Caregiver to the Caregivers, Waino Liuhas

By request, we’d like to share with you the following article from the current issue of Health & Happinesss U.P. Magazine.

Each person is unique, leaving his or her own particular mark on the world, some more subtlely, some less so. At the end of 2012, our area lost someone whose mark was so very positively noticeable to those in the know that we’d like to honor his legacy here with some stories of the man – Waino Liuhas, an elder who looked out for many others in many ways, leaving quite an inspiring example.

Waino was a World War II veteran, a Tracy Mine worker, Michigan social worker, husband, father and tireless volunteer. Below are what just a few people had to say when asked to share the words, stories or remembrances that come to mind when they think of Waino.

Negaunee Senior Center Director Kristy Basolo responded, “Since Waino has been gone, I find myself asking more and more, “What would Waino do?” He was the face of the Lions Club eyeglass recycling project, Aging Services, RSVP, every Veterans program known to man, the back pew of my church (Immanuel Lutheran). But he was so much more. The part of him that remains with me most is his simplicity. If there was a need in the community, he would simply find a way to fulfill it. He didn’t think in terms of liability and red tape the way things sometimes go today. If someone needed something, he would simply make it happen.

Basolo added, “If he felt there was any sort of injustice going on, he would expose it.”

“His simple honesty knew no political correctness. He would say what was on his mind in plain, but polite, terms. And if he didn’t get satisfaction from you, he’d find someone up the chain who would make something happen. Some may have thought of him as a pest, but in my eyes he was the most pure advocate for those people and agencies in need that I have ever known. So now, when I am faced with a conundrum, I simply ask myself, “What would Waino do?””

“Waino is my mentor. Constantly on the go, and always working to help form connections between agencies, shared clients and people in his life,” explains Amy Mattson, Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, (RSVP).

“We were chatting in the office one afternoon last year and he told me he drove more than 7,500 miles back and forth in the course of his volunteer work in the previous twelve months. Impressed with his dedication and worried about his wallet, after he left, I submitted a mileage reimbursement request for him. A couple weeks later he stopped in again and handed me the check, saying he did not need the mileage reimbursement and we should give it to someone who did.”

“From January 1 to the end of November, 2012, Waino reported 736 hours of service through RSVP. This total does not include uncounted (and probably numerous) hours for agencies that are not connected to RSVP, or his work with many service agencies and private individuals. As you can see by the list of places for which Waino volunteered, he was interested in helping people of all ages – if people were in need, sooner or later they (or someone who was trying to help them) would cross paths with Waino.”

“From the time he joined RSVP in 1994, Waino reported 10,022 hours of service at AMCAB, Lions Club of Negaunee, Lutheran Social Services, Pioneer Kiwanis, Tracy Mine Retirees, VFW Post 3165 of Negaunee, Thrivent Financial, D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Eastwood Nursing Center, Ishpeming Senior Center, Mather Nursing Center, Marquette County Medical Care Facility, Marquette Range Iron Mining Heritage Museum, National Ski Hall of Fame, Negaunee Public Schools, Habitat for Humanity, Lake Superior Community Partnership, Alzheimer’s Association, Marquette Adult Day Services, Marquette County Aging Services Advisory Committee, Marquette County Community Foundation, Negaunee and Ishpeming Area Community Funds, Department of Human Services, Medical Care Access Coalition, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program – with Triad, as a special projects volunteer and as an advisory council member, Salvation Army of Ishpeming, St. Vincent de Paul of Marquette, United Way, and the YMCA.”

Mattson continued to report, “In 1996, Waino was selected as one of the Northern Michigan University

President’s Award Recipients for Distinguished Citizenship. In 2007, he received the Claude Pepper award, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Senior Advisory Committee, for his work and strong concern for senior citizen rights. And in 2008, he was chosen as the U.P. Veteran of the Year and honored at the U.P. State Fair.”

“I met Waino two years ago through his service on the Board of Directors at Marquette Adult Day Services,” describes this organization’s director Melissa Luttrell. “I truly appreciated his service to our agency; he asked many a good question and kept us all thinking. Besides those decadent cashew clusters, I loved his smile, his enthusiasm for life and for giving to others, and his ever present questions – “Do you have what you need?”, “Are you getting that raise you deserve?” He was always looking out for those of us serving the community and for those we serve. I loved him and will greatly miss having him in my life.”

“A kind and personable gentleman, he was so gracious and funny!” Tendercare Munising administrator Pamela McKenna declares. “The first time I met Waino, I was attending the Aging Services Advisory Committee meeting regarding my involvement with the State Advisory Council and was a little nervous sitting in the waiting area. Waino went out of his way to introduce himself to me, joking with me and really putting me at ease. He was so kind and funny. I really appreciated that. He was a strong advocate for veterans, always speaking up for those who came back and are coming back from serving our country. He was truly a “voice” for many people and spoke with eloquence for what he believed in.”

AMCAB Food Service Manager Brenda Mattson says, “What I admired about Waino was his dedication to people serving in our military. In meetings with local and state politicians, I often heard him ask the question, “How will this help the people serving our country?” He had a heartfelt concern for the future of all military personnel and their families.”

Mattson adds, “One memory that I have is seeing him standing alone showing support for the men and women marching in the 2012 Labor Day parade. I couldn’t help but think that after all the good deeds this man has done, he is still humble enough to rally for his community. How great is that?”

AMCAB CNS Director Lori Stephens-Brown describes Waino as “tireless, kind, giving, and humble. The closest to a saint I have ever had the pleasure to be around. Waino was a role model for all of us working in the human services field. And if you didn’t have Waino’s support on a project, it probably wasn’t going to fly.”

“Waino encouraged so many of us to best serve in our programs. He would always ask how specific things were going, issues that I had mentioned that were challenging me. Every time I would see him, he would check up on that issue until it was solved. Waino was always there for us.”

“Questions. Waino always had the questions. And there was a lesson in every one of his questions, but not everyone got them,” Stephens-Brown continued.

I made sure my teenagers worked side by side with Waino, so they could learn from him, and for them to see what a true hero is. My daughter got to work in the ‘fry tent’ with him, my son helped him haul donated books every year for the RSVP Recognition Dinner, and we all picked up trash at Mattson Park after the July 4th festivities every year. I think I also wanted Waino’s approval that I was raising ‘good citizens.’ Thanks, Waino.”

Spring 2013 Issue Coming Your Way!

Within the next week, the latest edition of Health & Happiness will be available at over 250 Marquette and Alger County locations, sharing helpful information and thought-provoking perspectives on getting and staying both physically and financially fit; the marvels of cooking with miso; reading aloud to children; starting your own medicinal herb garden; experiences of time; gifting your elderly pets; the importance of folate; incorporating solar energy on a budget; a special tribute to an inspiring man, Waino Liuhas; and a new feature – Local Senior News.

Check our posts and pages for a sneak preview of selected articles; health-and-happiness-related events, links, directory listings, information on our writers, and to find out where you can pick up your own copy!

“Like Us” on Facebook for brief updates, and check back with us soon for a list of high folate-containing foods and other helpful topics!

Health And Wealth, by T. Ferrarini

Live a financially sound life. Hold all else constant and… sleep well at night without concern over whether to buy groceries or make a payment on a credit card the next day. Start each day with a fresh look at what lies ahead. No need to worry about having money in the bank account to cover an unexpected veterinarian bill needed to save the life of your furry, life-long companion or replace a blown tire of the car that gets you thirty miles to and from work.

Jog through the day with fresh thoughts about how to be your best. Get the most out of your day for yourself, your coworkers and your employer with minimal financial stress. Forget about the day-to-day worries of figuring out how to make a mortgage payment while saving or paying for a down-payment on a home or your two young children’s education.

Invest that mental and emotional energy in other places. Think about how to grow and develop that energy and other valuable resources in your life in ways that improve your health AND contribute to a financially secure and stable future. It will benefit you and those surrounding you at home, work and other places. So get financially fit!

Financial fitness involves developing a few key habits. Keep track of all spending and income earned. Use your phone, a piece of paper or a napkin to do so. Devise a budget. Grab one from the Internet. Just sit down with it and start. It is not rocket science. Lay out where all your funds come and go. Commit to setting into motion a budget that includes a healthy plan for financial stability. Every day, stash away a little for a rainy day. Bring lunch to work. Skip buying soda, energy drinks, coffee or other incidentals. In other words, spend prudently. Invest wisely. And, give purposefully to others. Set aside credit cards.

Think creatively about how to save, spend, invest and share in ways that help you and others prosper. Find a personal coach if needed. Ask a family member. Visit your bank. Go online and seek coaching there. But beware. Never give out your personal information, especially your social security number.

Inspiration on how to get started is everywhere. Find a mentor if you want companionship or commit to doing it alone. Just devise a plan for a healthy and wealthy life.

Stick to the plan and, before you know it, you will gain momentum. Cutting coupons, buying used versus new or narrowing your cell phone coverage will get you started. You will soon have enough money to create a small nest egg, pay off high-interest debt or establish a small investment account. Financial fitness is in reach.

Being financially fit is important for you, and it is important for others. Just look around the globe. Health and wealth grow in tandem across countries and time. Think about wealth levels and health standards one-hundred or two-hundred years ago. No one can argue that each is not better today. Individuals living in high-income economies have better health than those living in low-income economies. More wealth gives individuals access to better food, sanitation, health care, recreational options and the list goes on. Individuals who are healthy and financially fit are more productive than their unhealthy and fiscally out-of-shape or poor counterparts. Financial fitness and health benefits the person, his or her families, coworkers, and, society at large. Plus they place individuals in a stronger position to share time, talent and treasure with others.

Stay healthy and remain financially fit!

Tawni Ferrarini is co-author of Common Sense Economics (2010) published by St. Martin’s Press. She is a PhD in economics and is published in numerous peer reviewed journals. She speaks globally on topics related to advancing literacy in economics, entrepreneurship and personal finance.

Beginning Your Own Herb Garden

by Victoria Jungwirth

I gave a presentation recently to a class of students at NMU and was asked what herbs I would grow if I was just starting up an herb garden. I had to think for a moment because I don’t grow many herbs, using mostly wild-crafted plants, or herbs I buy because they don’t grow well in our climate. But I do have some things in my garden that I can’t imagine life without, all easy to grow for beginners, good basics for medicinal use, and available from most seed catalogs.

Nettles

(Urtica Dioica): I have cultivated a good patch of nettles in my garden. They arrived by accident in compost imported from the city, and I was very happy to see them. A perennial, they are one of the first greens to appear in spring, well before anything I might care to sow, and I pick the young leaves for steaming and eating. (I am very careful when picking and don’t mind a few stings, but if you do, wear gloves for this!) As the season progresses, I pick and dry bunches for tea in the winter and make a batch of tincture. Nettles are high in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, so they make a useful addition to winter teas and stews, and are a great tonic, especially for treating persistent skin problems. They are easily cultivated from a root cutting or from seed, and grow well in most garden situations.

Comfrey

(Symphytum Officinale): Another perennial that grows vigorously, the pretty blue flowers attract bees to the garden, which is an added bonus. Comfrey appears early too and I add small leaves to salads, but they quickly become too furry to be palatable. Comfrey is the consummate healing herb for open wounds, speeding the healing process and reducing scarring. It can be infused in oil, or the leaves can be used fresh as a poultice. Excess leaves can be used to make manure tea for the garden by rotting them down in a bucket of water. The smell will quickly remind you why this is called “manure” tea! Again, a root cutting is the easiest way to propagate, but it can be grown from seed as well and grows anywhere!

Calendula

(Calendula Officinalis): This is an annual, so it needs to be sown each year, but the seeds are easy to save, and it often reseeds itself! The flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden and continue flowering late into fall, tolerating the first few frosts. Sometimes it’s hard to bring myself to harvest the flowers, but the more you pick, the more flowers will come. Calendula is mildly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, so it is useful for skin rashes or abrasions, especially if infection is suspected or there is swelling. It makes a great massage or baby oil, so consider putting some up for gifts. Pick the flowers on a dry, sunny day and cover them with good quality oil for four to six weeks. It’s as easy as that!

This year I grew feverfew and chamomile for the first time. The feverfew did well and I was able to make a batch of tincture with it, but the chamomile was not as productive. I’ve found some non-native plants do not produce such strong medicine, even if they appear to cultivate well. Echinacea is an example. I got some growing in my garden, but when I harvested the roots and made tincture, it was nowhere near as strong as the product I made with roots from the West Coast. I’m assuming that the shorter season and less sunshine contributed to this effect. So there is lots of room for experimentation.

Victoria Jungwirth is the owner of Wilderness Herbs and specializes in local medicinal plants. She lives in a remote corner of Marquette county where she and her husband build birch bark canoes. She is also a manager at the Marquette Food Co-op.

Latest News On Health & Happiness!

I’m very happy to share with you the latest news on Health & Happiness U.P Magazine!

Our current issue prints today, and features great articles on preventing colds and flus, relieving stress, music’s healing power, healthy holiday side dishes, winter hikes, family history, infant vision development, treats to bake your furry friends, creative inspiration, and much more, plus find out why we chose Marquette Adult Day Services as our Elder Care donation receipient!

You can get a sneak preview from the posts below, as well as pick up additional tips on cold and flu prevention, how to learn more about your family history, find hot Green Living links, view beautiful winter photos of Dead River Falls by Kevin McGrath, as well as locations where you can pick up our hard copy publication, (distribution completed by 11/21/12.), Great Savings, Events, and a list of services offered by our advertisers.

We’ve also added 2 new pages! Learn more about our regular column writers on our Writers page, and check out our Featured Website of a non-profit promoting the health and happiness of others!

And, please “Like Us” on our new Facebook page as we continue to update you on all the latest!

Health & Happiness’s 2012 Donation

We’re thrilled to announce the recipient of Health & Happiness’s 2012 donation, as part of year one of our five-year commitment to supporting a different area of community life each year, beginning with Elder Care this year.

Our recipient private, non-profit organization is in its twenty-fifth year of providing quality, caring assistance to a growing need of local elders and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.

Specially trained staff at Marquette Adult Day Services, located in Marquette’s First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Front and Bluff Streets, provide those with memory impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease or other related dementias, as well as elders who would otherwise be isolated and lonely, with meaningful social and recreational activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Puzzles, music, singing, arts and crafts, exercise, bingo, Game Day, birthday and holiday parties, reminiscence group, creative storytelling, sensory stimulation, bingo, even table volley ball, are just some of the creative, helpful activities offered.

Local resident Jane Van Evera appreciates that “The staff are intelligent, optimistic, and caring people who bring education, common sense and community mindedness to our area.”

For those wishing to participate, an intake and assessment interview with the caregiver and/or participant is scheduled. Staff members then work with the family to determine a successful experience for their loved one, and caregivers can attend with their loved one until they feel comfortable leaving him or her in MADS expert hands. Fees are on a sliding scale basis, and no one is ever turned away for inability to pay.

Free transportation is also available from the Marq-Tran bus service, with Marquette Adult Day Services staff assisting with pick-up and drop-off, and riding on the bus with participants.

Approximately half of Marquette Adult Day Services funds come from UPCAP/the Area Agency on Aging, one-fourth from caregiver fees, and the remainder from small local grants, (11%), individual donations, (6%), and the Marquette County senior millage, (5%). Additional forms of assistance are also provided by the First Presbyterian Church, Pathways, Marquette General Hospital’s Neuroscience Center, Marquette County Aging Services, and the Great Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Marquette Adult Day Services programs run Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 4 pm, and can include up to thirteen participants a day; however the agency is currently seeking a larger space to rent or possibly own that would allow it to be open five days a week and serve more of this growing portion of our population.

If you have a special talent to share with participating seniors, you would be welcome to do so. For example, various musicians have come in, as well as a tai chi expert and a massage therapist providing foot massages monthly. among others. Local jewelry-maker Beth Millner has recently designed a pendant she is selling with 50% of the proceeds going to support Marquette Adult Day Services. Direct financial donations are also greatly appreciated to assist with rising costs and needs.

And a big congratulations and thank you to Marquette Adult Day Services for all it does!

For more information on Marquette Adult Day Services, or to schedule a visit, contact (906) 226-2142, or go to their website, http://www.marquetteadultdayservices.com.

Cold & Flu Prevention Tips & Tricks

By Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk

Bieler Broth

This nutritious broth is helpful during acute illness or as part of a detoxification program.

Vegetables Needed:

2 medium zucchinis

2 stalks celery

clove of garlic

1 cup green beans

chopped parsley

Chop 2 medium zucchinis, 1 cup of green beans, and 2 stalks of celery and steam until soft (about 10 minutes). Place steamed vegetables, 3 cups of water, and a handful of chopped parsley in a blender and blend until smooth (about 1 minute). If you like garlic, a clove or two can be added as you blend to help stimulate the immune system.

Warming Sock Treatment

This treatment acts to reflexively increase circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections. The wet sock treatment is best if repeated for three nights in a row, or as instructed by your physician.

Indications:

Sore throat or any inflammation or infection of the throat, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Supplies:

1 pair white cotton socks

1 pair thick wool socks

Towel

Warm bath or warm foot bath

Directions:

Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.
Warm your feet first. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first. Warming can be accomplished by soaking your feet in warm water for at least 5-10 minutes or taking a warm bath.
Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.
Place cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed. Avoid getting chilled.
Keep the socks on overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.

Check out the next post for more information from Dr. Nagelkirk on this topic!

Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk graduated this past spring from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon as a Naturopathic Physician (ND) and is part of its 2012 – 2013 faculty.

*Learn more about Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk on our Writers page.

How Can You Prevents Colds and Flus?

by Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk

Each winter, the influenza virus wreaks havoc on our ability to work, learn, and play. Common symptoms of flu include fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, runny nose, and cough. The conventional approach to flu prevention includes vaccination, but there are many natural ways to boost your immune system this flu season that can be done in addition to, or instead of the flu vaccination.

Vaccination

The influenza virus is remarkable for its high rate of mutation, so your body never really gets a chance to build immunity to the virus. Scientists use their best guess as to which new variants will appear and include them in the vaccine each flu season. The effectiveness of the vaccine therefore depends on the scientists’ ability to match the virus. Some years it’s very effective, and some years less so.

More than ninety percent of influenza-related deaths occur among people over sixty years of age. A new study shows that influenza vaccination in older patients is associated with a reduced risk for hospitalization and almost fifty percent reduction in fatality. Flu vaccination is recommended in adults over age 65, persons with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, intellectual disability, neurologic disorders, immunosuppression, women who are pregnant or up to two weeks post-partum, and residents of nursing homes. Both healthy individuals who opt out of a flu vaccine and those at risk who do receive a vaccine can increase their chances of making it through the flu season unscathed using some natural therapies to enhance the immune system.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin C has been shown to inactivate the influenza virus and can aid in the prevention of influenza as well as shorten the duration and severity of infections already contracted. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea and is usually dosed in acute situations “to bowel tolerance.” Dosage can be repeated every few hours. You might test out 500 mg. at a time to start.

Zinc plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood cell function. Taken at 30 mg doses for short periods may help white blood cells fight infections. Taking zinc for longer periods, such as more than one month, leads to depletion of other important minerals so please see your physician if you need to take zinc long-term.

Vitamin A is associated with white blood cell function and maintains the integrity of mucus membranes – the front line of our defense against microscopic invaders. Do not take vitamin A supplements if you are pregnant as high doses can cause birth defects.

Botanical
Sambucol is a proprietary preparation of black elderberries and raspberries that has been shown to inhibit replication of influenza virus. These berries contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and many flavonoids, all of which boost immune function.

Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly called Boneset, contains immune polysaccharides that show significant immune-stimulating effects on white blood cells. The homeopathic preparation is the recommended form unless given by a physician.

Steam inhalations with essential oils can also be helpful, especially when the upper respiratory system or sinuses are affected. Oregano and thyme top the list for anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal steam inhalations. Use 2-3 drops only, a little goes a long way in this case.

Lifestyle

Sleep is essential for keeping the immune system functioning optimally. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night to rejuvenate for the next day. Interestingly, the timing of going to sleep is just as important as the duration. Aim for going to bed between 9pm and 11pm for the best sleep.

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and quality protein are the foundation for healthy immune systems. Avoidance of sugary or processed foods is also important for avoiding the flu and other infections. During times of acute infections, eating simple is best. Try the recipe for Bieler broth in the previous post.

Stress is a part of everyday life, but excessive stress can decrease our immune system’s function. Make a point to incorporate stress management techniques into daily life, especially during flu season. Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. There are plenty of local or free online resources out there, use them!

Most over-the-counter (OTC) flu medications only treat the symptoms of the virus and don’t strengthen your immune system. If you do take OTC medications, make sure you are also supporting your body’s natural defenses. Talk to your doctor about the best choices for you this flu season.

*For additional tips and tricks such as the warming socks treatment and homeopathic options, check out the Health & Happiness U.P Magazine website, healthandhappinessupmag.com or Dr. Jessica’s blog, Modern Naturopath.

Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk graduated this past spring from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon as a Naturopathic Physician (ND) and is part of its 2012 – 2013 faculty.

*Learn more about Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk on our Writers page.

Gifts from Nature: Take A Hike

by Kevin McGrath

The last several days had been downright frigid, with temperatures hovering at zero and below. So when I looked outside on a mid-January Saturday and saw the sun shining, I knew I had to get outside to enjoy it. Twenty-three is what the thermometer was showing and like most of us living in these north woods would say, it felt like spring. So I jumped into my car and headed to the Dead River Falls where I usually enjoy a nice summer hike and also a fall excursion with all its colorful grandeur.

This was actually my first trip to this hidden gem during the winter months. I was excited so I eagerly proceeded, camera in hand, wondering what this season had to offer. After climbing the somewhat steep but level snow-covered path leading to the trail head, it was clear the snow surely made it slower going. Upon entering the beginning of the trail, I was greeted by a pileated woodpecker busily chipping away at a tree in search of a mid-afternoon meal. He was working so hard he didn’t even notice me as I got my camera out and took several photos of his colorful plumage. I knew at that moment I was where I needed to be.

Continuing on my way down the slope, I could hear the powerful flow of the water long before I could see it. Reaching the bottom of the hill, I entered an opening where the rushing life source was capped and blanketed with snowy-white curved and smooth drifts creating a beautiful landscape only seen in paintings. I took another picture. The air was fresh and pure, nourishing my olfactory senses as I proceeded upstream along the picturesque banks.

Navigating a steep climb, I maneuvered myself to the top of the first of a series of waterfalls. I sat there quite a while, taking in all the splendor of the moment. After snapping several more photos, I continued my uplifting journey in this postcard-worthy adventure, reaching another series of iced-over falls whose gurgling, powerful, fast-moving liquid is only visible here and there at the very bottom, where openings from windblown snow hadn’t yet created the ice shelves that encased the rest.

Wanting to get closer but not being able to judge clearly where water and land divide, given all the drifting and covered surfaces, I slowly, cautiously, followed others’ footsteps on the trail I sat and listened to the winter birds busy above in the treetops. Soaking in this fine day, I continue a little further before deciding it was time to turn back and retrace my steps as the sun began slowly to sink and a chill that wasn’t around at the start of this local thrill became a noticeable temperature drop.

Heading in the opposite direction brought new perspectives on this endeavor so I had to stop to take more photos. This popular summer haven for locals is now deserted, offering me this entire cornucopia of delight all to myself. I exited fully nourished, inspiration flowing through my veins like the water rushing over the hidden stones below.

Kevin McGrath seeks inspiration wherever it is calling from, but particularly enjoys receiving it from nature.

Green Living Links, Winter 2012 – 13

Check out these great links recommended by Health & Happiness’s Green Living column writer Steve Waller, pertaining to his article in the Winter 2012 – 2013 issue, A New World Record! (But shhh!… Pretend you don’t know).

The 2012 record recorded on YouTube (30 sec.):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaKqhRTqSlg&feature=youtu.be

The hilarious “Rogue Weathergirl” (MUST WATCH! 2.5 min.):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmfcJP_0eMc&feature=related

The arctic ice monitoring experts:
http://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/2012/09/

THE FABULOUS FREE PHONE APP (available on the website):
http://www.skepticalscience.com/