50+Living JANUARY 2020

50+Living of Western NC

Cocktail Appetizers

New Year’s Money Resolutions

Better Sleep Right Now

50pluslivingWNC.com

January 2020

Happy New Year from

50+Living of Western NC

When Love Gets Tough Making the Decision

Everyone vows they will never put their loved one in a nursing home. We all hope we can keep that promise, and that our lives may be enriched for many years.

But the reality is that age and decline often take their toll, leaving us unable to manage alone, and placing an overwhelming burden on our extended family and friends to help us get through the day. It is then that we must decide who we can trust to help us care for our beloved.

You’ll find that when your loved one comes to live at Flesher’s Fairview Health & Retirement Center, your family becomes our family, carrying on our family tradition of a family serving families for over three decades. That’s the true spirit of mountain living!

• The only family owned facility in Buncombe County operating for over 50 years.

• The third generation of RNs and administrators now dedicate themselves full time to continuing the tradition of excellence.

• Offering short- and long-term care for Skilled Nursing Care, Assisted Living and Respite Cars.

• On-site physical, occupational and speech therapy.

• Ideally located between Asheville and Hendersonville minutes from WNC’s finest hospital systems.

• On-site services provided: Psychiatric, Dental, Optometry, Podiatry, Dietitian and Wound Care Services.

• All inclusive rate includes: laundry, cable, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, activities and outings, three nutritious meals a day and snacks, 24-hour nursing services, and medical and incontinent supplies (small fee for transportation and barber/beauty services).

• Group activity outings: Cherokee Casino, fishing, baseball games, County Fair, circus, movies, shopping, zoos, Parkway rides and picnics.

• A Medical Team of geriatric and family practice physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who take personal interest in each resident and make routine weekly on-site visits and are on call 24 hours a day.

A Family Serving Families since 1964 3016 Cane Creek Road Fairview, NC

828-628-2800

www.fleshers.net 2 | 50+ Living | January 2020

Cocktail Appetizers Three Simple Recipes that Go Great with Drinks

I

t’s late afternoon . . . the end of the working day is in sight, and with it comes that magical respite—cocktail hour. Who doesn’t look forward to taking a break at the end of a hard day, before taking on the evening chores of getting dinner ready, cleaning up, and preparing to do it all again the next day? Cocktail time is a welcome reward that eases the transition from day to night. Mix your favorite libation, pull up a comfy chair, and sigh with relief. All that’s missing is that little nibble to take the edge off your hunger and to keep that cocktail from doing the mambo in your empty stomach.

It’s true. It’s not just the booze that makes cocktail hour so special–it’s the delicious little bits of this or that you set out to tempt the palate and complement your beverage that make all the difference. Why settle for a handful of chips when you can serve up an irresistible, yet easy-to-make cocktail-time treat? Here are three simple recipes to get you started.

Shortcut Warm Nuts At the end of a long day, who has the time or patience to fire up the oven and painstaking watch raw nuts brown?

Not you! Here’s a quick version that lends itself to endless variations: it’s more a method than a recipe per say.

Ingredients 2 cups of your favorite roasted nuts, salted or unsalted (cocktail peanuts, mixed nuts, cashews) 2 teaspoons butter or olive oil ¾ teaspoon of one flavoring: choose chopped dried rosemary, chili-lime seasoning, coarsely ground black pepper, or Worcestershire sauce

Directions Place nuts and butter in microwave-safe pie plate.

Microwave 20-30 seconds, remove and stir to coat nuts evenly with melted butter or olive oil.

Microwave 20-30 seconds more, or until hot.

Remove from microwave, stir in optional seasoning, cover with a paper towel and wait one minute.

Serves four. continued on page 5 January 2020 | 50+ Living | 3

50+Living of Western NC

CONTENTS 3

7 8

Cocktail Appetizers: Three Simple Recipes Ways to Get Better Sleep Right Now Tips to Keep for New Year’s to Lose Weight

10 Taylor’d with Style

Swirl it In

4 | 50+ Living | January 2019

13 Venice, Italy’s Carnival

22 Prepare for Surgery or

16 Alternative New Year’s

24 Whoo . . . Are You?

of Masks & Costumes Money Resolutions

a Hospital Stay

Gina Trippi

18 How Owning a Pet Can Ease Depression

20 Sandy’s Food for Thought

50pluslivingWNC.com

Warming Winter Foods

Welcome January & Hello Winter!

Bacon Crackers Bacon isn’t just for breakfast! This tidbit is a throwback to the 1950s, when folks elevated cocktails and the cocktail hour to an art form. You can make ahead up to the point of broiling. If making ahead, refrigerate wrapped for up to 24 hours, covered. The bacon must be thinly sliced.

Ingredients 10 soda crackers with unsalted tops 5 strips thinly sliced bacon, cut in half

Directions Preheat broiler (toaster oven is fine), if preparing immediately.

Wrap each cracker with half-strip bacon. Tuck in the ends of the strips.

Broil two inches from heat until brown, flip and broil the second side until brown. (about two minutes each side—but watch carefully throughout) Drain briefly and serve hot.

Serves two.

Olive Puffs This recipe makes enough for a crowd when entertaining.

Ingredients 1 small tube refrigerated crescent roll dough ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or 1 small (4 ounces) block cream cheese, softened

½ cup finely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives Dash hot sauce

Directions Preheat oven to 350F. Shape crescent dough into two squares.

Combine cheese, olives, and hot sauce.

Drop 1 tablespoonsized dollops onto one square, leaving approximately ½” between dollops.

Cover with second square of dough, pressing lightly to seal.

Cut into individual pieces, and shape into balls.

Place on ungreased baking sheets, about 1” apart.

Bake until lightly brown, about 10-12 minutes.

Cool briefly, and serve.

Yield: About 32 puffs.

With these cocktail appetizers as part of your repertoire, you need never settle for bagged snacks again. Treat yourself and your friends to the one or more of these recipes—and toast your good fortune. Ee January 2020 | 50+ Living | 5

Change Your View Not Your Lifestyle Ardenwoods Retirement Community offers an incredible variety of on-site amenities and activities including:

• Chef-prepared dining • Fitness center • Indoor pool • Library • Salon and spa • Gardening • Nature trails • Art studio and more!

50+Living of Western NC

PUBLISHER / OWNER Al Sheppard asheppard@rewnc.com MANAGING EDITOR Tammy Sheppard tsheppard@rewnc.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JeanAnn Taylor jeananntaylor@rewnc.com ART DIRECTOR Kimberly P. Anderson WEB DESIGN Alphie Hyorth FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Independent and Assisted Living. Your Choices, Our Priorities. www.ArdenwoodsRetire.com | (828) 209-8662

Quality Patient-Centered Dental Care Whatever dentistry you’re in need of, you’ll feel comfortable with Dr. Zachary S. Holcombe, and his team.

Being “patient-centered” means that your positive experience, in every detail, is our primary concern.

Our team offers a wide variety of services and procedures to accomodate all your dental wants and needs.

• DIAGNOSTIC & PREVENTATIVE • COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Holcombe is a native of Greenville, NC who attended North Carolina State University for undergraduate studies before earning his DMD from East Carolina University. He is married to his wife Amy and they have one child. When not practicing dentistry he enjoys spending time out doors with his friends and family.

• DENTAL IMPLANTS • PROSTHODONTICS • PERIODONTICS • ORAL SURGERY

New Smiles are Always Welcome!

ParkSouth office complex, Suite B-2, 1944 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803

(828) 684-3839

Zachary S. Holcombe, D.M.D.

www.DentalAsheville.com 6 | 50+ Living | January 2020

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Mike Demos 828.273.0098 mikedemos@aol.com Trish Luzzi 828. 423.0248 wnccreations@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Meader Leibinger Sandy McCall Dave Werle, CFP®, CSRIC™ High Five Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 8683 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.279.5962 All advertising published in 50+Living of Western NC is believed to be truthful and accurate. However High Five Enterprises, Inc. assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in 50+Living of Western North Carolina.

Any reference made to High Five Enterprises, Inc. is not to be construed as making any representation, warranty or guarantee concerning the information on properties advertised in 50+Living of Western NC. The content of all ads contained herein are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. The opinions and statements contained in advertising or elsewhere in this publication are those of the authors of such opinions and are not necessarily those of High Five Enterprises, Inc. High Five Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising submitted to this publication.

P

6 Ways to Get Better Sleep Right Now

oor sleep quality is linked to everything from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease.

However, sometimes people feel profoundly frustrated by insomnia or restlessness, wondering where they’re going wrong. These six tips are sure to help you get a better night’s sleep, boosting your health and helping you to feel rejuvenated.

Change the setup of the room You might not realize just how many subtle things influence your sleep quality. In particular, experts recommend that you keep the temperature of your bedroom between 64.4 and 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also smart to fit thick blackout curtains that keep out any light from the street, and to try wearing earplugs if you don’t have double-glazed windows or find yourself easily disturbed by sounds from outside.

Avoid naps during the day An early evening nap can seem appealing, especially if you’ve retired and the day is now your own. However, anyone who is struggling to sleep at night should eliminate naps to see if this small change influences insomnia. If you absolutely need a nap, try to restrict it to the afternoon.

Cut out late night meals and snacks If you eat heavier foods later in the day, your body may still be working to digest them when you’re trying to fall asleep, and this process can keep you awake long after your bedtime. In addition, if you suffer from acid reflux, then both spicy and acidic foods should be removed from your evening diet.

Invest in a good bed Both the mattress and the bed frame matter when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Even if you don’t feel sore when you’re lying in bed, your bed may not be conducive to full relaxation. However, there’s no one bed that suits everyone, so seek advice when making a new purchase. Pillows are also important, so experiment with degrees of firmness and different types of materials.

Try relaxing sleep rituals Whether you feel happy and loose-limbed after a hot bath, enjoy reading a novel, or practice meditation, try to spend at least 40 minutes winding down before you try to sleep. Many are tempted to watch television as a way to relax, but looking at a bright screen can trick your brain into thinking it is still daytime, leading to a lack of appropriate melatonin production.

There is some evidence that designing a predictable ritual that you always follow before bed may promote a more restful sleep.

Maintain regular bedtimes Wherever possible, go to bed at the same time each night so that your body naturally knows when it can expect to go into “resting” mode. If you have to make a change to your bedtime for some reason (such as work or family commitments), gradually approach that change by adjusting your bedtime by just 15 minutes per night.

Finally, it’s worth noting that underlying health problems are sometimes the cause of sleep difficulties. If incorporating the above tips doesn’t help to provide you with restful sleeps, talk to your doctor about any illnesses or medications that could be playing a role. Ee

The perfect gift for your little ballerina!

Read the story of Lily, an endearing little girl who’s passion for spinning gets her into trouble until she learns to spin like a ballerina.

Available at

A Walk in the Woods 423 Main Street, Hendersonville The Sock Basket, 99 Edgewood Rd, Suite A, Asheville

and online at gratefulsteps.org

Written by local author, JeanAnn Taylor

For more information on book signing events, please call 828-989-2651 January 2020 | 50+ Living | 7

Quantify exercise goals too. Instead of a nonspecific goal like “exercise more,” make a goal to walk for 30 minutes, three times per week.

Eat a healthy breakfast every day.

Eating breakfast can improve your metabolism and make you less hungry for unhealthy foods.

10

Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution to Lose Weight

A

pproximately 38 percent of Americans will make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight this year. If you’re one of them, you may be wondering how you can achieve your weight loss goals. Try these ten tips to lose weight in 2017.

Don’t fall for fad diets. Very restrictive diets don’t work in the long run because they don’t supply the nutrients your body needs. Instead, pledge to live a healthier lifestyle.

Make specific weight-loss goals. For example, instead of vaguely resolving to get thin, make a realistic and quantifiable goal to lose ten pounds in the next three months.

The Leading Eye Care Provider in Western North Carolina As one of the leading eye care centers in North Carolina, Asheville Eye Associates has provided expert eye care to the people of Western North Carolina for over 55 years.

Trust our experts with all of your vision care needs!

828.258.1586 | 800.531.EYES (3937) Ashevilleeye.com Locations in Asheville, Arden, Hendersonville, Sylva, & Franklin 8 | 50+ Living | January 2020

Eat foods high in fiber. Fiber helps you feel full. Healthy, high-fiber foods include apples, bananas, carrots, broccoli, nuts, whole-grain bread, and beans.

Drink enough water. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking two cups of water before a meal can help you lose weight.

Combine healthy eating with exercise.

Exercise is important for boosting metabolism and keeping the weight off.

Make yourself accountable for your resolution. Enlist a friend to be your weight-loss buddy, or post your goal on social media. People who make their goals public feel accountable to others as well as themselves.

Don’t just celebrate when you reach your goal—celebrate along the way too.

For example, treat yourself to a luxurious bubble bath when you have reached half or one-third of your goal. Celebrate that you are on your way to getting healthier, and you’ll stay motivated to keep your resolution.

Understand that it takes time for healthy choices to become a habit. You will have to keep at it for at least two months before a healthy lifestyle becomes routine.

Don’t tether yourself to the scale.

There’s no need to weigh yourself daily.

Weekly weigh-ins will help encourage you.

By making the resolution to lose weight, you are ten times more likely to reach your goal than those who do not make a resolution. Stick to your plan for a healthy lifestyle, and you could weigh a lot less by this time next year. Ee

s n e h p Ste DRAPERIES UPHOLSTERING CO.

Serving Asheville Over 60 Years Largest Selections of Fabrics OPENINGS FOR QUALIFIED UPHOLSTERERS

828-645-3422

220 Weaverville Road

stephensupholstery.com

It’s no surprise to us.

Discover

FRIENDSHIP PARK at Givens Estates Find out about pre-build pricing for a new senior living neighborhood – that’s as unique as you are.

Who would have thought – 50 years later and you’d still enjoy Bazooka in the park?

2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803 (828) 585-6431 • LiveAtFriendshipPark.com January 2020 | 50+ Living | 9

Taylor’d with Style

I

aSwirl It Inc

By JeanAnn Taylor

n 1999, when the world was predicted to end on New Year’s Eve because of computer glitches, people all over America stocked up on water, canned goods, and other necessary survival items. Me? I thought about what I would miss most of all if I were doomed to die soon and decided to stock up on creams and lotions.

As a young girl, I was infatuated with everything my grandmother did—from baking biscuits to her skill of cutting the skin off an apple in one, long, swirling piece. I spent most of my weekends with her and tried to absorb everything she taught me. Although Crisco or bacon fat were included in many of her recipes, she tried to have a healthy lifestyle and take care of herself. To stay fit, she went for long walks in the late afternoons; to stay limber, she touched her toes every night before she got into bed. She also took pride in her skin care regimen, which included washing her face every morning and night, then applying her “cream.” I can still hear her say, “Just swirl it in.” When she passed at 110-years-old, she still had her soft, glowing complexion.

10 | 50+ Living | January 2020

Skin care is a complex, billion-dollar-plus industry, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive because the two most important elements are simply cleansing and moisturizing. While there are hundreds of products to choose from, the two main considerations are your skin type and the season.

Normal skin is not oily or dry: it maintains a natural moisture balance and is not prone to breakouts. A light, water-based moisturizer is recommended.

Oily skin has overactive oil glands and can look shiny

or greasy. Oily skin is prone to breakouts. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturized! A light, water-based moisturizer that won’t clog your pores is recommended.

Dry skin appears flaky due to its lack of moisture.

An oil-based moisturizer will work best.

Sensitive skin may look dry or red when exposed to

certain ingredients. To avoid reactions, choose products with no added fragrances or dyes.

Combination skin has both oily and dry places on the face. Choose products specifically created for combination skin.

Mature skin deserves extra pampering. An oil-based moisturizer will help skin cells stay hydrated—reducing the appearance of fine lines. Ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C add anti-aging properties.

To begin a skin care regimen, the most important element is clean skin. Washing your face each morning will remove night cream and provide a fresh canvas for day cream and makeup. Cleansing your face each night before bed will wash away sweat, pollution, excess oil, and dead skin cells. It’s called “beauty sleep” because when you sleep, your body heals itself by repairing and rebuilding. Clean skin will allow your night cream to work more effectively.

To properly cleanse your face, first remove all traces of makeup using a makeup remover, or for a natural choice, coconut oil. Wet your face with warm water before applying cleanser. This will help the cleanser glide across your face.

Too-hot water will dry and irritate delicate facial skin.

Massage in a circular, swirly motion. It’s important to use a cleanser specifically made for your face as regular soap is too harsh and may cause dryness and irritation. Gentle exfoliation can also be done each evening. There are many exfoliating products available, but a soft washcloth will do the job. Don’t rub or pull; gently massage your face with the cloth—in a swirly motion. Be sure to use a clean cloth each time or you will be applying bacteria directly onto your skin. Rinse and pat dry. Dead skin cells are dull skin cells. Washing them down the drain will allow new cells to rise to the surface.

A clean face will also make it easier for your skin to absorb the moisturizer.

If you desire, the next step is to apply a toner. The purpose of a toner is to improve the skin’s surface by reducing the size of pores and to balance the pH. Toners also moisturize by acting as humectants which draw moisture into the skin.

The next, and most luxurious step, is to moisturize.

Moisturizers not only feel wonderful, they plump skin cells to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; attract and seal in water; encourage your skin to repair and regenerate; help makeup glide on more easily; and create a protective barrier against the elements of weather and pollution. The choice now is to determine between lotion or cream.

Lotions are lighter because they have a high water-to-oil content. They go on smoothly and absorb quickly. During the day, you may choose an SPF lotion. Lightweight lotions typically require more preservatives to keep bacteria from growing in the water-based product. Creams are thicker than lotions because they have a higher oil-to-water ratio. The higher oil content means that fewer added ingredients are necessary since bacteria cannot grow in the low water-based emollient. Night creams are specially formulated to keep skin hydrated during the hours you are asleep.

It’s best to apply moisturizer to your face while your skin is still damp so that it can seal in the water. To properly apply lotion or cream, dab a bit on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Swirl it in using only your ring finger. This massaging motion will increase blood circulation and encourage absorption without pulling or tugging.

Don’t forget your hands, nails, heels, and toes! WebMD.com recommends using petroleum jelly on your feet for an intense softening session. Simply rub the jelly along the bottom of your feet and in between your toes. Slip on a pair of socks and let the jelly go to work. You can also apply thick jelly or cream to your hands before putting on your gardening gloves; you’ll get a beauty treatment while you pull weeds. Nails need moisture too. Brittle nail syndrome can be avoided by simply pushing a little moisturizer into your cuticles each time you apply hand lotion.

With each new season, you may find that you need to assess your cleansing and moisturizing needs. In the winter, you may enjoy using a heavier cream, while during the summer, a lighter lotion will do. The seasons of your life will also dictate which type of skin care works best. Age, pregnancy, and menopause all impact the integrity of your skin.

With the exception of sunscreen, most creams and lotions don’t have expiration dates. They do however have a shelf life for optimum results. The New Year is the perfect time to check and toss out anything that is old or has expired. As you clean out your skin care products, you may also clean out your makeup shelf or drawer, and wash your makeup bag. Skin care products can be messy! Keeping your space and products clean will help keep bacteria from growing and spreading onto your face.

All this modern, scientific information just confirms what my sweet granny instinctively knew all along, “Wash your face and put on your cream—just swirl it in.” Ee

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor jeananntaylor@rewnc.com January 2020 | 50+ Living | 11

ADVERTORIAL

addition to quarterly themed events that include their own bucket list. live entertainment, andevents fun forthat residents, What also drew Bill and Jennifer to the addition to quarterlyfood themed include their own bucket list. theirentertainment, families and friends. community theBill safety security. live food and fun for residents, What alsowas drew and and Jennifer to the recalled, have to say Bond 007 was a Harmony of����������������� theirBill families and “I’d friends. community was the safety and security. top favorite themed event the 007 appearance care providing Independent Living, Assisted Bill and his wife Jennifer moved to Ashville sayalso Bond was a Harmony of����������������� Bill recalled, “I’d have tobut by our very own Bradshaw Call, Life Enrichment Living and Secured Assisted Living (Memory to take a position as Executive Director with the top favorite themed event but also the appearance care providing Independent Living, Assisted Bill and his wife Jennifer moved to Ashville Director, JuliaBradshaw Child on Call, New Life Year’s Eve. That Care) options for residents their needs change. by YMCA continued to work Director after retirement our veryasown Enrichment Living and Secured AssistedasLiving (Memory to take aand position as Executive with the guy is amazing. keeps us entertained.

Anoptions important of as lifetheir for Bill and as a consultant for the National YMCA as Julia He Child on New Year’s Eve.Never That Care) for aspect residents needs change. Director, YMCA and continued to work after retirement a dull moment.”He keeps us entertained. Never Organization.

Jennifer is the socialization. team guy is amazing.

An important aspect of life“The for Bill andhere as a consultant for the National YMCA If moment.” you are looking for a social and helped us the importance social “We built a home in Asheville in the Blue a dull Jennifer is realize the socialization.

“Theofteam here Organization. maintenance free lifestyle, follow Bill and activities.

There the is something Ridge because we loved it so.Blue But the helped If you are looking for a social and us realize importancefor ofeveryone. social “WeMountains built a home in Asheville in the Jennifer to Harmony at Reynolds Mountain.

It’s encouraging to see others step out of their home became too much to care for.

We watched maintenance free lifestyle, follow Bill and Ridge Mountains because we loved it so. But the activities. There is something for everyone. comfort zones and get others involved. also as Harmony Reynolds being Jennifer to Harmony at Reynolds Mountain.

It’s encouraging to see step Iout ofenjoy their home becameattoo much toMountain care for. was We watched engagingzones conversations and learning built from theatground up.Mountain We chosewas to make comfort and get involved.

I alsothe enjoy as Harmony Reynolds beingthe backgrounds of my neighbors,” said the Bill. move here the 2 ½ground years ago we were still the able engaging conversations and learning built from up. while We chose to make to make our2 own decisions,” said Harmony of provides a Life Enrichment my neighbors,” said Bill. program move here ½ years ago while weBill. were still able backgrounds of Harmony activities to meet the physical, emotional, At Harmony Reynolds Mountain to make our ownatdecisions,” said Bill. their provides a Life Enrichment program social, intellectual, and emotional, leisure needs of mission is to provide a true independent of activities to meet spiritual, the physical, At Harmony at Reynolds Mountain their all residents.

It hasspiritual, been proven that socialization retirement atmosphere residents to social, intellectual, and leisure needs of mission is to provide a that true allows independent forresidents. seniors improves physical and mental health. enjoy a maintenance Residents all It has been proven that socialization retirement atmospherefree thatlifestyle. allows residents to Harmony events throughout the month in have freedom to come and go and pursue for seniorsoffers improves physical and mental health. enjoythe a maintenance free lifestyle.

Residents Harmony offers events throughout the month in have the freedom to come and go and pursue

Meet Bill!

Meet Bill!

I N D E PE N D E N T L IVI N G | A S S I ST E D L IVI N G | S ECU R E D A S S I ST E D L IVI N G I N D E PE N D E N T L IVI N G | A S S I ST E D L IVI N G | S ECU R E D A S S I ST E D L IVI N G 41 Cobblers Way | Asheville | 828.575.0627 | HarmonyAtReynoldsMountain.com 41 Cobblers Way | Asheville | 828.575.0627 | HarmonyAtReynoldsMountain.com

12 | 50+ Living | January 2020

Venice, Italy’s Carnival of Masks & Costumes

Photo by Diane Leibinger

S

By Diane Meader Leibinger

tepping outside my canal-facing hotel, I have never before experienced such a kaleidoscope of glamor. I am immediately swept into a swirling atmosphere of opulent costumes, gowns, towering wigs, and colorful masks. It is a magical visual feast of color, elegance, and mystery that transforms the city of Venice, Italy during Carnival.

The Carnival of Venice is one of the most beautiful and centuries-old traditional festivals celebrated. It is famous for its stunning masks and costumes. The custom of wearing masks allow the people of Venice and participating visitors to adopt a different persona for a short time each year as they endlessly stroll the streets and dance at the various formal balls held throughout the city. The annual festival takes place during the ten days leading up to the Christian day of fasting: Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, Carnival is the last all-out binge before good Catholics give up all things extravagant for Lent.

Carnival is a pre-Lent festival and means `farewell to meat` According to the earliest records, the Venice Carnival was first held in Venice in the 11th century and consisted of over two months of revelry, until it fell into decline during the

18th century. It was revived in 1979, with great success, with live music in the main squares of the city and various events organized by the tourist board where everyone can join in. It is a unique opportunity to dress up in a sumptuous costume and mask and parade the streets. Now each year approximately three million visitors watch or join in the festivities, masked balls, and parties all over Venice.

These masks are a centuries-old tradition of Venice, Italy.

The masks are typically worn during the Venice Carnival, but have been used on many other occasions in the past. They were usually worn as a device for hiding the wearer’s identity and social status and this tradition continues today. Venetian masks are characterized by their ornate design, using intricate continued on page 14 January 2020 | 50+ Living | 13

Photo by Diane Leibinger

decorations, bright colors along with gold and silver. They can be full-face or eye masks.

On every corner you will find small stands or gift shops selling mass produced masks for a few dollars. Rather than buy these, for a truly unique gift to bring home (and wear while in Venice) my suggestion is head into the center of the city and look for the antique workshops or ateliers of a real Venetian artisan who still follows the ancient art of carefully handcrafting masks out of papier-mâché and decorating with satin ribbons.

These shops are mini-museums of mask masterpieces and the owners are friendly and delighted to answer any questions about their artwork. It is visiting one of these mask shops that will offer you many happy memories.

Many of the costumes are historical focused and are similar to the attire of the Venetian noblemen and women of the past. Requiring many hours of handwork, they are excessively adorned with ribbons, jewels(fake), brocade all with an enormous amount of detail. Many couples and families will be wearing matching or similar colors and patterns to coordinate with each other. The more expensive Venice carnival costumes may cost around $1600 and the masks $20-$60.

Although some of the balls are by invitation only, there are also many offered by the hotels as well. To attend one, a costume and mask is required. There is plenty of choice from a formal ball with dinner and performances; after dinner parties that are part of a formal ball; to a late afternoon cocktail or chocolate event.

Take a trip on a gondola to slowly experience and photograph from a different aspect of Venice. Visit Basilica and 14 | 50+ Living | January 2020

Photo by Diane Leibinger

St. Mark’s Square, the colorful markets around the Ponte di Rialto. There are plenty of cafés with terraces along the Grand Canal to watch the world parade by.

On Tuesdays take the ferry over to the fishing island of Burano. Many of the Venice carnival professionally adorned participants who come every year spend the day walking around this tiny village in their beautiful costumes and masks.

It is a quiet and less hectic way to enjoy the beauty of their attire and also browse through a number of lovely shops with locally made handicraft items and glass jewelry.

My seven day adventure was spent ambling along narrow calli (streets) and squares or riding in gondolas photographing the sumptuous costumes and masks against the city’s ancient architecture and canals. It turned out to be one of the most amazing photography opportunities I have ever experienced!

Taking place in Venice in February, the dates are slightly different each year, corresponding with approximately two weeks before Ash Wednesday. Be sure to check this year’s exact dates before making any bookings. As this is such a popular event, be sure to book early for hotel and formal balls you wish to attend.

This is one time when everyone is very open to posing for a photograph. They especially appreciate it if you are able to later email them a copy-so be sure to ask for a business card (most of them will have business cards and will be happy to give you one).

Most airlines fly into Venice’s Marco Polo airport. Rather than the tourist water bus, I took a water taxi from the airport to St. Mark’s Square. It is well worth the approximate $40 charge. Both arriving and returning I was lucky enough to have the entire water taxi to myself!

If you do decide to participate in the festivities – costumes to buy or hire will be very expensive in Venice. I met a number of visitors (from US and Germany) who ordered their outfits on-line and brought them in their suitcases. Beware however, they do take up quite a lot of space! Ee

Now is the time to Dream. Travel. Discover.

Diane Meader Leibinger is a freelance travel writer and photographer located in Asheville, NC and Basel, Switzerland. Contact her at diane@dianestravelheart.com Instagram: dianestravelheart dianestravelheart.com

Photo by Jon Shaner

Photo by Diane Leibinger

Unleash Your Backyard Gourmet!

No other outdoor cooker can match the quality and versatility of a Big Green Egg. Grilling Roasting, Baking or Smoking - is truly is The Ultimate Cooking experience!® BigGreenEgg.com COPYRIGHT BIG GREEN EGG INC.

136 Weaver Blvd, Weaverville NC ) 828.645.8811 1888 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC ) 828.676.0047 3340 Boylston Hwy, Mills River NC ) 828.891.4545

812 Merrimon Ave, Asheville NC ) 828.505.3672 10 Westridge Market Pl, Candler NC ) 828.527.6468 January 2020 | 50+ Living | 15

Alternative New Year’s Money Resolutions

I

By Dave Werle, CFP®, CSRIC™

f you have already broken one of your New Year’s resolutions, this article is for you. Give yourself a second chance, a do-over, a mulligan. According to Inc. magazine, approximately 60% of us make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8% of us succeed in keeping them. Sadly, 50% fail by the end of January. The 92-percenters are not lazy losers. We simply make general and somewhat unrealistic resolutions, like eat healthier, exercise more, or get more sleep. These hopeful goals make it onto our resolutions list every year precisely because we’ve been awfully unsuccessful at doing them in years past.

Money resolutions have their unique place in our culture. According to Inc., the fourth most popular New Year’s resolution is to “save more and spend less.” Personal finance related resolutions are made with good intentions, but that one, in particular, is terribly general and would be far too easy to abandon. Given the constant bombardment of advertising messages that you really need to buy this or that thing or you’ll end up sad, ugly, or left out, resisting the temptation to spend can feel like resisting the temptation to breathe. Other common money resolutions are “stick to a budget” and “pay off debts.” How boring! It’s no wonder so many of us fail.

The Spice & Tea Exchange® of Asheville 46 Haywood St., #101 Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 505-7348 16 | 50+ Living | January 2020

I’m a big fan of easy, measurable, and more inspiring resolutions. One broad category of money resolutions to consider is to give more interestingly. For example, make your resolution this year to give a share or two of stock to each one of your kids or grandkids (easy to do with direct stock purchase plans).

Pick out stocks of companies that they would recognize and get excited about. Also, you can try out making a number of gifts to random strangers this year. For example, pay off someone’s layaway bill at Walmart or pay the bill of someone behind you in the fast food drive-through. Anonymous gifts can have a special magic. I also like the idea of committing to a “beer it forward.” One pub I’ve visited allows you to buy a pint of beer for a specific person that you expect to show up in the future.

When the lucky recipient arrives, they see their name on the board as getting a free beer and also see the donor’s name.

That’s very cool, in my opinion.

Another alternative money-related resolution is to invest in something local this year. Make it specific, such as purchasing an annual Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share from a local farmer, feeding yourself and the local economy.

Consider resolving to move your bank accounts to a local credit union that makes low-cost loans to your neighbors.

Resolutions don’t have to be painful!

A more challenging resolution that requires some endurance is to set up a special savings account for one fun goal.

The idea is that you would open an account and fill it with automatic monthly transfers from your regular checking account. Just like with retirement savings, making it automatic is critical. The account would be earmarked for something like a weekend trip to the beach or a hot tub, something fun.

Achieving that goal might blaze the trail for some lasting changes in your financial life, too.

For those of you who need one easy resolution to kickstart your year, consider just checking your free credit report.

It can be done through annualcreditreport.com and is free.

Each of the three credit bureaus allows you one free credit report every twelve months through that website. You could opt to pay for a credit score at the same time, typically for less than $10. You can then scan the credit report for anything unusual or incorrect and dispute any errors immediately online. If you are feeling ambitious about your resolutions, consider making a goal to raise your credit score by 25 points this year. That’s an easily measurable goal, and your credit score report will actually tell you what specific factors are keeping your score below what it could be.

Turning Lives into Legacies.

Need help navigating the later stages of your financial well-being?

We’ll be there for your family even after you’re gone. Contact us to request our comprehensive planning tool.

Email sfginfo@raymondjames.com or call 828.285.8777.

It’s not too late to get started on some resolutions that move you in the right financial direction. Pick something more engaging, fun and rewarding and you’ll probably have a lot more success.

Dave Werle, CFP®, CSRIC™ Financial Planner Starks Financial Group, Inc.

(440 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 // 828-285-8777). Starks Financial Group is not a registered broker/deal, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. This article expresses the opinions of Jennifer L. Adams and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ and CFP® in the U.S.

P L A N N I N G W I T H H E A R T. I N V E S T I N G W I T H P U R P O S E .

starksfinancial.com 828.285.8777 | 877.285.RJFS (7537) 440 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 Starks Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

January 2020 | 50+ Living | 17

How Owning a Pet Can

I

t’s a well-known fact that pets have a positive impact on emotional health. Studies have shown that people who own a pet usually cope with depression better than those who rely on medication alone. Many mental health professionals are now recommending pets to ease depression. Here are some ways they can help.

Ease Depression

Companionship Living with depression can often leave you feeling socially isolated. You likely don’t go out as much anymore or don’t enjoy doing things that you used to love. Spending time with a pet can provide a measure of social companionship, helping you feel less alone in your struggle. Pets can also be a stepping stone to interacting more with people again.

A Sense of Calm Snuggling up with a soft animal provides an almost instant sense of calm. It diverts your attention from your depressed feelings, allowing you to connect with the positive feelings of another living being. And, if you’re allergic to fur or feathers, watching fish has been shown to be therapeutic too.

Unconditional Love Having depression can make a person feel like they are unworthy of love from anyone. Pets will always love you, whether you feel you deserve it or not. To a pet, you are their whole world. This kind of unconditional love can banish feelings of unworthiness, bolstering your self-esteem.

Empathy Added Responsibility For someone who’s feeling depressed, one of the hardest things can be finding the motivation to get up and out of bed every morning. Pets depend on you for all of their needs and for love. Having a pet can provide that needed responsibility to get you up and keep you going.

18 | 50+ Living | January 2020

When you’re depressed, you need to feel that someone understands. Pets can often tell when their owners aren’t feeling well, responding with compassion and comfort. During a particularly bad day, an empathetic pet can do much to lift your spirits.

If you’re battling depression, why not adopt a pet? They can provide the responsibility, companionship, calm, love, and empathy that you need to heal. Ee

Full service agency ...

Are you ready to buy, sell or do you need a property manager?

We specialize in YOU! Call Sandy at 828-273-9755 or email Sandy@SouthernLifeRealty.com “Your Dream, Our Expertise ... Matching People With Property”

Sandy McCall

Broker/Owner

www.SouthernLifeRealty.com

January 2020 | 50+ Living | 19

Sandy’s Food for Thought Warming Foods for the Winter Months

“

By Sandy McCall

There are two casserole-type dishes that are my favorites in the cooler weather: Eggplant Parmesan and Purple Shepherd’s Pie with Brown-Butter Corn. They are also favorites with many of my friends, and often requested for shared and potluck meals. My dear, foodie-friend, Sam Sutker, had a special love for my eggplant parmesan. Every time I made it he would tell me, “This is undoubtedly the best eggplant parmesan you’ve ever made.” I would always thank him and offer a chuckle. Over the years, I made it for him and his wife, Sandi, many times, but recently I was able to joyfully make it for him one last time just before he passed on. This one is for you Sam.

”

Sandy McCall is the Broker/Owner of Southern Life Realty. Email: SandysFoodForThought@gmail.com

Eggplant Parmesan These amounts are estimated for an 8’’ x 10’’ casserole dish. I use organic ingredients. It’s difficult to determine the amounts in this recipe, and you may have to adjust by adding another egg or by making more breading mix.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees 2 medium eggplants 2 cups almond flour, divided (you can substitute with sorghum or wheat flour, but I find that almond flour gives the best flavor and texture) 2 tablespoons dried Herbes De Provence, divided Sea salt & freshly ground pepper 2(+) eggs, beaten 16(+)-oz marinara sauce (homemade or bottled) 1(+) cup grated Parmesan cheese 1(+) cup grated Mozzarella cheese Olive, avocado or melted coconut oil to drizzle In one pie plate, whisk the eggs with a fork. In a second pie plate, combine half of the flour, herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

20 | 50+ Living | January 2020

Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Then drizzle with your favorite oil.

Wash and dry eggplant. With a peeler or knife, peel the skin the long way leaving strips of skin in between the peeled the areas—the zebra look. Slice the eggplant, the short or long way, into slices about 1/2” thick.

After slicing, work quickly to avoid having the eggplant turn brown.

Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, then the flour mixture.

Place onto oiled baking sheet. If you run out of egg or flour mixtures, simply make a little more. When all pieces are breaded and arranged on the baking sheet, drizzle the tops of the eggplant slices with more oil.

Bake the eggplant for 15-20 minutes, remove from oven and flip each piece over. If the pieces are not lightly browned, you can increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the slices are lightly browned.

Lightly oil the casserole dish. Pour a small layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish and spread evenly. Add one layer of eggplant, then add

thin layers each of marinara, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. Continue layering until you have used all of the eggplant (3-5 layers) ending with Mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and casserole is slightly browned around edges.

Remove from oven and allow to sit for about 15 minutes.

Slice into squares to serve.

Purple Shepherd’s Pie with Brown-Butter Corn My shepards pie is not traditional, but it is beautiful on the table and oh-so-good to eat. It’s made with ground turkey, although you can substitute ground beef or chicken. I love the fresh, brown-butter corn layer. The other thing that makes it different is the use of purple or blue potatoes. You can substitute white potatoes if you prefer.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Bottom Layer 1 pound ground turkey, chicken or beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh herbs of your choice or 1 tablespoon Herbes De Provence Salt & pepper to taste In the same skillet where brown-butter corn was made, now add the oil and sautĂŠ the onions; add the garlic.

Push garlic and onions to the edge of pan. Add oil in center of pan if using meat without fat. Add ground meat and cook until slightly browned. Stir garlic and onions back into meat. Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir.

Top Layer 1 pound purple, blue, or white potatoes: unpeeled, trimmed, and chopped 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup coconut or dairy milk Salt & pepper to taste Trim and chop unpeeled potatoes into chunks. Cover with salted water. Boil until tender, drain. Place into a large bowl and add butter. Whip with an immersion blender or hand mixer. Add milk and continue to whip

until smooth and potato skins are completely combined.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Middle Layer 2 ears fresh corn, husked and kernels trimmed from cobs (or canned corn) 2 tablespoons butter, browned While potatoes are cooking, and if you want a one-pan casserole, heat a large cast iron skillet. Melt and cook butter until slightly browned. Add corn kernels, stir and cook slightly. Pour corn into covered bowl while preparing bottom layer.

Assembly Spread meat mixture evenly in the skillet. Add corn layer evenly over meat layer and spread whipped potatoes evenly over the top of corn. Dot potatoes with remaining butter.

Bake for about 30 minutes until slightly browned. Set aside for about 10 minutes before serving.

January 2020 | 50+ Living | 21

How to Really Prepare for Surgery or a Hospital Stay

M

any times a surgery or hospital stay is completely unexpected, and you have no opportunity to make any preparations. However, there are also times when you are lucky enough to have a week or two, or even a month, to really prepare for surgery or a hospital stay.

Of course, your doctor will tell you what you should and should not do before your surgery, such as stop smoking, stop taking certain medications, and avoiding food and beverages after a certain time before your procedure. Those are small details that do a great deal in terms of having a successful outcome from your hospital stay or procedure, but those small things actually do very little in terms of really being prepared.

Here are some things to consider: The electric company still wants to be paid, and honestly, they do not care if you just had surgery. They want their money.

So do the other businesses you owe money to. Get your bills paid in advance, automate the bills, or make sure someone who is willing to help knows what bills are due, when they are due and how and where they are paid.

If you have pets or plants, is there someone who will be able to take care of them? Often, a neighbor will come over to your home to feed your pets and water your plants. If you are married that person can tend to these things.

If you are having a surgery or procedure or if you will be taking certain medications, you will most likely not be able to drive for several weeks. Arrange to have someone who will be able and available to drive you where you need to go after you return home.

22 | 50+ Living | January 2020

Depending on what type of procedure you are having, there may be certain things you will need when you return home. Will you need a wheelchair, a shower chair, a hospital bed, or other medical devices or aids you currently do not have? If so, these things can be rented through medical supply companies.

You may need someone to help care for you and your home for a time after you return home. Most insurance policies will cover at least some of the cost of home health care. You may also have a friend or family member who is willing to come and help you. You will need meals cooked, or you can contact services such as Meals-on-Wheels. You may also need someone to clean your home or tend your lawn while you recover.

Think about whether your home is actually suitable for your recovery. For example, if you live in an upstairs apartment or a two-story home, you may want to go stay with a friend or relative in a residence that does not have stairs.

North Carolina Estate Planning Attorneys Offices in Asheville & Hendersonville Some important goals of any estate plan are to protect assets and minimize tax liability.

It is critical to provide the latest estate planning tools to achieve these objectives.

We were one of first law firms in Western North Carolina to use family limited partnerships (FLPs), limited liability companies (LLCs), and revocable living trusts to protect people’s estate plan. Other ways to protect assets and avoid unnecessary tax liability include: Business succession planning | Medicaid planning for nursing home care |IRA planning Charitable planning |Estate tax and gift tax planning |Asset protection

4000+ TRUSTED CLIENTS | TRUSTS • WILLS • POA 7 QUALIFIED ATTORNEYS | www. strausslaw.com Asheville Office 77 Central Avenue, Suite F | Asheville, NC, 28801 Phone: 828-258-0994 Fax: 828-252-4921

Hendersonville Office 104 N. Washington Street | Hendersonville, NC, 28739 Phone: 828-696-1811 Fax: 828-696-1816

There are risks associated with every surgery. One of those risks is death. Another risk is that you may suffer a stroke.

You need to be prepared for those risks.

Do you have a will and a burial plan? Do you have a living will or directive that will tell doctors and loved ones what you want in terms of life-support and extraordinary measures to sustain life? Is there someone you trust enough to give your power of attorney to? The chances that something bad will happen are usually small, but they do happen from time to time, and it is best to be prepared.

If you are lucky enough to have time to prepare before you go to the hospital, take full advantage of that time. Imagine yourself coming home from the hospital and make sure your home is prepared for your return and that your personal business will be tended to while you recover.

This level of preparation will give you peace of mind and will also allow you to have a less stress while you recover. Ee

50+Living of Western NC

For advertising information contact us at: asheppard@rewnc.com or call 828.279.5962 January 2020 | 50+ Living | 23

Whoo. . . Are You? When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be on the radio, to be “that voice,” that friend.

Art by: JeanAnn Taylor

Do you have a favorite “comfort” wine?

Yes! For white, I like Albarino and for red I love a Barbera from Italy.

Do you have any hobbies?

My greyhounds, Kobe and Domino. I also work with welfare and adoption groups. it’s an honor and a privilege.

I am Gina Trippi. I opened Metro Wines after moving to Asheville in 2013. The dog-friendly shop is like a clubhouse that sells wine; like the show, Cheers, customers come to meet and make friends. They come when their daughter is getting married, family is in town, when they get a new job, or retire. You know you can find someone who understands @MetroWines.

My attraction to wine is that it serves as a thread through history.

Our newsletter, “The Public Palate: Putting Wine in Its Place” is based on what we know of history. We can speculate that pilgrims were drinking Bordeaux. Documents show that the Mayflower was used to transport Bordeaux from France to England, and the manifest shows there were barrels on board when the ship sailed to America!

Gina Trippi

Owner METRO WINES 169 Charlottte Street Asheville 828-575-9525 24 | 50+ Living | January 2020

How do you relax?

By watching television. I enjoy British mysteries. And I like and respect football. Sports bring people together. Being from New Orleans, I know how important The Saints were to holding the city together after Hurricane Katrina.

Do you have special plans for 2020?

I hope to visit history! Take short trips to small, lesser known museums, homes of authors and presidents.

Do you make New Year Resolutions?

Yes, I make the same one every year: to be more patient.

Will you eat black-eye peas, collard greens, and corn bread on New Years Day? Oh sure! I love black-eye peas, especially with sun-dried tomatoes.

What is your favorite sit-com, and which character are you?

The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I’m Rhoda. The statue of Mary Tyler Moore throwing her hat in Minneapolis is something I want to see!

What is something simple that makes you happy?

I love to read on rainy, cloudy days. I enjoy biographies because I like to learn how people got to where they are in life.

What do you buy when you hear that a snowstorm is on its way?

Candles and pasta.

What is your favorite thing about winter?

Cloudy days, so I can read. Too much pressure to be outside when its sunny!