HD Living, January/February 2011

H.D.LivingJanuary|February 2011

VICTORVILLE | SPRING VALLEY LAKE | APPLE VALLEY | HESPERIA | OAK HILLS

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page 46

come out & play!a Guide to hd’s parks

» Love After 60» Eclipse Gallery» Idle Spurs

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6 high desert living magazine january | february 2011

January/February 2011

{ features }

24 Forever passion Romance and Passion after 60.

By Tere Kidd

28 come out and play A guide to the HD’s best outdoor parks.

By Stephanie Morris

Table of Contents

{ departments }

8 readers write back 12 publishers letter 15 up Front Blood Drive, Calico Reenacts the Civil War,

Workout at Home

By Krystal Carrillo & Tere Kidd

18 hd business spotliGht Eclipse Art Gallery

By Krystal Carrillo

20 health matters Oh Sunny Day! The benefits of

Vitamin D. By Dr. Brad Hannon

22 hd personality Juliette Bascom

By Tere Kidd

36 wine trends For the love of wine

By Stephanie Morris

38 restaurant spotliGht Idle Spurs Steak House

By Tere Kidd

40 entertainment calendar

Upcoming entertainment & events.

42 hd happeninGs

Photos from local happenings

46 susan’s corner What are you lookin’ at?

18

38 22

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www.hdlivingmagazine.com high desert living magazine 718031 U.S. Highway 18 | Suite B | Apple Valley, CA 92308

H.D.LivingH.D. Living MagazineVolume 4, Issue 1, Jan/Feb 2011

PUBLISHER / CEOFrank A. Castillo

MARKETING/CIRCULATION DIRECTORJames Piar

CFOTiffany Santee

COPy EDITORSusan Landers

DESIGN and LAyOUT Everard Strong | www.Big-E-Productions.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSTere Darnell, Katie Chavez, Krystal Carrillo,Stephanie Keyes, Dr. Brad Hannon

PHOTOGRAPHERSGeorge Sillas | GeorgeSillas.comSusan Whitney | SusanWhitney.com

ADVERTISING DESIGNKari Martinez

ADVERTISING SALESFrank Castillo [email protected] Martinez [email protected] Bains [email protected]

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING INqUIRIESH.D. LIVING MAGAZINE INC.6630 SVL BoxVictorville, CA 92395(760) 241-8475

HD Living Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine published by HD Living Magazine, Inc.

2010 HD Living Magazine Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permis-sion from this publisher. Photographs, graph-ics, and artwork are the property of HD Living magazine.

HD Living magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers contained herein. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or its owners. HD Living is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATIONSubscriptions are $9.95 per year domestically only. To subscribe, please mail payment to address above, or subscribe online at HDlivingmagazine.com.

Readers’ Letters

readers write back!

Dear Frank and Staff, I’m writing this letter to let you know how much I enjoy the issues of High Desert Living. As a Western New York transplant (think: rolling hills, lots of trees and grass that grows naturally without the help a lawn sprinkler system) you’ve opened my eyes to many of the ‘good’ things up here. Since moving here in 2004, I’ve wondered many days: Why here? Why am I living in an area that has so many of the things I’m not at all familiar with? I had to learn how to garden again, how to drive on these highways (i.e., Cajon Pass and Bear Valley), and how to be open to changes. Not an easy thing to do when you’re “middle aged.” My background happens to be print media. Remember picas and points? To say I was pleased with your high-gloss publication, well written articles and obviously a very dedicated staff, is an understatement. Keep up the great work! Your magazine is exactly what the High Desert needs!! Sincerely, F. Elizabeth Wood

Hi Frank,It’s about time we in the high desert had a magazine of our own featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment which we don’t have to travel “down the hill” to enjoy. I love the concept and found your magazine very intriguing. It reminds me a lot of Inland Empire Magazine which I like but can’t really relate to due to the distance factor.

I have to comment on the photography, I found the article/ad artwork to be very visually appealing. I’m a photographer and can be very critical but the photography left me wanting to see more.

I can’t wait to see the next issue as I’m very excited about this type of magazine in our area.

Sincerely,

Lori Cooper

“It’s about time we in the high desert had a magazine of our own featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment which we don’t have to travel ‘down the hill’ to enjoy.”


www.hdlivingmagazine.com high desert living magazine 9

15461 Main Street •Suite 106

Hesperia, CA 92345

[email protected]

Color & CutsBrazilian Blow Out

Styles & PermsScalp Treatments

FacialsManicures & Pedicures

Glitter ToesWaxing

Hair & Skin Products


Well, I don’t know about you, but I for one am looking forward to a great 2011! As 2010 is in the rearview mirror, we can only look forward now. As things start to look up, we here at H.D. Living Magazine are excited to bring more great features and spotlights highlighting your High Desert! As a resident of over 20 years in the Victor Valley, I am still amazed at the stories and locations that our area offers. From great people to unique places, we’ll continue to bring you the best of the H.D. This year marks our third in publication, and though, like many, we have faced challenges in a tough economy, we are set to get back on track in 2011. Nowhere else can you find a publication in the H.D. that strives to bring you positive stories about our area like we do; our goal is and always has been to give our readers something to be proud of.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support, and let you know that we look forward to bringing you more H.D. Living Magazine for many years to come.

Frank CastilloPublisher/[email protected]

Publisher’s Letter

Let’s Get it Started

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www.hdlivingmagazine.com High Desert Living magazine 13

The All New

2011 Cruze$16,995Starting at

15425 Palmdale Road • Victorvi l le, Cal i fornia • Sales & Service 877-889-8134Conveniently Located Of f the 15 Fwy at the Palmdale Exit

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A Gift Straight From the HeartLifeStream BLood driveSBy Katie Chavez

This year, LifeStream, the indispensable blood bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, celebrates 60 years of lifesaving service. In those 60 years, generous blood donors have helped LifeStream become a crucial force in the lives of Southern Californians.

One of the simplest and most convenient means of donating blood is the bloodmobile blood drives. The mobile can often be found at events around the H.D. The dedicated people at LifeStream make every effort to make donating blood as simple as possible. As Valentine’s Day makes our hearts beat with love and joy, we should not forget that our hearts also beat to pump blood. That blood, if donated, can mean the difference for people in need of a lifesaving transfusion. LifeStream estimates that “more than 500 donations of lifesaving blood are needed each day to meet emergency and ongoing patient needs in Southern California.”

Many lives have been saved because of the giving people who take a small amount of time to provide an essential service. Donating blood around Valentine’s Day, or anytime of the year, is a truly valuable gift. It is a gift that comes straight from the heart.

Visit www.lstream.org for more information and bloodmobile locations.

UpFront


UpFront

calico Ghost townCelebrating 150th anniversary of the Civil War By Katie Chavez

2011 marks 150 years since the start of the American Civil War. Across the United States, reenactments will be abundant, and during Presidents’ Day weekend, Calico Ghost Town will stage its own authentic Civil War reenactment. On February 19, 20, and 21, Calico invites you to be immersed into the life of 1860s America.

Witness live battles, cannon demonstrations, period fashion shows, and the Gettysburg Address as you see the life of soldiers from the North and South. Union and Confederate camps will be set throughout the town along with music and living history displays.

On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th, admission for adults is $10, juniors (6-15 years) is $5 and children 5 and under are free. On Monday the 21st, the prices are even lower: $10 per car. The National Park Service says that the “150th Anniversary of the American Civil War offers the current generation of Americans a most important opportunity to know, discuss, and commemorate this country’s greatest national crisis.” Celebrate Presidents’ Day and the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with Calico Ghost Town. For more information, visit www.calicotown.com.


My Health. My Choice.Mission StatementChoice Medical Group is committed to deliver superior medical services, ensuring health and quality of life to the people within the communities we service.

Our story begins in 1990 when a group of primary care and specialty physicians created a dedicated Independent Physicians Association, known as Choice Medical Group. In 2008, Choice Medical Group created Choice Physicians Network, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care to our geriatric patients.

Today we are a team of nearly 200 Board Certified Physicians, including 43 Primary Care Physicians and more than 140 Board Certified Specialists. All are committed to the health of individual patients as well as the health and well-being of our High Desert Community. Our commitment to excellence in healthcare and dedication to our community has resulted in multiple awards, including the 2010 Standard of Excellence Elite Status from CAPG, NCQA Certification 2008 and 2009. For consumers and employers, the seal is a reliable indicator that an organization is well-managed and delivers high quality care and services. We have been cited by the Integrated Healthcare Association for “outstanding performance,” and in 2010 were voted “Best Medical Group,” by residents of the High Desert.

The Physicians at Choice Medical Group and Choice Physicians Network are affiliated with St. Mary Medical Center, Victor Valley Community Hospital and Barstow Community Hospital. We offer multiple urgent care facilities and contract with most major commercial and senior health plans. Choice Medical Group and Choice Physicians Network supports the Health & Wellness Center, with full time clinical personnel dedicated to address the healthcare needs of our commercial and senior membership.

When it comes to healthcare in the High Desert, we’re simply the best choice.

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Phelan – Pinon Hills – Victorville

760.242.7777, Ext. 224www.ChoiceMG.com

A B o u T u S

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UpFront

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Though perhaps the most cliché resolution we all tend to vow to uphold at the dawn of at least every other new year, working out and staying healthy is always an honorable declaration. Yes, gym memberships can be quite costly, and yes, we’ve all just blown our savings on sundry ceramics for mom and socks for dad this holiday season, and yes, the economy is still in a rather bleak condition, but wait, don’t let these financial obstacles keep you from achieving your healthiest body—this can be your year! You can save money and still keep your resolution for 2011 by investing in the basic necessities of a home gym, the perfect way to keep yourself on the track of maintaining your resolution without the hassle of a monthly fee or pesky membership cost! Here in the H.D., there are plenty of affordable and practical options when it comes to building your own customized home gym:

elliptical machines, like the NordicTrack Elliptical AudioStrider 990 Pro featured here, is essential for transforming your home into your own personal workout space. A hallmark of the gym, ellipticals offer a convenient way to incorporate a non-impact, whole body workout into your daily routine. According to an article featured on the LiveStrong™ Foundation’s website: “One of the benefits of an elliptical is that it helps increase your aerobic capacity [the ability to perform activities for long periods of time without getting out of breath]. This can be achieved by simply working out on it for 20 to 30 minutes 3 or more days a week.” The NordicTrack Elliptical AudioStrider 990 Pro machine was voted a 2011 best buy by a leading consumer magazine and is available at Sears at the Mall of Victor Valley.

Weight training should be a focus for anyone seriously interested in achieving optimal health; weight training will help “you raise your metabolism (muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll burn all day long), strengthen bones, increase muscular endurance, help you avoid injuries, and improve coordination and balance.” standard utility benches, like the Marcy Utility Bench with 40-lbs. Dumbbell Set, available at Big 5, are the perfect way to conveniently integrate a successful weight-training workout into your daily health routine.

A new must-have for any home gym is the bosu balance trainer, a fitness tool used by trainers at gyms and gaining popularity as a convenient and affordable way to get in shape right at home. As Paige Waehner, a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise, the Balance Trainer is “like an exercise ball cut in half” and has been called “one of the more exciting exercise tools to hit the fitness world in a while” because of its unique versatility. The BOSU Balance Trainer can be used for everything from basic cardio, strength, and flexibility training to sports conditioning, core training, and aerobic exercises. In addition to all of this, according to Waehner, the BOSU Balance Trainer can also help improve balance, kinesthetic awareness, and proprioception (a “fancy word describing how your body responds to external forces to keep your joints in the right position”). The BOSU Balance Trainer is available at your local Target stores. — Krystal Carrillo

new year’s resolution:stay home (and work out)

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HDBusiness


The Eclipse Art Gallery is a concrete manifestation of the abstract notion that the universal language of art has an unparalleled way of drawing people together. Opened six months ago by Joan Sowinski, the gallery has emerged as a main artery for creativity and artistic expression in the Victor Valley. As a tight-knit community built by and for student and local artists and art-lovers, Sowinski’s vision developed as she recognized the need to highlight the enormous talent she witnessed all around her, since Sowinski herself knows firsthand what it means to be a local and student artist in the H.D.

A Fine Arts graduate of Victor Valley College, Sowinski served as coordinator of the college’s art shows (indeed she started the art show at the college), and she is the artist responsible for two of VVC’s most beloved art pieces—the September 11th memorial structure in front of the college’s library and the vibrant mural on the college grounds. The Eclipse Art Gallery is, as Sowinski notes, her way of giving back to the people and community who have supported her artistic career and development.

Located across the street from the college, the gallery has become an ideal nurturing environment for the gifted students of VVC. Sowinski emphasizes the fact that they are the life force of the gallery; they are interns who manage the daily activities and necessities of maintaining the gallery and art shows, and they are also the stars of those very same exhibits and shows. VVC student,

Evan Spears, exemplifies this fact: he is one of the ten interns who run the hours of the gallery, and his unique work will be featured in a special show entitled, “Odds to an End,” this February. In addition to traditional art exhibits featuring paintings, drawings, photography, film screenings, assemblages, and sculptures, the gallery has also held its own fair share of unique events, such as a Morbid Fashion Show this past Halloween (put on by the Drama Department), poetry readings (featuring both VVC students and instructors), live shows by local musicians, and the “Artist Speaks” series (which began in late January with the artist Benn Johnston), to name a few.

An integral part of Sowinski’s determination to fuel the creativity and potential of student artists is her commitment to garner support for Victor Valley College’s Student Honor Show this April. The college’s top students will compete for a scholarship. At the time of print, the scholarship fund stands at $1,000, with a big thanks to the VVC Associated Student Body and the gallery’s own funding. The generosity of local support for the scholarship fund is much needed and will be greatly appreciated, by the college, the gallery, and, most importantly, the students of our community. For more information, contact Joan Sowinski at the Eclipse Art Gallery, open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11-5:30 or check out the Eclipse Art Gallery Facebook page. — Krystal Carrillo

eclipse art Gallery


It is the New Year again: the air is cold, and we see less and less of the sun. This is why now is a great time to learn about Vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the few things our bodies can actually produce when given the appropriate opportunity. When the human skin is exposed to direct sunlight, with UV rays, for 15-20 minutes, without sun block, our skin will produce about 10,000 IUs of Vitamin D; keep in mind, our skin contains some cholesterol, and it is the reaction between the UV rays and the cholesterol that makes vitamin D.

Modern society is generally scared of sun exposure; this fear, along with the fact that Vitamin D is not easily available in normal unfortified foods, sets us up for Vitamin D deficiency. Clouds, smog, windows, and sunscreen all affect the amount of vitamin D your body can produce. It is estimated that fair skinned people will need 45 min of sun exposure throughout the week to produce enough vitamin D, while dark skinned people will need about 3 hours of sun exposure to produce the same amount — this is only an estimate and can change with the amount of skin exposed and the intensity of the sun on the particular day.

what does vitamin d do?Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for the health of our bones and teeth. Chiefly, Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. It is also known for regulating the immune system, which is why some claim it can help with cancer prevention. Scientists have been vigorously working to discover more potential needs and uses for vitamin D in our bodies: currently, research points to possible areas where vitamin D can help — Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, prevention of Type 1 diabetes, depression, epilepsy, migraine headaches, polycystic ovary syndrome, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, chronic musculoskeletal pain, or rickets in children. Vitamin D may also help adults who live in the northern half of the United States, possibly the elderly, people with dark skin; it may help prevent breast/colon/prostate cancer, high blood pressure, depression, obesity, osteoporosis; one study showed taking vitamin D reduced the risk of falling by 22%, and it is sometimes used to treat parathyroid disorders.

where can you get vitamin d?The most common sources of Vitamin D in the diet are cod liver oil, fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines), chicken eggs, and fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and yogurt. The other source of vitamin D is supplementation. There are two forms of supplemental

vitamin D: ergocalciferol (commonly called Vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (commonly called Vitamin D3). Currently, research seems to be leaning towards vitamin D3 as being best for raising blood levels of vitamin D.

who is likely deficient in vitamin d?A recent study at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City looked back at 723 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery and found that about 40% of the patients had a deficiency in vitamin D levels; this study was published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. The study went on to state that inadequate Vitamin D levels in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery put patients at risk for complications. This 40% mark is similar to multiple studies looking at the general population in the United States. Some studies suggest more of a regional deficiency; suggesting that particularly those in the north east of the United States are some of the most deficient Americans.

how much vitamin d should you take?Today, the best way to find out if you are Vitamin D deficient is a blood test; 25(OH)D is the test. The Medical University of South Carolina’s Dr. Bruce Hollis states in a recent paper that 25(OH)D levels below 80 nmol/L represents a state of vitamin D deficiency. A recent review of Vitamin D literature proposed that 100-160 nmol/L represents the optimal level, while levels above 200 nmol/L, is considered excess. In general, it has been estimated that the average person will need between 200-600IU per day to have sufficient blood levels of vitamin D. However, this amount is constantly being debated in the literature, with some experts suggesting 2000IUs or even up to 5000IUs per day; however, this high dose is usually monitored with blood levels to make sure the blood levels are not too high. What experts are finding is that for some people, it requires a higher dose, especially at first, to get and maintain some people’s blood levels of vitamin D.

possible interactions with vitamin d?Dr. Reingold Vieth, a Canadian researcher, says that “all iatrogenic cases of vitamin D toxicity in the literature involved vitamin D2 supplementation,” Vitamin D3 poisonings have occurred with prolonged intake greater than 40,000 IU’s and Vitamin D toxicity, as a result of sun exposure, is also a rare occurrence. Remember that Vitamin D is fat soluble; along with A, E, and K, and therefore is at higher risk for being toxic. Side effects with vitamin D can be, but are not limited to: increased thirst, muscle problems, increased frequency of urination, metal taste in mouth, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, bone pain, sore eyes,

oh sunny day!

HD Health


tiredness, and itchy skin. People with heart problems and kidney disease need to be especially careful and should consult with their doctor prior to supplementation. Vitamin D may interact with some medications such as: Lipitor, calcium channel blockers, prednisone, Lanoxin, Estrogen, Isoniazid, Thiazide, Antacids, Anti-seizure medications, Bile acid sequestrants, Rifampin, mineral oil, and Alli. Due to these increased risks, consult with your health care provider prior to taking vitamin D.

Our bodies are complicated beyond our current understanding. Daily, new research is coming out, and our opinions will change accordingly. However, one thing seems to remain constant. Our bodies need to be supplied with good healthy nutrients and water, void of toxins or poisons, in order to carry out daily functions and to live to our fullest potential. “It is said that today is called the present because to be alive is a gift.” Therefore take advantage of this gift and live life.

Dr. Hannon graduated from the Southern California university of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Chiropractic program. now, in private practice Dr. Hannon dedicates his time to his passion of health, exercise, and nutrition.


born to play

10-year old musical

sensation juliette

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The first time I met Juliette Bascom, she was six-years-old. It was incredible to see her. She was so tiny and she was playing that violin just as I would expect an adult to do. A pretty little girl with double braids — a little old school, nowadays, but exactly the way my mother combed my hair at the same age. I can’t fully describe how I felt when I saw this little girl perform. It was akin to an experience I had maybe 30 years ago. I was in the Redlands Mall at Christmas time and a gaggle of school-age children circled into about three lines and began singing Christmas carols with such perfection I could hardly believe my ears. I wanted to cry it was so beautiful and unexpected. That is how I felt when I witnessed Juliette performing. It is stirring, to say the least. I don’t think she has a clue about how her music affects people.

Now, even at 10, she still sees it as no big deal. Her ability to pick up a stringed instrument she has never played and after half an hour play it, is sheer prodigy. Her parents say she picked up a mandolin at two and began playing, and at three she did the same with the violin.

“She danced in the womb,” her father, John Bascom told me. When music would play, she would begin moving around in my

womb like she was dancing,” her mother, Lisa, interjected. At age 10, Juliette insisted that what she needed for Christmas

was a upright bass which is taller than she is, but when she begins to play, she plays as though she were Gulliver in the land of Lilliput. A huge talent in a small world. This is no child playing; it is a sophisticated musician who just happens to come in a 10 year-old-little-girl package.

Juliette has played in a variety of venues, and has been exposed to a number of great musicians. In Death Valley, Juliet came in 2nd in the violin competition for 17-year-olds and younger, and 1st in the adult competitions for mandolin and dobra.

Juliette Camille Bascom comes from a long line of musicians and artists whose roots in the Victor Valley are planted deep. Even her grandmother who is 94 still plays with the Bascom Family River Bottom Band, so named because her family’s property lies on the Mojave River. Her grandfather Earl Bascom was a rodeo star and later a renowned artist working in bronze sculpture. His cousin Frederick Remington was a highly acclaimed sculptor known the world over for his depiction of the Old West.

With as much magic as this little girl has in her fingers, you might think she just takes it easy or just slides on by, but her mother, Lisa, says “She’s a born worker.” She volunteers at the Lewis Center and after auditioning for the music program at Victor Valley College, she was accepted and has completed 4 semesters.

Juliette is a painter, too. She has won competitions at the San Bernardino County Fair and at other art shows. At 10, when I asked her what she would like to do when she grows up, her reply was dog trainer…and a musician. Her parents informed me that she has a new found fondness for dogs. Juliette summed up life pretty well when she said, “If you keep at music, you’ll get better and better.” I like to think that applies to any passion you have, and if it truly is a passion, it won’t be any work at all. — By Tere Kidd

HD Personality



is there romanceand passion after 60?

— by Tere Kidd

ForeverLove


The world would have you believe that love is only for the young. That when you find yourself single late in life, it is time to become the grandparent you always thought you should be, or at least the one your children thought you should be. Stay home, bake cakes and take the grandchildren fishing. Let your children take the trip they have always wanted to take WITHOUT the kids. Let them rekindle their romantic lives. Fortunately, they’ve got it all wrong.

When Elena, 62, found herself alone after her husband’s death, the first hint of romance came in a surprising package: a little white envelope addressed to her alone (most still came with her husband’s name on them). She was not especially curious about the envelope; she was sure it must be an invitation to another grandchild’s birthday party. They seem to come frequently, nowadays.

Later in the afternoon, she decided to open it. Having checked her calendar and finding no birthday noted on it, she opened the envelope and extracted a soft peachy colored note card. The message was short yet almost lyrical. The author first noted how beautiful she was, and then remarked on the pleasure her company afforded. The next line, however, was somewhat shocking. There was one word that caught her attention. Her eyes could not be diverted from it. It was the word — discreet. This was the first hint that this man, whom she had known for years, was not just trying to lift her spirits. He closed the note asking for her phone number, and in an elegant script signed his name.

Her first excitement at opening the note dwindled to concern, and consternation. This man was a friend of her father’s who she saw but a few times a year, and his wife who was lovely and charming was, at the time, out of the country, somewhere in New Zealand visiting relatives.

She saved the note delighted to discover that perhaps there was hope for romance after 60, but also unsure about what to do when she ran into this man again, as she was sure she would. Yet, look! A man at least twenty years older than her who wrote this very persuasive, even flattering, romantic note.

Not long after, Elena with the constant push of a dear friend joined a group called Widows or Widowers (WOW). The group was composed of

other men and women who had lost their spouses. There she met some very nice people who knew the same pain she was enduring, yet chose not to dwell on it. They were a great comfort.

She began going to lunches and meetings and concerts with several very nice gentlemen from the club, but then — as with every good story — a man, whose intense countenance could almost certainly put you ill at ease, smiled at her. The smile as with every good smile came from his eyes as much as his mouth, which was punctuated with a gray mustache and closely shaved beard. That was the beginning of a passionate romance that changed both their lives. Jack was 77, but had the energy and curiosity of someone much younger. She felt for the first time in years those old feelings of longing and light-heartedness she had felt many long years ago.

They married after a few short months and began to celebrate their life together, traveling and getting to know each other, making each day important and at the same time joyful and complete. Thankful for the connection they felt to one another.

Some people believe in fate and some, if they didn’t, do now. Two of the latter persuasion are Elena and Jack. They discovered early on that there were some interesting coincidences in their lives. The first was that Elena had been his granddaughter’s kindergarten teacher.

Another coincidence was that he had played Santa Claus in her classroom that same school year. Elena couldn’t recognize him because he was wearing the typical Santa beard.

Later on in the relationship, they discovered that her niece, Jodi, had lived just next door to Jack’s daughter, Kim, for a number of years, and they had been good friends.

Yes!

as with every good story — a man, whose intense countenance could almost certainly put you ill at ease — smiled at her.


Contrary to what most people think - especially most younger people - the possibility for romance and passion after 60, is not only high, but almost a probability. It may be somewhat different than it was at 25 or 45, but it’s there waiting to consume you just as it did when you were 20 and were captured in the swoon of tender love. And, the ride is better the second time around. The excitement, the intense feelings, the pleasure you feel when you walk hand-in-hand. Things that you no longer take for granted, but appreciate every day.

You are pretty clear at this age about who you are and what the time line is to find the passion that you experienced in your youth. The kinds of things that held you back then are pretty much gone. Nowadays, people understand that playing games is a waste of time and energy. Women especially are freer to be assertive in courtship. They are more willing to take the first step, and maybe even the second. In spite of this — a tip for you men — ladies over 60 do expect a more traditional courtship. Even if she begins to open the car door before you have a chance to do it, you’ll still win points if you finish up the job. Basic good manners will take care of the rest.

To be sure, if you find yourself widowed or divorced late in life, the first steps toward a relationship can be tricky, but if you’ve got a pulse, the possibility of romance is just around the corner. Well, maybe more like several blocks down the road, but it’s there waiting to embrace you. All you have to do is be willing to take a chance.

Vera and Ed Sandoval met in a bereavement group one Saturday morning while attending a meeting of the WOW group. Both had lost a spouse. Vera had attended bereavement counseling at church, but as she put it, “There was a lot of crying …sadness.”

She found the WOW group was exactly what she needed.

“Everyone talked and shared their stories.” It was at this meeting that she was introduced to Ed — a very quiet gentleman who, also, found the

group to be a positive experience. When Vera, whose passion is dancing, went with

a girl friend to a dance in Hesperia, her friend urged her to ask someone to dance. “I’ve never asked a man to dance in my life and wasn’t going to then.” Her friend who was more assertive asked someone to dance. Fortuitously, Ed showed up at the dance, and he was alone. Her friend asked him to dance and he accepted, but it didn’t take long for him to ask Vera to dance.

Ed found Vera charming and graceful. They both love to dance, and even though Vera has had some trouble with her feet, they still go dancing as often as possible. They both love “The Phat Cat swingers” and sometimes, even, travel to other cities when they are playing out of town. Ed is a tall distinguished-looking man and Vera a very petite woman with lots of energy who is always ready to talk to a friend.

They married and have been very happy together. They have been through tough times when illness prevented them from enjoying life to its fullest and wonderful times when they have traveled, danced and just enjoyed themselves.

Still getting Vera to the altar was not easy for Ed. Vera has volunteered three days a week at Saint Mary’s Hospital for 16 years. She also belongs to the Cactus Wren Garden Club, and she is also a member of Friends of the Apple Valley Library. She could not see how she could do all that and get married. However, Ed had an answer. “He promised he would join me in all these activities and he did,” Vera, who is 83, said with a smile. “And he has. On the mornings I go to the hospital Ed goes golfing, then picks me up and we go to lunch. He joins me for the library work, and the garden club, but he doesn’t go to the hospital.”

Getting older or ‘mature’ as people like to call it — because old just isn’t PC — isn’t a death sentence. Nowadays, it’s a new beginning. A second life. Love is an important ingredient in a happy life. It makes us kinder, gentler and more empathetic. It is romantic love that sparks the passion we all need — the passion for living life instead of letting it pass you by. HDL

Love is an important ingredient to a happy life. It makes us kinder, gentler, and more emphatic, regardless of age.




Come Out and Play!the parks oF the hd beckon you

By Stephanie Morris

George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Wise words. And, now that we’re leaving winter in our wake and heading toward another glorious High Desert spring, there’s no reason we shouldn’t get out there and do just that—play! What better way to shed pounds, relieve stress and bond with your kids, friends, and/or dog? So, what’s your pleasure? Tennis? Horseback riding? Softball? Aquatics? Or, would you just like to run around and play tag with the kids or fetch the Frisbee with Frodo? The H.D. provides the community several delightful locales for public recreation and relaxation—the perfect playgrounds for kids young…and not quite so young. Most of them offer everything from ball fields to picnic areas; however, there are a select few of them that stand out and deserve the spotlight. »


Victorvilledoris davies parkLocated at 16305 Hughes Road, Doris Davies Park’s list of amenities is quite extensive. Home of the Pebble Beach Pool and Racquetball Center, the Bad News Bears sports field and the Bears Den activity buildings, this park offers features that go beyond the average playground. Youth programs, such as Tater Tots, Jr. Kids Club and Kids Club, are held in their Bears Den buildings, and sports, such as Flag Football and T-ball are played on the Bad News Bears sports field.

Doris Davies Park also possesses something very fun and unique—their 9-hole Disc Golf Course. It’s basically golf, only it’s played with Frisbees instead of balls and clubs. It’s free, if you have your own equipment, but if not, they offer rental disks at a low price. Other park features include four championship tennis courts, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, several very large open grass areas and sports fields, horseshoe pits, two areas with play equipment and covered picnic areas with barbeques.

sunset ridge parkJust adjacent to Fire Station 315, you’ll find the brand new Sunset Ridge Park at 12808 Eucalyptus Street. With amenities that include lighted soccer fields, volleyball, lighted tennis and basketball courts, it’s the perfect playing field for up and

coming athletes and sports enthusiasts. They have activity rooms for those who enjoy indoor recreation, as well, and they provide covered picnic areas and barbeques for get-togethers with friends and family. The little ones can have a ball too, entertaining themselves for hours on the park’s play equipment.

hook park and hook community centerNeighboring Victorville’s Hook Jr. High School, Hook Park is located at the corner of Joshua Street and Arlette Drive. With five lighted ball fields and nine outdoor basketball courts, it’s a popular destination for sporting events, family outings and picnics. Runners like to take advantage of their running track, and parents can let their kids run wild on the open grass areas and play equipment. Hook Community Center, the headquarters to the Recreation Division of the Community Services Department, is the place you’ll want to go if you’re interested in facility reservations, sports sign-ups and class registrations. The facility amenities include an exercise room, a gymnasium with a stage and three activity rooms.

mojave narrows regional parkA County of San Bernardino regional park, Mojave Narrows is truly an oasis in the High Desert. Whether you enjoy boating and fishing or hiking and horseback riding, the list of recreational opportunities is long. It’s also a haven for campers, as they offer 85 RV sites, 14 group areas and numerous tent sites. Other park features include rowboat and pedal boat


rentals, horse and pony rentals, equestrian trails, hiking, ecology and nature trails, playgrounds and the Zero-Depth Water Playpark. Facilities include hot showers, grills, public phones, fire rings, picnic shelters, a snack bar and a bait shop. It’s no wonder Mojave Narrows is a favorite. Good times! You’ll find them at 18000 Yates Road in Victorville.

Apple ValleyJames woody community center & parkLocated at 13467 Navajo Road, James Woody Community Center has a lot to offer! If you’re planning a special event, such as a corporate banquet, a wedding or a family reunion, the center provides several rooms of various sizes for public rental. The park grounds surrounding the center include 8 lighted ball fields, picnic areas with barbeques, playgrounds, and an outside basketball court. They also provide a full size gym, for indoor basketball and volleyball, and a mini-gym as well. Another cool feature that sets this park apart from others is their 3-Diamond Skate Park. It’s the only FREE public skate park in the H.D. and features several ramps, banks, grinding blocks and a bowl. lenny brewster sports centerThe ultimate location for sporting events in the H.D., the Lenny Brewster Sports Center is 39 acres of serious fun. With

11 full-size soccer fields, 2 full-size softball/baseball fields, 23 horseshoe pits and several outdoor basketball courts, it’s the ideal spot for sport participants and spectators alike. All soccer and baseball fields are available for reservation, and the park typically hosts 7-8 weekend tournaments a year. If you’re a walker, you may enjoy the .8 mile walk around the perimeter of the park, while the little ones may take advantage of the park’s playgrounds. Bring along an ice chest and make it a party, as the park provides picnic tables and barbeques for public use as well. Lenny Brewster Sports Center is located at 21024 Otoe Road (cross street: Dale Evans Parkway).

horsemen’s centerFound amongst the stunning rock formations that make Apple Valley so unique and picturesque, Horsemen’s Center consists of 80 acres of rural park countryside. Located 3 miles east of Central Road, at 24320 Highway 18, the park is available to the community for everything from hiking to horseback riding to camping. Amenities include 2 horse show arenas, a newly renovated BMX park, picnic areas, children’s play areas, seven camp sites and a scenic perimeter hiking trail. The park can also be rented for private events, company picnics and family outings. (Cont’d on next page »)


for more information on the parks highlighted in this story, or other parks in the

H.D., visit the links listed below, or call the numbers listed for reservations and

questions.

hesperia parks & Facilities listhttp://hesperiaparks.com/index.php, (760) 244-5488hesperia lake parkhttp://hesperiaparks.com/facilities/lakepark.php (760) 244-5951victorville parks & Facilities Guidehttp://ci.victorville.ca.us/Site/CityServices.aspx?id=278, (760) 245-5551apple valley parks & Facilities directoryhttp://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=301 (760) 240-7880 lenny brewster sports center recreation dept(760) 240-7880bmX schedulehttp://applevalleybmx.com/ (760) 240-7880 moJave narrows reGional park http://www.sbcounty.gov/parks/mojave_narrows/mojave_narrows.aspx (760) 245-2226

http://hesperiaparks.com/index.php

http://hesperiaparks.com/facilities/lakepark.php

http://ci.victorville.ca.us/Site/CityServices.aspx?id=278

http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=301

http://applevalleybmx.com/

http://www.sbcounty.gov/parks/mojave_narrows/mojave_narrows.aspx



Hesperialime street park & community centerWith something for almost everyone, Lime Street Park provides the community 20 acres of opportunity. Lighted ball fields, tennis courts and basketball courts keep sports enthusiasts busy, and swimmers can take advantage of their pool, which will reopen Memorial Day weekend. Not that athletic? Well, they also provide a rodeo area and an equestrian area, so horse lovers will be pleased as well. Other park amenities include horseshoe pits, picnic areas and playground equipment for the little ones. The park is available, at no charge and on a first come basis, for family events and barbeques. The Lime Street Park Community Center Mojave Rooms are also available for rent for larger gatherings and celebrations. You’ll find both, park and center, at 16292 Lime Street.

rick novack community center & palm street parkA great place for kids to skate, ride their bikes and just run wild, Palm Street Park’s known for their open grassy area, winding, meandrous sidewalks, picnic benches and play equipment. Just adjacent to the park, at 13558 Palm Street, the Rick Novack Community Center adds to the park’s popularity by providing a gymnasium (with a floating wooden floor designed to Collegian standards), a dance studio and an assembly room that can be rented for parties and corporate events. The center is also the home of the sports division of the

park district. hesperia lake parkA wonderful place to escape, Hesperia Lake Park has become a popular locale for family fun. They’re open for camping all year long, with a wide range of sites available to accommodate both RVs and tent campers. Horse lovers may bring their steeds, but plan to get there early, as the Hesperia Lake Equestrian Camp is available on a first come, first served basis. Fishermen will be happy to know that the lake is stocked every week with Sturgeon, Trout and Catfish, and no fishing license is required; however, it is a pay-to-fish lake, so make sure to bring your fishing funds. Individual picnic tables are available throughout the park, and guests are invited to bring their propane barbeques. Reservations are necessary for picnic parties of 25 or more, so be sure to call ahead to get a prime spot. HDL



Food Wine Cellar

wine trends

For the most part, people surround themselves with the things they love, and folks have had a love

affair with wine for centuries. The scent, the taste, the rich, elegant beauty of a glass possessing it—it’s no wonder home wine décor has become quite popular of late. Looking around my own home, I see it progressively permeating the walls and counter tops, mingling well with the deep, warm colors I prefer to surround myself with. Wine art is classy, romantic and welcoming; it reminds me of good times with great people. Plus, it gives me a another excuse to keep my wine cabinet full with a beautiful array of reds and whites, in fun, fancy bottles…for decorative purposes, of course.

Although it’s quite trendy right now, wine décor is also timeless, for as long as one has a love for wine, it can’t go out of (one’s own personal) style. And, if you have a party and your guests happen to leave your wine accessories

and a few corks scattered across your counter, it just adds a little character to the ambiance. Now, don’t go too far… The goal is to accentuate your home with wine art, not to make it look like a winery invaded your home and hurled on your walls.

Where can you find it? Trendy wine art is everywhere, but for unusual, fun art, I like to explore little local boutiques and wine shops. However, if you’re not one to browse boutiques, you can also find cool and unique pieces on the web. A site I love to browse is Wine Cellar Innovations. They offer paintings, murals, stained glass, mosaic art, etched mirrors, hand painted tiles, and so much more. Not only do they sell interesting wine art, they also have everything you may need to create and design your own custom wine cellar. If you want to check them out for yourselves, you’ll find them at http://www.winecellarinnovations.com/cellarart.htm. Happy shopping! Cheers!

“Wine is art. It is culture. It is the essence of civilization and the art of living.” — Robert Mondavi (from his autobiography, Harvests of Joy)

reader recommendationI had the pleasure of sharing a table with Doug Capitano and his lovely wife at a wine tasting event at the LA County Fairplex. An aficionado of red wine, especially a good Cabernet or Merlot, Doug spoke of one that he and his wife discovered while enjoying a cozy, romantic dinner out. A product of Washington State, Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon, with aromas of licorice, cassis, and a velvety texture of red fruit jam, is a luscious, full-bodied wine. With a final blend that includes layers of Syrah & Merlot, it’s delicious with a good steak or fine Italian meal. Doug explained that he enjoys a glass or two with pasta, but also said that he loves red wine with almost any fare. A wine enthusiast, but never a “wine snob,” Doug summed up his selection by stating conclusively, “Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon is an inexpensive and very tasty wine.”

For the love oF wineby Stephanie Morris

http://www.winecellarinnovations.com/cellarart.htm




JAPANESE RESTAURANT

www.magicsteele.com213-928-5156


Restaurant Spotlight

idle spurs690 Old Hwy. 58,

barstow(760) 256-8888

Open every day but Monday

The Idle Spurs is the iconic restaurant of the High Desert. In its early days, the rodeo was just down the street. Cowboys would practice their trade there getting ready for the next rodeo. When they got hungry, they would ride down to the restaurant and order up a steak, butchered right there on the property. As a joke or for just plain silliness, the occasional cowboy or cowgirl would leave old battered spurs on the counter as a little remembrance. Before long, the spurs were up on the wall for all to consider when entering the restaurant.

There aren’t many old-timers or cowboy aficionados who don’t know the restaurant’s story. It began as a small residence and restaurant on Old Highway 58 in the 1950s. The restaurant was built on a slight hill that overlooks the town of Barstow. Navajo Indians were brought in from Arizona to hand lay 56 tons of flagstone flooring.

Later, in the 1970s, Morgan and Donna Ray bought the place enlarging it to its present size. Besides winning awards and national recognition, the restaurant was featured in the Los Angeles Times in 1992.

The late Morgan Ray was somewhat of a hobbyist who fiddled around with all sorts of gears and pegs and constructed all sorts of contraptions exhibited around the outskirts of the restaurant as well as inside. Some are quite complicated, but all are admirable works of an ingenious mind.

Rustic, yet, perfectly comfortable, the restaurant has been a repository for all sorts of well-aged odds and ends that customers have donated. Most are on display on the ledge that travels around the large room just below the ceiling.

Steaks, prime rib, all come from just a hundred feet or so away. The Morgan butchery located on the same spot is top quality and the Rays have rested their reputation on that very fact. The prime rib is their specialty, and the prime rib sandwich - served only at lunch - comes with well seasoned fried potatoes and of course the au jus. It is a masterpiece.

The servers often know their customers by name and interact with them with some friendly kidding now and then. The lounge serves all kinds of popular drinks that can be enjoyed beside a warm crackling fire in the fireplace, and on the wall next to the bar are many pictures of celebrities and other famous people who have visited the place and enjoyed the fine food and camaraderie.

Cowboy Upidle spurs steak house

by Tere Kidd


Food Eating Out

» victorvillethe Grumpy Golfer14144 Green Tree Blvd. (760) 955-6017

yoshi sushi 14177 Kentwood Blvd, (760) 241-1960 chateau chang 15425 Anacapa Rd, (760) 241-3040

divine wine bar14845 Monarch Blvd. suite C, (760) 843-3888

la casita 14977 Palmdale Rd, (760) 241-0119

la casita at the lake12170 Spring Valley Pkwy,, (760) 843-0440

rinconsito del mar 14678 7th St, (760) 951-0344

tokyo sushi & bbQ 14741 7th St, (760) 955-7123 Johnny rebs’ southern15051 7th St, (760) 955-3700 Golden Gate restaurant 15208 Bear Valley Rd., # B, (760) 245-6189

mimi’s cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd., (760) 244-6888 steer ‘n stein 12224 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-0775 los roberto’s 12670 Hesperia Rd, (760) 243-9422 maan Fu14317 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 956-8787

well being tofu house 15024 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 241-8888 mimi’s cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, (760) 244-6888

original roadhouse Grill 11940 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2308

karma nightclub12152 Cottonwood Rd, (760) 955-1600

el tio pepe 12100 Amargosa Rd, (760) 241-0811

carino’s11970 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2248

kinari12152 Cottonwood Rd, (760) 955-1500

china Garden13790 Bear Valley Rd # 10, (760) 245-9665

paulina’sl 14845 Monarch Blvd, (760) 955-2661

daikoku Japanese steak house 12174 Hesperia Rd, (760) 952-1300

» apple valleyangel’s roadhouse 2 13685 John Glenn Rd, (760) 240-6923 las brisas 21919 US Highway 18, (760) 240-1051

nikki’s cafe19311 Bear Valley Rd. (760) 247-355

di napoli’s Firehouse 17856 US Highway 18, (760) 242-5802 amy’s 18768 US Highway 18, Ste 170, (760) 242-7272

the wine sellerApple Bear Center, (760) 961-2500

Go bangkok thai 20783 Bear Valley Rd, Ste H, (760) 240-3888

los domingos 17790 US Highway 18, (760) 946-5344

oggis pizza & brewing co 19201 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 240-8977

mama carpino’s22010 Highway 18, (760) 240-9664

» hesperiaJuliano’s italian restaurant, 12052 Hesperia Rd., (760) 949-0595los domingos 15885 Main St, (760) 948-6161

cancun mexican & seafood 15550 Main St, (760) 956-7720 italian kitchen 16409 Yucca St, (760) 244-7757

thai-lotus 12027 Hesperia Rd, (760) 949-9362

wood Grill buffet14135 Main St.(760) 981-4418

Go bangkok thai 15800 Main St. Ste 200, (760) 947-9029

miyako sushi 14073 Main St., Ste 109, (760) 956-7817

dining Guide


Arts and Culture H.D. Calendar

entertainment Calendar January/February 2012

January 29-30 bridal & prom FairPresented by Tux Ego & the Bridal Connection you will find everything you need for your big day all in one place. Fashion show will be held on both days. The annual Bridal Fair will once again showcase some of the top vendors in the High Desert for all your Bridal needs. From caterers to photographers you will find it all at this annual event. SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: Call (760) 241-5099 for more information

January 29 masquerade ball “every mask hides a smile”That’s the theme for the first-ever Masquerade Ball com-ing to Kinari Bistro Saturday, January 29 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. All ticketed guests will be treated to an evening of live music and dancing, a glass of French wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $75 per couple, $40 per individual. Pre-sale tickets will also receive a fancy masquerade-style mask. For at-the-door purchases fancy masks will be on sale and up for auction. The evening will also include raffle baskets with everything necessary to prepare for Valentine’s Day and more. Held by the Rotary Club of the High Desert in honor of community leader Bet-ty Towle, this charity event will raise funds to create smiles

through service projects such as RotaPlast: cleft palate and lip surgeries for low income children in Guatamala. KINARI BISTRO: visit www.HDRotary.org or call Elizabeth Brown at (760) 954-7571

February 12 trio con brio copenhagenFeaturing the Korean sisters, Soo-Jin Hong and Soo-Kyung Hong and the Danish pianist Jens Elvekjaer, Trio con Brio Copenhagen was the recipient of the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson International Trio Award in 2005. This biennial award, one of the most coveted in the world of chamber music, honors in perpetuity the Kalichstein-Laredo-Rob-inson Trio by encouraging and enhancing the career of an extraordinarily accomplished “rising” piano trio. The prize carries with it appearances on twenty major concert se-ries across the USA, including New York City’s Carnegie Hall. VVC MAIN STAGE THEATRE: Call 760-961-0486 or visit www.vvcommunityconcerts.org February 19-21 civil war reenactment at calico Ghost townExperience history as the North meets the South in Au-thentic Civil War Reenactments. Drills, Music, Living His-tory Displays, Confederate and Union Camps set through-out the town. Imagine yourself under martial law in a town occupied by the Confederate army. Suddenly a can-non blasts, smoke fills the air, and a hundred Union sol-diers come rushing in. CALICO GHOST TOWN: Call (760) 254-2122/1-800-TO-CALICO or go to www.calicotown.com

march 3rd – 13th v.v.c. theatre & music departments present lerner and loewe’s brigadoon Brigadoon tells the story of a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every hundred years, though to the villagers, the passing of each century seems no longer than one night. Two American tourists, lost in the Scottish Highlands, stumble upon the village just as a wed-ding is about to be celebrated, and their arrival has serious implications for the village’s inhabitants. Directed by Allen Gildard, Musical Direction by Dr. Tom Miller. V.V.C. Perform-ing Arts Center: Call (760) 245-4271 ext. TIX (849) for tickets and showtimes

http://www.vvcommunityconcerts.org/

http://www.calicotown.com



Entertainment H.D. Happenings

H.D. HappenIngSOn December 4 the Town of apple Valley put on their 3rd annual Winter Wonderland at Civic Center park. The event featured train rides, inflat-able’s, crafts, giveaways, live entertainment and falling snow.



Entertainment H.D. Happenings


Lic. # 914721


Sometimes life seems a real bummer. Other times it can’t get any better. Our time on this planet often finds us at one end of the happy-o-meter or another; few of us lie in the middle forever. That middle place though, not ecstatically happy nor incredibly grim, is where contentment lies. Most of us do not settle for contentment, however. We must be happy, and of course, we all define “happy” differently. As Americans, the pursuit of happiness seems our very raison d’être; it’s right there in one of our founding documents.

We pursue happiness through our families, our friends, our acquisitions, art, music, entertainment, amusements, food, alcohol and sometimes other less than healthy means. Yet, none of these things really brings us what we want for very long. This is because lasting happiness or at least contentment cannot be had from the outside. It comes from inside. It comes from how we experience the world around us, from our basic ideas about life. It comes from where we focus our gaze.

When you look at your life, what do you see? Do you focus on the things you don’t have? The love handles you do have? Or, do you see the blessings in your life? The sheer miracle that living is? When you look around the H.D., what kinds of things do you choose to look at? The amazing mountains surrounding the Victor Valley? The gorgeous sunrises and sunsets? Have you noticed that there are Joshua trees that seem perfectly formed and are hundreds of years old?

There is an abundance of beauty and possibility in the H.D., just as there is an abundance of beauty and possibility in ourselves. This is not to say that improvements aren’t needed or that there aren’t important issues that require hard work and sacrifice—in ourselves, our cities, the H.D. and in our state. The New Year brings new opportunities to refocus our goals and our gaze to see what is truly important in our lives. So, what’re you lookin’ at? Gaze in the direction of great possibilities.

Susan’s Corner

Red VelVet Whoopie pies submitted by Penny Szwed

What are you lookin’

at?fOr THe COOKIeS: 1 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped 2-1/4 C all-purpose flour 1/2 Oz milk chocolate, chopped 1 C granulated sugar 1 Tbsp red food coloring 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder

12 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 C sour cream 1/4 tsp baking soda 2 large eggs 1/2 tsp salt1-1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

fOr DIreCTIOnS: go to www.hdlivingmagazine.com!

fOr THe fILLIng: 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 1/2 C confectioners’ sugar, sifted

1 vanilla bean, halved length-

wise and seeds scraped

If you would like to see something special featured in Susan’s Corner, or if you have a special recipe, drop me a line and let me know about it at: Susan Landers at H.D. Living Magazine 6630 SLV box Victorville, Ca. 92395, or e-mail me at [email protected].

Looking forward to a Healthy 2011

16850 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92395 • 760-241-8000 www.dvmc.com

Total Commitment. Total Care

Life can deal some bad blows. Traffi c accidents,heart attacks, and traumatic illness can be devastating to victims and their families. We’re ready to treat you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Desert Valley Hospital has a dedicatedteam of emergency physicians and nurses who

save lives, mend broken bones and help diagnose illnesses. We even have a Fast Track for less emergent cases which can signifi cantly decrease your wait time. It’s good to know we’re right here in the High Desert with round-the-clock quality care. (All insurances accepted)

NEW EXPANSION Opening this Summer

when you thinkof our emergency room.think fast.

Documents

HD Living, January/February 2011