May 2011 Ellis County Living Magazine

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Shopping Music Home Travel Law Health Medical

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 26

TABLE TA T ABL LE O LE OF CONTENTS

START PLANNING YOUR SUMMER TRAVEL NOW

2011

18 12 FASHION

LIFE & STYLE

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CHECK OUT THE LATEST IN LOCAL FASHION

Celebrity Style 12 Beach Getaway 14 Beauty and the Bride 16 Summer Decorating 18 Summer Beer 20 Cook Through the Season 22 Festival Season 24 Off We Went to the British Isles! 26 Family Road Trip 28 Cruise Holidays—Vacations for Anyone 30 Mother’s Day Gifts 32 There is Hope 34

MAY-JUNE 2011

HOME DECOR BOOKS

MAY JUNE HOME & GARDEN

PROFESSIONAL

MEDICAL

Deciding Where to Begin 36 Precious Things 40 May and June Plants 42 Protect Your Home 44 We Should Have Know. It Was Too Good to Last 46 The Return of the “Death Tax” 48 County Update 50 Christmas Crisis 54 Know the Dangers of Melanoma 56 Dealing with Anxiety 58 Drowsy Driving—Real Risk or Just Hype? 60 Modern Contraception: Ladies’ Choice 62

DEAR READERS, Tourism. In our communities it’s more than a “Chamber of Commerce” motto. It brings money into our restaurants, hotels, gift shops and our infrastructure from the sales taxes. As a board member of the Waxahachie Chamber, I have had the opportunity to volunteer and listen to other business owners over the years on this subject. Ellis County has so many cute boutiques, quaint restaurants and chain hotels. If you live here in Ellis County, then shop our local businesses first. It is so important. All of us can make a difference by shopping American and locally.

It’s disappointing that the buildings on our Courthouse Square aren’t being rebuilt in time for the farmers market, Gingerbread Trail and the Lion’s Club Mini Grand Prix. The city and fire department have worked hard with the insurance, land owners and tenants but, at press time, it’s been to no avail and they’re ready to start the demolition. Should the citizens voice their opinions to the mayors of each city in Ellis County? Since Waxahachie is the county seat, it represents all of us.

Your thoughts? Send me an e-mail at publisher@living-magazine.com.

-Cindy Camp, publisher

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE Volume 7 Issue 3

Cindy Camp PUBLISHER

Jennifer Kemp ART DIRECTOR

Kate McClendon EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Deborah Tilson ADVERTISING

Meagan Camp

Jennifer is the art director for Ellis County Living Magazine. A graduate of the University of Texas, she has a love for all things Longhorn! She has a perfectionist work ethic and works around the clock to make sure the magazine maintains its high design standard. While ad design and page design are two very different worlds, her charming and positive nature keeps the two sides of magazine production working well together. You can send questions or comments to Jennifer@living-magazine.com.

Kate is the editor of Living Magazine. She grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Baylor University in 2006 as a journalism major and studio art minor. Kate loves all aspects of the writing and editing process and has writing experience for multiple mediums.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys being with her friends, family and two dogs. If you have any story ideas, comments, questions or concerns, send her an e-mail at Kate@living-magazine.com.

Deborah is working in advertising, focusing on Cedar Hill, Red Oak, Ovilla, Midlothian and corporate accounts in the Metroplex.

Her passion for relationship building and selling a quality product has led her to a career with Living Magazine. When not working at the magazine, Deborah works as a professional organizer.

She loves football and is an avid Redskins fan. She enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her daughter, Kelsey, in her many activities. Contact her at Deborah@living-magazine.com.

Kate and Jennifer’s Hair by Amy Ernest, J. Paris Spa &Salon, DeSoto, 972.298.0054 Kate’s makeup by Amber Thompson, Blush at Vault Salon & Spa, Red Oak, 972.617.7333 Deborah’s hair and makeup by Spa Vita, Midlothian, 888.318.VITA

Guarantee you’ll receive Ellis County Living Magazine by subscribing today!

Go to www.living-magazine.com and click on “subscriptions.”

Staff photos by Marie Q Photography

Cover photo provided by Thibaut • 800.223.0704 • www.thibautdesign.com

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ONLINE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Diane Johnson Collard Melinda Kocian Melinda Hines Jacob A. Hale Mark Singleton Dr. Katherine Donaldson, Psy. D. Cindy Burch Amber Thompson Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly

by Ellis County Living Publications, Inc. using only environmentally friendly ink.

Copyright 2011, Ellis County Living Publications All rights reserved.

For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! www.facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving twitter.com/ECLiving

We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak, DeSoto and Cedar Hill Chambers of Commerce.

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission.

The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician.

MAY-JUNE 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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Editor’s Note: This page is just too small to list all of the upcoming events in our area! Make sure you visit all the local chambers’ websites to find out exactly when and where the fun things are happening. There’s the Walgreens walkathon, local farmers markets, mini grand prix, family movie nights, golf tournaments, Relay for Life and much, much more. We hope to see you out and about at some of these things!

The theme of this May/June issue is travel since summer is just around the corner. Last year we focused on staying around the area, but this year we’re branching out. We have articles about picking a cruise, road tripping with the family, traveling to the British Isles and finding a music festival either in the U.S. or overseas for a quick getaway. We hope you get some great ideas for your next trip.

While everyone (hopefully!) has a bit more time on their hands during the summer months, I want to encourage you to shop locally. By doing this, we help out our friends, neighbors and local economy by spending our money here rather than elsewhere. And Ellis County has a lot of great things to offer!

In the next issue we’ll be featuring awesome backyards across the county. If you know of one that we should look into, just let me know by sending an e-mail to kate@ living-magazine.com.

AROUND TOWN WAXAHACHIE www.waxahachiechamber.com

MIDLOTHIAN www.midlothianchamber.org

“ANNIE” The Waxahachie Community Theatre is presenting “Annie” from May 6 through May 8 at the Chautauqua Auditorium in Getzendaner Park.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. To purchase tickets and find out more information, visit www.waxahachiecommunitytheatre.com.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND FLY-IN During the Gingerbread Trail weekend, start your busy Saturday off with a pancake breakfast at Mid-Way Regional Airport from 8 to 11 a.m. Breakfast tickets are $6 for adults, but the entertainment, including classic airplanes and fighters, helicopters and plane rides, remote control model flyers and classic cars, is free! Contact info@mid-wayregional.com for more information.

GINGERBREAD CLASSIC Grab your clubs and head to the Waxahachie Country Club on June 3 for the annual Gingerbread Classic golf tournament. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. The tournament raises funds that support the Chamber’s Program of Work. To find out more and register for a spot, visit the Chamber website.

GINGERBREAD TRAIL On the weekend of June 4 and 5, come out and enjoy the annual Gingerbread Trail event. Tour historic homes and shop the arts and crafts fair in Getzendaner Park. Also, the Ellis County Art Association will be presenting a “Paint Out” from May 28 to June 5. Look for artists painting throughout downtown Waxahachie.

COW CREEK COUNTRY CLASSIC On Saturday, June 25, grab your bike and ride in the 25th Cow Creek Country Classic, hosted by the Waxahachie Rotary Club. The ride begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Waxahachie High School.

To register and find out more details, visit www.cowcreekcountryclassic.org.

ENNIS www.ennis-chamber.org POLKA FESTIVAL Come out May 27-29 for the National Polka Festival in downtown Ennis. The festival kicks off that Friday and continues through the weekend with bands, floats, costumes, food and dancing.

CEDAR HILL www.cedarhillchamber.org NORTHWOOD INFO SESSIONS Want to further your education? Learn about Northwood University’s 12- and 24-month MBA programs, experienced faculty and scholarship opportunities. Information sessions will be held on May 12 and June 9 at 6 p.m. at the campus at 1114 W. FM 1382 in Cedar Hill. RSVP by calling 800.927.9663 or visiting www.northwood.edu/graduate.

For all local events and updates on what is happening in our area, visit www.living-magazine.com/blog.

Do you have an event that you want everyone to know about? Send an e-mail to:

EVENTS@LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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MAY-JUNE 2011

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FASHION

BEAUTY

BEAUTY AND THE BRIDE

BY AMBER THOMPSON

When I ask brides how they would like their makeup to look on their wedding day, the general response I get is, “I want to look like myself but better.” I get it. You want to look like the best possible version of yourself. That process starts long before the wedding day, and involves more than just makeup. It’s important to prepare from head to toe.

Start with your hair. Do you need to grow it out or put extensions in? Plan accordingly. When it comes to color, play it safe. Don’t make any dramatic changes six weeks before the wedding. For shiny locks, get a conditioning and glossing treatment a few days before the wedding.

“Makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath.” A good makeup artist can hide dark circles, make your lips look fuller and lashes longer, but the skin never lies. Get facials every four weeks leading up to the wedding, and consult a professional for skin care advice. For a natural glow, eat three or more

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MAY-JUNE 2011

servings of omega-rich salmon weekly. Don’t like fish? Omega-3 comes in capsule form.

Thin eyebrows are out! Fuller brows are age defying and photograph better. For tweezer-abused brows, consider this industry trick—use Rogaine to speed hair growth. Allow brows to fill in completely. Then, see a brow specialist for proper grooming.

This one is best left to the experts!

Schedule waxing, from brow to bikini, two to three days before the wedding date.

Smile bright! Use Crest Whitestrips Age Renewal for a beautiful white smile. They are recommended by dentists and are simple to use.

Lobster skin and tan lines are never in style! Be extra cautious of the sun in the weeks before the event, and always wear at least SPF 30.

Airbrush tanning is the best tanning method. Experiment months beforehand to make sure you like the results. Need a last-minute

tan? Fake it with tinted lotion and bronzer.

Pamper hands and feet with a manicure and pedicure. French manicures can photograph too stark so opt for an American manicure or soft nude. Go with classic red if you dare!

The small, often overlooked details are what creates the most polished, flawless “you.” Follow the tips and you are sure to look and feel like Cinderella for your special event.

Amber is an esthetician with more than 10 years experience in the beauty industry, including top Estee Lauder companies and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas.

She now manages and provides esthetic services at the Spa at Equinox, Preston Hollow. Amber also operates BLUSH Makeup Artistry, servicing brides and others in need of flawless makeup application.

For an appointment, reach her at amber.thompson@equinox.com.

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LIFE & STYLE

SUMMER DECORATING

With summertime rapidly approaching, many of you will have a small break from work with time for yourself and your family. Why not use a few of your free days to revitalize and revamp your home? Here are some of our favorite interior design books to help you get the ideas flowing and the ball rolling.

STAGED TO SELL (OR KEEP): Easy Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home

By Jean Nayar Filipacchi

I always feel sad for the families who have to sell their homes after shows like “Designed to Sell” have come to work their staging magic. With a little de-cluttering and minimal but impactful changes, staged-for-sale homes look so nice, calm and cohesive. Through the tips and tricks in this book, your home can have that perfect look and you don’t have the added worry about selling it. However, if you are planning to sell, this book is a must-have!

LONE STAR LIVING: Texas Homes and Ranches

By Tyler Beard and Jack Parsons Bulfinch Tyler Beard, an author of many other American Western style books, showcases an array of different homes all over Texas in this book. You see gorgeous photos, taken by Jack Parsons, of homes ranging from the typical Ranch style to cottages, lofts, eclectic homes and multi-million dollar mansions. It’s an excellent coffee table book and a source of inspiration for your home, no matter what the style.

DOMINO:

The Book of Decorating

By Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello and Dara Caponigro Simon & Schuster Though its run ended two years ago, people are still upset about losing this shelter magazine favorite (so much so that some of the editors created “Lonny,” an online-only magazine). You can get your permanent “domino” fix through this book, a comprehensive guide to outfitting every room in your house with style and functionality. Don’t know where to start in a complete decorative overhaul? This book will walk you through everything you need, step-by-step, to help you create a house that you love and that makes sense.

JONATHAN ADLER ON HAPPY CHIC: Chic Accessorizing and Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Colors Jonathan Adler Sterling Innovation If you’re looking to add some fun into your home, look no further than these two books. Jonathan Adler, an interior designer known for his fearlessness and energy, directs you in adding items and colors you love into your home to make it a space that’s uniquely you. In “Happy Chic Colors,” Adler breaks down each color, telling readers what mood it creates and how to pair it with other colors. In “Happy Chic Accessorizing,” he gives you courage to incorporate quirky finds into interesting vignettes. These are the guides to an eclectic and playful home.

BY KATE MCCLENDON, STAFF BOOK-A-HOLIC

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MAY-JUNE 2011

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LIFE & STYLE

One of the things people enjoy most during the hot summer months is a cold beer sipped on an outdoor patio. As May rolls around, stores and restaurants begin replacing their winter flavors with seasonal summer beers.

AT THE

PUB “Surf’s Up” at The College Street Pub this summer with our Longboard Island Lager on tap! We chose to feature this beer for the summer because of the smooth, crisp finish of this light lager, which pairs perfectly with sitting outside on our garden patio during a beautiful summer day in Texas. Longboard Island Lager is brewed by the Kona Brewing Company out of Hawaii. It has a delicate and slightly spicy aroma that complements its light and malty body. Our other beers on summer tap include St. Arnold’s Elissa IPA, Dos Equis Lager, Stella Artois, Blue Moon and Woodchuck Apple Cider.

–Nici Strickland, College Street Pub Waxahachie

So what makes a good summer beer? Usually summer beers are light but flavorful, aromatic, refreshing, crisp and pair easily with food enjoyed during hot summer days. These beers are often wheaty and sometimes fruity tasting and usually light to medium bodied.

Here are some of our favorite summer beers that are worth trying:

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SUMMER BEER

TYPES

Today, these are some of the typical summer beer types you’ll find: PILSNER ALE SAISON KOLSCH HEFEWEIZEN WHEAT BEER

TRY A FEW

VICTORY PRIMA PILS Pennsylvania—crisp, hoppy, py, floral floral PAULANER HEFE-WEIZEN Germany—fruity, earthy, light BITBURGER PREMIUM PILS Germany—fresh, light, bitter GOOSE ISLAND SUMMERTIME Illinois—fruity, sweet, crisp SAMUEL ADAMS SUMMER ALE Massachusetts—lemony, tart, spicy LEINENKUGEL’S SUNSET WHEAT Wisconsin—sweet, fruity OSKAR BLUES DALE’S PALE ALE Colorado—hoppy, light, citrusy

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Initially, wheat was brought into beer brewing back in the Middle Ages.

Farmers and brewers were gathering whatever grains they could find and, in Germany and Belgium, wheat made up a big part of their local grains.

They began combining wheat with the more typical barley and created a light-colored and light-bodied beer that was refreshing during hot weather.

BY KATE MCCLENDON

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LIFE & STYLE

COOK THROUGH

RECIPES

THE SEASON

BY MEAGAN CAMP

With the weather heating up, the farmers markets are starting, and there is no better way to taste the best of season than from your nearby farmers. Try some of these recipes for simple weeknight meals that incorporate local fare.

LIGHTER SIDE OF TOMATO SAUCE This tomato sauce is not your typical heavy pasta sauce; it is a lighter, chunky broth that can easily go over pasta, under chicken or as a wonderful cold soup when Texas heat kicks in.

This recipe is useful for many dishes and, once you find the right balance of flavors and herbs, you can make one batch, freeze it in ice cube trays or in small containers and use it all season!

1/2 cup olive oil 1 large Spanish onion, diced 1 shallot, diced 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1 tablespoon minced ginger 4 medium carrots, diced (peeling only necessary if you want to) 3 stalks of celery, diced 1 head of bok choy or other leafy greens, like collards or kale, cleaned and roughly chopped 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 sprig of rosemary, minced 2 sprigs of thyme, minced 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 28-ounce can of tomatoes (any kind you have on hand) 1 pound cherry tomatoes, rinsed and the tops removed Plenty of salt and pepper to taste

Add oil to a large stockpot, bring to medium heat and add onions, shallots, garlic and ginger. Cook for about 7 minutes until translucent, then add a pinch of salt to draw out water. Add carrots, celery, bok choy, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice and zest and let cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add in all tomatoes and generously add salt and pepper to your taste. Feel free to add water to cover vegetables at this point to allow it to reduce longer. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and let sit for 90 minutes or so, until all the tomatoes have broken down and the consistency has thickened to your liking. Store in small containers in the freezer to use for small meals.

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SPRING TAMALES This lighter twist on the usually meat-heavy dish will make this a weeknight staple because of its ability to change with whatever is in your fridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;plug in your favorites and try new combinations.

MASA DOUGH 1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened 1/8 cup of sugar 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon of salt 3/4 cup masa harina 10-15 corn husks (See note below) TAMALE FILLING 2 cups yellow squash, diced 2 cups red onion, diced 2 cups broccoli (frozen is best for this. Thaw and throw in a food processor until broccoli is fine, but not pureed. Press the broccoli mix between two paper towels to remove excess water. Blending the broccoli also gives the tamales a great color.)

Set up your pot with a steamer basket or put a heat-proof bowl upside down to prop the tamales upright. Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixer until creamy, add the egg and then the masa until just mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then add your vegetables.

Lay one corn husk on a cutting board and add 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the husk, about 1/4-inch thick. Fold either in squares or use one husk to cut into ties and tie the tamales closed. Place the tamales upright in the pot, put the lid on and leave them to steam for 45 minutes to an hour. To test, take a tamale out, open it and check its firmness. Depending on the type of vegetables you use, there may be more water as the vegetables cook so longer steaming time is just fine.

Garnish the tamales with a light salsa, or make the following quick sauce.

SIMPLE SAUCE 1 cup sour cream or crème fraiche 1 lime, zested then juiced 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped Mix the sour cream, juice and 1 teaspoon of the zest along with the cilantro. Keep cool until you are ready to serve!

Note about corn husks: Most tamale recipes call for you to soak the husks for 6-8 hours before assembling your tamales. I've found this to be not only unnecessary but it puts a damper on an instant tamale craving! Put 3 cups of water in a kettle, bring to a boil and separate your corn husks in a casserole dish or deep bowl and pour hot water over to cover husks. Place a bowl or other dish on top and let sit for 20-30 minutes and they are ready to go.

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FESTIVAL

SEASON WESTERN US SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL May 27-30 Seattle, Washington Death Cab for Cutie, Foo Fighters, Wilco

SOUTHERN US KRAZY FEST May 20-22 Louisville, Kentucky Cave In, Coalesce, Hot Rod Circuit, Lucero, Against Me!

HANGOUT FESTIVAL May 20-22 Gulf Shores, Alabama All stages are on beaches so you have ocean views while watching Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Cee-Lo Green, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips and more.

ABBEY ROAD ON THE RIVER May 26-30 Louisville, Kentucky The world’s largest Beatles-inspired music festival.

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DELFEST May 26-29 Cumberland, Maryland Old Crow Medicine Show, The Del McCoury Band, Yonder Mountain String Band

ROCKLAHOMA May 27-29 Pryor, Oklahoma ZZ Top, Tesla, Chevelle

BAYOU COUNTRY SUPER FEST

MUSIC If you’re a music lover and a traveler, now is the perfect time to plan a few getaways. It’s festival season and it seems that no matter where you’d like to go there will be a show.

bellum, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban

MIDWESTERN US ROCK ON THE RANGE May 21-22 Columbus, Ohio A Perfect Circle, Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed

MOVEMENT: DETROIT ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL

May 28-29 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Sugarland

May 28-30 Detroit, Michigan Electronic music in what is said to be the birthplace of techno.

BONAROO FESTIVAL

SUMMER CAMP

June 9-12 Manchester, Tennessee Eminem, Arcade Fire, Lil Wayne, Mumford & Sons, The Strokes

CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL Fan Fair June 9-12 Nashville, Tennessee Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Lady Ante-

May 27-29 Chillicothe, Illinois Widespread Panic, Avett Brothers

OUTSIDE THE US ALL TOMORROW’S PARTIES May 13-15 Minehead, England Best Coast, Beach House; all bands chosen by Animal Collective

PRIMAVERA SOUND FESTIVAL May 26-28 Barcelona, Spain Big Boi, Belle & Sebastian, Fleet Foxes, Girl Talk, Interpol

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL June 10-12 Seaclose Park, Newport, UK Kings of Leon, Pulp, Foo Fighters, Kasabian

NORTH BY NORTHEAST June 13-19 Toronto, Canada Canada’s version of South by Southwest where bands play in all types of venues throughout the city. Bands will be announced a few weeks beforehand.

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL June 22-26 Worthy Farm, Pilton, UK Beyonce, Coldplay, U2

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LIFE & STYLE

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OFF WE WENT TO THE

BY LIZ HARDEN

Take nine family members from three states, add vacation schedules, budgets, a list of “must see” sights in three countries in 10 days, and you have an all-too-brief but doable “survey” of the British Isles! With the help of our good friend Lee Guidry, of Education Abroad Today, we had an itinerary that included Belfast, Ireland; Edinburgh, Scotland, London, England and all the adventure we could muster. We’d be moving fast, using local transportation, quick commuter flights between countries and our own two legs.

My husband, Bob, and I had been working on our family “trees,” knowing both of our families emigrated from across the pond; some from Northern Ireland, some from England and some from Scotland. My sister was the first to sign on and got the ball rolling— our target: May 2010. We invited our siblings and kids from both sides to join the trip. On May 11 we joined

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together at the Newark, N.J. airport with family members from Georgia, Florida and Texas.

IRELAND We landed in Belfast the next morning. Our friend and guide, Lee had forewarned us to sleep on the plane because “we would hit the ground running,” and that we did.

We traveled by Airport Express bus to Belfast City Center then walked, bags in tow, through town to the university district to check into Tara Lodge where we’d stay.

Then we met our pre-arranged Black Cabbie riding tour guides for the infamous Falls and Shankill Roads tour—the area known for the “troubles” of Northern Ireland. We viewed history and tragedy as the friendly, local cabbies recounted the stories of the famous Irish rebels and their own days of sectarian strife between Catholic and Protestant

neighborhoods—the hunger strikes, the terrible fights and explosions.

We all viewed the world famous “Peace Wall” and were able to add our own sentiments alongside others, such as President Bill Clinton and South African President Nelson Mandela—a testament to our visit and our good wishes for the Northern Irish. After the tour we walked back into the heart of Belfast to enjoy dining on authentic beef and Guinness pie at the centuries old and beautifully wood carved “Crown Pub” of Belfast. Later, we slept like babies our first night in the British Isles.

The next morning found us boarding a tour bus for the full-day Causeway Coastal tour of the amazing Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. On the way we saw the beautiful Irish countryside filled with cottages, magnificent vistas, farms, grazing sheep and miles of yellow flowers.

Our first stop was the historic Carrickfergus Castle, built in the 1100s as the standing “sentry” on beautiful Belfast Lough, a great spot for pictures, then it was on to Bushmills Distillery, said to be the world’s oldest.

We tasted the cider and the hot toddy, then went on to the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that took you out over the Irish Sea. The Causeway’s name comes from the legend of Finn MacCool, an Irish giant who wanted to reach his love in Scotland. It’s believed to have been formed by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. The group braved the walk across the famous rope bridge while I stayed safe on land taking pictures.

SCOTLAND What a great day! The next day we took a commuter flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. We entered Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street and the center of the city. Bagpipers dressed in kilts along the bridge toward the Royal Mile played for all the visitors. We stayed at the beautiful AmarAgua Guest House, a lovely B&B in a quiet residential neighborhood. City buses took us everywhere each day as we spent our time touring the famous Mile and the amazing Edinburgh Castle while the guys decided to take an excursion to the Highlands where my son had a Scottish hawk encounter!

At Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile boasting 3,500 years of history, we shared wonderful food, music, ghost tours and even a labor parade. We toured the “underground” of the city where catacomb-like structures once housed all manner of people and their trades and where they went to escape the plague. We toured the Queen’s Royal Botanic Gardens, founded in 1670 and expanded in 1820, which is now part of the National Botanic Gardens of

Scotland. So much history, so much too see; we vowed we would go back and spend time there. Too soon our wonderful day ended and we headed back to our B&B to sleep and get ready to go again! The next morning we flew from Edinburgh to London.

LONDON Our hotel was in the Shoreditch area, northeast of central London.

What we didn’t know was that our hotel was situated in the same area where Jack the Ripper once stalked the streets! We chose the hotel for its reasonable rates, only to discover the cabbies didn’t make regular stops in that area because of its history. But we ventured on anyway! Using the London city buses and the famous “tube” railway over the next three days we’d ride into the city and walk all over the magnificent shopping district to Picadilly, throughout St. James, to a boat tour on the Thames and even a walk along quirky Columbia Road with its open street fair and amazing curry shops. On one afternoon as we walked through Westminster, we ended up outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, precisely as the guards made their famous “changing of the guards” march. We watched their precision moves and noticed the Queen’s flag flying, letting us know she was in residence. What a thrill—we couldn’t have planned it better!

The guys, all history buffs couldn’t get enough of the amazing and free British Museum. We saw the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Cotswolds, Oxford, Stratford upon Avon and so much more!

We had the best times together and discovered we love traveling together as a family. The British Isles are our families’ beginnings and we can’t wait to do it again, although next time we’ll plan for a longer stay!

MAY-JUNE 2011

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LIFE & STYLE

BY MELINDA HINES

Family Road Trip Now that summer is here, it’s the perfect time to grab the family and hit the road.

The trick to creating a great road trip is to create a comfortable car ride for all. Get the whole family involved in the planning.

Look at the general areas of interest on the Internet or a map and then point out specific areas that each family member might be interested in. But before you head out, have the car checked and routine maintenance performed. If you don’t have one already, add an emergency kit packed neatly in a bin including items such as a first aid kit, waterproof matches, road flares, blankets, jumper cables, a cutting device, duct tape, chains and a gallon of water.

Make sure you bring along everyone’s favorite gear, a few healthy snacks and a cooler of drinks, too. A fail-safe entertainment idea is to borrow or rent a portable TV/DVD combo with headphones and bring along the kids’ favorite movies. A rectangle cake pan with a sliding lid is a great travel desk for kids. They can fill it with crayons, paper, coloring books, supplies and magnets and use the top for a stable writing surface. For older kids, take along travel-sized board games or electronic games and extra batteries. Play traditional car games, such as “I Spy” or listen to music and sing along as a family.

Pack blankets and pillows for napping in the car, too.

My husband says I go on vacation just for the food and he might be half right.

Meals and snacks for everybody add up quickly, so be realistic. Consider accom-

modations where kids eat free, breakfast is served or that has a kitchen if you are willing to cook. Eat at local “Mom and Pop” restaurants—they are well priced and the food can’t be beat. Besides, you can eat at chain restaurants and fast food joints at home. When it comes to snacks, buy them at a grocery store and take them with you. One bottle of water can cost as much as $2 at a convenience store or tourist location, so it just makes sense to buy a 12-pack for $2.50. However, budget for snacks that are a part of the experience, like a milkshake at an oldfashioned soda fountain or fresh fruit at a roadside stand or farmers market.

Accommodations can be the most costly expense of all. Consider staying free with relatives or friends, but don’t wear out your welcome. Camping and budget motels are another cost-saving option.

All you really need is a comfortable bed, clean bathroom and, of course, the kids would love a pool. Consider if the pricey hotel is really worth the money for the amount of time you will actually be in the room. If you are traveling with your extended family or friends, be sure to get a condo with individual rooms or separate rooms in a hotel for at least each couple and their children. Some hotels offer a discount for second rooms, so don’t hesi-

tate to ask for one when making your reservations. Even if you enjoy each other’s company a great deal, close proximity for an extended period of time can cause friction and make the trip uncomfortable for everyone.

Activities and souvenirs for an entire family also add up quickly. Plan how much it will cost to attend shows, go scuba diving or anything else you might want to do. Set a reasonable limit in this area and be sure to check into specials. For instance, my husband and father-in-law once saved $60 each by golfing in the afternoon instead of the morning. Ask the locals where the most inexpensive fun is and shop where they shop for cheaper prices, too. Set a limited amount to spend on souvenirs and avoid emotional buys. Purchase something useful that adds to your home or keep something like snorkeling gear as a reminder. On our last two trips to Mexico we bought some beautiful urns that match our bedroom and bathroom décor. Don’t feel pressured to buy at the first place you see, because vendors often carry similar goods and they use their own discretion in pricing. This is especially true when you are shopping in markets like those in Mexico and New Orleans where you can often find just what you are looking for and at a better price somewhere else.

Melinda Hines is a wife, mom, author, speaker, teacher and proud Waxahachie resident. Her book, “Operation Mom: Winning the Mommy Wars,” is available on her website, www.melindahines.net, and at Hastings and Amazon.com. To get Melinda’s daily devotional, send her an e-mail at melindaahines@yahoo.com.

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LIFE & STYLE

CRUISE HOLIDAYS Vacations for Anyone

BY DUSTIN ROBBINS

Back in December I sailed on a four-night Food and Wine Lifestyle cruise between Auckland, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia. With that cruise complete, my total number sailed now stands at 15. I obviously enjoy cruising, but for those of you who may have never cruised before, I’m sure you may have all sorts of reasons in your head as to why cruising is not your type of holiday. It is my hope that after you’ve read this article you’ll understand that cruising is not a one-size-fits-all type of vacation and you’ll be better prepared to plan that perfect vacation you’ve been dreaming of.

board experience you’re looking for. Cunard Line, for instance, offers a traditional British cruise experience, with several formal nights, traditional assigned dining and daily high tea. Princess Cruises, true to its roots dating back to the “Love Boat,” focuses heavily on romance and courts couples, and even offers “Weddings at Sea®” ceremonies. Carnival Cruise Lines pioneered the modern cruise holiday as we know it, and prides itself on being the fun cruise line. Do a little research to understand what makes each cruise line and ship unique and you’re sure to find your match.

Perhaps one of the most common and basic of all the arguments against cruising is a fear of seasickness. To be honest, I was initially worried about this one myself. Old wives’ tales claim that by eating green apples or ginger, one can avoid seasickness. I personally can’t say if those remedies work, as I’ve never had to resort to them. The reason being is that all of the major cruise lines’ newer ships feature state-of-the-art stabilizer systems that make crossing even the choppiest of seas comfortable. I’ve never found myself even the slightest bit queasy onboard. If you’re still worried, then I would recommend booking a cabin on a lower deck of the ship. Any movements will be more concentrated as you move up to the higher decks.

Also be aware that the duration, destination and season will also be important factors in the type of clientele onboard.

Longer-duration cruises and destinations such as Europe, the Panama Canal and South America tend to appeal to many retirees and experienced cruisers, while seven-night Alaska and Caribbean cruises are the preferred choices for many families and first-time cruisers. Gen Y’ers with limited vacation time might find a four-night Mexico or Bahamas cruise appealing for a quick, short break. Christmas and New Year cruises continue to see their popularity increase among families and spring break cruises remain a popular choice with the college crowd.

Another argument against cruise vacations for many folks is a fear of the type of people they’ll be surrounded by once onboard. Elderly individuals and families commonly think of cruises as more for the rowdy bunch, and conversely young adults may think of cruise vacations as sedentary and stuffy. To overcome these claims, it’s important to realize there is a cruise line for all demographics and to identify which brand suits the specific on-

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The final barrier to cruising I’d like to discuss is arguably the hardest to overcome—the cost. Most non-cruisers have the misguided belief that cruising is a highly expensive vacation. This could not be further from the truth. Cruising is an allinclusive vacation, meaning all of your accommodations, basic meals and general entertainment is included in the price of your fare. Plus, on a cruise you’ll visit multiple ports and only have to unpack once.

The only non-essential items for which you may incur additional fees are alco-

holic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, gambling and specialty dining restaurants. If you’re still not convinced, I’d encourage you to do some comparison shopping and compare the total cost of an equivalent land-based holiday to a cruise in which you’re interested, and I guarantee the cruise will almost always be the cheaper of the two options once all the overall costs have been factored in.

Also, you may not be aware that cruise lines offer payment plans when planning your vacation far enough in advance. Just like layaways, cruise lines offer customers the opportunity to make an initial deposit and enjoy a fixed payment plan. If you’re planning more than a year in advance, I would recommend working with a travel agent. Travel agents receive special unadvertised rates from the cruise lines that are more discounted than the rates available to the general public. These fares could translate into a free upgrade to a higher cabin category and you may even receive additional items such as onboard credits, a bottle of wine or a gift basket. If you’re looking for last-minute bargains, visit the cruise line’s websites or cruise blogs like cruisecritic.com.

Summer is fast approaching, and it is time to begin planning summer getaways. I hope you’ll try something new this year and consider a cruise holiday. To maximize any potential cruise, take the time to research and compare the brands, destinations and ships you’re interested in and you’ll be on your way to planning a vacation that you’ll never forget.

Dustin Robbins is a native of Waxahachie and currently resides in Sydney, Australia, where he is employed as the manager of market planning for Carnival Australia, the Australian subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & PLC.

Find the answers at www.living-magazine.com and click on the Sudoku link.

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LIFE & STYLE

THERE IS

HOPE

Hope Clinic’s mission is clear—to provide health care to people who are uninsured or in need of affordable treatment. They’ve been serving the community for 10 years and will continue to do so for years to come with the help of citizens in Ellis County.

WHAT IS HOPE?

“[Hope Clinic] has evolved. In the beginning the goal was to provide quality health care to the underserved population—people who can’t afford regular health care,” Tim Samuels, the chief operating officer said. “It’s not an alternative to quality health care, just quality health care at a discounted price.”

At the clinic, the services are extensive—from women’s health, adult care, mental care, pediatrics and dentistry to diabetes, obesity and smoking cessation education. In addition, they also provide transportation for patients and a prescription assistance program that offers prescriptions to patients for a low cost.

“That’s one thing we found in the beginning— sometimes people would have saved enough money to go see a doctor but they don’t have enough for the medicine,” Dr. Mackie Owens, the CEO, said. “That’s one of our main goals— to make sure they have what they need.”

HOW IT BEGAN

In 1999, a few things happened that led to the inception of Hope Clinic. Baylor Health Care System closed their clinic in Ennis and moved to Waxahachie but decreased the number of patients they could see, and the county received money from a tobacco lawsuit that was designated for health care use. Several non-profit organizations met to talk about the number of uninsured patients and the fact that there were no clinics in Ellis County— nothing for people who didn’t have insurance.

This original group, consisting of Dr. Mackie Owens, Dr. Bobby Haney, Drs. Peggy and David Linguist, Dr. Mary Beth and Kelly Felty and Dr. John Bousquet, among many others, designated themselves the Ellis County Coalition for Health and held focus groups for leaders in the community to determine the need in the county and how they could help.

This group presented a plan to the

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HOPE CLINIC

BY KATE MCCLENDON commissioner’s court to start a clinic with volunteer physicians.

The county was amazed that the group found so many people willing to help, and gave them the money they asked for to start the clinic.

Once they secured a building (purchased for the steep price of $1 in a county auction), they received help from the community and the Baylor hospital in Waxahachie in building handicap ramps, furnishing the building, putting in floors and much more. From the beginning, Hope Clinic has always been a community effort.

Hope Clinic began seeing patients for a very low price. “In the beginning, the mission was not only to treat the uninsured but to improve the overall health of the county,” Owens said.

In 2009, Hope Clinic received federally qualified health service center status through stimulus funding and were able to treat about 10,000 patients per year instead of the 4,500 they were seeing. Though they received federal money, the community, county and Baylor Hospital in Waxahachie still offered their support. However, due to government budget cuts and indecision, the federal help has now ended and Hope Clinic will have to rely on that outside support to keep thriving.

“I think our best asset is the fact that the community supports us. It’s one of the reasons we’re still here,” Owens said. “The federal people have said to me over and over, and the state people, too, ‘I can’t believe how much the community helps.’”

PEOPLE OF HOPE

The clinic also depends on a lot of talented and loving staff members to keeps its doors open and patients healthy. In addition to Owens, some of the original members of the Ellis County Coalition for Health still play a big part at Hope Clinic. Dr. Bobby Haney is one of the dentists on staff and Dr. Peggy Linguist is the pediatrician. They fit into a

larger staff of physicians, who are overseen

by Dr. Trudy Fedorko, the recently hired chief medical officer who has been practicing emergency medicine for 21 years.

“It’s apparent that there isn’t enough primary care available to a lot of people that somehow don’t have access to outpatient medicine,” Fedorko said. “[Hope Clinic has] renewed my faith in the medical system in general.”

HOPE’S IMPACT

It’s easy to see how much of an impact Hope Clinic has made on the citizens of Ellis County, especially those without insurance or hope of receiving quality health care at an affordable price. But that impact doesn’t fall on patients alone.

“I just receive so much more than what I actually give here,” Linguist said. “I think part of it is getting to know people who...are no different than I, except for their circumstances.

Getting to know their character and how they depend on God is so much more significant. I just have so much to learn from our patients.”

One of the main goals of Hope Clinic is to provide patients with primary care, therefore preventing any illness or disease that would cause them to later end up in the emergency room.

“I do feel very hopeful that I’m actually being part of the solution rather than really not affecting what I think is a real solution to health care, which is primary preventive care services and primary care medicine,” Fedorko said.

With help from the community, Hope Clinic will continue a decade-long trend of providing loving care to those who need it most. If you are interested in helping in any way, contact the clinic at 972.923.2440 or visit their website at www.hopeclinicelliscounty.com.

Make the most of your smile!

A STORY OF HOPE

BY DR. PEGGY LINGUIST

I saw a little four-year-old boy, who was presumably “lost to followup” as a patient of Children’s Hospital in Dallas, became found by us, after two years, at Hope Clinic. This little guy had meningitis when he was born and he started seizing and stopped breathing. They saved his little body, but his mind is another story. He can smile, but we’re not sure if it’s purposeful, and he will never walk or talk. He requires lots and lots of care, and he’s on lots and lots of medicines.

Apparently, this patient has missed lots and lots of appointments, too. He gets scheduled for the neurologist or the orthopedist or the therapist in Dallas, and he doesn’t show up. His mom can’t make it for many different reasons, one being that she doesn’t actually own a car, and people get tired of trying to help her. And this is a cycle of being lost, and it keeps her and him further and further from being found.

I decide to try to reschedule one more appointment for her. He needs someone with a pediatric neurology brain to refigure his medicines, and I need some help. I have to promise the scheduler that he will show up. I go back to ask mom what the deal is, does she know that all of these other appointments were scheduled, that doctors don’t like to be stood up over and over and over, and how can we help to make sure that he makes this appointment, this time?

And she looks up at me with her 80-year-old eyes and her 30-yearold face and says this: “Yeah, sorry I didn’t make it to those. Two years ago, my four-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting, so I haven’t really felt like getting out, and I think I was probably depressed. But now I’m doing better and I know we can make this appointment.”

How do you respond to that? “I’m sorry” seems so trivial and shallow, not even glancing the surface of a hurt that lies deep. I think, “Oh my God, how terrible,” came out, but I’m not even sure, because I turned into a mom for a few seconds, trying to figure out if I could even survive in the place where this woman has walked.

I heard the other day that France and Switzerland got together and created the first atom-smasher in the world and, after years and years, it finally worked. They have this 17-mile long tunnel that the atoms run through and, as they gain enough speed, they crash together and make lots of tiny particles, some that we have never even seen before. Their next task is to find something called the God particle, this tiny thing that might give us some answers to the beginning of the entire universe. Wow. And then I think about what we do at Hope Clinic, and I am really no different. I get the chance to see stuff collide all of the time: life happens that way, mine and others. A mom has plans for the future that crash into the realities of tube feedings and medicines and loss and grief and poverty. And we both find ourselves in the middle of this mess looking for the God particle. And the little tiny parts, like focusing on each other each day, trying to make it to tomorrow, are all pieces to the amazing answers of the universe—we are lost, and we are found.

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HOME & GARDEN

DECIDING WHERE TO BEGIN

BY DIANE JOHNSON DIANE JOHNSON INTERIORS Have you ever looked at something that needs to be replaced, repaired or cleaned out and you cannot bring yourself to do it? Like an attic that hasn’t been touched for 10 years or a storage space that still holds your high school keepsakes? That kind of procrastination is clearly putting off today what can be done next week…next year…or maybe never.

Much like that storage area, making a decision on where to start a remodeling project is often good reason not to start at all. Sometimes the process is so overwhelming that we just can’t bring ourselves to delve into it. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Recently, I had a

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MAY-JUNE 2011

client call me from Houston who was suffering from that very thing. Her 1966 home is in a lovely neighborhood with tall trees and perfectly groomed lawns.

From the outside her inviting two-story colonial looks picture perfect…but then you enter.

When the Biehles purchased their home, they were allowed to choose the floor covering, paint and laminate countertops. The den walls were paneled, of course. They always were. The breakfast room had the standard fare of paneled wainscoting with large floral wallpaper above.

The most desirable floor surface at that time was a sheet vinyl that looks like red brick. Not to have less than the best, red bricks were chosen for the kitchen, breakfast, den and laundry areas. It was a very durable choice that would never have to be replaced…and it had not been.

The light fixtures were original. The bathrooms had not been redone and

the laminate countertops were still intact. Not that any of these things were in terrible repair, as the Biehles had maintained their home well, but everything was dated and drab.

Mrs. Biehle is quite the collector. She has collections of just about everything you can think of, especially if it is from long ago. She loves antiques and unique treasures and her home is filled to capacity with both. Deciding what is and is not important enough to keep has become such a painful process that nothing gets discarded; only stored.

Much like the collectibles, nothing has changed in the décor because no decisions could be made. For some time the Biehles have known that the time had come for serious changes, but seemed to hit a wall with where to start and what to do. After giving up on the task at hand, reinforcements were called in. Me. I arrived in Houston on a Sunday evening. I met the Biehles at their home and walked through the house to introduce

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HOME & GARDEN

myself to the challenge. Loving antiques and old things, I had a little trouble focusing on the important issues, but I was able to make mental note of some of the major trouble spots.

The next two days were filled with power shopping and planning. In getting a game plan, the battle was half won.

When you have direction and are working toward a specific goal, it all seems so much easier. Things just fall into place.

We started with paint. The entire house needed to be repainted and each area

painter will make samples in each room so final colors can be approved. We practiced with several paint and glaze variations on the wainscoting to decide what to do about the paneling—keep it and paint or tear it out? Although we all liked the painted paneling, some electrical issues needed to be resolved and insulation in an outside wall was much needed. We decided the paneling will be torn out and the walls would be sheet rocked, textured and painted.

Because of health issues, a soft-surface floor was needed in the main living areas. The brick vinyl had served that purpose, as it is much softer than ceramic tile. With that in mind, we investigated commercial vinyl plank flooring. In keeping with the country look and all of the antiques filling each room, the wood-look product was our best choice.

New carpeting was selected for the formal areas and bedrooms. Ceramic tile for the bath floors and showers as well as the kitchen backsplash were all decided. A trip to the granite yard produced decisions on the kitchen and bath countertops. After several stops at various Home Depot and Lowe’s stores, hardware and light fixtures were purchased as well.

WWW. WW WWW W.TH THIBAU IIBBAAUUTTDDES ESIGGN N..CCO OM had special needs. They had no idea where to start with color, so they were thinking beige…beige…beige. I have no aversion to beige. I use some lovely shades on a regular basis, but it is not always the best color when there are so many options.

In record time, lovely soft colors were selected for every area of the house. The

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On the last evening of my trip, Mrs. Biehle and I went through the house selecting accessories that would stay and ones that would go away. I told her that she had to look at all of the accessory-filled walls and think about each piece individually. Was it an heirloom? Did it have personal meaning?

Was it particularly valuable? If the object was none of the above, it was garage sale material. Being a craft sale and flea market shopper, Mrs. Biehle had obtained quite a collection of little meaningless trinkets. It was definitely time to cull and clear it out.

The final task to complete my assignment was to make a specification sheet for the contractor and the client. In preparing this form I specified each room individually and listed each change that was to be made. I included paint colors, floor covering, tile and countertops, if applicable, and any other details that would get the job done correctly.

When I pulled out of the driveway to start the drive home, I felt that a job had been well done. Decisions were made.

The contractor knew exactly what to do to complete his part of the job and he was very pleased. There were no more delays and construction could proceed.

Mrs. Biehle didn’t have to continue losing sleep and Mr. Biehle did not have to shop anymore—and he was very grateful for that. He wanted more than anything for his wife to be happy with the results, but he was more than ready to get off the merry-go-round.

I can’t wait to see the results. At some point, I will be going back to Houston to put the final touches on their remodeled home. I hope to share that with you, too.

Until then, happy decorating.

DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD has been decorating Ellis County for more than 20 years.

Contact Diane Johnson Interiors at 972.935.8899 or djohnsoninteriors@hotmail.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

If our home is where the heart is, then it’s just natural to fill it with things we love. We asked a few women in Ellis County what their most precious item in their home is and here’s what they said.

1. TRACI BERRY

This is my great grandmother’s rolling pin. The reason it is special to me is because my grandmother, who passed away this past summer, used to tell me stories about my great-grandmother and the things she would bake and cook when she was young. When I would be in the kitchen while my grandmother was baking she would let me make my own pie or my own biscuits and she would let me use this special treasure. When I hold it in my hands I can feel how soft the wood has become from years of use, and believe it or not, it has a bread dough kind of smell. I also have my great grandmother’s butter mold and several of her wooden spoons.

1.

2. DIANE JOHNSON

3.

This antique train table is one of my favorite things to show because it is so unique and interesting. It originated from a British railroad. In my entry, on a daily basis, this piece is a small unusual bench, but when we play dominos, it becomes a perfect game table. It is always fun to watch the reaction of guests when we unfold his contraption. It is truly a treasure.

3. DEBORAH TILSON

My grandmother made this monkey for me before I was in elementary school. Her clothes are all handmade and sewn on permanently. I named her Flora because it is my Mother’s first name and it means flower. Flora is stuffed with plastic from dry cleaners bags. When I held her she made a crunchy noise and it was always so comforting to me. My Nane passed away last February and since then Flora has been back on the bed with me.

2.

4. CINDY KEMP

This is a plate that belonged to my great-great Aunt Delia, passed down to me by my mother. It has been in my possession for about 16 years and it was not until I was writing this description for the magazine that I really got it down and examined the markings. I learned that it is hand painted and signed by the artist. It is marked with Z.S. & Co. Bavaria, Royal Vienna with a crown and artist’s pallet.

I learned that Z.S. & Co. began using this mark between 1880 and 1910.

This has been fun looking into the markings on the piece and I look forward to doing more research on it and other items that have been passed down to me. Thanks, Living Magazine for motivating me to investigate the origins of

4.

my cherished heirlooms and reminding me to stop and smell the roses!

5. ERICKA ALLEN

5. !"

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MAY-JUNE 2011

This is my collection of elephants. When I was growing up, my dad would go on two- to three-day business trips and he would bring home an elephant from each city. He would give me the elephant when he got home. I’ve taken these with me to college, my first apartment, my first home, etc.

They are now displayed in my home.

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HOME & GARDEN

BY MELINDA KOCIAN of Ellis County Master Gardeners

Asparagus & Artichoke Salad

By Betty and Jon Reuscher

PLANTING • This is planning time for sweet potatoes.

• Now is the time to plant other hot-weather, summer-blooming plants: Mexican firebush, blue daze, succulents, purple fountain grass, purslane, moss rose and angel’s trumpet, which needs some afternoon shade. For shade, you can use Texas gold columbine, elephant ears and caladiums. Wait until June to plant periwinkle (vinca).

• Spring-blooming bulbs can be dug, divided and replanted. Make sure the tops have dried before moving. The foliage feeds the bulbs for next year’s blooms.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Manually thin peaches, apples, pears and plums about six to eight inches apart to produce larger fruit.

• Fertilize tomatoes and most other vegetables every other week for vigorous and productive plants.

• Mow lawn grass the proper height every five days to keep it dense and healthy. Mow Bermuda grass one-and-a-half inches and St. Augustine at two-and-a-half inches. Keep the mower blade sharp for a good clean cut to prevent browning at the grass tips.

• Dead-head roses and other reblooming plants. Feed fruit trees, perennials, annuals, ground covers and vines with a lawn fertilizer.

• Pinch back aster, chrysanthemum, Cooper Canyon daisy and Mexican mint marigold to encourage a compact plant and more blooms in the fall.

• 3 (8-ounce) can artichoke • 1/2 onion, minced hearts, quartered • 1/3 cup olive oil • 3 pounds asparagus, • 1/3 cup salad oil cooked until barely tender, • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 tablesppon Dijon • 1 (8-ounce) can hearts mustard of palm, cut into slices, • seasoned pepper, optional to taste, optional Combine all ingredients and marinate overnight. Serves 12.

JUNE

MAY

GARDENING

GARDEN WATCH • Look for insects and diseases on tomatoes and other crops. Early detection is imperative. Keep the soil adequately moist to prevent blossom-end rot on tomatoes. If it is detected, spray for early blight with a labeled insecticide.

• Horn worms on tomatoes are common and can devastate a crop.

They can usually be removed by hand or controlled by Bt (Bacillus thuringniensis). Use it with care on any plant. It can kill beneficial caterpillars that are butterfly larva.

• Squash vine borers and squash bugs tend to be a problem. Destroy the eggs of squash bugs found on the underside of the leaves by hand or a stream of water. Most vegetable pests often can be controlled by using pesticides labeled for use on vegetables.

Mom’s Blackberry Cobbler

By Linda Ballard • • • •

2 cups blackberries 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1 cup milk • 4 tablespoons butter

Melt butter in 10 x 11-inch glass dish at 325 degrees. Mix dry ingredients. Add milk, mix again. Pour batter over hot butter. Spoon pockets of blackberries over batter. Bake 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

May serve with ice cream. Serves six.

!"

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MAY-JUNE 2011

PLANTING • This is the best time to plant vinca (periwinkle) in full sun and caladiums in shade only—they like the hot weather.

Cora is new vinca cultivar that is resistant to soil-borne diseases. It comes in many colors except yellow. A caladium called ‘Red Flash’ is one to try. ‘Aaron’ is a white variety that can take some exposure to the sun.

• You can still plant warm-season color in containers or in the ground using four-inch or larger nursery stock.

Keep them well watered. Containers may need water twice a day.

• You can plant seeds of fall tomatoes the first week in June. Buy and plant crape myrtles in bloom to ensure you select the desired color. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Prune most salvias back by one-third their size. They will continue re-blooming until late fall.

• Prune as necessary, fall blooming plants such salvia leucantha, Mexican mint marigold, Copper Canyon daisies and mums to keep them compact. Don’t prune after September when buds begin to form.

• Fertilize container plantings every week or two with a watersoluble plant food.

• This is the second time to use an all-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer on turf grasses.

GARDEN WATCH • Insects and diseases will be prevalent this time of the year.

Treat with an appropriate pesticide, if needed. Vegetable plants that cannot be salvaged should be pulled up and destroyed.

• Look for small spindle-shaped bags hanging from trees.

These are bagworms. Pull them off by hand. Insecticides are not effective once the bag has formed. They are usually found on cedars, cypress and other conebearing trees. However, they can be found on other plants including oaks and barberries. They multiply and eventually can kill a tree or shrub by stripping its foliage.

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HOME & GARDEN

$%&'()' YOUR HOME

BY KATE MCCLENDON

Who wants to worry about everything going wrong when they’re traveling? Here are a few simple steps to make sure your home stays safe and secure while you’re away.

!

If you’re installing or upgrading to a new home security system, do it a few weeks before your trip so you can become familiar with how it works. Many systems now can include a 24-hour fire protection monitor and a smartphone app so you can access lights and appliances while away. Include motion-detecting lights and install them about eight-feet high so they can’t be easily unscrewed or broken. Make sure to alarm the windows over the sink and windows on the second floor and put the company’s sign in your front yard. Also, remember to set the alarm when you leave.

"

If you have decorative glass on your front door, don’t install the alarm system keypad right beside the door where it’s easy to see if it’s set or not.

#

Make sure your home looks occupied. Use inside lights that turn on and off automatically, and make sure to rotate the schedule so they don’t all come on and go off at the same time each night. TVs are also a deterrent, so either leave one on or purchase a device, like FakeTV, that projects a light that looks like a TV screen. You can also leave the radio tuned to a talk radio station to create the sound of voices in the house.

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Ask a trusted neighbor to watch over your home while you’re away, pick up your mail and newspapers and occasionally park their car in your driveway.

Have them periodically scan the inside and outside of your home for any signs of flooding or intrusion.

Give the neighbor your contact information and other important numbers, like your insurance company, electrician or plumber, so they can take care of things right away if something happens. Make sure you bring that neighbor back a nice gift from your travels!

Burglars are often people who have visited your house already, by doing projects like painting your trim or delivering an appliance. Make sure important valuables are out of site when projects or deliveries are underway.

,

Arrange for your yard to be tended while you’re away. And before you travel, make sure shrubs near the house are trimmed away from windows and doors so neighbors can spot someone lurking behind your bushes, peeking in your windows to get a glimpse of anything valuable.

Bolt down any safes in your house. Burglars are short on time so, instead of trying to break open the safe, they often take it with them.

Pack your car in the garage with the door closed so you’re not advertising that you’re leaving.

Burglars look in your sock drawer and bedside tables.

These are not safe places for valuables.

Unplug garage door openers and appliances and shut off the water to the washing machine.

Don’t post your trip plans on Facebook, Twitter or your home answering machine.

Check all your locks on doors and windows and make sure you don’t hide any spare keys in easily accessible areas (under the doormat, on a window ledge, etc.).

!#

Before you leave, take a detailed inventory of all your belongings either by list, photos or video.

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PROFESSIONAL

WE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN. IT WAS TOO GOOD TO LAST.

BY MARK SINGLETON / PRESIDENT & CEO / CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK OF TEXAS

Praescriptiones. That is the name the ancient Romans used in 100 B.C. to describe the earliest form of bank checks.

The practice of using promissory notes for payment instead of carrying heavy coins grew during Medieval times. Around the year 1000, a traveler could deposit money in their home bank that would in turn issue a proof of claim document that could be redeemed at authorized banks in other parts of the world.

After more than 2,000 years of varied forms of paper check, technology has given us an alternative. It is called the debit card.

In 1978, First National Bank in Seattle offered a guaranteed signature card to its best business customers which debited the user’s account.

It required a sizeable savings account at the bank to cover the funds and the network in which it worked was very small.

Then, in 1984, Landmark developed a system that empowered banks to issue debit cards usable at ATMs, which eventually led to pointof-purchase electronic stations throughout the world. Debit card transactions surpassed the use of checks in 1998.

According to the American Bankers Association, 72 percent of banking customers now use a debit card. Most consumers will tell you that once they got used to using a debit card they stopped writing as many checks due to the ease of using their debit card. The convenience factor is a reason why an average

debit card is used to perform 17 purchases per month.

a whole other banking program kicks in. All of these steps are covered by the interchange fee.

What consumers may not realize is that the savings to banks and merchants of customers using debit cards is significant; a decrease in costs that directly benefits the end-user.

When the interchange fee is cut, a charge paid by the merchant to gain many benefits from customers using a debit card, then a bank will have to find some way to cover those costs.

Instead of merchants paying for a significant benefit they enjoy, they want the customer and banks to absorb the transactional costs.

The ABA reports that fast food restaurants save 10 to 20 cents per debit card transaction compared to cash. Big Box Discount stores (like Wal-Mart) save 30-35 cents when debit cards are used instead of checks. With debit cards, everything is handled electronically without the costs of processing, transports to banks, bank charges and other direct costs.

Another real advantage to the merchant is that a debit card transaction, on average, takes 30 percent less time than check transactions.

Fast food restaurants can process debit cards in less than five seconds. For you and me, it is estimated that by using our debit card we save a total of one hour per year waiting in lines.

Let’s see. The bank, the merchant and you save time and money using debit cards. Those savings are passed on to the customers.

A bank can tell you immediately when a transaction is made, giving you security in case of card or identity theft.

Everyone benefits. If it sounds too good to be true, wait a moment, Congress has found a way to goober it up.

Recent legislation, an amendment pushed

by Dick Durbin an Illinois democrat, will radically cut what is called the interchange fee. The interchange fee is what a merchant pays to banks for processing a transaction every time a customer uses their debit card. The average interchange fee is 44 cents per transaction. The new law will bring that fee down to an estimated 12 cents.

Every single time a debit card is used for a purchase, a lot of steps begin to take place ranging from an electronic notification to the customer’s bank to debiting the person’s account. Smart customers utilize a bank’s notification system to alert when a card is being used. If the card is being illegally used,

The Wal-Marts and Home Depots of the world would love to see the interchange fee lowered and have used tenacious pressure on legislatures to pass the bill. And Congress crumbled.

A bank is a business. It has an obligation to its shareholders and employees to make a profit. If it has a program that is losing money, then it is forced to find some way to alleviate that shortfall. The only answer to a problem when processing fees do not cover expenses is to charge a fee for the use of the debit card. Then, everyone loses—the customer, processor, bank and the economy. And, when the economy staggers, guess who gets hurt— the merchant. It doesn’t make any sense at all.

There is some hope. The bill does not go into effect until July and a strong appeal is being made by independent banks in the United States to amend the interchange fee limitations.

The reaction from banks and consumers has been so overwhelming that now a strong effort to pre-empt the legislation has gained bipartisan support.

Our bank, along with the great majority of other financial institutions in the United States, is doing everything possible to keep the cost of banking at moderate levels. We stay ahead of the technology curve to bring down the expenses of processing transactions. We put layer upon layer of safeguards to protect every transaction. We pool our resources to keep overhead down. And we will lead the crusade to fight Congress on any legislation that puts burdens and more expenses on our customers.

In 2010, debit cards were used by 72 percent of banking customers. That is a very large group of people to get mad. Hopefully, their anger will be heard in Washington.

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Our magazine has five reading sections: Fashion, Life+Style, Home & Garden, Professional and Medical.

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PROFESSIONAL

THE RETURN OF THE “DEATH TAX”

BY JACOB A. HALE

portion of the deceased spouse’s $5 million exemption to pass to the surviving spouse’s future estate. In the past, married couples often lost the value of one exemption unless they had the proper trusts in place.

If you’re irresponsible enough to be reading this in the May edition of Living Magazine, it means you’ve blown the single greatest opportunity to pass on wealth tax-free to your heirs. Last year was the best year to bite the dust in nearly a century and now you’ve missed your chance. After a oneyear hiatus, the Federal Estate Tax is back.

But what’s done is done. Since your shortsightedness has led you to this moment of living and breathing, you may as well push forward to find out what your future has in store.

On Dec. 17, 2010, President Obama signed a bill to extend both unemployment benefits and the “Bush tax cuts.” As part of the compromise, in what was a spectacular victory for conservatives, the Federal Estate Tax was reinstated at a low (by historical standards) 35-percent rate with the first $5 million exempted. Had the bill not passed, the estate tax would have jolted back to life at a 55-percent rate with just a $1 million exemption. According to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, the difference between a $1 million exemption and a $5 million exemption means approximately 40,000 fewer taxable estates in 2011.

In return for the comparably low tax rate and high exemption, many believed the legislature would foreclose the strategies estate planning attorneys have utilized in the past. Contrary to these expectations, the new bill did not restrict these maneuvers, but rather added new ways to plan around the tax. Moreover, the bill includes a “portable exemption” that allows any unused

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Thus ends one of the most bizarre periods in American tax history. There was no estate tax at all in 2010 due to changes made by Congress in 2001. The intent was to gradually ease the estate tax burden over several years, culminating in a complete repeal in 2010, followed by a return to high tax levels in 2011. However, neither lawmakers, nor public policy experts, believed the tax would be allowed to go away entirely.

Rather, most agreed that lawmakers would settle on a rate at some point before the end of 2009. But lawmakers never got around to it and the estate tax did lapse—for the first time since its inception in 1916.

As a result, some feared families with wealthy loved ones would be forced into unhealthy conversations. Do we keep our aging millionaire on life support for as long as possible, or do we make sure “as long as possible” ends some time in 2010?

Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, is probably the most famous person to benefit from this involuntary tax-avoidance plan in 2010. According to The Wall Street Journal, by passing away in 2010, Mr. Steinbrenner saved his heirs approximately $600 million in taxes.

Closer to home, Houston natural gas tycoon, Dan L. Duncan, the 74th richest man in the world, also passed away tax-free.

With an estate worth an estimated $9 billion, Mr. Duncan’s heirs were saved billions.

The estate tax is an excise tax levied on the privilege of transferring property at death and is usually measured by the size of the

estate. Proponents of the tax argue that it is necessary for revenue generation and reallocation of wealth. On the other side, opponents believe it unfair to essentially tax the same income twice—once when it is earned and again when it is passed down.

Critics of the tax should bear in mind that a repeal of the estate tax would almost certainly result in a simultaneous loss of the step-up in basis rule. This means that upon the sale of inherited property, the seller would owe capital gains tax on the difference between the original value of the inherited property, rather than the value at the time of the decedent’s death. Thus, while doing away with the estate tax would be great for the lavishly rich, the moderately rich would fair worse.

The new “low” rate will be effective only for 2011 and 2012. Then, unless Congress acts, the provisions will “sunset” and the 2013 rate will again return to 55 percent with a $1 million exemption.

The balance of power in Washington largely determines who this tax effects. Today’s $5 million exemption places most Ellis County residents out of harm’s way, but it was only 10 years ago that the exemption was just $675,000 with a top rate of 55 percent.

If your estate currently exceeds $500,000, you should consult an estate planning attorney. A simple review of your existing estate documents could save your heirs thousands in taxes.

Jacob A. Hale is an elder law and estate planning attorney at The Hale Law Firm, P.C. in Waxahachie. To learn more about this topic, please visit www.TheHaleLawFirm.com or send an e-mail to the author at Jacob@TheHaleLawFirm.com.

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Michael W. Hartley

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Attorney & Counselor at Law

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Michael W. Hartley has been practicing law for 30 years. He is proud to call himself a trial lawyer. He believes that power in America should remain with the people through the exercise of individual freedoms.

Trial lawyers give the voice with which to respond to big business, government and the judiciary.

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AWARDS: The Brown and Judge award for Academic Achievement in the area of Products Liability. He was a member of the Board of Barristers and Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity while in law school.

Represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants: Family, Probate, Contract, Corporate, Real Estate, Product Liability, Commercial Collections, Appeals to the Court of Appeals & Supreme Court of Texas, Trial of civil cases including misdemeanor & felony charge, including Capital Murder and appeals to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

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!!!!!!!!!"#$%&'#!()*! !!!!!!!!!!!!+,-!+)*-.!/-0 9,2::2$-*;<%3(==%• B.S. degree in 1975, Texas Tech University • J.D. degree in 1979, Texas Tech School of Law • Practiced in El Paso, Texas for 11 years • 1991, Practice relocated to Waxahachie

216 Franklin Street • Waxahachie

972.938.0088

www.elliscountylawyer.com

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PROFESSIONAL

BY CAROL BUSH / ELLIS COUNTY JUDGE

!"#$%&'#()*%+ have an immediate impact—counties will face heightened difficulties complying with state mandates and carrying out the all-important services that their communities expect. Ellis County is no exception.

The recent figures released from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that Ellis County has grown significantly in the last 10 years. You probably already figured that out if you’ve hit “rush hour” on Highway 77 or tried to access Highway 287 from Walnut Grove Rd. It’s no secret that north, south, east and west, we have a lot more company sharing our roads and neighborhoods. According to the Census Bureau, Ellis County has gone from a population of 111,360 in 2000 to 149,640 in 2010. That is a 34.35-percent increase. Commensurate with the growth of our Ellis County family is the expense of accommodating our “new arrivals” in the midst of a stressed economy and a legislative session that threatens to burden our county resources even further.

The state faces dramatic budget cuts and the majority of legislators are naturally reluctant to increase taxes or use the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Those budget shortfalls are in the news daily. Reports drone on, ad nauseam, like Charlie Brown’s teacher; so much so, that it’s easy to tune out the words and ignore the significance of the message. The fallout from the state’s budget crisis will

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County government is supported by property tax revenue, the collection of fines and fees incident to court matters and supplemental assistance from state or federal grant funding. These funds determine the revenue side of the county budget.

The cost side of the budget includes various services provided because of the social contract the county has with the citizens who live in this community. If you are a homeowner or own a business, you pay taxes and, even if you don’t, you still benefit from the services the county delivers. Law enforcement and jail operations, prosecution of criminals by the District Attorney’s office, and the maintenance of Justice of the Peace Courts, county courts-at-law and district courts to hear civil and criminal cases are a few of the social services provided by the county.

Our county and district clerks support the operations of our courts and maintain all records for taxpayers and non-taxpayers alike. They issue marriage licenses, birth and death certificates and passports, handle real estate records, etc. Our tax office takes care of your vehicle registration and our department of development issues permits to en-

sure safe development of our community. Additionally, veteran’s services provides benefit coordination for military personnel.

Our adult and juvenile community supervision offices monitor countless offenders. A fire investigator works fire and nuisance complaints and our federally mandated emergency management office develops plans for emergency assistance.

Throughout the four precincts, our road crews maintain our county roads, deal with bridge and drainage issues and respond in severe weather situations. These are the obvious services, but there are many others.

In addition to providing services, the county is responsible for financial obligations you may never have considered. We must physically maintain our historic courthouse and our new county facilities, pay for costly IT systems to support the technological demands that come with serving a county our size, deal with aging equipment, such as chillers on the older portion of the jail, and absorb a variety of rising costs from feeding and providing health care to inmates, to skyrocketing insurance premiums, road material costs and gasoline. Our county also has unpredictable obligations that arise due to litigation (yes, a county can be sued and be responsible for the judgments rendered), post-mortem exams and pauper burials.

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PROFESSIONAL

!"#$%&'#()*%+'!"$%, Then, there are the mandated expenses associated with indigent defense due to providing courtappointed attorneys to parents in CPS termination cases or to criminal defendants. It is shocking to note that a capital murder case can easily cost a county $100,000. Counties are also responsible for indigent health care and funding juvenile placement.

Expenses such as these are not discretionary and, by law, we cannot refuse to pay them.

When I examine my nearly $5,000 personal tax bill for 2010, I see that only $866.23 of that amount went to Ellis County. About $3,500 went to the school district and roughly $200 went to fire protection and a lateral road fund. As a taxpayer, I am astonished that only $866.23 is dedicated for county services.

Before I became involved in county government, I would have wagered that the percentage was greater and that I should be receiving more bang for my buck. As county judge, I am concerned that only $866 of my personal tax obligation goes to the county.

It is difficult to maintain our level of services and meet our obligations when faced with the consequences of a sluggish economy, decreased revenue and a state legislature poised to implement various cuts that will critically impact the county budget. While this is not a comprehensive listing, House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 propose the following and would have the following effects: • Reduce funding for the juvenile justice system: The county ab-

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sorbs more. It has no choice.

• Reduce funding for mental health programs: Citizens needing mental health services often commit crimes and end up in jail rather than getting the help they need. Local taxpayers end up paying the cost to house them in the county jail.

• Eliminate lateral road distributions: These gas taxes are dedicated to county roads by state law, but they will not be distributed during the next two years. Based on last year’s figures, this could cost the county as much as $61,000.

• Elimination of distribution of overweight truck permit fees: Even though these fees from TXDoT permits would continue to be collected and are dedicated by law to counties for partial reimbursement for overweight truck damage, the State Treasury would not distribute these fees to the county. Last year the county collected reimbursement in the amount $150,153.

• Reduce indigent defense grant funds: The county would absorb more of indigent defense costs.

Last year alone, Ellis County spent $1,591,426 on court-appointed attorneys. Again, we are required by law to do so. We received reimbursement in the amount of $186,793. This relief would be reduced and the county would be forced to make up the difference.

• Eliminate assistance to counties to prosecute capital murder cases: Currently, the state helps cover these extraordinary expenses. We would be forced to absorb these.

• Eliminate local disaster assistance funds: These funds are vital to counties such as ours. Should a

devastating tornado, wildfire or flood hit a rural community like our own and we respond adequately, our resources would be severely strained.

• Reduce funding for jail inspections: The proposed budget would cut funding to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for conducting inspections of county jails. The inspections would still be required; however, the county would pay a new fee to the state to cover the cost.

Ellis County has been fiscally conservative with its resources. We have one of the lowest tax rates for any county our size. We have been committed to reducing waste and operating as efficiently as possible.

With the economic downturn, departments have cut expenses for the last two years, positions have been consolidated where possible and many eliminated through attrition.

There have been no raises or costof-living adjustments in the last three years, retirement benefits have been reduced, medical co-pays have been increased and longevity pay has been frozen. The fat has been trimmed and we are getting down to the bare bones.

Our county has grown by more than 38,000 people in 10 years.

Revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year indicate a decline, even as the needs of the community continue to grow. Once the legislature determines its final budget, the county will chart its course.

To read more about the county’s operations, visit the website at www. co.ellis.tx.us.

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MEDICAL SIGNS OF A STROKE

CHRISTMAS

CRISIS

Ennis resident receives advanced stroke care at Baylor Waxahachie

Ennis resident Mary Woodard had just cleared the dishes off the table from Christmas lunch and joined her family in the living room for the mad dash of opening presents.

What should have been a festive afternoon suddenly turned quite serious.

Mary tried to join in the pre-present conversation, but she couldn’t. The words just wouldn’t come out quite right. Her daughter, an executive assistant at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, quickly realized that something was very wrong.

The gifts were abandoned, and Mary was rushed to the emergency room at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie. Thanks to a new protocol at the hospital, Mary was quickly diagnosed with a stroke, given crucial clot-busting medicine and transported

by CareFlight to Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

“TIME IS BRAIN”

The No. 3 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.

The first three hours following the onset of a stroke are crucial for a stroke caused by a blockage, since a medication called tissue plasminogen activator or tPA can be administered to help break up the clot causing the stroke. This medication is approved for use in certain patients having a heart attack or stroke. The drug can dissolve blood clots, which cause most heart attacks and strokes. tPA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the acute (urgent) treatment of ischemic stroke.

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“We like to say that time is brain when a person is having a stroke,” said Anwarul Haq, M.D., neurologist on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. “tPA can actually reverse an evolving stroke, and the sooner a patient gets the medication the better their outcome.”

When Mary was admitted to the ER at Baylor Waxahachie, she was treated by Todd Aspegren, M.D., associate medical director, Baylor Waxahachie emergency department. “We were able to determine that Mary was indeed having a stroke and the tPA would be appropriate,” said Dr. Aspegren.

“We can usually assess the patient, complete any needed CT scans, interact with the neurologist in Dallas and administer tPA within 45 minutes to an hour,” said Dr. Aspegren, “Having the ability to administer tPA here at Baylor Waxahachie is truly making a difference in stroke patients’ lives.”

FAITH AND FAMILY

Once the tPA was administered at Baylor Waxahachie, Mary was transported

by CareFlight helicopter to Baylor Dallas where she was in the intensive care unit for three days. Today, she has no lasting effects from the stroke.

It turns out that Mary is no stranger to medical crises; she had a double lung transplant at Baylor in 2001. No matter her health challenges, Mary turns to faith and family to keep herself going.

“I rely on the good Lord, and I fight to live for my kids and grandkids,” she said.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie or Baylor Health Care System.

Time is crucial when a person is having a stroke, as clot-busting medication that can reverse the evolving stroke must be administered in the first three hours following the onset of a stroke.

Seeking help immediately at the first sign of stroke symptoms is critical.

According to the American Stroke Association, signs to watch for are: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

STROKE TECHNOLOGY

Remarkable advances in technology now make it possible to examine how the brain looks, works and gets its blood supply. These tests can outline the affected part of the brain and help define the problem created by stroke. Most of these tests are safe, painless and can be done as an outpatient. However, in many cases these tests are ordered when a patient is hospitalized with a stroke. A doctor must decide on a case-by-case basis whether such tests will be useful, and if so, which ones to use.

• Carotid phonoangiography • Computerized axial tomographic scan (CT or CAT scan) • Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) • Doppler ultrasound test • Electroencephalogram (EEG) • Evoked response test • Magnetic resonance imaging scanning (MRI) • Radionuclide angiography

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LUIS ESCALANTE NIEVES, M.D.

Dr. Nieves is pleased to join Texas Anesthesia & Pain Management Institute. He brings many years of study, honors and memberships from around Texas universities specializing in sports medicine, pain management and family medicine. As a medical graduate of many fine Texas universities, he is here to manage your pain.

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DR. NIEVES MEDICAL TRAINING:

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School 1998 Baylor College of Medicine Anesthesia Residency 1998-2000 John Peter Smith Health Network Family Medicine Residency 2005-2008 University of Texas Southwestern Medical; Sports & Pain Medicine Fellowships 2008-2010

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MEDICAL

BY KATE MCCLENDON

KNOW THE DANGERS OF MELANOMA May is national melanoma/skin cancer detection and prevention month. With summer around the corner and upcoming plans to travel to sunny places, it’s important to be knowledgeable and protect yourself from melanoma, the most common form of human cancer.

Your skin is made up of two layers— the epidermis (the outer layer that we can see) and the dermis (the thicker layer below the epidermis).

At the bottom of the epidermis lie melanocytes, cells that contain the skin’s pigment, or melanin, which gives your skin its color and provides some protection from sunlight. Melanoma is caused when the sun’s ultraviolet rays reach the DNA inside melanocytes, causing uncontrollable cell growth. If the cell growth reaches the underlying dermis, it can then spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. This spreading is why it’s so important to catch a potential melanoma early, when it is only contained in the epidermis.

In order to protect yourself while outdoors you can stay in shady areas, wear body-concealing

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MAY-JUNE 2011

clothing or use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting the sun’s UV rays so they don’t reach the melanocytes in the epidermis. The SPF, or sun protection factor, in the sunscreen relates to how much sun protection the sunscreen contains versus bare skin.

For the most benefit from your sunscreen, apply it 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours after that.

You also need to apply at least an ounce of sunscreen to areas that will be exposed to the sun and rub it in thoroughly—don’t forget hands, ears, lips and the top of your head. Many sunscreens are now waterproof, but it’s still a good idea to reapply after getting wet as they may lose some of their effectiveness. Also, sunscreen shouldn’t be reserved for only days spent in the sun. Harmful UVA rays, the rays that cause premature aging, can penetrate through glass, meaning you could be getting dangerous exposure on your daily commute. To be safe, wear sunscreen every day.

ABCDES

OF MELANOMA

Periodically examine your skin and remember that melanoma can also develop in areas that don’t get a lot of sun exposure.

While checking any moles or lesions on the skin, keep these pointers in mind:

ASYMMETRY

The two halves of the area look different in shape.

BORDER COLOR

The edges are uneven, scalloped or blurry.

There are different colors or different shades of a color.

DIAMETER EVOLVING

Most melanoma spots are 1/4-inch or larger.

The lesion is changing in size, color or elevation or is accompanied by new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

If you notice any of the ABCDE factors, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

Tanning beds are just as bad as direct sun exposure. Bulbs in the beds contain both UVA and UVB rays and studies have found a 75-percent increase in melanoma risk in those exposed to UV rays from indoor tanning.1 The idea of getting a “base tan” from a tanning bed before prolonged sun exposure is mostly false—the harm it does far outweighs the good. Tanning under the tanning bulbs can give protection equal to SPF 4 or less, which is pretty minor, but bulb exposure can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Since melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer, it’s obvious that people don’t know just how much harm the sun’s rays can cause. Your skin is the first thing people see, and you have to live with it for the rest of your life. Protect it now to prevent future damage and the possibility of skin cancer.

American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org 1

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! What about areas other than skin, like your hair and eyes? They need protection from damaging rays as well. Sun damage to hair can cause frizzy, dry or brittle hair, faded hair color, broken or split ends and weak or thinning hair. To protect hair, wear a wide-brimmed hat or use leavein conditioners or hairsprays that contain SPF. If you can’t find one, you can mix two teaspoons of SPF 25 or higher sunscreen with one cup of water and pour into a spray bottle to spritz your hair before sun exposure. Sun exposure to eyes has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye issues. Before you go in the sun, put on a pair of sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

This is especially important for children, whose lenses are more transparent.

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MEDICAL

Dealing with Anxiety Dear Dr. Donaldson,

I have been worrying a lot and it is interfering with my work. My doctor said I may have anxiety and recommended therapy. What can I expect?

You are not alone. Approximately 15 percent of the population suffers with some form of anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another, but for most people it does not interfere with their ability to function. But when anxiety interferes with social, academic, occupational or personal functioning, it classifies as a disorder, affecting a person’s behavior, thoughts and feelings. Anxiety is also accompanied by uncomfortable physical sensations.

You may identify with one of the following types of anxiety: • Do you avoid social situations because you are fearful others are watching and judging you? Are you uncomfortable around others? Do you know these fears are irrational, but cannot escape them? If so, you may have social phobia.

• Do you experience episodes during which your heart pounds, you become shaky, your palms sweat, you feel fearful, have chest pains, feel dizzy, fear you may lose control, feel as if you cannot breathe, fear death, or even think you are going crazy? Do these symptoms come on without warning or occur during times of significant stress? If so, you are likely having a panic attack. It is estimated about five percent of adults in America suffer with panic attacks. The percentage may be higher as many people with a panic disorder never seek treatment. Panic attacks can be very frightening and last several minutes. People often feel helpless to combat the attacks. Many people go to the emergency room, fearing they are having a heart attack. Of course, if you are having these symptoms, physical problems should be ruled by your physician. As your doctor suggested, you have an anxiety disorder and he has probably already eliminated physical causes for your symptoms. After hav-

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•

•

•

•

•

ing a panic attack, people fear having another episode.

Do you find yourself constantly worried and anxious, thinking about what can go wrong or what bad thing may happen?

Do you feel as if you cannot shut your mind off? Do you have trouble sleeping due to worry? Do you recognize the fears may be irrational, but the fears and feelings seem real? If so, your symptoms may be due to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). About three to four percent of the population suffers with GAD. This form of anxiety can lead to depressed feelings and a perceived inability to stop the worry. Although social phobia and panic can accompany GAD, most people who have generalized anxiety usually do not avoid situations and don’t generally have panic attacks. People with GAD often experience headaches, irritability, frustration, and trouble concentrating.

Do you fear a specific situation or object? This may include a severe dread of snakes, spiders, public speaking or other situations. This can be indicative of a specific phobia.

Are there certain behaviors you feel compelled to repeat in a ritualized manner? Do you have obsessive thoughts? If so, you may suffer with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Does your stress follow a traumatic event during which you feared for your life? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety including hypervigilence, avoidance of situations that remind you of the trauma and a heightened sense of arousal (feeling “on guard”). This can occur after war trauma or for people who have been the victim of a crime.

Are you afraid to leave your home?

Agoraphobia is a crippling fear that

prevents people from going to work or school because they feel as if they are only safe at home.

Anxiety can be successfully treated with the help of a skilled therapist. Cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to successfully treat anxiety. Your therapist will likely provide you with tools to help reduce your symptoms of anxiety and help you reduce thoughts and beliefs that increase anxiety. Cognitive approaches involve identifying faulty thinking and gently challenging unrealistic thoughts and fears. The behavioral component of treatment helps patients modify and control self-defeating behaviors.

For those with phobias or OCD, systematic desensitization is a helpful technique whereby a patient is taught to increase his or her tolerance to anxiety-provoking situations.

Relaxation training is usually a component of treatment and may include guided visualizations, proper breathing techniques and biofeedback.

Some people with severe symptoms may choose to use an anti-anxiety medication until they can learn how to manage their anxiety.

I have found that many patients experience significant relief after several weeks of therapy, while treatment for some may last months. If people have self-medicated with alcohol or drugs, treatment is more complicated and takes longer. You can feel hopeful knowing that anxiety can be successfully treated and managed.

Dr. Donaldson is a clinical psychologist practicing in Waxahachie. She can be contacted at donaldsonpsyd@aol.com or visit donaldsonwellnesscenter.com.

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MEDICAL

By JACK GARDNER, M.D.

Drowsy Driving REAL RISK OR JUST HYPE? What’s the big deal? After all, we have all done it—that is, drive drowsy. In fact, life has become so demanding that drowsiness is intruding more and more into our awake time and thus, our driving time.

Drowsy driving is estimated to cause more than 100,000 car crashes with about 71,000 of these crashes resulting in injury and more than 1,500 deaths annually in the United States. Probably the most common cause of drowsiness is an active lifestyle—“burning the candle at both ends”—while not allowing adequate time for sleep. Other causes of drowsiness may include rotating or split work shifts, poor discipline to have a consistent time for sleep, sedating medications, sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

Somehow do you feel like you have lost your mental edge? Do you feel like you’re not at the “top of your game?” Have you noticed that your ability to remain alert and attentive throughout the day has become progressively more difficult? Have you noticed that you’re losing your ability to multitask? If you answered, “yes” to these questions, you may be sleep deprived, causing intruding drowsiness.

Do you fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow (in less than five minutes)?

If so, your body may be sleep deprived and desperately trying to get the sleep you need. Do you have difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep during the night? If so, you may be drowsy because of poor quality and lack of adequate quantity of sleep.

Drowsy? Think twice before driving!

Drowsy drivers have a slower reaction time, reduced attention and impaired critical decision processing. A study of drivers who slept less than six hours per night had a three times increased risk of a “dangerous event.” These drivers

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had a two-and-a-half times increased risk of “nodding off.” Unfortunately, 85 percent of “fall asleep” crashes are fatal.

One statewide study estimated that 30 percent of their drivers were getting less than six hours of sleep nightly. A sleepdeprived person can go from being apparently wide-awake to fast asleep in less than 10 seconds. At 70 miles per hour, one travels more than the length of a football field in three seconds. It’s no surprise that “nodding off” at the wheel has such dire consequences!

Would you drive a car while intoxicated?

After 17 hours of sustained wakefulness, your performance is the same as if your blood alcohol level was 0.05. After 24 hours of sustained wakefulness, your performance is the same as if your blood alcohol level was 0.10. Legally intoxicated in the state of Texas is a blood alcohol level of 0.08. Obtaining only four hours of sleep each night over six days results in your driving performance being worse than drunk. Interestingly, if you have moderate sleep apnea, your ability to drive a car may be the same as being legally drunk. The reason for the impairment associated with sleep apnea is fragmentation of your unconscious sleep, resulting in drowsiness and never feeling fully rested.

Drowsy drivers may crash at any time, but the highest risk is midnight to 6 a.m. and mid afternoon. The reason is that our body clocks expect us to be asleep during the night and there is a mild decrease in attentiveness that occurs mid afternoon. People driving during the night are often sleep deprived or have rotating work shifts that mess up their sleep schedules. Sleep is not like your piggy bank! You know, as long as you put the money back Saturday that you took out

Tuesday, all is OK. But, you can’t sleep deprive yourself on some days while sleeping extra on other days and function normally. Our bodies are on a 24-hour clock and expect to fall asleep and awaken at consistent times each day.

Besides cognitive impairment and increased risk of car accidents, sleep deprivation also affects memory, mood and anxiety, as well as increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. Sleep deprivation alters the balance between appetite-inducing and appetite-suppressing hormones, which lead to weight gain. Immunity is also suppressed, which increases the risk of illness when sleep deprived.

If you feel more drowsy than normal, seek the help of a sleep specialist. Often times, education or simple behavioral intervention is all that is necessary. Sometimes sleep disorders associated with significant health risks need to be diagnosed and treated. Don’t minimize or rationalize your symptoms. Excessive drowsiness is not normal—get help!

Yes, the risk of drowsy driving is real—not just hype. Never consider getting behind the wheel of a vehicle when drowsy.

Quality and adequate nighttime sleep is critical when taking a trip by automobile. If you realize that you are becoming drowsy while driving, stop your vehicle and take a nap. Better yet, find a place to stay and resume your trip the following day. Remember that the life you take while driving drowsy may not be your own, but someone else’s family member or child.

Jack Gardner, MD, is a physician at Medical Sleep Solutions in Waxahachie. Call 888.768.SLEEP for more information.

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MEDICAL

MODERN CONTRACEPTION:

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There is good news for women when it comes to birth control—there are more options to choose from than ever before. They are safe, many are inexpensive and most may be covered by your insurance.

Choices can be divided into two basic groups: those that are reversible and those that are permanent. Having a “tubal ligation” or “tubal occlusion” procedure should only be considered if you are absolutely certain. For those unsure, there are safe, reliable methods which can last three, five or up to 10 years.

When it comes to the reversible methods, the main question is hormonal or non-hormonal? Even women choosing natural family planning have some modern tools to improve reliability. Internet sites and smartphone apps exist to help women track their cycles and may help make this technique more reliable.

Other non-hormonal methods include the intra-uterine device (IUD), which can be used for up to 10 years safely and effectively. The barrier methods are a little less reliable, but still widely used, especially condoms (preferably with a spermicide) and the sponge.

On the other hand, the hormonal techniques are some of the most re-

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liable, but they do require a prescription from a doctor. They have been around for 50 years, but one of the mainstays of birth control is still the pill.

There are dozens of pills on the market these days. Progestin-only pills are mostly used by nursing women or those with certain medical conditions. Most are “combined” contraceptive pills, which contain both estrogen and a progestin. Most commonly, there will be one pill for each day of a 28-day cycle. The “extended cycle” regimens last for three months and may reduce the chance of failure. This technique has been used for some time, but there are now several FDA-approved pills that make it more convenient and less confusing. Also “tri-phasic” pills reduce the total dose of hormone used each month. There is even one pill that you take every day, same dose, all year. No need to remember which pill to take each day. That is a pretty simple way to go.

If you need help to remember to take your pill, set an alarm on your watch, or create a reminder on your cell phone. You can tape a note to your bathroom mirror, or simply put your pills out on the counter next to your toothbrush. Chances are if you can see them, you will remember to take them.

BY DR. PAUL LANSDOWNE

Taking a daily pill isn’t for everyone, though. Fortunately there are several other options. One comes in the form of a shot, which you only have to get every 90 days. Your doctor’s office will give you a schedule to help you remember. The implant rod lasts for three full years and is just as effective.

The one-month ring and the patch are also good options.

Having a permanent sterilization is still one of the most common choices.

If this seems right for you, then the good news is you won’t have to think about it again every day! The bad news is—no matter what technique, there is always a small chance that it could fail you. Permanent sterilization can sometimes be performed as an office procedure that doesn’t require an incision. Or perhaps as an outpatient surgery using a minimally invasive technique that will require only one or two very small incisions.

There is one more method worth mentioning. If you are finished having children and none of these methods appeals to you: ask your husband to have a visit with a urologist who performs vasectomies.

Dr. Paul Lansdowne provides comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care for the women of Ellis and Tarrant counties. Visit www.drlansdowne.com for more information.

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CINDY BURCH

WEEKEND in I have scoffed at a couple of girlfriends who think traveling overseas for the weekend is no big deal. In fact they have flown to Moscow, and as far as Shanghai, for a three-day getaway. They plan these mega-mile flights to ensure they reach their yearly goal for Executive Platinum status with American Airlines. They watch for low fares to long distances and purchase a ticket in coach, while using their status for an upgrade in first class. I told them I thought they were crazy, or something to that extent.

Of course, when they asked me to join them last month for a weekend in Paris I suddenly thought it was a brilliant idea. I had not been since 1976 when First Baptist Church in Dallas sent 250 teenagers to Europe for a Bicentennial choir tour dressed in uniforms reminiscent of Betsy Ross. If anything, I needed to redeem myself in the fashion capitol of the world. Since my last visit included most of the famous tourist sites, we decided to forego the obvious Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, opting for the smaller Musée d’Orsay, and focus more on the areas where real Parisians spend their weekends.

My friend Julia and I left on Thursday night and took a direct flight from DFW to Charles de Gaulle, landing in Paris at 9:40 on Friday morning. Our third companion, Elizabeth, lives in New York and arrived within an hour of our flight. We stayed in a boutique hotel on the Left Bank called Fontaine du Luxem-

bourg, between the Saint-Germain District and the Latin Quarter—it proved to be a perfect location.

After dropping off our bags, we walked next door for lunch at the lovely La Ferrandaise bistro. I don’t recall any meals from the choir tour, but after lunch I was quite certain I would be leaving from this trip with some culinary memories. Next we walked through the lush Luxembourg Gardens and strolled past quaint shops on cobblestoned streets.

It’s hard to find a bad view in Paris.

Everywhere we walked there was beauty.

Even the popular department store, Galeries Lafayette, is almost overshadowed by its architecture. The magnificent Art Nouveau staircase and enormous glass dome atrium are simply breathtaking. We finished up our first day with a classic prix fixe French dinner at Astiers, which included foie gras, cream of chestnut soup, roast duck in red cabbage and wine. Our favorite course was a huge cheese board the waiters pass from table to table, giving each customer a few minutes to slice as many different choices as they like.

On Saturday morning we walked down the Rue de Seine to the Gerard Mulot Patisserie, where people are willing to stand in long lines for their sinfully delicious pastries. I would fly back to Paris “I WOULD FLY BACK to eat their passion fruit basil TO PARIS JUST TO EAT just macaron. Next on our list was the THEIR PASSION FRUIT flea market, via the Metro. Leave it to me to take my first subway ride BASIL MACARON.” in one of the largest and most dizzying underground transportation systems in the world. But traveling

with a seasoned New Yorker, we figured it out and spent a good part of the day wandering through the streets and back alleys off Rue des Rosiers, making up Paris’ most famous flea market.

After our antique excursion we made our way to Le Dome, one of the best seafood restaurants in Paris. We feasted on their famous fruits de mer platter piled high with fresh oysters, clams, mussels, and shrimp.

You can’t come to Paris and not indulge in culinary ecstasy. Parisians love food and don’t put up with mediocre establishments.

On our last day we had a wonderful brunch at Le Stella, a chic brasserie in a Paris neighborhood where few tourists can be found.

We sat on a banquette next to a fashionable gay couple with their Westie. I love that Parisians take their dogs everywhere. We later strolled along the Seine, crossing over the bridge to tour the Musée d’Orsay, and then sipped chocolate at a sidewalk café. Life in Paris on a Sunday afternoon is enchanting.

In fact, spending a few days in Paris should serve as a crash course in how to live. It’s evident the French not only appreciate the finer things in life, but truly take time to enjoy it.

We left Paris on Monday morning, feeling we had been there far longer than a weekend and far more enriched than when we arrived.

I guess that’s nothing to scoff at.

Cindy Burch

Cindy Burch and her husband Andrew own and operate The Dove’s Nest Restaurant and Gifts in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy’s own cookbook, “The Dove’s Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From a Historic Texas Town,” has sold more than 20,000 copies.

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