How is it already August? I can’t believe I’m saying that! Summer has flown by, and I hope you’re enjoying every moment.
It turns out last month’s Road Trip Trivia was a big hit! Thank you for all your kind words, encouragement, and requests for more trivia. I’ve heard you, and I’m excited to share that trivia will now appear as a larger feature in each monthly issue.
If you’re interested in the articles in our publication, you can always view our other editions online at www.thegrandseason. com. Each month, we mail more than 105,000 copies of The Grand Season to the West Valley. Since each edition is customized to accommodate our local advertisers, the content varies slightly from one area to another.
If you have home repairs or remodeling projects on your to-do list, reach out to the local businesses that advertise in The Grand Season. Their support helps make this publication possible each month, and they are proud to serve our community.
As we settle into the heart of summer, I hope you’re finding ways to stay cool and safe during these days of extreme heat.
Savor every moment!
Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher
MOMENTS
Today is full of wonderful moments waiting for you. There’s beauty in the little things around you.
Make today a day to look back on with pride and love.
You don’t need to move a mountain today. Just take one more step.
Fill withtoday the simple joys of life.
Love the nature, color and beauty around you. Whatever is unfolding, embrace it with both hands.
Love and embrace where you are right now!
Starttheday withanattitude ofgratitude.
Take a deep breath and do the hard things.
Going on a road trip this summer? Check your tire pressure to save money. Maintaining the correct tire pressure can have a direct effect on how many miles you get to the gallon. It can save you in everyday driving, but it really adds up when traveling longer distances.
Need your car fixed? Check your area to see if vocational schools offer lowcost or free auto repairs. Sometimes you can have work done for the cost of parts so that students can be trained on your issue.
You can use a clean paper milk carton to pour batter for pancakes. The spout makes it easy to pour and reduces splatter.
Avoid eye strain by making sure your computer monitor is in the correct position. It should be placed directly in front of you, at least an arm’s length away. If you have trouble seeing the screen, you can adjust the resolution to make the screen items bigger.
HOME REPLACE OR NOT
Every home is filled with items we depend on every day, but nothing lasts forever. Knowing the average lifespan of your home’s features and everyday essentials can help you plan for replacements, avoid costly surprises, and keep your home running smoothly.
Your home’s structure requires regular upkeep. Roofs typically last 20 to 30 years, while exterior paint should be refreshed every seven to 10 years. Interior paint usually lasts five to seven years, windows 15 to 25 years, and carpet about eight to 10 years. Hardwood and tile floors can last for decades with proper care.
Household appliances also have a life expectancy. Refrigerators generally last 10 to 13 years, washing machines 10 to 12 years, and dishwashers and microwaves about eight to 10 years. Water heaters average eight to 12 years, while air conditioners often last 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance.
Don’t overlook the smaller items that keep your home comfortable and safe. Replace pillows every one to two years, mattresses every seven to 10 years, and smoke detectors every 10 years. Change smoke alarm batteries annually and HVAC air filters
Fine Fittings Fine Fittings
every three months to help protect your family and improve energy efficiency.
In the kitchen, nonstick pans usually last three to five years, while cast-iron cookware can last a lifetime. Spices should be replaced every two to four years as they lose flavor.
A simple home maintenance checklist with installation dates can help you stay ahead of repairs and replacements. A little planning today can extend the life of your home, save money, and give you greater peace of mind for years to come.
DINING GUIDE
Cellist Daniel Crawford composed a musical piece for the cello in which each note represents a year on NASA’s record of global average temperature, from 1880-2012.
The low air pressure of a twister can literally pull a person’s eardrum outward.
The first Europeans to discover the Great Lakes named them the “Sweetwater Seas” and believed that China bordered their shores.
The skin of a jellyfish is so thin that the animal can breathe through it.
Between 1930 and 1935, nearly 750,000 American farms were lost through bankruptcy or sheriff sales.
Egyptians used vast amounts of linen to mummify a body—in fact, the fabric on one mummy from the 11th dynasty measured 9,095 feet, enough to cover three tennis courts.
According to facial recognition software, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” is 83% happy, 9% disgusted, 6% fearful and 2% angry.
One acre of peanuts can make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.
A man once sued Anheuser-Busch with the claim that the company’s ads misrepresented his potential attractiveness to the opposite sex, if he would just drink their beer.
Dinner and a Movie!
3.
Joanne Hammett, Goodyear 3. Amy Bartlett, Litchfield Park 4. Bridgetta Rommeswinkel, Peoria 5. Rolland Schreiber, Peoria 6. Frank Elisan, Peoria 7. Carol Brockelsby, Surprise
Kurt Havelock, Surprise
YOU FIND YOUR ADVENTURE
Retirement is often described as the beginning of a new adventure, yet it’s easy to settle into familiar routines. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a comfortable schedule, adding a little variety can bring fresh energy and excitement to everyday life.
Think of these ideas as “side quests”—small adventures that encourage you to try something new, stay active, and create lasting memories.
Start by planning a day trip to a town, museum, or scenic destination you’ve never visited. Arizona is filled with hidden gems just a short drive away. Better yet, put it on your calendar before you have time to change your mind.
Challenge yourself to learn something new. Master a favorite recipe, take an art or photography class, learn a few
phrases in a new language, or spend 15 minutes a day exploring a new hobby. It’s never too late to discover a hidden talent.
If you’re looking to meet new people, join a club, volunteer organization, book group, or fitness class. Whether it’s pickleball, golf, line dancing, quilting, or hiking, shared interests often lead to lasting friendships.
Make a list of 10 things you’ve always wanted to try, then pick one to accomplish this season. Attend a concert, visit a local festival, see a movie on your own, or explore a new walking trail. Sometimes the simplest adventures become the most memorable.
Take time to appreciate everyday moments.
Photograph a beautiful sunset, blooming flowers, or a gathering with friends. Create
a seasonal bucket list with activities that make you smile, enjoy a picnic in the park, or surprise your spouse by cooking dinner by candlelight on an ordinary Tuesday.
Finally, think about a dream you once set aside. Is there a class you’ve wanted to take, a place you’ve hoped to visit, or a skill you’ve always wanted to learn? There’s no better time than now to take the first step.
Perhaps the best side quest of all is planning something to look forward to every week. Whether it’s coffee with friends, volunteering, a community event, or a weekend getaway, having something on the calendar keeps life full of purpose.
After all, retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about having the freedom to write exciting new chapters, one adventure at a time.
AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ
A Message from Sue Royer
“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”
Sue RoyerDirector
About Us
Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living.
When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.
We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:
• Group Homes
• Assisted Living Communities
• In-Home Primary Care Physicians
• Home Health Care Therapy
• Transportation
• Private Duty In-Home Care
• Respite Care
• Memory Care
• Hospice
• Support Groups
• Adult Enrichment Programs
Assisted living resources accepting:
• Private pay
• Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS
• Medicaid
• VA Benefits
6 Reasons You Should Call
AAA Senior Placement AZ
• We are well known and respected in the medical community.
• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.
• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.
• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.
• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.
• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.
Jesse Olmedo, MD
James Barlow, MD Victoria Phan, PA-C
Jillian Goldney FNP-C
Anna Koester FNP-BC
Rita Van Liere
•Vacuum (as needed, additional fee)
•Brush side walls, steps & Tile Line
•Skim
•Backwash as needed
•Empty baskets (pump & skimmer)
•Test water chemistry
•Add chlorine and acid as needed
•Add up to 3 lbs. of shock
•Add salt as needed for pools
•Control best as possible CYA’s
Repair
•Gaskets/O-Rings
•Salt System install/repair
•Kool Deck repair
•Tile
•Pop Up repair/install
•Motor repair/install
•Variable Speed Motors
TRIVIA
G & A ROOFING
Tile
BRAIN TEASERS
1. Which US Senator is RuPaul’s distant cousin?
2. What does a haberdashery sell?
3. Which animal is the koala’s closest living relative?
4. What is the tallest building in the world?
5. Which actor is set to play Ringo Starr in the upcoming Beatles biopic?
6. In The Odyssey, what is the name of Odysseus’s wife?
7. Which US state has “Yankee Doodle” as its official state song?
8. What is Hello Kitty’s boyfriend named?
9. Which country in Africa has the highest population?
10. What do you call the full moon that occurs during the month of March?
11. What is the longest side of a right triangle called?
12. Which book features the quote, “We accept the love we think we deserve?”
13. Which chemical do many insects produce as a natural antifreeze?
14. Which actor is known for voicing both Miss Piggy and Yoda?
15. Which horse breed is known for its spotted coat?
16. Which US president spoke English as a second language?
17. How many brains does a leech have?
18. The musical Cats is based on a book by which author?
19. Which poet wrote, “She Walks in Beauty”?
20. How long is an NHL hockey rink?
TRIVIA ANSWERS:
1. Senator Cory Booker
2. Hats
3. The wombat
4. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai
5. Barry Keoghan
6. Penelope
7. Connecticut
8. Dear Daniel
9. Nigeria
10. “The worm moon”
11. The hypotenuse
12. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
13. Glycerol
14. Frank Oz
15. Appaloosa
16. Martin Van Buren
17. 32
18. T.S. Eliot
19. Lord Byron
20. 200 feet
It appears that “America’s Got Talent’s” Simon Cowell is taking advantage of his show’s contestants. In 20 years, only a handful of winners have succeeded! Terry Fator (season two’s winner) received a $1 million fiveyear residency at the Mirage. Michael Grimm (season five’s winner) reached No. 13 on the United States Billboard Top 200 and tours often. Grace VanderWaal (season 11’s winner at just 12 years old) has released hit albums and concert tours, and she was also in Disney’s “Stargirl.”
Twenty-one-year-old Darci Lynne (season 12’s winner who also won at 12 years old) played at the Grand Ole Opry and tours often as well. Kodi Lee (season 14’s winner), an autistic savant with optic nerve hypoplasia, basically only performs on “AGT” due to his autism. All of them won the $1 million prize, which is cleverly paid over 40 years ($25,000 a year or $471.63 a week). HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS
LOVE LITTLE THINGS
When people think about romance, they often picture grand gestures—an exotic vacation, expensive gifts, or an elaborate anniversary celebration. While those moments are wonderful, the strongest relationships are usually built on something much simpler: the small, thoughtful acts that say, “I see you, and I care.”
After years together, love isn’t measured by how often you celebrate special occasions. It’s reflected in the everyday moments. Bringing your spouse a glass of water before they ask, making the coffee just the way they like it, picking up their favorite treat at the grocery store, or warming their side of the bed on a chilly evening are quiet reminders that they’re loved.
Sometimes love means making life a little easier. Filling the gas tank, putting their phone on the charger after they’ve fallen asleep, or taking care of a phone call they’ve been dreading can speak louder than words. These simple acts of kindness strengthen a relationship one day at a time.
Love also grows by remembering the journey you’ve shared. Pull out an old photo album and laugh over hairstyles from decades ago. Cook the meal you enjoyed on your first vacation together, play “your song,” or drive past the neighborhood where your life together began. Saying, “Remember when...” keeps treasured memories alive and reminds you how far you’ve come together.
Just as important is staying curious about each other. Even after decades of marriage, there’s always more to discover. Ask what’s been on your partner’s mind lately, what they’re excited about, what worries them, or what dreams they still hope to pursue. Listen with genuine interest, not because you need to solve a problem, but because you want to know their heart.
The happiest couples never stop learning about one another. They continue to serve, to remember, and to ask meaningful questions.
Love isn’t something we simply fall into once. It’s something we choose every day through kindness, shared memories, thoughtful conversations, and the little moments that quietly say, “I’m still choosing you.”
Leaders in Dermatology & Plastic Surgery
About Regency Specialties
Regency Specialties is a trusted name in Arizona for cosmetic and medical excellence. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to providing top-tier care in both aesthetic and medical services. Whether you are seeking to enhance your natural beauty or address medical concerns, we strive to deliver transformation results that renew confidence and improve overall well-being. At Regency Specialties, your journey to looking and feeling your best starts here.
