Up The Hill

Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing. com

Catherine

Uretsky, Publisher and Editor

Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive

623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

All contents © 2010-present 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 content of contributing writers and advertisers 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, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

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

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

3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 tbsp unsalted butter

¾ cup milk

• 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.

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The Bug Guy

Springtime in the west valley brings with it a fascinating array of bugs and insects that emerge with the warmer weather. As the temperatures rise and nature comes to life, the valley becomes home to a diverse population of insects that play crucial roles in the ecosystem. From buzzing bees to colorful butterflies, chirping crickets to industrious ants, the bug life in the west valley is truly captivating.

One of the most iconic signs of spring in the is the emergence of bees. Bees are vital pollinators, and as the flowers begin to bloom, these industrious insects become a common sight, buzzing from one blossom to the next. They diligently collect nectar and pollen, playing a key role in the pollination of plants and the production of fruits and vegetables. Their presence is a reassuring sign of nature’s renewal and abundance during the spring season.

Butterflies also grace the west valley with their presence during springtime. These delicate and colorful insects flit gracefully among the blossoms, adding a touch of enchantment to the landscape. Their vibrant wings, adorned with intricate patterns, make for a delightful sight as they move from flower to flower, sipping nectar and spreading pollen.

As the days grow warmer, the rhythmic chirping of crickets fills the air in the evenings. These tiny musicians create a symphony of sound, adding an enchanting soundtrack to our spring nights. Their calls create a sense of ambiance and tranquility, signaling the transition from the bustling daylight hours to the calm serenity of the eveningand serving as a

comforting reminder of the natural rhythms that govern the valley’s ecosystem.

Ants also become more active during the spring, bustling with activity as they march in organized lines, foraging for food and building their underground colonies. Their efforts contribute to the balance of the ecosystem, as they play a crucial role in decomposition and soil aeration.

From dragonflies darting over ponds to ladybugs seeking out aphids on plants, the bug life in the valley is a diverse tapestry of colors, shapes, and behaviors. Each insect plays a vital role in the intricate web of life that defines the valley’s ecosystem. As the season unfolds, the diverse and captivating bug life serves as a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, inviting us to appreciate and celebrate the wonders of the insect world.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella resident

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 selfesteem in a positive way. For some, this is an effort to recapitulate and master the drama that occurred earlier in life.

• 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.

• 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.

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Home Sweet Home

As the chill of winter begins to fade and the promise of spring beckons, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home and welcome in the new season. With a few simple changes, you can infuse your space with the vibrant energy of spring and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for the months ahead.

Start by decluttering and organizing your home. Clear out any unnecessary items that have accumulated over the winter months and streamline your space to create a sense of openness and clarity. Consider donating or recycling items that you no longer need, and invest in storage solutions to keep your belongings tidy and easily accessible.

Next, bring the outdoors inside by incorporating elements of nature into your decor. Add fresh flowers and plants to brighten up your space and purify the air, and choose light, airy fabrics and textures to create a sense of flow and movement. Consider swapping out heavy curtains and blankets for lighter options, and embrace soft

pastel hues and cheerful patterns to evoke the spirit of spring.

Incorporate touches of greenery throughout your home to create a sense of freshness and vitality. Hang potted plants in sunny windowsills, place a lush fern on your coffee table, or create a whimsical terrarium as a focal point in your living space. Not only will these green accents add visual interest to your home, but they’ll also help to boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.

Finally, don’t forget to add a few seasonal touches to your home to celebrate the arrival of spring. Decorate with Easter eggs, bunnies, and other festive accents to usher in the holiday season, and consider creating a cozy outdoor seating area where you can relax and enjoy the warmer weather. With a little creativity and inspiration, you can transform your home into a welcoming sanctuary that reflects the beauty and vitality of the spring season.

Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident

Biz Buzz

Efficient Air - Local Business

Efficient Air opens a new storefront beside Safeway!

Efficient Air is your local resource for Residential HVAC, Installations, Repairs, Maintenance, Sales, Indoor Air Quality, Energy Assessment, Minisplits and more.

Efficient Air started in 2007 in Estrella Mountain Ranch back when there was nothing up here except Elliot Market. Dale Kamarata from EYS Sports convinced Oscar to open up an HVAC company to give him time to coach the community’s kids 17 years ago. Fast forward to today and that company, Efficient Air has served over 18 thousand customers and counting.

What sets them apart from other HVAC companies is their attention to serving the community here in Estrella.

As Oscar says, “We are committed to providing the best customer service possible. Our goal is to exceed the customer’s expectations, drive innovation, and keep the customer’s ultimate comfort in mind giving them control of their environment.”

With Allergy season upon us, now is the perfect time to call Efficient Air. They offer indoor air quality products to help with unwanted allergies. As we head into the summer months, making sure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape you want to make sure your units don’t break down in the middle of the

summer and that they run efficiently. Call them for a maintenance check-up now, so that you can be sure of a cool summer ahead. Think it is time for an upgrade? Efficient Air carries new energy efficient units that will save you money on your air conditioning bills. Making appointments is easy directly from their website www.myefficientair.com or call (623)-8828390

Estrella resident discounts:

$250 off Minisplits, $30 off tune-ups, FREE service calls with repairs

$500 off new units

$100 off Air quality products

Senior’s and Veteran’s appreciation day: Veterans and Seniors can come in to our retail store on Tuesdays and we will replace their air filters for free.

Visit us at our new store – 9860 S. Estrella Pkwy. 85338. We’re the store directly to the right of the Safeway by the chiropractor!

Battle for the Paddle

3rd ANNUAL FIRE FIGHTERS OUTREACH EVENT

March 2nd, 2024

Supporting the Goodyear Fire Fighters Charities

CantaMia at Estrella along with the Goodyear Fire Fighters, will host the 3rd Annual CantaMia/ Goodyear Fire Fighter’s Outreach event. A Pickleball Tournament, “Battle for the Paddle” was established in 2022, with Fire Fighters and CantaMia residents “battling” for bragging rights and good times on the court. For more excitement and fun, a Corn Hole Tournament, “Boss of the Toss” was added this year.

This is a community wide event featuring a silent auction, bake sale, photo booth and one-of-akind pieces from our Art Studio. The event will be held from 8:45am to 2:00pm around the CantaMia pickleball courts.

World Class Pickleball Player J “Gizmo” Hall to Attend

We are honored to have worldclass Pro Pickleball Player J. “Gizmo” Hall supporting our event. Gizmo is a former fire fighter/paramedic, and a current pickleball ambassador dedicated to giving back to the community

and helping others. For more information on Gizmo and his positive impact, see www. pickleballfarm.com and www.gizmopickleball.com.

All proceeds from the event will go to Goodyear Fire Fighter Charities. Visit their website at:

https://www.ugff.org/about/charities

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.

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

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