Colorado Country Life December 2010

DECEMBER 2010

WRAPPED WITH LOVE Ingenious system to beautify your gifts

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association • Volume 41, Number 12

Publisher/Editor Associate Editor Editorial/Digital

Mona Neeley, CCC Donna Norris Carissa Sheehan

OFFICERS President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Executive Director

Chris Morgan, Gunnison Bob Bledsoe, Tri-State Bill Midcap, Fort Morgan Don Kaufman, Sangre De Cristo Kent Singer, CREA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Empire John Porter Grand Valley Sylvia Spangler Highline Jim Lueck Holy Cross Michael Glass K.C. Dan Mills LaPlata Tom Compton Mountain Parks Stan Cazier Mountain View B.D. Paddock Poudre Valley Jack Schneider San Isabel Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph San Luis Valley Mike Rierson, John Villyard Sangre De Cristo Paul Erickson Southeast Mark Grasmick United Power Jim Jaeger White River Bill Jordan Y-W Stuart Travis Yampa Valley Sam Haslem Associate Members Basin Electric

Co-Bank

Moon Lake Electric

Wheatland Electric EDITORIAL Denver Corporate Office 5400 N. Washington • Denver, CO 80216 Phone: 303-455-4111 Email: MNeeley@coloradocountrylife.org Website: coloradocountrylife.coop Facebook: Colorado Country Life Twitter: @COCountryLife ADVERTISING Kris Wendtland NCM

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FEATURE Fabulous Fobbies

A new easy way to make your

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holiday gifts beautiful BY ALLISON MELUN

COLUMNS

Sweet delights that Santa and your guests can’t resist BY LINH TRUONG

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Gardening

Poinsettias’ pretty petals make for fascinating foliage BY EVE GILMORE

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Outdoors

The search for the most realistic duck decoy BY DENNIS SMITH

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Energy Tips

Humidifiers improve health and energy bills BY JAMES DULLEY

DEPARTMENTS

Promoting the health and importance of electric cooperatives BY KENT SINGER

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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.

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Recipes

Viewpoint

Letters Calendar Co-op News NewsClips Industry Story Discoveries

COVER: A CUDDLY TEDDY BEAR WEARS A FOBBIE GIFT TAG AS A BELT AND WAITS FOR HIS NEW OWNER TO FIND HIM UNDER THE TREE. PHOTO BY BRENT WARD, BRENTWARDPHOTOS.COM

A Year of Connections Promoting the value of electric co-ops continues

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can’t believe it has been nearly a year since I bec a me executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association.

It has been an exciting and challenging time, and I remain extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead this association in Kent Singer our ongoing efforts to support Colorado’s electric co-ops.

Over the course of this past year, I have had the opportunity to connect with a host of people involved in the electric co-op program. I have gotten to know co-op directors, managers and employees and I have had a chance to meet with many member-owners at annual meetings and co-op events.

It is a great group, and I am proud to be one of the thousands of Coloradans working hard every day to make sure those who live in rural Colorado have as much access to affordable and reliable electricity as the folks in our cities and towns.

What the electric co-ops are able to do in Colorado is amazing given the terrain of our state, the vast expanses of the territory the co-ops serve and the weather conditions in which they operate. As an example, Southeast Colorado Power Association headquartered in La Junta has a service territory larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

Yet, the co-op operates with less than two customers per mile of line. Despite this lack of population density, the co-op still provides reliable electric power at affordable rates.

Getting to Know the Co-ops The best part of my job has been getting out into co-op country to attend board meetings and annual meetings across the state.

Colorado’s electric co-ops provide

4 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

BY KENT SINGER, CRE A E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR

electric service to about 75 percent of the geographic territory of Colorado, from Kansas to Utah and from New Mexico to Wyoming.

I have had the chance to see a great deal of that country since the start of the year. I have also witnessed co-op democracy and community commitment in action.

My travels this year have demonstrated to me that the co-op business model is as robust as ever because all of the member-owners of the co-ops have a voice in how their particular co-op is operated.

At CREA, our job is to protect that co-op business model and to help your co-op do its work as cost effectively as possible. How did we accomplish that task this year?

Providing Support to Co-ops At the state level, CREA’s member co-ops supported legislation to make sure that co-ops are run in an open and transparent manner. CREA helped the co-ops make sure that along with transparency, local control was maintained and additional regulations would not drive costs higher for co-op member-owners.

CREA worked to have another bill amended to make sure that a sales taxes would not be imposed on electricity for agricultural purposes. This one change saved a considerable amount of money for co-op member-owners. On the energy front, CREA also amended bills to make sure that co-ops will be able to recover their costs when they integrate new sources of power into the grid.

At the national level, I testified in the United States Senate in support of a bill that would provide loan funds for co-op customers to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The Rural

Energy Savings Program Act did not pass the Senate, but we hope it will be considered in the next Congress.

Reaching Out CREA also sponsored an “Energy Innovations Summit” in Denver to showcase the projects the co-ops have developed in the areas of renewable energy and efficiency and to learn about the latest in new technologies. CREA brought in experts from all over the country to discuss the latest trends in energy policy, including nuclear power, energy efficiency, smart grid, solar technology and renewable power integration.

Sharing expertise with others, CREA held an “Energy 101” course for policymakers so that they could learn about some of the fundamentals about the co-op business. And, along with partner Tri-State Generation and Transmission, CREA sponsored a candidate forum where the candidates for governor and U.S. Senate spoke to several hundred co-op employees.

CREA participated in all of these activities in order to promote the co-op “brand” and inform policymakers and community leaders about the value of electric co-ops and their important role in rural Colorado.

We will continue to find new ways in the year ahead to connect to co-op members and those around us, to demonstrate how the co-op community strives to provide reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electric service to its member-owners.

I look forward to more connections in the coming year.

Executive Director

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Watch Your Headlines I was offended by the headline and article “War & Peace” (“Limitless Learning,” September 2010). To imply that a gunsmithing school is somehow equivalent to war is an insult to the many craftsmen and craftswomen who are gunsmiths. This is a respectable profession that has nothing to do with war.

Michael Lowenstein, Grand Junction

Proud of Those Who Served Thank you so much for your Viewpoint article (October 2010). I am a military wife and mother whose husband and two sons have a total of 80 years of active duty in the Air Force. It means so much to all military families to read the moving tribute to your Uncle Loyd’s service.

You are right that many have become cynical. Many simply have no concept of how dangerous this world is … and how much more so it would be without our military. Many do not understand any of the issues we face as a country.

Still, this is the greatest country on earth. We proudly fly our flag daily and will always vote to honor all who served.

Thank you for reminding us all of the sacrifices of our military.

Charlotte Miller, Monument

Enjoying Library Donations Thank you for the wonderful donation of books to our library. The patrons of the Simla Branch Library will get hours of reading enjoyment from your thoughtful donation. We appreciate your willingness to give to our library.

Sharon H. Hall, Branch Manager Simla Branch Library

Viewing Wildlife Maybe if Dennis Smith had taken the time to get off his loud mechanical contraptions he might have seen some wildlife.

(Outdoors, November 2010) I don’t see much wildlife driving through the forest in my Chevy either.

Ron Bauer, Grand Lake

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end your letter to the editor by mail to 5400 S N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or by emailing it to mneeley@coloradocountrylife. org. You must include your name and address to be published. Letters may be edited.

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DECEMBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 5

DECEMBER CALENDAR Through December 30 in Colorado Springs

Margaret Whiting Art Exhibition Western Museum of Mining and Industry 719-488-0880, www.wmmi.org November 26-December 31 in Pueblo

Christmas at Rosemount Mansion 1893 Victorian museum decorated for the holidays Closed Sundays and Mondays 719-545-5290

December 10-11 in Aspen

December 11 in Steamboat Springs

Aspen Summit for Life

Merry Mainstreet Holiday Celebration

Events raising awareness of organ donation www.summitforlife.org www.chrisklugfoundation.org December 10-11 in Craig Winter Arts and Crafts Show Centennial Mall, 1111 W. Victory Way Dec. 10: 12-7 p.m.; Dec. 11: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

970-824-7011 www.centennialmall.com

December 3-12 in Mancos

Carolers, Santa, shops, parade and gingerbread house tour on historic, festively decorated downtown Lincoln Avenue 970-846-1800 mainstreetsteamboat@comcast.net December 11 in Wiggins

Wiggins School Arts and Crafts Show Elementary school gym Free chili lunch with nonperishable food donation 970-380-1888

Seven comedians portray the 24 crazy characters in this play about a strange Texas town 7:30 p.m., 970-349-0366 www.cbmt.weebly.com December 17 in Grand Junction

Chocolate Walk Historical walking tour of downtown complete with a hot beverage Meet at Enstrom Candies 701 Colorado Ave. 970-254-3866 www.gjcity.org

Mancos Olde Fashioned Christmas

December 10-12 in Longmont

Craft fairs, stagecoach rides, visits from Santa, tree lighting ceremony 970-533-7434 www.mancosvalley.com

Flatirons Mineral Club Show The Boulder County Fairgrounds http://bcn.boulder.co.us/community/ fmc/fmcshow.htm

December 11-17 in Mt. Crested Butte

Gingerbread House Competition

Breakfast with Santa www.powderhorn.com

December 3-28 in Durango

December 10-31 in Pueblo

The Polar Express

ElectriCritters Holiday Light Extravaganza

Forms due December 11, entries due December 17 970-349-2217, www.skicb.com/ginger

December 20-22 in Steamboat Springs

The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Story, hot chocolate, carols and treats www.durangotrain.com

Pueblo Zoo 719-561-1452 ext. 106 events@pueblozoo.org December 11 in Grand Lake

December 3-5, 8-12, 15-26 in Fort Collins

Garden of Lights Gardens on Spring Creek Stroll through twinkling gardens lit by thousands of LED lights 970-416-2486 December 4-12 in Frisco

Wassail Days Main Street Frisco Shopping, carolers, sleigh rides, hot wassail 800-424-1554 www.townoffrisco.com/ events/wassail-days/

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Christmas Festival of Music St. Anne’s Catholic Church A concert of Christmas music 6:30 p.m.

970-627-3402 www.grandlakechamber.com/calendar

December 18 in Powderhorn Ski Resort

Santa on the Mountain

Holiday Art Show December 11, 12, 18 in Golden

Santa Claus Train Colorado Railroad Museum 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.

303-279-4591 www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Dec. 20: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 21: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Dec. 22: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

970-846-5970 Linda@steamboatcenter.com December 24 in Winter Park

Holiday Home Tour

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

December 11 in Manitou Springs

Meet at the Arkansas Valley Art Center 1–6 p.m.

719-395-6612 chamber@buenavistacolorado.org

Winter Park Ski Resort 4–7 p.m.

970-726-1564 www.skiwinterpark.com

Snowflakes and Smiles Holiday Parade

December 16-18 in Crested Butte

December 29 in Grand Lake

Rock on Ice

Kauffman Museum Open House

Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ice carvings, demonstrations, ice sculpture garden 970-349-2217

970-627-9644 www.kauffmanhouse.org

Downtown, 12-2 p.m.

Bring nonperishable food item to donate 719-685-5089 www.manitousprings.org

F or more information on these activities, visit www.coloradocountrylife. coop. Click on Events.

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December 12 in Buena Vista

January 9-10 near Walden

Ice Fishing Contest December 17–January 1 in Crested Butte

“A Tuna Christmas” Crested Butte Mountain Theatre

Lake John — Cowdrey Lake Cash prizes, registration required 970-723-4600 northparkcoc@cs.com WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

mountain view electric

Get Smart: The Potential of “Smart” Homes

BY JIM HERRON, GENERAL MANAGER

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they remain silent, duti- bills. Circuit boards may be added to new n behalf of the board and employees of Mountain View ful grunts that simply get a high-efficiency appliances as soon as next Electric Association, I would job done. But technology may year. It looks like clothes dryers may be the like to take this opportunity to wish soon change their role, creating first products offered. all of our members and their families a new generation of “smart” But at this point in time, things are a happy holiday and prosperous appliances — ones that can much simpler. Getting back to our original new year. monitor electricity use beyond question, smart monitoring systems are One of the questions I am asked Jim Herron your home and respond accord- something that you, the member, will have fairly frequently is why MVEA does ingly. to decide on. If you do decide to install a not install smart meters in homes to help What do such “smarts” mean for unit, you are the one responsible for monipeople save money. I think there is some regular appliances? Think how your toring that system to see just where you confusion about what exactly a smart family gets home at night at the end of can eliminate or cut back on your usage. meter monitoring system is and what it the school or workday and turns on the MVEA, or any other utility, does not control is capable of. lights, cranks up the thermostat and throws your usage. These systems just collect data Smart meter systems are home energy- a load of clothes in the dryer. A standard for you to use. management devices. They can moni- clothes dryer would follow orders and I have been using The Energy Detective tor electricity levels and usage. The more continue using electricity to tumble clothes model TED 5000 unit for the past year sophisticated models are capable of dry until it was purposely turned off or at my house to monitor my family’s energy monitoring specific devices and gather infor- a timer told it to stop. A smart clothes usage. I can monitor my electric usage mation from their networked appliances dryer would notice the “peak demand” by the minute, as well as at hourly and and smart thermometers with an applica- caused by an entire community of families daily intervals; I can make adjustments tion programming interface. Some will also arriving home — the electric utility in my activities to save energy and dollars. function as a home communication center industry’s equivalent of rush-hour traffic. This unit has a gateway you connect to your During periods of peak demand, more home computer that will allow you to check with video message recording.

A recent prototype, Intel’s Home power plants must be brought into ser- your usage on your Google account. But Dashboard, allows users to compare their vice and electric prices rise. The smart there is also some discrepancy in the propersonal home energy usage to that of clothes dryer, having noticed this increase gram, such as not being as accurate as neighbors and measure energy levels in cost, could continue tumbling clothes, the meter in reading my actual usage. This generated by solar panels attached to but momentarily shuts down its heating model can only make recommendations the home. It also features an automated element, eliminating a draw of more than to the user, and actual energy savings “goodbye” function that switches the entire 5,000 watts from the grid while saving the may vary depending on factors like house to user-configured off mode when family money. local weather data, personal habits and The Pacific Northwest National Labo- home age, size and structure. There are no one is home. This avoids so-called “vampire” energy consumption from ratory, a federally funded lab in Richland, also quite a few other programs on the devices in standby mode, while preset- Washington, put smart appliances to work market, such as those by Hohm and Envi. ting thermostat levels. It has energy last year to judge their potential. The tests So before you invest in a system, first management applications displayed on showed a big payoff. Twenty percent of consider if you will use this tool. Second, a touch-sensitive screen, wireless and the nation’s power use at any given time I would highly recommend you do your Wi-Fi connectivity and a software stack could be freed up, and consumers could homework to find out what will work best for building additional third-party applica- save roughly 10 percent on their electric for you. tions on top of the operating system.

With this type of technology, a smart home can use a wireless network to connect appliances, lighting, heating and cooling, e are pleased to announce the 2011 MVEA photo contest entertainment systems and more to a central calendars are now available. We have a limited number computer, allowing them to be controlled of calendars so they are restricted to one per family. both within the house and remotely (such You may pick up your calendar at either MVEA office. as through a cell phone or website). This Thank you to all the members who sent in photos this year. setup, while not new in concept, combines The pictures were exceptional and the calendar is beautiful. Our home automation with energy management.

2012 contest will be starting in January, so watch your Colorado While electric appliances have Country Life magazine for the details. evolved with time, for the most part

2011 PHOTO CONTEST CALENDARS AVAILABLE

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DECEMber 2010 Colorado

Country Life 7

mountain view electric

Patronage Capital Being Refunded to Members

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t the October board meeting, the directors voted to refund capital credits in the amount of $3,411,535.

This is the largest annual refund ever made to members and is the allocated margins for 1995. If you were a member in 1995, you should receive a check sometime in December. The minimum check amount will be $10. Any amount under the $10 minimum will be held in the individual’s name and added to a future refund.

Patronage capital, or margins, constitutes each member’s equity in the cooperative. Mountain View Electric Association’s rates are set to generate revenue to cover operating costs, pay debt service on loans and provide an emergency reserve. Any annual operating margins realized by MVEA are allocated to all members who

purchased electricity that year, based on their total dollar billing and usage. The patronage capital is then retained for a period of years to be used for operating capital, thereby reducing the amount MVEA needs to borrow from other sources. This cost savings helps MVEA to maintain rates at the lowest level possible to meet the financial ratios required by lenders.

Some of our members like to donate their

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST

Country Kitchen

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his month’s recipe was submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Tim Harrison of Calhan just in time for the cool weather. They write, “No better time to try this recipe than while green chilies are roasting all over town. Our family loves this pasta dish and eats it regularly. A Dutch oven is optional. We use a large deep skillet.” I know this might be a little behind our chili roasting time, but if you are like a lot of people around Colorado, you were wise enough to buy a bushel and roast and freeze them.

Green Chili Pasta 6 strips of bacon, diced 1 large onion, chopped 8 ounces vermicelli or thin spaghetti 1 16-ounce can Italian-style tomatoes 1 14-ounce can beef broth 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies (or your roasted chilies, diced) 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Salt and pepper Grated Parmesan cheese

If you have a recipe to share, please send it to: MVEA, Attn.: Deborah Skillicorn, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831. You will receive a $10 credit on your electric bill the month your recipe is published.

In Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels and set aside.

Discard all but 1/4 cup of the drippings. Add the onion to the drippings and cook, stirring until limp. Break vermicelli into 2-inch pieces (about 2 cups); stir into onion and continue cooking until onion is golden brown. Add tomatoes with their liquid (break up tomatoes with a spoon), beef broth, chilies and vinegar; stir well. Cover and simmer until vermicelli is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed — about 15 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn into a serving dish and top with bacon. Pass the cheese at the table. Serves 4.

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check to charity. Energy Outreach Colorado accepts donations to help provide energy assistance to limited-income families across Colorado. The address is 225 E. 16th Ave., Suite 200, Denver, CO 80203. Or you may wish to make a donation to a local energy assistance program or charity.

As a member-owner, you have a share in the earnings of your not-for-profit electric cooperative. Patronage capital checks are one of the things that distinguish rural electric cooperatives from other types of electric utilities.

It is important for you to keep MVEA informed of your current address should you move out of the co-op’s territory to ensure delivery of any future refunds. If you have any questions about patronage capital, please call either of MVEA’s offices.

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VEA will provide credit on electric bills as prizes for organizations wishing to organize home lighting contests over the holidays. The organization must be a nonprofit to qualify. Home owner organizations are also eligible for the sponsorship. For more information on sponsoring a contest, contact Deborah Skillicorn at either MVEA office.

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

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on’t waste that Christmas tree — mulch it. Take off the decorations and bring your tree to MVEA’s Falcon Operations Center at 11140 E. Woodmen Road in Falcon. We’ll take that tree off your hands and turn it into mulch. Mulch is free to anyone who needs it. Take the first entrance into the side parking lot and go to the back of the lot. You will see a sign to recycle your tree. But please be sure to remove all your decorations. Give us a call at 719-495-2283 if you have any questions.

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mountain view electric

IT’S MVEA SCHOLARSHIP TIME Don’t miss out on the cash

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on’t miss out on the 14 college scholarships available through MVEA.

10 $1,000 MVEA scholarships 1 $1,000 MVEA vocational or technical scholarship 1 $1,000 Tri-State Generation and Transmission scholarship 1 $1,000 Basin Electric scholarship 1 $1,000 E.A. “Mick” Geesen Memorial scholarship

Cool Your Winter Energy Bill With These Efficiency Tips

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ou’ve budgeted for holiday gifts, meals, maybe a vacation — and with money tight, that doesn’t leave much room for home energy efficiency upgrades. Does that mean you’re powerless to lower your electric bill? Not at all. Keep your energy bill cool this winter with these tips and tricks: • Drape delivery: Are you using your curtains to capture heat? Make sure drapes and shades are open to catch free solar heat during the day. Close them at night to keep the heat inside.

• Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower if comfortable).

• G ot tape? Though not as durable as foam, rubber, or vinyl, you can use non-porous tape (first aid cloth tape, for example) to keep cold air from squeezing into your home. Tape is good for blocking corners and irregular cracks, and can be used at the top and bottom of a window sash; door frames; attic hatches; and inoperable windows. Reinforce with staples if needed.

• Fan it up: Run ceiling paddle fans on low and reverse the rotation to blow air up in winter. This keeps warm air circulating without cooling you.

• Free vents: Your heating, ventilating and air-condidioning system will have to work twice as hard if your air registers and vents are blocked

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by rugs, furniture, or drapes. Keep them clear to allow air to flow freely.

• Garage drain: Leave your garage door down. A warmer garage in winter will save energy.

• Rug relief: Have a spare rug? Use it to cover bare floors for added insulation.

• Cool food: Don’t make your fridge work too hard. Clean coils every year, and set the temperature between 34 degrees; and 37 degrees; leave the freezer between 0° and 5 degrees.

Keep the freezer full — frozen food helps your freezer stay cool. When cooking keep lids on pots, and let hot food cool off before placing it in the refrigerator.

• Hot Savings: Heating water accounts for 12 percent of your home’s energy use. Set your water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees. For households with only one or two members, 115 degrees works.

There are other ways to conserve energy, too. Remember, you don’t pay for what you don’t use. When you’re not watching televsion or using lights, computers and other electronics, turn them off. Lower your room temperatures a bit and wear a sweater to stay warm, or place an extra blanket on the bed at night. Find more ways to save at www.TogetherWeSave.com.

To qualify for these scholarships: • Your parents or guardians must receive electric service from MVEA. • You must be a graduating high school senior.

• You must meet ACT or SAT and GPA requirements (these vary according to which scholarship you apply for.)

Applications must be received by January 15, 2011.

Applications are currently available on our website at www.mvea.coop, at either MVEA office or by calling Deborah Skillicorn at 719-775-2861 or 719495-2283.

Don’t miss out on the cash.

Happy Holidays from all the folks at Mountain View Electric

DECEMber 2010 Colorado

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Energy Assistance Available to Those in Need Need help paying your utility bill? LEAP may be the answer for low income households

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he Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is designed to help low income households with winter home heating costs. (It is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating.)

Following are phone numbers for your county LEAP offices. Applications will be accepted at these county offices from November 1 through April 30.

El Paso..........................719-442-0007 Elbert............................719-541-2369 Kiowa.............................303-621-3149 option 0 Douglas.........................303-688-4825 ext. 5341 Lincoln..........................719-743-2404 Washington...................970-345-2238 Pueblo...........................719-583-6160 Crowley.........................719-267-3546 Arapahoe......................303-636-1130 For more information, visit the LEAP website at www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap or call 866-432-8435.

ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE Health & Human Service Information and Referral Call 2-1-1 or call 719-995-0742 or 866-488-9742 Pikes Peak United Way — www.ppunitedway.org

Salvation Army..........................719-382-1182

Pikes Peak Community Action Agency Eastern El Paso County Calhan office..............................719-347-2976 Toll free.....................................866-347-2976 Fountain area — Walt Fortman Center . ............................................... 719-382-8515

Douglas/Elbert County Task Force . ...............................................303-688-1114

Silver Key Persons over 60 (El Paso)......... 719-632-1521

Colorado East Community Action Agency Lincoln and Elbert counties.....719-348-5303 Black Forest Cares.......719-495-2221

Northern Churches Cares Eastern Colorado Springs...........719-277-7470 Hours: Monday 4-7 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.

12 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tri-Lakes Cares Tri Lakes area............................ 719-481-4864 Hours: Monday and Thursday 12-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. by appointment and Monday-Thursday by phone

Ecumenical Social Ministries (ESM) . ...............................................719-636-1916 Peak Vista’s Homeless Prevention www.peakvista.org Eastern El Paso County............719-632-5700 Elbert County Coalition for Outreach (ECCO) Elbert County............................303-621-2599 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m.4 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

MVEA Gift Certificate I/we would like to provide the following person(s) a credit of $ MVEA electric account.

on their

Recipient’s name: Account number (if available): Property address:

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIGHT

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ith the economy in the dumps, give a gift that can be used, and appreciated, by everyone on your list — the gift of electricity. Mountain View Electric Association’s gift certificate program makes it easy for you to provide a credit on a friend or relative’s MVEA electric account.

Simply fill out the following form and return it, along with your check, to either MVEA office or in an MVEA drop box. To simplify things even more, call us with the information and your credit card will be charged. How easy is that for holiday shopping?

• The recipient’s electric account will be credited in the amount of your gift.

• The recipient will receive a certificate listing your name and the amount of credit he or she receives. (You may remain anonymous if you wish.)

Give us a call for more information. An MVEA gift certificate may be given anytime throughout the year.

10 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

City/State/ZIP Your name:

Phone:

Address: City/State/ZIP: Please check one of the following: .p Enclosed is my check for the above amount. p Please bill my credit card Name on card: Credit card number: Expiration date: Signature: Please make gifts in $5 increments, i.e. $5, $10, $15, etc.

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DECEMBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life

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Lack of Money ELECTRIC CO-OP RENEWABLE GROUP FIRST POWER PACT FOR WIND Stops Efficiency CLOSES nergy from wind buffeting the Allegheny Mountains in southwestern Pennsylvania is being put to practical use by electric co-op consumers in Maryland and Improvements Virginia, thanks to the first wholesale power deal facilitated by the National

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he countr y’s ongoing tight financial markets have kept many smaller to medium-size businesses from making needed energy efficiency improvements, according to the 2009 National Survey on the Cooperative Difference recently released by Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, the branding program for the nation’s electric co-ops.

“Businesses lack access to capital when it comes to energy efficiency investments,” comments Tom Laing, director of market research at TSE Services. “So while companies may be interested in pursuing energy efficiency projects and recognize their economic merits, they just can’t get the money to proceed.”

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Renewables Cooperative Organization.

Two electric co-ops on the East Coast are now receiving the entire 52.5-megawatt output from the Stony Creek Wind Farm in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, under 18-year purchase power agreements.

The two co-ops also own all of the renewable energy certificates and credits or carbon offsets from the projects. RECs are environmental attributes associated with the generation of 1 MWh of renewable energy that can be sold to other electric utilities and electric generation suppliers to meet state renewable portfolio standards or marketed to companies and institutions wanting to demonstrate their ecological commitment.

The National Renewables Cooperative Organization, formed in 2008, assists generation and transmission cooperatives and others in the electric co-op system to pursue diversified, cost-effective renewable energy projects nationwide. NRCO and its 25 member co-ops, including Tri-State Generation and Transmission in Colorado, serve 11 million consumers.

With that kind of size, NRCO can help attract renewable energy projects that would not be available to the smaller individual co-op utilities. Working together streamlines the process for the developers of renewable energy, as well as for the electric co-ops.

NRCO is working to bring more renewables into the co-op system across the country.

— RE Magazine

— RE Magazine

Nuclear Energy Development China

24

Russia

11

India

4

South Korea

2

Japan

2

China, Taiwan

2

Slovak Republic

2

Bulgaria

2

Ukraine

2

Countries building one nuclear plant: Argentina Finland France Iran Pakistan Canada Brazil United States

This chart shows some of the countries building or planning to build new plants.

The number of plants under construction or on order has increased impressively over the last few years.

There are 60 plants under construction and 151 on order around the world. While developing nations such as China and India lead the way, a number of developed nations — such as Russia, Japan and the United States — are turning to nuclear energy to fulfill the need for energy security and as a solution to the problem of global warming.

12 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

PROBLEMS COULD THWART PLANS FOR COMING DECADE

E

lectric utilities have prepared adequate plans to meet the demand for electricity over the next decade, but there are many issues that could threaten the implementation of these plans. That is according to the annual Long-Term Reliability Assessment released by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

The amount of power expected to be available has increased significantly since last year’s projections, mainly due to the economic downturn and resulting reductions in demand, NERC said. Most regions of the country should have no trouble meeting demand.

The expansion of renewable energy sources will go hand in hand with expected transmission development. Approximately 39,000 circuit miles of new high-voltage transmission is needed.

The full report is at www.nerc.com under Assessments and Trends.

— Solutions News Bulletin

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DECEMBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 13

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INDUSTRY

Doing More With Less An emphasis on energy efficiency helps keep costs down throughout the electric system

BY MAGEN HOWARD

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ou’re probably familiar with the concept of energy efficiency — doing more with less electricity. Some even call efficiency the “fifth fuel” — behind coal, nuclear, natural gas and renewables — to show its importance in the mix of technologies that produce power for our nation.

Energy efficiency benefits both electric co-ops and their consumers. When members use less energy, they not only help keep their individual electric bills affordable but also reduce the overall demand for power.

That, in turn, delays the need for co-ops to build new generating plants and saves everyone money.

Due to to various efficiency measures, per capita energy consumption by electric co-op members has grown less than 1 percent per year since 1978 despite an explosion in computers and other home electronics. Before that date, average residential electricity use by co-op consumers increased by about 7 percent each year, according to information from the federal Rural Utilities Service and Herndon, Virginia-based National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, a supplemental lender to electric co-ops.

A key piece in this trend has been the introduction of national energy efficiency standards for appliances. In the early 1970s, the amount of energy a refrigerator, for example, used depended on its design and the amount of built-in insulation. Due to ever-higher energy efficiency standards since then, the typical fridge today consumes 75 percent less electricity than in 1975 — even though the size of the average unit has grown from 18 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“Appliances consume a huge amount of electricity, so they provide enormous potential to both save energy and take pressure off consumers’ pocketbooks every month,” explains DOE Secretary Steven Chu. The Energy Star program has also played a role in raising the bar for energy-efficient appliances and electron14 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

Today, a typical fridge consumes 75 percent less electricity than a fridge from 1975, but only if you don’t move the old fridge into the garage for pop.

ics. Launched in 1992 by DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star-rated products in more than 60 categories deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money.

Helping you save Electric co-ops have long been in the business of energy efficiency — it’s a natural extension of their business model.

“Unlike investor-owned utilities, notfor-profit, consumer-owned electric coops aren’t structurally motivated to sell more kilowatt-hours,” observes John Holt, senior manager of generation and fuels for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginia-based service organization of more than 900 electric co-ops across the United States “Co-ops — to deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity at an affordable WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

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INDUSTRY

price — strive to maximize use of existing resources and infrastructure.

“Efficiency can help co-ops temporarily head off the need for constructing new generation. The biggest payoff comes from consumers switching to more energy-efficient geothermal heat pumps, lighting, and appliances, combined with improved power plant efficiencies and expansion of load management programs that reduce electricity purchases during times of peak demand when power costs skyrocket.”

According to NRECA surveys, 93 percent of co-ops conduct energy efficiency educational efforts, such as holding public meetings and seminars; publishing reams of information in statewide consumer publications, local newsletters, bill stuffers and websites; broadcasting radio and television advertisements; and even launching a sweeping promotional campaign, TogetherWeSave.com.

Almost 80 percent of co-ops offer residential energy audits and 66 percent offer commercial and industrial audits as well. Depending on a home’s age and upkeep, savings from acting on an audit’s recommendations can be significant. Brian Sloboda, senior program advisor for NRECA’s Cooperative Research Network, predicts that most co-op members will see bills at least 5 percent to 10 percent lower — “amounts that far outpace anything spent.”

To encourage consumers to implement efficiency steps, about half of all co-ops provide financial incentives, such as low- or no-interest loans for upgrades, leases on efficiency-related equipment or ownership and maintenance of standby generators to reduce power use when consumption spikes. More than 40 percent offer efficiency and weatherization services, including selling and installing high-efficiency lighting systems, electric water heaters, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, insulation and Energy Star appliances, while roughly 50 percent include interactive energy use calculators on their websites.

Most co-ops are taking advantage of recent technology advancements, too: upgrading power lines, replacing older WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

transformers, using advanced equipment to control voltage fluctuations and deploying advanced metering devices. Others are encouraging consumers to change out traditional incandescent lightbulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps.

“Co-ops are doing everything they can to keep consumers’ electric bills as low as possible, and energy efficiency is a big help,” Holt remarks. “You continue to use the same products at your home, but at a lower cost. The lights are on, the air conditioner is running, but they’re more efficient, so you use less electricity.”

And co-op members are answering the call. A recent NRECA study showed a majority taking low-cost or no-cost energy-saving steps like turning off lights when they leave a room, turning their thermostat up in summer and down in winter, replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs or light-emitting diodes, adding weather stripping around doors and windows and only running the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load.

Looking to the future According to DOE, if every American household replaced one incandescent bulb with a CFL, our nation would save enough electricity to light 3 million homes and

save more than $600 million a year.

And that’s just lightbulbs. The Palo Alto, California-based Electric Power Research Institute, an independent, nonprofit research and development group that counts electric co-ops as members, sees massive potential for savings if energy efficiency initiatives are enacted nationwide.

“The achievable potential at the low end — what we call realistic — is 236 billion kilowatt-hours saved by 2030, roughly five times the present electricity consumption of the New York City metro area (annually),” states Omar Siddiqui, EPRI program manager for energy efficiency.

“At the high end is a reduction of 382 billion kilowatt-hours by 2030.”

Efficiency’s greatest impact will likely come from advances in commercial lighting, commercial office equipment — particularly information technology components like servers and data centers — and home electronics.

“Large screen televisions, game consoles, laptops and cell phones — where there isn’t a strong efficiency standard now in place — opens up opportunities for efficient versions that result in significant savings,” Siddiqui points out.

To uncover your own opportunities to save energy and money, call your local electric co-op or visit the co-op’s website.

You can also visit www.togetherwesave. com, sponsored by Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, the national branding program of electric co-ops, and discover small ways to keep your electric bills affordable.

“Energy efficiency remains key to how electric co-ops will keep electricity affordable in the face of rising prices,” concludes NRECA CEO Glenn English.

“Co-ops are putting their expertise to work in fashioning innovative programs that will help members get the most out of every kilowatt.”

Magen Howard writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginia-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumerowned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

DECEMBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 15

Liz Mrofka

BY ALLISON MCCREADY MELUN

A Colorado woman invents an ingenious way to wrap your gifts with love this holiday season.

16 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

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Coloradan Liz Mrofka of Drake is the classic entrepreneurial example of the saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

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he amateur inventor and woodworker was so dismayed by the pine-beetle infestation and subsequent devastation of the trees around her house that she thought there must be something positive she could do with the dead trees. So she began recycling the pines by fashioning them into rustic ornaments stamped with wildlife images. That evolved into package décor and a deceptively easy system that makes even the plainest package look like Martha Stewart herself wrapped it for you.

In 2005, Mrofka formed The Fab Fob Company and applied for a patent for her product, which she named the Fobbie. The name Fobbie comes from the word “fob,” meaning “an ornament that hangs at the end of a ribbon.” The Fobbie has since won many awards, including best new product at the National Stationery Show in New York. It has also garnered coverage on the “Today” show and several news shows, and scored some prime distribution deals.

Along the way, Mrof ka became a member of the Rocky Mountain Inventors Association (www.rminventor.org) where she learned about the process of patenting a product, manufacturing, marketing and more. And she played around with lots of ideas … some that worked, some that didn’t. She also started blogging about her inventing process at www.inventors journey.com.

It’s obvious when talking to Mrofka that she loves the creative side, coming up with new designs and finding alternative ways to use the Fobbie. The business side is more difficult. She likened that process to “jumping through hoops.” She has had a crash course in the intricacies of contracts and licensing agreements and some of the disappointment of deals falling through. But with her product now being sold at Michaels, she feels like she’s finally made it. (You can also order the Fobbie online at www. fobbie.com.) All the work seems to have paid off.

“This ‘overnight success’ thing is amazingly slow,” jokes Mrofka.

So what is the Fobbie and how can you use it? The Fobbie is a square or round card that has a holiday or special-occasion theme. Made from recycled materials and about three-anda-half inches in diameter, the card has four pairs of parallel slots through which you can weave pieces of ribbon around

Liz Mrofka leans on the first shipment delivered to Michaels hobby stores.

your package. You can easily adjust the Fobbie to fit any size package by pulling the ends of the ribbons to tighten them.

True to her inventor persona, Mrofka encourages people to find their own unique ways to use the Fobbie and become what she calls a “wrap star.” She even has a blog (www.fobbie giftwrapping.blogspot.com) where she writes about new and creative ways to use the Fobbie.

“You are only limited by your imagination,” says Mrofka, who has loved gift-wrapping since she was a little girl and liked to put lots of bows and curling ribbon on her creations.

The Fobbie is especially useful during the holiday season, when lots of people are sending packages to friends and family all over the country. With standard wrapping, ribbons get crushed, tags get lost, bows fall off and packages are in fairly dismal shape by the time they reach their recipients. But the Fobbie adds a beautiful design touch that cinches down flat against the package, staying neat and tidy and arriving in the same condition as when it was sent in. Not to mention, it eliminates the need for tape (which, if you’re like me, never seems to be handy when you need it). And even the most wrappingchallenged among us can use it. Although at first glance it looks a little tricky, it really is quite simple to use.

The Fobbie comes in many different designs, but it also comes in a blank version, which can allow you to be even more creative in your wrapping and is especially fun for kids to decorate.

Mrofka loves that people are creative with her product and put their own spin on the wrapping.

“Make it special and use it to reflect your personality … or the personality of the person you’re giving the gift to,” says Mrofka.

She has seen people use climbing rope instead of ribbon, knitters who have woven knitted strips through the Fobbie and a picture frame Fobbie that was made into a pin cushion. Mrofka suggests that during the holiday season, people can turn their [continued on page 18]

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DECEMBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 17

STEP-BY-STEP FOBBIE DIRECTIONS

1.

2.

4.

5.

3.

6.

[continued from page 17]

Fobbies into ornaments. a sewing tape measure used in place During the holidays, there are so many of ribbon.) people to give gifts to — teachers, coworkThe best part: Mrofka designed her ers, hostesses, etc. — and not all of those product with the three Rs — reduce, gifts fit into a box. A traditional hostess gift reuse, recycle — in mind. Because her like napkins, candles, tea towels, breads or product is durable and long lasting, it cookies can be “dressed up” with a Fobbie. can be reused over and over. And it And because Fobbies are adjustable, they can have a life after packaging a gift, such as an ornament or a refrigerator will fit on irregular sized boxes or objects.

“They are versatile and really fun,” says magnet. The Fobbie is made from Mrofka. recycled materials, so even after it has The Fobbies range in price from $1.49 for lived its many incarnations, it can be recycled again. a single to $19.99 for a 21-pack. The themes range from traditional designs celebrating So check out the Fobbie for all your occasions like Christmas, birthdays, anni- Fobbies make wrapping hard-to-wrap packgift-giving needs this holiday season.

Mrofka promises some amazing new versaries and weddings to more modern ages easy and the result gorgeous. designs in stores and online. “It’s so versadesigns including frame Fobbies and blank tile,” she says. And easy … take it from a gal who’s all thumbs.

Fobbies that you can decorate yourself.

And they’re not just for gifts. You can use Fobbies to adorn scrapbook pages, wrap around candles at a table setting, place as Check out Mrof ka and Fobbie on Twitter at http:// name cards, tie around a bottle of wine as a gift or a favor and on twitter.fobbiegirl or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ and on and on. Mrofka’s website features pictures and descrip- fobbiegiftwrap. tions of many different wrapping styles and uses that consumers have come up with. (My favorite is the above-mentioned picture Allison Melun is a Denver area writer and editor busy getting frame Fobbie that became a pincushion with felt and fluff and everything ready for the holiday season.

18 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

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ooking for something special for that special someone? Maybe something artistic? A good book? A great lotion?

Those with artistic interests will love one of the beautiful, personalized metal signs offered by McCoy Metal Worx.

They look great on the front of a home or hanging from a gate. Visit www.mccoymetal worx.com for information.

Looking for something different? Order one of Ragan Trunks Ltd.’s handcrafted trunks. Cedar lined on the inside and smooth cherry or oak on the outside, this trunk

becomes an immediate heirloom.

Fine art is another option for Christmas.

Mullens Photography offers cards, calendars and prints featuring memorable western landscapes. Find out more at 719-742-0257 or cathymullens2@hotmail.com.

Rather read about those landscapes?

Try one of Eugene Vories exciting western novels. A new one, Strike, has just been released. Order it at 719-742-5426 or ecvories@centurytel.net.

Other books for Christmas include Wild Shots, a breathtaking coffee table

book of wildlife by Durango photographer Claude Steelman. Contact him at www.wildshots.com. Or pick up a new children’s book, Elizabeth’s Christmas Eve Gift by Chesna Smith. Find out more about it at www.perkycowgirl.com or at 719859-1731.

Finish your shopping with stocking stuffers from Mia Bella Candles/Gifts/Beauty.

Try the natural hand and foot lotion or a soap or candle. Visit www.naturesbest. scent-team.com to order.

Give a Colorado Country Life subscription.

It’s only $9 in state, $15 out of state.

It’s a great inexpensive gift idea for friends and family.

Call 303-455-4111 for more information.

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

— Vincent van Gogh

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DECEMBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life

19

The Sweetness of the Season Santa won’t be able to resist these delectable Christmas delights

BY LINH TRUONG

W

hether you enjoy eating them, baking them or both, holiday cookie treats are a tradition this time of year. Below are just a few recipes from www.north pole.com. While you’re baking, the kids will enjoy the stories and games on the site, which also has activities and resources for parents and teachers.

“Night Before Christmas” Coffee Cake 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter 2 beaten eggs 1/2 cup warm milk 1 package yeast (2 teaspoons bulk yeast) dissolved in 3 tablespoons warm water 3 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Topping: 2/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 4 tablespoons melted butter or margarine 1/2 cup nuts (or maraschino or candied red or green cherries) Cream together sugar and butter. Then add eggs, milk, yeast dissolved in warm water, flour, salt and vanilla. Beat all of these ingredients together. Then set dough aside and let it rise until doubled in size. When your coffee cake dough has risen to double the size (this may take about 2 hours) put it in a 9- by 13-inch greased pan and spread with topping. Now place in a cold oven and leave it in there overnight to rise. The next morning turn on oven to 350 degrees and bake for 1/2 hour.

Take out and serve warm. This makes a large coffee cake or you can put the dough in two round pans instead.

Topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon, melted butter and nuts (you can use maraschino cherries or candied cherries if you don’t like nuts)

20 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

Candy Cane Cookies 2/3 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons red food coloring Cream butter in large mixing bowl, gradually adding sugar.

Beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, egg yolk and vanilla; beat well. Mix flour, soda, salt in small mixing bowl. Add to creamed mixture; stir well. Divide dough in half. Tint one-half with red food coloring. Wrap each half in waxed paper. Chill 2 hours.

Shape into long skinny ropes approximately 1/4-inch wide by 6 inches long on a lightly floured surface. Place plain ropes and red ropes together, and twist gently. Place on greased cookie sheet and shape into candy canes. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool lightly on cookie sheet and remove to wire rack. Yields 3 dozen.

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Mini Chip Snowball Cookies 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter or margarine, softened 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House semisweet chocolate mini morsels 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts Powdered sugar Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Photo courtesy of Nestlé

Peppermint Snow Pie Crust 1 1/4 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (8 crackers) 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/3 cup butter, melted Filling 1 envelope (7 grams) unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons boiling water 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation evaporated milk 1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House premiere white morsels 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided 1/2 cup coarsely chopped hard peppermint candies (about 24), divided

Beat butter, sugar, vanilla and salt in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour; stir in morsels and nuts. Shape level tablespoons of dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set and lightly browned.

Remove from oven. Sift powdered sugar over hot cookies on baking sheets. Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, if desired.

Store in airtight containers. .

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.

Crust Combine crumbs and sugar in prepared pie plate. Stir in butter. Press crumb mixture onto bottom and up sides of pie plate.

Bake for 8 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack.

Photo courtesy of Nestlé

Filling Place gelatin in small bowl; stir in water. Let soften for 1 minute. Heat evaporated milk and softened gelatin in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with whisk until mixture is dissolved and hot. Remove from heat; stir in morsels and peppermint extract until completely melted and smooth. Pour into medium bowl.

Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cool to touch. Gently whisk in 2 cups whipped topping. Sprinkle 1/4 cup candies over bottom of crust. Pour filling over pie crust.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Spread remaining whipped topping over center of filling. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup candies. Serve immediately.

Jenny Harper consumer test kitchen project manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and www. verybestbaking.com.

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DECEMBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 21

The Prominent Poinsettia More than just pretty petals, this holiday favorite is fascinating foliage

BY EVE GILMORE

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’m willing to bet that everyone, from all traditions, in the state of Colorado is familiar with the huge radiant red “flower” of the poinsettia. It is abundant in people’s homes and retail stores of all kinds and has become associated with the holidays celebrated at this time of year.

However, few people could tell you much about this well known plant. Read on to become one of the enlightened few and impress your friends with plant trivia.

Interesting botany The botanical name of the renowned poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, means “the most beautiful euphorbia.” (See, botanical names are quite poetic with an elegance all their own.)

I put the word flower in quotes above because the Euphorbia genus has a unique flower structure, called a cyathium, that most people would not think to identify as a flower. The brilliant red for which the poinsettia is known is thanks to its bracts, which are modified leaves attached below the flower. Next time you encounter a poinsettia, take a closer look and notice the small and unusual “petal-less” flower above the large red bracts.

Holiday association The poinsettia is native to southern Mexico where it is called “flor de la noche buena,” which translates as “flower of the holy night.”

The beauty of this plant was recognized and prized by Aztec kings and used in mid-winter celebrations far preceding Christopher Columbus and his ilk. It was introduced to the United States around 1828 by the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was enamored with the plant. It was named in his honor in 1836.

Care for your poinsettia If you’ve ever been to southern Mexico or have an idea of what it’s like there, you should have an idea of how to appropriately care for your poinsettias. They don’t like to be chilly. This applies when transporting them to your house as well as once they’re in their new home.

22 Colorado Country Life DecemBER 2010

During outdoor transport, protect them from the cold by covering them with a bag with plenty of room to avoid damage to the leaves. Place them indoors away from drafts and prevent their leaves from touching cold windowpanes. Keep the room they are in at a temperature comfortable for most people, no lower than 50 degrees and not above 80 degrees, and you will keep your poinsettias happy, too.

Removing the decorative wrappings in which they are often sold is important for proper drainage. Water them when the soil surface becomes dry to the touch, and avoid standing water in the saucer.

There. I hope I’ve given you both a worthy topic for small talk at all those inevitable holiday office parties and awkward family get-togethers as well as some useful information for beautifying your holidays.

For much more enlightening information \ about our beloved Euphorbia pulcherrima, see CSU fact sheet number 7.412 at www. ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07412.html or ask your county extension agent for a copy.

Eve Gilmore is a landscape designer and garden coach and owner of Gardens by Eve in Durango.

You can reach her at www.gardensbyeve.buzz. town.com or at 970-769-3319.

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WHEN IT COMES TO WATER HEATING, MONEY BURNS AT 121 DEGREES. I”m saving $73 a year by turning my water heater

down to 120˚. What can

you do? Find out how the little chages add up at

TogetherWeSave.com.

TOGETHERWESAVE.COM

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Thanks to those who nominated families in need for the Colorado Country Life Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway.

Four families in Colorado received a box of food stuffs and a gift card for a turkey the week before Thanksgiving.

We hope they had a blessed holiday.

DECEMBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 23

The Art of Deception A search for duck decoy perfection continues BY DENNIS SMITH

COLORADO WOMEN’S TASK FORCE QUILT WINNER NELIA HENDERSON

Nelia Henderson of Grand Junction (left) accepts her quilt from Task Force member Ruth McClaskey

Second place winner — Gene Scheer Third place winner — Bill Berens Thanks to everyone who supported the Task Force’s quilt raffle. Proceeds will go to the electric co-ops’ Energy Camp; the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour and the Employee Burn Fund.

Get more of

Visit our website: www.coloradocountrylife.coop Like us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/COCountryLife

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/COCountryLife

24 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

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istory tells us that American hunters have been using decoys to lure ducks, geese and other game animals to their nets, spears, bows and, currently, shotguns for approximately 1,800 years. Of course, no one knew this history until 1924 when a team of archaeologists examined a cache of ancient hunting artifacts uncovered 13 years earlier by miners hauling bat guano from a cave near Lovelock, Nevada. Among the fishhooks, nets, seines and miscellaneous other tools, they found nearly a dozen duck decoys meticulously fashioned from tule reeds, individually wrapped and carefully buried in a pit dug into the floor of the cave.

The robodecoy flaps its wings in a mock gesture Scientific testing indicated that the of welcome to geese in the neighborhood. decoys were made by Native Americans who lived west of the Colorado Plateau Waterfowlers began introducing during the Archaic period (2,000 years motion innovations to make their decoys ago). On display in the National Museum move like real ducks and geese. One model of the American Indian at the Smith- included an underwater cord that, when sonian Institution, they are still the oldest jerked from inside the blind, made the known decoys in the world. Interestingly, decoys tip up and down on the pond, mimsome are adorned with duck feathers and icking the behavior of actively feeding skins, an obvious attempt to make the decoys ducks. Another type featured motorized appear as lifelike as possible, a quest that vibrating weights to rock, pitch or move continues to this day. the decoy, followed by a model with airOver the years, hunters have tried and motor-activated wings that created many other materials for decoys, includ- the illusion of ducks fluttering safely into ing wood, cork, foam and rubber. Wooden a quiet pond or field. decoys rode the water beautifully but were Today, we have the next level of innoheavy and subject to becoming water- vation: Robodecoy, the brainchild of logged. Cork and foam decoys were Loveland goose hunter Carl Sheldon. c on siderably more por t able but Robodecoy is a remote-controlled, proved fragile and had a short life span. full-bodied goose decoy that f laps its Rubber models, lightweight, durable and wings and bobs its head up and down in affordable, lacked the kind of realism the fashion of a happy goose greeting a required to fool persnickety ducks flock of incoming birds. It’s a clever idea, Hunters demanded better, and so but if history is any indication, it too manufacturers responded with glass eyes will need to be continually subjected to and species-specific paint schemes. Today, modification in the timeless quest for most decoys are injection-molded from a the perfect waterfowl decoy. variety of lightweight plastics and comIt is certainly a step-up from ducks posites. They’re anatomically precise and made of reeds, however. Interested feature astonishingly intricate feather hunters can go to www.robodecoy.com for detail and true-to-life paint jobs. Unfortu- more information. nately, it takes more than realistic appearance to fool today’s decoy savvy ducks; Read outdoor columns at www.colorado countrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors. it takes realistic behavior, too.

e

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The First Grade Tree

BY MARVIN HASS

It was getting’ on toward Christmas; School vacation was about to start.

I was wonderin’ when we’d get a tree to put some joy in my school boy heart.

We stuffed that tree in Larson’s trunk.

He drove us kids in a Buick Dyna-flow.

I got out down at our section line — what’s a quarter mile when your life’s aglow?

When I asked about Ol’ Tanenbaum, my mama spoke real plain and straight: “This year we’ll just make do, Bud, with what you and I can make.”

Larson leaned the tree by our mail box, said, “You sure you can get that home?”

“Yes sir, I’ll go and get my sled and ask my dad to help me some.”

It was the year we had hailed out.

Cash money was mighty tight.

“Now Bud, don’t hang your lip like that.

We’ll all make out alright.”

I ran for the house through a foot of snow.

Told my folks first grade was fine.

We’d have a tree this Christmas and it wouldn’t cost a dime.

“But Mama, how will St. Nick know where to put the gifts without a tree?”

“We’ll put a map in your snowman’s hat and light the lantern for Santa to see.”

Mama brought a star from our steamer trunk.

We strung cranberries and popped up corn, made looped chain from colored paper, hung ornaments that were old and worn.

The last day of school seemed endless ‘til Miss White said, “Does anyone need a tree?”

I was amazed that she would even guess as I waved and yelled, “Pick me.”

I heard muted laughs and snickers then I saw as I looked around, I was the only one a wavin’ so…I sheepishly sat down.

Well Santa found my snowman’s note and there were gifts beneath the tree.

Mama gave thanks for all our blessings.

Daddy sang Tanenbaum to her and me.

Now we all have Christmas memories; takes a childhood heart to really see.

But I’ll always recall that special year with our First Grade Christmas Tree.

HUMIDIFIER BENEFITS Humidifiers improve health and energy bills BY JAMES DULLEY

A

re humidifiers a good investment for dealing with dry winter air? Does using a humidifier negatively impact energy bills? What kind of humidifier is best?

Most people suffer during winter from overly dry air in their homes. Properly humidified indoor air is not only comfortable and healthy, but it can also reduce winter heating bills.

The proper type of room humidifier depends on the family’s needs and the size and layout of the house. One or two room humidifiers are generally enough for a reasonably airtight, energy efficient home. Older, leaky houses may need more or larger-capacity models.

For daytime use, an evaporative humidifier is effective and the least expensive to buy. These humidifiers use a wick material, which has one end submerged in a water reservoir. There is a fan inside the humidifier that draws room air through the wick, and water evaporates into the air.

If the children in the home tend to get colds, a warm mist humidifier is a good bedroom choice. These models boil water to create water vapor. Germfree models include a UV or ultraviolet light purifier chamber to further sanitize the air flowing through it.

Another design uses ultrasonic waves to create water vapor. These are the most energy efficient, using about 50 watts of electricity. A very quiet fan blows the mist into the room.

The follow ing companies of fer free-standing humidifiers: Essick Air, 800-547-3888, w w w.essickair.com; Holmes, 800-546-5637, www.holmesproducts.com; Hunter Fan, 800-448-6837, www.hunterfan.com; Kaz, 800-4770457, www.kaz.com; and Lasko Products, 800-233-0268, www.laskoproducts.com.

Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to: James Dulley, Colorado Country Life, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

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F or more information on humidifers, visit www. coloradocountrylife.coop and click on Energy Tips.

DECEMBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 25

MARKETPLACE

CALL US NOW

303-902-

7276

PROMOTE YOUR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES in the February issue of Colorado Country Life.

All Coloradans are students. Many will want to learn from you once they know your specialty. Is your specialty a particular topic or field of study?

An especially successful teaching method?

Is your student body particularly adept at developing its own successful beginnings? Share the good news!

Advertising Deadline: December 23 Contact Kris at 393-902-7276 or email advertising@coloradocountrylife.org

26 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

Merry Christmas from all of us at Colorado Country Life & Colorado Rural Electric Association

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MARKETPLACE

2011 Colorado Legislative Directory

With so many new faces serving in Colorado’s General Assembly, you’ll want a copy of this annual guide to legislators.

Order copies for your organization today.

Call 303-455-4111 Be ready when Colorado’s General Assembly opens its 2011 session in January.

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DECEMBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 27

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 with a credit card. Send your ad to: Mail: Colorado Country Life

5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 Email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

ANTIQUES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-5470723. chaanita@aculink.net.

(858-10-11)

EARN A LITTLE OR A LOT! We can help you achieve your goals. www.GreatDayProfits. com. (924-01-11)

COMPLETE RESTORATION of antique woodburning stoves.

Some parts available. Free estimates. 719-924-9192.

(874-12-10) GRANDMA’S CLOCK QUIT? Expert repair of spring and weight driven clocks. Berthoud, 970-532-3022 Email: four burros@aol.com. (126-12-10)

ANTLERS ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers.

Wholesale, as much as 60% off store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including giant 5’ moose mount! 970-627-3053. (10502-11)

BOOKS LET US PUBLISH your book!

We can take your manuscript, design a cover, edit and format it, and print it. Check us out.

Personalized service is our specialty. 719-749-2126. www.peakvistapress.com (933-03-11)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)

AVON sells — you earn money.

Generous profits. Flexible hours. $10 start up. ISR. 719-550-0242. (133-12-10) BEGIN YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Mia Bella Candles/Gifts/ Beauty. Try the best! www. naturesbest.scent-team.com.

Free weekly drawing. Great income potential. (831-01-11)

K-LAWN — LAWN FERTILIZING business opportunity. Parttime seasonal work. Be your own boss. NOT a franchise.

It’s YOUR business! Training by turf professionals. Superior quality products. Protected territory. Low startup costs. www.k-lawn.com. 800-4459116 (914-03-11) LEARN HOW YOU CAN work at home mailing postcards in your spare time. Dept. 7507, www.easymoneyathome.com/ 500aday, 800-242-0363 Ext. 1405 (911-12-10) LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales. No investment. No risk. Training/ website provided. Weekly/ monthly income plus bonuses and benefits. Call Carrie at 303-579-4207 or fill out form at www.workathomeunited.com/ ourabundance (932-03-11) PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School homestudy course. Tools included.

Call for info. 800-497-9793.

(158-01-11)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS 1985 CADILLAC ELDORADO Barritz Conv., mint condition, collector’s dream, $15K, 970-522-4600 (899-02-11) 1995-2010 — SUBARUS, Foresters, Outbacks, Imprezas, WRXs and Tribecas! Great Prices! One-Year Warranty!

Dealer: 719-510-2212 or 303870-2212. (574-02-11)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS

FOR SALE

HOBBIES & CRAFTS

2005 40 FT. ALFA GOLD motorhome, diesel, loaded, 2 slides, non-smokers, new $400K, now $145K, 970-5224600 (899-02-11)

RX – SAVE 50-90% on monthly meds! Hundreds of brand name and generics from licensed pharmacy partners shipped to your door. 90/180 day supply. Prescriptions required. Advair – Symbicort – Zyprexa – Abilify – Risperdal – Lantus – Humalog – Plavix – Actos – Nexium – Lexapro – Crestor – Lipitor – Alphagan – Xalatan – Timolol – many more! Call 800-288-9526 for free info today. (886-12-10)

SPINNING, WEAVING, KNITTING, crochet, felting, dyeing, books, patterns, classes. Table Rock Llamas Fiber Arts Studio, 6520 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908, 866-4957747. (791-03-11)

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Call Robert 970-2477729. (109-03-11)

DIET FOOD DISCOUNT DIET FOOD. Highest quality, lowest prices. Our plan or yours. Diethighprotein. com. (763-06-11)

EDUCATION IS YOUR STUDENT INTERESTED in a variety of topics? Buy a book about the Wild West. Now on sale for $25. Colorado’s Rodeo Roots to Modern-Day Cowboys. Call 303-455-4111 to order yours today.

FARM 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.saw millexchange.com. (267-03-11)

FINANCIAL SERVICES TIRED OF STOCK MARKET volatility? Low rates of return on your CD’s? Now you can earn 8% guaranteed with no risk to your principal, ever, as well as tax-deferred growth, guaranteed lifetime income, and liberal withdrawal benefits.

For more information, please contact Thad Scholl at Town & Country Insurance at 877-8873131 or thad.scholl@gmail.com.

(851-01-11)

FOR SALE HEAVY DUTY CATTLEPENS. Portable or Permanent; 32x45 working pen w/ 16’ crowding tub, $3,015. Call Kenneth 580-876-3699, www.cccattle equipment.com. (882-12-10)

WORK CLOTHES – good clean rental type, 6 pants and 6 shirts $44.95. Lined work jackets $10.95. Denim Jeans $6.00. Call 1-800-233-1853. www.usedworkclothing.com.

100% satisfaction guaranteed.

(610-04-11)

FREE 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.

(814-12-10)

HEALTH LONG TERM CARE free shoppers guide, 303-898-9121, 866-499-7076, Ext. 150, watts. david@planadvisorsllc.com (915-12-10) PROTECT YOUR SKIN and health from harmful chemicals.

MIESSENCE certified organic products. www.organicvision. mionegroup.com 719-380-7873.

(133-12-10)

MISCELLANEOUS PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, slides or photos on DVD. 888609-9778 or www.transferguy. com. (465-12-10)

PETS COLORADO CATNIP TOYS specializes in handmade organic catnip toys. Great selection of handmade washable cat blankets. www.coloradocatniptoys. etsy.com. (931-12-10)

REAL ESTATE 35-ACRE PARCELS, overlooking North Sterling Reservoir, ideal for custom home, exc. hunting, 970-522-4600. (899-02-11) LAND WANTED — large land buyer looking to purchase 500-20,000 acres in Colorado. Will consider bail outs, foreclosures, joint ventures, condo/commercial projects.

Will close quickly. Call Joe @ Red Creek Land 719-543-6663.

(648-02-11) WINTER PARK AREA. Unbelievable horse property. 12-stall barn, foaling apartment, 2400 sq. ft. home, 10 fenced acres. Ride to national forest. $777,000. OWNER FINANCING. www.gingeryinfo.com, 970-5315050 (934-03-11)

RELIGION

HELP WANTED $400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, PO Box 450, New Britain, CT 060500450.

HOBBIES & CRAFTS AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING — reasonable rates, quick turnaround. Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-02-11)

BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 207, 7549 W Cactus, #104, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination. org. (441-06-11)

SPECIAL SERVICES CHIMNEY CLEANING. Gas, wood, and pellet stove installations/service. Factory trained.

Serving Custer and Fremont County. 719-942-3880 (92902-11)

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Read classified ads at countrylife.coop.

Click on Classifieds.

28 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

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SPECIAL SERVICES

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

LAKE OR POND? Aeration is your 1st step toward improved water quality. Complete systems $199 to $369!! Waterfall? 7,000 gph super Hi-Efficiency waterfall pump, just 3 amps! $399.99! wwwfishpondaerator.com, 608254-2735. (879-12-10)

NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com. (817-12-10)

WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-02-11)

OLD COLO. LIVESTOCK Brand Books prior to 1950. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-03-11)

WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337. (227-09-11)

TICKETS

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.

(519-11-11)

WE PAY CASH FOR minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122.

(227-09-11)

NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available.

Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888637-7633) or www.NFR-Rodeo. com. *BBB Member; Since 1990.

(912-11-11)

VACATION RENTAL KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makanacrest.com; kauaiweddings. com. (756-05-11)

WANTED TO BUY I WILL BUY YOUR German daggers, helmets and other military items.

Don Simmons, PO Box 4734, Springfield, MO 65808, 417-8815645. DSimmons@corpranet.net.

(470-12-10)

OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com. (87012-10) OLD TRACTORS that don’t run.

Jerry Browne, 2707 Weld Co. Rd. 19, Fort Lupton, CO 80621. 303-6597026. (220-04-11)

WEDDINGS DO YOU WANT TO CREATE a magical, romantic, unforgettable wedding on the beach? The NEW Beach Wedding Planning Guide and Workbook shows you how.

Download now at www.Beach WeddingMagic.com. (12-11)

On sale for $25. (includes shipping)

Call 303-455-4111 WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Santa, even though several of her more worldly classmates at her elementary school tried to convince her that Santa wasn’t real. Not wanting to believe them, but with some doubt, she sat down to write her Christmas letter to Santa Claus.

Telling Santa that she thought she’d been a good girl, hopeful that her name was on the good list, she asked for a small sewing machine for Christmas. She signed her name and added a postscript designed to learn whether or not her classmates were right: “P.S. If you are real, please sign and return this letter to me.”

The letter was returned in the mail a few days later with Santa’s signature in bright red ink. Question answered.

Aubrey Holderness, Moab, Utah

It was bedtime for 4-year-old Jeremy and his Call Kris at 303-902-7276 and advertise in Colorado Country Life.

What to get the cowboy in you life?

Buy a him book about the Wild West.

My young granddaughter has always believed in

little sister on Christmas Eve. As they put on their pajamas and were about to crawl into bed, Jeremy said, “Mom, I don’t want to go to bed. “ “Why?” I asked. “‘Cause Santa will be tired and might need some help unloading his sleigh,” Jeremy replied.

With a smile, I agreed and told him he was very thoughtful.

So, with blanket and pillow, Jeremy waited for Santa in the living room recliner. It was only a little after 8 p.m. when he had fell. When we woke up, it was Christmas morning and Santa had managed to get a red wagon for Jeremy under the tree.

Jeremy was disappointed that he hadn’t seen or helped Santa, but he was happy the wagon was there for him.

Susie Young, Coaldale

Our 7-year-old nephew Hunter became obsessed with huskies after caring for one with two different color eyes that showed up on his doorstep. He was devastated when the dog was claimed.

One afternoon his mother came home from a day of substitute teaching and told Hunter about a boy in her class that day who had one blue eye and one green eye.

Hunter, in wide-eyed amazement, replied, “Mom, you better take a picture of him, he might be part husky.”

LaNette Shipley, Pueblo West 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. Ruth Dalhberg, a member of La Plata Electric Association, is this year’s winner. Send your 2011 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 or email them to funnystories@coloradocountry life.org.

DECEMBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 29

Love Your Lips

W Adorable Snowoolies

N

ot much more needs be said: They are simply as cute as their name. Handmade by Golden resident Julie Hicks, each Snowoolie ornament is made with natural wool and can resemble a flurry of personalities: a Rockies player, a hunter, a bird watcher or one of many other designs. You’ll find them for sale at craft shows throughout the state during the year or contact Julie at 303-519-5596 or snowoolies@aol.com.

hen the cold months come, lips dry and crack. Mad Gab’s Wildly Natural Bodycare products offer a solution for this winter woe: lip-nourishing balms that are not only cute, but also environment-friendly. Find Mad Gab’s products in many Colorado stores or online at w w w. madgabs.com.

Stir in Some Sweetness

H

ot cocoa on a cold day will always be delicious, but Hammond’s Stir Sticks can make it exciting. Flavors include peppermint and hot cinnamon candies that melt into your hot chocolate as you stir, giving it a spicy twist. Hammond’s Stir Sticks are available at www. hammondscandies.com.

Tantalizing Toffees

N

eed the perfect stocking stuffer? Try Vern’s Toffee. Vern’s world-famous butter almond confection is handmade the old-fashioned way. Using their own secret recipe, the candy makers at this family-owned shop have been crafting toffee since 1976. Visit Vern’s Toffee House in Fort Collins or www.vernstoffee.com.

SURE TO SECURE

W

ordlock combination locks have made remembering your combination easier by using letters instead of numbers. Each Wordlock lock spells up to 10,000 possible four-letter words. Bike locks, padlocks, and luggage locks are all available from Wordlock at many major retailers and online at www.wordlock.com.

ENTER TO WIN

e

E nter our December contest and win a Christmas stocking filled with the December Discoveries and other wonderful surprises.

Visit our website at www.coloradocountry life.coop and click on Contests. Deadline is December 15. We will also be giving away Christmas gifts and more on Facebook during December. You’ll find us at www.face book.com/COCountryLife.

RIP AROUND YOUR WORKSPACE WITH A MOTORMOUSE

T

his Christmas, how about buying someone special that sports car they’ve always wanted? A Motormouse sports car, that is. It’s just like your regular computer mouse, with an ergonomic design and 2.4 GHz USB receiver, except that it looks like a perfectly detailed, miniaturized sports car. Motormouse even has rubber wheels and an opening trunk where you can store batteries. Shop for Motormouse online at http://motormouse.us.com.

30 Colorado Country Life DECEMBER 2010

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DECEMBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 31