voice, she told the student to cut it out and act appropriately.

He actually listened, she said, and it was at that moment she realized how much respect she could get when she spoke with confidence.

“It’s a moment I remember in my mind because it impacted the way I carried

myself and how I was in front of my students,” she said.

Being a teacher, Glenetske said, you can relate to your students and make connections with them, but at the same time, you can be respected by them.

In the past 15 years, the mother of five said, students haven’t really changed. Although students may not admit to it, she said, they all want the same things.

“They want structure. They want someone who cares about them. They want to be challenged. And they want to know someone has expectations of them,” she said.

CHANGES There are things that have changed, especially when it comes to technology and cell phones. But Glenetske said as a teacher, you have to decide when to embrace the technology and how to deal with cell phones. She said she knows her

It’s a moment I remember in my mind because it impacted the way I carried myself and how I was in front of my students.

LOUISA GLENETSKE

students are going to use their cell phones because of all the apps that can help them, so she has changed her frame of mind.

“I can’t police the use of cell phones out of the classroom if I give them homework,” she said. “So, I put less emphasis on homework and instead, tests and quizzes account for more of their grade. The tests and quizzes are weighted much more than their homework.”

In the classroom, Glenetske said she has a very strict no cell phone policy.

She said if she is teaching linear regression, for example, she knows that teaching solely with pen and paper isn’t realistic, so instead, she teaches them how to do it using technology because that is the way of the world.

She said the challenge as a teacher is finding that balance of teaching with technology versus teaching something by hand using pen and paper.

An interesting fact she shared about technology, is that out of all the curriculum, math, she said, uses the least technology. It is still an aspect of it, she said, but whether it is good ol’ pen and paper or using technology, Glenetske said her main goal for her

GLENETSKE

Continues on 26 September/October 2019 Chicz 25

GLENETSKE from page 25

students is whether or not they can problem-solve. Students, she said, will always need to know how to problem-solve.

AHA MOMENTS When it comes to her favorite things about teaching, Glenetske said it is when she improves or when she has those “aha moments.”

“When I come up with a way of teaching that I know my students get, those are my aha moments,” she said. “When I find something that works and find a way to teach my students so they understand, those are my favorite moments and my favorite thing about teaching.”

She said it is “so exhilarating” to find a way to connect. When she was teaching in the B-B-E School District, she recalled teaching a lesson using bungee cords and two of her students went home and made a video doing a bungee jumping experience.

“We watched the video in class and I asked my students to think about all the math that was used,” she said. “It was so fun.”

MANY DIFFERENT HATS Working in a small school district like the Brandon-Evansville School, Glenetske said she gets the opportunity to wear many dif-

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26 Chicz September/October 2019

ferent hats. Behind the scenes, she is more than a high school math teacher. She also works with the National Honor Society, Q-Comp, staff development, teacher development and evaluation committee and is an observer and mentor for new teachers, among many other duties.

In small school districts, she said, many of the teachers wear more than one hat. She said many of the teachers also attend student activities. Although it is not a requirement, she said it makes an impact on the students. It shows them that their teachers care, she said.

As for advice to share, Glenetske had a couple of pieces, including not letting work rule your life.

She also said, “You have to do what you love. Every job has its pros and cons, but you have to love what you do.”

Glenetske said she loves working in the Brandon-Evansville School District and that the staff, teachers and administration are phenomenal and great to work with.

“Find your niche, find your place,” she said. “If you love it, it’s very rewarding and teaching for me is very rewarding.”

Glenetske lives in Osakis with her husband, Chris, and their five children – Lucy, 12; Isabel, 10; Thomas, 7; Ruby, 4; and Clare, 2.

They want structure.

They want someone who cares about them. They want to be challenged. And they want to know that someone has expectations of them.

LOUISA GLENETSKE

Can I change my rescue dog’s name?

Why do cats rub their faces on everything?

Have you ever wondered why cats rub their faces on everything they cross paths with?

This behavior is called bunting, and it’s actually a form of feline communication. Depending on what they rub themselves on, it can have different meanings.

Cats have scent glands located in their feet, below their chin, on their lips, near their temples, along their tails and in their ears. These glands release pheromones, which cats use to mark their territory. If a cat rubs on your furniture and walls, it’s saying that those things are the property of kitty.

Bunting may be a show of dominance over other felines in the house, or it may be a way

for the cat to feel more comfortable at home.

If your cat doesn’t like to show their face when you have visitors, they may rub their scent around the house once the strangers have gone to reclaim the house and feel calmer.

But what about when a cat rubs itself on you? Do they consider you their property?

The answer depends on your relationship with the kitty.

Cats often rub themselves on newcomers to their home. If they do this, it’s to gather the intruder’s scent and find out more about them. If they bunt against their human companions, it’s a sign of affection.

Do you adore your new rescue dog but dislike their name? Don’t feel like you’re stuck calling your pooch something you wouldn’t choose yourself. In fact, in some cases changing a dog’s name can be beneficial, especially if they were mistreated in the past.

It may take a few weeks to get your dog used to responding to the new name, but it’s not hard to do. Be consistent about using it and always say it in a happy, enthusiastic manner. Keep treats in your pocket during the adjustment period. Every time your pup responds to the new name, give them a treat.

If you prefer to make the change gradually, try using both names. For example, if you want to change Charlie’s name to

Max, call him Charlie-Max for a week or two. Once he gets used to responding to the combined name, drop the old one.

While you shouldn’t do it often, don’t feel bad about changing your pup’s name. Dogs don’t identify with them the way we do. If they respond happily when you call them, it’s due to their eagerness to please you and not because of the name itself.

September/October 2019 Chicz 27

CROSSWORD

AUTUMN WORD SEARCH

CLUES ACROSS 1. Adventure stories 6. Amphetamines 12. Extend the limits 16. Article 17. Socially disoriented 18. Gold 19. Part of the mind 20. ‘Rubber Band Man’ rapper 21. Take by force 22. Football position 23. American cola 24. Risk management plans (abbr.)

26. Narrow channel on the moon 28. Semitic alphabet letter 30. Dorm employee 31. Dessert dish 32. A street where nightmares happen 34. For each 35. Fat from a pig 37. Easily altered 39. Salvador __, Spanish artist 40. The last CEO of Sears 41. One who lades 43. Russian pop duo 44. Fictional free city of Essos 45. Cool!

47. Strong liquor 48. Rural delivery 50. Brews 52. Compound found in hops 54. Where golfers begin holes 56. Third note of a major scale 57. City of Angels 59. Snag 60. Exclamation of surprise 61. Controversial retired wide receiver 62. For example 63. Free to use 66. Carson’s sidekick 67. Pirate saying 70. Convulses 71. Semitic gods

SUDOKU

APPLES AUTUMN CIDER CINNAMON COOL CRISP CROPS EQUINOX

FOOTBALL GOURDS HARVEST LEAF BLOWER LEAVES MAZE OCTOBER PUMPKIN

28 Chicz September/October 2019

RAKE ROAD TRIP SCARECROW SCARVES SCHOOL SEPTEMBER SQUIRREL TREES

CLUES DOWN 1. Split apart 2. Equally 3. Mountain passes 4. Another name for Thor 5. Chinese chess piece 6. Helpless 7. US army designation (abbr.)

8. Micturated 9. One to respect 10. Small Greek island 11. In a thinly dispersed way 12. Put two together 13. Of the supernatural 14. Type of structure in organic chemistry 15. Card game 25. Feeling of discomfort 26. Get free of 27. Unit of measurement 29. A person who enjoys good food and drink 31. Violin maker 33. Noted psychotherapist 36. Complete 38. Ballplayers’ tool 39. Afternoon illumination 41. Points a finger at 42. Moved quickly 43. ‘__ death do us part 46. Blue jeans 47. French Jesuit theologian 49. Dissuades 51. Eastern European peoples 53. Abnormal rattling sound 54. Air-breathing land snail genus 55. Turfs 58. Farewells 60. __ mater: one’s school 64. They __ 65. Baby’s eating accessory 68. Priestess of Hera 69. Type of railroad

HOROSCOPES for September ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You like to be friendly to everyone, but sometimes you have to accept that not everyone is on your team. This week you may experience push-back from a new face.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Your professional life could use a shake-up.

You just aren’t sure if that means taking a break for a little bit or going on the hunt for a new position entirely.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You have a lot on your plate right now and you need to work through some tasks before you can focus on new things. Take some time to contemplate.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Do not take offense if some people do not appreciate your sense of humor. Humor is sometimes an acquired taste. Your true friends understand you thoroughly.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 It is easy to find yourself on a spending spree. Instead of figuring out when to put the credit cards away, leave them home instead.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 A houseful of guests is one way to put you on the spot and showcase how you are the consummate host/hostess. Embrace the party full force.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 If you’re thinking about running away from big decisions right now, realize they’ll only be waiting for you when you get home. Better to dig in right now.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Are you ready for your long to-do list? Because those tasks are lining up and waiting for your finishing touches. Delegate a little, but don’t shy away from hard work.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 People have been asking for your input at every turn. You probably can use a break.

It’s fine to step aside and let someone else handle things.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Even though you are often a fountain of good information, sometimes the delivery leaves something to be desired. Watch your tone and filter for your audience.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 A change of scenery can be just what you need to infuse a new energy into your life.

New opportunities can bring about a different perspective and attitude.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 It may be good to have a close friend or family member in your corner this week.

Some news could surprise you.

Thanks for choosing us the Best of the Lakes Area!

OUR HOURS Monday & Wednesday 8am - 5pm From left to right - Dr. John Hoven, Dr. Jenna Kryder, Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 7pm Dr. Melissa Hoven, Dr. Carie Stotesbery, Dr. Jeremy Anderson Friday 7:30am - 4pm 1610 Broadway St • Alexandria, MN

Across From Douglas County Hospital www.eyeassociatesofalex.com

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320.763.4321

September/October 2019 Chicz 29

contributing writers

Eric Morken

Eric Morken of Alexandria is a husband, father, sports editor and outdoor enthusiast.

Betty Ravnik of Alexandria is the owner of Ravnik & Co, (a gift, furniture and home dĂŠcor store) previous interior design instructor and avid gardener.

Betty Ravnik

Andy Mellgren

Al Edenloff

Celeste Edenloff

Jeff Beach

The Between the Wines Book Club was founded in 2003 by a group of Alexandria area women who enjoy reading, friendship and wine.

Lori Mork of Lowry is a mother, grandmother and dabbler in all things food, photography and decor related.

Lori Mork

Between the Wines

Andy Mellgren is the Director of Operations for Plaza and Downtown Liquor.

Al Edenloff of Alexandria and his wife, Celeste, were married in the heart of California wine country and enjoy sipping wine on their weekend date nights.

Celeste is a reporter for the Echo Press. She enjoys perusing her social media accounts, running and participating in races with her husband, Al.

Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on the The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickin’.

Collin Stumpf

Lowell Anderson is a photographer at the Echo Press newspaper.

Lowell Anderson

Collin Stumpf is a marketing intern at Glenwood State Bank.

Sherrie Martinson is the Paint and Finishing Expert at Hilltop Lumber in Alexandria.

Sherrie has more than 20 years of experience working with homeowners and professionals.

Sherry Martinson

Cheryl Graham is an avid reader, remodeler, and DIY fanatic; she resides in Glenwood with her husband & daughters.

Ross Evavold is the editor of the Echo Press newspaper.

Ross Evavold

Cheryl Graham

Melanie Danner of Alexandria is an at-home mother and craft lover.

Rachel Kubik is a news reporter for the Echo Press.

Rachel Kubik

Melanie Danner

a Magazine for clicz!

FUN women!

Join us online for bonus content, things we find amusing, and other fun stuff!

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30 Chicz September/October 2019

SUPPORT THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS

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1001 Hwy 29 N. - Alexandria, MN Hours: Thurs. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm 320.219.7069 Sue: 952-484-5701 Bill: 612-298-9444 www.blueroostershoppe.com

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Vintage ❦ Repurposed Furniture ❦ Home Décor ❦ Gifts

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517 Broadway, Alexandria, MN 56308

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M-F 9-6 *Sat 9-5:30 * Sun 12-4

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Women & Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Accessories and Household Decorative’s 418 N. Broadway, Alexandria • 320.762.1538 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5

LARGE SELECTION OF MINNESOTA TEES & SWEATSHIRTS • FUN APPAREL • JEWELRY • GIFTS & CARDS

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Mon- Fri 9 AM - 5 PM • Sat 9 AM - 2 PM

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What: When: Where: Why: Who:

Your Business!

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Y A D E GAM HAS YOU DOUBLE COVERED FOR ALL PARTY NEEDS. Cheeses Dairy Deli Meat

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OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY & 7 DAYS A WEEK! Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.

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320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com • Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria