17 minute read
Fun on a Nickel
from 2022-06-JUN
5
simple yet meaningful activities for grandchildren
By Cynthia Drake
Iwas a child during the 1950s — a time when my brothers and I were mostly spared the troubles of the adult world. Our parents let us play in the mud, climb trees or read books while lying on an old quilt in the backyard. My Halloween costume was an old sheet with two holes cut out for ghost eyes. A piece of chalk and a sidewalk would be enough to keep me and my neighborhood girlfriends hopscotching all morning. After a bowl of cereal for breakfast, my mother sent us out to play with the instruction to be back for supper.
When my grandchildren began to arrive 17 years ago, those carefree memories of days gone by resurfaced, and I experienced a “second childhood” with my children’s children. I taught young children in elementary school for many years, and that prepared me for the delight of playing and learning with my grandchildren. Now that the grandchildren are older, we love remembering those early days spent cooking together, doing science experiments in the kitchen, producing simple plays in the summer, reading books using flashlights during overnight visits.
That joy inspired me to write “A Grandmother’s Sourcebook,” filled with activities and ideas for grandparents and their grandchildren to share. Below are five entries from the book for your own “fun on a nickel.” 1. Make a concentration game. Choose a dozen or more favorite 4x6 photos of family events. At the copy shop, reduce photo size by 50%, print two of each, then glue to the “suit” side of regular playing cards. Set out all the cards with photo sides down. Play! 2. Teach the children how to offer a strong firm handshake and clearly state their name (as if they are meeting a new person). “Hi, my name is ______.” Then have them help you bake some chocolate chip cookies. Drive to the neighborhood firehouse, meet the firefighters, shake hands and thank them for their service. Finally, offer a tin of homemade cookies. 3. Help the children paint a Van Gogh-style painting. Find “The Usborne Art Treasury” by Rosie Dickens at the library. Directions are given about using forks and dabs of white paint to recreate Van Gogh’s swirly clouds! 4. A really fun science experiment is creating a crystal. Directions are provided in “Geology Lab for Kids” by Garret Romaine. Bend a pipe cleaner into a cube shape. Tie 2 feet of string to the middle of a pencil and to a corner of the pipe cleaner cube. Pour 3 cups of boiling water into a wide-mouth jar. Stir in 9 tablespoons of Borax. Lower the pipe cleaner down into the jar. In the morning there will be a crystal-covered pipe cleaner floating in the jar! If you add food coloring, you’ll create a beautifully colored crystal. 5. On a sunny day, take the children to your local cemetery. Walk through the lanes and stop to read names, dates and quotes. Talk about how these folks were loved by many people. Talk about the circle of life. Your ease will be appreciated by the children. Then read them the wonderful storybook, “City Dog, Country Frog” by Mo Willems. It is a perfect tale of friendship, loss and hope.
Cynthia Drake, author of “A Grandmother’s Sourcebook,” lives in Durham and is a member of Piedmont Electric Cooperative.
Visit agrandmotherssourcebook.com to learn more about “A Grandmother’s Sourcebook,” 10 chapters covering resources and activities to get grandchildren engaged in art, story, poetry, science, service, music, cooking, plays and games.
Reawaken Your 2022 Resolutions
Your goals don’t have to start and end with a date
By Rue Reynold
The new year is a popular time to find motivation and inspiration to make changes or meet goals. However, life or doubts can make achieving resolutions more difficult until they are given up or forgotten. Sometimes it can be tough to get back on track, but it’s never too late to reach your goals no matter how much time has passed. Follow these five tips to renew passion and progress farther than you have before.
1Make a checklist Put everything into perspective by listing any materials needed and the steps necessary to progress toward your end goal.
2Start slow Learning more about a subject sets you up for success. Start at stage one and gradually work your way up to more complex or hands-on objectives. 3Take a second look and adjust as necessary What problems have arrived? Do you need to change initial plans? Brainstorm different ways around obstacles.
4Connect with like-minded people Local clubs, programs and online groups are the best ways to find people like you. Share unique experiences, receive advice and make a new friend.
5Forgive, forget and try again Making a mistake, missing a day or not seeing improvement right away can be frustrating, but don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re learning, growing and improving. Keep going. Whether you’re trying to renew old passions or begin something for the first time, take each step as it comes and get back up, even if you fall. You got this.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.
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5 Ways to Regain Control During a Stressful Day
By Rue Reynold
We all have bad days, but sometimes bad days can take a turn for the worst when it comes to our tolerance levels, negative thoughts and emotional health. To combat these feelings or even help prevent them from getting out of control, it’s important to remember your needs and incorporate certain actions to regain control when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
1Take yourself out of a situation Taking yourself out of a stressful situation might be easier said than done depending on the circumstances. However, staying in the environment — physically or mentally — will do more harm than good. If you can’t leave the area entirely, small actions can be just as fulfilling. Excusing yourself for a bathroom break or grabbing water can make a world of difference to your mood.
2Embrace nature Nature is the friend that can be sought out and depended on at any moment of the day or night. A change of environment is also often a fast means of combating whatever negative thoughts or emotions are swirling inside of you. So, get lost in the flowers or the lush green of the trees, embrace the wind caressing your skin, admire the reflections in the water, or appreciate how many colors the sky can hold.
3Find a quiet place Loud or noisy places can sometimes raise anxiety levels or become a distraction. If noisy areas are preventing you from relaxing, find a quiet place where you can feel calm and at peace. 4Contact your support system You don’t have to talk about exactly what’s troubling you if you don’t want to. Being able to chat with someone, even about the smallest things, can be enough to soothe and get your mind off whatever is bothering you.
5Take a deep breath Taking a deep breath can make the difference between a good, bad or terrible day. Breathing deeply automatically puts your mind and body in a restful and relaxed state as the body is filled with large amounts of oxygen. When your heart seems to be practicing Double Dutch or your thoughts are on track for an Olympic medal, just stop for a moment. Take a breath, close your eyes, release the breath, take another breath and feel your mind and body start to relax. Breathe as much as you need to before returning to the day at hand, and always take the time to breathe to help keep you calm.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.
Summer Storm Safety Word Search
Summer means fun in the sun! But the season can also bring strong thunderstorms. Read the storm safety tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.
T K B Y J P V D H A Y L T O G D H Q E L Q S B X R X I I N Q D H U R F Y H N H L Z G K I D N B Z N S H C H M L N H Y D F U K C Z D U P C M N I T C F H D X J T K E S H U E I N N A Y O S I Q O W R Q B F Q I E D L L N E N O N W X V Q F N G V R O J T D N B E T Z X T G R M N H M N Z N V L D P E R L E V O X I T Y G M J T T B T G M V C W Z A X E O R A Q G B W E K A S T R U C T U R E S E B F N W X X Z E K V S L K T U G S T R S M C S A D U U X R S B W M E
■ If you hear thunder, that means lightning can strike nearby. Go indoors. ■ Wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going back outside. ■ During a thunderstorm, stay away from tall, isolated structures or trees, which are more susceptible to lightning strikes. ■ Avoid standing near windows during a thunderstorm. ■ Strong summer storms occasionally cause power outages. During an outage, it’s best to have an emergency kit on hand..
World Taste with a Fiesta Fusion
Explore creamy and crunchy textures in a fiery and zesty package
If you want to take mealtime from bland and boring to new and vibrant, look no further than these home fiesta recipes. Visit freshcravings.com for more fiesta-worthy recipes.
—FamilyFeatures.com. Photos courtesy of Fresh Cravings
Red Pepper Chickpea Soup
With gazpacho relish and tortilla croutons Visit ncfarmfresh.com for fresh tomatoes to bring an elevated taste to your relish. ¼ cup finely diced seeded English cucumbers ¼ cup finely diced seeded Roma tomato 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 lime, juice only, divided 2 cups canned low-sodium vegetable stock, divided ½ cup salsa (mild or medium) 1 container (10 ounces) roasted red pepper hummus
Tri-colored fried tortilla strips
Salt and pepper
In small bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, onion and cilantro.
Add half of the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Let relish sit at room temperature.
In blender or food processor, process 1 cup stock and salsa until smooth.
Pour mixture into medium saucepan. Add remaining stock and hummus. Season with salt and pepper and bring to boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in remaining lime juice. Divide soup between two bowls and top with relish and tortilla strips.
Yield: 2 servings Mexican Style Paella
With chicken and sausage The lively flavors of this paella will set off a fiesta in your mouth. 1 container (16 ounces) chunky salsa (mild or medium) 12 ounces chicken tenders, patted dry 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 12 ounces fully cooked chicken sausage or pork sausage links 3 cups low-sodium canned chicken stock, water or combination 2 cups long-grain rice 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided 1 cup frozen peas ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Lime wedges
Freshly ground black pepper
Remove ½ cup salsa. Set aside. In a blender or food processor, process remaining salsa until smooth.
Put chicken in a bowl, add ½ cup puréed salsa and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
In a high-sided sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over high heat until it simmers. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
Remove to plate, loosely tent with foil and rest for 10 minutes. Slice into 2-inch pieces.
Add remaining oil to pan and heat until simmering. Cook sausage about 3 minutes per side.
Remove to plate, loosely tent with foil and rest for 10 minutes. Slice on bias into 2-inch pieces.
Wipe out pan with paper towels and add remaining puréed salsa and stock; bring to boil. Add rice and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring mixture to boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 18 minutes.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle peas on top. Cover with lid and sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff with fork then stir in chicken, sausage, peas and cilantro. Spoon remaining salsa on top.
What You Need to Know Before Going Solar
Work with your co-op to make the right choice
By Miranda Boutelle
When I tell people I work in energy efficiency, one of the first responses I hear is, “Oh, I’m thinking about getting solar installed on my house.” I hear it around campfires, meeting other parents at the park and on the ride to the airport.
Most people don’t realize solar is not energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is finding ways to use less energy. Solar is generating energy. I can see the association because both are thought of as beneficial to the environment and a way to save money.
My follow-up question is, “What are your motivations for installing solar?”
In my experience, people are motivated by saving money, concern for the environment or both. Focusing first on energy efficiency addresses both motivations.
Here are some considerations if you are interested in installing solar.
Energy consumption Solar systems are sized based on a home’s energy needs. The larger the system, the higher the cost. Before installing solar, make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. That means it will use less energy and allow you to install a smaller solar system — which will save money and reduce your home’s environmental impact.
Verify the efficiency of your lighting, HVAC systems and insulation. A fully insulated and air-sealed home uses less energy, and those measures are less expensive than solar panels. Finish these energy efficiency projects before installing solar.
Affordability Consider your overall out-of-pocket expenses. The expected lifespan of a heating and cooling system is 15 to 25 years. Check the age and condition of your HVAC equipment and consider the expenses of replacement. If something happens, will you be able to afford to fix or replace it?
Roofing Consider the age, orientation and shade of your roof. It is more difficult — and expensive — to reroof a home with solar panels. Will the roof need to be replaced before the solar panels need to be replaced?
The best orientation for solar panels is south facing to receive direct light throughout the day. A shaded roof helps keep your home cool in the summertime but reduces solar energy production.
Maintenance and reliability A solar system doesn’t last forever. Lifespans range from 25 to 30 years. As systems degrade over time, they produce less energy. Maintenance and repairs may be needed.
Solar panels only produce power when the sun is shining. If you want solar to power your home at other times, like after dark, you’ll need to invest in battery storage system, which comes at an additional cost.
Contact your electric co-op As with any other system for your home, I recommend getting bids from three contractors to compare equipment and pricing. Solar contractors often work in several utility service territories and may not be familiar with your co-op’s offerings, rate structures and interconnection agreements. So before signing an agreement, check with your electric co-op for local information rather than relying on what the contractor says.
Another option may be community-owned solar. Many electric co-ops offer community solar programs. You may have an option to enjoy the benefits of solar without the responsibilities of ownership and maintenance.
Understanding these considerations before installing solar will ensure you meet your money-saving and environmental goals.
This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.
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