8 Tips I Learned From The People of Pueblo

Today's tea talk is brought to you over a cup of (gulp!) coffee. There's no denying 2020 has been a strange year. Grab your drink of choice so we can get started. I'm especially excited to tell you about some things I learned this summer. 

On the last day of June, I packed my car, visited my chiropractor and headed out on the open road toward Kansas. In one day, I drove all the way to Pueblo, Colorado. It was a long trip with stops only at gas stations (And one McDonald's drive thru.). Also included was mask wearing and hand sanitizing the entire way. Staying in Pueblo with my brother during this time brought me new insight about some differences between Pueblans or Puebloans (Thanks Pueblo Chieftain for not following the rules of grammar and creating a new name and controversy.) and the rest of us. So here's a few tips I picked up from the people of Pueblo.

#1 Grow Something Pretty

The people of Pueblo love to grow pretty plants. And it's quite amazing because they have to water ALL the time. This is real work, but boy does it pay off. Walking around Pueblo, I feasted my eyes on many beautiful flower gardens that I know took extra effort to maintain. 

These hollyhocks reseed themselves in my brother's yard. And it still amazes me that he doesn't even put much effort into his flowers. Or so he says.

From cactus and yucca or salvia and daisies, Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to make their outdoor spaces pretty. They may use hanging baskets or fill up the parking area with a little garden. No matter how they do it, they surely bring joy to their lives and mine.

#2 Be Kind

I live in southwest Missouri. I'm used to waving at people and smiling at people. Always the people of Pueblo have been nice to me. When I'm walking around and pass people, they give me a good morning. One lady waved to me from her window as I was taking pictures of the house above. It takes little effort to be kind, but the rewards could be many for you'll never know how much your kindness may travel.

#3 Take Care of Nature

This can be as small as a bird bath. Other animals appreciate the water. Bees, squirrels and birds can share in this simple waterer.

Taking care of nature can also include building a levy to keep the Arkansas River flowing, but not destroying. The water is high in this photo. The nature areas in Pueblo are many and very accessible.

#4 Wear a Mask in Public
I'm not going to lie; my anxiety over Covid 19 lessened during my time in Pueblo. And most of it had to do with the majority of people wearing face masks in buildings. Mask wearing wasn't mandated by the city, either. It's a simple thing to do and also falls under the kindness tip.

#5 Enjoy the Shade/Breeze

It's hot in Pueblo during July. It's hot in Missouri, too. The first difference, Pueblo looks at temperatures in the 100s daily. The second difference, Pueblo has humidity levels that hover between 15% and 35%. You can set up your own umbrella for shade or use the shade of a big, old tree. Nothing beats that heat like some shade and a breeze. While you are enjoying the shade, make sure you have some ice cold water to keep you hydrated or a Gatorade to keep up those electrolytes.

#6 Appreciate the Past, but Live in the Present

Pueblans (Puebloans) know their past. They built the Arkansas River levy to prevent another flood, like the big one of June 3, 1921. Historical markers are all around Union Avenue and many old signs still place prominently on old buildings. Of course those old buildings might be housing a modern gym today.

The Pueblo's Union Depot still stands as a reminder of the bustling place people gathered to catch a ride out of town. Even though it is used for modern businesses, the old waiting room still boasts reminders of it's former use.

#7 Treat Yourself

It's a tough world out there. So whenever you find some spare time, take a break. Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to do that. It might be as simple as visiting the park for some outdoor activity. There's plenty of places for outdoor fun.

The Historic Riverwalk provides walkers, joggers and strollers with miles of inner city trails near the water. Some may even cool off in the fountains. After an outdoor adventure, you might want to treat yourself to some local flavor. Pueblo county has some of the finest produce, including the Pueblo Green Chili. Get some fresh roasted on site. Or maybe drop by Walter's Brewery for a glass of suds. Find what works for you and treat yourself.

#8 Enjoy Good Food

This is half of my Slopper. It's a hamburger sandwich covered in green chili, cheese and diced onions. I've only eaten them from Gray's Coors Tavern. They are mighty delicious! You can also find some Italian grinders. This would be an Italian sausage sandwich with all the fixings including your choice of cheese. Gagliano's Italian market and deli make their own sausage for their sandwiches. Passkey is also a popular grinder joint.

Speaking of sandwiches, the menu at Joe Tomato will have you wanting to try more than one. And of course, that's exactly what my brother did. There's nothing like picking your toppings and chowing down on a tasty sandwich.

If you're lucky enough to know a kind fisherman, you might be able to enjoy some fried fish and onion rings. Now that's my idea of some good eats!

Maybe you idea of good food includes sweets. Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to satisfy their cravings. I've seen lines outside bakeries and even the famous Taffy's (see photo). Taffy's sells homemade sweets, ice cream and my favorite- popcorn. Yes, I waited in line here for popcorn.

I know I learned a few life lessons from my visit to Pueblo. Hopefully, you learned a little something also. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Advice to Missouri

Missouri, you are scaring me! It starts with my heart beating faster, then my hands start shaking and tears begin to form in my eyes. I have to take a deep breath. You might think I'm acting a little dramatic, but it's true. And here's why.

Recently it's come to my attention that there are 3 Amendments on the November ballot to legalize medical marijuana in our state. 

"Big deal!" you might say. And I'd have said the same thing a couple years ago. Cancer patients, old people with glaucoma and others with debilitating pain deserve a chance to have relief from their pain. I would have said too many people are abusing high potency pain killers like morphine. But I don't believe that way anymore.

Some of you may know that I'm from Colorado. I have relatives that still live there and I visit regularly. And I want you to know what's going on there could easily become our future. In 2000 Colorado legalized medical marijuana. I read it in the paper one day at my brother's house. Big whoop, I thought. They had specific places that a person with a doctor's prescription could pick up a regulated amount of the drug. This had no bearing on my visit at all. 

In 2012 Colorado voters passed Amendment 64 which allowed anyone over 21 years of age to have up to an ounce of marijuana. After that happened, I'd tell people I was taking a trip to Colorado and they'd give me a wink and say I know what you're doing. Ha ha! Not true. My family in Colorado doesn't use marijuana. 

I regularly visited Colorado up until 2017. And I've seen the changes. This is what I feel all Missourians need to know before they vote on November 6th. Nothing happens overnight. It's a slow progression of small things that have lead up to the current reality in my hometown. And that's why I haven't visited my beautiful hometown lately.

My family lives in a cute little area of Pueblo called Mesa Junction. To me it's like the heart of the town. I'd walk down to Taffy's candy shop, then walk over the bridge to Union Avenue to visit the cute shops and take a stroll around the Riverwalk. Used to be you'd see a few strange people walking down the sidewalks on Abriendo Avenue. I was told they came from the mental health center not far away. As the years went by there were more strange people. They usually had on backpacks. Being naive, I just assumed they were students or something. But no, they were homeless people. 

In 2016 during a visit, I got to witness a couple of people with a dog and boxes of stuff have a loud argument at the park across the street from my brother's house. But most of the visit was normal; at least for me.

The worse part was what I witnessed during my last visit. I went out to Colorado in May of 2017. And I did most of my usual tourist stuff. My aunt and I took a trip to the Rosemount Museum. I hadn't been there in years. As we were walking up to the big, beautiful mansion from the street out of the corner of my eye I spied a blanket on a bench. Next thing I know a very big guy gets up from the blanket and starts following us to the door. I was terrified. But I tried to act cool. I sped up the stairs to the door while casually talking about the pretty flowers. The door wouldn't open. Now I'm really freaked out! A sign to the right said ring for entrance; so I punched the doorbell. Inside someone opens the door just enough for me and my aunt to get in. Then they have some words with the guy following us. They weren't pleasant words, either. He said he wanted to visit the gift shop and they said no. The situation was downright unnerving. It seems this guy had been sleeping on this very warm day in a blanket on their property. By the time we left he was gone, but the memory and the feeling still remains. 

During this same trip I went with my aunt to Carl Jr.'s. While we were eating a guy came in with his own food. He took seat at a table and promptly fell asleep. I was a little creeped out by it, but I guess there are strange people everywhere. During that same visit to Carl Jr.'s I had to use the bathroom. So I got up and headed to the ladies room. I couldn't open the door. There's a keypad beside the door. I had to go back in line, wait and get the code to get into the bathroom. What kind of place is this? It seems the homeless people had been trashing the bathroom and leaving needles and I don't know what in the bathrooms to the point where the restaurant had to pay money to get a keypad for the restrooms. I'm astonished!

My aunt told me that going to the post office in town isn't a fun experience. Homeless people come in and use the trash can as their toilet. The floor is filthy and it smells bad, even during normal business hours.

How did this happen? Why isn't anyone talking about this? At the time, I took comfort in the fact that I live in Missouri. There's no way this can happen here. But I could be wrong. 

When recreational marijuana became legal in Colorado many people in other states decided to move out there to live the dream. I guess that involved getting a job in the newly legalized marijuana field and enjoy a toke whenever they liked. Reality must have hit them hard. Most good paying jobs in Pueblo still require a drug test. If you can't find or hold a job, you can't get a place to stay. The homeless population in my hometown is a problem now. That's not the only problem, though. Because people can grow their own marijuana in their house or their backyard, everyone gets to smell the plant. Now I'm not going to say I know what this smells like, but I've been told that the plant smells like a skunk. If there's one growing next door, when the wind is blowing you can smell it in your backyard. It doesn't sound very pleasant.

Colorado's changes didn't happen overnight. I believe they legalized medical marijuana to get taxes to help with education. I don't see the schools any better than they were before. Pueblo just went to a 4 day week. They usually do that to save money. The streets still have potholes. They even voted in a new tax to pay for street repair. And now they have to spend millions of dollars for a homeless shelter and warming stations. After legalizing medical marijuana, they legalized recreational. At the beginning marijuana dispensaries were kept in Pueblo county, now they are infiltrating the city. 

I don't want to be an alarmist, but I don't want to see these things happen in Missouri. Please think long and hard before you vote in November. My heart breaks when I think about Colorado. I don't want to deal with that sort of life in Missouri. 

Thanks for reading.

Implications of legalization in Colorado

Colorado Springs mayor warns Arizona

It's now legal in Colorado for school personnel to administer medical marijuana to students

Take a Groove Walk

I made up some delicious iced tea, but haven't partaken yet. I'm still drinking my good, old water. I don't know about you, but I've become a little slack in my exercises. Some of it was due to my hip being out of place and spending several days a week at the chiropractor's office. When I wasn't there I was concerned if exercising was going to take my hip out of place again. So the only exercises I did regularly were the stretches from the chiropractor. Now that I'm only going once a week I decided to get back into walking.

But here's my deal with walking. I can't walk around my neighborhood, because I live on a highway. So I have to get in my car and drive somewhere to take an outdoor walk. Then I worry about rain, getting cold or getting hot, am I hydrated enough. Now I don't think it's worth the effort to go to the park or where ever to walk. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

But last week, I changed my attitude. And in the process that followed I think I created something new. I like to call it Groove Walking. Here's how it started. I pulled up my iTunes and created a playlist of songs I thought were upbeat and I'd like to listen to while I walked. Luckily, I have a decent play and a pretty big house. So I plugged up my computer to external speakers and set my timer for 20 minutes and started walking in my house. These songs were so good, though; I ended up in a half dance and half walk. By golly, I think it was a Groove Walk!

The first time I Groove Walked I felt a little silly. But who cares? I didn't have people peeking in the windows. And I looked. Getting through 20 minutes wasn't a piece of cake either. I'd check my timer in hopes of it almost ready to ring. I'd groove by my water and take a few sips while I walked. But after a few times of Groove Walking, I found myself going even after the timer when off. Today, I Groove Walked until my playlist was done. That's about 35 minutes. So if your exercise routine is boring you, you might want to consider taking a Groove Walk. It's the newest, most enjoyable way to get some exercise and get funky!

Let me know if you Groove Walk. I might have to patent the name and make a video demonstration. Maybe even a book, "Groove Walking for Dummies".

Better Breakfast... or Lunch or Supper

I took a good walk after school today and then decided to enjoy a glass of iced tea. I've been a little slack with Tea Talk lately and thought I might try to remedy the situation. And since I've done some cooking over the weekend, I thought I'd share my thoughts with you.

I have found my new breakfast food. I've heard of this, but don't think I'd ever had one until I set out to make it this weekend. This amazing food is called frittata. A frittata is like a quiche without the crust. And the best part is that you can add any meat and vegetables you want. I'm not joking; this Italian dish can be made with whatever meat and veggies you've got around the house.

I learned a little bit about the preparation after my first frittata. The first thing I learned is to a have the cheese shredded up before you start cooking. The second thing I learned was to chop up the onion and garlic before cooking. So I guess pretending like I'm on a cooking show is the best way to cook a frittata. The only item I had to purchase at the grocery store was heavy cream. I bought the smallest container and it was a couple dollars. The rest of the ingredients I already had in my house.

So here's how to get a good frittata. You need a good cast iron skillet to cook the entire frittata. Yes, a one pan recipe. That's what I'm talking about! The recipe I found called for 1/4 cup heavy cream for 6 eggs. I used a little more cream and 8 eggs. The recipe said I should fry up 4 slices of bacon. Ha! I'll cook up a half a package of bacon or none at all. This time I went for none at all. I put some bacon grease in the skillet and cooked up a few ham slices. When that was hot (I bought precooked) I removed it and put in the veggies. I had some frozen chopped broccoli and cauliflower. I added those to the skillet along with some onion and garlic. I did have to cook this for a few minutes because it was frozen. When the veggies were done, I added the ham that I'd chopped up and spread it evenly in the skillet. Shredded cheese was next. Once it started to melt I added the whipped up eggs and heavy cream mixture which also included a little kosher salt. Make sure the eggs cover the veggies and cook until the sides start to set. I put it in a 400 degree oven for about 12 minutes. Then I turned it to low broil so the top got a turned a nice brown.

I didn't know it was so easy to remove it from the skillet the first time. I kept the leftovers in the skillet taking up a lot of room in the refrigerator. Today I made another one and removed it from the skillet after cooling. It came out easy and I cut it like a pizza. I can't wait to eat this every morning for breakfast. I used to make a breakfast casserole, but the frittata has very little carbs compared to my breakfast casserole. And it's got whatever meat and veggies I want to put in it. This may become my staple breakfast food. If you haven't made one before I suggest you do it today.

If you have made one, share some of your favorite combinations. Right now I'm digging the ham and broccoli, but I know I'll want to try some different combinations.

Lessons From Friends

As I look back on this post from over 6 years ago, I'm rejuvenated and inspired.  I realize how much I've changed and grown.  My goals today originate internally instead of externally. I have more passion to reach my goals because they are deep seated desires that come from my life's purpose. This makes it much easier to sustain and obtain. 

And yet there are some parts that are still me. I have the same goal setting mindset. I'm still growing. I'm still learning. I now have a better grasp on myself and my motivations. 

Hello! I hope this finds you brimming with good cheer. If not, put the kettle on and brew up your favorite tea. I had a nice visit this afternoon with my neighbor and her visiting daughter. They are such a fun pair. I know I should visit my neighbor more often. She's a sassy lady who always seems to bring a smile to my face. And her daughter, though still slightly older than me, always seems to inspire me.

Beatles poster is now gone. :(

This time she lost over 30 lbs. by following a few healthy guidelines. It's so amazing that I have to share it with you. She started by using Fitbit. She'd make a step goal and then surpass it. At the same time, she changed her eating habits. She let go of the fancy coffees and went plain black. She said no to the rich desserts and only took a small piece on special occasions. But mainly she walked and walked until she was over her goal. Then she upped her goal.

I'm so in such awe of this smart, intelligent woman who took control of her health. And I wonder what I can learn from her success. First thing I think I can learn is to really make a goal. I have a goal on my pedometer, but sometimes I think I'm happy getting close to my goal. I make excuses for myself. That's not the way to be successful. I need to pick a reasonable goal and then surpass it and then up it.

I already avoid coffee unless black and avoid sugar. But I can eat much more vegetables and fruits and less grains and even my homemade bread. I can get healthier food at the store instead of what looks quick and easy.

Sometimes, I seem to make excuses for myself. "Well, your back hurts."  "You've had a long day at work." Blah, blah, blah. I can come up with anything for an excuse. But I need to think of my neighbor's daughter. She didn't let excuses stop her from moving toward her goals and I shouldn't either. I hope this blog has had you thinking about your goals, whatever they are. I hope you find renewed energy to take your goals one step further. The happiness I've seen from someone progressing toward their goals has definitely inspired me toward better goal monitoring. I hope it does you, too.

Safe Space in the Seventies

Hello again! It's been a little while since we've chatted. But that's okay. I'm sure you've survived drinking tea with a little peace and quiet. Speaking of peace and quiet. I thought I'd share some ideas about safe spaces.

Now first let me preface that I don't know everything about safe spaces. What I do know has come from a friend and some research. Let's start with a definition. My Google dictionary says a safe space is: a place or environment in which a person or a category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment or any other emotional or physical harm.

It's just what the name implies; I guess. I would relate it to a safe room in a person's house. A person might go there to avoid a catastrophe or an intruder. I would think some places should also be considered safe places; maybe your attorney's office, doctor's office, therapist's office. They take oaths not to reveal your confidences. So why not consider them safe spaces?

Most of the research I've found likes to talk about safe spaces at schools and especially colleges. That concept is a little foreign to me. So let me talk about a time I needed a safe space and we can compare the situations.

Back in the late seventies I was in upper elementary school. And I suffered with my share of name calling and bullying. Come on, who didn't? And you couldn't always run home to mommy and daddy for help. It just wasn't convenient. But the thought of asking for a safe space was laughable. In fact, there were probably people who needed one more than me. I had my charming sense of humor to help me. Not really! I was just as dorky as everyone else. But one time I created my own safe space. And in the spirit of helping anyone who might need a safe space, I'll tell you my story.

I lived on a little street in Springfield, MO back in my younger years. I was probably in 6th or 7th grade. I didn't know it at the time, but maybe people called it a rough part of town. I don't know. It was home. Around the corner and on the corner lived a family of really tough kids. I won't mention any names, but they didn't like to play nice. I'm not sure what I did, but one summer day I did something that didn't make those tough kids happy. And they were out for me. I needed a safe space and I needed it quickly. I hopped on my bike and headed home. Running inside wasn't going to help. Those kids knew how to knock on the door and ask for me. What did I do instead? I made my own safe space. I dropped my bike in the yard and high tailed it up a tree. I was safely hidden in leaves of the tree as I watched those kids come by my house looking for me. I was still in that tree when they got bored and took off.

Whew! My only problem was how to get down. Dang it! That's always been my problem with tree climbing. It's so much easier to get up than it is to get down. But I made my own safe space. I was protected from physical and emotional harm in that tree. So let's remember that life is hard, but we can make our own safe space. The seventies weren't that bad, in fact I think we might have learned some creativity in those days. Let me know what you think.

The Man Behind the Green

Today is the day of wearing green. I'm sure you have a little Irish in you. I know I do. But did you know St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland wasn't even Irish? It is true!

St. Patrick was actually born in Britain while it was under Roman rule. When he was a young teenager he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. His job was to herd sheep. During his six or so years in captivity, he turned to Christianity. And one day he heard from God to leave Ireland by going to the coast. He made his escape by hitching a ride from a boat he found at dock. Seems like perfect timing.

When Patrick made it back home to Britain, he reunited with his family and at age 20 began studying for the priesthood. After he was ordained, he headed back to Ireland as a missionary. This is when all the legends began about St. Patrick. What we do know, is that he converted many Irish to Christianity. He used the shamrock, or clover to demonstrate the Holy Trinity. He also established many churches in Ireland.

One myth states that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland. I believe this is a metaphor for Patrick confronting the Druids and converting them to Christianity, therefore cleansing the island of paganism. And really, Ireland never had snakes to begin with.

Patrick died on March 17, 461 and was pretty much lost in the archives until he became the patron saint of Ireland. It wasn't until the 1700s that people started wearing shamrocks to show their Irish Christian pride. Later, they just started wearing the color green. The first St. Patrick's Day parade actually occurred in the United States during the Revolutionary war. Since then, St. Patrick's Day has exploded. Parades go on in cities world wide. Chicago dies their river green and green beer flows all over the place.

So on this day, take a little time to remember the real St. Patrick. He must have had a strong love for the people who made him a slave to go back and share the love of God with them. So please save one toast for St. Patrick and don't forget to wear your green.

Sources: Catholic.org
History Channel