Tim Malone Savoring the joy of retirement means recognizing that this is your time. Your time to rest, to grow, to explore, and to delight in the world around you. It’s a chance to wake up each morning with a sense of possibility and to end each day with gratitude. Retirement isn’t an ending; it’s…
July 2026, Features
Living Retired: Have You Ripened Well?
Gary Chalk I met someone the other day who I have not seen for many years. We exchanged the usual pleasantries—I sucked in my stomach—and then she said something that caught me off guard, “Gary, the last time I saw you was Y2K. You look great. You have ripened well.” Ripened well? I have been…
July 2026, Features
The Remodeling Corner
Janet Cook Owning a home is a cornerstone of the American Dream. It is an achievement that represents hard work and perseverance with the benefits of security, financial growth, and becoming established in a community. Ninety five percent of home purchases were existing homes, often generic in design to a style popular at that time.…
July 2026, Features
Knowing a Good Plumber Is Essential if You Own a Home
David Taylor When a plumbing issue arises at your home, getting the right team out and on the job quickly is the priority. David Railsback, owner of Aqua Tech Plumbing & Drain, and his crew have the years of experience behind them to be able to assess any problems and get them solved quickly. Aqua…
July 2026, Features
Joyful Downsizing: Is Being Organized Good for the Mind?
Kim Kubsch Yes, for most people. Organization and structure can help us stay accountable and see things in a concrete way. It is a form of untapped power because it quietly multiplies your time, energy, money, influence, and peace of mind—often without requiring more talent, intelligence, or effort. Most people think of organization as “maintaining…
July 2026, Features
Embarrassment Is Always the Number One Answer
R.O.S.E., Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly Whenever we speak to a group, we sometimes ask those gathered the main reason why people do not report being the victim of a financial crime. In nearly 100 presentations over the past three years, the number one reason has always been the same: embarrassment. In a country where…
July 2026, Features
Word of the Month: Pizookie
David Zapatka Reader Kim Park wrote, “Recently at the Chop, Block and Brew restaurant, my server offered a pizookie for dessert. This word is a portmanteau, the very word you wrote about in the April issue. It is ‘pizza’ and ‘cookie’ put together to form one word, pizookie. I learned it originated at BJ’s Chicago…
July 2026, Generals
We Are the Fourth of July
Ela Cabral We honor a declaration born of bravery, daring, and bright Signatures on parchment paper birthing a beautiful foresight Words penned by fifty-six hands into a courageous cry Uniting a call to action by young and old, ready to die This legacy of freedom, a voice that has created a mighty roar Moral choices…
July 2026, Features
Jacquie’s Corner: America at 250: A Personal Reflection on Our Nation’s Birthday
Jacqueline M. Ruffino This year, America celebrates its 250th birthday—a remarkable moment in history. Two hundred and fifty years ago, in 1776, a group of determined men signed the Declaration of Independence and gave birth to a new nation founded on liberty, courage, and hope. It is hard to imagine all that has happened since…
July 2026, Features
Planting Tips for the Crazy July Heat
Remember monsoon season is on its way and many of our desert plants love the added humidity; but it will get windy, and can deplete the soil in flower beds. A good thing to do in July is add iron to your soil and if you can stand it, this is a good time to…