Up The Hill is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of Estrella & CantaMia.
A magazine for Estrella & CantaMia residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors Up The Hill
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
DaveHardySolar.Estrella@gmail.com
All contents © 2010-present Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the content of contributing writers and advertisers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
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From Me To You...
As we head towards the holiday season, I can guarantee that the majority of you will be assembling a flat-pack item or two before the end of the year. For those of you who don’t understand the term “flat- pack,” it is an item, usually furniture, that arrives in your house waiting for assembly. By you. Or a helpful spouse. Or that neighbor you suddenly become best friends with when you spot their power drill collection. In our house I am the assembly(wo)man and I love it. I always enjoyed putting Lego sets together as a kid; who’s kidding here, I still do. In fact, I have several thousand-plus piece sets in my house, which my family insists are “decorative” but we all know are really just socially acceptable toys for adults. It was not always plain sailing though. I remember when we first started buying furniture from a certain Swedish store and the many hours I would end the day with splinters and cracked nails, screwdriver- caused blisters and an aching back. Those instruction manuals with their wordless diagrams and mysterious stick figures made me question my intelligence, my life choices, and whether that engineering degree I never got might have been useful after all.
But like any good relationship, we worked through our issues. I learned that those “extra” screws aren’t actually extra, they’re foreshadowing. I discovered that when the manual shows two people assembling something, it’s not a suggestion, it’s a desperate plea. I figured out that “assembly time: 45 minutes” is code for “block out your entire Saturday.” Now I approach each flat-pack box with the confidence of a seasoned warrior. I lay out all the pieces. I organize the hardware. I actually read the instructions first. Sometimes I even use the Allen wrench they provide instead of losing it immediately and using my own tools. And when I finish? There’s nothing quite like admiring a bookshelf you built yourself, even if it’s technically supposed to hold books rather my Lego masterpieces, which leaves one pressing question: where am I supposed to put my books? Off to the Swedish store again! Catherine Uretsky Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Happy Thanksgiving
A Happy Thanksgiving From Estrella Publishing Thanksgiving is here, everyone! It’s a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, watch the iconic parade balloons float down the streets of New York, share a delicious feast together, and perhaps sneak in a cozy afternoon nap before settling in for the big game. As families prepare their holiday menus, many are discussing which traditional dishes deserve a place at the table. Here are our thoughts on a few Thanksgiving classics: Green Bean Casserole—YES! This beloved side dish brings a touch of vegetables to balance out the indulgent feast. While there’s always someone who claims nobody eats it, we’ve noticed that it tends to disappear from the serving dish pretty quickly—often with certain family members quietly going back for seconds and thirds! Turkey Takes Center Stage Thanksgiving dinner is really turkey’s time to shine. With so many wonderful ways to prepare a beautiful roasted turkey, why not make it the star of your meal? Whether you use Grandma’s recipe or try something new, a well-prepared turkey is the cornerstone of this special day. Cranberry Sauce—ABSOLUTELY! No Thanksgiving table is complete without cranberry
sauce. This sweet-tart accompaniment perfectly complements turkey and adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Whether you prefer the smooth jellied variety or a homemade version with whole berries, cranberry sauce is a must-have that brings that classic Thanksgiving taste everyone expects. There are countless ways to celebrate Thanksgiving; with sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, and so many other delicious options. But what truly matters isn’t which dishes you choose or how perfectly everything turns out. It’s about gathering around the table with the people you love, sharing gratitude, and creating cherished memories together. From all of us at Estrella Publishing, we wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and joy. Happy Thanksgiving to all our neighbors in the community!
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On Our Cover
The Yellow Footprints by Timothy Rilley: A Personal Journey Through Marine Corps Boot Camp Timothy Rilley’s memoir chronicles his transformation from a college dropout to a United States Marine, the title references the iconic yellow footprints painted at Marine Corps Recruit Depots, where every Marine recruit takes their first steps toward earning the title. Rilley’s journey begins with a reckless decision: extending his spring break while on a basketball scholarship. This choice resulted in him being expelled from college. He soon received the dreaded greeting from the President of the United States: his draft notice. His honest admission that “it turned out I wasn’t too bright” sets the tone for a narrative marked by candid self-reflection and humor. The memoir captures that universal moment of panic when youthful invincibility meets adult consequences. Whether recruits arrive at Parris Island or MCRD San Diego, their first encounter standing on those yellow footprints becomes a life-changing experience. Rilley uses this powerful symbol to explore the broader theme that showing up is necessary but not sufficient for success. What makes Rilley’s account compelling is its everyman quality. He doesn’t portray himself as a hero seeking glory, but rather as someone who made mistakes and had to face the consequences. His perspective offers insight into the draft era’s impact
on young American men who suddenly found their life trajectories dramatically altered by circumstances partly of their own making and partly beyond their control. Rilley emphasizes that the yellow footprints represent more than just the start of boot camp. They symbolize the moment when showing up becomes the first step in a profound personal transformation. For readers interested in military memoirs, coming-of-age stories, or Vietnam-era history, Rilley’s honest recounting offers both historical value and timeless lessons about accountability and personal growth. Our very own Estrella resident Timothy Rilley will be signing copies of *The Yellow Footprints* at Roman’s Oasis on Tuesday, November 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the author, hear more about his remarkable journey from civilian to Marine, and get a signed copy of this inspiring memoir.
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Go Cards! Cook With Zona
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
RICHARD TAX SERVICES LLC We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your thanksgiving sides or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing. Ingredients • 2 pounds baby carrots • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 1/4 cup maple syrup (Substitute with honey or agave) • 1/3 cup butter, cubed • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon pepper • Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional) • Total Time: 3-4 hrs or 5-6 hrs Steps 1. In the slow cooker, stir together carrots, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. Pour in the maple syrup (or honey/or agave) and toss well to coat the carrots evenly. 2. Cut the butter into pats and spread them over the carrots. 3. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender. If possible, stir 1-2 times during cooking. 4. If you want a thicker glaze, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking (turn the crockpot on high). Just remember to stir a few times during this process. 5. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme before serving warm. 6. Enjoy!
There’s always that one side dish that steals the show on Thanksgiving—and these Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots just might be it. They bring a touch of sweetness to the table, balancing out all the savory favorites we wait for all year long. As they simmer away in the slow cooker, the kitchen fills with an aroma
that feels like pure Thanksgiving comfort. What makes them even better is how effortless they are. While the turkey roasts and pies bake, your slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple carrots into tender, buttery perfection. These carrots are the kind of side that remind us what Thanksgiving is really about— simple, heartwarming food shared with the people we love most. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
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Beat The Rush
Getting Gifts Early: Shop Smart This November The holiday rush always sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? This year, let’s get ahead of the chaos and use November to find thoughtful gifts that truly show how much you care. Skip the stress and the last-minute scramble – your loved ones deserve presents that feel personal and create lasting memories. Consider giving an experience instead of something material. A cooking class, pottery workshop, or concert tickets can create memories your recipient will treasure for years. The bonus? No wrapping paper required! These experiential gifts often mean more than physical items because they offer quality time and new adventures. If you prefer something to unwrap, explore handmade or customized options. Small businesses across the internet offer everything from engraved jewelry to custom map prints, hand-crafted coffee mugs, or personalized recipe books filled with family favorites. These gifts feel incredibly special without requiring you to make something yourself – you get all the thoughtfulness with professional quality. A growing trend focuses on choosing presents that align with the recipient’s values. For the environmentally conscious friend or family member, consider reusable home goods, sustainable fashion, or eco-friendly beauty products. A gift that reflects
someone’s principles shows you truly understand and respect what matters to them. Can’t decide on just one thing? Create a gift basket! Pair that cozy blanket with a book they’ve been eyeing, add some gourmet hot chocolate, and include their favorite treats. Multiple small gifts combined show effort and attention to detail. Shopping early gives you the freedom to be creative and thoughtful without pressure. Pour yourself a nice cup of coffee, browse at your leisure, and craft the perfect gift. When December arrives and others are frantically shopping, you’ll be relaxed and ready to enjoy the season. Start now, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re sipping cocoa by the fireplace instead of fighting crowds at the mall!
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The Bug Guy Thanksgiving Guests: The Unwanted West Valley Edition
• Sure, scorpions slow down when temperatures drop, but “slow” is relative when one decides your bathroom is the perfect place to contemplate its life choices at 2 AM. Nothing kills a tryptophan nap faster than a surprise arachnid encounter. They’re not interested in your turkey, but they’ll gladly crash your post-dinner bathroom break. • Desert ants are like that one relative who “just stopped by” and then never leaves. One crumb of cornbread on the floor becomes and suddenly you’re hosting the ant equivalent of Black Friday in your kitchen. They work faster than your uncle clearing his third plate. Before you panic-flip the table, remember: professional pest control is cheaper than therapy and more effective than your abuela’s chancla. Schedule that pre- holiday treatment, seal those entry points, and keep food covered tighter than your secret family recipes. This Thanksgiving, be grateful for family, food, and pest control professionals who keep the guest list manageable. Happy Thanksgiving, West Valley – may your turkey be moist and your home pest-free! Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.
Ah, Thanksgiving in the West Valley – where the temperature finally dips below “surface of the sun” and families gather to celebrate gratitude, turkey, and the annual invasion of uninvited guests who definitely weren’t on the seating chart. We’re talking about pests, of course. Those freeloading party crashers who think your holiday feast is an all- you-can-eat buffet. • Nothing says “pass the gravy” quite like a cockroach doing the cha-cha across your kitchen counter. Phoenix roaches have been training all year for this moment, and they’re ready to Olympics-level sprint toward that pumpkin pie the second the lights go out. They’ve even invited their extended family – all 47 of them. • Mice in the Valley don’t need OpenTable to secure a holiday booking. They’ve already RSVP’d “yes” by chewing through your pantry boxes and leaving little “thank you notes” behind the stove. That scratching sound in the walls? That’s just Stuart Little’s entire family showing up for leftovers.
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We were excited to be hosting Thanksgiving, poolside, in our new Estrella home! With the double-oven humming away, the savory aroma of our holiday meal filled the house. The kitchen island held a fun variety of game day snacks alongside the pumpkin pie and other after-dinner deserts that had been covered to keep the kids from ruining their appetites. Everyone not busily preparing dinner was either watching football in the great room or in the backyard throwing a football around on the turf. Then, it was time. The table had been set and out came the hot, creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, green bean casserole, warm buttered rolls, and… the TURKEY! We all sat down together, shared our thanks, and dug into the feast. And, that’s when my daughter asked, “Mom, why do we only have
half a turkey? Everyone is here, but you only made half of the turkey.” A little caught off-guard by the question because we ALWAYS had half a turkey on Thanksgiving, I smiled and said, “It’s tradition!” I looked to my own mother who nodded back at me. “Yes, tradition!” she said. Turning to my grandmother she added, “But I don’t know how the tradition started. Mom, why do we cut the turkey in half?” My grandma chuckled as she answered, “Well, I never had a pan big enough to fit a whole turkey!” This is not a true story but a fun one I like to share when taking part in truly revered holiday traditions with my family and friends. Being from the Midwest, we do really enjoy our warm Arizona holiday dinners outside now. I am thankful to be an Estrella Realtor as I get to see and show-off the beauty of our community every day. I am grateful to you, my neighbors. Your trust in my real estate service has helped me grow a long and successful career right here at home. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine November 2025 15 Call Camille Direct: 602-616-6502
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Veterans Day
Veterans Day stands as one of America’s most significant holidays, honoring the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all military veterans, living and deceased. The holiday originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, an armistice between Allied forces and Germany took effect, silencing the guns of the Great War. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first commemoration, calling it a day to reflect on the heroism of those who died in service and to express gratitude for victory and peace. In 1938, Armistice Day became an official federal holiday, initially dedicated to world peace and honoring World War I veterans. However, after World War II and the Korean War added millions more veterans to America’s ranks, the holiday’s scope felt too narrow. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day, expanding recognition to honor American veterans of all wars.
The timing itself carries profound meaning. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month represents a moment when the world collectively exhaled after unprecedented devastation. This precise timestamp reminds us that peace, once achieved, must be preserved. The poppy flower has become an enduring symbol associated with Veterans Day, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields.” These red blooms grew abundantly on European battlefields, representing both the blood shed and the resilient hope that life continues after conflict. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery serves as another powerful symbol. Guarded continuously since 1937, it represents all service members whose remains were never identified, ensuring that even the nameless are never forgotten. Veterans Day reminds us that freedom isn’t free—it’s protected by ordinary people who make extraordinary commitments. These men and women leave families, interrupt careers, and risk everything to serve something larger than themselves.
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November Events & Meetings* Sunday
Monday Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Wednesday
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Community Garage Sale 7:00AM-1:00PM
Get ready to reel in the fun! Join us for a Family Fish Fry on November 22, 4:00–7:00 PM, at the Presidio Great Lawn featuring fresh bites by The Cantina, a live DJ, photo booth, lawn games, and a cash bar. Great food, good times and family fun await! Tickets: $20/adult (kids eat free!). Cash Only, Starpointe Front Desk.
Hosted by:
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Picture Perfect Pop Up
Living Will Seminar Presidio Demo Kitchen 6:00-8:00PM
Realtor Block Party North Lake 4:00-7:00PM Flag Ceremony & Ladybug Release Community Garden 10:00-11:00AM
Budget Finance Committee Starpointe 3:00PM Starpointe 10:00AM-1:00PM
Chef’s Table Presidio Demo Kitchen 5:00-7:00PM
Community-Wide 10:00AM-2:00PM
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Barktoberfest North Lake 9:00AM-12:30PM Holiday Photo Sessions Presidio 9:00AM-3:00PM
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Community Garden Committee Presidio, 4:00PM Food Truck Night Starpointe 4:30-7:30PM
Veterans Breakfast Cantina 8:00-11:00AM
Art Gallery Committee Presidio, 1:15PM Storytime + Teddy Bear Picnic Bougainvillea Park 10:00-11:00AM
Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
Country Dance Presidio 6:00-9:00PM
Community Services Office Closed
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Parents Night Out Lakeside Grill PreSchooners Youth Club 6:00-8:00PM
Family Fish Fry Presidio Great Lawn 4:00-7:00PM
Chalk Walk North Lake 10:00AM-2:00PM
Starpointe 10:00AM-1:00PM
Presidio 9:00AM-3:00PM
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Community Services Office Closed Clubs Open 8:00AM-9:00 PM
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*Event & meeting dates and times subject to change Blood Drive Starpointe Parking Lot 9:00AM-1:00PM
Cantina Brunch Presidio Demo Kitchen 10:00AM-Noon
Community Services Office and Clubs Closed
18 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine Contact Information Community Services Office / Estrella Facilities Office: 623-386-1112 Starpointe Residents’ Club: 623-386-1949 / Presidio Residents’ Club: 623-322-7841 Community Website: www.LifeInEstrella.com For a Listing of Estrella Group & Club Meetings, visit: www.lifeinestrella.com/231/Clubs-Groups To Sign Up for Weekly Newsletters, email: estrellacommunications@ccmcnet.com
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Holiday Travel Tips
Managing the Stress of Thanksgiving Travel
in carry-ons: medications, a change of clothes, and entertainment for kids. Nothing amplifies stress like lost luggage containing the one thing you absolutely needed. Add an extra hour to your airport arrival time during Thanksgiving week. For road trips, plan for 25% longer travel time than GPS suggests. These buffers transform potential disasters into manageable inconveniences and give you breathing room when Uncle Bob calls asking you to pick up cranberry sauce. Hungry or bored travelers are stressed travelers. Pack protein-rich snacks like nuts, cheese, and granola bars to maintain energy levels. Download podcasts, audiobooks, or create collaborative playlists before leaving. For kids, new small toys or activity books can work wonders during inevitable delays. Flight delayed? Use the time to catch up with traveling companions or explore the airport. Traffic jam? Turn it into a game or use it as phone-free conversation time. Your attitude sets the tone for everyone traveling with you. When plans change—and they will— adapting gracefully reduces everyone’s stress levels. This Thanksgiving, approach travel as part of the holiday experience rather than an obstacle to it. With preparation, patience, and perspective, you’ll arrive at your destination ready to enjoy what truly matters: time with loved ones.
With millions of Americans hitting the roads and skies during the holiday weekend, a little preparation can transform your journey from frantic to festive. Book your travel as early as possible. If you’re flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor, consider early morning flights when delays are less common. For road trips, download offline maps and check Arizona Department of Transportation updates before departure, especially if you’re navigating mountain passes where weather can change quickly. Create a packing list two weeks ahead and check it twice. For car travel, prepare an emergency kit with water, snacks, phone chargers, and basic first aid supplies. Flying families should pack essentials
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Home Sweet Home
The Value of Kitchen & Bathroom Updates Without a Full Remodel When it comes to boosting both livability and resale value, kitchens and bathrooms consistently top the list of most important spaces in a home. But the idea of a full remodel can feel overwhelming and expensive. The good news? You don’t have to take on a massive renovation to make a big impact. Small, strategic updates can refresh these rooms, making them feel more modern, functional, and appealing to both you and future buyers. In the kitchen, even the simplest upgrades can transform the space. Swapping out old cabinet hardware for sleek, contemporary pulls is one of the quickest ways to modernize the room. Adding a fresh coat of paint to cabinets or walls can completely change the mood, especially when paired with updated light fixtures. Another budget-friendly improvement is replacing faucets with a stylish, efficient design. If you’re looking for a statement piece, consider adding a tile backsplash - it instantly adds character without breaking the bank.
Bathrooms also benefit greatly from these smaller upgrades. Replacing dated mirrors with framed or backlit versions creates a polished look, while new faucets and showerheads can elevate functionality and style. Updating light fixtures or swapping out an old vanity for a more streamlined option brings the space up to date. Even something as simple as fresh grout or re-caulking around tubs and sinks can make the room feel cleaner and more cared for. These updates not only improve daily life but also add appeal in the real estate market. Buyers often focus on kitchens and bathrooms, so showing off spaces that feel fresh and move-in ready can make your home stand out. Best of all, because these projects are less costly than full remodels, the return on investment can be significant. Ultimately, you don’t need to commit to a major renovation to see results. With a few thoughtful changes, your kitchen and bathrooms can feel new, inviting, and valuable—both for you now and for any
future buyer down the road. Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
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The Doctor Is In Doomscrolling: What It Is and How to Stop It
in: each refresh offers potential new information, and that anticipation becomes rewarding itself. Studies link doomscrolling to increased anxiety and stress, as distressing content raises cortisol levels, leaving you constantly on edge. Sleep quality suffers too—blue light disrupts melatonin production, and upsetting bedtime reading makes falling asleep difficult. Perhaps most damaging, the overwhelming negativity creates feelings of helplessness that can contribute to depression and apathy. Fortunately, you can reclaim your mental peace with these strategies: * Set time limits by using a timer to enforce boundaries. Curate your feed actively, unfollowing accounts that consistently post distressing content. * Switch to positive inputs by intentionally seeking uplifting material. Follow accounts featuring hobbies, art, humor, or adorable puppies. * Find productive outlets rather than passively consuming news. Take action through donations or volunteering for causes you care about, transforming helplessness into empowerment. * Practice mindfulness when you feel the scrolling urge. Pause and ask yourself honestly: is this helping or just adding stress?
Doomscrolling means excessively consuming negative content online, like constantly refreshing social media for crisis updates. Understanding why we do it is the first step to breaking free. Three psychological factors drive the doomscrolling cycle. First, our brains are hardwired with a negativity bias, paying more attention to threatening information. Second, scrolling creates an illusion of control—we feel “in the know,” though it often increases helplessness. Third, the dopamine loop kicks
Protect your mental well-being by viewing doomscrolling as a compulsive behavior you can overcome. Prepare a list of healthy distractions for challenging moments—whether that’s calling a friend, taking a walk, or diving into a good book. Being mindful of your media consumption isn’t about ignoring the world; it’s about engaging with it in healthier, more sustainable ways. Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D. DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.
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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Survival Guide ;) How To... Pre-Dinner Reconnaissance (2:00 PM) Upon arrival, immediately identify escape routes and bathrooms. The bathroom is your Switzerland—a neutral zone where you can hide for exactly seven minutes before someone knocks asking if you’re okay. Any longer and Aunt Linda will diagnose you with something she read about on Facebook. The Political Minefield (3:30 PM) When Uncle Frank starts a sentence with “You know what the problem with this country is,” suddenly become fascinated by the gravy boat. Study it like it holds the secrets of the universe. If cornered, deploy emergency phrases: “Interesting perspective” or “I need to help in the kitchen” (even though you’ve never voluntarily helped before). Kitchen Combat Zone (4:00 PM) The kitchen hosts a delicate power struggle between your mother, grandmother, and whoever foolishly offered to help. Your job is to stand awkwardly near the counter, occasionally moving a pot holder, and agreeing with everyone simultaneously. Think Switzerland again, but with more passive aggression about whose stuffing recipe is better. The Feast Begins (5:00 PM) Fill your plate strategically. Pile it high enough that you can’t possibly engage in conversation while chewing,
but not so high that you can’t claim room for Aunt Carol’s dry pumpkin pie later. When asked about your love life, career, or life choices, take an enormous bite and gesture helplessly at your full mouth. Post-Dinner Interrogation (6:30 PM) The sleepy tryptophan haze is your ally. Position yourself on the couch at a diagonal angle that prevents anyone from sitting next to you. Master the art of the “listening nap”—eyes closed but nodding occasionally. When Grandpa shares his story about walking uphill both ways to school for the eighteenth time, remember: you only have to survive until pie. Exit Strategy (8:00 PM) Blame an early morning. Blame your cat. Blame anything. Take your leftovers and retreat to safety, knowing you’ve lived to fight another Thanksgiving.
M OUNTAIN R ANCH F AMILY & C OSMETIC D ENTISRTY
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26 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Puzzle Time Numbers, Numbers, Numbers!
All the puzzles this month involve numbers, have fun and as always the solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com EASY SUDOKU #1
Find each number in the grid below. Numbers can be oriented horizontall vertically, or diagonally. Numbers may also overlap one another on the gr NUMBER SEARCH PUZZL 10x10 Number Search Find each number in the grid below. Numbers can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Numbers may also overlap one another.
Easy Sudoku
PUZZLE 1
5x5 NUMBER CROSS EASY Cross out numbers in each grid so that each row and column of the grid sum to the specified numbers written outside the grid. Number Cross
EASY PUZZLE 1 Cross out the numbers in each grid so that each row and column add up to the specified number written outside the grid.
EASY PUZZLE 2
Copyright © 2014 puzzles-to-print.com. All rights reserved.
Sarah Carter | @mathequalslove | mathequalslove.net |
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EASY PUZZLE 3
EASY PUZZLE 4
Music To Your Ears
The Soundtrack of Our Lives Do you remember your first favorite song? Maybe it played
For boomers especially, those early records were more than entertainment. They were rites of passage. The excitement of saving up allowance money for an album, flipping the vinyl to hear the B-side, or tuning in to countdown shows each weekend made
on a scratchy 45 or through the dashboard radio on a long summer drive. For many of us, the #1 hits of our youth aren’t just background noise - they’re bookmarks in our personal stories. A few opening notes can instantly bring back the people, places, and feelings that shaped who we are. Music has a unique way of connecting generations. Parents passed down Elvis and The Beatles, while their kids danced to the Bee Gees and Madonna. Later came Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, and countless artists who defined moments in time. Every decade had its own rhythm, yet somehow the songs still speak to us today - a shared language of melody and memory. CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT? You're not alone—SARRC is here to help. Our experts provide answers, support and guidance every step of the way.
the music experience feel personal. Even now, hearing a familiar chorus can make us smile, sing along, or maybe even dance in the kitchen. Our favorite songs also remind us how quickly technology has evolved - from jukeboxes to streaming playlists, from bulky headphones to tiny earbuds. But no matter how we listen, the feeling remains the same: a good song can lift our spirits, spark conversation, and remind us of who we were when that song first played. So dust off those memories, cue up a tune from your teenage years, and let it take you back. Whether it’s Motown harmonies, disco grooves, or classic rock guitar riffs, the soundtrack of our lives is always waiting for us to press “play.” Submitted by Brian Simmons, Estrella Resident, Creator of “Heard It All” music app.
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November 2025 29
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Business Directory
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Roofs YOU CAN BE THANKFUL FOR.
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4 Bed I 2.5 Bath I Pool & View I Estrella I 3,212 Sq Ft I $850,000
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2 Bed + Den I 2 Bath I 55+ I CantaMia I 2.132 Sq Ft I $450,000
3 Bed I 2 Bath I Casita I CantaMia I 2,123 Sq. Ft. I $559,000 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 SOLD
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32 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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