February/March 2023 Sand & Pine

SAND & PINE

As Above, So Below What’s Your Sign?

Smart Exercise

Be Realistic

Beer Basics

A Simple Formula

Scott T. Festa, PA-C

Photo courtesy of Whitney Duggins Photography

contents

12

What’s Your Sign?

We all know our zodiac sign, but where did they come from and what do they really mean? And why is it so important to so many of us?

18

Smart Exercise

Your biological age is more important than your chronological age, and there are several steps you can take to make the biological you a healthy and thriving one.

24 Garden Variety

Pub People Greg Girard, Amanda Jakl

Storysmith

Greg Girard greg@sandandpinemag.com

Creative Conjuror

Amanda Jakl amanda@sandandpinemag.com

Word Geek

William C. Nelson

Ad Peddler

Amanda Jakl amanda@sandandpinemag.com

Contributing Scribblers

Darcy Connor, Christin Hirleman, Sheree Lancaster, Robert Nason, Amanda Oden, Ruth Stolting, Thomas Vincent

P.O. Box 892 Southern Pines, NC 28388 Tel. 910.315.0467 info@sandandpinemag.com www.sandandpinemag.com facebook: SandandPineMag SAND & PINE February/March 2023 Smart Exercise Be Realistic Beer Basics A Simple Formula As Above, So Below What’s Your Sign?

“

On the Cover

We are born at a given moment, in a given place and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and of the season of which we are born. Astrology does not lay claim to anything more.” –

SP

At the Table

Knock Knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad we’re highlighting one of the most sweet and refreshing fruits this issue?

Last Word

We’re sure you know about gaslighting. And you can probably deduce permacrisis. You may even be able to define goblin mode. But what about bachelor’s handbag?

editor note

At the turn of the year I read an article about New Year’s resolutions. Now, before you roll eyes and say, “Who hasn’t?”, let me note that this wasn’t your typical resolution story. Titled “When ‘Drop It’ Is the Best New Year’s Resolution,” The Wall Street Journal article shares four “antiresolutions” that people should try in order to alleviate stress and improve focus on what is important. The four suggestions were stop worrying about being a night owl, stop weighing yourself, stop worrying that you don’t have enough friends and stop wasting money on fitness.

Without going in-depth into the article, the gist is that by stopping those four common resolutions before you start, you’ll have a healthier life outlook and won’t set yourself up for disappointment later in the year. After all, research has shown nearly 66 percent of people who set New Year’s resolutions give up on them by the end of January. Ouch!

We have a tradition in our household where we pick a word to guide us through the year rather than a specific set of resolutions. Balance, faith, health, we find these words help us focus on what is most important without setting specific, pressure-filled goals that

by Greg Girard

can set us up for failure before we even begin.

It was this antiresolution article that got me thinking about our incessant drive to achieve and be relevant no matter the cost. Always being busy—seizing each day, every day—has become a badge of honor that some people are all too happy to share. We’ve all encountered that person who says, “I’m just so busy. I just don’t have time,” in order to inflate their importance. My typical internal response is I can think of only one person who’s allowed to say that and it ain’t you.

Socrates said, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” What are we truly achieving by running from one task to the next? When we sit down at the end of the day are we more often satisfied with how much we did or are we already stressing about how much more we have to do tomorrow?

Overachieving is for the birds. So, this year I’ve chosen boundaries as my word for 2023. I’m not going to seize every day. I’m going to say no a little more often. Not so I can rush to do something else, but rather to do nothing at all.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to download the hottest meditation app or go forest bathing each day on my downtime. I’m not going to schedule anything at all. And I think the simple knowledge that I have nothing to run to is enough to decompress and let the hour or day take me wherever it leads. That’s living.

QUICKSAND

BY THE NUMBERS » ST . PATRICK ’ S DAY

The shamrock, a three-leaf clover, was called a seamróg by the Celts, meaning little or young clover, and was considered a sacred plant that symbolized the coming of spring and luck. It’s believed St. Patrick used the sacred plant to explain the Holy Trinity. The shamrock should not be confused with the four-leaf clover, which also has significance in Irish history. The four-leaf clover represents luck, faith, hope and love.

Irish vicar Ricardo Artur organized a parade. In 1737, homesick Irish soldiers in the English army organized celebrations in Boston and New York, and the tradition grew from there.

100

The age of St. Patrick when he was kidnapped by Irish raiders in Britain— where he was born—brought to Ireland and sold as a slave to a Celtic priest. He worked for six years as a shepherd before escaping back to Britain. He would return to Ireland as a Christian missionary years later.

16

The number of ceramic leprechauns hidden in the mountains and hunted each year around Carlingford, Ireland during the annual leprechaun hunt. The tradition started in 1989 when a local businessman claimed to have found evidence of a real leprechaun on the mountain called Slieve Foye. He said while hiking he heard screams and came upon a wishing well where he found bones, a tiny suit and gold coins near scorched earth. Visitors can see the evidence in Calingford and, if they pay 6 euros for a hunter’s license, they can hunt for the leprechauns.

1962

The year Chicago began dyeing the Chicago river green. The green dye was originally used to help clean up the river. In 1955, workers were tasked with finding out where sewage was coming from in the river and used green dye to track the source of the waste. Almost a decade later, Mayor Richard Daley initially wanted to dye parts of Lake Michigan green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but was eventually convinced to dye the river instead. The city uses an orange powder to dye the river green and its contents are a mystery, raising the ire of environmental groups. The river is dyed using two boats, one to distribute the powder and the other to stir up the water.

1601

Year the first St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in St. Augustine, Florida, which at the time was a Spanish colony. The colony’s

13M

The number of pints of Guinness consumed on St. Patrick’s Day last year. Guinness is an Irish stout beer created more than 200 years ago.

119.5

The numbers of seconds needed for the perfect Guinness pour. According to Guinness, the perfect pint of Guinness Draught is served using their famous two-part pour. First, start with a clean, dry glass. Pour the Guinness Draught into a glass tilted at 45 degrees until it is three-quarters full. Allow the surge to settle before filling the glass all the way to the top. Your perfect pint, complete with its creamy white head, just domed above the glass rim, is then ready to drink. At home, you should let the can chill for at least 24 hours before pouring its contents into a large glass in one smooth action.

LOOK, LISTEN & LEARN OUTER SANDBOX

Philosophy Bites

Sure, Plato and Nietzsche are still well-known today, but the majority of philosophers, and their philosophies, are still somewhat obscure. Have you ever had a conversation on how crucial metaphysics is to our comprehension of the world? Have you heard of verificationism? Nigel Warburton and David Edmonds, hosts of Philosophy Bites, offer introductions to the arguments, the thinkers and the ideas that have influenced our world, even if we’ve never heard of them.

In the Dark

Why did it take police 27 years to find Jacob Wetterling, an 11-year-old boy who was kidnapped? That question is examined in the first season of In the Dark. In season two, the case of Curtis Flowers, a Black man, who was tried six times for the same offense is explored, and in a follow-up “special report,” the impact of COVID on the economically weak Mississippi Delta is discussed. Rigid investigative reporting and epic suspense are characteristics of this podcast. It will get any true crime aficionado fired up.

Cocaine & Rhinestones

This podcast by Tyler Mahan Coe is about the history of country music. In the first season, subjects include the debate surrounding Loretta Lynn’s recording of The Pill, the significance of Merle Haggard’s Okie from Muskogee, and the Louvin Brothers’ musical relationship. The episodes of the show are thoroughly researched and offer a look inside the workings of the country music industry.

ROAD TRIP!

Road trip! Beyond the boundaries of our little sandbox, there is much to see. Here are a few events worth checking out. For events with a more local flavor, check out moorechoices.net. And check with locales before heading out!

FEBRUARY 11

Chocolate Festival

Pinehurst | pinehurstumc.org/events/chocolate-festival-2023 OK, this one is close to home, but the annual Chocolate Festival, put on by the women of the Pinehurst United Methodist Church, is a day of treats and getting to know your neighbors. Stock up on sweets for your special someone while raising money for women’s and children’s charities in Pinehurst. It’s chocolate, people!

FEBRUARY 18

The Great Outhouse Races

Sapphire | sapphirevalleyresorts.com

Feeling bored this winter? Sapphire Valley has the solution: Race outhouses down hills. Don’t worry, the poop huts are empty and, yes, it is possible to put skis on a wooden outhouse and ski your way to victory! Outhouse Races are broadcast on WNC Live, and all revenue goes to the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau.

MARCH 18

Birds, Brews & BBQ

Sylvan Heights | shwpark.com/events/birds-brew-bbq

Craft beer from North Carolina goes well with fantastic Eastern North Carolina barbecue. Vote for your favorite local craft beers and eastern NC barbecue as NC craft brewers, distillers and chefs vie to win the title of BBQ Cook-Off Champion. In addition to games, music and other activities, your ticket includes access to Sylvan Heights Bird Park.

QUOTES

“The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out of your glass.”

– Martin Mull

“Who needs astrology? The wise man gets by on fortune cookies.”

– Edward Abbey

Health Tips

Z is for Zinc

For the human body, zinc is a micro mineral with major significance. We only need a tiny amount, but it sure gets the job done. Behind iron, zinc is the secondhighest concentration of micro mineral found in the body. Every cell in your body needs this nutrient, which has hundreds

and forth. We humans should be aiming for mobility, not flexibility, in the long run. A couple tips to get started: 1. Stretch and hold positions for at least one minute. 2. Squat low and hold for several minutes every day. 3. Circle gently through the full range of each joint. So roll those ankles, wrists and shoulders!

Slow Down

Do you wolf down fries in the car? Eat mindlessly in front of the TV? Have to constantly wait for everyone else at the

Live Lightly

Tips on living a more sustainable life

of vital functions that can enhance your immune system, reproductive system, vision, skin, metabolism, appetite and other bodily functions. If you’re an athlete or vegetarian or tipple a bit too much, you may be deficient in zinc. Shellfish are a good source, but also try legumes, nuts and seeds.

Why Mobility Matters

The hot new trend in fitness seems to be mobility. It might seem like mobility and flexibility are synonymous, but alas they are not. The term “mobility” describes how a joint moves within its typical range of motion. The type of joint determines the range of mobility. Your hinged knee joint, for instance, can rotate slightly inward and outward in addition to back

table to finish? The rate at which you eat affects both how much you eat and your risk of gaining weight. Fast eaters are far more likely to consume more food and have a higher body mass index (BMI) than slow eaters, according to studies. Hormones regulate your appetite, how much food you consume, and how full you feel. Your brain receives hormone signals to determine whether you are hungry or full. However, it takes your brain roughly 20 minutes to process this information. To give your brain the time it needs to recognize that you are full, try eating more slowly. Eating more slowly and frequently may help you consume less but, more importantly, you’ll feel better.

FEBRUARY 18

Mardi Gras Miles Southern Pines 5K, 1M fun run runsignup.com

Brrrrrrrrr. Save some money this year by washing your clothes in cold water. Modern washers are designed to handle cold water. Also, many detergents today are designed for cold water, with enzymes that can begin to function in water as chilly as 60 F. For the majority of clothes, cold water is fine. Grass on your child’s jeans or mascara smudges on a sweater can be eliminated with cold water. Cold water also works best for delicate fabrics like lace and silk as well as dark, vibrant fabrics. Switching to colder water will reduce your gas or electric bill because 75 to 90 percent of the energy used by your washer is used to heat the water. Additionally, the use of cold water helps minimize wrinkles, reducing the need for ironing and its related energy expenses.

Good Reads

by Darcy Connor

Preschool/Toddler

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

Written by Jonathan Stutzman

Illustrated by Jay Fleck

Sometimes a small act of kindness can go a long way. Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug starts with the simplest of questions, “Hello Pointy! Are you OK?” When his friend replies he’s feeling sad, Tiny must figure out a way to give his friend a hug to help him feel better. The problem is Tiny’s arms are just too little. It’s precious story that uses humor to teach about perseverance and kindness. This is the first book in the series of four Tiny T. Rex adventures.

Picture Book

Let Liberty Rise! How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty

Written

by

Chana Stiefel

Illustrated by Chuck Groenink

For America’s 100th birthday, France wanted to give a special gift. The soon-to-be Statue of Liberty arrived in 250 pieces ready to be assembled, but there was a problem. A pedestal needed to be built to support the statue, yet none of the Gilded Age millionaires were willing to foot the bill.

So Joseph Pulitzer, who knew the experience, years before he became a newspaper mogul, of arriving on American shores as a poor Hungarian immigrant, appealed to his readers, inviting them to contribute whatever they could afford. Soon pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters poured into Pulitzer’s offices, many from schoolchildren, and enough money was raised to build the pedestal and the statue. This is a wonderful story of one of our most beloved American symbols. There’s also a timeline and photographs in the back of the book.

Upper Elementary School The Doll People

Written by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin

Illustrated by Brian Selznick

OK, so my husband gets creeped out by dolls, especially the antique china dolls whose eyes follow you around the room. So, this one might not be for you, hon. But this story is a cute adventure mystery teaming up those classic 100-year-old dolls with a new plastic doll family that moves into the dollhouse. Selznick’s marvelous illustrations add to this beloved story, which is the first in a series of four.

Middle School The Ruins of Gorlan

Written by John Flanagan

The fantasy readers in your family will love this epic series that follows the adventures of Will, an apprentice Ranger. The Rangers are tasked with protecting the realm from the evil Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night. This classic adventure story, sword fights and all, is just the thing for your growing middle school reader. The Ruins of Gorlan is another first book in a series, this time of six.

Adult

The Grand Design: A Novel of Dorothy Draper

Written by Joy Callaway

I can’t help it. I’m a sucker for all things historical fiction. Here’s the start of the book’s description from the publisher: In 1908, young Dorothy Tuckerman chafes under the bland, beige traditions of her socialite circles. Only the aristocracy’s annual summer trips to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia spark her imagination. In this naturally beautiful place, an unexpected romance with an Italian racecar driver gives Dorothy a taste of the passion and adventure she wants. But her family intervenes, sentencing Dorothy to the life she hopes to escape.

Yup, I was sold. Couch, wine, blanket, book. Enjoy!

As above, so below

By Robert Nason

It is a basic human instinct to look up for answers. For most major religions, the source of life comes from above as we “look up to the heavens.” Jesus ascended into heaven. Muslims raise their hands to heaven to pray to Allah. And many occultists connect all things on Earth with what is above us. The phrase “as above, so below” derives from the ancient Emerald Tablet, a legendary text embraced by alchemists and philosophers for thousands of years. The full translation notes: “That which is below is as that which is above, and that which is above is as that which is below, to perform the miracles of the one thing.” The tablet is just one example of ancient people looking upward for the meaning of life.

Historians believe the Babylonians were the

first civilization to scientifically begin noting the movements of the stars and planets. These first-generation astronomers divided the night sky into 12 sections, each stretching 30 degrees of celestial longitude, and within each section were noticeable star patterns, later to be known as constellations.

Because many of the constellations, of which there are 88, represent animals, the Greeks called the celestial zones zōdiakos kyklos, meaning circle of animals, which is where we get the English word zodiac. The origin of the zodiac symbols is unknown, but they first appear in Greek texts around the late Middle Ages.

During Alexander the Great’s reign of Egypt, the field of horoscopic astrology emerged, combining Babylonian astrology with the Egyptian decan system, which subdivided

each zodiac sign. This where we get into some deep weeds—like zodiac houses, sun signs, moon signs and other calculations—but the result of this merging was used to better pinpoint a person’s time of birth, their character traits and perhaps their destiny. This moment was called horoskopos in Greek, which means ascendant and is where the English word horoscope derives from.

The Greeks eventually introduced astrology to the Romans, and Tiberius was the first Roman emperor known to have a court astrologer to advise him. About a century later, in 104 BCE, the Roman astrologer Ptolemy published Tetrabiblos, which is considered the astrologer’s bible, even today. The book gave a detailed explanation of zodiac signs, zodiac houses, the stars and planets and focused on accurate mapping in order to chart the relationship between a person’s birthplace and date with the stars.

For much of the Middle Ages, astrology was an accepted practice for kings, doctors, scientists and mathematicians. Versions of zodiac signs spread throughout many parts of the world, including India and China. It wasn’t until the Roman Church began to gain prominence and power in the Western world that the practice was labeled superstitious paganism. The Age of Enlightenment brought astrology back among the aristocrats of Europe, but only as an entertaining diversion.

Here are the signs and some simple characteristics for each (according to costarastrology.com):

What's yoursign?

• Five presidents, including Joe Biden, are Scorpios. The most of any sign. In fact, there are more leaders worldwide that are Scorpios than any other sign.

• A rental car service in Australia found that out of 100,000 customers, Leos were the worst drivers and racked up the most traffic violations.

• In a study of the Forbes billionaire list, it was found there were more Libras than any other zodiac sign.

• The most common birthday is September 9, which is under the sign of Virgo. The most common sign overall swings between Virgo and Scorpio. Capricorn is the least common sign.

• The 10 most popular astrology apps made $40 million in 2019. It’s estimated about a third of the world’s population believes in astrology.

• Sorry Pisces and Gemini, these signs are most often connected with serial killers. Most loners are under the Pisces sign and most charmers are under Gemini. Of course, those aren’t bad traits, but taken to extremes, they can produce some scary people. But hey, Geminis, don’t worry, you also lead the category for most Nobel Prize winners and actors.

• Some of the greatest athletes in history were born under Aquarius: Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Dr. J, and Jack Nicklaus, to name just a few.

*Elements

Aries

March 20 – April 19 (2023 dates; check online for your year of birth dates)

Symbol: Ram

Element: Fire*

Mode: Cardinal**

Ruling Planet: Mars No filter; gets angry, then forgets why; thinks everything is a game they can win; will do anything for a dare; easily bored

Best Career: Stunt double; pro wrestler; thief; cereal box mascot

Compatability: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Fire: dynamic; active; restless; passionate

Earth: physical; tangible; sensual; grounded

Air: cerebral; communicative; associated with leadership

Water: emotional; intuitive; sensitive

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Symbol: Twins

Element: Air

Mode: Mutable

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Charismatic; uses humor as a crutch; could talk to a brick wall; arguments as flirting; knows a little about everything

Best Career: Politician; Kramer; devil's advocate; bubble gum wrapper joke writer; Twitter

personality

Compatability: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Leo

July 22 – August 22

Symbol: Lion

Element: Fire

Mode: Fixed

Ruling Planet: Sun

Warm and creative; a little bit vain; big personality; wants to stand out; likes luxury

Best Career: B-list actor; motivational speaker; autobiographical writer; style icon; chanteuse

Compatability: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

**Modes

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Symbol: Bull

Element: Earth

Mode: Fixed

Ruling Planet: Venus Just wants to cuddle; homebody; all or nothing, no in-between; wears same outfit every day; hates change

Best Career: Hermit; sleep study participant; sweatpants model; wall to bump against

Compatability: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Cardinal: Visionaries; tolerate change; creative Fixed: Follow through; doers; hardworking Mutable: Logical; positive; flexible

Cancer

June 21 – July 21

Symbol: Crab

Element: Water

Mode: Cardinal

Ruling Planet: Moon

Sensitive; seeks comfort; forgives but never forgets; has one boundary, but it’s firm; takes on other people’s problems

Best Career: Emotional pack mule; that one influential elementary school teacher; “Free Hugs” booth operator; metaphorical heart surgeon

Compatability: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Symbol: Virgin

Element: Earth

Mode: Mutable

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Needs to feel useful; has a quick fix for everything; judgmental, but with good intentions; great spatial awareness; million ideas per second

Best Career: Hot librarian; tupperware for other people's messes; walking encyclopedia; human GPS; one-person welcome committee

Compatability: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Symbol: Scales

Element: Air

Mode: Cardinal

Ruling Planet: Venus

Hates being alone; good aesthetics; conflict avoidant; sees every side; prone to fantasy; can’t make decisions

Best Career: Hivemind; socialite; Instagram model; muse; mediator

Compatability: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 20

Symbol: Archer

Element: Fire

Mode: Mutable

Ruling Planet: Jupiter

No indoor voice; forms opinions off pure emotion; obsessed with self-improvement; wields truth like a blunt weapon; friendliest at a party

Best Career: Foreign correspondent; health fad guru; Karaoke emcee; club kid; unauthorized anthropologist

Compatability: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Aquarius

January 20 – February 17

Symbol: Water Bearer

Element: Air

Mode: Fixed

Ruling Planet: Uranus

Esoteric; no feelings, just concepts; believes in conspiracy theories; more in love with humanity as a whole than individuals; feels like an outcast; fetishizes personal freedom

Best Career: Bohemian; rioter and looter; armchair philosopher; artificial intelligence; dilettante

Compatability: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Symbol: Scorpion

Element: Water

Mode: Fixed

Ruling Planet: Pluto

Primary emotion is betrayal; looks cool in a leather jacket; OK with uncomfortable silence; can’t be sure if they’re serious or joking; eyes that look into your soul

Best Career: Con artist; puppet master; brooding protagonist; poltergeist; cult leader

Compatability: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Capricorn

December 21 – January 19

Symbol: Sea Goat

Element: Earth

Mode: Cardinal

Ruling Planet: Saturn

Full grown adult at age 6; responsible friend; motivated by duty; takes time to warm up to people; represses emotions that get in way of success

Best Career: Accountant; lawyer; landlord; hall monitor; Sisyphus

Compatability: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

February 18 – March 19

Symbol: Fishes

Element: Water

Mode: Mutable

Ruling Planet: Neptune

Somehow 5 and 50 years old at once; thinks everything is a sign; excessively romantic; prone to fantasy; no boundaries; did I dream it or was it real?

Best Career: Sad clown; vapor; orb of light; amateur poet; curbside fortune teller; volunteer therapist

Compatability: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Pisces SP

Ages

We know.

You don’t even have to say it. We’ll say it for you. “Another exercise article.” We get it, and yet here we are still typing. We’re starting to think this endless need to talk health is a mental affliction—ah, there’s a topic for another day. But for this issue, yes, here we are once again.

Why do we exercise? Isn’t the world coming to an end soon anyway? Do we really want to live through the apocalypse and come out the other side where the main thrusts of life are shooting zombies and defending our last can of peas against marauding gangs wielding nail-spiked baseball bats?

If we put aside the doomsday prepper vision of the future, exercising and living healthy actually does feel good and it can allow us to live a more fulfilling life. We can enjoy our family and friends longer. We can pursue our favorite activities longer. It can help us look back and say, “I lived a good life.”

A concept that has been around for a while but seems to be cropping up more often in health circles is making the distinction between your biological age and your chronological age. Chronological age refers to the actual amount of time you’ve been alive while the biological age refers to how well your body functions and can fight disease as you grow older. Your biological age can be measured through medical testing for telomere length, which is a compound at the end of chromosomes that shorten as you age, and DNA methylation, which basically maps how your DNA has changed over your lifetime.

The key to distinguishing the two ages is that biological age can be reversed. So, if you happened to hit a new decade of life in the past few years, it doesn’t mean your body has to as well. But how do we reverse or slow down our biological age? Well, that’s where we revert back to what we all should know by

now: proper diet, strength training, cardio, flexibility, consistent sleep, etc.

Here’s some stats to throw at you: Research suggests routinely sitting for 10 hours a day increases your biological age by eight years; exercising 40 minutes, five days a week decreases your biological age by nine years; adding Omega 3s to your diet can reduce your mortality rate by 15 percent; sleeping less than five hours a night biologically ages you by five years. Yes, we could go on.

So, let’s look into a few things you can do to start reversing your biological clock, some small steps every day in order to find your comfort zone. This goes for all you post-Gen Xers out there, too. The National Academy of Sciences found young people of the same chronological age vary in their biological age well before midlife. Simply put, it’s never too early to start training your mind and body toward a healthier life track.

First, without going to a medical professional for testing, there are a number of online biological age calculators you can try. These won’t be 100 percent accurate, but it will give you a baseline to work from and give you an idea of some lifestyle changes that you may need to address. Now, here are some tips:

Increase weights-to-cardio ratio. Professionals recommend two weight sessions for every cardio session. Only running or biking is not helping all

aspects of your body. Resistance training, according to OrthoCarolina, “prevents muscle wastage, triggers biological reactions that help remove free radicals and oxidative stress, and increases blood flow.” Weight training also boosts growth hormones, helps retain bone-building calcium and fat-burning muscle as you age.

Dynamic Flexibility. These exercises help give you the ability to move your muscles and joints through their full range of motion during active movement. Arm circles, shoulder rolls, torso twists and butt kicks are some examples. Dynamic flexibility goes beyond simple stretching, engaging the entire motion of the joint or muscle so they continue to work properly.

Easy big guy/gal. Ignore all the silly quotes that guilt you into destroying yourself to be ultra-healthy. Too much exertion is bad for maintaining an exercise regime and, experts say, it can create cortisol and stress responses that can negatively affect your central nervous system. Your exercise schedule should be

SW BROAD STREET (FORMER BROAD STREET BAKERY) | SOUTHERN PINES

regular and sustainable. You want to work up a sweat, but don’t overdo it.

The Greeks get it. Scientists continue to laud the Mediterranean diet as one of the healthiest. Fish, vegetables, whole grains, unrefined carbs, beans, nuts, olive oil, and a nice glass of wine translates to a 25 percent reduction in all-cause mortality. And wouldn’t you know it, many of those foods are bursting with Omega 3s, which break down into anti-inflammatory chemicals that are good for your body.

Do something new. According to psychologist Bradley Busch on innerdrive.co.uk , “Research suggests the best way to keep the brain healthy is by learning new things because it makes new connections in the brain. Hobbies, like languages and music, are great.”

Oh, and a Harvard study showed musicians’ brains contain a larger volume of gray matter than nonmusicians. So, there’s that to brag about at your next party.

Keep it in perspective. A study at Yale found a person’s mindset on aging influenced health. Those who saw themselves as younger and those who didn’t see their age as a negative were overall more healthy.

Easier said than done. You’ve heard it before. Get a good night’s sleep. Scientists have found that the brain flushes out toxins during sleep and poor sleep quality is linked to our cells aging at an increased rate. But hey, steady exercise and a balanced diet can help regulate your body to get more consistent and highquality sleep.

Ah, do you see? It’s all connected. Mind, body, spirit. As author Paulo Coelho said, “I understand that everything is connected, that all roads meet, and that all rivers flow into the same sea.” Striving for the right balance will show you the best results.

Staying healthy isn’t easy, but it is doable. There’s no need to go all out, all at once. Start by substituting one meal a week with a Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Join a gym and get a consultation from a certified trainer. Having someone else map out an exercise routine removes the stress of figuring it out on your own. And start to believe you can be a healthier being.

College basketball coaches will tell you they break up every game into 10, 4-minute mini games. They don’t let their players think about the whole game. If you win the majority of those mini games, you’re more likely the winner at the final buzzer.

Small steps every day will get you closer to an ultimately longer and happier life. Your favorite machine at the gym might be the television, but at least you’re at the gym.

Garden Bee Gardens

Bee gardens have attracted pollinators for centuries. They developed when the Roman Catholic Church, the largest consumer of beeswax from the 10th until the 16th century, cultivated apiculture at its monasteries to boost its beeswax production. Plants can include edible flowers and vegetables that attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies (including caterpillars), hummingbirds and other good insects and birds.

For the best honeybee visitations, situate the garden in sunlight and grow plants in bold groups. Nectar flow is affected by temperature, humidity, soil composition and plant species. Flow increases when cool nights are followed by hot days. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to a flower when the sun has increased the sugar concentration in its nectar.

Bee colonies desperately need food stores in the spring. Honey mixed with pollen and fed to their young is known as bee bread. Early blooming bulbs such as crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths are critical. The blossoms of the red maple mark the

BY RUTH STOLTING

N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteer

beginning of the real nectar flow, and dogwood, tulip poplar, holly and tupelo give honeybees a healthy start. Fall is also critical for overwintering, and goldenrod, aster and other fall flowers are helpful.

Honeybees are attracted by a flower’s size, shape, perfume and color, particularly those that are violet, blue, blue-green, yellow, and orange. They rely on petal markings to determine the best access to a flower’s nectar and pollen. Honeybees also need a shallow water source since they collect water to “air condition” their hive at 94 degrees for the brood. Birdbaths or small decorative pools work well, so long as the bees can maintain footing and not drown.

Let the plants do the work, and you enjoy the show.

• Be sure to buy organic seeds, or check with suppliers whose plants have been grown organically. You want plants for different purposes, minus chemicals and pesticides.

• Bee balm attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial insects.

• Parsley is edible, and attracts butterfly caterpillars and beneficial insects.

• Yarrow attracts bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, as well as ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

/NCMGMooreCnty

Orange you glad?

By ROBERT NASON

Oranges originated in the Himalayan foothills but do not organically exist in nature. The orange is a hybrid of a pomelo and a mandarin. Early oranges were very sour and were often used by herbalists as a medicinal syrup. The sweet orange began appearing in Europe around the 13th century. Christopher Columbus took sweet orange seeds to the New World and planted them in Haiti during his second voyage. The orange trees thrived in the subtropical climate and it didn’t take long for oranges to become popular throughout the world.

One orange contains 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Consuming oranges can protect cells from damage, helps the body make collagen, boosts your immune system and can help you absorb iron to fight anemia. Oranges are also a source of fiber, calcium, folate, potassium and good sugar.

In the kitchen, there are all sorts of recipes that incorporate oranges, adding a tasty sweetness to entrees, desserts and drinks.

> There are more than 600 varieties of oranges.

> Spain has more than 35 million orange trees but does not make the top five in orange production. Top honor goes to Brazil, which produces half of the world’s orange juice and nearly 80 percent of the world’s orange concentrate. The U.S. ranks fourth in the world for orange production, behind Brazil, China and India.

> Eighty-five percent of all oranges produced are used to make juice.

> It takes 14 gallons of water to grow one orange.

> Against popular belief, there are two words that rhyme with orange: a mountain in Wales named Blorenge and sporange, a root word of sporangium, which is a sac

Navel Orange Salad with Avocado

skinnytaste.com

Yields 4

Ingredients

3 cups mixed baby greens

4 navel oranges, peeled

1 large or 2 small avocadoes, sliced

1/4 cup sliced red onion

Kosher salt and pepper

For the citrus vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

garnish

Directions

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add vodka, triple sec and orange juice and stir to combine. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with an orange slice.

3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice, plus 1 teaspoon zest

2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Arrange the lettuce on a large platter or bowl, or divide between 4 large plates.

2. Cut oranges into 1/4-inch thick round slices and carefully pop out seeds. Arrange oranges, avocados and red onion in and around the lettuce and season with salt and pepper.

3. Whisk together ingredients for the vinaigrette, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

4. Serve the vinaigrette on the side or drizzled on top.

Rosemary-Orange Roasted Chicken

tasteofhome.com

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary

2 teaspoons orange zest

1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

1 fryer chicken (3 –4 pounds)

1/3 cup orange juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 medium onions, quartered

1 medium apple, quartered

1 large carrot, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped

4 fresh thyme sprigs

4 sprigs fresh parsley

2 bay leaves

1 fresh rosemary sprig

2 cups white wine

For gravy:

Chicken broth

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, combine butter, minced rosemary, orange zest and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from the chicken and rub butter mixture under the skin. Brush chicken with orange juice. Sprinkle salt and remaining pepper over chicken and inside cavity.

2. Place 1 onion and half the apple inside the cavity. Tuck wings under chicken and tie drumsticks together. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Arrange carrot, celery, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, rosemary sprig and remaining onion and apple around chicken. Pour wine into pan.

3. Roast until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170 F (about an 1 1/4 hours), basting occasionally with drippings. Cover loosely with foil if chicken browns too quickly. Cover and let stand 15 minutes before carving.

4. For gravy, pour drippings and loosened browned bits into a measuring cup. Skim fat. Add enough broth to the drippings to measure 1 cup. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth and gradually add broth mixture. Bring to a boil and cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with chicken.

Ultimate Orange Cake

errenskitchen.com

Yields 16

Ingredients

For the cake:

2½ cups all-purpose flour sifted

¾ teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

1½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup canola oil

½ cup butter melted

1¼ cups freshly squeezed orange juice (3 oranges)

2 tablespoons orange zest plus more to taste*

For the glaze:

⅓ cup fresh orange juice

2 teaspoons orange zest

1 cup granulated sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease pan and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

3. In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together eggs and sugar on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4. With the mixer running on low speed, add oil slowly until combined and repeat with the butter. Add orange juice and zest and keep mixing slowly until combined. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined (being careful not to overmix).

5. Add batter to the prepared pan. Bake 50 – 60 minutes for a 12 cup/10-inch bundt pan until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. While cake is baking, mix together the orange juice, zest, and sugar to make the glaze.

7. Allow to cool 30 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a cooling rack and adding the glaze.

8. While the cake is still warm, remove from pan, prick the cake all over with a skewer and then pour over the glaze.

Beer Matters

What Makes Beer Beer?

BY THOMAS VINCENT, Head Brewer, Hatchet Brewing Co.

WITH THE START OF NEW YEAR, I THOUGHT I’D GET BACK TO THE BASICS. What is beer? It seems like a simple enough question. The answer involves a short list: a combination of water, malt, hops and yeast. So, let’s dig into these ingredients a little deeper.

Water

Dave Barry once wrote, “Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer.” Water makes up over 95 percent of beer—a straightforward thing at first glance, but that’s deceiving.

Where does the water come from? Is it collected rainwater or does it come from a stream? Or perhaps it was pulled from wells deep within the earth. Depending on the source, there are different chemical compounds and salts present. Is the water hard or soft? All this information can be impactful.

Guinness, for example, uses soft water to makes its famous stout, which helps give the beer its roasty character. Burton on Trent, however, uses hard water to make its India Pale Ale shine.

Today, most brewers have the advantage of reviewing their local water report and adjusting the chemical makeup

of the water to fit the beer profile they are brewing.

Malt

John Mallett, author of the book Malt, calls malt the “soul of beer.” Malt is a grain that has been steeped, germinated and dried. Barley is the most commonly used malt, but wheat, rye, and other grains can be used.

Barley—the seed of the barley plant— must be specially prepared by a malster for use in brewing. The sugars inside the seed are not available to the brewer while the seed is in its native state. Only after the seed has been transformed, or tricked into

thinking it’s time to grow into a plant, are the sugars readily available for the brewing process. So the maltster steeps the barley in water to get the seed to begin to sprout, and then bakes the sprouting seed to lock in the sugars in a fully usable form.

Maltsters and breweries historically were co-located until industrialization and the relocation of breweries to urban centers caused their separation. German brewing schools still teach brewing and malting in a unified program.

Depending on the beer, generally 80–95 percent of the grain used in a beer is made up of a base malt. The skill of the maltster is fully realized when malts are roasted or caramelized into specialty grains. These specialty grains may constitute the other 10–15 percent of the total malt, but they transform a simple beer into dark, roasty stout or sweet amber ale. And note, it’s not the color of a beer that determines the strength. It’s the quantity of malt that controls how much alcohol is in a beer.

Hops

Hops are the dried female flower clusters (cones) of the common hop plant. They

contain a number of oils like myrcene, humulene and farnesene. Roughly 66 percent of the world’s hops are grown in the United States and Germany. Of the hops grown in the United States, 99 percent are grown in just three states: Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

Hops don’t make an ideal crop in North Carolina because of latitude, and because the ground doesn’t get cold enough for the plant. Hops impart two important characteristics. First, early in the boil of a beer they add bitterness to balance the sweetness from the malt; and second, they can aid aroma if added late in the boil (or even afterward). These aromas may have an earthy quality like in a classic English Pale Ale or in your IPA, where tropical and fruity aromas prevail.

Yeast

Yeast are fun guys, excuse me, fungi. They are single-cell organisms that consume simple sugars and are what makes fermentation happen.

Ultimately, a brewer can only make wort. Wort (pronounced wert) is the brew of water, malt and hops. Yeast feasts on the

wort, giving off carbon dioxide, heat and, yes, the alcohol that makes beer such a lovely beverage. Yeast used in fermentation breaks the beer down into generally either an ale or a lager.

Ales historically have been more popular, but in the last few hundred years, lagers have come to dominate. Ales (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are fermented at warmer temperatures, a process often referred to as top fermenting, producing a fruitier character. The result is our IPAs, brown ales, hefeweizen and stouts.

Lagers (Saccharomyces pastorianus) ferment at lower temperatures, said to be bottom fermenting, and have a more crisp and clean character. Examples of lagers would be pilsners, bock, and baltic porter. Mass-produced domestic lagers fall into this group as well. While their origin hasn’t been completely explained, it’s believed they started in the caves of Germany and the Czech Republic.

Of course, there are other things like fruit, kid’s cereals or even pickles being added to beer these days. But when we are discussing the essentials, water, malt, hops and yeast are the foundation. SP

My biggest fear is that when I die, my husband will sell all my bags for what I told him they cost. - Unknown

Local SP Shop

In today’s uncertain economy, shopping local is more important than ever. Small businesses are the backbone of our community. let’s show them some love. Shop local, shop often.

1. BUCKET LIST This is the year where we find our peace. This book will help you find it! Pick it up at ETC in Aberdeen.

2. CLASSIC STYLE Hobo bags are classics for a reason. This leather tote will take you season to season in style. Pick it up at Mockingbird on Broad.

3. SIPPIN' IN STYLE These margarita glasses stack easily and won't tip over like regular ones. Check 'em out at Purple Thistle in Pinehurst.

4. IT'S SHOCKING Self-defense is always a good idea. Slip a taser or pepper spray in your bag. Stop in to Lily Rose in Aberdeen to take a look.

5. IS THAT A NARWHAL A swaddle blanket is so multifunctional, we all should have two! Pick up this cute duo at Lily Rose.

6. BUNNY IN THE BATH Easter is right around the corner. Drop a cute bath bomb in their basket this year. Get it at ETC in Aberdeen.

BLINGSTING is womenowned and operated. By women for women!

1. BUSY BEE This is the only bee you’ll want in your house, let’s be honest. This adorable pillow will push out winter and welcome spring. Find it at Lily Rose.

2. BORN TO BE WILD Now that it's 2023, let's get wild. And if you don't really want to do that, you can at least wear the T-shirt. Get it at Mockingbird on Broad.

3. ERASE THAT SH*T Sick of ruining washcloths or throwing out wipes? These black makeup cloths are perfect. Find them at ETC in Aberdeen.

4. OFF TO MARKET Bring this adorable piggy tote bag to the farmers market and fill 'er up! Get it at Purple Thistle in the Village.

5. DUN DUN, DUN DUN Eating corn on the cob is much more fun with these shark corn holders. Get a set at Purple Thistle.

"A bee is never as busy as it seems; it's just that it can't buzz any slower."

- Kin Hubbard

"Sharks are the criminals of the sea. Dolphins are the outlaws."

-Tom Robbins

"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."

- David Bowie

“The dog is a gentleman; I hope

go to his heaven, not

1. NOT A FANNY PACK We're not supposed to call them that anymore, right? Well whatever they're called, they're handy. So pick one up at Mockingbird on Broad.

2. FUNKY MONKEY Your pooch will love the soft and squeaky monkey from Cared for Canine. And it's cute to boot!

3. KISS ME I'M IRISH Horseshoes and four leaf clovers on your dog's bow tie will tell everyone how lucky you really are! Get 'em at Cared for Canine.

4. BEN & JERRY'S Ice cream isn't just for us humans anymore. The famous Ben & Jerry's now makes a cold tasty treat that you can get at Cared for Canine.

5. NOM NOM NOM Peanut butter treats taste so good that you might be tempted to steal a bite! But don't, they're for Fido only. Get 'em at Lily Rose.

6. DOGGONE THIRSTY Keep a waterbowl handy for your dog no matter where you are. Get two in a package at Purple Thistle.

“What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

- Dwight D Eisenhower

“Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.”

- Franklin P. Jones

to

man’s.”

- Mark Twain

An extra shamrock in the house can't hurt, though, right?

YOU HAD ME AT PIZZA

Delivery is great, but have you made your own pizza? This kit will help you perfect the pie! Get it at Lily Rose in Aberdeen.

IF YOU CAN'T DRINK IT

If you're extending Dry January to the rest of the year, and honestly, good for you, get your bubbly fix with this adorable pillow from ETC.

CELEBRATE ON THE ROAD

If you won't be home for your birthday, but still want to make a little deal of it, grab a Birthday in a Bag and start singing! Easy to mail too! Get 'em at Lily Rose.

4. LUCK BE A LADY

Actually it's a pillow, and it's cute. Every house can use a little more luck, right? Grab one (or two!) at Purple Thistle in the Village of Pinehurst.

"You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six."

-Yogi Berra

1.

2.

3.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

- Seneca

Be Inspired ( )

Road Block

BY CHRISTIN HIRLEMAN

HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED A CREATIVE BLOCK? For me it feels like this obnoxious void where I’m unable to put any words, ideas or art down on paper. If you’ve ever tried to make something from nothing, you’ve probably experienced it. While I’ve never composed music or penned a novel, I imagine it brings equal frustration regardless of the genre.

What jostles you free from a slump? I wish I had a tried-and-true method that worked when I need to pull myself out the depths of a creative drought. Sitting here writing, I recognize how helpful it would be to offer practices and exercises to reengage your creativity. But

that would be a temporary fix. I mean, sure, I could tell you to journal, spend time in nature, meditate or make bad art. There are some fun accounts on Insta that encourage us to transcend the inner voice telling us that everything we make must be exceptional. Yet, here I am, encouraging you to be blocked. Don’t fight it. Be frustrated and maybe a little overwhelmed with the fear that you might not create something great for a while.

You didn’t like reading that, did you? Honestly, I didn’t feel jazzed writing it, but I’m sticking with it.

If you read this column last year, you might recall that I moved into a studio space to sew, paint and write.

I was very excited to have a dedicated space for creating. It wasn’t until after I started a few pieces that I realized the flaw in this new plan—I didn’t have any room in this studio to just be. My last creative space was in my home. It was a beautiful sunroom with a couch, my pets and view of a TV. I realize that the television may seem counterintuitive to creativity, but I can’t count how many pieces I created while Frasier was on in the background. I built layers and layers of paint on the canvas, thick paint, that needed ample time to dry. While it dried, my brain would focus on something else—be it design-related or putting away the dishes. Learning that I create best when I have the opportunity to hop between things has been invaluable.

And that was where this new space fell short. I never felt that I could relax and and let my mind wander. When I was in the studio, all I thought about was what I needed to do at home, and when I was home relaxing after work, I felt like I needed to be sewing or painting.

So, when the lease was up for the studio, I breathed a sigh of relief. The space that I thought would solve my creative block showed me that while the space does matter, so does my mindset. Make no mistake, I am proud of all I accomplished in there. I made ornaments and tea towels—everything for holiday sales—and painted a small piece that was published in a magazine.

Now that I’ve packed away my paints, palette knives and canvas, I wonder if I packed away my creativity, too. But you know what? I’m not fretting about it. I’m grateful. Grateful that I’ve known such creative seasons that in moments of idleness I can still be content.

I’m here to suggest a shift in perspective to anyone struggling with creative block. I honor that frustrations are valid and confirm in us that what we create is meaningful (which is quite something). But, I’d like you to know that it’s OK to pause and reflect. To contently sit in a space where every breath attracts creativity, and perfection is no longer a priority. And finally, to enthusiastically celebrate when you’re no longer limiting yourself to one way of thinking about your creativity and those inevitable roadblocks.

Share your creativity on Instagram: Hashtag #SandandPineMag.

Also, go to @consciouslychristin to find Christin's work.

Parenting Pines IN THE

Bye-Bye Blue Jeans

BY AMANDA ODEN

ONCE ALL THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS HAVE BEEN BOXED UP and we’ve successfully rung in the New Year (or to be more accurate the Noon Year, because I’m a parent and I’m too tired to stay up until midnight), I start my annual spring cleaning, or The Purge as my husband affectionately calls it. I go through every inch of our house with a cardboard box and a

trash bag and single-handedly prevent our family from being featured on an episode of Hoarders . My children like to help with this task by following close behind me and wailing every time I throw out a random happy meal toy or a broken crayon. If you heard them, you’d think I was murdering Blippi in our living room. I tell you, if there’s one thing we know how to do in this

family, it’s have fun!

I’m not, by nature, a very sentimental person and I don’t usually have a problem tossing something into the Goodwill donation pile, which is why I was a bit surprised last week when I got really weepy organizing my youngest son’s clothes.

Indy will be turning two in a few days and he also just had a massive growth spurt (so much so

they sat in a tote in our garage for a couple years until along came Arlo.

Arlo, our consummate middle child, who embodies every stereotype about the birth order, wore the tiny blue jeans for a time as well.

I remember the day he discovered pockets. Tucking his little filthy hands inside, delighting in all the rocks, twigs, and once, even a live caterpillar, he could tuck inside. It

survived another Oden child.

I (the unsentimental mother) called each child upstairs and made them hold the jeans up to their torsos so I could take a quick picture of them and the teensy Levi’s. Then, I put them in the donation box, knowing they were still in great condition, so many other chubby toddlers with wonky legs and wobbly gaits would teeter around gleefully

that people sometimes ask me if he and his 4-year-old brother Arlo are twins). Because he sprouted a few inches, seemingly overnight, a lot of his clothes look like he’s Hulked out of them—I’m talking high-water pants and crop top shirts. I figured while I was cleaning out the boys’ closet, I might as well go through Indy’s dresser and pull out all the 12- to 18-month size baby clothes in order to make room for his 2T (and probably 3T given his current growth rate) wardrobe.

That’s when I came across them, the tiniest little Levi’s blue jeans that stopped me in my tracks.

They had originally been my daughter Bowie’s when she was a year old and I remember cuffing the pants for her so she wouldn’t trip as she toddled around unsteady but determined on her chunky baby legs. When I’d dress her in them I’d call her “Jean Genie,” a David Bowie reference, and a nod to her namesake. She wore them at least once a week until we could no longer button and zip them up comfortably and then

was a denim treasure trove that made laundry day more interesting and also more challenging than before. When Arlo outgrew the jeans, in 2020, I boxed them up for a Goodwill donation that never transpired because of a pesky global pandemic that halted everything for quite some time.

The blue jeans remained housebound, and thankfully so because they got another lease on life when our quarantine souvenir and the biggest surprise of my life, Indy August, arrived to strut around in them, toddler style.

Indy, the most precocious and mischievous of our brood, hasn’t sat still or behaved since the day he was born (and even on that day, he didn’t do what he was supposed to do). During his stint in the tiny blue jeans, Indy has dived into multiple mud puddles, met Mickey Mouse, run (completely clothed) into the ocean, and has wiped/spilled/smeared every condiment imaginable on said precious pants. The tiny blue jeans have been well worn and have

shoving treasures in their pockets. But something made me snatch them back almost immediately after setting them in the donation box. Denim never really goes out of style. What if I have grandkids and they want a little piece of their history?

I was starting to sound like my husband justifying all the records he collects and never plays.

This year (and probably forever) the tiniest little Levi’s are in a box in the attic for safekeeping. They have survived three babies and The Purge, and they are here for the long haul.

I’m not, by nature, a very sentimental person and I don’t usually have a problem tossing something into the Goodwill donation pile, which is why I was a bit surprised last week when ...

... I got really weepy organizing my youngest son’s clothes.

Moolah

Getting Your Financial Ducks in a Row

WHEN YOU REALIZE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

LIST, written on a sticky note, may have gotten stuck on your foot and deposited in the parking lot of Harris Teeter, it’s probably time to reassess your goals for the year. Most of us have heard of the Dry January challenge, which seems to work out better for some than others. No further comment. However, have you heard of the Frugal February challenge?

It’s an idea that’s been around for several years now: Use this shorter-than-usual month to make some financial sacrifices. Spend a bit less, save a bit more and try to get your money situation more organized. Get a budget in writing and look at what you spend your money on daily and weekly. Ask yourself, “Do I need that or just want it?” Take a look at your monthly payments and highlight any areas where you can reduce your spending. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Skip the takeout: Eating out is a budget-buster. Instead of grabbing takeout, prepare your weekly menu ahead of time to

save money. An added bonus? You can focus on reducing food waste—a financial and environmental win-win.

Cancel unnecessary subscriptions: If you’ve now got yourself saddled with every streaming service available, consider cutting back. Whether it’s Netflix or Disney+, consider which streaming channels you use the most and cut the fat.

Make your own coffee: Skip the daily Starbucks run (which is actually a sit and wait) and make your own coffee.

Tip: Reach out to a financial expert who doesn’t charge for consultations. This will allow you to educate yourself, gain perspective from an expert on ways to improve your financial picture and, overall, gain a plan of action for the year to come. Yeeesss, we offer that.

Shop Smarter and Buy Products on Deep Discount

Consumer Reports’ product-research experts, who track prices all year, have compiled a list of items that are discounted. If you’re shopping for the best deals this month (or throughout the year), look for sales on their Deals tab at consumerreports.com. There’s no membership required for this research tip.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 is Tax Day Tax Time! (Rub your hands together thinking about that return direct deposit arriving!)

Everyone loves an extra windfall of money. But remember, don’t give the government an interest-free loan. That is actually your money. You just overpaid throughout the year. So, how can it be avoided?

The best thing you can do is to adjust your withholding allowances so that you’re taking out the right amount. That way, there’s less chance that you will overpay and end up getting a large refund next year.

If you get a paycheck, you can use the IRS’ withholding calculator to figure out the right withholding amount. Then file a new W-4 with your employer.

Self-employed workers should re-evaluate whether they’re making too large of quarterly payments to cover their projected tax liability for the year.

Be careful, though, you might not be ready to under pay. The opposite of that large chunk of cash is you owe taxes. You should plan ahead, educate yourself on your situation, save your

funds for what you’ll owe. The best way to evaluate your situation is to use tax software (or work with a pro) to estimate how much you’ll owe.

Tip: Explore the outcome on your taxes if you contribute to an IRA account for a deduction versus not. In most cases, you have until the Tax Day deadline to contribute for the previous year.

Clean Up Your Financial Papers and Life

Another point from consumer reports.com: Finishing your taxes is also an opportunity to shred papers that you may no longer need and organize those that you will need to access in the future. In general, there’s no reason to hold on to ATM or credit card receipts after you’ve reconciled them with monthly statements. Keep documents you need to hold on to longer, such as car titles, unpaid loan statements or your tax returns, in a fireproof box or password-protected electronic file.

Once you’re rid of unnecessary paper files, do the same with those on your computer, phone or external hard drive. While you’re at it, delete any apps you’re not using, and deactivate your accounts on websites you no longer frequent. Doing so will reduce the chances that your personal information is exposed if those companies get hacked.

Final tip: Star of the Pines

Wealth Management has an annual free drive-thru shred event in April. Save the piles and save the date: Saturday, April 15.

Finishing your taxes is also an opportunity to shred papers that you may no longer need and organize those that you will need to access in the future. In general, there’s no reason to hold on to ATM or credit card receipts after you’ve reconciled them with monthly statements.

l » l »

Live

Aberdeen

El Chapin

106 W South Street elchapintogo.com

Every Thursday, 6 p.m. Live music

Neon Rooster

114 Knight Street theneonrooster.com

Feb. 2, 7 p.m.

Blues Jam

Feb. 4, 8 p.m.

Matt Waters and the Recipe & Tommi Lea

Feb. 5, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.

Tony Barnes & McKenzie Brothers (Friends of the Aberdeen Library Concert Fundraiser)

Feb. 25, 8 p.m.

A Night of Blues with Jason Damico

Carthage

Maness Pottery & Music Barn

10992 NC-24

facebook.com/clydemaness

Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Free

Live bluegrass, country and gospel music

Time Out Sports Grill

1005 Monroe St., Ste. K tosportsgrill.com

Every Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.

Karaoke with Carolina Vibez

Pinehurst

Dugan’s Pub

2 Market Square duganspub.net

Thursdays, 8 p.m.

Karaoke

Every Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.

Live music

Southern Pines

715 Bar & Grill

715 SW Broad Street 715barandgrill.com

Every Wednesday, 8 p.m. KJ’s Karaoke

The Bell Tree Tavern

155 NE Broad Street thebelltreetavern.com

Every Saturday, 9 p.m. Live music on the patio

CharBar No. 7

1337 Morganton Road charbar7.com

Every Friday, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music

Legends Bar & Grill

1113 Old US Hwy 1 facebook.com/legendssop

Every Monday, 8 p.m.

Karaoke

O’Donnell’s Pub

133 E New Hampshire Avenue facebook.com/odonnellspubsouthernpines

Every Thursday, 9 p.m.

Open Mic

Every Friday & Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Live music

Swank Coffee Shoppe

232 NW Broad Street swankcoffeeshoppe.com

Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Open Mic Night

The Wine Cellar

241-A NE Broad Street thewinecellarandtastingroom.com

Most Fridays, & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Live Acoustic

Dates and times subject to change. Check directly with event organizers before making plans.

• Jason Damico, February 25 Neon Rooster Aberdeen

Photographs courtesy of the artists

Who is your hero?

I could list people, but I’d rather just say “conquerors of fear and adversity.” We all have fears, real and imagined, and many of us face or have faced adversity, but the lesson is to continue to strive and grow. To never give up.

What was the last TV show you binge-watched?

There’s a show on BritBox called “Mum.” I love it. It’s funny and it’s heartwarming, though it’s funnier when you have the captions turned on. I’ll watch the series all over again when I have time.

What makes you laugh the most?

My family makes me laugh the most. Immediate family, mother, sister, children, grandson, nephews and cousins on down the line. I love being around them.

What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better? Being told that I have made someone else’s day. That feels good.

What’s something you think is entirely underrated?

The gifts of wisdom and knowledge that the elderly can share with younger generations, and the importance of respect for one another.

What is something new you would like to learn? A second language.

What’s one song you have completely memorized?

“You Are My Sunshine.” I sing it often to my 4-year-old grandson and I love when he joins in with me. My favorite version is sung by Nick Lachey.

If you could time travel, when and where would you go?

I think the late Cretaceous period on earth to see a real T-Rex for just a few seconds. I just can’t imagine seeing T-Rex and other such majestic creatures and what they truly looked like.

Linda Pearson

Executive Director, United Way of Moore County

Hangin' Out

Southern Pines

Pinehurst

Wine Cellar

Fair Barn

Place numbers into the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains each of the digits 1 to 9. No guessing is needed.

Across

1. Whale herds

5. Tire

8. Fine dry soil

12. Portent

13. Secular

14. Australian super-model

15. Narrow country road

unit

47. Charged particles

48. Spoil

50. River in central Switzerland

51. Knob

52. Handwoven Scandinavian

rug

53. Network

54. Portico

55. Gender

56. Poems

Down

1. Equestrian sport

2. - Khayyam

3. Sand dune

4. Rubber-soled shoe

5. Silk thread

6. Exclamation of surprise

7. Gymnasium

8. Trade agreement

9. Arm bone

10. Plod

11. Decades

19. Briefly immerse in water

20. Pig enclosure

22. Swindle

23. Conger

24. Wily

25. Garland

26. Even (poet.)

28. Benedictine monk’s title

29. Shady tree

30. Cathedral city

32. Charged particle

33. Back pain

35. Male sheep 36. Yes

38. Dassie 39. Dowels 40. Origin 41. Prefix, India 42. At sea 44. Poet 45. A Great Lake 46. Clarets 48. Missus 49. Affirmative vote

Ladderword puzzles are like crosswords but with a twist. The words in the middle column are anagrams of the words of the first column. The words in the last column are anagrams of the middle column plus one additional letter. The anchor words (the down clues) are related by a common theme.

3. Land measures

Last Word

What’s the Word?

Each year, dictionaries announce their words of the year— those words that capture a modern moment so well even our grandparents start using them. Words of the year started popping up in the early aughts from dictionaries and dialect societies, and have included pandemic, muffin top, youthquake, tergiversate, fake news and plutoed, to name just a few. So, we thought we’d take a look at some of the 2022 words.

Goblin Mode

Oxford English Dictionary opened up to the public their Word of the Year choice, and an overwhelming 93 percent of voters chose goblin mode. OED defines goblin mode as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”

As with every new word that enters the lexicon, goblin mode has been subjected to overanalysis. As one online source noted, “Unlike ‘cottagecore’ or the ‘clean girl aesthetic,’ which imply the adoption of some sort of new, chicer persona, goblin mode does not strive for self-betterment. It’s temporary in nature; we are all but visitors of goblin mode, though some stay longer than others. In this sense, goblin mode is about the journey, not the destination, of which there is none.

We like a simpler analysis. Think Animal on The Muppets and you’ve got goblin mode.

Gaslighting

Merriam-Webster has chosen gaslighting as their 2022 Word of the Year, which we thought peaked a bit earlier than last year, but according to the dictionary, there was a 1,740 percent increase in lookups of gaslighting in 2022 as compared to 2021.

Gaslighting comes from the title of a 1938 play and subsequent movie where a man attempts to make his wife believe she is going insane. His efforts make the house gas lights dim and when his wife comments on it, he insists the lights aren’t dimming, making her question her own reality.

Merriam-Webster defines gaslighting as:

psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their

own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.

Recently, however, the definition has evolved and also includes “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for a personal advantage.” Basically, another word for lie.

Permacrisis

Collins Dictionary defines permacrisis as “an extended period of instability and insecurity,” which we feel many can relate to. Collins believes permacrisis “perfectly embodies the dizzying sense of lurching from one unprecedented event to another, as we wonder bleakly what new horrors might be around the corner.” Permacrisis is, of course, a relative term. Ukrainians have been suffering from the ultimate version of the word for a year now, but even in the Sandhills we can experience a form of permacrisis, from inflation to COVID to power outages to the flu. When will a period of sustained boredom return?!

Woman

Really, dictionary.com? Yes, apparently. According to their search statistics, “woman” was searched 1,400 percent more than in 2021. The search spiked in March, according to the website, when during the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Senator Marsha Blackburn asked Justice Jackson to provide a definition for the word woman.

Dictionary.com also points to transgender questions, the protest movement in Iran about better rights for women and the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade reversal as other factors in the jump.

Quiet quitting, inflation and Wordle were some other words that made dictionary.com’s short list.

Our favorite? Macquarie Dictionary of Australia asked its followers to vote and they chose bachelor’s handbag, meaning a roasted chicken sold in a disposable plastic carry bag with a handle. Cheers, mate!

Patient featured: Dilly