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A Thanksgiving tradition for some families and a soon-to-be tradition for others…a Thankful Tree! After all, the meaning of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. This is an activity that all ages can participate in and will be a topic of conversation for your Thanksgiving gathering. We have chosen three trees that are fairly easy DIY projects. You can get started on them this week and have them ready for Thanksgiving day. Thankful Tree #1 (Pinterest)  Start with some tall branches — either gather them from outside, or purchase a bunch of craft branches. For an even more festive look, consider lighted branches. Add them to a simple glass vase. You may have some of the supplies on hand… if not, they are reasonable in cost and can be used year after year! Before guests arrive, attach ribbon to paper leaves. Using a dark colored Sharpie, write what you are thankful for on a few of the leaves and hang them on the tree. Encourage your guests to do the same as they arrive. Thankful Tree #2 (Pinterest)  You will need the following supplies for this Thankful Tree: Glass Vase, Tree Branches, Pinecones, Autumn Leaves, Ribbon, Scrapbook Paper, and Leaf Pattern This is a low-cost Tree that can be used year after year. Thankful Tree #3  This Tree is nature themed. It uses unshelled nuts in the vase with autumn leaves decoration surrounding the vase. The medallions are wooden with chalk paint so they can be used again next Thanksgiving. Be creative and use supplies that you have on hand. If you need to purchase some of them, remember that you can use this Thankful Tree year after year!
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 Pickleball has rapidly gained popularity over the past decade, captivating players of all ages and skill levels. This paddle sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, offers a unique and exciting experience for those looking to engage in a fun and competitive activity. Originating in the mid-1960s, pickleball was created by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in Washington state. The game was initially invented as a form of entertainment for their families, who were bored one summer afternoon. Using a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball, and homemade wooden paddles, they crafted the first pickleball game. One of the reasons for pickleball's appeal is its accessibility. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner, pickleball offers an inclusive environment where players of all skill levels can compete and have fun. The game is played on a small court, roughly a third the size of a tennis court, making it easier to cover ground and engage in fast-paced rallies. The lightweight paddles and plastic ball also contribute to the game's accessibility, as they are easier to handle than traditional tennis rackets and balls. Pickleball is known for its unique set of rules, which further adds to the excitement and strategy of the game. Unlike tennis, where the server has two chances to get the ball in play, pickleball only allows for one serve opportunity. Additionally, the serve must be executed underhand, making it more challenging for players to generate power. These rules level the playing field and create a more dynamic and engaging experience for all participants. Furthermore, pickleball fosters a strong sense of community and social interaction. Many clubs and recreational centers offer pickleball programs, where players can join leagues, attend tournaments, and participate in social events. This sense of camaraderie has led to the formation of tight-knit pickleball communities, where players not only compete against each other but also support and encourage one another to improve their skills. From a health and fitness perspective, pickleball offers numerous benefits. The game requires constant movement, agility, and quick reflexes, providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. The repetitive swinging motion of the paddle also helps to improve hand-eye coordination and strengthen the upper body. Moreover, pickleball is a low-impact sport, making it ideal for individuals who may have joint issues or are looking for a less strenuous alternative to high-intensity activities. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. It grew nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2021 alone. Now there are a whopping 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S., according to January 2023 data released by the Association of Pickleball Professionals. In conclusion, pickleball has become a beloved and thriving sport that captivates players of all ages and backgrounds. Its accessibility, unique rules, sense of community, and health benefits have contributed to its widespread popularity. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner looking for a new hobby, pickleball offers a fun and engaging experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more. So, grab a paddle, find a local court, and join in on the pickleball craze! For pickelball courts in Colorado Springs, click link. Autumn Leaves Changing Colors As summer ends and autumn comes Days get shorter, misty and cold And in this spectacular season Nature’s beauty graciously unfold Trees get ready to slow down And in autumn take some rest And show amazing colors of love That are all at their best  Green fades away quickly And yellow and orange appear To show off their vibrant hues And warmup their surrounding dear Sunlight and cool nights of autumn Help leaves to turn orangish red And combine all things smoothly To add magic in season’s lovely bed And all this shedding and replacement Of leaves continue throughout the year And trees only shed leaves in autumn To prepare for another winter dear This is God’s spectacular display Of beautiful colors of the fall During which many changes occur Including yellow, orange and red of all. ***Inspired by the changing colors of Autumn in Canada. Enjoy Autumn with these Pumpkin Dessert Recipes - Click Here Let's hear it for Trivia!
Here's a free trivia quiz website that provides free trivia quizzes on a multitude of subjects. It has a variety of trivia games for adults as well as kids. Topics covered include U.S. history, geography, Harry Potter, Disney films, science, sports, holidays general knowledge, Bible trivia, movies, music and more! All of the free trivia quizzes are in multiple choice format, so even if you don’t know the answer, you’ve still got a chance to guess correctly! Have fun and let us know what your favorite category is! Here's the link: https://allthetrivia.com/ ***************************** Let's hear it for IQ Tests! You can take quick, free IQ tests that provide instant results and will also show you where your score sits compared to the full spectrum of IQ ranges. Here's the link: https://iqtestprep.com/
You have a choice of days as well as the type of music you prefer. The music genres are varied throughout the summer: jazz, blues, rock, R&B, Motown, oldies, bluegrass, reggae, Americana, Dixieland, pop, Latin, country and more! All you need is a blanket or chair as well as some yummy snacks. The difficult part is deciding which concerts to attend! Monday Music Series 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mondays Summer Concerts On Gazebo Island in Green Mountain Falls www.discoverutepass.com/monday-music-series/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST & MAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Fridays (June & July) First and Main Town Center, 3650 New Center Point firstandmaintowncenter.com ——————————————————————————————————————- PIKES PEAK JAZZ AND SWING SOCIETY’S ~ JAZZ IN THE PARKS 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays ppjass.org —————————————————————————————————————- Manitou Springs Live Music For concerts in Manitou Springs – Click Here —————————————————————————————————————-- University Village Colorado - Summer Concert Series 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Fridays University Village Shopping Center - 5246 N. Nevada, Colorado Springs Concert Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HILLSIDE GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Hillside Gardens, 1006 S. Institute, Colorado Springs Admission is $15 and that includes a house drink. Enjoy local food vendors. hillsidegardensandevents.com ———————————————————————————————————————- BANNING LEWIS RANCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays Banning Lewis Ranch, 6885 Vista del Pico Blvd., 522-2432, banninglewisranch.com ———————————————————————————————————————– LIMBACH PARK - TOWN OF MONUMENT 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays May 31 - August 9 Concerts in the Park Schedule ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JAZZ IN THE GARDEN AT GRACE AND ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 7:00 p.m. Fridays 601 N. Tejon St., 328-1125, gssepiscopal.org ———————————————————————————————————————– MUSIC ON THE LABYRINTH 6:30 p.m. Saturdays First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., firstchristiancos.org ———————————————————————————————————————-—-- MUSICAL MONDAYS IN MONUMENT VALLEY PARK 6:30 p.m. Mondays Monument Valley Park, on lawn west of Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 170 W. Cache la Poudre St. Concert Schedule ————————————————————————————————————————-- SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GLEN 6:00 -7:30 p.m. Wednesdays ~ July & August The Glen at Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave., broadmoorchurch.org —————————————————————————————————————————- EL PASO COUNTY CONCERTS IN THE PARK 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursdays - Starting August 3 Concert Schedule  The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. It's a 64-mile day trip that you will thoroughly enjoy and never forget. The narrow-gauge heritage railroad operates between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. It crosses the borders of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times as it chugs its way up and over the 10,015′ high Cumbres Pass. You can depart from Antonito, Colorado or Chama, New Mexico for a steam train ride of a lifetime! The Cumbres & Toltec goes where no automobile can go. Most of the route is through “off-the-grid” wilderness, so you’ll experience views into canyons and over ridges that can’t be seen in any other way. The train travels at a top speed of 12 miles an hour, and that’s the beauty of it! You won’t miss the aspen groves, the wildflowers, the steep mountain canyons, or the plentiful wildlife. The steam engine is coal fired and carries you through steep mountain canyons, high desert, and lush meadows as you zig zag between the Colorado and New Mexico borders. There is, indeed, spectacular and rare Western scenery which can only be viewed from the train's unique route. The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad has steamed through history and across the Rocky Mountains since 1880, when first tracks were laid across Cumbres Pass. This unique experience will take you back in time and off of the grid so you can experience the sounds, steam and steel of bygone years. Your daily grind can’t follow you into the great, unspoiled West. Originally part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's narrow-gauge network, the line has been jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico since 1970. In 1988, a nonprofit organization called the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was established to preserve the history of the railroad and help maintain infrastructure and rolling stock. The Friends of the C&TSRR also participates in various education programs and provides the railroad guides, known as docents, who inform passengers about historical aspects of the railroad as well as locations of interest. (Image Courtesy of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad) A recent honor: USA Today - "Best Train Ride in America” Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ranks among the most authentic steam-operated railroads still in existence. Passengers aboard this National Historic Landmark travel along a track laid in 1880 between Chama, N.M. and Antonito, Colo. Source... Related Travel Info... Yes, parent's stuff can be a boomer burden! Many baby boomers and those in the over 50 group are facing the inevitable in life. They have aging parents or their parents have already passed away. Besides coping with the emotional burden, there is also the matter of the financial aspect of a death and also dealing with your parents stuff. It can certainly be overwhelming!  Top 4 suggestions for action to take now and later: 1. Start Now – If parents are alive and willing, ask if they would like help in deciding what they want done with their belongings when they die. They might also want to start giving things away to family and friends while they are still alive. 2. Savor Memories – One way to remember a loved one is to make shadow boxes containing mementos of their hobbies and activities. They take up much less room and provide pleasant memories of a loved one. They can also be made for other members of the family. They make nice mementos for grand children and nieces and nephews. 3. Don’t Wait Too Late – You will be surprised to know that your aging parent (s) would actually welcome help in culling out possessions. It is a good time for them to reflect back on their life. It is also an excellent way to find out more about their life that you maybe didn’t even know! Communicate with your parents early! 4. Dealing with Siblings – Keep in mind when working with siblings in this situation that there are differences in how things should be done. Some adult children just want to “get it done” without giving much time or thought to the process. There are also those that want to touch each item and reminisce to great lengths. Come up with a plan on how you are going to deal with your parent’s possessions that will be workable for all to handle. Professional organizer, Claudia Smith, advocates a simple rule of thumb. “We spend our first 40 years in life collecting things and the second 40 years getting rid of things.” Additional info - Which is Better: Moving Trucks or Portable Storage Containers? When planning a move, choosing between portable storage containers and a moving truck rental can be quite the conundrum. Both options have their unique advantages and drawbacks, making it a tough choice to nail down. Read more here... How to Deal with Your Parents Stuff!
 Pikes Peak Area RVing – If You Are Interested… It’s Close!
Garden of the Gods Park One of the most photographed views in all of Colorado. These red rock formations rise up from seemingly out of nowhere. The view is dramatic especially views against the background our majestic Pikes Peak. The park features easy to hard walking trails and family and wheelchair friendly. If you want a different adventure, you can sign up for a Jeep or Segway tour or if you really take the risk for adventure you can arrange for some rock climbing. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park It’s just a short ride but you can take a short RV road trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. It was known, at past times, as the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas. The gorge is approximately ten miles long, granite walls that tower over 1,000 feet high. You can take a gondola across the gorge, or if you can handle the height walk across on the bridge. There is a experience of taking the highest zip line in North America… if you dare. There are historic displays about the park’s history. You will see the story of the 2013 fire that destroyed parts of the bridge. To settle in for a quiet day you can sit and just enjoy the spectacular views of the rock formations and river below the venue. Pikes Peak Another Colorado 14er at 14,115 feet — is one of the most famous summits in the United States. Visitors can hike the mountain, drive it (passing three fishing lakes and numerous hiking trails on the way), or ride up on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. However you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and more. For more RV Trips in Colorado, click here... https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-trips/colorado/ Broadmoor Seven Falls Another great place for us seniors to visit in the Pikes Peak Region is the Broadmoor Seven Falls. A shuttle conveniently takes you up to the series of waterfalls. From there, you can travel along the trails, and you can experience the magnificent views. Don’t want to miss the Eagles Nest across from the falls. Take the elevator up to see the spectacular views there.  As we age, it's important to find hobbies that not only bring us joy but also keep our minds and bodies active. Hobbies can help us stay active, engaged, and provide a sense of purpose. While some hobbies may require physical activity, others can be done from the comfort of our own homes. Here are some hobby ideas for older people:
1. Gardening: Gardening is a great hobby for older people. It provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and grow healthy vegetables and fruits. Gardening can also be a stress-relieving activity that helps improve mental health. 2. Painting: Painting is a great hobby that can help improve cognitive function and boost creativity. It's a relaxing and enjoyable way to express oneself and explore new ideas. Whether painting landscapes, portraits, or abstract art, it's a great way to keep the mind active and engaged. 3. Reading: Reading is a great way to keep the mind active and engaged. It's also a great way to learn new things and explore new ideas. Whether reading fiction, non-fiction, or biographies, reading can be a great way to pass the time. 4. Playing board games: Playing board games is a great way to spend time with family and friends. It's also a great way to keep the mind active and engaged. Games like chess, checkers, and Scrabble can help improve cognitive function and memory. 5. Walking: Walking is a great way to stay active and improve physical health. It's also a great way to explore new places and get some fresh air. Walking can also be a social activity, allowing older people to meet new people and make new friends. 6. Cooking: Cooking is a great hobby that not only provides a source of enjoyment but can also help improve physical health. Cooking healthy meals can help maintain a healthy diet and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 7. Photography: Photography is a great hobby that allows older people to explore their creative side. It's also a great way to capture memories and share them with others. Whether taking photos of nature, people, or objects, photography can be a great way to keep the mind active and engaged. 8. Fishing: Fishing is one of the greatest hobbies practiced religiously since ancient times. Some call it a sport while others consider it the "art of life". Though this began as a means of survival for many, it has now turned into the most favorite activity to do to kill your festering boredom. Like other sports, fishing requires numerous mental and physical skills in order to achieve success. In conclusion, hobbies can be a great way for older people to stay active and engaged. Whether gardening, painting, reading, playing board games, walking, cooking, or photography, there are many hobbies that can provide both enjoyment and health benefits. It's important for older people to find hobbies that are enjoyable and provide a sense of purpose. |
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