Issuu

[March 2013]

Supporting

Generations of Blue Jackets

[contents]

March 2013 [cover] FFA blue jacket illustrated by Cathy Morrison from Livermore.

4 4 Viewpoint

16 Future Generations of Blue Jackets

EnergyWise Project empowers members through energy efficiency

New training facility for FFA teachers planned at CSU

5 Letters 6 Calendar 7 Co-op News 12 NewsClips 14 Shale Shock

22 21 Gardening

A look at gardening as the new season approaches

22 Gardening

20 Recipes

Simply succulent sandwiches — hot alternatives to the hoagie

The botanical truth about four-leaf clovers and shamrocks

24 Outdoors

A chance encounter brings memories of bunny games

25 Energy Tips

Natural gas may edge out coal as nation’s primary power source

Choosing the best central air cleaner for your home

29 Funny Stories

80,000 2015 18,000 the world record set by a single person’s largest collection of four-leaf clovers as of 1995

the United States will overtake Russia as the world’s largest gas producer, according to studies

approximate square footage of learning space at the Center for Agricultural Education

International Energy Agency Chief Economist Faith Birol

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; NCM@800-626-1181

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association || Volume 44, Number 03

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 [K.C.]; Tom Compton [La Plata]; Stan Cazier [Mountain Parks]; B.D. Paddock [Mountain View]; Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph [San Isabel]; Eleanor Valdez [San Luis Valley]; Marcus Wilson, 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 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: Colorado Country Life • 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]

Announcing the Colorado EnergyWise Project Colorado’s electric co-ops empower their members through energy efficiency BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

Colorado’s electric co-ops have been proponents of the wise use of energy for decades. They regularly encourage you as members to improve the insulation in your home and to upgrade the lighting in your business with more efficient bulbs and lamps. They offer Kent Singer rebates to help you cover the costs of these improvements. And, through this and every issue of Colorado Country Life, the co-ops provide you with tips on how to be a better energy consumer. At Colorado Rural Electric Association, we have decided to add to those ongoing efforts and to shine an even brighter light on energy efficiency. As part of that focus, we recently announced the creation of the Colorado EnergyWise Project. This is a joint effort between CREA and our member co-ops to provide new opportunities to use energy more efficiently throughout the homes, schools, businesses and government facilities across co-op territory. The Colorado EnergyWise Project, which will be implemented over several months, will include numerous components. One component will be to retrofit state-owned buildings in electric co-op territory with one or more energy-saving devices or upgrades. This might include the installation of efficient lighting, weatherization of buildings or upgraded heating or cooling. We are hoping to work with Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office to help us identify projects in state-owned facilities that would lower energy costs and save taxpayer dollars. EnergyWise will also have programs for you, our co-ops’ member-owners. We are planning a new EnergyWise page on our website that will link to the Touchstone

Energy “Together We Save” web page as well as to other energy efficiency sites. The new web page will have information about EnergyWise projects that have been completed or are under way, as well as potential lenders who can assist individual electric co-op member-owners who may be interested in making an energy efficiency investment in their home or business. One of the lenders in the co-op program, CoBank, has agreed to help provide funding for students who will compete in the state science and engineering fair in the area of energy efficiency. We are working with CoBank to develop a special award for the science fair and provide judges for the April event. We are looking forward to an ongoing relationship with the state science fair and helping focus students on energy efficiency long into the future. We have also had discussions with the credit unions and community banks that do business in Colorado’s electric co-op territory. The credit unions and banks are excited to provide loans to co-op member-owners for energy efficiency improvements. And CREA is excited to help them market these loan products. We want to make sure that you as co-op memberowners are aware of the low-cost loans that could help you upgrade your home or business and lower your electricity bills.

Already there are many rebates available for energy-efficient appliances, thanks to Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the power supplier to 18 of Colorado’s 22 electric co-ops. For years, Tri-State has supported a variety of energy efficiency programs for its member co-ops to offer to their members. This will continue with Tri-State’s financial support of rebates and programs being a key component of the Colorado EnergyWise Project. This new program will expand on the many services electric co-ops already provide for their members. Co-ops are nonprofit utilities. We do not have shareholders that require profits on electricity sales. Instead, our rates are set at a level that will enable us to make the investments necessary to provide reliable service. We don’t try to make money. Our business model allows us to be concerned about the pocketbooks of our member-owners. We believe that the purpose of electric co-ops is to empower you, our members, to improve the quality of your lives. Your local electric co-op will be participating with CREA in the Colorado EnergyWise Project to do just that.

Kent Singer, Executive Director

FOLLOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KENT SINGER’S BLOG AT COLORADOREABLOG.WORDPRESS.COM. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 March 2013

[letters] Just for the Birds

On behalf of Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Area 12 staff, we would like to thank Southeast Colorado Power and its fabulous field staff for immediately responding to our request for assistance in the construction of a new artificial bald eagle nest structure east of Lamar. For the past 20-plus years, a local nest has consistently supported a breeding pair of bald eagles. Recently this nest, located in a large, dead cottonwood tree near the Arkansas River, was toppled by extremely high winds. A pair of bald eagles arrived at this historic nest site and began courtship behavior in late January. This created a sense of urgency for us to locate the necessary materials, equipment and professional help to stand a new pole, guy wires and nest platform. We cannot express enough our appreciation in your immediate and enthusiastic offer to help with a new 45-foot pole, trucks, equipment, braces, wires, related hardware and, most importantly, a willing and highly competent field crew. We would like to recognize this [commitment of money and personnel] while sharing our heartfelt appreciation for your immediate response with such a professional crew and equipment. Mike Smith, conservation biologist Colorado Parks and Wildlife We Still Need Transmission Solar and wind are great renewable sources and need to be used whenever practical. However, until a satisfactory method of storing such production for the times the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing [is found], such production is limited. At present, storage is bulky, requires its own room and is limited in the amount of production, which is occasionally not enough to meet the demand. And wind generators do make noise that can be terribly distracting. We will continue to need transmission lines until technology develops. Anis Kelley, Collbran

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 address which will not to be published. Letters may be edited. ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2013 5

[calendar]

[March]

March 16 Pueblo “The Mark of Zorro” Performance Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 11 am & 2 pm • 719-295-7200

March 8-10 Monte Vista Crane Festival Various Monte Vista Locations March 16 Ridgway cranefest.com Wine & Whiskers Carnival Ouray County 4-H Event March 8-10 Center Nederland 970-626-2273 Frozen Dead Guy Days Various Nederland Locations March 17 frozendeadguydays.org Salida Walden Chamber Music March 13 Society Concert Denver SteamPlant Theater Beginning Rocky 3 pm • 719-395-2097 Mountain Gardening Denver Botanic Gardens March 19 6-8:30 pm • botanicgardens. Denver org “John Otto: A Man of Many Letters” Lecture March 14-17 History Colorado Center Cortez 1 pm • 303-866-2394 Four States Ag Expo Montezuma County March 19 Fairgrounds Littleton 970-529-3486 • fourstate “Hummingbirds of the sagexpo.com Front Range” Class The Inn at Hudson Gardens March 15-April 7 6-8 pm • 303-797-8565 x 306 Evergreen “Leaving Iowa” Performance March 21-31 Center/Stage Aspen/Snowmass evergreenplayers.org Spring Jam Various Aspen/Snowmass March 16-17 Locations Durango aspensnowmass.com/en/ Children’s Consignment events-and-activities/events Sale Event La Plata County Fairgrounds March 21 970-749-5582 • munchkin Fruita kidzmart.com Square Dance Fruita Community Center March 16 6:30-8:30 pm • 303-548-5789 Granby Beach Bash and Rail Jam March 22-24 Granby Ranch Greeley granbyranch.com/ “Arsenic and Old Lace” event-calendar Performance Union Colony Civic Center March 16 970-356-5000 • ucstars.com/ La Junta shows Frontier Skills Day Bent’s Old Fort March 22-24 9 am-4 pm • 719-383-5010 Longmont Home & Garden Show March 16 Boulder County Fairgrounds Loveland greatwesternproductions.com/ Get Up & Get Down to Get shows Kids Out Loveland Ski Area skiloveland.com/events/ March.aspx

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 March 2013

March 22-23 Loveland “Charlotte’s Web” Play Rialto Theater Center rialtoloveland.ticketforce.com March 22-24 Loveland Gem and Mineral Show Larimer County Fairgrounds fortcollinsrockhounds.org March 22-24 Trinidad “Twelve Angry Men” Performance Famous Performing Arts Center 719-846-4765 • historic trinidad.com/events.html March 23 Bayfield Cowboy Luau Billy Goat Saloon 970-884-7137 March 23 Beulah (Just Past) Spring Equinox Hike Mountain Park Environmental Center 9 am • 719-485-4444 March 23 Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market Opera Galleria 10 am-2 pm • 970-219-3382 March 24 Northglenn Vintage Voltage Expo Ramada Plaza Convention Center 11 am-4 pm • danacain.com/ events

March 30 Meeker Easter Egg Hunt Barone Middle School 10-11 am • 970-878-5510

[April] April 4-13 Pueblo Southern Colorado Regional Quilt Show El Pueblo History Museum 10 am-4 pm • 719-647-0004 April 5 Burlington “Two on Tap” Song and Dance Show Burlington High School 7:30 pm • 719-346-8918 April 5 Littleton Free Admission Day Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield botanicgardens.org April 6 Calhan Rummage Sale Whittemore Hall at Fairgrounds 8:30 am-2 pm • 719-347-2328 April 6 Monarch Kayaks on Snow Monarch Mountain Ski Resort 888-996-7669 x 5050 April 6-7 Aurora Repticon Reptile Show Arapahoe County Fairgrounds repticon.com

March 28-30 Fort Collins “TRACES” Performance April 13 Lincoln Center Greeley 970-221-6730 • fcgov.com/lctix Running with the Bears 5K University of Northern Colorado March 30 facebook.com/events/ Durango 349363798490141 Peanuts Easter Train Durango & Silverton Railroad 888-872-4607 • durangotrain. SEND CALENDAR ITEMS com March 30 Golden Bunny Express Train Colorado Railroad Museum 10 am-4 pm • 303-279-4591

TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO:

{

Calendar, Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; fax to 303-455-2807; or email calendar @coloradocountrylife.org. For more information on these and other events, visit coloradocountrylife.coop.

K.C. ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

[Country News] [what’s inside] n When the Power Goes Out n Tip of the Month n Bovina, Colorado n The Country Kitchen n Claim Your Credit on Your Bill n Aluminum Wiring Woes

HUGO OFFICE P.O. Box 8 Hugo, CO 80821-0008 STRATTON OFFICE P.O. Box 285 Stratton, CO 80836-0285 HUGO ADDRESS 422 Third Avenue Hugo, CO 80821 STRATTON ADDRESS 281 Main Street Stratton, CO 80836 719-743-2431 [Hugo] 719-348-5318 [Stratton] www.kcelectric.coop [web] BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Penny [president] Robert Bledsoe [vice president] Terry Tagtmeyer [secretary/treasurer] Danny Mills [asst. secretary/treasurer] James Lewis [director] Jim Michal [director] Luanna Naugle [director] Dave Ritchey [director] Marvin Thaller [director] STAFF Tim Power [general manager] Chance Briscoe [office manager] Ben Orrell [member services specialist] Darrin Laverenz [operations manager] Paul Norris [line superintendent]

Dividing Lines

Core mission makes electric cooperatives stand out BY MAGEN HOWARD

Because K.C. Electric Association is a cooperative, Colorado Country Life often refers to “the cooperative difference.” The differences between electric co-ops and other electric utilities range from their core mission to their business model; coops serve “members” or “consumers,” not “customers.” For example, electric co-ops operate on a not-for-profit basis. Revenues above operating costs, called “margins,” are returned to members in the form of capital credits. In Colorado, there are two other types of electric utilities: city-owned municipal electric systems and profit-driven investorowned utilities. In every case, utilities receive financial assistance from the federal government in some fashion. The following is a look at each.

Electric cooperatives

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profits. Cooperatives choose directors from their membership and are required by state law to hold annual membership meetings. Federal assistance to electric co-ops comes in the form of low-interest loans from the Rural Utilities Service, formerly the Rural Electrification Administration. Based on current interest rates, RUS loans actually make money for the federal government, about $274 million in fiscal year 2012. Aside from aiding in construction of critical infrastructure that keeps electric service reliable and electric rates affordable, RUS financing remains important because household incomes in co-op service territories run about 11 percent lower than the national average. Co-ops serve an average of 7.4 consum-

ers per mile of line, over which they collect annual revenue of about $14,900. Nationally, electric co-ops pay $1.4 billion in state and local taxes each year.

Municipal electric systems

Municipal electric systems are distribution utilities owned by a city, borough or other incorporated community. As public entities, they can levy taxes, issue government bonds and adopt and enforce rules and regulations. Not-for-profit municipals serve the most consumers per mile of line, an average of 48, and collect an average of $113,301 per mile of line. The federal government subsidizes municipals, too; when cities or boroughs issue tax-exempt bonds, interest paid to bond owners is not taxed. The cost of this benefit in 2003 (the last year data is available) was $909 million, or $55 per consumer. [continued on page 8] ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2013 7

[Country News]

When the Power Goes Out

BY PAUL NORRIS ||LINE SUPERINTENDENT || PNORRIS@KCELECTRIC.COOP

We have become so accustomed to a continuous supply of electricity that we are usually unprepared when it is interrupted by weather or other events. When the power goes out and stays out, first check your fuses or circuit breakers. Restoring the outage may be as simple as replacing a fuse or resetting a circuit breaker. Keep in mind that many residences have a centralized main location away from the house that could have additional fuses or circuit breakers that may be blown or tripped. A supply of extra fuses should be kept on hand at all times. Do not replace a fuse with one of a larger amperage rating. It could result in a fire. If you determine that the power failure has not been caused by a problem in the home, call K.C. Electric and a crew will be dispatched as quickly as possible. K.C. Electric should also be able to tell you if it will be an extended outage. If you are experiencing low voltage or a dramatic fluctuation in voltage, unplug appliances with electronic components, such as computers, televisions, motors and other sensitive equipment. This will help eliminate damage to your appliances. If you use a standby generator, be sure it has been wired properly and installed with a double throw switch. If improperly installed, a generator could cause dangerous conditions for the linemen working to restore the power. Also, your generator could be damaged when the power is restored if a double throw disconnect is not used or properly installed. It is also important to have a fresh supply of fuel for the generator. That fuel needs to be stored properly. Over time, gas and oil will chemically break down and your standby generator may not start when you need it. To make an outage easier to cope with, keep an emergency kit on hand at all times. The kit should be kept in a cool, dry place and all members of the family should know where to find it. It should ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 March 2013

include the following: n Plenty of candles and matches n Flashlights n A battery-operated radio n An extra supply of batteries for the flashlights and radio n Basic first-aid supplies n An adequate supply of drinking water and food Keep in mind the age of the occupants and supply for their needs. For extended power outages in the winter, make sure you dress warmly. Several layers of clothing provide better insulation than a single layer of heavier clothing. (Robert Zierolf, #915700014) Move to a single room, preferably one with few windows. Ideally, this room should be on the south side for maximum heat gain in the daytime. The room should be shut off from the rest of the house. If you use an alternate heat source, be sure and follow operating instructions. For example, if you use a kerosene or propane heater, adequate ventilation is a must. All fuels should be stored outside of the home for safety reasons. Woodstoves and fireplaces need to be maintained to perform properly. You should also have a contingency plan for the water pipes in your dwelling should the temperature be low enough to freeze them. Know where and how to drain them, and take precautions that damage is not done when the power is restored. Power outages are never pleasant, so to make them more manageable, think ahead and be prepared by having a plan for your household.

Dividing Lines [continued from page 7]

Investor-owned uilities

Investor-owned utilities, or IOUs, are governed by and generate profits for shareholders (stock owners) who do not necessarily live in the utility’s service area. IOUs average 34 customers and $75,498 in revenue per mile of line. In virtually every case, IOUs charge electric rates that include amounts for presumed federal tax liabilities. However, available tax breaks, such as investment tax credits and accelerated depreciation, allow IOUs to retain most of the taxes collected, a total of roughly $107 billion to date. At a cost to the government of $4.6 billion in 2010, this federal subsidy to IOUs works out to about $44 per customer.

Back to the cooperative difference

K.C. Electric is here to provide affordable, reliable, environmentally responsible electric power. But at the core, it’s really about improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. That’s the main difference, the cooperative difference. For more information on how K.C. Electric makes a difference, visit kcelectric. coop. (Keith Pelton, #417970003) Magen Howard writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginia-based service organization for the nation’s 900-plus consumerowned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Tip of the Month Appliances account for about 13 percent of your home’s energy use. If they have energy-saving settings, use them. If they’re nearing voting age, consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient models. And remember to try smart power strips for smaller appliances and electronics that continue to draw power even when turned off. For more tips, visit EnergySavers.gov.

[Country News] Bovina, Colorado

BY BEN ORRELL || MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST

Just east of Genoa and west of Arriba on I-70 is an overpass that says it is the exit for Bovina. What was once a bustling community is now only foundations from the past and home for a couple of families. Bovina was once the largest town in Lincoln County with 250 residents. A couple of years ago I read a book called The XIT Ranch of Texas written by J. Evetts Haley. He mentioned that large herds being driven out of Texas to Montana and points north watered at Bovina. I wanted to know where and I was told that Stacy Sitton was the guy to contact for any and all information about Bovina. I was privileged to spend several hours with Stacy and Bertha Sitton who have lived there since the late ’40s. Stacy and Bertha came from Kansas after Stacy was discharged from the army. He had trained as an infantryman in Oregon and was assigned to the 96th Infantry Division (The “Deadeye” Division of World War II). He was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington, to ship out but was told he was going to be discharged because of a bad leg. He argued long and hard but wasn’t able to ship out with his buddies. His unit went to Okinawa and suffered 80 percent casualties. He came home and worked on a wildcat rig in 1945. Bertha was teaching school in Ness City, Kansas, and they fell in love. They married in 1945 on “lucky day” as they call it. It was April Fool’s Day, it was Easter and it was Sunday. Bertha’s mother cried and said the marriage would never work. I questioned what brought them to Colorado. Simple answer: Land had become expensive in Kansas and was still affordable here in Colorado. They first bought 480 acres 10 miles north of Bovina but it had no improvements. Stacy broke out 320 acres and raised his first crop of 35 bushels per acre. Unfortunately that was the last crop he produced there for five years. Farming has always been tough. (Carlyle James, #1269000001) Bertha didn’t ask for much but felt that a house was in order so they bought 40 acres in Bovina with a house that had been the home of a railroad worker. It was between old Highway 24 and the railroad. Even then most of Bovina was gone. The Depression had run most of the people off, and they had gone to the Front Range to find work.

When Stacy and his family moved to Bovina they increased the size of the town back to 29 people. Stacy spent some time talking to the postmistress in Bovina and learned much of the history of the area. At one time Bovina had three grain elevators, a beanery, a lumberyard, a grocery store, a broom factory, drugstore with a dance hall upstairs and a filling station that doubled as a place to gamble. Eventually the postmistress’ son put together a large book chronicling the history. His name was Duane E. Kaufman and his book is entitled Bovina, Colorado Revisited. Bovina is obviously named for bovines. As I mentioned earlier, large herds came through on the way north. They were watered just east of Stacy and Bertha’s place in a springfed lake. I questioned why there wasn’t water there anymore, and Stacy bristled a bit and said that when they built the interstate they filled in the lake with excess dirt from the cuts through the hills. (This occurred without his permission and was done while he was custom cutting in Kansas.) Cattle that weren’t destined to be driven farther north were corralled at Bovina in large corrals north of the current highway, loaded into rail cars and shipped to market. Cattle herds, whether being shipped by rail or being moved on north, required a lot of cowboys and they came in to Bovina and gambled, drank and danced. High times in old Bovina back then. (*WIN, Cathy Levin, #809500003) Stacy and Bertha have worked hard all their lives and did well in both farming and ranching; however, Stacy said that there were more times when the cattle paid the bills than there were when the wheat did. They were a part of two grazing associations, one north of La Junta called the Timber Lake Grazing Association (110 sections) and one near Cheyenne, Wyoming, called the Lazy D Grazing Association (68 sections). They ran cattle from the ’60s until the ’90s. Stacy ran 400 yearlings on the Timber Lake and 300 on the Lazy D. He was vice president of the Lazy D Association for a number of years and continued to serve on the board of directors until the ’90s. On the home place (Bovina), he ran his registered Angus cows and raised registered bulls. We ended the interview by walking the grounds of “old” Bovina. Did I mention that

Stacy and Bertha Sitton of Bovina, Colorado, recall the history of the now small, quiet town.

Stacy is 90 years of age? That didn’t keep him from taking me on a walking tour through the former streets of Bovina. He pointed out where each building had been and showed me the former location of the three grain elevators. He had personally hauled many loads to those same elevators. We walked the site where the shipping pens and corrals had been. They were still there when he moved to Bovina. He showed me where the large dug well was that the railroad used to supply the steam engines. We attempted to visit the Bovina cemetery but were turned back by snow drifts. Stacy said that many people come to visit the cemetery, and he has become good friends with people from New York who have family buried there in the Bovina cemetery. As we drove back into the driveway at the home place, I thanked Stacy for his time and bid him farewell. Not so fast. Bertha had prepared lunch. I resisted, but in vain. I am glad I lost. She is a marvelous cook and her soup hit the spot on a cold, blustery day. After lunch I said goodbye and left knowing much more of Bovina’s history but, more importantly, knowing that I had just made friends with two special people. I won’t pass that Interstate 70 exit sign to Bovina again without thinking about its history and the people who keep the history alive. Thanks, Stacy and Bertha. ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2013 9

[Country News] THE COUNTRY KITCHEN ST. PATRICK’S DAY CUPCAKES 1 3/4 cups flour 2/3 cups sugar 1 small package instant pistachio pudding 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) 1 cup cream cheese frosting Green sprinkles if desired

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking powder and salt. In another bowl combine eggs, oil, milk and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients until mixed well. (Stir in chocolate chips if using.) Fill paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for 1820 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool. Frost and decorate as desired. (A shamrock on each is a nice touch.) Makes 18 cupcakes. (Witt Enterprise Inc., #1119850000) Donna Smethers, Hugo

TOASTED CORNED BEEF SANDWICHES 1/2 cup corned beef hash or cooked, chopped corned beef 2 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery 1 green onion, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard 4 slices bread 2 slices cheese 1 tablespoon soft butter or margarine

In bowl mix the first five ingredients. Spread over two slices of bread. Top with cheese and other slice of bread. Spread outside of sandwiches with butter. In heavy skillet toast sandwiches for 2-3 minutes until brown and cheese is melted. Serves two. Lila Taylor, Stratton

CLAIM YOUR CREDIT ON YOUR BILL

Each month, K.C. Electric offers consumers a chance to earn a $10 credit on their next electric bill. If you recognize your 10-digit account number in this magazine, call 719-743-2431 and ask for your credit. It couldn’t be easier. In January Dale Conrardy of Stratton, Vernon Jacobsen of Burlington, Gene Garner of Flagler and Marilynn Jacobsen of Cheyenne Wells called to claim their savings. Get acquainted with your account number, read your Colorado Country Life magazine and pick up the phone. That’s all the energy you’ll need to claim your energy bucks. You must claim your credit during the month in which your name appears in the magazine (check the date on the front cover).

ALUMINUM WIRING WOES It is estimated that nearly 2 million homes were wired with aluminum between 1962 and 1972. If your home is equipped with aluminum wiring, consult an electrician about updating your wiring system and other options that can protect you and your home.

Stay Warm Inside During Extended Power Outages If your power goes out due to a winter storm, you might be in for a prolonged power outage as crews work through the harsh weather to get your power back on. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you contact K.C. Electric as soon as you can to let the co-op know. Other actions you can take to ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 March 2013

stay safe and comfortable are: 4 Stay inside and dress warm in layered clothing. 4 Close off unneeded rooms. 4 When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards and be sure to properly ventilate. Always keep

a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. 4 Place a rolled-up rug or heavy towel at the bottom of doors to minimize any cold drafts from entering the house. 4 Cover windows at night.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop September 2012 11

[newsclips]

ELECTRIC CO-OPS MEET AT STATE CAPITOL

Co-op Day at the Capitol was one of the highlights of the 2013 Colorado Rural Electric Association Annual Meeting. During the Monday, February 11, time at the State Capitol in Denver, electric co-op representatives heard from several legislators, including Rep. Max Tyler (D-Dist. 23), chair of the House Transportation and Energy Committee. They also visited the House and the Senate chambers. The co-op directors, managers and staff members also met with Commissioner Pam Patton of the Public Utilities Commission. Formerly a director on the La Plata Electric Association Board of Directors, Patton encouraged co-op representatives to pay more attention to the PUC and to be aware of its activities and how those activities might affect co-ops. As the meeting continued later in the day at a downtown hotel, co-op representatives heard from Roger Pielke Jr. of the Center for Science and Technology Policy and Research in Fort Collins. According to Pielke, climate change is real Electric co-op representatives gather outside the Colorado Senate chamber during a visit to the and emissions need to be lowered, but it all needs Capitol. to be done in ways that won’t adversely affect the economy. Energy runs the economy and electricity is needed by billions of people around the world who don’t have it now. What we need, he said, is innovation that provides us with more energy at a lower cost. Other sessions Monday included a panel with CREA Executive Director Kent Singer moderating a discussion between Stuart Sanderson, president of the Colorado Mining Association, and Pete Maysmith, executive director of Conservation Colorado. There was also a presentation by Alan Harrison, vice president of drilling operations for WPX Energy, on fracking in Colorado. Monday closed with a reception attended by 24 legislators. CREA officers Don Kaufman (upfront left) and Bob Bledsoe (right) listen as PUC Tuesday’s meetings included reports from Tri-State Generation Commissioner Pam Patton addresses electric co-op representatives during their visit to the State Capitol. and Transmission and various affiliated organizations.

Beware of Magazine Scam Looking for ID Info

Don’t give your information! ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 March 2013

Thieves are attempting to get credit card information from electric co-op members in the Midwest by posing as someone renewing the co-op member’s magazine subscription. A co-op in Ohio was recently alerted by a member-owner about an unsolicited call she received stating that her subscription to Country Living magazine had expired. The unidentified caller offered to renew her subscription by phone if she provided a credit card number and other personal information. This member was aware that she receives the magazine as a benefit of her co-op membership and will always get it as long as she remains a member, so she provided no information. When she pressed the caller for a name and return telephone number, the suspected scammer hung up. Colorado Country Life has not heard that this is happening here in Colorado, but readers should know that this award-winning magazine is a benefit of membership and they don’t need to renew their subscription. Individual subscribers, who are not co-op members will receive written notice when their subscription expires.

[newsclips]

Bob Bledsoe President Tri-State G&T

William “Bill” Midcap Vice President Morgan County REA

Donald L. Kaufman Secretary Sangre De Cristo Electric

Jack Schneider Treasurer Poudre Valley REA

CREA Board Re-Elects Officers

Colorado Rural Electric Association’s current slate of officers was re-elected at the January 25 board meeting. The officers began their second year of service in these positions following the CREA Annual Meeting February 12. Elected to one more year were Bob Bledsoe, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, president; Bill Midcap, Morgan County Rural Electric Association, vice president; Don Kaufman, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, secretary; and Jack Schneider, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, treasurer.

Reader Opinions

This month we are asking:

Demand for Coal Grows Worldwide

What is the biggest barrier to improving your home’s energy efficiency? Email your thoughts to info@coloradocountrylife.org.

Global coal demand will rise 2.6 percent annually over the next five years and challenge oil as the world’s top energy source, according to the International Energy Agency. Coal consumption will climb to 4.32 billion tons of oil equivalent by 2017, compared with about 4.4 billion tons of oil equivalent, the IEA said in its Medium-Term Coal Market Report. Coal use will rise in all regions except the United States, where cheap natural gas has cut demand. Somewhat ironically, decreased U.S. coal use will lead to increased U.S. coal exports to Europe, due to a more favorable price comparison with European gas prices. European coal use is expected to grow, IEA said. Eventually, however, this demand will wane due to tighter European emission regulations. Read the full report at iea.org.

Share Safety Rules with Kids

Colorado’s electric co-ops have added a new tool to help members be safe around electricity: They have joined Safe Electricity. This safety-centered organization offers a robust website filled with information that can be used to share how to be safe around electricity with students and others. You’ll find the website at safeelectricity.org.

“We’ve got this immaculate conception theory of energy: It just happens … until it’s not. If it had gone out during the halftime show and cut Beyoncé off … the country would be up in arms.”

QUOTE

— Sen. Lisa Murkowski talking about the electrical outage during the Super Bowl ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2013 13

[industry]

Shale Shock

Natural gas may edge out coal as nation’s primary power source BY ANGELA PEREZ

Over the past decade, the natural gas industry in North America has experienced a dramatic renaissance thanks to a combination of horizontal drilling and a shale fracturing technique called “hydraulic fracking.” With this technology, previously unrecoverable gas reserves located in shale formations deep underground are now flooding the market and should continue to do so for several decades. This “shale gas revolution” promises to have a major impact on our nation’s energy future, particularly in shifting reliance from burning coal for power generation. Studies show that the United States will overtake Russia as the world’s largest gas producer by 2015, according to International Energy Agency Chief Economist Faith Birol. She notes the resulting cheap domestic supply should lead electric utilities toward a heavier reliance on natural gas for generating power. Given the fact that consumption of natural gas for electricity has increased every year since 2009, Birol’s predictions appear to be well under way. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas’ share of electric power generation in the United States will increase from 25 percent today to 28 percent by 2035, with renewable energy’s share growing from 10 percent to 15 percent and coal falling from 48 percent to 38 percent. However, preliminary 2012 numbers indicate that pace of change may be accelerating. When it comes to electricity, natural gas is most commonly used to fuel peaking plants, power stations that operate for brief periods during times of high electricity demand, as well as intermediate plants, those whose output changes in response to changes in electricity demand over the course of each day. Today, gas accounts for about 15 percent of the power produced by generation and transmission cooperatives and 16 percent of all electric cooperative power requirements nationwide. Over the past two years, the relatively low price for gas combined with increasing federal and state regulation of power plant emissions have led to natural gas-fired plants being run for longer periods, while many older coal-fired baseload power plants — those that provide dependable electric power year-round at a low cost — are being shut down or converted to gas operations. In fact, last March the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a New Source Performance Standards, or

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 March 2013

This map shows shale gas “plays” across the 48 lower U.S. states. The term “play” is used in the oil and gas industry to refer to a geographic area that has been targeted for exploration. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

NSPS, rule that aims to curb the release of carbon dioxide and six other greenhouse gases blamed for contributing to climate change from new fossil fuel-fired power plants. It also could be expanded at some point to cover existing generation. To do so, it sets an emissions cap of 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour, a nearly impossible standard for coal-fired power plants to achieve with an average in excess of 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per megawatt-hour. “The only way to meet it is with carbon capture and storage technology, which is prohibitively expensive and years away from being commercially viable,” David Hudgins, director of member and external relations at Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission co-op based in Glen Allen, Virginia, told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment in June 2012. “No company will take the risk to invest billions of dollars in a power plant in the hopes that CCS will be developed.” NSPS, as outlined, will push power plants away from coal and toward natural gas baseload generation because most newer combined cycle

gas facilities produce emissions within range of the 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatthour limit. But natural gas prices are more volatile than coal, making the fuel a dicey option. “Historically, natural gas prices have varied widely, making reliance on gas as the sole fuel to provide affordable future baseload power risky at best,” says Rae Cronmiller, environmental counsel for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “These risks are significantly enhanced because the cost of electricity derived from natural gas is largely driven by cost of the fuel itself. This differs from coal power, which is driven by capital costs. Also, natural gas in quantities necessary to provide year-round baseload generation is unavailable in some geographic areas.” Despite this, utility experts believe that natural gas production will continue to increase and that the “blue flame” will surpass coal as the nation’s leading source of electric energy. Angela Perez writes on technology issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, based in Arlington, Virginia.

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Colorado FFA members visit with Laura Spencer, host at “Good Morning America” while touring New York City.

SUPPORTING

Generations of Blue Jackets BY JOANNE LEE

The blue corduroy jackets and bright yellow emblems of the Future Farmers of America are familiar sights throughout rural Colorado. To some they signify that the wearer is a farmer, but that’s only part of what the jacket represents. Yes, the wearers of blue jackets are interested in agribusiness and the economics of agribusiness, but they are being taught more than that. They are young men and women who are the pride of their communities, learning responsibility, accountability, preparedness, organizational skills, respect, public speaking, leadership and more. Hundreds of thousands of members strong, the National Future Farmers of America Organization has provided a network for high school students across the nation since its beginning in 1928 in Kansas. Today, spread throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico and

FFA members from New Raymer celebrate after winning the State Farm Busniness Management Career Development event in Fort Colllins. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 March 2013

the U.S. Virgin Islands, the National FFA Organization supports ag student education and builds on a belief in the importance of agriculture. It does this through the extracurricular organization that FFA is and through the curricular ag classes offered by the schools.

Artist’s rendering of the center for Agricultural Education at CSU.

The combination of in part thanks to Thorn and his classes and extracurricular board members’ dedication to activities is part of the threethe project. On February 14, it circle model of agricultural was announced that CoBank, education. This model overAmerican AgCredit of Greeley, laps instruction, a superFarm Credit of Southern vised agricultural experience Colorado in Colorado Springs and student leadership and Premier Farm Credit of organizations. The Colorado Sterling are donating more than FFA Foundation has helped $1 million toward the center’s FFA serve thousands of construction. students through this model, Designed with more than One way individuals can participate in the fundraising is to and it is working to expand 18,000 square feet of learning make a gift toward the project and join the Blue Jacket Sothat support. space, the center will house ciety. If you are a society member you get the opportunity Kenton Ochsner is customized laboratory, technolto put your FFA jacket in a shadowbox and it will hang in the excited about what is ahead. ogy, teaching and office spaces. new center. Here is a link: http://coloradoffafoundation. Involved in FFA since his In addition, it will include sophomore year in high school and now FFA state advisor with special exhibit space for the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, the Colorado Community College System, Ochsner followed a program of the CFFA Foundation. his older brother into the organization, which later became his Sadie Sayler, a former blue coat-clad member of the National career. FFA Organization, is the exuberant second-year agriculture “My dad was in FFA also,” Ochsner said. “I went to college teacher at a small high school in the southeast corner of Colofor two years and became a state officer, and that really spurred rado. A CSU graduate, Sayler bubbled with enthusiasm at this my interest in events like the [National Western] stock show. I year’s National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. “My realized how little people really know about agriculture, and that experience as an ag teacher has been awesome,” Sayler said. is the reason I became an ag teacher: to educate people about “The training I got at CSU was amazing. It gave me everything it. I taught agriculture in Colorado for nine years and for the past nine years, my job has been to manage the state officers who are elected each year and to manage state FFA events.” It is these kinds of students that Executive Director Don Thorn is passionate about reaching. To do that, the program needs strong instructors so that ag teachers are well-prepared to teach. One way to do that is with a comprehensive teaching model at Colorado State University that includes theory and hands-on experiences, something that is difficult with the current facilities. So, in conjunction with Ochsner and Michael Womochil of the CCCS, Thorn and the CFFA Foundation are working toward a new Center for Agricultural Education at CSU in Fort Collins. “In Colorado there are right at 100 high schools that offer agricultural education classes to students,” Thorn Student teacher Elisa Sagehorn engages students in an ag science lesson. said. “That represents about 6,500 students in this state. If the school offers agricultural education then in most cases I needed to be able to come out and hit the ground running to they also offer the cocurricular student leadership organization make sure that I have an amazing FFA chapter and to be able to of FFA. This makes our delivery of education robust. It also propel my students forward.” makes us unique.” Like so many former members, Sayler spent much of her high The addition of the center will blend traditional FFA instrucschool experience involved in FFA as an officer and chapter tion and experience into a real-life classroom setting for ag president. students. CSU juniors and future ag educators Clay Miller and Shannon “The building components are intended to serve as the model Baylie have both been involved with agriculture in education agricultural education program and give our budding educators from a young age. “My mom was a past FFA advisor so I was a very realistic place to practice their instruction before their kind of expected to be in FFA,” Baylie said. “I started my FFA student teaching experience,” said Thorn. experience my freshman year of high school in 2005.” Building such a facility does not come cheap; however, Like Baylie, Miller started his formal FFA training as a fresh[continued on page 18] fundraising for the structure’s $3 million price tag is successful man in high school. “I wasn’t really sure what ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2013 17

[continued from page 17]

FFA was until I got involved, attracts people. I believe this will be and then I really fell in love with an added attraction for students to it. Shannon and I are both state come to CSU,” Womochil said. “I FFA officers since last year, and further believe the added student we plan to continue our passion population will increase teaching with FFA in working with youth positions and staff members.” into the future.” The new facility will sit on the Graduates of the same program research farm, and across the as Sayler, Miller and Baylie will road to the south is the Agronomy bring a wealth of knowledge to Research Center. The facility will their future classrooms. try to duplicate as well as show the “What I hear about the new potential for what a high school building at CSU is that it will program would look like. As CSU have a lot of hands-on things trains instructors, they will be that we lacked when I went learning in the type of environment through the program,” Sayler that they will teach in, in the future. Left to right: Dale McCall, FFA Foundation said. “I learned the concepts that From initial thoughts to present board chairman, Dr. Kellie Enns, professor of go along with those handsconstruction, project members agricultural education and Don Thorn at the on things, but with the new have invested almost two years into “future home of” site. building, future graduates will the growth of the building and its learn concepts and the hands-on concepts. “I think it has been a fairly training that is so vital to teaching our future generations.” quick process,” Womochil said. “Don Thorn has really worked Womochil, program director for agriculture and natural hard to secure funding. Another reason the process has gone fast resources for the CCCS, agrees. “Kenton [Ochsner] and I both is that there are a number of people out there who know what we work with continuing education for teachers in the field, and the are trying to do and who really believe in an ag education. new building will most definitely bring opportunity for those “It’s a unique project because we are all raising funds and experiences,” he said. constructing a building that will educate and train future “One of the challenges we’ve had in the past was where to meet generations of high school and community college agriculture with teachers,” he continued. “Of course, we could always get a instructors.” conference room in a hotel, but there we could only do so much. Those new instructors will be ready to teach new members of Now we can get to the hands-on skills: the true representation of Future Farmers of America, keeping the legacy of the blue jacket what needs to happen in an ag class and ag programs in the high moving forward. schools. It will be a huge benefit.” Former high school English and art teacher JoAnne Lee now spends her The primary focus will be to serve the teachers of Colorado days skiing and working on the slopes in northern New Mexico. Her spare but the building could serve as a distance lab that could possibly time includes capturing photos and writing about the interesting people help serve teachers from around our region. and places she visits. “We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with other states and if the opportunity arises, this facility will be the Go to coloradocountrylife.org to see more pictures of the opportune place for it,” Womochil added. FFA project. “Any time a university offers additional training facilities, it

Ag Lenders Donate More than $1 Million to Ag Education Center Four of Colorado’s top agricultural lenders have joined together to donate more than $1 million for construction of a modern Center for Agricultural Education at Colorado State University that will train new generations of agricultural teachers and leaders. The gift to CSU and the Colorado FFA Foundation is among the first to benefit students at ag colleges and land-grant universities nationwide as part of Denver-based CoBank’s new $5 million agricultural research and education funding initiative. Other partners supporting the Center for Agricultural Education are American AgCredit of Greeley, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado in Colorado ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 March 2013

Springs and Premier Farm Credit of Sterling. All are members of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions specifically chartered to serve agriculture and rural America. “The CoBank Center for Agricultural Education and the Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame will represent the best of Colorado’s agricultural past, present and future,” said Ron Carli, chief executive officer of American AgCredit. “The Farm Credit System shares the same rich history and passion for preparing the next generation of agricultural educators. Their dedication and influence will help meet the challenge of feeding our

nation and the world.” According to Kellie Enns, assistant professor and program leader, graduates of the CSU agricultural education program have been in high demand, and nearly all the program’s students have been employed after graduation because they are prepared to mentor high school students and to fulfill other leadership roles.” “This gift is a testament to the partners’ commitment to agriculture, our rural communities and the development of students who will play key leadership roles in the future,” said Craig Beyrouty, dean of the CSU College of Agricultural Sciences.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop Septembere 2012 23

[recipes]

Simply Succulent Sandwiches

Try these hot alternatives to the traditional hoagie BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG Other uses for a waffle maker You don’t need a panini press. Just fire up your waffle iron and cook your sandwiches. The bread comes out toasty and crisp and the heated weight of the lid presses the sandwich to gooey perfection.

Sinking your teeth into a submarine sandwich can be a divine experience until your options become more and more predictable. So when piling on the basic meats and cheeses seems mundane, try one of these delicious, easyto-make sandwich recipes.

Banana, Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich Spiced Peanut Butter 1 cup peanut butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 teaspoons honey 1/8 teaspoon ginger powder 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well blended. Peanut butter can be stored in an airtight container for 6 to 8 weeks.

Be creative, make colorful sandwiches Enjoy the crunch of blue corn chips on your sandwich. Why not include chopped toasted walnuts or pecans? How about dried cranberries, cherries or raisins? Make sure your sandwich is full of color. Incorporate fresh, vibrant elements, such as parsley leaves, finely diced red onions or green, yellow and red peppers.

Sandwich 12 slices enriched white bread 1 cup spiced peanut butter (above) 6 bananas, sliced 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 ounces butter, room temperature Lay out all 12 slices of enriched white bread on a cutting board. Spread all slices of bread with homemade peanut butter. Take 6 slices and top each with sliced bananas, then drizzle with honey. Place the reserved 6 slices on top. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set aside. Brush top and bottom of each sandwich with room temperature butter. Grill sandwiches in a sauté pan over medium heat on stove top for 3 1/2-4 1/2 minutes on each side. As you remove sandwiches, season liberally with cinnamon and sugar mix. Cut sandwiches in half and serve while hot. Makes 6 sandwiches.

Banana, peanut butter and honey sandwich

Pastrami Reuben 12 slices rye bread 12 slices Muenster cheese, thin 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, prepared and drained 24 ounces sliced beef pastrami 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing 2 ounces butter, room temperature Lay out all 12 slices of rye bread on a cutting board. Top 6 slices of bread with one slice of Muenster cheese, 2 ounces of sauerkraut, 4 ounces (or roughly three to four thin slices) of pastrami and a second slice of Muenster cheese. Set aside. Spread remaining 6 slices of bread with Thousand Island dressing, and then place each slice on top of the other halves of sandwiches. Brush top and bottom of each sandwich with butter. Grill sandwiches in a sauté pan over medium heat on stove top for 3 1/2-4 1/2 minutes on each side. Remove sandwiches, cut in half and serve hot. Makes 6 sandwiches. Source: The Grain Foods Foundation and Chef Bryan Voltaggio

Source: The Grain Foods Foundation and Chef Bryan Voltaggio Pastrami Reuben

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 March 2013

[gardening]

Trellis-Worthy Edibles BY KRIS WETHERBEE

Any vining or sprawling plant with fruits smaller than a bowling ball can be trellised as long as there is a sturdy, tall structure that is strong enough to support the weight of the mature plant and resulting fruits. Lightweight trellis structures are often adequate to support the weight of cucumbers, pole beans and peas. Those needing sturdier support include indeterminate tomatoes, non-bush varieties of summer squash and small-fruited winter squash. A heavy-duty trellis is required to support the weight of grapevines and nonbush varieties of small melons or pumpkins (bowling ball size or smaller) and winter squash. Support developing melons, pumpkins and squash with a sling made of nylon stockings or other stretchy material tied to the trellis. Place the developing fruit in the sling. The added support will ensure that the fruit stays on the vine and doesnâ€™t cause the vine to break.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2013 21

[gardening]

Luck Is Ellusive The botanical truth about four-leaf clovers and shamrocks BY EVA ROSE MONTANE || ABUNDANTEARTHGARDENS.COM || GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

As you anticipate the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day, you might have visions of leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, four-leaf clovers or a frothy pint of Guinness. I welcome them all, although I’ve personally come upon more rainbows and pints of Guinness than the others. But for this article I’d like to take some time to focus on the lucky four-leaf clover.

Beware of imposters If you think you’ve seen a nice shamrock plant comprised entirely of four-leaved clovers, I have disappointing news for you: It’s not the real McCoy. A small handful of plant species with clusters of three or four leaflets have been falsely marketed as shamrocks and four-leaf clovers. The most common species include plants of entirely different genera, even different families altogether. One is a water plant, commonly known as pepperwort or water clover, and is in the Marsileaceae family of aquatic plants. The other is sorrel, which is edible with a fresh lemony flavor. It is in the Oxalidaceae family and grows naturally in deep, damp forests. The true original shamrock plant is Trifolium repens, or white clover. It is none other than the common field weed. True clovers such as this are in the pea or Fabaceae family. Native to Europe, West Asia and North Africa, it has been introduced as a pasture crop worldwide and as a result can be easily found in most open, grassy areas in North America. It naturally produces just three leaflets per pedicel, with a rare occurrence producing a fourth, smaller ColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 March 2013

leaflet. In fact, your chance of finding one with four leaflets is one in 10,000. Its rarity is what earned it the reputation of lucky for the person who happened upon one.

The four leaves It is universally accepted that a four-leaf clover is good luck and it has enjoyed a long tradition of recognition. Eve is said to have brought a four-leaf clover with her from the Garden of Eden, and the Celts of Wales considered the white clover helpful in warding off evil spirits. The four leaves are symbolic of faith, hope, love and luck. St Patrick used the three leaves to represent the Christian trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The fourth represented God’s grace. If you want a true four-leaf clover this St. Patrick’s Day you best look elsewhere than your favorite florist or houseplant store. Don’t worry; it’s not impossible. The world record set by a single person’s largest collection of four-leaf clovers totaled almost 80,000 as of 1995. Just follow the little green man to the end of the rainbow and you might be lucky, too.

Four-Leaf Clover Folklore Most people have heard that it is lucky to find a four-leaf clover. It is also believed that the person who finds this lucky clover will meet his or her future lover on that same day. If the clover is given to another person immediately after finding it, the finder’s luck will double. It is also believed that each the four leaves of the lucky talisman has meaning. They are fame, wealth, a faithful lover and good health.

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 February 2012 23

[outdoors]

Rascally Rabbits

A chance encounter brings memories of bunny games BY DENNIS SMITH

O Legislative APP 99¢

AVAILABLE NOW Interactive 2013 Colorado Legislative Directory App Colorado’s elected officials at your fingertips.

or at Google Play or call 303-455-2700 for more information. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 March 2013

One morning last winter, the thermometer on our little indoor weather station read 2 degrees below zero. There was an inch of sparkling new snow blanketing everything in sight and the air outside was so cold and sharp, my nostrils pinched shut with every breath as I picked my way cautiously down the driveway to get the morning paper. On my way back up the drive, I saw the bunny tracks. They came from the neighbor’s juniper patch across the street and led into a similar thick hedge in our yard and onto our front lawn. The bunny sat there a few feet away, hunkered down, ears laid back, legs pulled tight up under its belly, its little nose twitching nervously this way and that, contemplating, I suppose, whether it should squirt back into the tangled security of the junipers or wait out the funny looking giant in the red plaid pajamas and camouflage stocking cap. It chose the latter. Tough little bugger, I thought, to be out prancing about in this cold. It occurred to me that if I’d been 13 years old and back in the little Catskill mountain town where I grew up, I probably would have been doing a bit of prancing myself. Prancing with anticipation at the prospects of another frosty morning rabbit hunt with my brother, my dad, our two little beagle hounds, Queenie and Thor, and Belle, our mournful-voiced basset hound. Instead, I headed for the coffeepot, the fireplace and the editorial page of the local paper. But the little bunny had worked its magic, and I soon found myself recalling some of those rabbit hunts from years gone by. We’d stalk neighborhood woodlots, briar patches and slash piles in hopes of “kicking up” a rabbit. As soon as one flushed, we’d put one of our short-legged hounds on its track and then sit back and listen to the hilarity of a hare and hound escapade unfold. More

often than not, the rabbit would play for a while and then dive down a convenient hole when it tired of the game. I sometimes think the rabbits had as much fun at confounding the hounds as the dogs had chasing them in the first place. They were happy times for sure, occasionally followed by a family dinner of southernfried rabbit, mashed potatoes with country gravy and cornbread. Today I know of few people in Colorado who hunt rabbits with any degree of seriousness, and almost none of them use trailing hounds. Hunters here concentrate on big game and waterfowl. Of those who pursue small or upland game, most focus on turkeys, doves and pheasants, while a relative few hunt dusky grouse, bobwhite quail or sage grouse. Still fewer hunt rabbits. In fact, the only dedicated rabbit hunters I know in Colorado are the neighborhood foxes. And I find it especially amusing that they employ many of the same tactics we did back in the day: They stalk the tangled shrubs and field edges in hopes of flushing a bunny from protective cover, then trail it by scent until they lose the trail or capture the little bugger and either eat it on the spot or bring it home to their pups for dinner. The only part they’re missing is the mashed potatoes, gravy and cornbread.

Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors.

[energy tips]

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Choosing the best air cleaner BY JAMES DULLEY

Which type of central air cleaner is best?

ENERGYWISE WILL BRING THESE PROGRAMS TO YOU

Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, in partnership with CREA, Tri-State and community-based lenders, are dedicated to promoting the wise use of electric energy to reduce costs and protect our environment.

n Easy Internet access to energy saving tools n “Green Button” energy-efficiency information programs n Education for member-owners on the value of energy efficiency

n Promotion of innovative energy-efficiency products n Rebates for energy-efficiency products n Partnerships with community-based lenders to finance energy efficiency projects

n Partnerships with state agencies to save taxpayer dollars

n Cash for clunkers to take inefficient appliances out of circulation

n Weatherization programs to increase member comfort and reduce costs n Verification services to make sure energy efficiency projects are implemented appropriately

n Promotion of energy-efficiency research and design through a science fair scholarship

Contact Geoff Hier at 303-455-2700 ext. 702 or email ghier@coloradorea.org for more information.

Source: Aprilaire

[

Introducing energywise

Manufacturers now produce new, superefficient central air cleaners. They use a combination of electronic air charging and filter media to trap almost all of the tiniest particles in the air. They can even catch flu viruses and bacteria as they pass through the duct system. Standard electronic air cleaners use wires to give air particles a negative charge. A collection cell has plates with a positive charge so the negatively charged particles stick to it. For many people, this standard type of electronic air A media air cleaner usually cleaner is adequate. requires professional instalFor people with lation because duct modifiheightened allergies, cations are needed. the new electronic air cleaners with the charged filter media may be more effective. Pleated media air cleaners are another option. They are less expensive and rely on many square feet of folded filter material to catch particles as the air passes through. There are various levels of media quality and price. The cleaning effectiveness of various models can be compared by their minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, rating. Finally, there is the bypass high-efficiency particle air, or HEPA, cleaner that has its own air circulation motor. A HEPA filter is a dense media filter, which makes it effective, but it may create too much resistance for the furnace blower to force adequate airflow through it. The bypass design has its own blower so the airflow through the coils or heat exchanger is not impeded. For more information on central air cleaners, visit coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Energy Tips.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2013 25

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 March 2013

Colorado Advertise in MarketPlace Country Life

[marketplace]

goes to more than 190,000 readers. Call Kris at 303-902-7276 to place your ad.

Be a Colorado Country Life fan on Facebook. Go to Facebook then search Colorado Country Life.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 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 to: mail: Colorado Country Life 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

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BOOKS

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.) BUSY, FULL SERVICE, AUTO REPAIR WORKSHOP in SW Colorado. Est. 35 yrs. Solid business, dependable staff, 6 bays, paint booth, offices. Financing options. Call Joyce, 970563-4500. (942-06-13)

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 March 2013

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIESCAMPGROUND – MAIN HOUSE, 4 cabins, 10 RV sites. For sale on 4.81 acres. $359,000. www.nwcolorado. com/realestate/mountain-homesfor-sale/ Barbara 970-482-4004. (091-05-13)

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 (109-05-13)

COMPUTERS COMPUTER REPAIR – CALL ME FIRST! Affordable computer repair for Western Colorado. Joel, 907778-5253, WesternSlopeDigital.com (096-06-13)

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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 (932-06-13)

ENERGY

LOTTERY – Guaranteed incomeproducing system. Free booklet. Call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-877-5266957 ID# S4465 (911-04-13)

FINANCIAL HELP LINES for CO families. Bankruptcy advice for free 877-933-1139. Mortgage relief help line 888-216-4173. Student loan relief line 888-694-8235. Tax relief IRS help line 877-633-4457. Debt relief non-profit line 888-779-4272. Collection agency complaints 800896-7860. Numbers provided by www.careconnectusa.org, a public benefit organization. (087-04-13)

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 (075-06-13) REDUCED $50,000 -- 14 spacious motel rooms, beauty shop (rented), studio apartment, lovely owners’ quarters. Good Business. Many repeat guests. Completely remodeled. Call Betty 719-263-4773 or cell 719-251-1554 (025-06-13) START YOUR OWN BUSINESS – home/internet. Simply the highest quality candles/beauty/fundraising. Enter free drawing. www.natures best.scent-team.com (831-03-13)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS 50 SUBARUS! (1995-2012) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices! Warranties available! Dealer: www.Monu ment Motors.com 719-481-9900 (574-08-13)

SAFELY, CONVENIENTLY, BURN wood fuel pellets in potbelly stoves, fireplaces, BBQ’s, and campfires. See www.pelletlogkits. com. (098-08-13)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINE ART KAREN VANCE original oil of Forest Cyn in RMNP. 26”x36” image size. Custom framed size is 38”x48”. 970627-3104 -- Grand Lake Art Gallery (097-04-13)

FOOD BIGGEST LITTLE CORNERSTONE CAFÉ in Eaton, Colorado. Super green chili !! 130 1st Street. (09906-13)

FOR SALE GRASSFED YAK AND BISON MEAT for sale. Delicious and nutritious. Delivery available. Fourth, half, or whole. 720-256-3364 (029-03-13) OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies. Repair and service of equipment. Aspen Concentrators Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-04-13)

FREE

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. (814-04-13)

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 bdrm, 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 & inground 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 (946-06-13)

TRUSTING JESUS CHRIST versus lies of doing duties, laws, rituals, Priestcraft, idolatry. Pastor Edwin Vrell, 303-772-8825 (995-05-13)

HELP WANTED $400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, Box 450, New Britain, CT 06050-0450.

HOBBIES & CRAFTS BOOKS, PATTERNS, CLASSES, knitting, felting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, natural dye extracts, Jacquard and Gaywool dyes. www. tablerockllamas.com Colorado Springs, 866-495-7747 (791-05-13)

HOUSEHOLD HELPS LOOKING TO REPLACE AMWAY PRODUCTS? Lose your distributor? I can ship to your home, no hassle, no salesman. Monika Cary 970-7242912. (982-05-13)

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 . (267-09-13)

POULTRY/GAMEBIRDS FREE – 5 EXOTIC CHICKS or 3 ducks with 100 frypan special @ $37.50 plus shipping. Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. FREE COLOR CATALOG 417-532-4581. Cackle Hatchery – PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www. cacklehatchery.com. (876-07-13)

QUILTS AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING Services - Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-08-13)

HOWARD, COLORADO. Tree covered residential home site. Year round access. Owner finance. 719276-7294 (050-06-13) WANTED: PROPERTY TO LEASE for hunting, fishing. We offer landowners numerous benefits. Hunting club also looking for new members. 303-460-0273 (069-04-13)

RELIGION BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 767, 6630 W Cactus, B107, Glendale, AZ 85304. http:// www.ordination.org (441-06-13)

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 KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makana crest.com; kauaiweddings.com. (756-05-13)

WANTED TO BUY NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-04-13) OIL AND GAS MINERALS, royalties, overrides, and working interests. Call John at 303-704-6756 or fax details to 303-292-9226 (082-03-13) OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-08-13)

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WANTED TO BUY

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. (871-05-13)

OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com. (870-12-13)

WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/ gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122 (099-02-14)

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)

VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. References available. Call Gary at 970-222-2181. (960-08-13) WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337 (099-06-13)

Place an ad in the Colorado Country Life classified section. Call Kris at 303-902-7276.

Advertise in Colorado Country Life and everyone will know your business. Call Kris at 303-902-7276

Some visitors to Colorado are known for asking, “At what elevation do the deer turn into elk?” Those “in the know” find this amusing. Anyhow, we had moved out of town into the foothills where there is a large outbuilding on our property. One morning my husband saw some mule deer walking down the hill and then out of sight behind the building. A moment later, out the other side from behind the building appeared some elk. I really wish we had thought to catch it on video. We could really freak out people who ask about this “metamorphosis.” Jace and Brenda Thorpe, Loveland

One night at bedtime, my 5-year-old grandson, Joseph, was dawdling as he went up the stairs. When exhorted by his dad to go faster, he retorted, “Mom says to slow down and enjoy life, and I am!” Lynn Woodman, Monument

Ever walk into a room with some purpose in mind only to completely forget what that purpose was? Turns out, doors themselves are to blame for these strange memory lapses. Psychologists at the University of Notre Dame discovered that passing through a doorway triggers what’s known as an “event boundary” in the mind, separating one set of thoughts and memories from the next. Your brain files away the thoughts you had in the previous room and prepares a blank slate for the new locale. So it’s not aging. It’s the darn door. Whew! Thank goodness for studies. Beth Cox, Loma

My 3-year-old great-niece, Scarlett, and I came up with a kinder version of Humpty Dumpty: Humpty Dumpty sat on a chair, No one saw him sitting there. He didn’t fall. He didn’t break. He’s OK for goodness sake! Kay Robinson, Loveland 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 March 2013 29

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NEATLY WOUND

The Cord Hog Cable Wrap’s simple design does a difficult task: curbing cord clutter. This clever gadget winds up cords, wires and cables keeping them tidy and out of the way. Available in blue/gray, charcoal, red and blue, the Cord Hog makes it easy to use a color-coding method to identify electronic cables. Furthermore, at merely 2 inches in diameter the Cord Hog’s compact frame fits in some of the smallest spaces. Cord Hogs are sold for $1.99 each on cableorganizer.com. For additional information, call 866-222-0030.

Doing Double Duty Keep mosquitoes at bay while lighting your way with the ThermaCELL Outdoor Insect Repellent Lantern. This cool beacon uses allethrin, a non-harmful repellent that mimics the insecticide found naturally in chrysanthemum flowers, to ward off those pesky blood-suckers within 15 feet while providing ambient lighting. Use the ThermaCELL lantern on your next camping adventure or in any other outdoor setting. The lantern is silent, odor free and portable, weighing in at 13 ounces. The butane cartridge houses the mosquito repellent and lasts up to 12 hours. Light is provided by eight LEDs and powered by four AA batteries. According to ThermaCELL, the lantern’s repellent is 98 percent effective in protecting against mosquitoes and has been tested and used by the Department of Defense and the United States Army. The ThermaCELL Outdoor Insect Repellent Lantern can be found at home improvement, sporting goods and retail stores or on several online stores for around $32. For more information, visit thermacell.com or call 866-753-3837.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 March 2013

BUNDLED BENEFITS Be prepared for Mother Nature’s surprises with the Eton FRX3. This lightweight device is an AM/FM radio, USB smart phone charger, LED flashlight and alarm clock all in one little package. Other important features include: • A red flashing beacon • Seven NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather band stations • An “alert” function that broadcasts emergency weather alerts • An AAA battery option • A DC power option • A headphone output • A glow-in-the-dark locator • A backlit display and illuminated buttons What’s more, you can recharge your FRX3 in a jiffy with the hand turbine as well as solar power. The FRX3 comes with a mini USB cable and wrist strap and is available in red and black. The Eton FRX3 sells for $59.99 on the company’s website, etoncorp. com. For more information, call 800872-2228.