Surprise Living

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

Talia Uretsky, Associate Editor

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive

623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

All contents © 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.

From Me To You...

What drives you? Everyone has something that gets them to the finish line - a paycheck, moral obligation, love, the satisfaction of a job well done. For me it is the pressure of a deadline, sure I am nudged by those other things in the list, but the only thing that gets me to complete a project is the looming fear of missing that end point. I always start the month with the best of intentions. I swear I will pace myself and get a little done every day, so that I can ease into the end of the month with no stress. However, in 14 years of creating these magazines I have yet to manage that even once. Every month I am sitting at my computer well into the night frantically dragging and clicking, typing and editing.

I don’t know why I am wired this way, but it seems that if I am given an option I will procrastinate up to the last minute. There is always something else I would rather be doing. The irony of that mindset is that when I am not working I am thinking about working, then when I sit down to work I am focused on a book I was reading, or a project that I have started.

I remember many projects from the past that I have yet to compete – a scale model of H.M.S. Bounty (anyone remember the classic movie Mutiny on the Bounty?), a counted cross-stitch of children playing in Holland during four different seasons (remember seasons?), a matinee jacket I was knitting for a baby who is now an adult with her own child – and the list goes on.

This month I wanted to watch the movies nominated in the Best Picture category before the Oscars are televised, I managed it once and it made the show more enjoyable. But I can leave that for another day, the show is not on until the 10th. See how easily I am distracted? Now what was I talking about? Oh, my work deadline. I should probably get back to that...

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Surprise Living Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

On Our Cover

Finally, the West Valley has received the new golf cart dealership it has been needing for decades, and it took a couple of locals with a deep history rooted in the West Valley to bring the business to life and open Redline Carts in Goodyear.

The owners of Redline Carts, Kyle and Julie Johnson, are not only natives to Arizona, but are from right here in the West Valley. More specifically, Kyle and Julie were born and raised in Goodyear and Avondale, respectively. The couple met in 1998 at Agua Fria Union High School and have been together ever since. Today they have six beautiful children, live in Buckeye, and operate multiple businesses that provide hundreds of jobs and service to the local Valley.

Redline Carts is their newest venture, and it is filling a long-standing need for a high-quality, service-oriented golf cart dealership in the West Valley. As a proud authorized dealer of ICON EV and EPIC Carts, Redline offers buyers the perfect blend of the industry’s highest quality golf carts with the best possible value, which is all supported by a premier customer service experience. With a large selection of carts in the

showroom, the dealership offers the perfect cart whether for golf enthusiasts, neighborhood family cruisers, or commercial/ utility purposes…Redline has the perfect cart for everyone!

In addition to the best possible purchasing experience, Redline also provides the local community with a full-service department that can work on a wide range of makes and models. Even if a customer bought their ICON or EPIC brand cart through another dealer, Redline is more than happy to handle any warranty and/or service needs that cart owner might have. The Redline Carts team is here to help in any way possible. Plus, Redline carries a large selection of accessories including, but not limited to: complete lithium kits through Eco-Battery, full-weather enclosures, Bluetooth LED stereo systems, golf-bag rack assemblies, and custom rim and tire packages, just to name a few.

With the dealership conveniently located right off I-10 at the intersection of Dysart Rd and McDowell Rd (13277 W. McDowell Rd. Ste. 101, Goodyear, AZ 85395), Redline

Carts is strategically placed to service the families, businesses and local communities like Sterling Grove, Surprise Farms, Pebble Creek, Palm valley, Verrado, Litchfield Park and all of the West Valley.

Redline Carts is open Monday through Saturday, 9AM-6PM. For more information, please visit RedlineCarts.com or call 623.259.9590.

Refer to this article/magazine and receive $500.00 off the purchase of any new golf cart!

The Story of St Patrick

Celebrated on March 17th each year, St. Patrick’s Day has become a global event, where people from all walks of life deck out in green attire and partake in festivities. But who exactly was St. Patrick, and what is the history behind this iconic figure?

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. At 16 years old St. Patrick, whose birth name was Maewyn Succat, was taken captive by Irish raiders and enslaved for 6 years. During this time, Patrick immersed himself in the Celtic culture, becoming fluent in the Irish language and adapting to the way of life of his captors. During his captivity Patrick worked as a shepherd and had a religious awakening, finding strength in the Christian faith. After 6 years he managed to escape his captors and return to his homeland of Britain.

However, instead of seeking personal vengeance, Patrick had a dream about an angel telling him to return to Ireland as a missionary and spread the teachings of Christianity to the very people who had held him captive. His mission was twofold; to minister to the Christians already living in Ireland, and to begin to convert the Irish.

Over the centuries, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved from a religious feast day commemorating the saint into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Today, St. Patrick serves as a symbol of Ireland’s resilience, spirit, and the enduring power of faith. As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day each year, let us remember the story of the man behind the holiday and the lasting legacy he left behind on the county of Ireland and his heritage.

Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock, a native plant of Ireland, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people, thereby making it one of the most recognizable symbols associated with Ireland to this day. Patrick persisted, overcoming numerous obstacles and gaining followers, eventually becoming a beloved figure within the Irish community.

Furry Friends

Snake Awareness Training

Dogs are adventurous creatures, often exploring their surroundings with boundless curiosity. However, in regions where venomous snakes are prevalent, this curiosity can pose a significant risk to their safety. Professional snake awareness training classes for dogs offer a proactive solution to mitigate these risks, equipping dogs with the skills to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous encounters with snakes.

Professional snake awareness training classes are conducted by experienced trainers who specialize in teaching dogs to identify and respond appropriately to the presence of snakes. These classes typically consist of structured sessions that focus on scent recognition, visual identification, and response training.

One of the key benefits of professional snake awareness training is the comprehensive approach to scent recognition. Dogs possess a remarkable sense of smell, allowing them to detect the presence of snakes long before they come into view. Through specialized training techniques, dogs learn to recognize the unique scent of snakes and associate it with a negative stimulus, such as a loud noise or a gentle correction. This conditioning helps dogs develop a natural aversion to snake odors, prompting them to avoid areas where snakes may be present.

Visual identification training is another crucial aspect of professional snake awareness classes. Dogs are exposed to realistic snake models or live, defanged snakes under controlled conditions, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the appearance of these reptiles. Trainers teach dogs to recognize the distinct shape and movement patterns of snakes, enabling them to react quickly

and appropriately when encountering one in the wild.

Response training is perhaps the most critical component of professional snake awareness classes. Dogs are taught to respond to auditory cues associated with snakes, such as the sound of a rattlesnake’s rattle or hiss. Through positive reinforcement techniques, trainers encourage dogs to retreat immediately upon hearing these cues, reinforcing the instinctual response to avoid potential danger.

By equipping dogs with the skills to recognize and avoid snakes, owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their furry companions are safe during outdoor adventures. Additionally, investing in professional training can potentially save dogs from the pain and trauma of a snakebite, which can have serious health consequences.

Moreover, as with any training session, this time together fosters a stronger bond between dogs and their owners. By enrolling your dogs in a class, you can take proactive measures to ensure your pets’ safety and well-being.

https://hssaz.org/services/education/pets/ rattlesnake-avoidance-training

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a ritual that many people undertake during the month of March. It is a time when we open up the windows, roll up our sleeves, and tackle the accumulated dust and clutter of the past year. However, spring cleaning can often be overwhelming and time-consuming if not approached strategically. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks that can make the process more efficient and effective.

First and foremost, it is important to have a plan of action before diving into spring cleaning. Start by making a checklist of all the areas in your home that need attention. You can prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed by breaking down the task into smaller, manageable parts.

One of the most crucial tips for spring cleaning is to declutter before you start cleaning. Begin by sorting through your belongings and determining what you want to keep, donate, or discard. This not only helps create more tidy living spaces but also allows for easier cleaning and organizing.

For a thorough and efficient cleaning, pay attention to often overlooked areas such as behind appliances, underneath furniture, and inside cabinets and drawers. These hidden spaces can accumulate a surprising amount of dust and dirt over time and cleaning these areas will also improve the air quality inside your home.

Another useful tip for spring cleaning is to freshen up your fabrics. Wash curtains, pillows, cushions, and steam-clean the carpets and upholstery. A little extra effort in refreshing these items will leave your home smelling and looking fantastic!

Finally, take advantage of the spring weather by cleaning your outdoor spaces. Sweep and hose down the patio, clean outdoor furniture, and spruce up your yard by removing debris and dead plants. A wellmaintained exterior can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your home.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a well-planned approach and some useful tips and tricks, you can make the process more manageable and rewarding. So roll up your sleeves, turn on some upbeat music or a great podcast, and dive in!

Ask Dr. Jen

“Why do some people create drama in their lives?”

Everyone has at least one in his or her life. That person who is just “drama” and creates it wherever he or she goes. I use the word “dramamonger” to refer to anyone who deals in drama. So, what compels a person to behave this way?

The answers are many:

• It’s what they know. In its familiarity and predictability, it becomes comfortable: there is comfort in discomfort. This may seem odd, but these people often grew up in dramatic, tumultuous, chaotic or even traumatic environments and have come to operate this way. Some have learned fighting = passion = love.

• The ruckus keeps them from taking an honest look at themselves. By reacting so intensely, they may succeed in shutting others down, shirking responsibility and accountability.

• It’s a way to draw attention to themselves. If a person is starved for attention, love or affection, they may create intensity to get these things. The subconscious premise at work is that bad attention is better than no attention at all.

• They gain a sense of accomplishment when they conquer the drama. This can influence self-esteem in a positive way. For some, this is an effort to recapitulate and master the drama that occurred earlier in life.

• It keeps others’ expectations low. The subconscious idea at work is that if I keep chaos in my life, no one will expect anything from me, which means I can’t fail or let anyone down.

There is hope for dramamongers once they realize that they are the common denominator in all of their failed relationships. Therapy plus firm yet compassionate boundaries from others can yield great rewards. Much therapy for these folks has to do with improving self-esteem. Once basic confidence is established, they can practice new ways of living, starting with small efforts.

Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@EstrellaPublishing.com.

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.

• It keeps them stuck in the victim role. The theory is that this will draw attention and caregiving of some sort, even pity at times. The hope is this: If I’m a victim, people will feel sorry for me and care for or nurture me.

Yum Yum

Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with some traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie? This comfort meal is perfect for any season. A common misconception about Shepherd’s Pie is that it’s made with beef. However, a Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while a Cottage Pie uses ground beef. This recipe is easily interchangeable, so you can use whichever meat you prefer. Tip: if you have a large enough cast iron pan USE IT! Nothing feels more homey than a meal in a cast iron pan.

Ingredients (8-10 servings)

• Mashed potatoes

3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 tbsp unsalted butter

¾ cup milk

2 tbsp sour cream

Salt and pepper

• Filling

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1 1/2 lbs ground lamb, or ground beef if preferred 1 white onion, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme (sub 2 tsp dried thyme)

1 tbsp fresh rosemary (sub 2 tsp dried rosemary)

½ cup beef broth

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 cups frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn)

Steps

• Preheat oven to 400° F

• Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a medium-sized pot filled with water. Add salt and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.

• While potatoes cook, melt 4 tbsp butter in a large pan on medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, 6-10 min.

• Add ground meat to the pan and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary—season with salt and pepper. Add your frozen veggies towards the end, as they take very little time to cook.

• Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and reduce to low. Cook uncovered for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

• Mash the potatoes, add 4 tbsp of butter, sour cream, and milk. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.

• Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture in either an oven-safe pan or a casserole dish. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until browned and bubbling. ENJOY!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your gorgeous Shepherd’s Pie or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

Legal Advice

Beneficiary Deed: Better Than Probate

If you want one or two adult to receive your home or real estate upon your death, a Beneficiary Deed is an effective, inexpensive way to avoid probate. A Beneficiary Deed is basically a “pay on death designation” for real property.

The Beneficiary Deed is fully revocable. The owner retains control of the property. There is no need to consult the beneficiaries upon sale or be concerned about the beneficiaries’ creditors. This is not the case when the property is owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship.

The Beneficiary Deed is a great tool for people who have all other assets in accounts which have beneficiary designations of some type. The Beneficiary Deed is not a good tool if you want to

leave your real property to more than two people, to minors or to adults with special needs receiving government assistance. In those instances, a trust is the best non-stress way to avoid probate.

Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information visit www.sharonravenscroft.com

Puzzle Time

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.

Try your hand at the word search and crossword too!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Difficulty: Easy Monday, 12th February 2024