Travel & EventsThanksgivingCooking & RecipesHiking & GeocachingArt, Music & BooksFamily & Wellness

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233 4th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364Toll Free: (877) 234-5567

Local: (928) 783-4453

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2 Business Centers ~ Guest Laundry FacilitiesFree Parking for Cars, Boats, Buses, RVs & Trucks

Group Rates & Government Per Diem Rates

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Contents…

5. Editors Block

Toast to the Arts

6. Food As Imagery

9. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

10. Books & Writing

11. The Query Letter

12. Sci-Fi Spotlight

13. Music News & Interviews

The Nature Connection15. Taking Elephants From the Wild

16. 5 Economic Benefits of Going Solar

Creative Celebrations!18. Thanksgiving Symbols

20. Guy Fawkes & Bonfire Night

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!22. Tasting Southern Oregon’s Wine Country

26. A Taste of Temecula

28. Good For You Comfort Food

30. Ten Turkey Tips

31. Pump it Up With Pumpkin!

32. Shepherd’s Pie & Wine

34. Shrimply Irresistible!

36. Celebrate With Chocolate

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Contents Cont’ …

Spirit of America38. Pipe Spring National Monument

42. Hiker Insider: Jeff Alt

Vacation Station46. The Irish Retreat

47. Fear of Flying

48. Treasure Hunting in Yerington, NV

50. Hooray For Hollister!

53. Festive in California’s Yosemite Gold Country

55. Big Trees, Sweet Treats & More - The Sequoias

60. Festive In North San Diego, CA

62. Soak Up the Sun & Have Fun in Yuma!

Success Express66. California Wage Laws

Quality of Life68. Family Unity During the Holidays

70. Think Ahead This Holiday Season

72. Books & Interviews

73. 8 Keys of Excellence - Balance

74. Herbs For Cold & Flu

75. Rock Talk - Healing Carnelian

76. How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner

77. Staying Cool, Organized & Bug-Free!

This magazine is developed by Big Blend Magazine™.copyrighted since 1998. No part of it may be reproducedfor any reason, without written permission from BigBlend Magazine, P.O. Box 87633, Tucson, AZ 85754-7633. Opinions expressed by contributors are notnecessarily that of this publication or any of its staff. Wereserve the right to edit submittals. All subject matter isintended for general information only and not to betaken as personal advice in any matter. Although everyeffort is made to be accurate, we cannot be heldresponsible for inaccuracies or plagiarized copysubmitted to us by advertisers or contributors.

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EDITORS BLOCKThis issue celebrates the month of November withthe stories behind the symbols of Thanksgiving, thehistory of Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot, recipesand cooking tips, family unity during the holidays,as well as end-of-fall destinations in Arizona andCalifornia that offer unique holiday shoppingopportunities and festive celebrations. Furthertravel and recreation coverage includes PipeSpring National Monument in northern Arizona,hiking and backpacking Q&A with Jeff Alt,geocaching in northwest Nevada, the luxurious newIrish Retreat, a culinary tour of Southern Oregon, ataste of Temecula’s wine country in SouthernCalifornia, and tips for those of us who get nervousabout air travel.

When it comes to the arts, listen to interviewscovering art history, books and writing, new music,and filming science fiction. Other interviews andarticles focus on wildlife conservation, solar energy,organizing, labor laws, natural health andmetaphysics, brain and mind power, fashion tipsand product reviews.

We draw the winner of our Big Blend BonanzaGiveaway on November 10, and will announce thewinner and new giveaway in our December issue.Be sure to subscribe to our monthly Big Blend e-Newsletter for updates and to receive your copy ofthe magazine in your inbox. This issue marks our1-year anniversary of publishing Big Blend Radio &TV Magazine. We thank you! We appreciate yourreadership, along with our experts and contributors,and marketing partners.

Listen to our Big Blend Radio shows live oron-demand BigBlendRadio.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. SmithBig Blend’s mother-daughter publishing, radio andtravel team; along with Priscilla - Big Blend’s pinksock monkey travel mascot.

Front Cover Photo of 25th Annual ColoradoRiver Crossing Balloon Festival courtesy ofYuma Visitors Bureau.

Listen toVictoria Chick

on Big Blend Radio!

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November is the month we celebrateThanksgiving and a big part of our thanksrevolves around the bounty of Thanksgivingdinner. When you think of the importance offood not only for special occasions, but foreveryday sustenance, it is remarkable that foodhas only been prominent as a subject in visualart in one country and in one century wherebounty had a national meaning.

Paintings of food and objects associated with diningfit into the general category of still life. Rareexamples of still life occurred in ancient historicalperiods. Foods, such as grapes or wine, appearincidentally in painting during the Renaissance.

A few painters in Baroque period France did foodstill life, and we can point to Manet’s oysters,Cezanne’s fruit paintings, Raphael Peale’s late 18thand early 19th century American paintings, andeven Wayne Thiebaud’s contemporary paintings ofcafeteria foods. But it was during the social,religious, and economic climate of the 17th century,when Holland made a dramatic shift from the rest ofEurope, that exquisite paintings of food becamecommon.

The northern Netherlands broke away fromSpanish control in the 17th century and formed thecountry we know as Holland. In doing this, theyshed two traditional patrons of art – the CatholicChurch and the King.

By developing a republic type of government withno king, there were no royal families to commissionportraits. They also shifted to a Protestanttheological outlook that valued plain churchinteriors and was suspicious of religious art asbeing idolatrous. So, almost no outwardly religiousart was commissioned.

What Holland did provide that was beneficial to thegreat flowering of painting during the 17th centurywas a free climate for business, naval explorationwith the purpose of foreign trade in spices and fruit,productive farming, and the harbor of Amsterdamwhich was a shipping point for the grain of theBaltic region.

Continued on Next Page…

“Still Life with a Curtain” by Paul CezannePhoto: in USA Public Domain

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Food As Imagery Continued…

There was little regulation exceptfrom local trade guilds. This freeatmosphere produced a largenumber of wealthy people and alsoa big population percentage of well-off, middle class people. It had themost prosperous generalpopulation in Europe at the time.

The Dutch had disposable incomethat allowed to them to decoratetheir homes with paintings. It wasthe first time in history averagepeople formed a consumer base forart. There were paintings of homeinteriors, street scenes,landscapes, prize animals, and stilllife. All were done in the oil paintingmedium, sometimes on canvas andsometimes on wooden boards.

Among the types of still life were thosedepicting food. The food still life paintings wereof three kinds: Breakfast pieces, Banquetpieces, and Fruit pieces.

Breakfast pieces tended to be simple incomposition with a few items of modest pottery andhumble food and drink. They were not necessarilytypical of a true Dutch breakfast. Banquet pieceswere larger and more complex compositionsincluding many objects considered luxurious, suchas vessels of silver or foods that were expensive orimported. Fruit pieces were usually small paintingswith an assortment of fruit or focused on a fewexamples of one kind of fruit.

All three types were usually displayed against dark,neutral backgrounds that emphasized their drama.The arrangement was always informal.

The paintings can be appreciated on differentlevels. They are so faithful in representing thetextures, the viewer knows by looking exactly howeach item would feel to the touch or taste. Justseeing the half peeled lemon can have the effect ofmaking the viewer’s mouth pucker. Whether thepainting is a breakfast piece with common platesand mugs, a banquet piece with silver trays andgoblets, or a simple fruit piece, the paintings alwaysshow the meal as it is finished or partly eaten. Thefact that there are a lot of leftovers implies theprosperity enjoyed by the Dutch - there is enoughbounty that some can afford to be wasted.

Paintings of fruit may not seemrevolutionary, but the fruit piecesgenerally had fruit not native tothe Netherlands. The Dutch wellunderstood and were proud oftheir dominance in foreign tradeand a painting of fruit from aMediterranean country or fromthe coast of Africa or the DutchIndies served as an economicsymbol. Persian rugs and bowlsfrom China included in thecompositions indicated costlyimported goods.

Continued on Next Page…

“Still Life” byAbraham van Beijeren

Photo: in USA Public Domain

“Breakfast Table with Blackberry Pie”by Willem c. HedaPhoto: in USA Public Domain

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Food as Imagery Continued…

There can also be a deeper meaning associatedwith the paintings. Since there was thought amongthe reformed Protestants that depicting Christ orthe saints was against the second commandment(to make no graven images), religious feelingsoften found their way into visual art that expresseda moral or theological idea in a symbolic way. Anexample might be that decay and death are boundto occur and man needs to make the most of histime on earth. This idea may have been understoodby the Dutch of the 17th century through items suchas tarnished silver, a bug or blemish on a piece offruit, with an hourglass or a candle about to go outor fresh fruit next to a skull.

Food still life never really went away. There aremany examples of individual artists in variousperiods that have produced some food paintings.But food still life was never as popular before orafter as it was in 17th century Holland.

The Dutch carried their political and religious ideasas well as their work ethic to North America whennumbers of them emigrated to New Amsterdam(now New York) and settled in the Hudson RiverValley and on Manhattan Island in the late 17thcentury.

But life was a lot harder in New Amsterdam andfood painting did not appear in America until theearly 18th century.

One hundred years later, 17th century Dutch stilllife still influenced the artists’ realist approach.However, the food items were likely to be freshgamebirds, rabbits, or deer, arranged informallywith related items such as a gun and powder horn,possibly against a rough cabinet. Although foodgrowing, gathering, and hunting formed a majorpart of life for people in the early United States,they may have felt rich and privileged, for only thenobility were allowed to hunt in Europe.

Victoria Chick is the founder of the Cow TrailArt Studio in southwest New Mexico, artist andearly 19th & 20th century print collector. Shereceived a B.A. in Art from the University ofMissouri at Kansas City and awarded an M.F.A.in Painting from Kent State University in Ohio.Visit her website atwww.ArtistVictoriaChick.com.

“A Pantry”by

Adriaenvan Utrecht

Photo: in the USA

PublicDomain.

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Current Ted DeGrazia Exhibits & Artistsin The Little Gallery

This 10-acre historic landmark is nestled in thefoothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson,Arizona. Opened in 1965, it is home to over 15,000originals of Ted DeGrazia art pieces including oilpaintings, watercolors, ceramics and sculptures.

There are six permanent collections on display andseveral rotating exhibitions each year. A limitednumber of DeGrazia originals are available forpurchase, while the gift shop and online store offersa wide variety of popular DeGrazia reproductions.

The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is Open Daily(except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 10am – 4pm. There is no admission charge. Tel:(520) 299-9191 or (800) 545-2185, or visitwww.DeGrazia.org

CURRENT EXHIBITS OF TEDDEGRAZIA’S ART- “The Lord Gave Me Brothers Saint Francis ofAssisi” - DeGrazia created these paintings in 1966for a book on Saint Francis that was nevercompleted. The paintings include images of SaintFrancis and scenes from the daily life of a Friarcalled “Little Brother”. On display until Dec. 1.

- “Wagons Ho!” Wagons were a favorite subject ofartist Ted DeGrazia who travelled far afield insearch of working wagons to draw and paint. Ondisplay until Jan. 20, 2016.

- “The Rose and the Robe” - DeGrazia chroniclesthe travels of Fray Junipero Serra and theFranciscan missions he established in Spanishcolonial California in the late 1700’s. On displayuntil Jan. 27, 2016.

THE LITTLE GALLERYThe Little Gallery hosts visiting artists annuallybetween November - March.

Nov. 1-13: Diane Lenay Black: Acrylic and LatexNov. 15-27: Barbara Banks: Clay SculptureNov. 29-Dec. 11: Matthew Moutafis: Oils,Watercolors, Bronze SculpturesDec. 13-25: Lou Lewis: Oils and Pencil DrawingsDedicated to Her Late Husband

David Sakmyster is an award winning sciencefiction, fantasy and horror author, writer andscreenwriter. Listen to David on Big Blend Radiowhere he discusses his creative inspiration behindthe question ‘What If?’ along with the research andwriting of his various novels, books and stories.

‘Final Solstice’ is his latest novel that tacklesclimate change. When successful meteorologistMason Griers is recruited to consult for amysterious environmental firm, it’s the perfectchance to put his lifetime obsession with violentweather to practical use. Solstice Inc. promises anew technology that can accurately predict, andpossibly control, catastrophic weather eventsaround the world. Too late however, Mason learnsthat Solstice is made up of high ranking andpowerful Druids, and he's become an unwitting toolin the firm's dark plot that could remake the worldon a scale not seen since the last great extinction.

David is also known for writing ‘The MorpheusInitiative Series’ about psychic archaeologists, theepic historical adventure ‘Silver and Gold’, co-authoring ‘Jurassic Dead’ about zombie dinosaurs,the short story collection ‘Escape Plans,’ thehaunting non-fiction ‘The Belhurst Story,’ andsuspense novels ‘Crescent Lake’, ‘Blindspots’ and‘N.D.E’. Keep up with him atwww.Sakmyster.com.

From two cousins separated by distance andculture, comes a rich history of shared lineage setin a land that continues to inspire and haunt thosedrawn to its verdant hills and valleys. ‘CASADA: A History of An Italian Village and ItsPeople’ is a book about two villages - one inNorthern Italy, and the other in the coal-mines ofPennsylvania.

Anna Comis was born in Casada. For centuries,her ancestors had inhabited the “beautiful littlecountry” surrounded by the Dolomite Mountains.After her family relocated, her parents’ stories oftheir cherished native village continued to connectAnna with her birthplace. Years later, driven by adesire to preserve her heritage, Anna begancollecting documents, anecdotes, articles, and oldphotographs. ‘Casada: A History of an ItalianVillage and Its People’ contains the fruits of herexhaustive research.

Half a world away, Isabel Comis Degenaars alsogrew up hearing stories of Casada shared by herfather, whose parents immigrated to America in the1920s in search of work and the chance to start anew life. A 2010 visit to her grandparents’ ancestralhome inspired her to translate her cousin Anna’sbook into English. She also relates her own family’schallenging journey from the green mountains ofItaly into the dark coal mines of Pennsylvania.Listen to Isabel talk about Casada and her familyhistory on Big Blend Radio.

Listen! Listen!FINAL SOLSTICEDavid Sakmyster

CASADAAnna Comis &Isabel ComisDegenaars

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BOOKS & WRITING

Tips for Writers Who Want toGet PublishedBy Lynn Wiese Sneyd ‘The Book Biz Whiz’

It took me 6 months to get up the nerve to write myfirst query letter, way back before Starbucksbecame a coffee drink phenomenon. Pathetic, Iknow. Fortunately, I stumbled upon a book thatshowed me the way. It was ‘How to WriteIrresistible Query Letters’ by Lisa Collier Cool. Istudied that seminal work, highlighted it, almostmemorized it and finally wrangled the courage topen a query. I hit a home run and scored an agentand soon after a publisher. Lisa Collier Coolremains my hero. Without a doubt, she helped mefind a formula that I still use today and still scores.

Like book proposals, query letters are formulaic;they need to contain certain pieces of information.In addition, the language needs to sizzle. It needsto entice an agent or editor and motivate him or herto ask for your article, book proposal or book.

Following are the components of a query letter.

Opening paragraph: This is your hook. Grab yourreader with an anecdote, a startling statistic, aquestion, a comparison, a reference to a movie orbook, or a quote.

Here’s the first paragraph from the query thateventually morphed into the book 'Hands Off MyBelly!' by Drs. Shawn Tassone and KathrynLandherr:

Shawn Tassone, MD and Katherine Landherr, MD,a husband and wife obstetric and gynecologicalteam, hear questions every day in their clinic. If Icrave spicy food, does that mean I’m having a boy?If I carry that baby low, that means it’s a girl, right?My grandmother said that if I crack an egg on mybelly, and it falls to the left, I’ll have a girl and to theright, a boy. Is that true?

Following paragraphs need to include:

Title: The title may change as it did for the authorsmentioned above. It went from 'The SuperstitiousPregnancy' to 'Hands Off My Belly!'

Book length: word count or number of pages

Platform: who will read this book

Brief author bio: why are you the person to writethis book?

The finished product should be one page, single-spaced in a readable font i.e. not 6 point. You canemail or mail queries depending on how the personyou’re sending it to likes to receive queries. Thatinformation is usually available on a website undera tab like “Submission Guidelines.” If you snail mailit, be sure to include an self-addressed stampedenvelope. That way you’re more likely to receive areply.

Lynn is a writer, author, literary expert, PRconsultant and owner of LWS Literary Serviceswhere she assists authors in book publicitycampaigns, agent searches, book proposalwriting, and editing. Most recently, shecoauthored ‘The Horse Lover: A Cowboy’sQuest to Save the Wild Mustangs’ released bythe University of Nebraska Press. Visitwww.LWSLiteraryServices.com.

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PAGE 11

Listen toOlatunde Onsunsanmi

on Big Blend Radio!

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Tackling the ScienceBehind the Fiction withHollywood TV & Film

Successes

"One of the greatest mysteriesof our time is whether or not

we are alone," explainsOlatunde Osunsanmi. "I can'thelp but also ask the question

that if we are being visited,who made the visitors?"

He is currently in development on his original idea"Eden," a script he wrote to direct, which reuniteshim with the producer team behind "The FourthKind." "Eden" is a modern day science fiction spinon the Underground Railroad legend, howeverinstead of humans oppressing humans, its aliensoppressing humanity. He is also in development on"Planet X" with Cota Films and Vertigo produced byMichael Costigan and Roy Lee. Another film he haswritten to direct, "Planet X" chronicles threeastronauts in a secret space program as theyjourney to investigate a previously unknown planetat the edge of our solar system.

Olatunde Osunsanmi is a first generation Americanof Nigerian descent. His parents traveled fromNigeria 43 years ago to live the American dreamand his accomplishments are a part of that dreamcome true. Osunsanmi's grandfather was thedesignated photographer for several variousNigerian presidents and dictators. The familybelieves that Osunsanmi's love for the camerastems from him.

Connect with director Olatunde Osunsanmi'son Twitter @centerwillhold.

Olatunde Osunsanmi has always had a penchantfor the paranormal. His directorial debut in 2009,"The Fourth Kind," starring Milla Jovovich (ResidentEvil), was a Universal Pictures theatrical releasebased on his original screenplay about the alienabduction phenomenon. A cult classic, the film'ssuccess established him as a true industry prodigyand a rising young director. Osunsanmi has sincequietly built a list of horror movie and science fictioncredits that denote some of the genre's best work.His skill for being able to juxtapose emotion,existential angst, special effects and aliens hasgarnered him esteemed recognition amongst hissci-fi peers as one of Hollywood's top sciencefiction directors. He is also one of the youngest!

Having recently completed tenure on the set of"Falling Skies," a TNT series executive producedby Steven Spielberg, Osunsanmi has a trail of topTV science fiction credits to his claim that includebeing an episodic director for CBS' "Extant,"starring Halle Berry and the CBS series "Under theDome," based on the best-selling Stephen Kingnovel of the same name. Additional productionswith the Osunsanmi touch include an episode ofFox's "Sleepy Hollow," and TNT's "The Last Ship,”and an episode of the new hit Fox show, "MinorityReport.”

The rising star has also been tapped to direct afeature film titled "The Twisted," a thriller from ScottFree Productions' new movie division, "Ridley ScottPresents." "The Twisted" is set in the mountains ofSierra Nevada, where strange things arehappening to the children at an isolated orphanage.

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JON RONIGERGypsyland - Live At The Mint

The sound and soul of New Orleans is steeped inRoniger’s psyche and plays out in his music andlyrical stories. He returns as a guest on Big BlendRadio to discuss his seventh and recently releasedalbum “Jon Roniger Gypsyland – Live at the Mint,”that features audience favorites like ‘AnnieChristmas’, ‘Upside of Down’, ‘Fishin’s for Stars’and ‘New Orleans Lullaby’. His other NOLAflavored albums include 2014’s “Gypsyland” inwhich he sings primarily in French, “Dirty Gypsy” in2013 which boasts an ambitious track listing of 28acoustic songs, and “NOLA Rolls” as his 2012 EP.Listen to his Big Blend Radio interview where hetalks about the stories and characters behind hissongs, the music industry, and what it’s like livingand performing in his hometown NOLA postHurricane Katrina. Keep up with Roniger atwww.JonRonigerMusic.com.

PROJECT GRAND SLAMMade In New York

A love letter to New York, Robert Miller’s ProjectGrand Slam just released their new full lengthalbum ‘Made in New York.’ The album features thesingles ‘New York City Groove’ and ‘Fire’ with guestvocalist Kat Robichaud from NBC’s The Voice. Twoof the tracks ‘Cakewalk for Debra’ and ‘BecauseShe Said So’ were recorded lived at the worldfamous Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. Allof the songs on the album (except for Fire) werecomposed by Robert and reflect the band’sdistinctive trademark sound and jazz fusion feel.Listen to bass player/composer Robert Miller on BigBlend Radio where he talks about songs on thealbum, the music industry and the band thatincludes: Nathan Cepelinski on sax, Ben Sher onguitar, and Joel E. Mateo on drums. Keep up withProject Grand Slam atwww.ProjectGrandSlam.com.

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MUSIC NEWS & INTERVIEWS

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SOULEYE - ShapeshiftingSouleye has earned rave reviews and a rabidfollowing for his rousing and powerful style thatchallenges paradigms and incorporates Hip-Hop,EDM, R&B, and Funk. He’s has been touted as"Hip hop's medicine man," "America's new leadingedge voice," and "a modern day hip hop warrior."After releasing 2012's ‘Iron Horse Running’ andtouring the world playing sold-out arenas withAlanis Morissette, an inspired Souleye returned tothe studio to begin work on his recently releasedfull-Iength album, ‘Shapeshifting.’ The albumeffortlessly joins old-school hip hop with trip-hop...it's a psychedelic, otherworldly exploration.Over the last ten years, Souleye has released fourfull-length albums as a solo artist and has beenfeatured on the recordings of Bassnectar, MIMosa,STS9, The Glitch Mob and Michael Franti. Souleyetalks about the positive message in his music, newalbums, and upcoming shows. Seewww.Souleye.net.

SARAH BORGES - Good & DirtyMassachusetts based singer/songwriter SarahBorges recently released her latest single “Caughtby the Rain” to give fans a sneak peak of herforthcoming album ‘Good & Dirty’. The new albumwill be produced by Eric Roscoe Ambel who willalso play guitar on the tracks. Releasing on March4, 2016, this will be her third solo record and sixthoverall (with her former group, Sarah Borges andthe Broken Singles). “I would say that my sound isstraight up rock and roll, but it’s the sum total ofwhat my record collection looks like,” says Sarah.“The new record that I am working on is certainlymore Americana than the last record was. It’s alsomore rock than the last record. I would say that it’sa version of the liveshows – a lot of loud guitarsand loud singing. You can certainly dance to it.”Sarah discusses her music and being a solo artist,her upcoming album and touring. Visitwww.SarahBorges.com.

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MUSIC NEWS & INTERVIEWS

PAGE 15

Three American Zoos Are Attempting toImport Half of Swaziland’s ElephantPopulation

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice inthe Federal Register announcing a permit applicationfrom three zoos to import 18 live elephants fromSwaziland. The permit application was submitted byDallas Zoo Management, on behalf of the Dallas Zoo,Sedgwick County Zoo, and Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.The three zoos are requesting authorization under theConvention on International Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and Flora to import 18 live Africanelephants from Swaziland – roughly half of this smallSouthern African country’s elephant population.

Listen to our Big Blend Radio interview Adam Roberts,CEO of Born Free USA and Born Free Foundation, whodiscusses the possible importation of these elephantsand visit www.BornFreeUSA.org to keep up with BornFree’s campaign to keep these elephants in the wild,where they belong.

Born Free USA and the UK based Born Free Foundationare global leaders in animal welfare and wildlifeconservation. Through litigation, legislation, and publiceducation, they lead vital campaigns against animals inentertainment, exotic "pets," trapping and fur, poachingand the destructive international wildlife trade.

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Watching elephants perform may look likefamily fun, but for elephants and other wildanimals, the experience is anything but! JoinBorn Free USA and the voice of this video,Selma Blair, at www.whatelephantslike.comin the fight against performing animal abuse;and keep animals where they belong, in thewild.

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SOLAR PV IS RELIABLEAt first glance, solar PV would seem tolack reliability since a passing cloud cancut off the source of energy. Just as mybatteries enable my home PV system tooperate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,

so will utility-scale energy storage enable theelectricity grid to operate 24/7. Energy storagemakes the intermittent nature of solar energyirrelevant. Adding energy storage makes solar-based energy as reliable as fossil fuels. PV panelsthemselves have already proven highly reliable.They are solid-state devices with no moving parts,so there are no worn parts, no lubrication of partsneeded, and no need for replacement parts. PVpanels are so reliable that PV manufacturerstypically guarantee them for 20–30 years. Suchlong guarantees are unheard of for other consumerproducts.

SOLAR PV WON’T RUN OUTThe sun has reliably risen every day forthe 5-billion-year history of our planet, andis expected to do so for another 5 billionyears. Solar energy has sustained lifesince it began on our planet. It would be

fair to say that a power source that has alreadyworked for millions of years has a proven trackrecord of reliability. This means that whateverenergy systems that are put in place that rely onsolar energy will not have to be replaced in 10, 20,or 100 years with another energy source. If wemanage to take the solar step, then we will have apermanent energy system that can remain solar-based indefinitely.

SOLAR PV IS A SOLID INVESTMENTFOR BUSINESSUncertainty about fossil-fuel energysupplies can hinder economic investment,but there is no uncertainty about theenergy a solar PV system can generate.

Any business that deploys a solar PV system withenergy storage will enjoy a reliable supply. SolarPV systems have long warranties, require littlemaintenance, and have no ongoing fuel costs, allattractive features for business investment.

More important, the price of solar electricity doesn’trise over time, because it’s determined by theup-front cost of the equipment, not the current priceof oil. A business can amortize the known cost forthe equipment over the firmly predicted kilowatt-hour energy output of the PV system to enable thebusiness to establish their future energy costs withcertainty. Such essentially zero economic riskamounts to a guaranteed return on investment. Forbusinesses seeking to reduce operating costs, acapital investment in solar PV will offset annualelectricity costs. Once the PV system is paid off, itwill continue to generate free electricity for manymore years. A solar-powered business has an edgeover any competitors that are coping with a futureof higher energy prices.

Continued on Next Page…

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SOLAR PV IS GOOD FOR LOCALECONOMIESWherever solar electricity is installed, itboosts the local economy. Most localcommunities currently import all of theirenergy from utility companies and oil

companies. Money spent on such energy leavesthe local economy instead of re-circulating to localbusinesses. The export of money to pay forimported energy acts as a constant drain on a localeconomy. When energy is generated locally usingsolar PV, that money drain is blocked. The moneythat would have paid for imported energy caninstead be spent on local goods and services.Since the money stays local, it can be re-spent inthe community, effectively multiplying its value tothe local economy.

Solar electricity puts a local community in thebusiness of primary production. Primary productionis any economic activity that directly derives valuefrom natural resources, such as mining, forestry,and agriculture. Solar PV converts natural sunshineto usable electricity. Primary production is thefoundation of any economy, so installing a lot ofsolar PV can build a steady base for a localeconomy. Solar PV also enables more entities tomake money by producing energy. Individuals,families, schools, local governments, churches,small businesses, and farmers can install PV andproduce electricity as valuable as that produced bya utility company. For many, having a steadyincome instead of a steady expense from theirenergy system will help them survive economically.

Solar PV also supplies local jobs for PV installers,since installation tasks cannot be outsourced toother countries. The same can be said for energyefficiency improvements. No ongoing labor isneeded for harvesting the energy over time, but thetransition is huge, lasting decades and covering theentire working life of an individual installer. Studieshave shown that solar PV generates far more jobsper unit energy than the fossil-fuel industry.

SOLAR PV IS GOOD FOR NATIONALECONOMIES Solar PV helps national economies inseveral ways:• Replacing oil with solar reduces oilimports, thereby reducing trade deficits

that can drain a national economy. The UnitedStates saw $265 billion flow out of the country in2010 to pay for petroleum imports (which amountsto over half of the $500 billion total US tradedeficit).• Solar is not subject to oil supply shortfalls causedby political turmoil.• Solar is not subject to energy price volatility.• Solar PV can add primary production to anynational economy, not just those lucky enough tohave fossil-fuel resources.• Solar equipment manufacturing, which can takeplace almost anywhere, can expand a country’sindustrial base.• For developing countries, an energy base can bedeveloped locally without dependence on importedenergy. Solar PV brings stability to any nationaleconomy that deploys it widely, insulating it fromthe wrenching effects of oil politics and pricespeculation. A stable economy promotesconfidence in investors, thereby stimulating theinvestments that sustain economic growth.

Author of "Power Shift: From Fossil Energy toDynamic Solar Power,” Robert Arthur Staytonhas a master’s degree in physics and hastaught college courses in physics, energy, andsolar energy. Robert and his wife built a passivesolar home have been living with solar energysince then. He drives a solar-charged Plug-inPrius, heats his water with a solar water heatingsystem, and bakes his bread in his solar oven.Visit www.SandstonePublishing.com.

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By Nancy J. Reid

Football, food and family–most people in theUSA spend the fourth Thursday in Novemberfeasting on turkey and lots of traditional sidedishes, visiting family, and watching football.The home, particularly the table, is usuallydecorated with items that symbolizeThanksgiving.

Running wild through Mexico and the USA (fromVirginia to California), long before the Pilgrims,there is an early turkey ancestors fossil record frommore than 5 million years ago. In parts of Mexicoand the American Southwest, turkeys weredomesticated and kept as a food source by sometribes. Some tribes view the turkey as a spirit andbelieve the big bird can predict the weather.

European explorers brought wild turkeys fromMexico back to their home countries, domesticatedthem because they were large and had a richertaste, apparently due to the birds diet of wild nuts.Later, some believe when English colonists settledon the Atlantic Coast, they brought some of thedomesticated turkeys with them, others believe thewild turkeys in the area were hunted.

The turkey has come to symbolize theThanksgiving holiday, a holiday that originated as aPuritan religious celebration, amalgamated withEnglish harvest festivals. In November of 1621, thefirst “Thanksgiving” was a three day event and aparty of men were sent out to bring back fowl… thefare could have been turkey, geese, duck or swan.

Another symbol of Thanksgiving is the Cornucopiaor Horn of Plenty. Legends about the cornucopiadate back to the 5th century B.C. Greek mythologytells of Amalthea, a goat, that nursed and raised theyoung god Zeus (Jupiter), an infant in hiding fromhis father Cronos, known to swallow his ownchildren under the belief that one of them woulddethrone him. As Zeus grew, he became arambunctious boy and one day, while rough-housing with Amalthea, he broke off one of herhorns. Feeling bad for what he had done, the youngGod used his powers to make sure that the hornwould henceforth be full of whatever Amaltheawished for–giving the goat eternal abundance.

There are other versions of the myth, but the Hornof Plenty, makes its way into paintings and décoras center pieces and part of table settings in fall.

Continued on the Next Page…

Infant Jupiter Fed by the GoatAmalthea, Jacob Jordaens

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The cranberry is also a traditional part ofThanksgiving, and has been known by severalnames. Cranberry is derived from “craneberry”,named by the first settlers in America. Looking atthe flower and stem of the cranberry plant (photo toright), the flower and stalk look like the neck andhead of a crane. It was sometimes called abearberry, as bears fed on them, or a “moss” or“fen” berry, designating they grew in a marsh orbog.

Books and writings from the 1550s refer to theNative Americans greeting Europeans comingashore, with bark cups full of cranberries. In the1600s there are references to the settlers usingcranberries to dye their clothing. In 1663 a recipefor cranberry sauce, (not that canned gelatinousmess we see on grocery shelves), appeared in thePilgrim Cookbook. The sauce was served with wildturkey.

Corn, green beans and pumpkins (squash), were agift from the Native Americans to help the firstEuropean settlers survive. Known as the “ThreeSisters”, their method of growing these plants ascompanions made real sense. Corn provides a polefor bean vines to climb, beans have nitrogen ontheir roots improving the fertility of the soil andsquash vines become a living mulch, shadingemerging weeds and keeping soil moisture fromevaporating, improving the overall survival of cropsin dry years.

The Three Sisters also complement each othernutritionally - corn provides carbohydrates, driedbeans are rich in protein, and squash yields bothvitamins from the fruit and healthful, delicious oilfrom the seeds. Happy Thanksgiving!

November Holidays &Observances

November 1-2: Day of the Dead orAll Souls Day

November 5: Guy Fawkes or BonfireNight

November 11: Veterans Day, Armisticeor Remembrance Day

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On, or about, the 5th of November every year,we celebrate the foiling of a plot, that verynearly succeeded, to kill the King and Membersof Parliament in 1605.

When I was a child, I remember that we all learnedthe story of Guy Fawkes, a man, who, togetherwith a few others, filled a cellar under the housesof parliament, with gunpowder and was about tolight the fuses when he was discovered. He washanged, drawn and quartered and his head wasdisplayed on a pole to warn others. The story wasjust the sort that little children loved, lots of hidingin cellars along with blood and gore, ending upwith decapitated heads on poles!

We learned very little about why the plot washatched, apart from the fact that Guy Fawkes andhis friends weren’t happy, but that didn’t reallymatter to us, we just enjoyed the bonfire nightspectacle and fireworks. Bonfire night usuallyincluded us making an effigy of Guy himself, to puton the fire and lots of fireworks. We also had hotsoup and hot-dogs. Today, there are less familybonfire parties and more organised fireworkdisplays. The organised displays are well attendedand are often put together by bodies such asScouts, Charities and even the Fire-Brigade! Atthese organised displays there are now stallswhere you can buy burgers, jacket potatoes,sparklers, hot-dogs and those plastic light-uprings!

So, what is the real story behind this strangeevent in England, where we revert to burningan effigy of a man on a fire that we are allwarming beside, while we enjoy a mug of hotsoup and watching fireworks?

The events of November 1605 were rooted in thepast hundred years. As England was removedfrom the Catholic Church by Henry VIII becausethe Pope wouldn’t allow him to divorce fromCatherine of Aragon, there were many dissatisfiedCatholics in the country. Queen Elizabeth Ipersecuted Catholics, was considered, by many,as a bastard and not rightfully Queen at all and,when James VI became King in 1603 many werehoping that his cousin Arabella Stuart wouldreplace him and bring the Catholic Church toagain become the accepted Church in England.

This was all not to be and we find a groupplotting to blow up the Houses of Parliament,along with everyone in them, on 5th November1605, to rid England of not only the King, butthe parliament too.

On 26th October 1605, a letter was delivered toLord Monteagle, telling him to go to his countryestate and not attend the opening of Parliamentbecause if he did he would be killed. LordMonteagle showed the letter to the Privy Counciland the King and the plotters were discoveredduring a search of the cellars.

During his stay in prison, before execution, GuyFawkes was tortured and is believed to have givenaway his accomplices. The actual description ofhanging, drawing and quartering is too awful toinclude here, but if you are sufficiently interested init, a quick search on the internet and it will fill youin with detailed descriptions. I do say here that itisn’t a pleasant read, so do not look it up if you willbe upset or offended by it.

Glynn Burrowsphones in a

report onGuy Fawkes night!!

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By Linda Kissam ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’,with photos and research by Allan Kissam

Pretentious is NOT a word I would use with theSouthern Oregon wine country. You know whatI am talking about –limos everywhere, nopicnicking signs, long lines to hear snob-filledrhetoric and $40 tastings. You can see that inmany other wine regions, but not on theSouthern Oregon Wine Trail – yet.

You may be thinking, “Why haven’t I heard of thisplace?” The answer to that is easy. Most smallerwine regions have little to no promotional budgets.The state generally gives money to the biggertourist draws…to get even more tourists. Go figure.It’s the chicken and egg marketing conundrum. Youget tourist funding when you’re trending with bigtourist crowds. How do you get big tourist crowds?Big tourism dollars from the state surely helps. Iguess this wine country will have to earn their wayto fame, fortune and big funding the old-fashionedway…through great wines and word-of-mouth.They have all the tools they need in that scenario todo just that. Just sayin’.

There are approximately 150 microclimates inSouthern Oregon. The region is a mix ofmountains, desert and rivers. This creates awelcoming home for a wide range of grapes togrow. Southern Oregon is not about Pinot Noir. Itfinds its groove with varietals like Tempranillo,Albarino, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Cab France.You can taste Pinot while you are there, but branchout and be adventurous. The latest wine awardsand critic scores tell me the winemakers andvintners are on the right path to finding their ownunique place in the world’s wine community…and itis not with Pinot Noir.

Continued on Next Page…

When you’re ready for a new type of wineexperience I’ve got just the place for you. Yes, youwill need to venture past California. It’s OK. Oregonmakes some stellar wines, especially in theWillamette Valley area. And now, wine lovers canlook to two additional regions to sink their sip andswirl into, both located in the southernmost area ofOregon. The first is the Rogue Valley AVA. It is theeastern-most sub region of the Rogue ValleyAppellation (I-5 corridor). The second is theApplegate Valley AVA, an authorized Sub-AVAentirely within the Rogue Valley AVA. All you reallyhave to remember is that it is near Ashland, Oregonand … good tastes live here. That…and it’s a “WineDiva” certified tasting experience.

Listen toLinda Kissam onBig Blend Radio!

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WHEN YOU GOThere is a lot to see and do in this wine countryadventure which includes stops in and aroundMedford, Jacksonville and the Rouge Valley. Plan2-3 days. Immerse yourself in culinary goodness,fun art and music events, small town shoppingand some historic “digging.” Here are some of myfavorite stops.

LodgingInn at the Commons (Medford): Centrallylocated to wineries and within walking distance ofrestaurants, shopping, bars and Starbucks, youcan’t go wrong with this affordably priced hotel.Rooms are exceptionally quiet. Breakfast comeswith your reservation. Be absolutely sure to try theLarks Restaurant which is attached to the hotel.Surprisingly innovative menu with local-centricproducts and a sharp customer focus. Breakfastfare is a killer. Try their ferocious hash.

Wine Tasting: There are plenty of wineries tovisit. It’s my sense that you will not bedisappointed in any stop and taste you make.Take your choice of driving from winery to wineryor doing a leisurely stroll of tasting rooms indowntown Jacksonville. Standouts for meincluded the particularly unique Dancin Vineyards(Medford), Del Rio Vineyards and Folin Cellars(Gold Hills), Quady North and South Stage Cellars(Downtown Jacksonville), Pebblestone Cellars(Medford) and Kriselle Cellars (White City).

Plot those wineries on your map for a full two daysof adventurous wine tasting. By the time you arethrough, you will understand the taste profile ofSouthern Oregon wines. In a region that includesa series of high intermountain valleys sharing awarm, sunny, parched climate with old, complexsoils derived from bedrock, the red winesshowcase plush flavors of velvety Marionberriesand jammy blackberries.

The red blends are definitely coming on strong.Try a Claret. The whites tend to lean towardlemony citrus and floral notes. The Rosés arequite magnificent. They can be stylisticallydifferent according to the winemaker of course,but the drier ones are definitely worth a taste.

Continued on Next Page…

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ACTIVITIESTrolley Tour of Historic Jacksonville: The bestway to get to know this town in a short period oftime is to take the local trolley for a great overviewof Jacksonville's history. Admission is $5 for adultsand $3 for children. Tour departs on the hour from11am – 3pm from the corner of 3rd and CaliforniaStreets in downtown Jacksonville. Suitable for bothadults and children.

The Jacksonville Historic Cemetery: Take thetime to tour Oregon’s oldest cemetery. It will bemore fun and interesting if you make anappointment with a guide representing “Friends ofthe Jacksonville Cemetery” to introduce you to theresidents. Imagine all the stories and historypresent with approximately 6500 souls resting inseven sections. Scandal, scary moments and DéjàVu flashes are waiting for you. Locals as well asvisitors from around the world find this a home ofwell-placed history, stories and tranquility. Planyour tour around one of the many unique eventsthe Friends hold.

DININGThe Jacksonville Inn located in the picturesquetown of Jacksonville is a stand out. Executive ChefTrey Hansen and Pastry Chef Jeneane Morrisonare led by Manager Pantone, a man who definitelyknows and pretty much owns the local culinaryscene. Combine that with an owner who reallycares about the customer experience and you’vejust hit the jackpot of culinary exploration. This isone of those places you’ll return to again andagain, for lunch or dinner.

Medford Dine Around: Medford is experiencing arenaissance in culinary focus. Try a ‘dine around’with some favorites of mine. Start at Elements for acrazy-good small plate of appetizers and WOWpre-dinner cocktails or craft beer. We’re talking thereal-deal way to start a memorable evening. Strollover to Porters for great comfort food. Largeportions and an attentive staff make this a greatplace for dinner. Finish off the night at JeffersonSpirits. This place is a true local’s hangout.Certainly not fancy, but the after-dinner drinks thebartender comes up with will rock your world. Youcould certainly ask for anything you like, butchallenge the barkeep to whisk up somethingdivine according to your ingredient call-outs. Allplaces are walkable from the Common’s Inn.

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Downtown Jacksonville: Start your shopping touron the main drag, California Street. Indulge inunique shops featuring wine tasting rooms, clothes,premium candies, coffees, gifts and lunch stops.The fudge is divine. Just sayin’.

Britt Pavilion: One of the best examples of a goodidea for locals and visitors, the planners get TheSmart Cookie Award for this 2200 capacity outdoorvenue located in Jacksonville. Whether you loveclassical performances, folk, rock or something in-between this is the venue to see it in. Relax andgroove under the night sky. Bring a gourmet picnic,sit on the grass or (reserved) benches to completethe fun.

Butte Creek Mill: Located in Eagle Point this isgoing to be one of the most diverse and interestingstops you can make in Southern Oregon. If you area history buff or a cook looking for unique souvenirsor are a lover of unusual things, this would be thestop for you. Established in 1872, this working millis the only water-powered grist mill still operatingwest of the Mississippi River. The mill, with itsadjacent antique shop and country store presentswith sights, sounds, and smells of old-time westernand southern Oregon history, but with never-endingcontemporary twists.

High quality products produced by the mill spill overthe shelves featuring award winning pancake andwaffle mix, bran muffin mix, cornbread mix, cakemix and spices. If you don’t walk out withsomething from somewhere on this property, youjust aren’t trying.

Southern Oregon begins where the fertile lowlandsof the Willamette Valley give way to the complexcollision of mountains, rivers, and ravines, andends all in good taste. Take a spin, sip and swirlthrough this unique wine country soon. Be part ofits undiscovered charm now. It won’t be longbefore it is all grown up, pulling in large crowds andstate tourism dollars.

For additional information and planning toolsvisit Travel Southern Oregon atwww.SouthernOregon.org

Linda Kissam 'Food, Wine & Shopping Diva' is aprofessional travel, food, and wine writer based outof Southern California, who specializes in easy,breezy destination stories sharing her favoritethings about the places she visits. Visitwww.AllInGoodTaste.info.

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Part of the Riverside County Ag Trail and just 60miles north of San Diego and 90 miles southeast ofLos Angeles, Temecula Valley is a popularSouthern California destination that boasts over 30award-winning wineries, farm tours, and farm-to-table cuisine. Food, wine and travel writer CarmenMicheli shares these photos from local Temeculafarms and wineries, and chats with Big Blend Radioabout her favorite farms, wineries and foodiedestinations. Along with being a parent andsustainable food advocate, Carmen is also a socialmedia manager and publisher ofwww.WineDimensions.net, and is a proudmember of the International Food, Wine & TravelWriters Association – see www.IFWTWA.org.

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Jeremy’s on the HillCALIFORNIA STYLE BISTRO

In Julian, San Diego’s Four-SeasonMountain & Back-Country Destination

Fresh, Seasonal & OutstandingFarm-to-Table Cuisine prepared by

Executive Chef Jeremy Manley

Seasonal Menu & FavoritesSteak, Seafood, Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches

Desserts & After Dinner BeveragesVegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Options

Open Daily for Lunch & DinnerIndoor, Fireside & Patio Dining

Live Music on WeekendsWine & Beer Pairing Dinners

Private Banquet RoomsThanksgiving & Christmas Holiday MenusCatering & Group Events for all Occasions

Visit JeremysontheHill.com and sign up forour e-Newsletter for Recipes, Special Events,

Giveaways, and more! Follow us onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wine Bar featuring Local & RegionalWines & Champagne

Micro-Brews & Specialty Beers

www.JeremysOnTheHill.com

Healthy Holiday Tips &Apple Pandowdy RecipeBy Robyn Webb, author of ‘The DiabetesComfort Food Cookbook: Foods to Fill You Up,Not Out’

HOLIDAY TIPSThe holidays are for celebration, having fun andindulging. But seasonal weight gain doesn'thave to be inevitable. Avoiding putting on extrapounds may seem as unrealistic as Santa flyingthrough the air with a dozen deer, but there arestrategies to help you stay on track. So passthe sugar cookies (in moderation) and here area few of my favorite ways to control the battle ofthe bulge without turning into Mr. or Mrs.Scrooge.

1. Portion Control - I'm always tickled when I seesuggestions for transforming every one of yourholiday treats into a healthier version. There's noreason to rewrite the entire buffet, especially forfoods you love that do not take kindly to alteration.The key is portion control of those favorites. You'llprobably be more satisfied with a small portion ofthe original version anyway. So give in to havingthe real thing in a reasonable quantity, denyingyourself completely may backfire and lead tobingeing later on.

2. Add Fiber - So along with a few standard treats,prepare foods that are fibrous and filling. Seasonalsquashes make great filling soups and hearty sidedishes. Decrease the amount of fluffy stuffing andother high starch dishes with more non starchyvegetables dressed up with toasted nuts or drizzledwith really good nut oil.

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3. Don't Be Afraid of Fat - While eliminating butterand oils saves a lot of calories, a small amount offat will keep you satisfied. For instance guacamolepaired with crunchy vegetables is a perfect pairingto keep you full.

4. Go Heavier on the Seasonings - Intenselyflavored foods are more satiating. Experiment morewith fresh herbs and be liberal with the "sweet"spices such as cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg andginger. You'll be able to cut down on the amountsof salt and sugar needed to make a dish tastegood.

5. Eat Only What You Truly Love - The holidaysbring not only good cheer, but a certain amount ofstress as well. That anxiety can result in mindlesseating of any food that may be around. Make aconscious effort to choose foods you really loveand take time to savor them rather than just eatinga bland cookie just because it's there.

6. Rejoice in Other Ways - While eating is one oflife's greatest pleasures, it needs to be balancedwith the other joys in life. Connect with people youhaven't spoken to all year, grab some friends for awalk, attend a seasonal concert, or volunteer tohelp others less fortunate. Now that's nourishmentin the deepest sense.

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APPLE PANDOWDY RECIPEThis dessert is perfect for the fall. I love appledesserts because they are a great way to get toknow seasonal apple varieties. I really enjoy goingto farmers’ markets and asking vendors whichapples they like to use in different desserts. Use amix of different types of apples in apple desserts sothat you can get different flavor notes and differenttextures. For this fragrant pandowdy, I used halfGolden Delicious and half Honey Crisps. GrannySmith, Pink Lady, Jonathan, or Northern Spyvarieties also work well here. This recipe is featuredin my cookbook ‘The Diabetes Comfort FoodCookbook: Foods to Fill You Up, Not Out.’

APPLES3 pounds firm baking apples2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice1/3 cup packed brown sugar1/4 cup stevia1/4 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

BISCUITS1 1/4 cups flour1 1/3 tablespoons sugar1 tablespoon stevia1 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1 egg1 tablespoon melted butter1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/3 cup fat-free milk

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel and coreapples, and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. In alarge bowl, combine apple slices, lemon juice,brown sugar, 1/4 cup stevia, 1/4 cup flour, andcinnamon. Toss well. Transfer to a 2 1/2-quartbaking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, combine 11/4 cups flour withthe sugar, stevia, baking powder, and salt. Make awell in the center and add the egg, butter, vanilla,and milk. Quickly incorporate the liquid ingredientsinto the dry, just until blended.

3. Spoon the dough into free-form biscuits over theapples. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the topping isgolden and the fruit is bubbly.

Exchanges / Choices: 2 CarbohydrateCalories 130, Calories from Fat 15Total Fat 1.5 g, Saturated Fat 0.7 g, Trans Fat 0.0 gCholesterol 15 mg; Sodium 85 mg; Protein 2 gTotal Carbohydrate 28 g, Dietary Fiber 2 g, Sugars15 g

Robyn Webb is an award-winning cookbookauthor, nutritionist, culinary instructor and theFood Editor for the award-winning DiabetesForecast Magazine published by the AmericanDiabetes Association. Her latest 2 books areThe Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook: Foodsto Fill You Up, Not Out,’ and e-book ‘The ParisVacation Apartment Guide: Rent withConfidence — Learn Where to Stay WithoutGetting Overwhelmed, Ripped-Off orScammed!’ As a world traveler and writer,Robyn is also a member of the InternationalFood, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Keepup with Robyn at www.RobynWebb.com.

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By Chef Jeremy Manley

1. For every 1 pound of turkey plan on 30 minutesof cooking. Everyone has a different oven andevery oven is different. This is just a guideline.

2. Do not over stuff your turkey. This will increaseyour oven baking time tremendously.

3. Always take the temperature of your turkey in thethickest part of the thigh. Breasts always cook firstand the thighs take the longest.

4. Cooking your turkey upside down will keep yourbreasts moist and tender.

5. If your turkey is frozen, plan on 2 days to defrostproperly.

6. When you can grab the drumstick bone and itpulls right out with no red color on the leg, it's done.

7. When trying to figure out how large a turkey tobuy for your family, plan on 1 pound of bird to feedeach person, which allows for the bones.

8. If you always over cook the turkey, brine it. Thatwill guarantee a tender turkey.

Chef Jeremy ManleyTalks Turkey on Big

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9. Let the turkey sit for at least 20 minutes beforecarving. This lets the juices rest.

10. A lighter and softer red wine such as Grenachewill go well with turkey. You want to look forsomething with some pepper characteristics and nosmoked barrel aging. For a white wine, Irecommend a blend such as Viognet-Rousannefrom Paso Robles.

Known as ‘San Diego’s Sustainable Chef,’ ChefManley is the Executive Chef/Owner ofJeremy’s California Style Bistro in Julian, apopular mountain destination in San DiegoCounty, California. For more of his recipes, visitwww.JeremysontheHill.com.

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November and Thanksgiving is the perfect time tocelebrate the fall pumpkin harvest!

Pumpkin SoupPerfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinner, thisdelicious soup is from Terri Bailey of Bailey’sPalomar Resort in Southern California. Aromaticand very flavorful, it will soon become a favorite.You can also throw it all in a crock pot, as theveggies break down. Yields 4 small bowls.

Ingredients:½ pounds sugar pumpkin or butternut squash½ pound leeks2 yellow onions3 Tablespoons butter1 Cup milk or half-and-half3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley2 Cups warm water or chicken stockSea Salt to tasteFresh ground black pepperGarnish with nutmeg, fresh parsley, and cheese

Preparation:Peel and cube the pumpkin or squash. Peel andmince the onion, prepare the leeks, (wash them,and take the 2/3 top leaves off) slice thinly.In a saucepan, heat the oil and gently brown theonions and leeks. Cover with lid, on a low gentleflame continue cooking for about 10 minutes or untilsoft.

Add the cubed vegetables, salt and pepper and 1to 2 pinches of nutmeg. Add the water and milk, letsimmer, for 15 to 20 minutes.

Photo: Richard Dudley/FreeImages.com

Pumpkin Pie ShotThis fun fall inspired cocktail is from mixologistTyler Johnston from the Yuma Landing Bar &Grill in Yuma, Arizona, known for their dailycocktail specials and weekday happy hour.

Ingredients:½ oz. Irish Cream½ oz. Amaretto¼ oz. Cinnamon Schnapps

Layer ingredients in a shot glass, in the orderlisted.

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Shepherd's pie has always been a traditional Irishdish. This recipe is easy to make, outstandinglydelicious and can be prepared 2 days ahead. Youmay use ketchup instead of the tomato paste; theketchup adds sweetness which kids always love!Makes 8 servings.

Note: Kids can eat it: the wine will evaporate in thecooking process. You can also make individual piesfor kids and adults with the same cooking time.Double the amount, cover the tray and freezeunbaked for up to one month. Then surprise yourfamily with a delectably yummy dinner! Beforebaking remove the tray from freezer and let itdefrost.

Husband-and-wife team Howard and RuthMilstein share tips on pairing meat pies withwine, along with Ruth’s recipe for Shepherd’sPie with Red Wine. Howard is a wine expert, andRuth is the author of the Gourmand awardwinning cookbook 'Cooking with Love:Ventures into the New Israeli Cuisine.' Seewww.RuthMilstein.com.

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IngredientsIn a 8 x 14 x 2 inches Pyrex pan8 large red skin potatoes, peeled and cut intoquarters3 Tablespoons olive oil2 large onions, finely diced4 medium size carrots, finely diced1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef3 tablespoons tomato paste1 cup frozen peas2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce2 Tablespoons flour1/2 cup beef stock or 1 packet beef flavoredbouillon dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water1 cup red wine, preferably semi-dry

Continued on Next Page…

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Howard’s Wine Pairing TipsTraditional types of meat pies are native to Ireland.Ruth's recipe with red wine is a bit untraditionalalthough it does contain beef.

The vegetables and potato make this dish evenmore savory and delicious. The best varietalcombinations for Shepherd's Pie would beCabernet Sauvignon, Red Zinfandel or even a goodSyrah or Syrah blend.

Go for a luscious Gigondas or Cote du Rhone at amore modest price to give that dense andwonderful flavor of Syrah and Grenache.

Another good match is Red Zinfandel, although thequality can vary greatly depending on the producer(California) price point and the quantity of casesmade.Method

Put the potatoes in a large pot covered with waterand let boil; reduce the heat to medium and cookuntil soft. Drain the water to stop the potatoes fromcooking.

Meanwhile, in a large deep sauce pan, put 2tablespoons of the olive oil and sauté the onions for2 minutes.

Add the carrots and continue to sauté for anotherminute then transfer the mixture to a large bowl.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the olive oil tothe sauce pan, and sauté the ground beef until itturns brown.

Turn the heat to a medium-low and put theonion/carrot mixture back into the sauce pan; addthe tomato paste, frozen peas, thyme leaves, saltand black pepper.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, flour and beefstock; mix gently and let cook for 2 minutes.Add the wine and fold into the ingredients and let itcook uncovered for 6 minutes to let the liquidcondense as the sauce gets rich and thick.Check seasonings and transfer the mixture into agreased large Pyrex tray.

Mash the potatoes; if you like you may season witha pinch of salt and white pepper and spread itevenly on top of the mixture.

Bake uncovered in a 425 preheated oven for 20minutes until the potatoes are browned.Take the tray out of the oven then cover withaluminum foil and let it set for 5 minutes to settle.Before serving cut into 8 pieces and serve with afresh healthy crusty bread to mop up the tastysauce.

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1 Cup Medjool dates2 Tsp. Curry powder2 Tsp. Salt2 Cup Water2 Tsp. Lemon rind, grated2 Tbsp. Cornstarch6 Tbsp. Butter or margarine1/8 Tsp. Ground cloves2 Onions, sliced1/3 Cup Lemon juice2 lbs. Fresh Shrimp, deveined2 Tbsp. Water

Quarter dates crosswise. Melt butter in large skillet.Stir in seasonings and onion. Sauté onion 2-3minutes.

Add 2 cups water, lemon rind and juice, andshrimp.

Bring just to a boil. Cover and reduce heat; simmer5-10 minutes until shrimp is tender.

Blend cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Stir intoshrimp mixture.

Cook until sauce is thickened. Add dates and heata few minutes.

Serve over hot rice or noodles, as desired.

Get a taste of the sea with these two shrimpalicious recipes.

Double Date Shrimp CurryFrom Debbie Mansheim of Basket Creations & More in Yuma, Arizona, this recipe features Medjooldates from Bard Date Company. See www.BardDate.com for more recipes.

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Serves Four1 ½ lb. U-12 Shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail on1 Ciabatta loaf2 Tbsp. Olive Oil2 Tbsp. Canola Oil1 Tbsp. Garlic Puree (equal parts garlic and canolaoil blended together)2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter½ Cup ChardonnayJuice of 2 Lemons1 Tbsp. Chopped Basil1 Tbsp. Parmesan1 Large Avocado, Medium dice1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved½ Cup Baby Spinach Leaves, stems removedSaltPepper

Listen toChef Ivan Flowers

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Listen!Cut Ciabatta bread into ½ inch slices, brush withthe olive oil, toast and set aside.

In a large sauté pan heat the canola oil overmedium-high until it just begins to smoke.

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2 minutes,stirring every 30 seconds.

Next add the garlic puree and lower the heat tomedium.

Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring every 30seconds.

Now add the chardonnay and let cook for 2 moreminutes.

Add the butter and once it has melted add the juiceof the lemons, the tomatoes and avocado and stir.Salt and pepper to taste. Finally add the spinachand basil and give it one final stir.

Place 3 slices of the toasted bread on each plateand pour an equal amount of shrimp and sauceover the bread.

Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve!

15 Minute California Shrimp Scampi CrostiniBy Chef Ivan Flowers

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With Thanksgiving on the horizon, Novemberheralds the start of the holiday season and thatmeans it’s time to start baking sweet treats withchocolate. Enjoy these two chocolate inspiredrecipes.

Chocolate Chip Honey Mint LaceCookies

Offering a healthier twist to traditional Belgian lacecookies, this recipe is from Leah Launey, Innkeeperof Three Rivers Bed and Breakfast in California’sSequoia Country. Seewww.ThreeRiversBedandBreakfast.com.

Ingredients:½ Cup butter (you can use a vegan substitute)¾ Cup local honey1 Extra-large brown egg (I use Glaum's organicfree-range; feel free to use egg whites)½ Teaspoon pure vanilla extract¼ Teaspoon pure mint extract (or use fresh mint)¾ Cup unbleached flour¾ Cup oat flour (buzz oats in the blender, until theyturn into "flour")½ Teaspoon baking powder½ Teaspoon baking soda¼ Teaspoon salt½ of an 12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolatechips (or try carob)

Method:Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sift dry ingredients. Cream the rest. Mix. Stir inchips. Butter a baking sheet.

Drop by even teaspoons and bake about 10-12minutes, 12 cookies per sheet, until edges turnbrown.

Cool on rack. Makes 3 dozen cookies

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In celebration of November as National PeanutButter Month, this recipe is from Donna George,owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Stopby The Peanut Patch on November 21, andcelebrate their anniversary with free tastings andfamily fun. For details visitwww.ThePeanutPatch.com.

Ingredients:10 Whole Graham crackers, broken into pieces6 Tablespoons butter, melted3 Ounces rich milk chocolate, plus extra forchocolate curls1 3/4 Cups heavy cream3/4 Cup creamy good quality peanut butter1/2 Cup cream cheese (4 ounces)1/3 Cup sweetened condensed milk1/4 Teaspoon coconut flavoring1/4 Cup chocolate chips (or to taste!)

Method:Crush graham crackers until they are fine intexture, transfer to a medium bowl and add meltedbutter and coconut flavoring.

Stir with a fork to combine. Place crumbs in a 133/4 x 4 1/4 inch rectangular tart pan or a 13 x 9 inchbaking pan.

Press crumbs up the sides of the pan to form theedge if using a tart pan and press evenly over thebottom of the pan.

Place the pan in the refrigerator until ready to fill.Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Finely chopchocolate, and place in a medium bowl.

Place 1/2 cup cream in a small saucepan overmedium heat, and bring to a boil.

Pour over chopped chocolate, and set aside for 5minutes to yield chocolate ganache. Whisk tocombine.

Method Continued…

Set in ice bath until ganache is cool, whiskingconstantly.

Once cool, remove from ice bath, and whisk untilganache is just thick enough to hold its shape - donot over mix.

Spread in the bottom of the prepared crust, andreturn to the refrigerator until set.

Combine peanut butter, cream cheese, andsweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl or foodprocessor - mix or process until smooth.

Whip 3/4 cup heavy cream into soft peaks. Addwhipped cream to peanut butter mixture and whiskto combine.

Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon mixture intoprepared crust and refrigerate for 2 hours orovernight.

If using a tart pan, transfer tart to a serving platter.Decorate tart with freshly whipped cream andchocolate shavings.

Keep refrigerated until served.

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PAGE 37

Paiute Wikiup, Pipe SpringNational Monument

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In northern Arizona, west of Fredonia, PipeSpring National Monument lies within theboundary of the Kaibab Indian Reservation justoff of Highway 389. The air was warm and clearin the high Arizona desert and I was one of thefirst visitors early one August morning. Thesolitude and peacefulness of Pipe Spring,which lies at the foot of the Vermillion Cliffs,belies the history of the site. In the 1860’sthrough the 1870’s Pipe Spring was a workingcattle ranch.

In the 1860’s, spurred by the desire to spread hispeople across the country, Brigham Young calledfor followers to settle new places across the west.When sources of cotton dried up due to the CivilWar, Mormon settlers searched for a new locationto grow cotton and other crops. Southern Utah andthe northern Arizona territory looked like a goodplace to establish new settlements especiallyaround St. George, Utah. Between harsh weatherand Navajo skirmishes, many of the newsettlements failed.

James M. Whitmore believed Pipe Spring, with itssteady source of water and miles of grasslands,was a good place to establish a cattle ranch.Eventually, a tithing ranch for the Mormon Churchwas established here where the summers werecooler due to the 5,000 foot elevation, and winterswouldn’t be as brutal as the northern climes.

Due to continued raids and attacks by the Navajoand Paiute tribes in the region, a masonry andsandstone ranch house was built at Pipe Spring toprotect the Mormon militiamen. In the 1870’s,Anson Winsor designed a larger fort, photo above,to protect the settlers from further Indian incursions.The building is a stone fortress built over the springensuring a continuous water supply even if undersiege.

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Eva Eldridgediscusses

Pipe Spring NM onBig Blend Radio.

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Pipe Spring NM Continued…

Park Ranger Ben Pikyauit was the guide for thetour of Winsor Castle that I attended. He providedan interesting insight into the history of the areabecause he is one of the few remaining Paiutes inthe area. He walked us through the separate northand south buildings which are connected bywalkways and stone walls. The spring runs throughthe building in a trough which was used to cool thebutter and cheese produced here. The firsttelegraph line in Arizona was located at PipeSpring, operated by Eliza Luella Stewart, the firstwoman telegraph operator.

One of the things I found remarkable about the siteis that it was managed and run mostly by women,and they did everything including gardening andweaving. They were the second and third wives ofmen from St. George or Salt Lake City. When theUnited States government declared polygamyillegal a few men hid their wives and children atPipe Spring. The women ran the milking and butterand cheese operations which supplied workersbuilding the Temple in St. George, UT.

Along with the dairy operations, rye, flax, turnips,and wheat were grown in the area. The butter andcheese were packed into crocks which were placedin barrels filled with grain and flour to keep themcool and safe on their sixty mile trip to St. George.

The current gardens located near the ranch househave examples of modern gardening with rows ofcorn, squash, beans, sunflowers, and amaranthalong with the Native American style of planting inclumps of corn with squash and other plants ascompanion plants. In comparison, I couldn’t tell ifone style worked any better than the other. Thesunflowers were happy.

In the orchard area located downhill from WinsorCastle, peaches, apples and quince grow. Grapesgrow on an arbor and have decided dead treesmake perfect supports for their vines. The grapesweren’t ripe yet, but the vines were loaded withbunches of green grapes.

Pipe Spring was no longer viable as a cattle ranchby the late 1880’s because the area was over-grazed. In 1890 the land was temporarilyabandoned and the land ruined. The cattledestroyed the native plants that supported thehunter gatherer society of the Paiutes. To this day,many of the plants have not recovered. On May21, 1923, Pipe Spring was added to the NationalPark system and today is run by the Tribal-NationalPark Service.

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Pipe Spring NMContinued…

The museum at PipeSpring contains awealth of informationabout the people thatsettled the area.Diaries andphotographs describewhat life was like in thelate 1800’s. Takingtime to explore themuseum is well worththe effort. I could staythere for hours readingfamily histories.

Most of the National Park Visitor Centers have agift shop, but few have a gift shop like the one atPipe Spring. Gift shop manager, Susan Garcia, hasdone a fantastic job of collecting unique andhandmade items for the shop. Dreamcatchers,sand paintings, kachinas, roosters, jewelry, art, andso many other pieces I can’t begin to list them all.Everything is made by local and Native Americanartists. Stop by and see the beautiful work ondisplay.

Pipe Spring is 60 miles from St. George, Utah and20 miles from Kanab, Utah. If you are in the GrandStaircase area which includes the Grand Canyon,Zion, and Bryce National Parks, make the trip toPipe Spring and see a little of pioneer history.Learn more at www.nps.gov/pisp.

Eva Eldridge is a contributing writer for BigBlend Radio & TV Magazine. She also writesfiction and poetry. Visit www.EvaEldridge.com.

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Have you ever dreamed of going on an epicbackpacking adventure? How about the PacificCrest Trail, the John Muir Trail or AppalachianTrail? Or do you want to get out hiking and takeyour kids with you?

Jeff Alt is an avid outdoor enthusiast who presentsLife Lessons from the Appalachian Trail programsnationwide and conducts family hiking programs inthe Shenandoah and Great Smoky MountainsNational Parks. He has walked the AppalachianTrail, the John Muir Trail with his wife, and hecarried his 21-month old daughter across Ireland.His son was taken on his first hike at 8 weeks.Alt is the author of four books including the award-winning Appalachian Trail memoir ‘A Walk forSunshine: A 2,160-mile Expedition for Charity on theAppalachian Trail’, ‘Four Boots One Journey: AStory of Survival, Awareness & Rejuvenation on theJohn Muir Trail, and ‘Get Your Kids Hiking: How toStart Them Young and Keep it Fun,’ and the firstinstallation of his National Park series for kids ‘TheAdventures of Bubba Jones: Time TravelingThrough the Great Smoky Mountains.’ Keep up withJeff at www.JeffAlt.com.

1. What inspired you to hike the entireAppalachian Trail?My family boyhood hike in the Great SmokyMountains planted the seed that led to my hike. Idedicated my journey to my brother Aaron who hasCerebral Palsy and cannot physically do what I takefor granted. I walked the trail for him and the homethat cares for him, Sunshine.

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2. Why do you think it is important for familiesto hike and go out into the wilderness together?Camping and hiking is a great way for a family tobond and spend time together. Childhood obesity isat an all-time high. Research shows that mostchildren will be exposed to some level of computeractivity and TV by the age of two. Sloth-like, indoorplay, is competing with a good, old-fashioned rompin the natural outdoors. I’ve come to realize that it’sour role as parents to help our children appreciatethe simple things that only nature can provide.What you do with your child in the first few years oflife has a tremendous impact on their later habitsand development.

3. Who or what inspires you when on a longhiking journey – what gets you to the finishline?I’m internally inspired. I love hiking. I focus on livingin the moment when I’m on a hike. I celebrate eachday I’m out on the trail. I enjoy the simple profoundoutdoors. One foot in front of the other leads to theend.

Continued on Next Page…

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Hiker Insider Continued…

4. What was the first National Park unityou visited, and what is the next NationalPark you want to visit?The Great Smoky Mountains National Parkwas the first park I visited as a child. I’mheading back to the Shenandoah NationalPark in two weeks. We’re planning a trip toAcadia National Park next summer.

5. What are the top essentials that need tobe in a backpack?- Footwear: Until your kids are walkingconsistently on their own (birth-3), fit themwith a comfortable pair of water resistantshoes. Make sure the three and older kidsare wearing light weight trail shoes or bootswith a sturdy sole. A Vibram sole with awaterproof breathable liner is preferred.Wear non-cotton, moisture wicking, syntheticor wool socks.

- Clothing: Dress for the weather! Wear non-cotton synthetic, wool and fleece clothes anddress in layers. Wear multipurpose clotheslike pants that zip off into shorts or shirts withrole up sleeves. Pack a waterproofbreathable rain parka. Dress for the seasonwith fleece hat and gloves or a hat with awide brim for sun protection.

- Packs: Get age and size appropriatebackpacks that fit each hiker comfortably withhydration hose capability.

- Trekking Poles: Get a pair of adjustable,collapsible poles with an ergonomicallydesigned handle for each person.

- Fresh, Clean Water: You can get ahydration hose system for your pack or justuse bottles. Disinfect wild water using hi-techportable treatment water systems such as aUV wand or micro-straining filter.

- Food: Bring enough food for each day andpack an extra days worth. Bring food thateveryone will enjoy eating. You want toencourage everyone to eat for energy.

- Communication: Bring a smart phone soyou can take lots of pictures and if there’sconnectivity, email to family or upload to youronline blog or Facebook page. Carry a GPSunit to keep you located on the trail and forgeocaching.

- Other Must Haves: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent,suntan lotion and bug repellent containing Deet orPicaridin; first aid kit that accommodates the whole groupand first aid knowledge to go along with the kit. Bring acompass and map and brush up on how to use them.Learn how to make a shelter to keep you warm and dry.Keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know howto make a fire to keep warm. Carry a whistle and a signalmirror in case you get lost. Pack a survival knife with alocking blade. Bring a head lamp flashlight, extrabatteries, 50 feet of rope or twine, and always haveseveral feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair.

6. What personal changes have you had to make inorder to be able to backpack such long trails?I chose to live simply. My wife and I work in the teachingprofession which allows us the time off in the summer tohit the parks.

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Hiker Insider Continued…

7. What do you consider your biggestchallenge when hiking?How to invent Frozen Dehydrated ice-cream to fulfill that craving I have on thetrail.

8. If you could have a dinner party withthree to four people (alive or passedon), who would they be?My Great Grandfather - who I never met,Mark Twain, Lewis & Clark, and AbrahamLincoln.

9. What trail is at the top of your bucketlist?I don’t have one particular trail at the topright now. I have a list of many adventuresI would like to take my family on. I wouldlike to circle back and walk theAppalachian Trail again someday.

10. What are the most important tipsyou would pass on for parents takingtheir kids on a hiking or backpackingjourney?- Start’em Young: Ergonomicallydesigned baby carriers make it easy andfun to carry your infant and toddler withyou wherever you hike. Walk to yourfavorite park or beach. Bring a friend. Stopoften and let your little one explore. Makeyour hike a routine your kids will lookforward to.

- Let the Kids Lead! Follow the leader!Hike at your child’s pace and distance.Whatever your child takes interest in, stopand explore that bug, leaf or rock withthem. Tell them about the animals, rocks,trees, and flowers. Getting to thedestination is less important than makingsure your kids have so much fun; they willwant to go again and again.

- Count Down to the Adventure: Psychthe kids up with pictures, videos, andhighlights of the places they will go and thethings they will see. Use books,magazines, maps, and the Internet,especially park websites and videosshowing the spectacular wildlife andlocations they will see.

Continued on Next Page…

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Continued

- Pack Fun Items: Let young children fill theiradventure pack with a bug catcher, magnifyingglass, binoculars, a camera, a map and compass,whistle, or flashlight. Let your little adventurer takeownership and pack a few items of his own; even ifit’s not hiking related.

- Bring water and food kids love: Hand outneeded extra energy and water as needed on thetrail. Pack their favorite snacks and bring plenty ofwater. Stop often for a drink and a snack.

- Play Games and Bring a Friend: Play ‘I Spy’using your surroundings as you walk along. Createyour own scavenger hunt in search of animals,plants and views along the way. Make up rhymesand sing songs as you walk. Pack along a plantand animal identification guide for your older child.Let your social butterfly bring a friend, with parentalpermission. Intrigue your computer savvy child withthe high-tech hiking gadgets like GPS, headlampflashlights and pedometers.

- Take Advantage of Park Activities and GuidedNature Experiences: Utilize and enjoy theamazing services and resources offered by ourparks, trail and recreational system andassociations. This will help ensure that theexperience is enjoyable, memorable and even life-changing.

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PAGE 46

THE IRISH RETREATLuxury Design Trip in Dublin

Lisa Johnson Mandell, founder ofwww.AtHomeInHollywood.com chats with Big BlendRadio about her recent experience at the Ireland Design2015 showcase and the new luxury design trip knownas "The Retreat,” hosted by international designerGrania Murray. Lisa got an exclusive behind-the-scenesview of the homes, studios and palatial estates of someof Ireland’s most prominent historical landowners, andwas also able to visit some of the Emerald Isle’s bestmodern craftsman, artists and designers right wherethey live.

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Mandell onBig Blend Radio!

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PAGE 47

While not everyone has an intense fear of flyingthat leaves them paralyzed, most peopleexperience some level of discomfort when itcomes to air travel. With Thanksgiving andwinter holidays approaching, we asked CaptainTim Griffin, professional pilot and CEO ofFlyHome LLC, for some advice. Listen to hisBig Blend Radio interview and read his tipsbelow.

1. Anticipatory Anxiety is the number one issuewith most fearful flyers. The only way to overcomethis is by gradually learning to feel morecomfortable during flight, so before hand, you willhave less to worry about.

2. Don't check the weather more than 2 days outfrom your trip, this causes a large amount ofanxiety should the flyer see a percentage for rainor storms. The truth is, it is not that accurate thatfar out anyway!

3. Pack a few days early! Rushing around packingthe night before while you are already anxious willonly fuel the fire.

4. Exercise, and avoid caffeine. Exercising canhelp minimize the affects of anxiety, while caffeinecan increase the effects.

5. At the airport, the TSA security check is ananxiety increaser, but not if you're prepared. Takeoff all jewelry, remove all items from pocket, andtake belts off, all prior to getting in line. Put all ofthe items in your carry on, and this way, you're notrushing to remove everything while everyonebehind you is waiting on you. It's the little thingsthat alleviate stress!

For more air travel tips, visitwww.FlyHomeLLC.com.

Listen toCaptain Tim Griffinon Big Blend Radio!

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PAGE 48

Yerington is a small and charming historic townnestled in the heart of northwest Nevada’sMason Valley, east of Yosemite National Parkand the Sierra Nevada mountain range.Yerington is also on the California NationalHistoric Trail and a few miles from FortChurchill, once a stop for the Pony Express.

For some visitors to the area, treasure huntingstarts at one of the three downtown casinos suchas Dini’s Lucky Club which is the oldest familyowned and run casino in the state. For others, it’sexploring the natural areas like Mason ValleyWildlife Management area in search of various birdspecies to mark off on their Lifer List. As LarryButler, a local geocaching expert explains on BigBlend Radio, tons of visitors from all over the worldcome and stay a few weeks in Yerington to searchfor cache treasures he has hidden along the 130+mile power trail he and his teammates set up in theshape of an eagle. In fact, Larry is a world recordholder for hiding the most geocaches – over 11,500of them!

New to Geocaching?Geocaching is an outdoor adventure where playersuse Geocaching.com’s free mobile app or a GPSdevice to find cleverly hidden containers around theworld. Thanks to avid geocachers like Larry, thereare over 2.5 million geocaches to be found in over180 countries. There are over 10 milliongeocachers registered on Geocaching.com, withmore than 800,000 in the U.S., over 275,000 inGermany and more than 160,000 in Canada. Learnmore about joining the Geocaching adventure byvisiting www.Geocaching.com and watch their75-second video introduction.

Larry Butlerdiscusses

Geocaching inYerington on

Big Blend Radio!

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Photo courtesy Geocaching.com)

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The Bakery Gallery –Popular destinationoffering a deliciousvariety of cakes, pies,cookies, cupcakes,muffins, Danish pastries,coffee cakes, biscotti,

chocolate truffles, desserts, and breads.They serve coffee and espresso and pre-fixe to-godinners.215 W. Goldfield Ave., Yerington, NV 89447.Tel: (775) 463-4070,www.TheBakeryGallery.com

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Located in central California, east of Monterey andSalinas, Hollister is the county seat of San BenitoCounty, and eastern gateway city of PinnaclesNational Park. Less than 2 hours from SanFrancisco and 4 ½ hours from Los Angeles,Hollister makes for an ideal fall and holidaydestination with outdoor activities such as birdwatching and hiking, golf and tennis, as well as awine tasting trail, a variety of dining options,boutique shopping, and special events to attend.The city features modern conveniences along witha charming historic downtown district that boastsfascinating architecture with historic styles rangingfrom Victorian to Frank Lloyd Wright. Strolldowntown and you will see murals depictingHollister as ‘The Birthplace of the American Biker’.

Hollister is known for being a patriotic city. OnNovember 11, the community gathers together tohonor their veterans with a parade down SanBenito Street in the downtown district. OnDecember 12, Hollister and San Benito County willjoin the country-wide Wreaths Across Americacampaign by hosting wreath laying ceremonies atthe Calvary Cemetery, Odd Fellows Cemetery andSan Juan Bautista Cemetery.

The cooler fall and early winter weather makes itthe perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy somefresh air, whether it be a round of golf at RidgemarkGolf & Country Club, or taking a hike or birdwatching at nearby Pinnacles National Park. Thereare two educational events coming up at PinnaclesNational Park.

The Pinnacles Condor Experience on November 7focuses on the California Condor with classroomlectures and hiking in the park with birding expertsand park scientists. And on November 28 there is aGuided Birding Hike in the park with birdingexperts. For more information on both these eventssee www.PinnaclesPartnership.org.

There are plenty of holiday shopping opportunitiesin downtown Hollister, or at local attractions likeCasa de Fruta who have a great gift shop and farmstand (along with a Merry-Go-Round for the kids),not to mention the local wineries. Home to MarichChocolates, you’ll see plenty of their sweet anddecadent offerings in local gift shops, as well asBlenheim’s delicious dried apricots. Held onNovember 28, the 25th Annual Lights on Paradelights up the town with festive floats, cars andpeople all dressed in lights.

A Fabulous Fall & Holiday Destination in Central California

Recommended lodgingdestinations includeRidgemark Golf &Country Club andJoshua Inn Bed &Breakfast in downtownHollister, or BoladoPark Event Center innearby Tres Pinos ifyou’re traveling by RV.For up-to-date eventand travel information, call the San BenitoCounty Chamber of Commerce & VisitorsBureau at (831) 637-5315 or visitwww.SanBenitoCountyChamber.com.

PAGE 51

Juli Vieira, ExecutiveDirector of San Benito

County Chamber ofCommerce chats with BigBlend Radio about Fall &

Winter Events in Hollister!

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Greg and Tricia Harvey, Innkeepers of Joshua Inn

Bed & Breakfast onBig Blend Radio!

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Bruce Lewis, GeneralManager of Ridgemark

Golf & Country Clubon Big Blend Radio!

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PAGE 52

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The northwest and year-round gateway toYosemite, Tuolumne County is made up of thehistoric gold rush towns and mountain villages.With lively events, shows and theatreperformances, specialty shopping, wine tasting anddelicious culinary experiences, along with thepossibility of early snow play, the late fall and earlywinter holiday season is a festive time to visit thisbeautiful region. And, it’s only around a 2 ½ hourdrive from the San Francisco Bay Area, and 5hours from Los Angeles.

Celebrate The Arts in SonoraOnce known as ‘The Queen of the SouthernMines,’ Sonora is a historic gold mining town with adelightful historic downtown district with plenty ofholiday shopping opportunities, fabulousrestaurants, art galleries and theatre. Offering ablend of art and live music in galleries, shops andrestaurants, the 2nd Saturday Art Night is awonderful way to connect with the local artists andmusicians, and explore the downtown district.

Located on the more modern and east side ofSonora, the Sierra Repertory Theatre presentswonderful theatre productions. Their currentproduction is the popular musical “The DrowsyChaperone” and runs until November 29. Anothertheatrical highlight is Stage 3 Theatre Companywho presents the musical comedy “Almost Maine”from November 14 – December 20.

Photo courtesy of Rich Miller.

For film lovers, the annual ITSA Film Festival willbe hosted in the Sonora Opera Hall fromNovember 13-15, featuring EmergingCinematographer Award Films, workshops andinteraction with working film industry personalities.

Holiday Happenings - Tuolumne CountySONORA: On November 27, the spirit ofChristmas will fill the streets as brightly lit floats,cars, horses and bands spread holiday cheer atthe 32nd Annual Historic Downtown SonoraChristmas Parade. Sonora continues its holidaycelebrations with the 41st Annual Sonora ChristmasCraft & Musical festival from November 27-29, atthe Mother Lode Fairgraound. One of California’slargest holiday events, this spirited celebration ofthe season features music, family vaudevilleentertainment, carolers, arts, crafts, food and evenelves.

COLUMBIA: A few miles from Sonora, ColumbiaState Historic Park is California’s best preservedGold Rush town with historic sites, shops,entertainment, restaurants and festive events. TheSierra Repertory Theatre will present “A ColumbiaChristmas Carol” at its historic Fallon HouseTheatre from November 13-December 20. Otherfestive happenings include the lamplight Tourswalking play on December 4-5; the MinersChristmas in Columbia living history experience forfamilies on December 12-13, 19-20; and the 33rdAnnual Las Posadas Nativity Procession onDecember 13. Continued on Next Page…

Festive in California’sYosemite Gold Country!

The Arts,Holiday Fun &Snow Play inTuolumne County

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Tuolumne Continued….

JAMESTOWN: Known as the “Gateway to theSouthern Mines,” Jamestown was the site wheregold was first discovered in Tuolumne County. Thishistoric goldrush town features antique and giftshops, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, andRailtown 1897 State Historic Park. Relive themagical journey of the Polar Express on an hour-long train ride to the ‘North Pole’ at Railtown 1897SHP on December 4-6, 11-13, 18-20. Enjoy hot-hot-hot chocolate and yummy cookies as you ridealong with story's characters. Once you reach theNorth Pole, the jolly old elf - Santa himself - willcome on board to give each passenger a silversleigh bell, the "first gift of Christmas."

TWAIN HARTE: This mountain hamlet kicks off itsholiday season on December 4, with caroling and atree lighting, followed by the Annual Twain HarteWinter Wonderland Parade.

GROVELAND: Gateway to Yosemite NationalPark, Groveland starts its seasonal celebrations onNovember 27-28 with a two-day Christmas CraftFaire, then Santa visits for the tree lightingceremony on December 5.

Snow Play!With the possibility of El Niño visiting California thisfall and winter, it’s quite likely that winter snow playopportunities could arrive early this year. Pack yourwinter gear along with your skiis, snowboard orsnowshoes, and get ready to play in YosemiteNational Park, Stanislaus National Forest, DodgeRidge Wintersports Area, and Leland High SierraSnow Play. And, on November 13, the ice skatingrink at Long Barn Lodge re-opens for the winterseasons. Photo courtesy of Dodge Ridge.

To plan your Yosemite Gold Country adventurevisit www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com.

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Visitors flock to Tulare County during the summerto visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks,Sequoia National Forest and Giant SequoiaNational Monument. However, the end of fall andearly winter offers a whole different and beautifulpark experience, and the area communities makefor a sweet holiday shopping adventure completewith gourmet goodies, boutique and handcraftedgifts, along with festive holiday events. Thisseason, why not steer clear of the holiday frenzyand skip out for a weekend with the family or sneakin a romantic escape to central California’sspectacular Sequoia Country, where you’llexperience the big trees, savor sweet treats anddelight in the charm only small town America canoffer.

Big Tree ExperienceThere’s nothing more humbling than standing nextto a giant Sequoia tree, the world’s largest tree thatcan grow to be over 300 feet tall and as wide as 34feet in diameter. The Giant Sequoias in California’sSequoia Country, are between 500-2000 years old,and can be seen in Kings Canyon and SequoiaNational Parks which also incorporate GiantSequoia National Monument and Sequoia NationalForest. Start your Big Tree adventure at the GiantForest Museum in Sequoia National Park. Thenearby Big Trees Trail is an easy, accessible andpaved 1.2 mile educational trail that circles RoundMeadow. Another Big Tree to see is The GeneralSherman Tree in the Giant Forest. With a volume ofover 52,500 cubic feet, it’s known to be the largestliving tree in the world!

In Kings Canyon National Park, General GrantTrail is an easy 1/3 mile paved trail that features theGeneral Grant Tree, one of the world's largest treesand proclaimed 'The Nation's Christmas Tree'.

The weather experts are forecasting that El Niñowill bring extra snow to California this fall andwinter, so be sure to pack your winter woolies,snow shoes and snow chains for your car. Thesnow season in the parks is the ultimate of peaceand tranquility, so picturesque and pristine. Don’tforget to make a snow angel! Be sure to visitwww.NPS.gov/seki to plan your visit to the parks.

Sweet Treats, Shopping & More in TulareCountyVisiting the parks gateway communities provides aunique holiday shopping experience. Tour thehistoric downtown districts with specialty stores,restaurants and bakeries, beautiful art murals andfestive décor. Many of them host holiday eventsand parades.

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EXETER: This quaint art and agriculturalcommunity has a lovely downtown district with abeautiful series of murals, a variety of casual andfine dining establishments, and specialty shopping.For sweet treats, be sure to stop by HometownEmporium for cakes and cookies, and the CappellaCoffee House for coffee and pastries. Besidestractor parts and farm implements, ExeterMercantile has a variety of gifts including china,crystal, toys and fashion accessories. ExeterHobbies is a great place to find motorized toys forthe boys and men in your family.

Upcoming Events: Exeter Chili Cook-off on Nov.14; Holidays at the Courthouse Art Gallery Auction& Show on Nov. 14; Exeter Holiday Open House inDowntown on Dec. 3, 10, 17; Exeter ChristmasParade on Dec. 4; Spirit of the Holidays ChristmasTree Auction & Wine Tasting on Dec. 5; ExeterHome Tour on Dec. 11; Exeter New Year’s EveCelebration & Doo-Dah Parade on Dec. 31. Forinformation see www.ExeterChamber.com.

Continued on Next Page…

Sequoia’s Continued…

VISALIA: This vibrant city boasts a beautifulhistoric downtown district with a wide array ofdining and lodging options, art galleries, historicsites, the historic Fox Theater, antique andboutique shopping, and over 50 murals. Be sure tovisit Valhalla’s Restaurant to try their aebleskivers.These fluffy ball-shaped pancakes are delicioustopped with powdered sugar, jam, or syrup. Forgourmet holiday gifts, visit Naturally Nuts for nutsand nut butters, dried fruit, chocolates and caramelpecan logs. Bravo Farms Smokehouse not onlymakes for a fun and delicious dining experience,but they also have a great little gift shop featuringlocal and artisan cheeses, wines, nuts, and gifts.

Upcoming Events: Tulare County Symphony’s Fire& Ice on Nov. 21; Tulare County Symphony’s 2015Annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 5; Mariachi Sol deMexico de Jóse Hernàndez on Dec. 11; Sons of theSan Joaquin Western Concert on Dec. 12; WinterDance Party on Dec. 18.

Big Blend Radio interviewwith Park RangerColleen Bathe and

Sandy Blankenship,Sequoia Tourism Council.

Listen!

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Sequoia’s Continued…

THREE RIVERS: Gateway toSequoia National Park, the artcommunity of Three Rivers runsalong the beautiful KaweahRiver. There are a variety of artgalleries and gift shops to visit,as well and all kinds ofrestaurants. A popular holidaydestination is Reimer’s Candies& Gifts, a true old-fashionedcandy store known for theirGerman Stollen ChristmasBread, plus their Christmas giftshop. Antoinette's Coffee andGoodies is another sweet stopfor baked goodies, and roastedcoffee bean selection. AnneLang’s Emporium is a goodplace to stop for lunch and shopfor gifts and gift cards. An idealshopping adventure is the 1st

Saturday Art event on Nov. 7and Dec. 5, a self-guided tour tosee the area’s artists andartworks.

Upcoming Events: Nov. 1- Dec. 24: Open House and Holiday GiftShop Sale at Three Rivers Museum from Nov. 1-Dec. 24; HolidayBazaar on Nov. 14; Three Rivers Performing Arts Winter ConcertSeries on Nov. 14 & Dec. 13; Three Rivers Community Caroling onDec. 5; High Sierra Jazz Band Concert & Christmas Party on Dec. 12;and New Year’s Eve Dinner & New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip at TheGateway. Continued on Next Page….

TULARE: Tulare is an agricultural community andshopping destination that boasts specialty giftshops as well as the popular Tulare Outlet Centerthat features over 50 brand name stores andrestaurants. Here shoppers can expect to saveanywhere from 20%-70% off of regular retail prices.The Gardens at CalTurf feature gifts for those witha green thumb, home décor items as well as giftbaskets, seasonal items and gourmet goodies. Asuper lunch destination, Hazel’s Kitchen in thedowntown area serves up delicious sandwichesand mouth-watering cupcakes and cookies, andalso features a gift shop. Their next door neighboris Hedge Row House, a cute shop that features allkinds of antiques, décor items and gifts.

Upcoming Events: 47th Annual Tulare CollectibleShow & Sale on Nov. 6-7; Veterans Day Parade onNov. 7; NovemberFest on Nov. 7; Global WinterWonderland Circus of Light on Nov. 21-Jan. 3;Tulare Children’s Christmas Parade on Dec. 4.

For more on California’s Sequoia Region,including gateway communities, events andattractions, download the Visitors Guide atwww.DiscoverTheSequoias.com

Sequoia’s Continued…PORTERVILLE: Gateway to Sequoia NationalForest, Porterville’s historic downtown has a greatselection or restaurants and gift shops. The FirstFriday Porterville Art Walk is a fun way to explorethe downtown area’s shops and galleries, and get alittle holiday shopping done. Stafford’s FamousChocolates is a sweet destination that serves up adecadent variety of handmade chocolates, truffles,caramels, toffees, and their popular Ooey Gooeybars. Plano Jerky is a wonderful holiday shoppingdestination offering their gourmet beef jerky, locallygrown gourmet nuts, olives, dried fruit, candies andgift baskets. Another highlight in the area is LasFlores Family Winery in nearby Terra Bella. Thisboutique winery is known for its handcrafted winesand sparkling wines.

Upcoming Events: Veterans Day Parade on Nov.11; Children's Christmas Parade on Dec. 3; ZontaChristmas Home Tour & Artisan Boutique, Dec. 5.

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‘Tis the season for shopping, hot cider and cocoa,and getting ready for the winter holidays withdecorations, festive events and gatherings withfriends and family. Instead of rushing to the malls toget your shopping done, why not skip the mayhemand attend these three celebrations to get into thespirit of the season with some shopping, dining,entertainment and camaraderie. Plus, you’ll get tospend some quality fun time in the coastal cities ofOceanside and Encinitas, and the historic mountaintown of Julian.

25th Annual Fall Festival in Encinitas - With450+ booths to visit, plus dozens of uniquedowntown Encinitas retailers, here’s a perfectopportunity to get a head start on your holidayshopping.Enjoy the music of popular local bands in TheLumberyard Courtyard and dance, music and otherentertainment on the Community Stage next to AceHardware. Take your young ones to the Kids Zonefor a variety of fun activities. And walk your furryfriends into Dog Zone for some treats and specialattention. When it’s time for a bite or a drink, theoptions are abundant, from the unique foodvendors in the street fair to the 40+ restaurants andbars in our downtown. Held Sunday, November 22,from 9am-4pm. Info: www.Encinitas101.com.

Julian Country Christmas & Tree Lighting - Markyour calendar for Julian's annual Tree Lightingcelebration on Saturday, November 28 which kicksoff Julian's Country Christmas. This popular eventdraws hundreds of visitors who gather at PioneerPark to watch the tree lighting, drink hot cider, andvisit with Santa. There will be warming stationsthroughout the town offering hot cider or cocoa,pastries, candies, and other holiday treats. Theentire town will be decorated with twinkling lights,Christmas wreaths and garlands. Throughout theholiday season, you can indulge in a VictorianChristmas tea, sip hot cider or hot chocolate, shopfor one-of-a-kind gifts in the small boutiques, orsing Christmas carols with costumed holidaycarolers. Cuddle under a blanket while riding downMain Street in a horse drawn carriage, stay in acozy bed and breakfast that's all decked out inholiday finery or bundle up and take a stroll down aquiet country lane. Tel: (760) 765-1857.

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Oceanside Parade of Lights - Fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up inholiday swag circle the Oceanside Harbor toenchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants andbeach. Many of the boats feature people dressedup like Santa waving to the crowd. One of the bestviewing spots is along the side of the OceansideHarbor near the fishing dock and police station.From this vantage point, you can see the paradetwice. The concrete walkway that surrounds muchof the harbor is also good for spectating the event.Harbor Village at North Harbor has shops, dining,and seating areas. Don’t miss this colorful paradeon December 12, from 7pm to 9pm! Info:Oceanside Yacht Club, 760-722-5751

3 Fall and Winter Holiday Celebrationsfrom the Mountains to the Sea!

Festive in North San Diego, CA!

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TASTE OF YUMAAn agricultural community, Yuma is known forgrowing an abundant variety of crops that rangefrom lettuce and cantaloupes to citrus and Medjooldates. From Mexican cuisine to burger joints andItalian fare, the city is home to a great selection ofrestaurants and also hosts a number of culinaryevents. Some traditional items on Yuma’s menuinclude street tacos, Medjool date shakes, and theChavela cocktail made with Clamato juice andbeer. Get a taste of Yuma at some of theseupcoming events.

Nov. 13: Date Night: Enjoy this multi-coursegourmet dinner served under the stars in a lushYuma date grove! The inclusive price of $70 perperson includes a multi-course gourmet mealprepared by Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Alex Trujillo,entertainment, a tour of Imperial Date Gardens'sorting and packing facility, and even samples ofbeer and wine made from dates. Info: 800-293-0071 or 928-783-0071.

Nov. 21: The Peanut Patch AnniversaryCelebration: Enjoy samples of many productsincluding The Peanut Patch’s famous homemadefudge, and specials on some of your favorite items.Tel: 928-503-0298 or visitwww.ThePeanutPatch.com

Listed in the Guinness World Records as the“Sunniest City on Earth”, Yuma bustles with fall andwinter visitors who enjoy the beautiful sunshine-filled days with bright blue skies, dramatic desertsunrises and sunsets, historic sites and attractions,Colorado River nature areas, downtown shoppingand special events. Yuma is located in thesouthwest corner of Arizona, bordering SouthernCalifornia and Mexico. For up-to-date travel andevent information visit www.VisitYuma.com.

ART & SHOPPINGA terrific area to start your holiday shopping,historic downtown Yuma is home to the Yuma ArtCenter & Historic Yuma Theatre, boutique shopsand art galleries, a movie theatre, restaurants andbars with live entertainment. Follows are someupcoming Yuma events that celebrate the arts andoffer unique holiday shopping opportunities.

Nov. 7: 21st Annual Children’s Festival of theArts: This is a free art event for kids. MainStreet. Info: 928-373-5202.

Nov. 20: North End Art Walk: Meet and greetlocal artists at downtown businesses. Info: 928-580-7417.

Dec. 4-6: Potpourri Artists Arts and Craft Show:Live art demonstrations with pieces for sale. YumaCounty Fairgrounds. Free admission. Info: 928-726-4420.

Dec. 11-13: Anderson’s Americana Indian Art &Jewelry Show: Yuma Civic Center. Info: 928-373-5040.

Nov. 21: YCAF & CE Community Bazaar:Handmade gifts for all occasions with over 180crafters. Yuma Civic Center. Info: 928-373-5040.

Four Fabulous Fall & Holiday Experiences in Yuma, Arizona

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PARADES, FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYCELEBRATIONSYuma loves a good parade and festival! Enjoy thebeautiful fall weather and get into the spirit of theholidays at these upcoming special events!

Nov. 20-22: 25th Annual Colorado RiverCrossing Balloon Festival: Presented by theCaballeros de Yuma, enjoy three days of balloonflights, live entertainment, food booths, localvendors and a special “balloon glow” Saturdaynight. Info: 928-343-1715

Nov. 28: Ken & Betty Borland Holiday LightPageant & Tower Lighting: This annual eventfeatures local entertainment, carols and the lightingof Friendship Tower. Event starts at dusk. Info:928-343-1715

Dec. 11-13: The Nutcracker: Presented by BalletYuma. Info: Jennifer Coleman at 928-446-6770.

Dec.12: 13th Annual Dorothy Young MemorialElectric Light Parade: A free family event inhistoric downtown with marching bands, floats andvehicles decorated with beautiful Christmas lights.This year’s theme is “A Rock & Roll Christmas!”Info: 928-783-0071

Dec.18: Christmas with the Christys: The originalfolk band of the sixties, Randy Sparks and originalmembers return to Yuma. Historic Yuma Theatre.Info: 928-373-5202.

Dec. 18-20: Foothills Parade of Lights:Info: 310-339-2621

Continued on Next Page….

Taste of Yuma Continued…

Dec. 4: Annual Kamman Sausage Fry: Hosted bythe Yuma Rotary Club and held at Yuma CivicCenter. Info: 928-373-5040.

Dec. 8: Savor Yuma Culinary Tour: Enjoy this“progressive dinner” tour of select culinarydestinations where you’ll sample field-fresh Yumabounty and fare prepared with border flair. Price is$55 per person, includes two "adult" beverages andtransportation. Info: 800-293-0071 or 928-783-0071.

Dec. 19: Somerton Tamale Festival: About85,000 tamales of all varieties will be served up tofund scholarships for local students, along with livemusic and entertainment. Info: 928-388-4837

Yuma Continued…

RIVER HISTORY & MILITARY HERITAGEYuma is home to the Colorado River, a waterhighway and major crossing point at the narrows,which was the easiest place to cross into California.Many crossed here including the Juan Bautista deAnza expedition, the Mormon Battalion, andfortune-seekers off to try their luck in the Californiagold rush. Yuma’s rich history continues to drawvisitors to see the historic sites within the YumaCrossing National Heritage Area including theYuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park,Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park,Sanguinetti House Museum & Gardens, anddowntown Casa de Coronado Museum. As ahistoric crossing area, Yuma has had its fair shareof military history, and today is home to the MarineCorps Air Station Yuma and U.S. Army YumaProving Ground. These upcoming events celebrateYuma’s river history and those who served andcontinue to serve in the military.

Nov. 5 & Dec. 3: Historic Downtown TrolleyTour: Two-hour tour featuring the stories ofpioneering families, riverboats, brothels andbooming businesses that once lines Main Street.Starts at 10 a.m. Tickets are $25 per person.Reservations are required. Info: 928-782-1842

Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day Parade: Honor andcelebrate the service of all U.S. Militarymembers. Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at the YumaMesa Shopping Center and heads south down 4thAvenue.

Nov. 19 & Dec. 17: Ghost Trolley Tours: If youlove haunted history, you’ll love this night trolleytour through the streets of Yuma’s historicdowntown district. Step off at places where ghostsightings have been reported, while hearingcentury-old ghost stories. Come dressed for anight of fright, if you dare. This two-hour tourbegins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 each andreservations are required. Info: 928-782-1842.

Dec. 5: City of Yuma’s Military AppreciationDay: This annual event honors active and retiredservice personnel and features historicphotographs, speakers, and presentations plusvendors of all varieties. 10am-5pm, historicDowntown Yuma. Info: 928-373-5028.

Dec. 9: Behind the Big Guns Tours: A rarechance to get a "behind-the-scenes" look at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), one of thelargest military facilities (by land area) in the world.Tour includes a stop at the Heritage CenterMuseum, plus a look at other areas and activitiesmost civilians don't get to see! Lunch at the CactusCafe, YPG’s on-post restaurant, is included, alongwith a souvenir of your day. Price is $55 perperson, includes lunch and transportation. Info:800-293-0071 or 928-783-0071.

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Yuma Landing Bar & GrillCome Eat, Drink & Be Merry where the First Airplane Landed in Arizona!

Hangar Sports Bar24 Beers on Tap ~ Daily Drink Specials

Appetizers & EntreesTelevised Sports Events ~ Live Music & Entertainment

Captain’s LoungeTop-shelf Cocktails ~ Fine Wines ~ Specialty Coffees

Yuma Landing RestaurantAmerican & South-of-the-Border Cuisine

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

PAGE 47

Win! Win! Win!Sign up on YumaLanding.com for our

Captain’s Log e-Newsletter and you will be entered intoour monthly drawing for a $25 Yuma Landing Gift Certificate, plus

you'll get news on other great giveaways, specials,Yuma Landing recipes, events news & more!

Located on the same property as theHistoric Coronado Motor Hotel, the Yuma Landing Bar & Grill

is the site where the first airplane landed in Arizona, and featuresa state monument, historic photos and memorabilia.

Groups of 15 or more diners get a 15% discount on breakfast,lunch and dinner.

All Military Personnel Receive a 20% Discount on Meals!

195 S. 4th Avenue, Yuma, Arizona Tel: (928) 782-7427

www.YumaLanding.com

Click to WatchVideo!

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WAGE PAYMENT TIMINGIn California, employers must pay workers at leasttwice a month, unless those workers are exemptsalaried workers. Employers must pay exemptsalaried workers at least once a month by the 26thof the month. If employers pay twice a month, thenwork performed during the 1st day and the 15thday of the month, must be paid by the 26th of themonth. Similarly, work performed during the 16thof month and the end of the month, must be paid bythe 10th of the following month.

Employers may also pay wages weekly (52 payperiods per year) or bi-weekly (26 pay periods peryear). In that case they must pay wages within aweek of the last day of the pay period.

If an employer fails to pay wages on time, theemployer faces $100 penalty for each initialviolation for each employee and faces a $200penalty for each subsequent or willful/intentionalviolation for each employee. Those penalties canadd up quickly.

Ward Heinrichs TalksWage Laws on

Big Blend Radio!

Listen!MINIMUM WAGEOn July 1, 2014, the minimum wage in Californiawas raised from $8 per hour to $9 per hour.Governor Jerry Brown signed that law in 2014. Thesecond part of that law will raise the minimum wagein California to $10 per hour on January 1, 2016.The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.President Obama and the Department of Laborsupport a raise to $10.10 per hour, but congressprobably will not support that or any other increase.Many states have higher minimum wage rates thanthe federal minimum wage. Similarly, many citieshave higher minimum wage rates than both thefederal and state minimum wage rates. Forinstance, San Francisco has a minimum wage of$12.25 per hour. It will increase to $13 per hour in2016 and to $14 per hour in 2017. Likewise, LosAngeles has a minimum wage of $9 per hour but itwill increase incrementally through 2020 to $15 perhour, unless the voters pass an initiative which willincrease it to $15 per hour by 2017.

By S. Ward Heinrichs Esq.,Backstrom & HeinrichsAttorneys at Law, APC

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VACATION/PAID TIME OFFIn California, Vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO) areconsidered deferred wages. In other words, asVacation/PTO accrues it is banked as a wage to beused at a later time. If an employer terminates anemployee with unused Vacation/PTO, the employermust pay the unused amounts on the day oftermination. Failure to do so subjects the employerto waiting time penalties equal to one day’s wagefor every day the accrued Vacation/PTO remainsunpaid, up to a maximum of 30 days.

An employer may not take away earnedVacation/PTO. However, and employer may placea cap on the total amount of Vacation/PTO that anemployee may accrue. For instance, an employermay allow an employee to accrue 8 hours ofVacation/PTO every pay period, but may cap themaximum amount of vacation an employee mayaccrue at 100 hours. Once that maximum amounthas accrued, an employee will not accrue morevacation until the employee actually uses accruedvacation time.

California law does not require an employer to giveits employees Vacation/PTO. In fact, many smallemployers do not give employees Vacation/PTO.In that case, time taken off will not be compensatedunless the employee qualifies for and uses sickleave.

PAID SICK LEAVEAs of July 1 of this year, most employers inCalifornia must provide at least 3 days of paid sickleave for its employees who have worked at least30 days within the year. The sick leave accrues atthe rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. Theemployer may provide only 24 hours (3 days) ofsick leave per year if the employer offers itsemployees three sick days at the beginning of theemployment year. Otherwise, the employer mustallow its employees to accumulate up to 6 days ofsick leave per year, but may still limit eachemployee to the use of only 3 days per year. Inthat case, any unused balance may be carried overto the next year. Employees can begin to useaccrued sick leave after 90 days of employment.

Unlike Vacation/PTO, California does not considersick leave to be a wage. That means, employersneed not pay terminated employees for accrued,but unused, sick time. However, if the employerlumps sick leave with vacation time or other PTO,then the sick leave becomes a wage and must bepaid out at the time of termination.

TIP POOLSCalifornia law forbids the employer from taking orsharing in tips (Labor Code §351), and employersmust track all tips that they collect for employees(Labor Code §353). Tip pooling is legal, butemployers cannot take any portion of the tips. Onlythose employees who are in the chain of servicecan be in the pool. For instance, an employercannot require servers to include cooks anddishwashers in the pool.

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Listen toBobbi DePorter onBig Blend Radio

Listen!

Holiday season is upon us! It’s a great time ofyear for families to be together and a greatopportunity to build even stronger family ties.Here are eight tips on what you can do tostrengthen relationships within your familyduring the holidays this year.

1. Make time for being together. While theholidays can be hectic, remember what’s mostimportant – family. Find activities you enjoy doingtogether as a family or in smaller groups. It can beas simple as playing board games or asadventurous as a family hike. Then when you’renot busy carving the turkey, carve out time forthese activities. It’s also a perfect time of year toget back in the habit of eating dinner together.

When the kids are young, eating together iscommon. As they get older, other events andobligations often get in the way. Sitting around thedinner table together is one of the most relaxedoccasions for casual family conversation.

2. Work together on projects. The holidays alsolend themselves to family projects, whether it’s thewhole family or just two or three family members.These projects serve as ideal bonding experiences.What kind of projects am I talking about? Putting uplights, decorating the tree, brainstorming gift ideas,shopping for another family member, creativeundertakings (even as simple as building a puzzletogether), cooking or baking, assembling a gift, andso on. The opportunities to tackle projects togetherare endless. All you have to do is ask for help.

3. Keep your cool. The holidays can include theirshare of stress, so you don’t want to undo positivefamily experiences with an overreaction to a minorevent. Remember, minor mishaps aren’t majorcatastrophes. Incidents that occur at this time ofyear (and throughout the year) provide chances topractice good communication and act as a positiverole model. Often, categorizing incidents accordingto their importance will help keep responses andconsequences appropriate. Choose only the mostimportant issues to evoke the strongestconsequences.

8 Tips to Strengthen Family RelationshipsBy Bobbi DePorter

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Family Unity Continued….

4. Have fun with gifts. Shopping for gifts for yourfamily can be stressful and expensive. Make it afun experience by including a “white elephant” giftexchange. If your extended family gathers at aparticular time during the holidays, the giftexchange is a great way to keep everyone’s timetogether light and laughter-filled.

5. Practice positive communication. There’s avery good chance that your family will spend moretime together during the holidays. Create lastingvalue by practicing positive communicationstrategies, particularly with your kids. When you doengage in a conversation with your son ordaughter, be attentive. Listen more and talk less.Resist the temptation to share your opinion onmatters. Instead use this holiday together-time tolet your kids get more comfortable with the idea ofopening up to you on topics that matter to them.When you do talk, ask questions and encouragemore dialogue by being interested in what theyhave to say with the statement, “Tell me more.”

6. Work on your Home Court Advantage. Youmay have seen me refer to building a “Home CourtAdvantage” with your family before. The holidaysare the perfect time of year to do so. Start by lettingyour kids know how much you love them and thatyou love them for who they are. At SuperCamp, wesee the greatness in every child. In families, kidsoften assume, whether rightly or wrongly, that theirparents are never satisfied with them. Let themknow just how great you think they are.

7. Reinforce your family’s values. The holidayseason is also a natural time for reinforcing thevalues and beliefs that the family lives by. In thehectic, day-to-day life of a family, a discussion onfamily values doesn’t often come up. The holidaysare different. Thanksgiving is a time of givingthanks.

7. ContinuedAn extension of this feeling and mindset is to askyour kids what they are thankful for, which caneasily lead into an informal discussion on familyvalues and beliefs. Keeping everyone on the samepage, so to speak, will have a unifying effectthroughout the year.

8. Set family goals. Your family is like a team. Themost successful teams, whether in sports orbusiness, work together toward a common goal.Use the holidays to set one or two family goals forthe New Year. I’ll talk more about goal-setting nextmonth, but start thinking about some areas in yourfamily’s life where everyone could be part ofpursuing a goal.

Enjoy the holidays and celebrate the time you getto spend with your family.

Bobbi DePorter is the President of SuperCampand Quantum Learning Network, a U.S.-basededucational firm producing programs forstudents, teachers, schools, and organizationsacross the United States and worldwide.SuperCamp is the leading academic summercamp in the world. Visit www.SuperCamp.com.

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Click to Watch Video!

3. Tax season is in the horizon.Why not spend the week between Christmas andNew Year getting your receipts in order? If they aresorted and filed all you have to do is add them upbefore your tax appointment. Better yet, create afile system that helps you stay organized all yearlong. It takes some time, effort and a few dollars insupplies however it pays endless dividends all yearlong. You save time because instead of searchingfor papers, you know exactly where they are. Andyou know the old saying: ‘time is money.’

4. A solid FICO score has never been moreimportant and one of the key ways to keep ithealthy is to pay your bills on time.Create a bill paying system now. Whether you markon your calendar when a bill needs to be paid, doonline bill paying or have automatic payments setup (or a combination of all), make this one of thehabits you cultivate for 2016. If you look at yourmail as you walk in the front door and toss your billswherever fate dictates, you will find it difficult to staycurrent. The bills will be there and fall due whetheryou pay them on time or bury them under thecushions on the couch. Best to pay them and filethe receipts for tax time, another reason to taketime to create a working file system this month.

Continued on Next Page…PAGE 70

Organizing to Save Time,Space, Energy & Moneyfor 2016By Regina Leeds‘The Zen Organizer’

At this time of year most people are trying tokeep their heads above water. The TV, airwavesand newspapers are full of ways to celebrate.What if we did something a bit radical? What ifwe looked beyond the holiday and found a fewways to save time, space, energy and moneybefore the clock strikes midnight and it’s 2016?

Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Chances are good that you store your holidaydecorations in the attic, the basement or thegarage.As you take them down this year, why not givethem the a once over before you automatically packthem away? Are any items ready for the trash? Doyou have anything that could be donated? Would afamily member like some of these items to jump-start their collection? By the way, do you knowwhat’s in all those other boxes filling up the area?Now is a great time to do a little housekeeping.

2. Decorations should be packaged in hardplastic containers and well labeled.Do you have a unit with shelves so that your boxesdon’t have to live on the floor? It’s also possible ifyou must stack your decorations, to use containerson wheels. It’s much easier to pull out a stack ofholiday decorations than to have to drag somemystery containers out and wonder what yourvarious categories are in the stack. Cardboard is afeast for critters and breaks down over time. You’llfind a wonderful assortment of containers at TheContainer Store, Bed, Bath & Beyond and theHome Depot just to name a few.

Listen toRegina Leeds onBig Blend Radio!

Listen!

5. If you don't have a filing system, create one.You are at the head of the class if you already haveone. Set aside a few hours to be sure it's updatedfor the New Year. Too often files becomecemeteries rather than active stores of currentinformation.

Ask yourself these questions as you peruse yoursystem:- Are there items you can toss into the recycle pile?- What needs to be shredded?- Have you created an area for archival material?

Don't forget to create tax receipt files for the NewYear. The files for this year's tax receipts will soonbe put away with all of your other tax back upmaterial. Check with your tax preparer or taxattorney to see how long they feel you need to savereturns and back up material. The laws change andthese pros will always be up to date.

Take a few minutes before you ring in the NewYear to be sure you haven't neglected any potentialtax deductions. You'll be grateful you did this inMarch, as you get ready for Tax Day. What did Ihave in mind: Union dues, charitable contributions,log the miles you drove for any volunteer work, payall your medical expenses for the year andcontribute to your child's college fund. Every year aparent can give $13,000 without paying a gift tax. Ifyou are newly pregnant, don't forget that one daythis little one may want to go to college. Set up a529 college plan and tell your family you'd ratherreceive a contribution to that cause than besaddled with overstuffed toys.

Tough economic times provide us with anopportunity to teach our children about moneyand to demonstrate responsible ways tomanage it. Here are some thoughts to get yourcreative juices flowing:- Organize the house to eliminate clutter becauseclutter makes it more difficult to think clearly.- Be sure you decorate the home together. If youcan't afford a tree, pick up some discardedbranches so you have the aroma of pine.- Ask everyone to find one object they could sell onE-Bay or Craig's List. Use that 'found money' forgifts. Set a per-gift limit and have a contest to seewho makes the most creative choice.

Be honest with your children about what'shappening and how you are handling it. A new iPodor iPad is a great gift. An even greater one ishaving your parents treat you like an intelligentbeing who can handle the truth. Learning how tomake lemonade from the current crop of lemons isa life-long skill. They'll have it long after the iPodand iPad are obsolete.

Consciously Create the FutureIt’s always exciting to think of a New Year. The veryidea is full of hope and renewal. The realityhowever is that the same old/same old will continueits reign unless we consciously set new causes intoplace. Let’s agree that no matter what age we are,2016 can indeed be the best year of our lives.

Professional organizer Regina Leeds, known asThe Zen Organizer™ has brought order and peaceto home and work environments across the countryfor over 27 years. She is the author of 10 books onorganizing including New York Times bestseller‘One Year to an Organized Life’ and the newestrelease ‘Rightsize! Right Now!’ The latter presentsa sane plan for rightsizing your possessions to fityour home and life and craft a move in 8 weeks. Aformer actress Regina delights in giving lectures onthe benefits of Zen Organizing™. A native ofBrooklyn, New York she now lives in Los Angeleswith her rescue pup Charlie. Visitwww.ReginaLeeds.com.

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Are we destined to just slide downhill at the mercyof our decaying bodies as we age-suffering lowenergy, diminished cognitive abilities and memory,distracted focus, reduced sex drive and evendepression? Or do we have a choice?

For years science has thought that there was noway to halt the death of brain cells that control ouraging process, but recent neuroscience hasactually discovered that we can grow new braincells (neurogenesis) at ANY point in our lives.When the rate of neurogenesis is low, that's whenwe experience memory loss, cognitive deficits,anxiety, stress, depression and lowered immunity.With high rates, we flourish--demonstrating rapidlearning, mental acuity, emotional resiliency, robusthealth and more.

Listen to the Big Blend Radio interview with Dr.Brant Cortright about neurogenesis and hisAmazon bestselling new book “The NeurogenesisDiet & Lifestyle: Upgrade Your Brain, Upgrade YourLife.” Dr. Cortright is a highly respected clinicalpsychologist and Professor of Psychology atCalifornia Institute of Integral Studies. Hisconsulting practice specializes in cutting-edge brainhealth and neuroscience-informed depth therapy.He is the author of two previous books and lives inthe San Francisco Bay Area. Visitwww.NeurogenesisDiet.com.

Dianne Collins is an important thought-leader ofour time; her workshops and consulting sessionsare widely sought after by a clientele that includespoliticians, celebrities, and CEOs alike. Herbestselling and award winning book “Do YouQuantumThink?: New Thinking That Will Rock YourWorld’ is the culmination of her life’s work, and itunveils the powerful secrets that bridge the gapbetween ancient wisdom and modern science, toreveal a power that exists in each of us if only welearn how to access its source. The key to thisaccess is a concept she calls QuantumThink®,which explains that our thinking is not “free” but isconditioned by our world view. Only with thisknowledge are we able to pursue the lives that wetruly desire.

Listen to the Big Blend Radio interview with DianneCollins about ‘Do You QuantumThink?’ that assertsthat the human race is at a critical juncture in itsdevelopment and it is our collective responsibility toevolve our thought process or face theconsequences. Ms. Collins explains that ourthinking has not evolved past an ‘Industrial Age’paradigm rooted in a mechanical world view.Einstein’s relativity and the quantum physics of the20th century initiated a process of dismantling thisarchaic model. Just as quantum physics redefinedthe physical world, the aim of QuantumThinking isto reinvent perception in a way that is better suitedfor the shifting realities of modern times. Visitwww.DianneCollins.com.

Listen!TheNeurogenesisDiet & LifestyleBrant Cortright, Ph.D

Do YouQuantumThink?Dianne Collins

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BOOKS & INTERVIEWS

PAGE 73

Listen!

BALANCELive Your Best LifeBe mindful of self and others while focusing onwhat’s meaningful and important in your life.Inner happiness and fulfillment come whenyour mind, body, and emotions are nurtured bythe choices you make.

When we’re in balance we make time for the thingsthat are important to us. Staying in balance is anongoing process about choices. We’re constantlymaking choices about what we do, what we say,how we feel, what we think, etc.

As ambassadors for Quantum Learning Network's“8 Keys of Excellence Character EducationProgram”, the Big Blend Spirit of America Tourembraces the challenge of bringing excellence to50 million children and young adults. This freeprogram guides young people and families, towarda positive future full of confidence, motivation,creativity, team work, leadership and valuable lifeprinciples. See www.8Keys.org.

Watch the video above featuring MeganKennedy, Faculty Relations Liaison forQuantum Learning Network, who discussesBALANCE.

A deeply moving and courageously written story,‘Primary Gift: Awaken to the Excellence of YourLife’s Journey’ by Kelly F. Holland is one of thosebooks that will inspire you to reach inside yourselfand create the best possible life you can. Mostimportantly, ‘Primary Gift’ will assure you thatregardless of your personal circumstances andchallenges, excellence still awaits you.Kelly Holland talks with Big Blend Radio about herpersonal journey and how to use positive thought inorder to enter into a loving relationship withyourself. She also explains how role models canempower you and teach you to access your innatetalents, wisdom, and guidance.

Kelly F. Holland lives in Arizona and works as alicensed physical therapist. She earned abachelor's degree in general studies from KansasUniversity and a master's degree in physicaltherapy from Rockhurst University. Kelly alsoearned diplomat credentials in mechanicaldiagnosis and therapy from the McKenzie InstituteInternational in Raumati Beach, New Zealand. Visitwww.KellyFHolland.com.

The 8 Keys of Excellence Are:1. Live in INTEGRITY.2. Acknowledge FAILURE LEADS TO SUCCESS.3. SPEAK WITH GOOD PURPOSE.4. Live in the now. THIS IS IT!5. Affirm your COMMITMENT.6. Take OWNERSHIP.7. Stay FLEXIBLE.8. Keep your BALANCE.

EXCELLENCE EFFECT

Primary GiftKelly F. Holland

BOOKS & INTERVIEWS

Click here towatch Video!

It is that time of year when there is a chill in theair, leaves (and lots of pollen) falling, and thereminder of the cold weather to come. Goingout of our warm cozy homes into the chill, thento a warm car, then out again, can give us acase of the sniffles or a runny nose, a cold, oreven worse, the flu!

I believe it is important to get out into the fresh,chilly air…we are not designed to sit in a “box” ofone sort or another. The propensity to a coldsuggests a weak immune system from our oftensedentary lifestyles. A brisk walk and some herbalallies can be extremely helpful in supporting andreinforcing our natural immunity, helping to makeus less likely to “take a cold” or worse.

In this case, we will look at herbal “adaptogens.”Two of my favorite are burdock root and dandelionroot. These common plants have properties thatare nourishing and strengthening to our core. They“assist the body in adapting” to its circumstance.Hence….the action “adaptogen.” Theseplant/herbals provide the body with nutrients,vitamins and alkaloids that support core strength.

When we “have the cold” another helpful plant isthe common peppermint. A strong cup ofpeppermint leaf will help to wash our throats with itsantiseptic action, as well as provide alkaloids thathelp to ward off the “bite of the flu bug.” Otherdemulcent herbs may sooth our scratchy throat likewild cherry bark or marshmallow. I have a favoriteblend of 1 part peppermint, 1 part wild cherry bark,1 part marshmallow leaf/root, and 1/4 part stevia,brewed for 10 minutes. Add a bit of honey and asqueeze of lemon and you have a wonderfullysoothing throat coat tea.

Listen!

Listen toCynthia Johnston,

on Big Blend Radio.

When we find ourselves with a cough, a chest fullof mucous and a head stuffy and aching, moreserious action may be needed. I am a fan of earcandles to clear the ears, menthol steam foropening the sinus', expectorants like elder syrup toassist in clearing mucous from our lungs. An herbalchest rub may also be effective. I am fond of agreen elder ointment. I infuse elder leaves andgreen berries in olive oil for a couple of weeks. Iadd to it a bit of beeswax, and then some mentholand camphor essential oils. When rubbed over thechest a soothing and clearing sense may beexperienced. As you can see...there is simply amultitude of herbal remedies available to addressthis common complaint. I value these remedies farabove a flu shot. I hope they add some value toyour herbal medicine cabinet.

By herbalist Cynthia Johnston

Burdock,

Dandelion

Peppermint

Herbalist Cynthia Johnston is the founder ofMoonMaid Botanicals, a small herb companydedicated to providing high quality herbalproducts that are free of chemicalpreservatives, propylparabens or synthetics ofany kind. Products include remedies forcommon women’s health issues, and herbalproducts for the family. Learn more or shoponline at www.MoonMaidBotanicals.com.

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Carnelian was used in Ancient Egyptian magicto protect both the living and the dead. It wasbelieved to protect against the evil eye in thislife, and to ensure the rebirth of the spirit of amummy in the afterlife. In Roman timescarnelian was engraved with the head of a lionto signify courage. Today this beautiful orangeagate we call “carnelian” helps to calm fearsabout death and brings acceptance of the greatcycle of life.

Mentally carnelian aids in meditation and focusingon the present by allowing deeper concentration,useful in making decisions. Carnelian bringspersonal happiness and fulfillment if you allow yourown desires and goals to guide you instead ofthose set by others.

Physically this stone brings us greater vitality andenergy including sexual and creative energies,bringing abundance of all kinds to the home andfamily. Wearing it increases your zest for living andboosts your energy. Carnelian warms and cleansesthe blood and kidneys, increases male potency,and can also relieve PMS for women. It canalleviate addictions of all kinds but especially thoseto food.

In the home, carnelian protects against fire, stormand evil of all kinds. If placed on your desk orcomputer at work it will radiate positivity. It is goodfor animals too, according to Cassandra Eason,author of the ‘Illustrated Directory of HealingCrystals’. A piece of carnelian placed in the waterbowl will calm an aggressive pet, while carnelian ina goldfish tank will keep the fish healthy and evenattract wealth to the owner of the fish.

Carnelian agate is the Zodiac stone for Leo, and isan easily acquired stone as it is found inabundance in India and Brazil. There are severalplaces in Oregon where you can go and collectyour own carnelian, just check out the book ‘GemTrails of Oregon’ by James Mitchell for locationsand maps. Happy hunting!

Listen!

Listen toMarilee Strech onBig Blend Radio.

Rock Talk by Marilee Strech

An avid rock hound, Marilee Strech ownsCrossroads Treasures, a gift shop thatfeatures a variety of rocks and gems, beadsand jewelry, plants and books, and is justdown the hill from Julian, a popular mountaindestination Southern California. Visitwww.CrossroadsTreasures.biz.

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There is a solution to our ‘10 pound’ problemthat does provide the immediate slimmingresults we all want. Especially with upcomingholiday and company parties. Goodbye thickpanty girdles and hello body shapers!

Shapers now come in so many styles and thefabrics used are much thinner and lighter in weight.Compression fabrics are also very comfortable. Tolook thinner and have smooth body lines, I suggestthe full body shaper.

It has thin shoulder straps and is high in the backand has a low scoop in the front to fit under yourbra, and comes in thigh or ankle length. There is asnap panel crotch for easier trips to the restroom.No need to undress. The end result is a smoothback, midriff, waist, hips and thighs. The thighlength can be worn with dresses or skirts and fulllength for wearing pants. If you only want to smooththe back and midriff, you can choose the camisoleshaper which is perfect for wearing under t-shirts.

There is also a shaper for women with largeuntoned arms. Slimming sleeves by Silverware canbe your solution. It looks like a short shrug that istight and creates an ultra smooth look and comes in¾ length and full sleeve. The new shape wear oftoday gives you so many options to fit your specificneeds. There are several online stores that offer anamazing variety of shapers. You can speak with aconsultant that will assist you in choosing the rightitem. Many mall department stores also are wellstocked. Shapers come in white, nude and black.When going to the mall, I suggest you take thegarment that you plan on wearing so you can try onthe proper shaper for your needs.

Now you can go to your high school reunion orholiday office party and look ten pounds lighter andno one will know your secret. And don’t besurprised at the many compliments you will receiveof how great you look. Smile and say “thank you.”

Aggie Garcia is a San Diegobased fashion designer whospecializes in designing bikiniand figure competition suits,and is the owner of Illusionsby Aggie. Visit:www.IllusionsbyAggie.com.

Another thing we travelwith is the DiscoveryTrekking ExtremeUltralite towel availableatwww.DiscoveryTrekking.com. This towel isamazing! It is solightweight you canvirtually pack it in anysmall corner. It dries

fast so it is perfect to take on a hike. We use it forshade, a picnic cloth, as a towel if we are kayakingor swimming. It is very easy to care for and I use itto wrap my pillows in at night, it keeps them niceand cool. This moisture wicking fabric containsPolygiene Silver that kills bacteria. Something tothink about when you are hotel hopping! Visit theirwebsite, you will find clothing, towels and beddingthat will make your life just that much moreenjoyable and at really reasonable prices.

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One of the best thingsabout the Spirit ofAmerica Tour of all 408National Parks ishaving the chance tohike, picnic or stroll ahistoric downtown.While we are at ourHeadquarters in Yuma,AZ, we often walk alongthe banks of theColorado River in theearly mornings. Herewe see plenty of

herons, egrets, osprey and all kinds of song birds.Of course, where there is water, there are insects.Recently we tried “I’ll Fly Away,”an all natural, non-toxic insect repellent made bywww.SelestialSoap.com. We highly recommendit. It is great to know while protecting yourself frominsect bites, you are not spraying yourself with toxicpoisons. It is made from Catnip, Witch Hazel,Eucalyptus, Citronella and other essential oils. Youcan also get the repellent with sunscreen addedwhich really makes sense. It is still natural and Ilove that it is not sticky or greasy, dissolves rightinto the skin and smells wonderful. For addedbenefit, you can get the sunscreen with skinmoisturizers without the repellent for when you areout where there are no insects. All three productsmake your skin feel soft and they work!

Sometimes wesneak out for apicnic and I carrythe insect repellentand other items inmy Healthy BackBag. I love this bagbecause it has tonsof pockets so all myessentials stayorganized and easyto find. It’s quitefashionable and can

be worn across my body or just on my shoulder andit leaves my hands free. No matter how I wear it,the main zipper is only accessible to me, a securityfeature I really appreciate. The strap is cushionedand comfortable, and the bag is really light. Nomore heavy handbags for me! I love that I can findcar keys, cell phone, sunglasses and money in ajiffy! You can check out this bag, it comes indifferent sizes and colors, at www.Ameribag.com

Staying Cool, Organized& Bug-FreeGreat Travel Productsby Nancy J. Reid

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