[November 2013]
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Want to augment your ad in Colorado Country Life? Colorado advertisers call Kris at 303-902-7276; national advertisers, call NCM at 800-626-1181.
[contents]
November 2013 [cover] Check out the books reviewed in this year’s book edition. Cover by Donna Wallin. Scan the cover additional information with
44
16
22
4 Viewpoint
16 Recommended Reads
23 Gardening
5 Letters 6 Calendar 7 Co-op News 12 NewsClips 14 Future Generations
22 Recipes Tweak your turkey day traditions
24 Outdoors
SB 252-13 Advisory Committee wraps up with no recommendations
17 great books by Colorado authors make great reads and great gifts
in the kitchen
Learn to create a beautiful landscape without using plants Capture those private fleeting moments while hunting ducks
25 Energy Tips
Size up your storm door and size up some savings
29 Funny Stories 30 Discoveries
Colorado’s electric cooperatives support kids in a variety of ways
29
17
the number of years CCL has been reviewing Colorado author’s books
45
million
the number of turkeys cooked on Thanksgiving in the United States every year
35
the number of exciting upcoming events featured in Colorado Country Life to enjoy
COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor@303-455-4111; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Donna Wallin, Associate Editor; dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org • Amy Higgins, Editorial Assistant/Writer; ahiggins@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276, advertising@coloradocountrylife.org; NCM@800-626-1181
The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association || Volume 44, Number 11
OFFICERS: Bob Bledsoe [Tri-State] President; Bill Midcap [Fort Morgan] Vice President; Don Kaufman [Sangre de Cristo] Secretary; Jack Schneider [Poudre Valley] Treasurer; Kent Singer [CREA] Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Bill Patterson [Delta-Montrose]; John Porter [Empire]; Don McClaskey [Grand Valley]; John Vader [Gunnison]; Jim Lueck [Highline]; Megan Gilman [Holy Cross]; Dan Mills, Tim Power [K.C.]; Jeff Burman [La Plata]; Stan Cazier [Mountain Parks]; B.D. Paddock [Mountain View]; Debbie Rose [San Isabel]; Eleanor Valdez [San Luis Valley]; Dave Alexander, Kevin Ritter [San Miguel]; Randy Phillips [Southeast]; Jim Jaeger, Ron Asche [United Power]; Bill Jordan [White River]; Stuart Travis [Y-W]; Scott McGill [Yampa Valley]; Basin Electric, CoBank, Moon Lake Electric, Wheatland Electric [Associate Members]
EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: facebook.com/COCountryLifw • Twitter: @COCountryLife Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.
[viewpoint]
Missed Opportunity? SB 13-252 Advisory Committee wraps up, but offers no recommendations BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG
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There’s been a lot of discussion the last several months about SB 13-252, the bill that doubled the renewable energy requirements for Colorado’s electric co-ops. The discussion continued when Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) signed Senate Bill 13-252 into law earlier this year and also established the Advisory Committee to the Director of the Colorado Energy Office on the effectiveness of SB 13-252. This committee was comprised of a broad cross section of rural Colorado energy producers and consumers, including agricultural interests, renewable energy developers, environmental advocates and electric co-op representatives. The Executive Order creating the advisory committee created three distinct duties for the committee. The first duty was: to advise the Colorado Energy Office CEO director as to whether it was feasible for the co-ops to comply with the 20 percent renewable energy standard by 2020. According to the final report, which was issued September 30: “Advisory committee members reached consensus agreement that it is feasible to achieve the 20 percent renewable energy standard by the year 2020 assuming the use of Renewable Energy Credits or RECs as part of the resource portfolio for meeting the standard.” What this means is that all of the stakeholders agreed the new RES could be met by electric co-ops if they simply purchase renewable energy credits. But compliance through the purchase of RECs won’t result in the supposed benefits of SB 13-252 that the proponents touted during the legislative session, i.e., more green jobs, more local renewable energy development, etc. This statement demonstrates what we said all during the legislative session: SB 13-252 adds costs to the bottom lines of co-ops with little corresponding benefit to the Colorado economy. Second, the committee was to advise the CEO director on what sorts of administrative and legal questions will arise in the context of the 2 percent consumer rate cap. The advisory committee found that there are many administrative and legal considerations related to the enforcement of the 2 percent rate cap, but it declined to advise the CEO director on how the rate cap would impact the ability of the utilities to comply with the 20 percent RES. The committee generally took the position that the affected electric co-ops would implement the requirements of SB 13-252 in good faith, and that it was not necessary to clarify some of the complicated questions that surround this part of the bill. While we appreciate the nod by the advisory committee to the good faith of the electric co-ops, we remain concerned that the
language of the statute is unclear and may be challenged by folks who disagree with our interpretation. As we testified many times during the legislative hearings, the interpretation of the 2 percent retail rate cap for investor-owned utilities has been the single most litigated RES issue since Kent Singer that rate cap was enacted for the investorowned utilities. All of this leads to the last duty, which was to advise the CEO director on any related legislation necessary in the 2014 legislative session. While the committee did not reach consensus on any legislative changes (which would have required a unanimous vote), the report clearly shows that a large majority of the committee members favored some kind of mitigation to SB 13-252. In response to the question of whether additional eligible resources, such as large hydropower, should be counted toward the RES, eight members voted in favor and four members opposed. Eight members of the committee also supported including energy efficiency as an eligible resource under the RES. Clearly, all of the ag producers and utilities on the panel supported measures to lessen the costs of SB 13-252. It’s a shame that a panel like the SB 13-252 advisory committee was not appointed during the summer of 2012, prior to the start of the 2013 session. If it had been, the co-ops could have worked with those promoting more renewables to see what kind of sensible compromise could have been forged. Looking ahead, it will also be interesting to see what happens during the 2014 legislative session. While I do not think a bill to completely repeal SB 13-252 should pass, many of our member co-ops would like to see a middle ground where some of these significant issues could be resolved for a number of years. That would allow the electric co-ops to bring on more renewable resources in a reasonable manner while also allowing us in to turn our attention to what we do best: providing reliable, lowcost electric service to rural Colorado.
Kent Singer, Executive Director
FOLLOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KENT SINGER’S BLOG AT COLORADOREABLOG.WORDPRESS.COM. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 November 2013
[letters] The Aesthetics of Power Poles
I grew up in a rural environment. I have always had power lines, substations and transformer boxes around me. To me, that’s what keeps the lights on. The first six years of my life were without electricity. I’m happy for power lines and the ancillary accessories to deliver reasonably priced power to me and my neighbors.
Newt Burkhalter, Grand Junction
We would say aesthetics rule when there is a view involved. We are becoming increasingly concerned about taller power poles being erected in Park, Custer and Chaffee counties. We would like to see the utility companies be considerate of where they put power poles. We are wondering if the technology of transporting power will soon eliminate having to use aboveground poles at all. What is a common problem or challenge of utility companies in the West is a lack of planning for transporting energy from the source to the users. Such a plan would direct where energy is developed so it is close to those who will use it.
Bob and Katy Grether, Salida/Westcliffe
Looking at Actual Energy Costs
Everyone is talking about the increase in electricity costs in dollars due to the renewable energy requirements. Shouldn’t we be talking about the cost in terms of energy? When I was a physics professor at New Mexico State in 1975-77, a colleague analyzed the energy efficiency of coal and nuclear power plants. That is, the total energy output over the life of the plant was divided by the amount of energy required to design, build, maintain, fuel and run the plant. Coal came in at a whopping 30 while nuclear was a paltry 2.5. (Note that anything less than 1 represents an energy sink, not a source; anything not significantly more than 1 is a waste of time.) Has anyone analyzed the energy efficiency of coal, natural gas, wind and solar power plants lately?
Charles Stoyer, Grand Lake
Got a comment? Send your letter to the editor by mail to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org. You MUST include your name and full address. The full address will not be published. Letters may be edited for length. ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 5
[calendar] November 16 Loveland Craft Fair and Basket Raffle McKee Conference and Wellness Center November 9 9 am-3 pm • Mperry1000@ Briggsdale Antiques, Crafts and Bake Sale aol.com Harry Green Gym November 17 10 am-2 pm • bauerfive@ Pueblo wigginstel.com “The Games Afoot” Theater Performance November 9 Damon Runyon Theatre Buena Vista 2-5 pm • 719-564-0579 Gingerbread House Bazaar Faith Lutheran Church LWML November 22-24 9 am-2 pm • 719-395-2039 Denver Mile High Holiday Mart November 9 Denver Marriott Tech Center Georgetown jld.org Bighorn Sheep Festival 6th Street November 23 10 am • 303-569-5065 Durango Christmas Bazaar November 12 First United Methodist Church Pueblo 8 am-3 pm • 970-247-4213 Colorado Brass Arts: Salute to Swing November 23 Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Falcon 7:30 pm • 719-295-7200 Christmas Craft Fair and Holiday Bake Sale November 14 Falcon Fire Station Pueblo 9 am-2 pm • 719-495-2994 FROGZ! Sangre de Cristo Arts Center November 23 7 pm • sdc-arts.org Littleton Snow Birds Nature Program November 15-16 Hudson Gardens’ Welcome Pueblo West Garden Jingle Bell Boutique 10 am • hudsongardens.org Pueblo West VFW Hall 9 am-5 pm • 719-489-3774 November 23 Trinidad November 16-17 Quilt Sale and Show Black Forest Trinidad County Fairgrounds Alpaca Holiday Extravaganza Black Forest Community Club 9 am-3 pm • 719-845-1315 719-495-6693 November 26 Bayfield November 16 “Raising the Barre” Recital Elbert County Night Craft Fair Old BMS Gym NCEC Fire House 6-8 pm • 970-335-8206 10 am-2 pm • ncfpd.us/ auxiliary November 28 Kiowa County November 16 Spiritual Healing Run/Walk La Junta Sand Creek Massacre National Holiday Harvest Craft Show La Junta Intermediate School Historic Site 719-438-5916 • nps.gov/sand 8 am-3 pm • 719-384-7960
[November]
Capture our extra layer of content on this page. See page 2 for instructions on how to enhance your reading experience. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 November 2013
November 29-30 Estes Park Holiday Parade and Celebration Downtown Estes Park visitestespark.com
November 29-30 Pagosa Springs Holiday Shopping Affaire Quality Resort verdecreations@centurytel.net
[December] December 1 Beulah Post Thanksgiving Hike Mountain Parks Environmental Center 2 pm • hikeandlearn.org December 2 Holyoke Country Christmas/Parade of Lights Downtown Holyoke 4-8:30 pm • www.holyoke chamber.org December 3 Denver The Great Blizzard of 1913 Lecture History Colorado Center 1 and 7 pm • 303-866-2394 December 4 Grand Junction Christmas Party and Potluck First Presbyterian Church 12 pm • mesafiberartsguild. org/programs.aspx December 6-8 Durango Festival of Trees Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum 1-6 pm • 970-259-2464 December 6-7 Durango “It’s a Wonderful Life”: A Live Radio Play Durango Arts Center 7 pm • durangoarts.org December 6-7 Estes Park Library Book Sale Estes Valley Library 10 am-4 pm • 970-577-9920
December 6 Evergreen Holiday Walk Downtown Evergreen 5-8 pm • downtown evergreen.com December 6 Fraser Festival of Trees Grand Park Recreation Center 5-8 pm • 970-726-2424 December 6-8 Pueblo Holiday Art and Shopping Crawl Pueblo Performing Arts Guild 855-543-2430 • pueblopag.org December 7 Burlington Craft Fair Burlington Community & Education Center 9 am-3 pm • 719-346-8918 December 7-8 Cortez Catholic Daughters Christmas Bazaar St. Margaret Mary Church Hall 970-570-3040 December 7 Durango Ringing in Christmas Handbell Concert St. Columba Church 7 pm • 970-259-1551 December 7 Limon Scentsy Holiday Open House 1410 6th St 1-4 pm • 719-892-0507 December 8 Mancos Countdown to Christmas Concert Mancos United Methodist Church 3:30 pm • 970-882-0120
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Calendar, Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; fax to 303-455-2807; or email calendar@coloradocountrylife. org. Items will be printed on a space available basis. For more information on these and other events, visit coloradocountrylife.coop.
EMPIRE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
[Echoes of the Empire] Important Updates for Our Members BY NEAL STEPHENS || GENERAL MANAGER || NEAL.STEPHENS@EEA.COOP
The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Board of Directors approved the following budget at their September Board Meeting:
Tri-State Rate Increase Notice DESCRIPTION
While Tri-State was able to budget for a small reduction in total operating expenses in 2014, they passed a 1.5 to 2.0 percent rate increase (effective January 1, 2014) to fund a new product offering that is intended to retain certain industrial customers that experienced large rate increases when Tri-State moved to an
Neal Stephens
VARIANCE
2013 BUDGET
2014 BUDGET
2014 BUDGET VS. 2013 BUDGET
all-energy rate in January 1, 2013. At the time this column is being written, Empire Electric Association does not know the impact this will have on the retail rates our members pay. We will inform members of the impact on your specific rate class once our 2014 budget and cost-of-service is finalized. [continued on page 8] ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 7
[Echoes of the Empire] Important Updates [continued from page 7]
Update on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission Proceeding: 13F-0145E (Complaint)
On September 11, 2013, the administrative law judge denied Tri-State’s motion to dismiss our complaint filed with the PUC. Tri-State has asked the full PUC to review the ALJ’s interim decision and, if it is affirmed, then the parties will proceed with the complaint challenging Tri-State’s A 37 all-energy rate structure. If you are interested in following the specifics of the case, the following website will provide you with free access: www.dora. state.co.us/pls/efi/EFI.homepage. We were pleased with the ALJ’s decision to deny Tri-State’s motion to dismiss our complaint because we believe that the Tri-State all-energy rate design is discriminatory and preferential. The ALJ’s decision allows Empire to continue to seek a more equitable rate design. The three Colorado cooperatives involved in the case remain committed Tri-State members. The PUC process will be lengthy, but we look forward to an opportunity to debate the merits of the case before the PUC. The cooperatives and Tri-State continue to work in good faith to seek resolution on this issue, and it is with that kind of attitude that we have maintained our positive and professional relationship with Tri-State and its staff. Although there are several steps yet to take before this issue is resolved, we remain committed to finding a solution that benefits everyone. If the ALJ interim decision is upheld, it is likely the full case will not begin until the first quarter of next year.
Online Bill Payment Update I recently announced that Empire would be offering an online bill payment program, and it is now in place. You can save time, money and paper when you sign up online to view and pay your electric bills electronically. You’ll be able to see your current and past bills and your energy use history. While redesigning the EEA website, we included a link allowing you to connect to your personal account in a secure manner. You now have an easier way to keep up with bill paying without the hassle of waiting for the mail. Simply log on to your online account, go to billing history and click the month you wish to view. Going paperless is simply a matter of clicking the option to not receive a mailed receipt. In addition to this feature, you can receive email notifications that your bill is ready to view. The email notice is a separate function and will have to be initiated with one of our customer service representatives. You can do that simply by placing a phone call or stopping by our main office at 801 N. Broadway. The customer service representatives will input your desired email address to initiate this feature in our billing system. As a reminder, you can choose to set your account up on auto pay, and Empire will automatically withdraw funds from your bank account or charge your credit card each month. Online billing is a free service available to all members of the cooperative. Sign up through a link at the top of our home page at www.eea.coop or contact us at 970-565-4444.
La Plata Twilight by Steve Davis ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 November 2013
[Echoes of the Empire]
Local Schools “Switch” Things Up BY LINDA DEAVERS || MEMBER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
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Basin Electric, located in Bismarck, North Dakota, is one of the primary energy providers in the Midwestern United States. Its service territory includes not only North and South Dakota, but Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota and New Mexico as well. However, providing energy isn’t Basin Electric’s only commodity. Educating students about energy production and safety is also an important aspect of its service. Recently, Basin Electric’s presentation coordinator, Kimberly Kranz, visited the Cortez area bringing with her a wealth of information. “The Story Behind the Switch” is an informative presentation combining education about the generation of energy, electrical safety and the importance of energy efficiency and conservation. Through this program, over 12,000 students in the Basin Electric service territory are educated about electricity each year. Kranz recently revamped the presentation using modern technology. Flip charts and cue cards have been replaced with a 46-inch flat screen high-definition television and a PowerPoint show featuring two electric “super heroes.” The program, geared toward
Sixth-grade middle school student Alyssa laughs as her hair stands on end as static electricity is generated by the Van de Graaff generator. The device looks like a big aluminum ball mounted on a pedestal and the demonstration is a favorite with the schoolkids.
third- through sixth-grade students, is designed to be an interactive and exciting introduction to the world of electricity. Kranz explained that, there is true value in this program. “The students are engaged in the hands-on activities and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions,” she said. “You can see their wheels turning.” During Kranz’ visit she did presentations at several local schools. “I love
Kimberly Kranz, Basin Electric’s presentation coordinator, speaks to a group of fourth- and fifth-graders at Lewis-Arriola Elementary School.
teaching our young people this important message,” she said. “There is no resource more valuable than our youth and we need to reach out to them.” Kranz said that out of all the gadgets she uses throughout the demonstration, the Van de Graaff generator is always a favorite. With a hand placed on top of the ball and the student standing on a plastic stool, static electricity builds up and causes one’s hair to stand on end. Because of Basin Electric’s expansive service region, the presentation is only provided in the Four Corners area every two years. Kranz would prefer to visit more often but said, there are too many schools and too little time. The presentation is due to return to this area in 2015. Kranz passionately believes that this message is critical for young people to understand. She stressed again and again that electrical safety is paramount. “Many times in life you can make a mistake and get a second chance to fix it,” she said. “But with electricity, there aren’t many second chances. One mistake can cost you your life.” ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 9
[Echoes of the Empire] Doug Sparks Announces His Retirement To the Members of Empire Electric,
Neal Stephens first introduced me in this magazine in the August 2002 issue. From time to time I have authored some of the articles you have read. I was fortunate to be able to quickly bring on my partner in member services, Bobbe Jones, who then took the content of this publication to the next level. Where I seemed to always struggle to get my content finalized and sent to the publishers on time, she was usually one of the first co-op representatives in the state to have all the material in to the publishers in time. Along the way Bobbe garnered several awards and accolades for excellent content. With that said, I believe that I am leaving the position in very good hands with Bobbe’s promotion to member services manager. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as member services manager and particularly my role as a member advocate. I have gotten to know many of you on a personal basis, and many of you know that I am passionate when talking about electricity and energy in general. I appreciate your support of the programs and services that were initiated during my tenure in this position. It is truly in my blood and as I have been reminded many, many times, “with a name like Sparks it was just meant to be.” My plans in retirement initially include taking some time to help my mom and dad on their ranch in Oregon. For a while, my wife, Mary, and I will keep our place here in Montezuma County. Our kids have all grown up here and now are striking out on their own. As it has been said before, “new adventures await.”
All the best to you, Doug!
My Co-op Advantages
It’s hard to believe that in Colorado nearly 200,000 people live at poverty levels. Low-income families, the disabled, seniors and veterans are among those who will face a terrible choice this winter between keeping the power on or keeping food on the table. Energy Outreach Colorado helps limited income families and seniors stay warm during the winter
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 November 2013
Our Co-op Employees Jennifer Hope Retires
Jennifer Hope left her consumer services representative position when she retired from EEA on September 17, 2013 after 17 years of service. Jennifer was employed in a variety of office, teaching and data processing positions, including over 12 years in mainframe data processing with responsibilities ranging from programming and analysis to database administration and training. Her skill set included office administration responsibilities, payroll duties, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank account maintenance and other clerical functions. She enjoyed freelance editorial work which often spilled over to her part- time work at EEA as she assisted with various co-op publications.
My Co-op Calendar November 3......................Daylight Saving Time Ends Set Clocks Back One Hour November 5........................... Election Day November 8............. EEA Board Meeting Begins at 8:30 a.m.
months. Call 866-HEAT-HELP if you or someone you know can use this assistance or you want to help with your donation. EEA matches member donations up to $10,000. Together we can help.
November 11..........................Veterans Day November 28-29..................Thanksgiving Holiday — EEA Offices Closed
ColoradoCountryLife.coop September 2012 11
[newsclips]
Co-op Bikers Raise Money for Heating Bills
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Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives bike team raised nearly $3,500 for Energy Outreach Colorado as its members rode 174 miles September 21-22 during Pedal the Plains. The team, which included riders, friends and members from the Colorado Rural Electric Association, Colorado Country Life, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Morgan Country REA, San Isabel Electric and United Power, rode with more than 750 bicyclists from Eads to Lamar to La Junta and back to Eads in southeastern Colorado. The second annual tour is a celebration of Colorado’s rural plains, bringing urban riders to electric co-op territory, often to places they’ve never visited. Special thanks to those riding for the co-ops this year: Rose Cronk, Dave Frick, Kyle Frick, Gregg Goodrich, Kimber Hansen, Jeffrey Lines, Brenden Long, Larry Modesitt, Tamra Rudolph, Kent Singer, Donna Wallin and Howard Wallin.
MORE WIND FOR CO-OPS
Output at Tri-State wind farm upped 36 percent
W
The expansion of Colorado’s newest renewable energy facility is complete, with the Colorado Highlands Wind project now capable of generating 91 megawatts of electricity for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, which supplies power to 18 of Colorado’s 22 electric co-ops. The facility originally came online in December of 2012, with 42 1.6-megawatt turbines able to produce 67 megawatts of power. The expansion — which was announced in April and began construction in July — consists of an additional 14 1.7-megawatt turbines, increasing the facility’s total current capacity by 36 percent. Tri-State has a 20-year power purchase agreement to receive all the electricity and environmental attributes from the wind farm, located on 6,640 acres in northeastern Colorado’s Logan County — in the service territory of Tri-State member co-op Highline Electric Association.
Colorado Highlands Wind Project is now capable of generating 91 megawatts of electricity.
The Colorado Touchstone Energy Team 2013 (top) gets ready to start the tour in Eads. Teammate Rose Cronk (left), a member Morgan County Rural Electric, models the team’s jersey.
Americans Favor Co-ops
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Of the one-third of Americans who are members of cooperatives, including electric co-ops, nearly 80 percent feel co-ops can be counted on to meet their needs. Only 67 percent feel the same way about forprofit businesses, according to results from a survey by the National Cooperative Business Association and the Consumer Federation of America. “At a time when the entire business community is focused on demonstrating shared value and social responsibility, it’s gratifying to know that Americans continue to place their trust in memberowned, democratically governed cooperative business enterprises,” said NCBA CEO Liz Bailey. More information on the survey is available at ncba.coop. — Solutions News Bulletin
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 November 2013
ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 13
[industry] EMPIRE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
MORGAN COUNTY RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
Empire Electric Association offers bucket rides and a safety demonstration to Dolores Elementary students on Career Day.
POUDRE VALLEY RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association gets involved with kids and their families at several functions throughout its territory including local events (left, Splash Dogs) and at safety demonstrations.
MCREA Member Services Representative, Bill Annan leads an electrical safety presentation to students at Wiggins Elementary. The co-op also hosts an annual invitational golf tournament to raise money for its electrical line worker scholarship program.
Empowering Future Generations
Colorado’s electric cooperatives support kids in a variety of ways BY AMY HIGGINS || EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/WRITER || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG
For more than 75 years, generations of kids have grown up in electric cooperative territories.
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Colorado youth were important in the electric co-op community then, and they will continue to be over the next 75 years and beyond; they are the individuals who will one day make decisions for their co-ops as member-owners. So, electric co-ops teach and preach electrical safety to keep them out of harm’s way. This wonderful commodity keeps the lights on but it can also be dangerous and must be treated with care. To educate youth about the benefits of electricity and how to stay safe near it, electric co-ops provide electrical safety demonstrations at local schools and events. One example is Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association’s Legendary Electrical Safety Demonstration that teaches children basic electric safety measures using props and electricity. This demonstration can
be found at schools and events throughout northern Colorado several times a year. K.C. Electric Association, Mountain View Electric Association and Tri-State Generation and Transmission work together to provide a similar safety demonstration in a program called Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. Staying on topic in promoting safety, K.C. Electric’s board of directors recently approved the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for every high school in the K.C. Electric service area. All of Colorado’s electric co-ops are involved with the kids in our communities in a variety of ways. Here are other examples of how they support our youth: [continued on page 26]
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 November 2013
Capture the extra layer of content on these ads.
Planning to Run for Office? Are you a candidate for state office? For a county position? For mayor or city council? Are you a fundraiser? A campaign manager? A volunteer coordinator? Learn what you need to know at the
COLORADO RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION’S
CAMPAIGN ACADEMY
Friday, December 6 and Saturday December 7, 2013 Rocky Vista University • 8401 S. Chambers Rd. Parker, CO 80134 Contact Jeani Frickey Saito at 303-981-8176 or
email: candidateschool@coloradorea.org Colorado Rural Electric Association
Register now
Information available at crea.org
You will receive information on: p Campaign finance laws p Working with volunteers p Writing a campaign plan p Fundraising p Election day activities p Waging an effective campaign
National Rural Electric Association
ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 15
RECOMMENDED
17
GREAT BOOKS BY COLORADO AUTHORS BY J U L I E S I M P S O N
Legends, love stories, history, murder mysteries. Each of these themes and others can be found on this year’s list of intriguing Colorado books featured in our 17th annual book review issue. This November we’ve put the spotlight on several first-time novelists as well as other authors you may not be familiar with. Pick your favorites and settle in for a good read.
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 November 2013
READS fiction Capture our extra layer of content on pages 16-19. See page 2 for instructions on how to enhance your reading experience.
Legends Lost
By Charlie Mac (Filter Press, $24.95)
Everyone thinks that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid died in Bolivia after years of running from the law. But what if they didn’t? First-time Colorado author Charlie Mac explores what might have happened if Cassidy and the Kid had managed to escape after that gunfight in South America. His story sees them living off the profits of their wild youth, though now as law-abiding business owners and family men, one in New York City and one in the American West. Their past, however, comes back to haunt them. Among the relics of their heyday is a journal with evidence incriminating some powerful people in the assassination of President Lincoln, and those powerful people will do anything to keep the journal’s contents secret. Cassidy and the Kid have to dredge up the outlaw days in order to fight back, but the stakes are higher than they were the last time. This time, they have family and loved ones to keep out of the line of fire. Complex and creative, Legends Lost represents a significant achievement for a first-time novelist, who has since written three additional novels. Find out more about Legends Lost at filterpressbooks.com.
Mariano’s Crossing
High Grade
By David M. Jessup Lena is Mariano (Pronghorn Press, $22.95)
By D. Lincoln Jones (David Lincoln Jones, $14.99)
Medina’s pride and joy. The white men might hate his wealth and mock his broken English, but they could not deny the beauty and talent of his daughter. He might be kept down by his Hispanic heritage, but she would rise above, even if it means sacrificing everything. Mariano’s wife, Takansky, however, despises her husband’s hopes for their daughter. Lena should be riding bareback with the wind, like she herself once did, back before she met Mariano, when she was free to live the ways of her tribe. But nobody asks what Lena wants. Does she even know? Desiring to please both father and mother, as well as her young love John Alexander, leaves no place for her own voice to speak up. Mariano’s Crossing is a tale of family and tragedy in the early days of Colorado. Look up this book by first-time Colorado novelist David M. Jessup at pronghornpress.org.
A bloody battle leaves Union Army Captain Benjamin Jones nearly dead, his memory wiped away by a horrible head wound. He sets out for High Grade, Colorado, to make a new life for himself, all the while trying to remember any loved ones he might have left behind. But as he starts to connect to his new home and the beautiful Molly, his returning memories begin to complicate matters. Should he settle into his new identity and allow himself to love Molly, or should he remain faithful to a wife and a family he can barely remember, who may not even be alive? Meanwhile, Ben’s adult son Matt searches for his lost father, struggling to understand why his father would abandon him. How could such a loving father run away to the West? A creative tale of love, faith and family, High Grade is surprisingly well-written for a debut novel from a self-published author. For a heartwarming read, find this book at amazon.com or DLincolnJonesAuthor.com.
fiction One More Dance
Journey to Sand Castle
By Kay Francis (Xlibris, $19.99)
By Leslee Breene (CreateSpace, $15.00)
Beth has just put her life together after losing her husband in a plane crash three years ago. When it first happened she didn’t know if she could go on, but she found a way to fill the void with friends, horseback riding and a newfound freedom. So when an old sweetheart literally comes knocking on her door, the decision is difficult: Should she sacrifice her hard-fought peace for the chance of a new romance? When she is faced with the reality that loving again means the possibility of losing again, will Beth be able to open up her heart all the way? A heartwarming, inspiring story of widowhood and love in middle age, One More Dance is Colorado author Kay Francis’ first novel and comes out of her own experience of spousal death and remarriage. To learn more, find this book on xlibris.com.
murder mysteries
When Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, Tess goes from being a divorced schoolteacher to homeless refugee and sudden caretaker of a young girl. With nowhere to go and everything in chaos, her only option is to travel to Sand Castle, Colorado, to see if she can find her young charge’s only living relative, her estranged grandfather. Finding work as a cook for a single rancher, Tess has no choice in what she sees as a temporary situation and longs for the day when she can be free and independent once again. But as things only get more complicated, she finds herself tied all the more closely to the girl and her new employer, the kind and handsome rancher. Tess resists, reminding herself of the pain and crippling responsibility that comes along when you open your heart. A tender tale of love, family and healing, Journey to Sand Castle is a wonderful addition to Colorado author Leslee Breene’s previous romance novel publications. Look up this book and more about the author at lesleebreene.com.
Moonshine Murder
The Missings
Fatal Descent
By Erin S. Gray (Whooodoo Mysteries, $12.99)
By Peg Brantley (Bark Publishing LLC, $13.99)
By Beth Groundwater (Midnight Ink Books, $14.99)
Leona Giovanni is told that her father died from drinking tainted moonshine. But how could this be possible, since he never drank? Questions lead her to Durango, Colorado, into the secret life she finds her papa led. Though she first joins with a government agent in order to bring down the bootleggers who made the poisoned moonshine, she finds her loyalties divided. These people were her father’s friends, and the dynamic Irishman Rusty is handsome enough to turn her head. How can she both protect her new friends and her new love from arrest and still bring her papa’s killers to justice? Look up Moonshine Murder at erinsgray.com for a short yet riveting read by this southwestern Colorado author.
The scenes are grisly beyond anything Detective Chase Waters has seen before, and he’s seen a lot. Corpses tossed in dumpsters or on hiking trails. No identification, no missing person reports and, more disturbingly, no organs. And nobody is talking. Since all of the victims are Hispanic, Detective Waters tries to penetrate the close-knit community of illegal Mexican immigrants in Aspen Falls, Colorado, only to face the silence of their warranted suspicion of government authority. Fast-paced and frighteningly suspenseful, The Missings is a classic whodunit crime novel by a Colorado native. Though the ending is a bit predictable, it’s still an entertaining read for mystery lovers and can be easily purchased from major online retailers.
Mandy Tanner is ready to lead a rafting and climbing trip on the Colorado River. Four days away from civilization in the beautiful canyons of Utah should be nothing but fun … right? But when one of the clients ends up dead on their first night out, apparently from a bear attack, Mandy and the other guides must search desperately for a way to get help. It looks like their only option will be what they originally planned: four days down the river. But what if the client wasn’t killed by a bear? What if it was one of the other expedition members … and what if the killing isn’t finished? Yet another heart-pounding rafting murder mystery by Colorado author Beth Groundwater, Fatal Descent lives up to the excitement of the previous books in the RM Mountain Adventures series. This gripping installment to the series can be found online, at major bookstores or at www.midnight inkbooks.com. [continued on page 18] ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 17
[continued from page 17]
murder mysteries The Bride Collector
He chooses them for their beauty. He loves them as his special ones, special to him, special to God. He selects them and sends them on their way to eternity … by drilling holes in their heels to let the blood drain out and leaving them hung up as perfect, death-pale brides. Colorado FBI Special Agent Brad Raines just can’t seem to get ahead of this killer. He can only inch along small clue by small clue, while the Bride Collector has already selected his next victim. Brad is running out of options. Then he meets Paradise, a psychotically disturbed woman in a mental institution who has a unique insight into the murderer. But tormented by her own innumerable demons, will she be able to help Brad catch the monster he’s chasing? In The Bride Collector, former Coloradan Ted Dekker offers yet another nail-biting, heart-pounding horror thriller of spiritual proportions. Find this riveting read online at major retailers or centerstreet.com.
By Ted Dekker (Center Street, $24.99)
nonfiction Dead Run
By Dan Schultz (St. Martin’s Press, $25.99)
On a sunny May morning in 1998, Police Officer Dale Claxton of Cortez pulled over a water truck that had been reported stolen. His subsequent brutal murder led to what is called the greatest manhunt in the history of the American West. Three young men took their paramilitary hobbies seriously enough to create their master plan, a plan disrupted by the intrusion of Officer Claxton. After mowing him down with automatic weapons, they disappeared into the wilderness, able to avoid the collective resources of police departments from three states and numerous counties, the FBI and the Colorado National Guard. Writer and historian Dan Schultz pieces together conflicting accounts, innumerable interviews and reports, and scraps of evidence to attempt a clearer picture of what exactly happened on that day in May and in the following days, months and years of searching for the suspects. What emerges is a true story of epic and tragic proportions, a story that seems to belong more in the days of the Old West than in the 20st century. Well-researched and intelligently written, Dead Run can be found at major bookstores or stmartins.com.
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 November 2013
The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels By Ree Drummond (William Morrow, $25.99)
Ree Drummond had no intention of staying in Oklahoma, much less settling down with a cowboy. On a ranch. In the middle of nowhere. But when the steamy, dreamy, deep-voiced Marlboro Man walks into her life, Ree’s dreams of living in the big city just don’t seem that glamorous anymore. The true story could have taken place anywhere in the American West and Ree’s hilarious, whirlwind romance with the rancher, now her husband, will prove laugh-out-loud entertaining for any Colorado ranch wife. Better known today as popular food blogger The Pioneer Woman, Ree writes with self-deprecating, wisdom-filled insights about her massive life change from insecure city girl to woman growing in selfless love for a man and his wild, dirty, beautiful life in the country. From making steak instead of linguine to getting bucked off a horse and learning that high heels are not practical ranch attire, this relatable true love story will keep you giggling, oohing, aahing, and crying sympathetically until the end. Look up this fun, real-life read in major bookstores or online.
Heroes, Villains, Dames & Disasters: 150 Years of Front-Page Stories from the Rocky Mountain News By Michael Madigan (MadIdeas, $29.95)
From floods to fire, wars to women’s voting rights, Colorado has seen it all. And from 1859 to 2009, the Rocky Mountain News recorded it all in historic news stories for 150 years with award-winning journalism. This compilation of famous headlines has been put together by former Rocky editor Michael Madigan and is a fascinating read for just about anyone. Pictures and copies of original articles are interspersed with Madigan’s commentary on Colorado and journalism history. Selections in chronological order range from worldwide events like the beginning of World War I and the sinking of the Titanic to more local items, such as the opening of the Eisenhower Tunnel, the tragedy of the Storm King Mountain fire and the winning of the Broncos’ first Super Bowl. The result is a wealth of interesting facts on the history of the nation, the rise of the state of Colorado, and the development of the art of the newspaper. Heroes, Villains, Dames & Disasters is a perfect read or coffee-table book for anyone who loves the real-life excitement of history, recorded by people who lived when history was happening. Find out more about this great book at michaelmadigan author.com.
[continued on page 19]
[continued from page 18]
nonfiction Best Hikes with Kids: Colorado
How the Hot Dog Found Its Bun
By Maureen Keilty (The Mountaineers Books, $19.95)
By Josh Chetwynd Illustrations by David Cole Wheeler (Lyons Press, $14.95)
Hiking in Colorado is always fun, but it can be difficult to figure out which hikes are best for family day trips into the mountains. Maureen Keilty has eliminated the guesswork by creating a book just for parents to help them find the most fun, educational and easy trails for kids. With maps, pictures and detailed descriptions, this guide also includes tips for hiking with children and teaching them about the wilderness. The 100 listed trails are easily accessible from the urban centers of Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Durango, covering some of the best outdoor areas of the state. The book even includes lists of things to do close to the trails like campgrounds and additional outdoor activities. For family hiking fun, find this book at mountaineersbooks.org.
49 Trout Streams of Southern Colorado
From the Animas River to Willow Creek, avid fishermen Mark Williams and Chad McPhail traveled southern Colorado to find the best tips and tricks for catching beautiful trout. This resulting guide includes detailed color photographs, maps and suggested fishing techniques and flies, as well as the occasional fun fact about nearby towns and attractions. Find this helpful, and beautiful, book at unmpress.com.
By Mark D. Williams and W. Chad McPhail (University of New Mexico Press, $27.95)
Have you ever wondered who invented the iconic taste of CocaCola? Or why graham crackers are called graham crackers? Maybe you’ve wondered who first came up with the idea of Twinkies. If so, then this book is definitely for you. Colorado journalist and author Josh Chetwynd tracks down the truth of crazy food accidents that led to the creation of some of America’s most famous eats. While some stories include as much legend as fact, the tall tales still reveal a lot about commercial food products, how they are marketed and how sometimes, just sometimes, luck can bless an unknowing home cook who just happens to mix up the next best thing to hit the shelves. For laughs and facts all about food, look up this little book at lyonspress.com.
Best Tent Camping: Colorado, 5th Edition
Colorado has a ton of great places to camp, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to go. Look no further than Best Tent Camping: Colorado. With maps of 50 campgrounds all over the state, this comprehensive guide also includes helpful information on fees, rules and amenities, as well as ratings on privacy, cleanness, quiet and beauty. Each entry also has GPS coordinates and navigation information to make each campground easy to find. To start planning your next camping trip today, find this book at menasharidge.com. By Kim Lipker and Johnny Molloy (Menasha Ridge Press, $15.95)
Tasting Colorado: Favorite Recipes from the Centennial State By Michele Morris (Far Country Press, $29.95)
Anyone who has lived in or visited Colorado for long knows that the state provides a treat for the palate as well as the eyes. Super-sweet peaches, green chili, buffalo meat and fresh produce are just a few of the mouthwatering Colorado ingredients featured in this statespecific cookbook that includes everything from breakfast to dessert, appetizers to main entrees. Each recipe was specially selected from the menus of iconic eateries from around the state, including famous locations like Hotel Boulderado and The Buckhorn Exchange. For a tasty bite of Colorado cuisine in your own kitchen, find this book at farcountrypress. com.
Read expanded book reviews and additional reviews at coloradocountrylife.coop. Also check Contests link on our website for how to win some of these great reads.
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ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 November 2013
ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 21
[recipes]
Tweak Your Turkey Day Traditions
This year, don’t be afraid to cook up a new dish for the holidays BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG Cool Before Carving
The intense heat from the oven pushes the juices to the center of the turkey, so take a 30-minute break before cutting the first slice. During that time the juices will spread through the entire turkey, giving you more moist slices.
A Trusty Crust
To ensure your holiday pies have a flaky crust, use ice-cold butter. Warm butter mixes too thoroughly with flour, which creates a crumbly crust.
For more holiday recipes, go to coloradocountry life.coop and click on Recipes.
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When you think of Thanksgiving, chances are you already have the menu memorized because people tend to stick to the standard fare. Green bean casserole, creamy mashed potatoes and piping hot biscuits come to mind. But if you’re looking for a change or want to add something to your existing arrangement, try one of these goodies. Just a taste could convince you to rewrite your traditional Thanksgiving menu.
Barbecue Roast Turkey 1 10- to 12-pound turkey 1/4 cup butter, softened 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 lemons 2 small onions, quartered 3 cups prepared barbecue sauce 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 bay leaf Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse turkey inside and out. Pat dry. In small bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Loosen skin of turkey and rub butter between skin and meat. Place lemons and onion inside cavity of turkey. Tie legs with kitchen string. Combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf in saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes to blend flavors. Discard bay leaf. Set aside 2 cups for basting and 1 cup for serving. Place turkey on rack in heavy, large roasting pan. Roast 1 hour, then reduce heat to 325 degrees. Brush turkey using the 2 cups of barbecue sauce mixture. Roast 20 minutes. Brush with barbecue sauce every 20 minutes, about 1 hour 10 minutes longer, for a total of 2 1/2 hours or until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175 degrees. If turkey gets too brown, cover with foil while roasting. Transfer turkey to platter. Cover loosely with foil and let rest 30 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately with remaining cup of barbecue sauce mixture. Source: The Association of Dressings and Sauces
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 November 2013
Butternut Squash and Linguine
1/2 box linguine 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 4 cups butternut squash, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 cup dry white wine or reduced-sodium, fat free chicken broth 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage or 4 teaspoons dried sage 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese or shredded Parmesan cheese Crumbled cooked prosciutto or bacon, optional Additional cheese, optional Toasted chopped walnuts, optional Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pan; cover and keep warm. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in squash, wine and salt. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes just until squash is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in sage. Toss squash with pasta and cheese. Sprinkle with prosciutto, additional cheese and walnuts, if desired. Source: Dreamfields Pasta
[gardening]
Setting the Scenery Sans Flora
Creating a beautiful landscape doesn’t require using foliage BY EVA ROSE MONTANE || ABUNDANTEARTHGARDENS.COM || GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG
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Wintertime is looming, and while the Colorado weather will allow us moments to work in the yard, most of our outdoor efforts will be enjoyed in the upcoming spring. But it’s not too soon to get your thinking cap on and develop a blueprint of your ideal yard when the weather warms up. For some folks, foliage just isn’t a fit. Believe it or not, I’ve had several clients in the last year ask for landscape designs without any plants. At first I thought, “You’re kidding, right?” But it turns out it has been fun to stretch my creativity and professional know-how to give them what they’ve asked for. There are many attractive materials with which we can cover the ground other than lava rock, cement and gray gravel, which I really wouldn’t put in the “attractive” category anyway. A wide diversity of stone products exist including natural sandstones, flagstone, boulders, cobble, crusher fines and pea gravel as well as manufactured stone pavers, which are sturdy and can be made to look natural. The art comes in combining the right ones in the right quantities to make an area inviting, comfortable and interesting. What we choose to cover the ground with in our outdoor living area can help to differentiate between outdoor “rooms” and different purposes for which they are used: entertaining, a quiet escape, playing games or preparing or eating food. Making use of the vertical and overhead planes also goes a long way to make a space feel cozy and desirable. Placing an arbor over a main entry path or at the point where a path turns can add interest, allowing a moment for the person on that path to take in the view framed by the arbor. Likewise, an arbor over a patio can define a space, welcoming guests to sit and relax. Shade sails are another plant-free way to create a comfortable space and make use of the overhead plane. The added bonus is you can remove them in the winter to take advantage of the sunlight. Sculptures are also a great use of the vertical
plane. They add a focal point that can be enjoyed all year long, as opposed to the fleeting beauty of flowers. My current favorite variety is referred to as wind sculptures. They are made of metal, are poised on the top of a post and have parts that move as the wind blows. They come in many attractive varieties including organic shapes that look like flowers. The metal can be weathered or shiny and vary from simple to complex. As a devout plant lover, I do not encourage omitting plants; rather I want to make known the vast array of possibilities that exist and that plenty of enjoyment can still be had in your home’s outdoors even if you are not a lover of flora. Think outside the box. Look at what other people are doing. Peek in home and garden type magazines and websites, such as Houzz.com or HGTV.com. I can’t keep my integrity intact and tell you that there is any such thing as a landscape with no maintenance. However, it is true that weeds, dust and dirt can be dramatically reduced depending on how you choose to lay out your landscape in the absence of plant material. Stone, rock and metal do require less maintenance than biological organisms, so maintenance will be greatly minimized. Keep in mind that it’s not all or nothing. You can plant a few large shrubs or small trees to soften the edges and create shade, or add some large planters to make a statement. Whether your aversion to planting flora is your lack of experience as a gardener or you have plant allergies, you still deserve to spend time relaxing in your beautiful yard.
This landscape demonstrates what can be done using an arbor at the entrance and elevation changes to create a welcoming sitting space with very little plant material.
Shade sails add color and graceful shade to a landscape, and are easy to remove when it’s time to enjoy the winter sun.
Eva Rose Montane hosts a cutting-edge series on gardening in Colorado. Read more gardening advice at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Living in Colorado and then Gardening.
ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 23
[outdoors]
What You’re Really Hunting For It’s not just the ducks that are anticipated at the pond BY DENNIS SMITH
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Team member Kent Singer at the finish.
Colorado Touchstone Energy Co-ops Team
Electric Co-ops in Action We did it again. Pedal the Plains was a big success. The team was able to collect $3,500 in donations for Energy Outreach Colorado. “It’s a wonderful ride, meeting new friends and seeing the wide open spaces,” says Donna Wallin, team captain. “We have such a great group of riders.”
Thank you for your support. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 November 2013
I’ve always found it a pleasant mystery that, while sitting in a duck blind at dawn, you can be positively feverish with nerve-wracking anticipation one minute only to be so distracted by the unfolding beauty of the waking marsh that you almost forget what you came for. I know; it sounds corny. After all, you didn’t get up at 3 a.m., bolt two cups of coffee, drive for an hour-and-a-half through fog and gloom, pull on heavy coats and waders, then hump a back-breaking load of decoys, shotguns and gear across foot-sucking muck and meadow bog in the dark to sit on your butt and wax poetic about sunrise in a swamp. You came to bag a brace of mallards, teals or redheads. You came so you could marvel at their aerial acrobatics and striking plumage, or maybe collect a gorgeous wood duck drake for the wall in your den. And later in the day, to marinate finger-thick slices of plump duck medallions in whiskey and apricot jam, bundle them together with strips of red bell pepper, portobello mushrooms and sweet green leek, wrap them all up in bacon and pop them on a sizzling hot grill. You came for the gratifying accomplishment of sharing this exotic fare with family and friends. You came for the harvest. But mainly, you came to shoot some ducks, to watch your dog crash fearlessly into the swamp, returning with sparkling eyes and wagging tail to deliver the prize. You came to laugh and spend a day afield with the boys. You came for the chills, thrills and adrenaline rush that culminate from the slightest hint of a duck in the sky. You came for the adventure. You’ll have it all soon enough if the autumn winds blow favorably and the birds come winging in with the dawn. But then, just for a bit, after the decoys have all been set, after the dog has run off its nervous energy and the guns are racked and ready, you sit back to relax, pass around the thermos and wait for legal shooting light. In those quiet, fleeting moments between dark and full dawn, the magic happens: The black of night fades to steel blue, the stars melt away and a billowy blanket of gray creeps across the eastern horizon, turning pastel pink, then scarlet. Suddenly, the decoys appear to be floating on an upside-down sky of salmon, pink and orange clouds streaked with gold and cobalt blue. Behind you in the cattails, voles and meadow mice begin to rustle, a pheasant crows in the distance, a flock of geese lifts from a roost nearby raising a cacophony of honks and yelps on the way to distant crop fields. The air is cool, damp and heavy with the scent of mud, marsh grass and swamp water. There’s not a duck in sight but you almost don’t care, and you find yourself thinking: This is what you really came for. And it really is.
Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors.
[energy tips]
SIZING UP STORM DOORS BY JAMES DULLEY
H
How do you improve a house door’s energy efficiency?
Source: Pella
Even though a door is a relatively small area as compared to the entire wall area of a house, just one door can lose a significant amount of energy. Even insulated doors typically have some glass, which has lower insulation value, and inadequate weather stripping will allow air to leak through. Make sure your primary doors are as airtight as possible before buying a storm door. Adding storm doors can certainly improve the energy efficiency of almost any house, but they are not designed to correct efficiency problems of an old, warped primary door. If possible, purchase replacement weather stripping for your existing doors from the original manufacturer. If you can’t find it, most home improvement stores sell many styles of generic weather stripping that should fit. Pry off the old door molding, fill any gaps around the framing with foam insulation that does not expand and caulk around the door frame. Buying an aluminum storm door and installing it yourself is the typical low-cost option. They’re lightweight and made to fit standardsized openings, so installing one is a simple do-it-yourself project. A quality storm This white aluminum storm door features door can increase decorative glass and energy efficiency. The a contemporary storm door construcdeco-style handle. tion is important for a nice appearance, long life and security. It must withstand a lot of abuse, so don’t just pick the cheapest one. From strictly an energy efficiency standpoint, though, the most important factors are the dead air space between the storm and primary doors and how well wind is blocked. For more information on storm doors, visit coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Energy Tips.
ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 25
Empowering Future Generations
GRAND VALLEY POWER
[continued from page 14]
• Y-W Electric Association donates time and truck hours to repair ball field lights and money to 4-H and FFA organizations. • W hite River Electric Association provides and cooks fresh fish for the annual school district “Welcome Back Faculty and Staff” family picnic, which helps start the school year for the school district’s employees and their families. It also hosts an annual golf tournament to raise money for the Meeker High School athletic department. • San Isabel Electric Association often sells popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy to raise money for local schools. • K.C. regularly purchases advertising in support of local, regional and state youth sports including baseball, track, basketball, volleyball and football. In addition, this year 31 electric co-ops, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, the Colorado Rural Electric Association and Colorado Country Life will help sponsor the Rocky Mountain PBS television program “Matchwits,” a statewide high school academic contest. “We are excited to celebrate scholastic excellence under Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives banner,” said San Isabel Electric Association’s Communications Manager Ashley Valdez. “This program, like the (Colorado State Fair) Livestock Sale, will leave a lasting legacy in the communities we serve in developing future leaders.”
SUPPORTING FUTURE LEADERS
Gift
Givin g Guide
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 November 2013
Grand Valley Power employees volunteer time coaching various youth sports including baseball. The co-op also offers educational classes to students from the local college.
[marketplace] Don’t delay. Advertise today!
Call Kris at 303-902-7276.
Scan this page to better connect with these advertisers. See page 2 for instructions.
ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 27
[classifieds] TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/month. Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad before the 10th of the month to: mail: Colorado Country Life 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org
ANTIQUE RESTORATION
CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS
ANTIQUE RESTORATION STUDIO – Antique conservation. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango.com 970-884-1937. (988-12-13)
50 SUBARUS! (1995-2013) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices! Warranties available! Dealer: www.Monument Motors.com 719-481-9900 (57408-14)
CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-10-14)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)
CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. Call Robert 970-247-7729, bob.scott@ usa.net (109-01-14)
ENERGY ***$$$*** BUILDING, maintenance, restoration professionals are needed. New start / add-on. Aztec CoLLC@socket.net 573-489-9349 (856-12-13)
SAFELY, CONVENIENTLY, BURN wood fuel pellets in potbelly stoves, fireplaces, BBQ’s, and campfires. See www.pelletlogkits. com. (098-12-13)
LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided. Monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303-579-4207, www.workathomeunited.com/ ourabundance (932-02-14)
FOR SALE
PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info. 800-497-9793. (158-01-14) REALISTIC HOME BUSINESSES – HOW TO SELECT, start, operate. Over 80 businesses detailed from actual owners. www.patsbookshop. com (075-12-13) WORK LESS & LIVE MORE! Mia BellaNation.com Department #745 (831-11-13)
FIREWOOD – Blocked 15-17” (not split). Average load $50. You pick up, West Loveland area. 720-3523580 (939-01-14) GRASSFED YAK AND BISON MEAT for sale. Delicious and nutritious. Delivery available. Fourth, half, or whole. 720-256-3364 (029-11-13) OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies. Repair and service of equipment. Aspen Concentrator Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-12-13) SNOW BLAST ROTARY SNOW PLOW. Powered by two Cummins diesel engines. 1965 model, $6500. 719-868-2513 (139-02-14)
Happy T hanksgiving ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 November 2013
FREE
MUSIC
REAL ESTATE
FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (814-12-13)
ACOUSTIC GUITAR, BASS, ELECTRIC; dulcimer, violin, cello, harp, banjo; Repair, rebuilding, construction. Call 970-799-7959. (136-11-13)
PAGOSA SPRINGS – Vacation Home Management, “Need someone you can trust to care for your home while you’re away?” Call Pagosa Home Manager, LLC. A family owned & operated company with over 25 years property management experience. Licensed, bonded, insured. Call Rod Manning 970-946-0626 www.PagosaHome Manager.com (111-11-13)
HEALTH OPTIMIZE LIVING from the inside – out ! Nutrition. Beauty. Experts. From local, small business owners – Jongema Enterprises 866-392-1981, www.JongemaEnterprises.com. (132-01-14)
HELP WANTED $500 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, Box 450, New Britain, CT 06050-0450.
HOBBIES & CRAFTS KNITTING, FELTING, WEAVING, SPINNING, natural dye extracts, Jacquard and Gaywool dyes. www. tablerockllamas.com Colorado Springs, 866-495-7747 (791-01-14) RESERVE ARTS/CRAFTS SPACE at December 7th Greenhorn Valley Players 13th Annual Holiday Bazaar held at Valley Community Church Recreation Center. Spaces $35, first-come, first-serve basis. Commercial vendors welcome. Deadline November 22. For details or reservations, 719-251-3396, 719-4892336. Send to GVP, Box 424, Rye, CO 81069 (079-11-13)
HOUSEHOLD HELPS LOOKING to replace AMWAY products? Lose your distributor? I can ship to your home. No hassle, no salesman. Monika Cary 970-7242912 (982-01-14)
INSURANCE ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH? Insurance policy review: • Health • Life • Medicare • Complimentary Service. 970-385-4763: www. JC-Clark.com. Would you like to keep more of your $$$? (128-01-14)
MACHINERY & PARTS SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. 800-459-2148 www.sawmill exchange.com . (267-09-14)
QUILTS AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING Services - Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-02-14)
REAL ESTATE BLACK FOREST – 12910 Forest Green Drive, 5 acres vacant land, fenced, gorgeous horse property. $89,000. FHA, conventional, or owner carry! Troy Kyle 1-719-339-6999, troy. mandm@aol.com Blue Spruce Real Estate, LLC (131-11-13) COLORADO RETREAT – Log home on 10 pine-covered acres, 3544sf, 3br, 3ba, 2c detached gar + 800sf workshop, $469,000. For information on this property or other available properties in the Durango area, call Linda Crowther, 970-7492088, KW RE. (107-11-13) CUCHARA, COLORADO CONDO. Southern front range 9000+ elevation. 2bd, 1ba, 2 decks. $65,000. Great views, hiking, fishing, hunting. cbohaty@kc.rr.com for photos, details. (137-11-13) DEBEQUE, CO – 11400 CR 204, 35 acres with stream. Backs to BLM, amazing hunting, fishing. House is 1,008sf, two bedroom, two bath, cozy woodburning stove. $275,000. Troy Kyle 1-719-339-6999 troy. mandm@aol.com Blue Spruce Real Estate, LLC (131-11-13) GRAND JUNCTION HORSE FARM, 3130 A 1/2 Rd, 3550+ sq. ft. home on 14 acres. Newly remodeled, new central air, new boiler, new water heater, new roof, half brick ranch w/new vinyl siding. 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, living room, dining room, large kitchen, large family room. New carpet/tile/wood floors. Full horse barn w/indoor stalls & outside runs. All steel fencing, arenas, loafing sheds on large pastures. Additional fencing around home & in-ground heated pool. RV building (50x28’), two large ponds, etc. $625,000. Ginny 970-260-9629, Terry 970-261-3001, Gtraudt@ edbozarth.com 3% to 6% to any REALTOR w/buyer (946-12-13)
RELIGION BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7558 West Thunderbird Rd, Ste 1 - #114, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination.org (44106-14)
TICKETS NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available. Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888-6377633) or www.NFR-Rodeo.com. *BBB Member; Since 1990. (912-11-13)
VACATION RENTAL HISTORIC WALDEN Rock House, 413 Lafever, Walden, CO. One day/ short stay. 970-723-4736 www. waldenrockhouse.com (138-02-14) KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makana crest.com; kauaiweddings.com. (756-05-14) KONA, HAWAII, Paradise Villa condo located on the 18th fairway of Kona Country Club with sweeping ocean views; 3bdr, 2ba specials. (503) 369-2638; www.konacondo. info (116-11-13)
WANTED TO BUY NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-12-13) OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-02-14) OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-5651256. (871-11-13)
[funny stories] While attending a marriage seminar dealing with communication, Tom and his wife, Grace, listened to the speaker. “It’s essential that husbands and wives know each other’s likes and dislikes,” the speaker said. He turned to Tom and asked, “Can you name your wife’s favorite flower?” Tom leaned over, gently touched his wife’s arm and whispered, “It’s Pillsbury, isn’t it?”
WANTED TO BUY OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces, too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721. (519-11-13) OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@ hotmail.com. (870-12-13)
Anonymous
VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. Gary, 970-222-2181. (960-02-14) WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-03-14) WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122 (099-02-14) 9-02-14)
Reap What You Sow
You have spent a lot of time developing your product so now advertise where you are going to be seen. Colorado Country Life has a readership of more than 190,000 — they are interested in what you are doing. Call Kris at 303-902-7276 for information on advertising.
An elderly woman decided to prepare her will. She told her preacher that she had two requests. First, she wanted to be cremated. Second, she wanted her ashes scattered all over Walmart. “Walmart?” the preacher exclaimed. “Why Walmart?” The elderly woman replied, “Then I’ll be sure my daughter visits me twice a week.” Loreta Dressel, Nathrop
A father of five won a toy at a church raffle. He called his kids together to decide which one should have the prize. “Who never talks back to Mommy?” he asked. “Who does everything she says?” In unison, five small voices replied, “OK, Daddy. You get the toy.” Taylor Hudnall, Fort Collins
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of Colorado Country Life. Got a great pic of you or your family member with the magazine at some fun place? Send it and your name and address to info@coloradocountrylife.org. We’ll post it on our Facbook page. And, on the last day of each month we’ll draw a winner from the submissions and send that winner a $25 gift card.
A skydiving instructor was giving instructions to a very nervous rookie sky diver. “When you jump from the plane, count to 10 and pull the red rip cord,” he said. “If that parachute doesn’t work, pull the other rip cord immediately. There will be a truck at your landing site to take you back to the airfield.” Soon, the rookie sky diver mustered up the courage and jumped. He counted to 10 and pulled the red rip cord. Nothing happened. He pulled the other rip cord and still nothing happened. As he was hurtling through the sky, he shouted, “I suppose that darn truck won’t be there either!” Bonnie Cronin, Colorado Springs We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2013 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@coloradocountrylife.org. Don’t forget to include your mailing address, so we can send you a check. ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 29
[discoveries]
RECOMMENDED
Kid s’
READS
World War II Hits Home Eleven-year-old Diana might not know as much about the war as the adults, but she knows her favorite cousin is fighting somewhere in Europe; her friend Snuffy’s brother is gone, too. And a Japanese-American boy named Kenji has come to live with her family. The young protagonist of this novel gives a funny and childlike yet insightful view into the realities of prejudice during World War II. Though she has written many books on education, this is Betty Jane Wagner’s first novel and includes some of her own poignant memories of what it was like to grow up in Sterling during the war. For an informative story with an important message, find World War II Hits Home at friesenpress.com.
Dreaming of Colorado: A Bedtime Story Illustrated by Stephanie Lowman Text and Photography by Grant Collier (Collier Publishing, $12.95) Cosmo the Cougar learns about Colorado as he and his animal friends travel through the past in their magical time-traveling canoe. Find this book by first-time illustrator Stephanie Lowman and author Grant Collier at collierpublishing.com.
C is for Colorado:
By Betty Jane Wagner (Friesen Press, $20.99)
Written by Kids, for Kids (WestWinds Press, $13.95) Learn about Colorado and the alphabet in this book all about everything that makes our state unique. Find this book at graphicartsbooks.com.
Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse
The Marble Queen
The Marble Queen By Stephanie J. Blake (Amazon Children’s Publishing, $16.99)
Freedom Jane McKenzie has a problem: She loves playing marbles, but everyone says that marbles are only for boys. She doesn’t care. She’s good at winning, and she’s not going to let the boys, her mother or anyone else keep her from doing what she loves. Daddy likes it that she plays. In fact, he’s the one who gave her the marbles in the first place. But Daddy likes beer too much, so Mama is always mad at him, which means he can’t convince her to let Freedom join the Autumn Jubilee marble competition. This wonderfully written “tween” novel is the first by Colorado author Stephanie J. Blake. Hilarious and heartwarming, this growing-up story set in the 1960s is a great read for anyone 10 and up. Find it at major online retailers.
The Quilt Walk
Emmy Blue has never liked stitching, but when her grandma gives her quilt pieces as a goodbye present, Ma insists that Emmy must learn to put them together. What starts out as a chore becomes Emmy’s only way to entertain herself on the long, dusty trip from Ohio to Colorado as a part of a wagon train. Sandra Dallas’ first children’s book is a delight for adolescent and adult readers alike. Both heartwarming and intelligent, this book is sure to be entertaining and educational for anyone 9 and up. Find it online and in major bookstores. See page 2 for instructions on how to enhance your reading experience.
ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 November 2013
Written by Marjorie Blaine Parker Illustrated by Holly Berry (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99) This Colorado author provides kids with the inspiring story of one the world’s best loved artists in a colorful picture book. Find it at major retailers.
Hanging Off Jefferson’s Nose: Growing Up on Mount Rushmore Written by Tina Nichols Coury Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99) Designed for young readers, this book is a fun look at the story of Mount Rushmore, one of our nation’s treasured monuments in nearby South Dakota. Look for the book at major bookstores or online.
The Camping Trip That Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and our National Parks
By Sandra Dallas (Sleeping Bear Press, $15.95)
Written by Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99) Kids can learn a slice of American history with this kids book filled with colorful pictures and the story of how our national parks came to be. Find this book at major bookstores and online.