December 2018-Mountain Lifestyle-Crestline & Lake Arrowhead edition

Barbara’s
Treasure Box...
full of THIS and THAT
JOY to The World the
“Carolers” have Come!-
Or—Is Barbara out of
the shower yet?
Regardless of what you
know about me, I have a very strange
and unusual life. Many times, I have
been the subject of unusual circumstances
that I have no control of and
this story is one that fits that description.
I tucked it into my past as a
fond memory of a Christmas a long
time ago when I was younger, and
was married to my husband, Rich
Vernon.
We were a part of a couples’
group that stemmed from something
called “Marriage Encounter,” that
met once a week to have fellowship
together and share experiences with
other married couples to gather in
and enhance our own marriages. We
discussed problems and learned how
to resolve them as individual couples
and made some valued friends
during those times we were meeting.
This particular night, I was
not feeling well so I asked my husband
to call the leaders of the group
to tell them that we would not be attending.
He and I had forgotten, but
this was the night that we all had
chosen to go Christmas Caroling together
in the local neighborhood. I
decided to take a shower to relax and
then go to bed. The shower was located
off the master bedroom, which
was the first door to the right when
entering our house. The double
doors to our bedroom opened up to
the foyer of the entrance to our living
room.
So, picture this…
My husband got a call from
the group and they told him that they
were on the way to our place, to surprise
me with a few songs that all of
us had practiced the week before.
When showering, I heard
carolers outside so, I quickly dried
off and wrapped a big towel around
myself, so I could take a peek at the
carolers still singing.
Little did I know that my
husband invited EVERYONE into
the foyer; as he yelled my name
through the double doors, he was
opening at the same time…revealing
me in the towel, and them, singing
JOY TO THE WORLD!
I was not ready for that surprise!
They all ran. Half outside and
to their cars, and half into our living
room so that I would not be in their
line of sight.
I screamed. Ran back into
the bathroom and sat on the toilet
seat and laughed, then cried, then
laughed and then cried.
Not knowing what to do…
ALL of us had scrambled to make
things right by leaving the scene
as fast as we possibly could. That
left my husband feeling like he was
the bad guy because he had brought
everyone inside. He was taking this
worse than when the Raiders lost the
Super Bowl the year before! Poor
guy. He presented his wife to 10
people in just a towel, fresh from a
shower.
All I remember then, was
that he pushed me back into the
bathroom and boldly embraced me;
saying that he was “So sorry.” We
ended up on the floor laughing like
crazy together.
The next day, I received
many apology calls from the couples.
I laughed with them and
thanked each one for their love and
effort to go the distance to surprise
me.
This was one Christmas
Surprise that I will never forget.
Evidently it made an impression on
those folks too, because I just read
this article to one of the people that
was there, and she found it in her
memory, just the way I wrote about
it!
Yes, Barbara just came out of the
shower!!!!
MOUNTAIN GARDENING
BY sUSAN campbell & Michele Martinez
Winterizing Young Fruit Trees
Newly planted trees, especially
fruit trees, have thin bark
that’s susceptible to sun scald and
temperature fluctuations during
winter. Young trees are also sought
after by deer. Here are some tips
on how to protect young fruit trees
during our mountain winters.
Wrap young tree trunks
when the freeze begins. Our mountain
climate experiences fluctuating
temperatures during the winter
which can cause frost cracks in
the bark. In addition, young deer
bucks are known to scrape their
antlers against trees, causing damage,
and even killing young trees.
Protective options for smooth-bark
trees include paper wraps, and
more durable (and reusable) vinyl
guards. Wraps and guards help
regulate internal temperatures and
protect bare tree trunks from sun
scald caused by direct winter sun.
They also help prevent deer and rodent
damage. Remove wrap in late
spring, after the last frost. Do not
substitute plastic wrap or garbage
bags for vinyl or paper! Plastic
retains moisture, inviting rot and
pests. It can also raise internal temperatures,
causing overheating on
sunny days.
Stake young trees in windprone
areas, but not too tightly.
Plant three stakes around the
trees, and loosely tie the tree to the
stakes. There should be enough
wiggle-room for the tree to sway.
This will encourage stronger trunk
and root growth, yet keep the sapling
from being blown over during
a day of Santa Ana winds.
The key to survival during
the winter is giving the tree adequate
moisture before the winter
freeze. Adding mulch helps with
this. To check for soil moisture,
use the “finger test.” If the top four
inches of soil is dry, give the tree
a good slow soak around the drip
line (away from the trunk, beneath
the outer-canopy). Add 3 – 4 inches
of fresh mulch (woodchips, bark or
other mulch) around the tree, starting
a couple inches from the base
of the trunk and extending to the
outer branches (drip line). Mulch
will help keep the ground at a consistent
temperature, keep weeds at
Tree Wrap
bay, and reduce soil evaporation.
If there is little to no precipitation
during the winter months, give
young trees a slow soak every two
weeks around the drip line. Refresh
the mulch if necessary in mid-winter.
Save the fertilizer until
spring! Winter is the time fruit
trees naturally enter their dormancy
stage. Any applied fertilizer can
cause unwanted growth spurts, and
disrupt a tree’s regenerative winter
rest.
If you are looking to plant
fruit trees in the future, there are a
few things to look for when making
selections. All stone fruit (cherries,
peaches, nectarines), apples and
nuts require “chill hours” - a specific
total number of hours required
by the tree where temperatures are
between 32 and 45 degrees during
its dormancy period. To add to the
complexity, different varieties of
trees have different chill hour requirements.
Knowing your USDA Plant
Hardiness Zone makes it easier to
choose the right tree for your property.
Fruit trees are selected for their
hardiness in specific environments.
Gardeners are ensured more success
choosing a tree (or any plant)
that is adaptable to the garden zone
in which they live. A good nursery
will clearly identify the USDA zone
recommended for each tree they
sell. Note: Many trees and plants
sold “down the hill” are purchased
for customers living “down the
hill,” - or in zones with much warmer
climates. These may not survive
in our cooler mountain zones. Use
the internet to find growers who
specialize in trees for a variety of
zones, including ours.
Winterizing: cont. on page 7
A Season of Reflection
By State Senator Mike Morrell
State Senator Mike Morrell
represents the 23rd Senate District
During Christmas and the
holiday season, we join together
with loved ones as we anticipate a
coming hope and mark the passage
of another year.
It is also a time of thanks as
we cherish the blessings we have
been given, including the freedom
to gather, as well as, worship in the
manner of our choosing.
In December 1941, Winston
Churchill spent Christmas here in
the United States, just as our nation
had resolved to join World War II.
He reflected on the significance of
finding reason for joy and celebration
- even then during one of history’s
darkest hours.
He thought it especially
important for adults to pause from
their obligations and take part in
festivities with the younger generations.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Here, in the midst of war,
raging and roaring over all the lands
and seas, creeping nearer to our
hearts and homes, here, amid all the
Winterizing: from page 6
tumult, we have tonight the peace
of the spirit in each cottage home
and in every generous heart. Therefore
we may cast aside for this night
at least the cares and dangers which
beset us, and make for the children
an evening of happiness in a world
of storm.”
Times may not be as bleak
as those early days of World War II,
but Churchill’s words still contain
wisdom for us today. They reinforce
the importance of pausing our
busy lives to enjoy the goodwill and
fellowship we have at Christmas.
At this time of year, we are
also reminded of how fortunate we
are to live in this country, where
among our freedoms, we can be
with loved ones to mark this holiday.
It is a legacy passed down from
the founders and all those who have
answered the call to defend our nation,
going back to its earliest days.
George Washington’s deep faith
was a constant guide in establishing
and ultimately leading the United
States. A painting entitled “The
Prayer at Valley Forge,” famously
illustrates his devotion to God even
during that cold winter in Pennsylvania
when it was difficult to see
the light in the darkness.
In that same spirit, I pray that you
and yours are surrounded by the
peace and goodwill that comes with
the anticipation this season brings.
From my family to yours, Merry
Christmas.
Senator Mike Morrell represents
the 23rd Senate District, which includes
the San Bernardino Mountains.
Our mountain USDA Plant Hardiness
Zones:
- Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead:
8a
- Crestline: 8b
- Big Bear: 7a
Also take into consideration any adjustments
that might be needed due
to micro-climates in your area.
December to do list:
• Give philodendrons, dracaenas,
rubber plants, and other largeleafed
houseplants a bath by gently
washing the foliage on both sides
with a sponge dipped in soapy water.
Mild dish detergent works fine.
This removes the grime and allows
the pores of the leaves to breathe
more freely. And while you’re at it,
check for insect pests and treat accordingly.
Stop feeding houseplants
during these cold months. It’s time
for them to rest.
• Stock up on birdseed and suet,
and keep both feeders and water
dishes full throughout the winter.
• Do your oak trees a favor and remove
some mistletoe for the holidays.
• Order plant catalogs.
• Use a rainy or snowy day to clean
and sharpen garden tools.
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The winds hurt some of last years bonfire celebration.
Crestline residents will be hoping for a calm day this
year. Photo by Frank Elwell.
Christnas Events:from page 5
Lake Gregory will sponsor the
Christmas bonfire this year on December
1st at 5 pm. Expect to see
Santa arrive in a fire engine to get
through the traffic for all the good
boys and girls with free gifts for the
young kids. Free hot dogs and hot
chocolate will be available also at
the event. It will be held at the North
Shore of Lake Gregory. Christmas
caroling will be led by some of the
heartier singers and will continueduring
the event.
Lake Arrowhead Bonfire
on December 10th
The Annual Fireman’s Bonfire
event in Lake Arrowhead will take
place on December 10th from 6pm
until 10pm, weather permitting.
Strong winds will cancel any bonfire
event. It will take place in the
lower level parking lot in the village.
Free hot dogs and hot chocolate
will be also available. Remember
to bring a toy for the ‘Spark of
Love’ donation, but it’s not required
to attend. Santa will pay a visit for
all the kids.
Christmas Boutique Planned for
Green Valley Lake
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A Christmas
Boutique is
planned on Dec.8
from 10.00am-
4.00pm at the
Green Valley
Lake Water Company
Clubhouse
at 33268 Green
Valley Lake Road,
Green Valley
Lake, CA. They
will feature local
mountain crafters
and artisans from
the Green Valley
Lake area. Santa will make an
appearance from 2.00-3.00 pm including
with live Christmas music.
Join them for a fun time while you
do some Christmas shopping and
support the local crafters and artists.
The event is brought to you by the
Mountain Community Alliance.
Skypark Christmastime Celebration:
November 15 – January 6
Join them for another Nostalgic
Christmas in the Woods inside
Santa’s Village. Visit Santa and his
friends in the Northwoods, a village
with fun attractions for all. Visit
Santa in his home and touch the icy
North Pole. As an added bonus, you
can join Santa for a whole hearted
breakfast party and join Mrs. Claus
for a special tea party. Don’t miss
exciting nntertainment, such as
puppet shows, tree lightings, and
interactive storytelling throughout
the park with the Northwoods Characters.
Santa’s Elves will be holding
special crafting workshops and
cookie decorating classes for those
who want to craft their own creations.
There is lots of fun to have
at Santa’s Village and many exciting
attractions.
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Page 6 Mountain Lifestyle (C) December 2018
December 2018 Mountain Lifestyle (C) Page 7