Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
June 2018
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June 2018
Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
June 2018
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From Me To You... Welcome! to the June edition of It’s A Grand Life magazine. As a child my parents were god-like to me. They knew everything. They could kiss away my injuries, drive me anywhere without getting lost and answer all my questions with sincerity and authority. Remember, this was before Google which makes that feat even more impressive. Then the teenage years arrived. I was full of angst and the belief that I absolutely, positively knew everything. By default this meant that my heretofore adored parents now knew nothing. Less than nothing, because they were embarrassing me with their lack of intelligence. I know, I am cringing too as I write this. I was horrible and my only saving grace is that I am not alone. Look in the mirror, you know you were a piece of work as a teenager too. Let us fast-forward to the time of my awakening, or as I like to call it parenting 101. I had these squealing, crying, frustrating balls of joy and I again knew nothing. The calls to my Mum became less self assured and more frantic. “Why is she still crying?” “What should I feed her?” “How do I stop them fighting?” “For the love of Mike, what is that smell?” “Will I ever sleep again?” and my personal favorite whispered one late night as I prepared for the birth of my second child, “Can I possibly have enough love left over for another child when this one has already filled my heart?” The answer, if you are curious, was that you don’t have to share the love, it doubles.
Now we are travelling along a road of companionship. Equals in our lack of real knowledge, swimming against the current together. There is a wall coming up that I know will be hard to climb, the time when I will be responsible for their well being. When I will have to provide the answers to questions I do not want to hear. The hard conversations about when to stop driving, where they want to live if their health declines, and end of life care including quality of life. I read a book recently that had an enlightening perspective on that. You should ask your parents what quality of life means to them. Is it the ability to finish a crossword or just to enjoy the taste of chocolate ice-cream? Is their life not worth holding on to if they can’t communicate with their family or when self mobility is lost? Everyone has a different response and not one is wrong. Once you have the answers to those questions, the book comforts, the other decisions have less weight. Whenever that time comes I will face it head on, even though as life comes full circle, I am again the one who knows nothing.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, It’s A Grand Life Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
Just like that my parents were back on top of the hill. Kings of Knowledge. Sultans of Swing. Hold on, that was from a song. But you get my drift... 4 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2010-present day Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Some content is provided by Brandpointe. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
June 2018
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Peace On Earth
I find that how we view the world is a choice. There are plenty of things going wrong. However, there are also many blessings. Unfortunately, just as the media has found a greater audience when they report the negative, many of us have found we get more attention when we share what’s gone wrong. This leaves us feeling down. Step into the shoes of a child. They don’t focus on the car that just cut you off. They see the big dog playing in the yard. They don’t see the grocery cart that cut in line. They see the pretty balloons floating above the register. They delight in looking around at things we’ve tuned out.
The apostle Paul wrote, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) Yes, there is plenty of negative to focus on in this world. But there are many more things that are enjoyable when we open our eyes and change our focus. The choice is ours.
practice can be learned. And when you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how many wonderful things you’ll notice. Begin with the way you interact with others and you’ll discover how much fun it is to create positive moments. Smile at people, especially the grumpy ones. Let others go ahead of you. Point out things you appreciate about others. A cashier offered to hold the groceries for a man who forgot his wallet. Management wasn’t pleased because the cashier didn’t ask how long he’d be gone. When management left, I told the cashier I appreciated how respectful and kind he’d been to the customer. What sweet moments will you notice today? If you think there are none, I encourage you to change your focus. If your children tend to share what went wrong in their day, they may be imitating you. Share what was good in your day and ask them to do the same. There is beauty and everyday magic. When you learn to see it, you’ll enjoy life more and help others to do the same. Submitted by Valerie Fairchild, pastor of Spirit Song church in Vistancia
Focusing on the everyday magic moments doesn’t always come easily. However, this
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Yum Yum! Black Bean Hummus with Green Pepper Triangles Makes 4 servings, gluten-free
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Directions: 1. Place all ingredients, except green bell pepper and cilantro, in food processor and blend until smooth. 2. Transfer dip to a small bowl. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Dip bell pepper triangles into hummus.
Ingredients: 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 garlic clove, minced 1 large green bell pepper, sliced in triangles
Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
June 2018
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Fire Safety
Think of all the items you replace regularly - your cellphone, lightbulbs and even your toothbrush. But when was the last time you replaced your smoke alarm batteries, or even the alarms themselves? It’s easy to overlook, but the time to think about fire safety is now - before an emergency strikes. Many assume that because they have smoke alarms in their homes, they’re protected in the event of a fire. In reality, smoke alarms need to be installed, maintained and tested regularly to ensure they’re working properly. While smoke alarm lifespan and sensing technology have improved in recent years, the fact remains that all smoke alarms - even hardwired and sealed battery models - expire after 10 years. “According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or from missing or dead batteries,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “Just like other household duties, it’s important to make
sure alarm maintenance and replacement and escape planning and practice become a regular, ongoing part of your family’s routine.” First Alert offers the following advice to ensure your family is best protected from fire. Count the alarms - In most cases, one alarm isn’t enough. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration, recommends smoke alarms be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as one carbon monoxide alarm on each level and in each sleeping area. Install them properly - Does your alarm ever sound when cooking? Chances are, you’ve installed the alarm too close to your appliances. Smoke alarms should generally be installed at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms. It’s also recommended to install smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings. Remember, smoke rises, so high placement provides a direct path for detection. Lastly, don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors or ducts, where drafts might interfere with their operation. Install and maintain - Having smoke alarms is only one part of the story. In order to function properly, all alarms must be regularly inspected and maintained. Make sure to test the alarm, by simply holding down the test button, at least once a month. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Plan your escape - Maintaining alarms is essential to every household, but what about your escape route? To develop an effective plan, walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Identify two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year and make sure to plan a meeting spot. For more fire safety tips, visit www.firstalert.com.
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Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
June 2018
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Furry Friends
Before you start your jogging treks, hiking excursions or bicycle touring with your furry partner by your side, it’s important to understand these summer safety measures to keep your pet happy and safe.
The best approach to get your pet ready for more activities outside is a gradual introduction into exercise. A game of fetch is a perfect way to get your pet up and moving. The Chuckit! Launcher and Locator Sound Ball provides an easy way for your pet to increase their stamina, with the added entertainment of retrieving a ball that emits an audible pulse sound every few seconds to help pet parents and dogs locate the ball in any terrain after launch. It’s also critical to choose the best time of day to exercise - and noon is not it. The best time to enjoy your pet’s company is early in the morning or early in the evening. Keep in mind that in the evening after the sun is down, the pavement can still be pretty warm, as it retains heat for quite a while. Where possible, try to exercise on a grassy or dirt surface to avoid burning or irritating their paws. What we love so much about our dogs is how loyal they are and how much they want to please us. This can be a problem when it comes to potential overexertion, as they will keep going 10 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
just to be with us, even though they may be overheating. Moreover, many dogs and cats can overheat from lying around the house or backyard as well. When leaving pets outside, make sure that shade and fresh water are always available. For longer excursions, or for hotter climates, wet a bandana and place it in the freezer the night before so it will remain nice and cool a little longer. Also, make regular stops in a shady area to allow both of you to catch your breath. Indoor dogs and cats also need to escape from the heat. Make sure the house isn’t kept too warm. Keep at least one room cooler by leaving the shades or drapes closed. Enough has been written about pets and parked cars, so I’m sure you are all aware of that potential deadly hazard. Don’t do it, not even in the shade or “only for a few minutes.” Enough said. You and your pet are finally enjoying the great outdoors, and the fun activities with Fido are endless. Our pet nation has a huge population, and it’s important to be a good citizen. Remember to respect other pets’ “space” and boundaries, and don’t assume every dog is dying to play with yours. Wherever you and your pet decide to roam, be mindful of the local leash laws. You don’t want to turn a fun outing into an emergency room visit for you or anyone else. If you’re heading off to a park or hiking area, make sure you have everything you need for your trek. Travel treats and water bottles are always a good idea to keep with you, to make sure you and your pet are well fueled and hydrated. Regardless of whether you choose to run, romp, hike or trek, spring and summer are great times of year to bond with your pets. I encourage all of you to get outdoors, enjoy the warmth and sunshine, and to include your four-legged kids in your activities. Just remember to play it smart and keep them safe.
June 2018
Green Thumb
All around the country, first-time gardeners and seasoned pros are jumping into the growing season. No matter where you live, vegetable and herb gardening is a fun, relaxing hobby that is easy to enjoy. Whether you’re into growing the most unique plants, a foodie looking for exciting new veggies, or just want more green in your life, you can create a unique garden just for you.For a look at how you can garden to fit your needs, the experts at Burpee offer the following insights to help spark your own edible garden creativity. Trend No. 1: Fresh herb flavor There’s nothing like a fresh-cut sprig of parsley, basil, rosemary or any number of other herbs to liven up a meal. With Burpee’s indoor herb collection, gardeners get to enjoy the convenience of having a selection of popular herbs on hand and ready for any meal, no matter the season. Trend No. 2: Fun and inventive veggies Vegetable gardening is a great way to explore foods you may not have heard of, like Dragon
Roll Shishito Pepper, which has become a hit on menus across the country. Milder than a jalapeno with great umami flavor, 1 in 10 peppers is spicy-hot for an intriguing meal experience. They’re easy to grow in planters on patios or in the ground, making them the perfect choice for foodies. Trend No. 3: Organic vegetable and herb gardening It’s common for people to look for organic food when grocery shopping. Likewise, more gardeners want to be sure the food they are growing is organic. This means using organic fertilizer and plant food, as well as growing certified organic vegetables and herbs. The organic label means these plants are free from chemical additives, which is better for the environment and for you. From sweet bell peppers and ripe tomatoes to crisp cucumbers and juicy strawberries, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the source of your food. Whether you’re new to growing your own food or a seasoned gardener looking to expand your tastes, Burpee has unique and exclusive flavors to make your vegetable garden a success. And now is the perfect time of year to get started.
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Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
June 2018
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MS tried to
silence me.
But
I won’t let it. Kim
PML survivor. Mom. Diagnosed in 2000. Explore powerful stories of people doing whatever it takes at nationalMSsociety.org/ kim
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June 2018
Living With Faith It’s not too late
For everything there is a season, a time for every experience under Heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3) It is true. There is a time for everything we do. This includes expressing love to ourselves, to each other and to God. The American author and psychotherapist, Virginia Satir, in one of her writings wrote that we need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth. Hugging is of course, one way to show our affection for one another. I also read somewhere that hugging is healthy. It helps the body’s immune system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it is invigorating, it is rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug. I do not know the author, but I do know that this is certainly a simple remedy for a complex world.
everything. There is a season for admiration, for devotion, and for tenderness and attachment.
Perhaps a little tenderness will help us understand that there is a time for everything – a time to live as well as a time to move on, a time to heal after a time for illness has passed, a time to reach out to not only touch someone, but to reach in and touch ourselves. That is why we are here. That is why we come back week after week to our Church or Synagogue – to touch God and in turn realize that we must be thankful for every moment, for every person we come in contact with and for every episode in the many chapters left in our lives. Try it sometimes – just hug and be hugged. It is not too late. It is never too late. Submitted by Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
When we greet someone we know of have not seen for a while we immediately reach out to hug. When we take leave and begin our journey away from someone we visited, we turn and hug just before we get on our way. Hugging is a personal and impersonal way to extend ourselves. It is not as intimate as kissing, but it delivers a clear message of fondness. And even when we participate in a funeral or some such disaster in our lives we immediately begin or end with a hug. In fact, the essay I read went even further in suggesting that the special place in societies need for connection contains no sweeteners, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and is 100 percent wholesome. It continues by reminding us that hugging is practically perfect. No movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, low energy consumption, and fully returnable. What a way to say “I love you” without words. It is just a simple gesture, a reaching out to touch someone. So yes, there is a season for Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
June 2018
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Common Claims
Thankfully, most Americans don’t experience large-scale natural catastrophes, but millions of homeowners do experience some kind of property loss each year and need to make an insurance claim. The most commonly reported homeowners insurance claims are actually the result of events that can occur at any time, so it’s important for homeowners to be prepared for these potential risks. “Water claims are the ones we see most often,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “While certain perils are seasonal, water damage can occur any time of year. It’s important for homeowners to conduct routine maintenance of appliance hoses and water pipes to make sure there aren’t cracks or leaks and, if any are detected, have them repaired or replaced immediately.
“Another thing everyone can do to protect their homes from leaks is turn off their main water supply when they’re away for an extended period of time. No one wants to return from a relaxing
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vacation to find water running through their home.”
While water claims are the most common, fire damage is another possible concern for homeowners and can be caused in several ways. O’Rourke suggests controlling the things you can and mitigating against the perils you can’t. “Most home fires happen when people are inattentive or negligent. These fires are preventable if people don’t leave things like lit stoves, fireplaces, candles or portable heat sources unattended. You should also refrain from overloading electrical outlets and using appliances with frayed electrical cords,” he says. “These things seem like common sense, but it’s amazing how many claims we see that result from simply not paying attention. Theft doesn’t necessarily pose a threat to the physical structure of a home, but it too can be costly and it often leaves homeowners feeling scared and violated. Homeowners can help safeguard against theft by taking simple, but often overlooked precautions like ensuring doors and windows are locked, and not leaving spare keys in easy-to-find locations.
June 2018
Legal Advice HEALTH CARE POWERS OF ATTORNEY
The medical healthcare power of attorney identifies an agent, such as a trusted family member or friend, who can give consent to medical treatment if you cannot. If insurance requires transfer to a skilled nursing facility before going home from the hospital, your agent can arrange that for you. Different from other states, the Arizona allows you to authorize your health care agent to follow your instructions for burial or cremation. Otherwise, when there is no surviving spouse, all of the children or other family members may have to be consulted.
Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
Another difference from other states is the mental healthcare power of attorney which helps avoid costly court intervention when there is mental illness, brain injury, dementia or Alzheimer’s. If a person does not have these healthcare powers of attorney, the court must give authority to act. An attorney is needed for the patient and a different attorney for the petitioner. After a court investigation, a hearing is held in open court— in about 45 days after a petition is filed. Time, money and privacy is saved by appointing an agent through healthcare powers of attorney. Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw. com. Sharon’s practice focuses on Wills, trusts, domestic partnership agreements and premarital agreements, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com. Submitted by Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq.
June 2018
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Life As A Caregiver My mother is in a care facility for Alzheimer’s disease. Those words are still hard for me to say out loud sometimes. In fact, I can be out to lunch with friends, or walking my dog, and sometimes those words hit me and the tears begin to fall.
She IS in a care facility. And it’s a nice one. It’s clean, spacious, nicely appointed and not far from my home. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and always trying to make her comfortable. She is indeed well cared-for in her new surroundings. And I am grateful. But all she seems to do is sleep when I’m there. No more conversations about whatever, no more football, no more Wheel of Fortune. but she has no interest or focus to enjoy them. When I come to visit she sometimes knows it’s me–sometimes doesn’t. And occasionally she will smile & call me honey when I talk to her….but not too often. She does enjoy (I think) the CDs I have brought for her….the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Celine Dion….three of her favorites. The first few visits left me terribly sad when I would leave. My expectations of how she would
be were just way too high. I wanted her to be a certain way and expected that it would be so. But the reality was that it was NOT going to be that way…. anymore. I always tell people the hardest part of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is trying to get over the denial part. Be more accepting of it. Say the words ‘Alzheimer’s disease’ out loud until it is absorbed into your being. And yet, the word “expectation” is often ignored. My expectation of visits with my mom would be that I would walk into the room and she would give me that warm, loving and wonderful smile, and be almost gleeful that I had arrived. And when that wasn’t the case, I would be hugely disappointed and saddened. I couldn’t change her mood. I was powerless. I didn’t matter anymore. Well—once I stopped making it about ME, expected less and accepted the reality of the disease and taking each moment one day at a time, things got better for me. I would sit and hold her hand, give her water, make sure she was comfortable, relish every smile…and leave knowing that this was the best it was going to be at the moment. That she was in good hands and not under my day-to-day care where I would be stressed and frustrated…and inept. I still am her advocate, however, checking to be sure the care she is receiving is gentle, thorough and done with affection. Which it is. The take-away here is this: expectation in anything can be your worst enemy if we let it knock us down because it didn’t measure up to what we want or need. Acceptance can be our salvation…or our downfall, depending on how we interpret it. I’m going with taking a deep breath, doing what I can for her while I’m visiting, and knowing that the situation is what it is. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
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Puzzles & Games
Sudoku for June
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Sudoku Solution 1
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
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