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June 2023
SUMMER’S SMALL PLEASURES
Why I Love the Slowest Season
I’ve gotten very soft since moving to Virginia 20 years ago. Wyoming’s high elevation means it has a cool climate, so my childhood summers were always short. I’ve since fully acclimated to the warmer weather — anything below 50 feels chilly! So, I’m always excited when summer rolls around each year. That’s not to say the season doesn’t have its challenges. The humidity isn’t kind to people with curly hair, and I unintentionally go through three different styles every day. By evening, I usually look like Gilda Radner. But I enjoy the humidity nonetheless; it feels like a warm, comfortable blanket. On the other hand, I’ve always been a favorite target for mosquitos. It’s an unpleasant reality, but I love getting outside too much to let it slow me down. Going on a hike or bike ride always feels like an adventure. I appreciate the wide-open plains and Rocky Mountain landscapes of Wyoming, where you can see for miles in front of you. But the trees and roads here leave me wondering what I’ll see next. I love anticipating what’s around the upcoming corner and finding surprises along my path. The trees and other greenery are also relaxing. They allow me to reset my mind and enjoy time away from screens, clocks, and deadlines. I don’t even mind the whoosh of cars or the chatter of people on their telephones. It’s all part of the beautiful cacophony of being out in the world. You might even say it’s the sound of summer.
slightly removed from city life. Colonial Williamsburg is another compelling destination for a walk. Fred and I always make a point to visit the farmer’s market a few times each season. There’s nothing more luxurious to me than grabbing a cup of coffee and slowly meandering through beautiful stalls filled with flowers, fruit, and vegetables. What we find will often become the basis for dinner, and the farmer’s market feels like summer. The Colonial Parkway is also a fantastic place to go for a bike ride, and fortunately, it’s not too far from where Fred and I live. I enjoy seeing historic areas and traveling along the river. When we’re lucky, we might spot eagles or other wildlife. The space feels open and expansive, and it’s a gift to experience nature and only a short ride from our home. Summer also isn’t complete without food cooked on an open flame. If you’re already going to be a sweaty mess from spending time outdoors, why not be a smokey mess from the barbecue? I love marinating those farmer’s market veggies, putting them on a skewer and grilling them outdoors. But I’m also not overly fussy and won’t turn down a grilled hot dog with ketchup, mustard, and onions.
I particularly love going for a walk or bike ride on the Virginia Capital Trail. It’s among my favorite places to be around others while feeling
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Some of the simple things in life are the best, and the bounty of summer makes everything feel sumptuous. This season only comes once a year, so we must enjoy it while we can. I hope your summer is filled with nature, relaxation, and small pleasures.
–Geneva Perry
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Common Restaurant Health Code Violations That Doesn’t Look Quite Right
If you’re a foodie, then you may agree with other restaurant enthusiasts when they say that the top deterrent to dining at a particular food establishment is an adverse health inspection. When a restaurant is plagued with that on their record, images of rats, mold, filth, and grime may pop into your head — and then your appetite tanks. Restaurants must comply with a health code designed to ensure that their food is safe and customers don’t experience foodborne illnesses. When restaurants violate this code, they expose themselves to potential fines and sometimes forced closures. If you’re a person who enjoys dining out, it’s important to be familiar with some of the most common health code violations. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for. Cross-Contamination Cross-contamination takes place when bacteria are transferred among different people, objects, and places, causing foodborne
illnesses to become more likely. In all stages of the cooking process and behind-the-scenes prep work, cross-contamination can occur. While it might be difficult to see how your food is being prepared at a restaurant, some signs of cross- contamination that occur in the dining area include waiters and waitresses carrying plates by the rim instead of the bottom of the plate, hair dangling into the food, using a glass to scoop ice, and forgetting to sanitize towels between each use. Unsanitary Restaurant Exterior and Interior As mentioned, restaurant guests typically aren’t invited back into the kitchen, but the dining room and exterior of the restaurant are on full display. Is there trash around the exterior that could potentially attract rats and pests? Are there cracks and crevices in the walls? Is there stagnant water, debris, or places for pests to hide? Are blinds and window sills dusty? Is there dirt, trash, or food particles on the floor? All of these signs may point to poor cleanliness in the kitchen. Employee Presentation You might never actually see the chef and the cooks on the line, but you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the rest of the staff. Are employees wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)? Are they tidy, in proper uniform, wearing aprons, with their hair tied back appropriately? Are their hands free of debris, food, and dirt? As a general rule of thumb, employees should not be eating in dining and food preparation areas. If you ever catch your waiter sneaking a bite of a breadstick, this could also be a cause for concern. While it may be difficult to pinpoint whether or not a restaurant is lacking in the health code area, these are some great identifiers to keep an eye out for. They may even reveal whether or not the establishment and its protocols are up to snuff — so you can feel comfortable and confident indulging in a great meal there. Happy dining!
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TAKE A BREAK
Change the Way You Save What to Expect From the SECURE 2.0 Act
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Get ready for more savings! Last year,
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the SECURE 2.0 Act added new provisions that may change how you
prepare for retirement. In order to
increase your savings come retirement, these changes aim to make
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com HOMEMADE DOLE WHIP
saving more manageable and enticing. They also lower the cost for employers
to offer savings plans within the company. Now, it’s more attractive for employers to offer savings plans for their employees, and employees will have better plan options to choose from! Here’s what you need to know! RMD Age Extended One of the most significant changes involves required minimum distributions (RMDs). The previous rules stated that retirees were required to make withdrawals from their retirement accounts when they turned 72 years old. Now, the RMD age is 73, providing you an extra year to save in your tax-free retirement accounts instead of taking those taxable distributions early. On Jan. 1, 2033, this threshold age will be raised again to 75. Penalties Cut in Half In the past, if you missed an RMD deadline, the penalty was 50% of the amount you should have taken. This penalty has been reduced to only 25% of the amount. If you fix your mistake within two years, the number could be reduced to 10%. Pre-Death Requirement Eliminated In 2024, the pre-death requirement for Roth 401(k) accounts will be removed. This means Roth IRA accounts are not subject to the RMD rules if the account holder passes away before the required distribution age. These changes to RMDs are just a few things the SECURE 2.0 Act has set in motion. To learn more about how to continue saving through your golden years, set up a strategy session with your trusted financial advisor!
The summer heat is on! And what better way to cool off after a long day in the sun than a refreshing bowl of Dole whip? This frozen treat has everything you need in a summer dessert: the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the creamy taste of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • 2 cups frozen pineapple
• 1 tbsp lime juice • Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1. In a high-powered blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. 2. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. 3. Scoop and serve. Alternatively, transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine.)
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Geneva’s Favorite Summer Pleasures
2
Watch Out for Restaurant Health Code Violations
3
Homemade Dole Whip More Ways to Save Are Coming!
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A Wheely Good Time at the Drive-In
A Poppin’ Night at the Drive-In The Best Seats in the House
Do you remember the days of packing up snacks, hopping in the car, and heading out for an evening under the stars at the drive-in? Every year on June 6, we celebrate Drive-In Movie Day. Although movie-going has seen some modifications over the last few decades, drive-in movie theaters are still around and continue to draw a crowd! If you’re interested in reliving some of your best memories and watching a movie at your local drive-in, here are some tips to make the most of the evening. Pack the snacks. Most drive-in theaters have maintained the look and feel of the retro movie experience, so you may need to bring your own munchies and refreshments. So, before you go, pop the popcorn and refrigerate your soda. If you’re bringing your kids or grandchildren, you may want to pack some extra M&M’s and gummy bears along with their favorite juice box! Pocket some cash. For drive-ins with a concession stand, be sure you have cash on hand, just in case they do not accept cards. Before your movie, you can always call ahead to get the scoop on whether or not they have a concession stand and the rules and options.
Dress appropriately. The temperatures can get a bit chilly depending on where you live, and the bugs may be on the loose! Long pants and sweatshirts are a great option to stay comfortable, warm, and protected from the bugs. Tote along some chairs. If you’re with a large group of people, or your car feels a bit cramped, take the party outside: Set up a viewing area with some foldable chairs right around your car. If you have a truck, you can back into the parking spot and put chairs in the truck bed, too! When you arrive prepared, the drive-in is a fun activity all ages and generations can appreciate. As always, ensure you get there early to enjoy the previews, too — many argue it’s the best part of the entire experience!
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