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Huzzah to December! Originally the tenth month of theRoman calendar; January and February were added later. One of the more hecticmonths, but it also gives us time to relax and reflect.  Let’s get toastyand try these December questions…

1. “December” is Dezemberin German, and Dicembre in Italian. What European language has December as Grudnia?
2. December Bride was a CBS sitcom of the ‘50s, airing after I Love Lucy. Who played Lily Ruskin, the title character?
3. St. Stephen’s Day and Boxing Day are both on which December date?
4. One of the most famous NFL games of all time happened on December 31st, 1967.  It has been nicknamed The Ice Bowl, with a windchill factor of -48 degrees.  It was for the NFL Championship. What two teams played?
5. “Twas the night before Christmas…” starts the famous poem A Visit from St. Nicholas. Can you name all eight reindeer?
6. What group had a # 1 hit with these lyrics:

Oh, what a night

Late December back in ’63

What a very special time for me

As I remember, what a night

During this holiday season, I am reminded of how very thankful I am for my family and friends, and my extended family in the Sentinels we serve. 

Franchon Powell, one of our Sentinels, has much to be thankful for. After struggling to complete high school, she joined the army and trained to become a combat medic.

During Franchon’s initial deployment to Iraq her convoy was attacked. While tending to an injured solider, she was hit by a blast from a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) that violently threw her to the ground. The impact separated and broke her pelvis and left her with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The chronic pain is a constant reminder of the events ofthat fateful day.

Franchon, however, would not give up. She would refocus her goals and begin the educational journey she dreamed of. She knew it would not be easy. “The day SOF came into my life was a day that will always be in my heart.  I was a single mother of five doing the best I could with what I had.”

Franchon completed her associate’s degree from Florida State College in occupational therapy. She is now at Columbia College working towards her bachelor’s degree in human services to pursue a career working with at risk youth; helping them to succeed in the mist of deficits and learning disabilities that are too often used as reasons to give up.

“The roads and journeys that I have taken would not have been possible without the Sentinels of Freedom program. I am not just a disabled veteran, someone who was too injured to finish out my term in the Army, I am now a strong woman with purpose and I owe it to the SOF program and to the donors who so graciously believe in me.”

Thank you for your support of wounded veterans like Franchon.  We wish you and all your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!

Where Style meets Performance!

So, there are sports cars and then there are Sports Cars. The 2019 Lexus LC 500 coupe falls into the second category. How do I know this? Everyone with whom I have been in conversations with about the vehicle told me so! My sister-in-law just previewed the San Francisco International Auto Show and on Thanksgiving shared with me that of all the cars she had seen, the only one she would have coveted was the LC 500. She wasn’t the only person who placed the Lexus LC 500 high on their wish list,“People constantly came up to me, and loved the car.”

The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is probably the most recent, exciting car in the Lexus fleet. It isn’t for the faint of heart. My model was packing 471 horses under the hood and priced with options at $105,345. What’s interesting about the LC is that it makes a statement declaring worth the price with a roar and style confirming it! Heads turned wherever I drove, eyes grew large and tongues wagged. It is a drop-dead gorgeous attention getter. The 5.0-liter V8 rumbles with power, hungry to bereleased. Let me tell you, it was both easy and fun to let the beast out.

Pricing and Trims
The2019 Lexus LC 500 is available in two trim levels LC 500($93,225) and LC500h Hybrid ($97,735).

What’s new for 2019?
The 2019 LC 500 is pretty much unchanged. That said, Lexus did update the Adaptive Variable Suspension system for a more comfortable ride, altered the programming on the 10-speed transmission to enable smoother shifts, and altered the assist levels in the power steering. Lexus also added a new color –Obsidian. They added, as well, Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexaintegration, however, decided to hold off on adding Android Auto.

Interior Highpoints
The interior is plush with standard features including a 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM ready, leather front 10-way power driver leather seat, NuLuxe rearseats, blue tooth, 10.3-inch LCD TFT multi-information display with mouse-liketouch-pad controls, drape-like surface design with ambient illumination of doorpanels, satin, metallic finish throughout, and aluminum foot pedals. The LC 500features two USB ports and a 12V socket, Siri® Eyes Free, and Smart Access keyless entry with push-button start. An optional ($1,220) Mark LevinsonPremium Surround Sound Audio System is available, which sounds amazing. The interior sports a back seat for namesake, but there is zero legroom. The seatsare comfortable for short drives but after driving to Carmel and back to theTri-Valley, my back was a bit sore.

Exterior Highlights
What can I say about the exterior design? It is a work of art! Every swooping angle is crafted with perfection and elegance. The LC 500’s wide hips are masculine and sexy. The LC sits low and wide and looks assertive. The trunk won’t holdmuch cargo but is fine for your day-to-day storage needs.

Performance Specs
Let me start by saying the Lexus LC 500 is exciting to drive! Powered by a 471-hp 5.0-liter V8, the LC 500 is much more powerful than its Hybrid brother. The Hybrid generates 295 horses from a 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 that combines with an electric motor and battery pack to upgrade the status to 354 total horsepower. Now that’s a hybrid! Both power plants are connected to avery smooth 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The LC 500 rockets to 60-miles per hour in only 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph. The fuel economy is what you would expect from a V8 – 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The LC 500 is rear-wheel drive.

Cool Features:

• The speedometer slides to the right allowing new info and commands to appear in the dash
  
  
• Rear Pop-up Spoiler
  
  
• Unique Styling
  
  
• Self-revving engine when starting the car
  
  

Safety Integrity
The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is well–equipped with safety features including: Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function for all positions except driver (driver’s only equipped with ELR), entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, trunk open and “panic” features, volume-adjustable confirmation tone and rolling code technology, Lexus Enform Service Connect and Safety Connect with AutomaticCollision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assist Button, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance and vehicle theft-deterrent system.

In Summary –The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is a fabulous “two-seater” with style, grace and a lot of horsepower. It’s a dream to see, drive, and ride in. It’s sporty and sexy at the same time. The LC isn’t for everyone, as one needs a lot of cash on hand to buy one;  it’s not a family car. But if you meet the LC’s demographics, go out and have a “joy” ride in the 2019 LC 500 coupe! 

Specifications 2019 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

Base price:              $92,200 as driven: $105,345(including destination & optional features)

Engine:                     V8, 5.0 Liter DOHC 32-valve

Horsepower:            471 hp @ 7100 RPM

Torque:                      398 lb.-ft.@ 4800 RPM

Transmission:            10-speed automatic

Drive:                          Rear-Wheel Drive

Seating:                       4-passenger

Cargo space:               5.4 cubic feet

Curb weight:              4,280pounds

EPA mileage:             City 16/Hwy 25/Comb 19 MPG

FuelCapacity:             21.7 gallons

Turning Circle:          17.7 ft.

Wheel Base:               113inches

Warranty:                   4 years/50,000-miles

Also consider:            Acura NSX, Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW M6, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911

It is a little-known fact that the band instrument manufacturing center of the world was in Elkhart, Indiana, in the heartland of America. Elkhart, located in the northern part of the state almost to the Michigan border, is about 20 miles east of South Bend, Indiana, the home of the University of Notre Dame.

How Elkhart became “The Band Instrument Capital of the World,” is very interesting and intriguing. The man who started this empire of manufacturing band instruments was Charles G. Conn. He was born in New York in 1844. The family moved to Michigan in 1850 and then moved to Elkhart in 1851.

At the age of seventeen, Conn joined the Union Army as a drummer boy. From a mere private he advanced to the rank of captain. Later he was captured and sent to the notorious Confederate prison camp, Andersonville, in southwest Georgia. After the war Conn advanced to the rank of colonel, and that moniker followed him the rest of his life. He also received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Connlearned to play the cornet at an early age. But an unfortunate incident lefthis ability to play in doubt. He was injured in a fight in 1873 and as a result,cut his lip so severely, he couldn’t play the cornet. He was determined tocontinue playing so he made a mouthpiece out of rubber and silver. He called itthe “elastic face.” This became so popular that he went into business makingthese mouthpieces. This mouthpiece could also be used by people with an irregular mouth structure including protruding lower jaw, upper teeth(overbite) or general malocclusion.  

French instrument maker, DuPont, asked Conn if he could borrow some tools to make some instrument repairs. Conn decided after watching DuPont that he could make instruments himself and in 1875 he developed the first cornet made in America.

Until Conn started production, most instruments in the United States were made in Europe. Conn brought skilled European craftsmen to help his domestic employees. By 1880 he had 80 employees. Conn learned the methods of instrument construction through experimentation and the knowledge and skills of his European trained craftsmen.

Instrument manufacturing rapidly expanded, and he began making other instruments, including some ‘firsts’ in the United States. In 1889, Conn made the first saxophone as well as the first metal clarinet and the first double belleuphonium. By 1893 he had over 300 employees.

Many celebrated musicians and band directors used and endorsed Conn Instruments. These men included the great John Philip Sousa. Sousa took his band on an overseas tour. Conn generously gaveeach member of Sousa’s band a jeweled, engraved instrument.

In 1898 Conn made a new instrument, the Sousaphone; Sousa himself specified how the construction should be made. The Sousaphone faces forward rather than up like a tuba. Facing forward helps in projecting the sound.

Conn wasn’t satisfied with justmaking instruments; he was also active in politics and publishing and in 1880 he was elected Mayor of Elkhart. He was elected to the Indiana General Assembly in1888 and to the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. in 1892.

He also bought newspapers andstarted his own paper in Elkhart, called The Elkhart Truth in 1889. During his time in Washington D.C., he bought The Washington Times and after his termin congress he sold the newspaper when he returned to Elkhart.

Conn, unfortunately, had bad luckwith his factories. At least three burned down and each time he replaced thebuildings with a larger, expanded facility.

The success that Conn enjoyed with instrument making did not go without notice. It generated great interest from other would-be instrument makers. It was not long before other men who started working in the Conn Factory branched out on their own. They honed their skills learned at Conn and went into business for themselves.

Other noted instrument manufactures in business in Elkhart during this time were: The Martin Company, Selmer, Buescher, Blessing, Vincent Bach, Artley and Peddler, among others. It wasn’t long before instrument manufacturing began to develop rapidly. Elkhart quickly became the center of the band instrument making industry; hence the name, “Band Instrument Capital of the World.”

Conn advertising was not at all modest. Unabashedly it proclaimed that, “The Conn company was the originator ofall-important improvements in band and orchestra instruments in America,”writes author George Riebs from Elkhart,A Pictorial History.

They said they were the “Proprietor of the largest and best equipped factory in theworld for the manufacture of high-grade musical instruments.” Instruments madeby C.G. Conn were used and endorsed by all the great soloists and band masters in America.

Years went by and the instrument companies did quite well in Elkhart. But, as things sometimes do, changes usually occur. Because of a shortage of funds Conn sold the instrument company and The Elkhart Truth to C.D. Greenleaf in 1915. Shortly thereafter Conn moved to California, without his wife and daughter. He subsequently divorced his wife, married Suzanne Cohn and at the age of 70 fathered a son!

Conn lived until 1931 and died atthe age of 86. He died too destitute to pay for his own funeral. He led a“rags-to-riches to rags” life.

Although the early companies are gone, instrument manufacturing still has a presence in Elkhart. Trade names and companies were bought and sold but what is left is United Musical Instruments; that morphed into Conn Selmer and other companies still producing a full line of band instruments. The internet lists all the existing instrument manufactures in Elkhart.

My wife, Jan (Janet Olsen), was born and grew up in Elkhart. She says that when children were in third grade elementary school, teachers did not say, “Do you want to play an instrument?”Instead they said, “What instrument would you like to play?” The Band instrument companies generously provided the schools with student instruments, thereby encouraging children to embrace music and learn musical skills that they could carry throughout their adult years. Truly a beautiful gift.

If you, or a loved-one, is interested inplaying an instrument, a gift of a musical instrument is a gift that will last a lifetime and give one great satisfaction and joy.

Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 3:00pm, the Danville Community Band will present A Christmas Festival at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville. Free concert and parking. Note: Arrive early as seating is limited.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net. Visit our website at www.danvilleband.orgfor up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band. 

The Grinch, again.  Simply The Grinch, no stealing, no Christmas in the title. The Grinch has arrived. It has been interesting to watch the unfolding of the Dr. Seuss created character. I had thought that no one could play a better Grinch than Jim Carrey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas released in 2000. I know I have watched that movie at least 18 times! Before that Dr. Seuss’ gave us How the Grinch Stole Christmas! filmed in full animation in 1966. Yes, the original version had its 50^th anniversary two years ago.

Jim Carrey played a mean Grinch, truly I think he was meaner (and bigger) than Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch, the new version of Mr.Grinch, is British, born and raised by actor parents. He studied acting at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art earning an MA in Classical Acting. He brilliantly portrayed Stephen Hawking in several TV documentaries. Benedict has also played in several Oscar nominated films. Such talent. His Bio states: “Often portrays posh upper-class figures,” and “Usually plays highly-intelligent and gifted characters.” Now, that just about sums up The Grinch!

Does he top Jim Carrey?  I would say yes, but also, he’s a very different Grinch. His portrayal, while still true to the Seuss storyline, is very much his own—just like Carrey. The biggest difference is the technology that has developed over the past fifty two years. I watched all three Grinch movies in a short time frame in preparation for this review and the mind blowing aspect is not the amazing characters but the technology. The Grinch has taken us from grainy cartoon to simply amazing Grinch.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few of my very favorite Holiday movies, like White Christmas, Miracle on 34^thStreet, It’s a Wonderful Life, and anything Irving Berlin, if for no other reason, than the music. There are so many joyful comedies like Elf, The Santa Claus movies and A Christmas Story. And don’t forget The Holiday, Scrooged and one of my all-time favorites, The Polar Express. You can even fill in the rest of the nights with one of the hundreds of made-for-tv Christmas movies, especially my personal favorite, Hallmark.

While not necessarily embracing the religious side of Christmas, The Grinch certainly portrays the redemptive aspects of theholiday. The one thing we all share at Christmas is how it makes us feel—that there is good in everyone, even the Grinch. So, whether the voice we hear in our heads is Boris Karloff, the original Grinch, Jim Carrey, or the voice our children and grandchildren will hear, Benedict Cumberbatch, it speaks the same message.  Christmas is about love, love from above,brought to earth by a baby boy.

Thank you for reading my column month after month, year upon year. I want to bring you Holiday Cheer all year long. It gives me joy to offer to you movies that not only entertain but educate and hopefully make us all want to be like the Grinch—a little better person.  Once again, I welcome your comments at Carolyn@carolynhastings.com  

As much as I normally enjoy shopping, I am officially over it. I am happy to say goodbye to circling parking lots in my car, praying to find an available space. I gladly bid farewell to wasting precious hours supermarket lines, awkwardly maneuvering an oversized cart filled with luxury impulse purchases. (And don’t even get me started on the mall.) During this year especially, when so many Californians have lost so much, I need to step back and reflect on what is really important.

The farmers’ market is the perfect place to clear my head. My purchases are more thoughtful, and I know that the money I spend there directly supports the people who grow the food we eat. In addition to buying staples for home meals, I can also purchase tasteful gifts and fresh flowers to brighten someone’s day.

The past month has been a whirlwind for most of us, so every delicious shortcut is a gift. Holiday mornings at home should be all about enjoying a leisurely breakfast or brunch, rather than juggling pots and pans to execute the perfect Eggs Benedict.

Chillax. This is not the Culinary Olympics.

Special-occasion breakfasts are made easy by serving a strata, a make-ahead savory bread pudding that incorporates meat, eggs, dairy, and veggies. Stratas are usually served directly from the casserole dish in which they baked, but using a springform pan makes for a more festive presentation. If you are so inclined, get extra-fancy and serve a dab of pesto on the side.

The name “strata” refers to layers of ingredients, but the same flavors are had by simply mixing everything together. In fact, the most difficult thing about this one is remembering to let the bread get stale so it won’t completely disintegrate in the custard. (A little “disintegration” is desirable, as it gives body to the strata.) But should you forget that step and start out with a fresh loaf, the problem is easily remedied. (See Cook’s Tips below.)

If you like, accompany this with a big bowl of chilled red and green grape clusters. Or a platter of assorted peeled and sliced citrus fruits, drizzled lightly with California olive oil and dotted with pomegranate arils (seeds). Homemade muffins or coffee cake studded with chunks of fresh pear and candied ginger could be made ahead and pulled from the freezer. Or consider a baby spinach salad with crisp local apple or Fuyu persimmon slices, toasted California walnuts, and dried cherries or cranberries.

A glass or two of champagne would not be out of the question, either.

Lazy-Morning Strata

2 teaspoons California olive oil

12 ounces fully-cooked chicken-apple sausage (about 4 links), or other favorite sausage, diced

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice

2 small green onions (scallions), thinly sliced

6 large eggs

1 1/4 cups half-and-half or whole milk

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

Freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces shredded Gruyere or Monterey jack cheese (about 2 cups)

1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the pan

Optional: 1/2 cup prepared pesto, purchased or home made

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, swirling to coat. Add the sausage and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and the bell pepper is just tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the green onions and set aside.

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and mustard until well blended. Stir in the sausage and cheese and season to taste with pepper. Gently fold in the bread cubes until evenly moistened. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes orovernight.

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan and place on a baking sheet. Scrape the egg mixture into the prepared pan and cover loosely with foil. Bake 25 minutes; then remove the foil and bake 10 minutes longer, uncovered, until lightly browned on top and a sharp knife inserted into the center shows no evidence of uncooked egg. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a blunt knife to loosen the edges; then carefully liftaway the springform.

To serve, cut into wedges. Pass a small bowl of pesto at the table, if desired. Serves 6 to 8.

                                                   Cook’s Tips:

1. If you have forgotten to leave out the bread for a day or so to get stale, cut the fresh loaf into cubes and spread on a large baking sheet. Bake about 20 minutes @ 200 degrees until thecubes are dry but not browned. Let cool before adding to the custard mixture.
2. Breakfast sausage or Italian sausage can be substituted for the chicken-apple sausage. Remove the meat from the casings and cook in a large skillet—adding a bit more oil if needed—until nicely browned on the outside and no longer pink inside; then drain well onpaper towels.
3. Because springform pans sometimes leak, this one gets filled just before baking. If you do not have an 8-inch springformpan, use a 9-inch springform and bake for 5 to 7 minutes less.

If you do not have a springform pan, bake in a 10-inch square or other baking dish.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad & Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.org. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that storyby setting goals. ~ Melody Beattie

It is so hard to believe that we are in the final month of 2018. This month is typically the busiest month of the year filled with shopping, festive parties, family, friends, and loads of memorable moments. Before we know it, the gifts will all be unwrapped, the parties will be over, and we will be welcoming the New Year. The chance that many refer to as “Out with the Old and In with the New” – an opportunity to set goals, make resolutions, and improve specific areas of our lives.

Once the holiday craze is over, there is usually a lovely lull the week before New Year’s Eve. Typically, this week provides a calmer, quieter pace, both at home and at the office. Don’t wait for the calendar to change, use this week to geta jumpstart on setting your New Year goals and resolutions. Here are a few tipsto help get started.

The most popular New Year’s resolutions year over year include, health and fitness (exercising more, losing weight, and eating healthier), getting out of debt, and saving money. Set aside time to sit down, grab a notebook, and write down what you want to accomplish in 2019 and break the goals into categories: Health and fitness, financial, travel, career, and major purchases. Under each category set an annual goal and then break each goal into monthly goals.

For example, if your goal is to pay down debt. Grab your statements, tally your total debt, and determine the pay down amount. If your goal is to pay down $5,000,write $5,000 for the annual goal and $417 for the monthly goal. The same goes for building a savings account or saving for a major purchase. If your goal is to save $12,000, write the annual goal of $12,000 and the monthly goal of $1,000. If your goal is to lose weight, travel, or change careers, set a goal of when you want to achieve it and break it down to monthly steps. Breaking the goal into bite size chunks allows you to focus on smaller, more achievable steps to reach the overall goal.

Next, create a vision board with charts to track and monitor your monthly and annual progress; include photos of items you want to save for, purchase, or reward yourself with when you meet specific milestones. Vision boards should include short-term and long-term goals and dreams. There are loads of tips and ideas for creating a vision board on Pinterest and there are Apps available for creating vision boards on your mobile device.     

 Once January arrives, be sure to review your written plan and vision board weekly, update your progress, and adjust as needed. Having a written and visual plan and reviewing your progress weekly will provide the focus and momentum needed to more easily accomplish every goal you set in 2019.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with accomplishments both bigand small!

For more tips on setting andachieving financial goals in 2019, be sure to check out my new book Digging Out, available at jodeebrydges.com. It has everything you need to get your financial house in order and make 2019 your best financial year yet.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for more financial tips.

My father, one of the best stock investors I have ever known, used to frequently remind me of what he called the “7 P’s.” This is how it went: “Proper Prior Planning Prevents P_ _ _ Poor Performance.” You can probably guess the 5th P. He found a way to hit me with that every chance he had. It applied to school, sports, work, and all elsewhere performance mattered. It matters a lot with respect to investing. So, over the last 34 years as a professional investment advisor, I have developed a simple and effective process to a successful investment plan.

Charles Kettering, a legendary American inventor said, “I expect to spend the rest of my life in the future. That is my reason for planning.”  As I noted inpart one, investment planning is a process. In part one, last month’s column, I elaborated on the first three steps of the six-step process: Learn About You (or know yourself if you’rea DIY’r), Set Investment Goals, and, Review Existing Assets. The remaining threesteps of the investment planning process are: Understanding Investment Selection and Allocation, Prudent Investment Decisions Making,and, last but not least, the ongoing step called Portfolio Monitoring.

Step 4:Understanding Investment Selection &Allocation

When considering investments, it is critical to thoroughly understand both the risks and rewards, and how to strategically use them to achieve your goals. Again, the process. The investment planning processoften involves an understanding of strategic investment concepts. Even a conservative investor seeking safety and income from high quality bonds is well advised to adopt effective bond portfolio management techniques. A laddered portfolio, for example, will minimize interest rate risk and maximize returns. There is a learning curve. Investment planning requires homework. I will never say it is easy—much like anything in life worthy of our time and money. Approach thetask as the steward of your estate while considering what is at stake. Once the concepts of the process are understood, then prudent investment selection can take place. That is the next step.

Step 5: Make Suitable Investments

As a Certified Financial Planner^® and aCertified Portfolio Manager^®, I rely on the blend of unique skill sets when working on Step 5 of the investment planning process. With the benefit of learning from the first three steps of the process, along with a careful analysis of a person’s current portfolio and an educational discussion of prudent alternatives; strategic, unemotional decisions are made. Two of my ten investment tenets are “Know Yourself” and “Go With What You Know.” I prescribe a healthy dose of both as they relate to this step of the investment planning process. “Invest-sense” is a term I use to imply the combination of intuitive common sense and a sound psychology necessary to enable an individual to be a successful investor. The simple awareness of what you trust, buy, use, and like can lead to a common-sense approach to investing. Only you know best your unique investment parameters and constraints. They will guide you in making the right investment choices.

Step 6: Monitor Your Plan

 Indeed, in and of itself, the investment planning process is a never-ending process. At the very least, it involves as one step the ongoing monitoring efforts of the investments held. To ensure you meet your goals, the on-going monitoring process will be comprised of the three “E’s”: Evaluate, Educate and Exchange. Through consistent review of your account’s positions and performance you will determine if any reallocation is necessary. All changes are made pragmatically, not emotionally. I am often asked, “How is the market doing?”  In response I like to ask perhaps a better question. That is, “How is your investment plan doing?” So long as your investment plan is on track, the investment markets matter less. Stocks, nor any other single investment class, should define our entire investment plan.

Throughout the investment planning process keep this investment tenet in mind:  Every seasoned investor knows two hard-learned lessons about risk and returns: If you focus on risks, the returns will eventually come to you. If you focus on returns, the risks will eventually come to you. Strive to minimize the risk inherent in all investments before chasing returns.

Happy & Heathy Holiday Wishes to All!

Q. Should I store my Hummingbird feeder for the winter? If not, how do I go about protecting it from the cold? Also, could I capture one and keep it as a pet?                                                      

A. Hummingbirds are active during the winter months as long as they have a source of food. Hummingbirds have the highest energy expenditure of any warm-blooded animal. A Hummingbird needs to intake more than its body weight in nectar each day, and that can be difficult during the winter. With little to no flowers for nectar, a liquid feeder is their only option, so I wouldn’t be inclined to take it down. I’d also replace my Hummingbird food with Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar. Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectaris the first-ever, hydrating energy drink for Hummingbirds. This naturally clear nectar was developed to mimic flower nectar with added electrolytes and no added colors for overwintering hummingbirds. On those nights when the temperature is going to dip below thirty-two degrees, you have two options. You can bring the feeder inside at night and put it back out early in the morning. Hummingbirds need to start feeding early in the day after coming out of a torpor. The torpor stage is similar to hibernation, and it occurs when their metabolism slows down or when food is in short supply. Your other option is to insulate the feeder by wrapping the bottle in bubble wrap. Keeping a hummingbird as a pet is possible with the right size structure and food sources; however, it is illegal to do so. In the United States, capturing a hummingbird violates the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This law makes it illegal to possess or capture any migratory bird, including hummingbirds. In addition to the prohibition of holding or capturing a hummingbird, the act also makes it illegal to keep a hummingbird nest, egg or baby. The penalties forbreaking this law include a steep fine.

Note:Hummingbird facts from a variety of sources:

A hummingbird can fly in any direction at speeds of thirty miles per hour or more and have a heart rate of over twelve hundred beats per minute. Hummingbirds are capable offlapping their wings at a staggering rate of eighty times per second and lick their food at a rate of about thirteen licks per second. They do not use their feet for walking or jumping, but only for perching. Hummingbirds have a lifespan of about four years and grow to about eight inches in length and weigh less than an ounce.  

Q. I’ve had poor luck growing garlic. The cloves are small while others never develop or rot away. What can I do to improve my success?

A. Garlic Sets, along with Onion Sets and Shallots are planted in the fall and winter months. You harvest those planted in mid-September through Thanksgiving in June with the late January through February plantings later in the summer. The key to successfully growing garlic is the soil preparation and planting Certified Seed Garlic and not those found at a supermarket. Seed Garlic is available at your favorite garden center. It looks just like the supermarket garlic, but it’s different. Supermarket garlic was grown for consumption, and not to be replanted. The variety may not be suitable for this area. When planted, the harvested cloves are under size, and the yield is inconsistent. Also, they’re sprayed with a retardant to reduce sprouting, which explains why some cloves never develop. Seed Garlic produces large, full-size cloves and is variety specific for our area. Garlic needs drainage to prevent the cloves from rotting so generously amend your soil with organic matter, or compost. The soil microbes then convert the organic matter into plant nutrients. I’d also add an organic vegetable food at planting and use a minimal amount of animal manure. Soak the cloves for five minutes in one part Clorox to ten parts water, to help with the rotting issues and remove any flower shoots. Garlic grows from individual cloves broken off from a garlic set or bulb. Plant the cloves with the root end facing down. Each clove will multiply in the ground, forming a new bulb that consists of five to ten cloves. The cloves are planted two inches deep, in rows, four to six inches apart, and you space the rows a foot apart. If it’s too muddy to plant, I’d then consider using containers.

Q. I was very successful in growing and forcing Paper White Narcissus into bloom in a shallow dish of water. They were very fragrant for Thanksgiving Day. What should I do with the bulbs? I’d like to store them and use them again next year.

A.  Paper White Narcissus or any other bulb that is grown in water and sand should be thrown away when the flowers are spent.Unlike those planted in soil, forced bulbs have no capability of rejuvenating themselves for the following year. A bulb is a storage chamber. Besides the food manufactured by the leaves, bulbs will store nutrients from the soil. Once this is completed, the bulb goes dormant. The foliage turns yellow/brown and easily separates from the bulb at ground level. Depending on the bulb type, you can let them naturalize in the soil or dig them up and store them for the following year.

Note: Flowering Tulips, Daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs growing in containers shouldalso be discarded. They are usually growing in sand and not soil. Sand has little nutrient value but does drain quickly. 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an illness characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts formore than six months. This fatigue cannot be explained by an underlying medical condition. The process for diagnosis usually begins with ruling out possible underlying diseases and chronic conditions, until the only choice left ischronic fatigue syndrome. Currently, over one million Americans suffer from this debilitating condition and women are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with CFS than men.

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Inaddition to the profound fatigue experienced, other serious symptoms often accompany CFS, such as extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise; lack of deep or restful sleep; difficulty concentrating; memory or attention deficits; chronic muscle ache; chronic joint pain that moves from one spot to another; headaches of a new type, pattern, or strength; sore throat that is constant or goes away and comes back often; digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or reflux;  mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sadly, research has yet to identify a root cause of CFS. Chronic fatigue often starts after a stressful life event like a divorce, loss of a loved one, injury or illness. It is my belief that CFS is a multifactorial syndrome because preliminary research findings show that viral and bacterial infections, toxicity, hormone imbalances, weakened immune system, chronic stress and nutritional deficiencies are all contributing factors.

Standard Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Conventional medical treatments address the symptoms rather than the underlying causes. Often individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome are prescribed anti-depressants and sleeping pills. In many cases, the side effects from these drugs are worse than the original symptoms and they do not heal the condition.

Steps To Heal Your Chronic Fatigue

 1. Add Celery Juice to Your Daily Routine. Celery is rich in trace minerals and helps to detoxify the body and repair your cellular energy. Drinking 16oz of celery juice on an empty stomach will have an additive effect on increasing your health and energy over time.

2. Remove Food Sensitivities and Allergens. Remove any foods or allergens that could be causing inflammation or reactions related to fatigue. Our office offers special allergy testing that can be performed with a simple finger stick test.

3. Repair Your Nutrient Deficiencies.Vitamin, mineral and amino acid deficiencies have been linked to suppressed immune function and contribute to chronic fatigue, inflammation, arthritis,cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and much more. Specialized blood testing can reveal what your body has absorbed from your food and/or supplements over the past six months and identify deficiencies. Micro-Nutrient Testing allows a person to know exactly what to eat and/or supplement in order to support their healing process. By correcting nutritional imbalances the body is given the building blocks it needs to heal from the inside out.

4.  Increase Magnesium and Potassium

Magnesium and potassium deficiencies lead to common CFS symptoms: fatigue, irritability, depression and muscle cramps. Eating a diet rich in magnesium and potassium can help to relieve these symptoms. Consider adding these magnesium and potassium–rich foods to your diet: spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sweet potatoes, black beans, avocados, figs, bananas, apricots and coconut water.

If you or someone you love is suffering from CFS you know that it is a stubborn, debilitating condition that drains the quality out of your life. Using both science and nature we can determine your unique metabolic profile then create a holistic protocol that will ignite the healing process and get your energy back.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA.  For more information or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.