The Hamlet

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From Me To You...

I can feel it in the air, the weather has finally started to change. In the morning I take my coffee outside while I play with the dogs and I no longer have to brace myself before I step onto the patio. The promise of the balmy days we all love hangs in the air, and even though the thermometer is still upwards of comfortable by mid-afternoon, I know it is coming. Fall.

I always find it amazing that even though the miserable portion of the year is shorter than the beautiful one, it feels like summer is exponentially longer than Fall/Winter/ Spring. And then there is my sweater and boot collection. I have never met a sweater, sweatshirt, jumper or hoodie that I didn’t like. Despite the knowledge that I will only wear a small percentage of them each year, they call my name and I can always justify getting more. Now that we have children who are or have been attending 4 separate universities I have an even better excuse to buy them. After all I can’t show favoritism!

When we lived on the east coast boots and winter coats were something you bought every

year and wore until they were destroyed from water or snow or salt. I spent quite some time in the UK last winter and when I was packing I found that I didn’t own a single pair of waterproof shoes, let alone boots! So off I went on a mission to find the perfect pair. I looked forward to wearing them in the appropriate climate, walking through piles of snow and feeling that delicious crunch as my foot broke through the top layer. So imagine my dismay when Britain had one of the mildest winters on record. Plenty of rain but only a few snowstorms and nothing that left enough snow to even make a snowball.

I guess that means a trip to Flagstaff is in order this winter. Thank goodness we have the option to drive a couple of hours to a colder climate - and this year I have my fingers crossed for a winter wonderland!

Catherine UretskyEditor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

Green Thumb

As temperatures drop and seasons turn, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the vivid blooms you love so much in your yard. Adding seasonal plants that can withstand cooler weather is a great way to bring color and dimension to outdoor spaces, enhancing your curb appeal into the autumn months.

There’s no easier way to add autumn atmosphere to your entryway, walkways and flower boxes than with the warm hues of rich yellows and sunny oranges. Blooms in these colors convey happiness and warmth, making them beautifully eye-catching. Some plants in these tones are especially attractive to bees and butterflies, helping create pollinator-friendly spaces.

For example, award-winning Echinacea Artisan Yellow Ombre is a native-type prairie plant that attracts songbirds, bees and butterflies throughout fall, and into winter. It’s drought tolerant and low maintenance, making it a nobrainer for colorful autumn gardens. Another great option as the weather cools is Achillea Milly Rock Yellow Terracotta. This perennial has a

breathtaking golden-orange color that is perfect for fall because it is frost tolerant, plus it attracts pollinators while resisting hungry rabbits and deer.

While yellow and orange are quintessential fall colors, you can add an on-trend element to your outdoor space with Spreading Pansy Cool Wave Blue. The stunning dark, moody blue hue plays nicely when combined with a jewel-toned autumn palette. The vibrant shade of solid blue is beautiful in planters and hanging baskets, as well as in landscaping and window boxes. This sun-loving variety is a spreading pansy, meaning it can serve as great groundcover, as well. You

can enjoy this pansy in fall, and with superior overwintering hardiness, it’s the earliest pansy to return in the spring.

Color is one important aspect of landscape design, but to really elevate your outdoor appeal, consider dimension as well. Creating variables in plants through shape and texture adds visual interest, bringing new depth to a space. To create this, mix florals with greenery and don’t be afraid of nontraditional flower shapes. The perfect example is Celosia, which features blooms in unique shapes such as plumes, spikes or wavy crests.

Whether it’s containers, window boxes or several strategic places in your landscaping, you can update your home for the fall season and boost your curb appeal with fall flowers. A dash of color and texture will help your home be a standout on the block.

Vote YES on High School Override:

It includes funding for additional safety personnel and security improvements at all five high schools (Agua Fria, Canyon View, Desert Edge, Millennium, and Verrado) The override continuation will:

Expand career and technical education

Attract and retain quality teachers

Maintain class sizes

Vote YES on the High School Bond:

The bond will keep our students safe and ensure that our high schools can keep up with our rapid growth The bond will make improvements at all five high schools and:

Fund safety & security improvements

Make critical repairs & renovations

Build an additional high school

Vote YES on the Litchfield Elementary District Override: The award winning Litchfield Elementary School District is widely recognized for educational excellence The override continuation will:

Recruit and retain effective teachers

Maintain a nurse in each school

Support physical education, music, band, and art

Maintain student support services

NOT A TAX RATE INCREASE Quality by any candidate or candidate's committee

Car Shopping

From seeking more fuel efficiency or seating capacity to replacing an older or less reliable car, there are many reasons to be in the market for a vehicle today. Whatever the reason may be, when it comes to purchasing, there are a variety of factors to consider to set you up for success. After all, since the average American drives thousands of miles per year, buying a car is a major decision that can be made easier with a thoughtful approach.

To help in your vehicle search, consider asking yourself these questions:

1. Where should I buy?

Determining who to buy from can play an important role in the overall experience. And there is no shortage of options, like traditional dealerships, online retailers, individual sellers or rental car companies that offer pre-owned

vehicles for sale. Buying from a seller you trust can pay big dividends when it comes to peace of mind. If buying from a retailer versus an individual, consider how long they have been in business and if they have an upstanding reputation, especially when it comes to providing exceptional customer service. Additionally, who you buy from can impact if you’ll need to negotiate on price, which not everyone enjoys doing. Some dealers offer “no haggle” pricing, meaning the price listed is the price you’ll pay, or price transparency, which means the vehicle price, taxes, fees and other costs are clearly labeled and presented upfront.

2. Will I be purchasing a reliable vehicle?

No matter who you buy from, ensuring that you are buying a high-quality vehicle is of the utmost importance. Do your research before signing on the dotted line, and always conduct a test drive.

3. How soon do I need the vehicle?

Today, lead times to obtain vehicles can vary widely. For example, wait times for a “build-toorder” car - that is, a car custom-ordered from a factory - may last up to 12 weeks with some lead times lasting six months to more than a year. If you need a vehicle now, purchasing a used car could be a faster option.

4. How do I want to purchase the vehicle?

Purchasing a vehicle today can be done in a variety of different ways. Choosing a seller that matches your buying preference is something to consider. Buying a car in person remains a common option, but vehicles today can also be purchased in many states without ever stepping foot inside a dealership.

“There are several considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a vehicle today, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach,” said Mike Bystrom, vice president at Enterprise Car Sales. “One thing is certain - regardless of how or where you choose to purchase, you shouldn’t have to compromise on receiving great customer service.”

Autism Awareness

them and the individual feel inadequate, uncomfortable, embarrassed, or even increase anxiety. These caregivers are adept at knowing their reactions to certain situations and will know how to calm the individual when episodes occur. They will know the individual best and how to support them.

We have all witnessed what appears to be an individual having a meltdown. The individual is stressed, and the caregiver or person providing support feels overwhelmed. As a bystander and well-meaning person, you may want to offer a helping hand. But there may be more to the situation than meets the eye. For an individual with autism, things like sensory overload, audience or the environment may further impact their behavior. Knowing these few tips can mean the difference between helping or making an already stressful situation worse.

Don’t approach the situation unless asked. This is likely not the first time a meltdown situation has presented itself. A caregiver or person providing support to an individual with autism needs your understanding, not judgment. Approaching a caregiver or person providing support with comments can make

Don’t stare. Some caregivers or persons providing support and the individual may be self-conscious about their behaviors and can be embarrassed by your reactions. The individual may notice your stares and feel blamed for them. Be a gentle presence that doesn’t judge. This is the best way to offer support.

Stop. Look. Listen. Individuals with autism thrive in calm, familiar, and supportive environments. If you come upon a situation where you are wondering if you should help, do the following: Stop: don’t feel the need to comment and only assist if asked.

Look: see if the caregiver or person providing support is signaling for assistance. If so, be helpful and take action by following their instructions.

Listen: pay attention and take action if the caregiver asks you to assist in some way.

Southwest Autism Center of Excellence (SACE) is a collaboration effort of Southwest Behavioral & Health Services and Southwest Human Development. More information about autism, diagnosis, and treatment is available at https://www.sbhservices.org/ southwest-autism-center.

How to Support Individuals with Autism by The SACE team of Southwest Behavioral & Health Services

Quick Tips

Between work, classes, sports teams and clubs, preparing home-cooked meals for your family can be difficult. Just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you have to default to fast food. Instead, think about how you can plan ahead and have healthy, tasty meal options during the school year. To make things easier on yourself, check out these four tips for eating healthy when you’re short on time.

1. Prep food for the week

Prepping your food on the weekends, especially Sundays, is a great way to save time and ensure you have delicious homemade meals and snacks ready to go, even on your busiest days. Make a list of meals you’d like to cook during the week, gather the ingredients and start chopping! This is especially helpful if you’re trying to incorporate more healthy foods into your family’s diet, as you can easily pack them as a side or snack.

2. Keep easy meals in the freezer

There will be days when you don’t have the time or energy to make a whole meal. Sometimes you don’t want to order in either. For those

occasions, it’s best to keep easy meals in your freezer.

3. Make enough for leftovers

When cooking your meals, it can be a good idea to make enough to have leftovers. That way, you can incorporate parts of that meal into future meals for your family or have ready-made options to include in lunch bags for school or work. Leftovers also make for a quick dinner that you can warm up when you’re short on time and energy. You can even plan a night, say Friday or Saturday, when your family can choose from this week’s leftovers for dinner.

4. Plan a weekly takeout night

Limiting takeout food is a good practice, but let’s face it, sometimes you just need to order in. Make takeout a special treat for you and your family by having a planned, weekly takeout night. To make things easier, make a list of restaurants everyone in the family enjoys and rotate which ones you order from each week. You can even take this opportunity to try out new places. Ordering takeout can be especially nice to have delivered if you’re prepping your meals for the next week.

Be prepared for the busyness of the coming school year by making meal plans ahead of time.

Yum Yum

We are moving into the “pies and presents” season of the year ~ so many memories are associated with certain aromas and recipes ~ and this one is no different. As a young child I remember my mother mixing up this dough by hand with a wooden spoon ~ the recipe dates back more than 200 years, and if you want to be “authentic” to the time period, you could use lard instead of vegetable shortening!

As with many recipes, time and personal interpretation find their way ~ I use a stand mixer these days and a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, and I also often add in some fresh grated ginger or finely minced candied ginger plus a ½ tsp of cardamom to my version ~ the recipe here reflects as it was originally written.

Lumberjacks

Makes approx 3 dozen cookies

1 C granulated sugar (and extra for dipping)

1 C vegetable shortening or lard

1 C molasses 2 eggs 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ginger 4 C flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the sugar and shortening; add molasses and the eggs. Sift together dry ingredients and mix into wet ingredients until dough forms. Roll into walnut-size balls and dip in granulated sugar.

Arrange on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes. Let cool on rack.

This dough keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can easily bake these to order throughout the week (if they last that long!) Wonderful with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea!

Submitted by Maureen Woods

Tool Care

From a simple hammer to the most complex power tools in your garage, it’s vital to practice constant maintenance if you want to use them as long as possible. The good news? It’s not as hard as you think. Following expert advice for storing, cleaning and maintaining your tools will help you use everything safely, for years to come. Exposure to dirt, grease and moisture could lead to rust and corrosion, making them less effective down the road and even leading to damage. Tools with moving parts that collect dust and debris may not only become less effective but could also be a serious safety hazard. Follow these tips to keep your tools in great working order.

Proper tool storage is not just about being able to find things when you need them (which is a definite plus) - it also helps your tools stay in good working order. Tossing tools haphazardly on a workbench or inside a toolbox can damage them, as well as leaving them exposed to dust, dirt and the elements, which may lead to clogging, corrosion and rust. For power tools, wind up cords and air lines carefully, checking belts and cords for fraying or breaks.

* Keep tools clean, dry and protected from the elements, especially moisture, extreme heat and extreme cold.

* Make sure toolboxes, carts, shelving or wall racks are neat and clean to keep your tools free of dust, dirt and grease.

* Organize tools to make them easier to maintain, plus easy to see - so you’ll spot when anything needs repair.

Make a habit of cleaning tools immediately after each use before storing them. This prevents dirt, grime or debris from hardening on your tools, potentially damaging or clogging them over time. In addition to your regular cleaning routing, doing a deeper clean on a seasonal basis can make a huge difference, especially for

tools with moving parts. Beyond wiping tools clean with a cloth, tackle tough-to-clean areas using oiled cotton swabs or soft brushes. You can also use a can of compressed air to remove dirt from areas inside tools that are hard to reach. Especially for power tools, make sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Many tools require regular oiling and/or sharpening of parts to keep them in top shape. Gather useful cleaning and oiling equipment including rags, all-purpose oil, rust remover and linseed oil (for wood), plus files and sharpening stones. Use safety gear like heavy gloves and safety goggles as you work, and make sure you have sufficient space and a sturdy table to complete your maintenance. Try designating a seasonal or semi-annual weekend for tool maintenance.

As you clean and maintain tools, look for signs of damage or wear that could require repair - or any signs that your tool needs to be replaced.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is for people of all ages, not just parents and grandparents. While life insurance needs vary by age and stage of life, it’s a good idea to invest in a life insurance plan while you’re young.

If you’re in your 20s and 30s, life insurance may not seem necessary, but it’s a useful tool to have at any age. Check out these three reasons provided by State Farm why life insurance should be a priority for young adults.

1. The best time to get coverage

As a young adult, life insurance probably isn’t top of mind, but it’s the best time to get coverage. Since you’re young and likely healthy, you’ll typically qualify for more affordable premiums. Because you have a relatively long life expectancy, insurers see you as less risk than older individuals.

You don’t have to apply for an expensive, comprehensive policy. Start with a small policy in your 20s that fits your budget to build the foundation of your financial security. You can always expand your coverage throughout your life.

2. Planning life and expanding coverage

When you experience a life change, like marriage or kids, you should evaluate and expand your coverage as needed. By the time you’re in your 30s, you may have children and a mortgage or plan, which makes the financial protection offered by life insurance more important than ever. For example, life insurance coverage can help cover your children’s education costs if tragedy hits and you are no longer there to provide for them.

If you don’t have kids or a house payment but are planning on expanding your family or

purchasing a home, don’t wait to bolster your coverage. Now is the time to make sure you are fully insured, as rates typically rise with age.

3. Security and peace of mind

It’s not pleasant to think about you or a family member passing. Still, should the unexpected happen, you’ll want to be covered. According to the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA), too many families are at risk of financial insecurity should their primary wage earner pass away. In fact, the association found that 44% of U.S. households would feel financial hardships within six months of their primary wage earner’s passing.

A life insurance policy provides your family with security in the event of your passing and provides you with peace of mind knowing they’ll be covered after you’re gone. In addition to paying for college and providing income to your loved ones, it can help them cover funeral, burial and cremation costs. According to State Farm, the average funeral typically costs around $8,000, a hefty expense to try to cover when you’re already grieving the loss of a loved one. Final expense insurance (or burial insurance) can help relieve the financial impact of a funeral.

These are just three reasons why you should invest in a life insurance policy while you’re young and can qualify for lower premiums..

Check Your Meds

Do you have expired medications or duplicate prescriptions you no longer need? National Check Your Meds Day is Oct. 21, a good time to take an annual inventory of your family’s prescription medications. It is also a good time to organize a list of the medications in your family’s medicine cabinet in case there’s a medical emergency, according to Char Comfort, a pharmacy manager at Abrazo.

National Check Your Meds Day is particularly important for those with multiple health conditions taking multiple drugs from several providers. Your local pharmacist or primary care physician can review that your prescription drugs are correct, the dosage is correct, you are taking the drug correctly, and the medication has not expired. They can also check your supplements, vitamins, and other over-the-counter medications you are taking, and answer any questions.

“Medication lists are important to have, because not having this information may cause a delay in care, as paramedics or hospital staff try to confirm current medications before providing that information to the physician. A lack of up-to-date medical information may lead to avoidable medication errors or adverse drug reactions,” said Comfort.

“You may prefer to document your medications on paper, but you can keep a list on your phone as well,” said Comfort. “Keep a historical record. This applies to you, along with your spouse and children, and it’s a good idea to ask your parents to do the same, especially if you may be called to assist them with a health crisis.”

Some of the important things to keep track of for emergencies and doctor visits include:

· Medications, including name, dosage and whether it was completed or is ongoing.

· Medical history. This may include chronic conditions or recent illnesses.

· Allergies to medications and foods and the type of reaction.

· Vitamins, supplements, and other overthe-counter items, and dosage.

· Other pertinent health information, including immunizations.

“Update the list when changes occur. It may sound cumbersome, but it’s important to keep your list current. Even the slightest change, such as adding a vitamin supplement, should be noted,” said Comfort.

Each time you make a change, note the date. Ask your pharmacy (or pharmacies) to print out a list of medications filled in the last year. And make sure someone in your family or circle of friends knows where you keep your medications list. Time is precious, and in an emergency, minutes matter,” said Comfort.

Submitted by Keith Jones of Abrazo West.

Samurai Sudoku

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box.

Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Difficulty: Evil Thursday, 15th September 2022