Article newsfeed http://www.hvlifeonline.com/ en-us Copyright 2008 The Professional Image. All Rights Reserved. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Years ago, Dan and his good friend Milt Popeck, who was an excellent CPA, came up with the idea of a "Sleep Quotient"™. They theorized that no investment, no matter how seemingly "jazzy" or attractive and no matter how much upside it contained, was worth losing sleep over. Instead, everyone's portfolio should be designed to reside within that comfort zone. As planners, we always strive to make sure that our clients understand the potential for ups and downs in investment returns and diligently seek to determine each individual client's "Sleep Quotient"™. You, as the client, should be honest with your planner and clearly convey how much of a market drop you can handle. If the planner doesn't listen or doesn't ask probing questions about your comfort zone, politely take your leave and find one that does. Your "Sleep Quotient"™ is that important! That leads us to the question of the month: I am a retired 65-year-old with no children. I do not have a pension other than Social Security, but I have managed to save about $580,000. Almost all of it (94 percent) is in the stock market. I have told my broker again and again that this is too much risk for me, but he insists I hang in there. He says the market will come back and I'll make a bundle. What do you guys suggest I do? Signed, Concerned! This one is easy. We suggest you find a new broker! Yes, the stock market may come back and, yes, you may make a bundle, but 94 percent of your assets in a volatile market obviously violates your "Sleep Quotient"™ (remember, that's the level at which your investment volatility keeps you awake at night). Furthermore, you said you have only this money and your Social Security checks, so we assume you need this money to live on. Therefore, it's important not to lose a large part of it to stock market decreases. Allow me to illustrate an example: if you begin taking withdrawals of five percent, you could potentially harvest income of $29,000 annually. If, however, stock market volatility causes your account to drop by 20 percent, your income would drop to $23,200 a year. If you did not reduce your income distribution, but kept your income at $29,000 annually, your withdrawal rate would rise to 6.25 percent annually. This withdrawal rate could put you at risk for running out of money before you die. Instead, you and your broker should create a portfolio that maximizes your income while protecting against market losses. Finally, your broker should listen to you: your concerns, your wants, your fears and your needs. Your broker should not impose his ideas or comfort levels on you. Rather, he should design a portfolio that fits your specific needs. His thoughts or feelings about the market coming back are nearly irrelevant. To find another financial planner, many of whom are also stockbrokers, we suggest you find a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a mark owned by the Certified Financial Board of Standards. The CFP designation means your broker has passed the CFP Board's extensive examination process on subjects like investment, tax, and life insurance planning. Good luck to you in your search. Dan Searles, CFP, is a financial planner and a Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through National Planning Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC, and a Registered Investment Adviser. Medallion Financial Group and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.   National Planning Corporation does not endorse the opinions expressed in this column. The information here is not to be considered as financial, tax or legal advice. As with any financial, tax or legal matter, consult your qualified adviser before taking action. No investment strategy can ensure a profit or protect against a loss. As always, past performance is not indicative of future results. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1118 Money Matters http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1118 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT If you plan a scenic drive through the Shawangunks then you will certainly want to make a stop at the Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner. The restaurant has a long-standing reputation for its home-cooked German and Bavarian food. It is a family gathering place for locals and a favorite stop for weekenders visiting New Paltz and Minnewaska. My husband and I, who rarely agree on which restaurant to go to, were easily able to decide on the Mountain Brauhaus to celebrate our anniversary. We were in the mood to relax and enjoy, savor a hearty meal and not be rushed - and that was exactly what we got! We went on a Saturday evening, so we were not surprised to discover we would have a short wait for a table. We decided to sit at the bar and try one of their German beers. The bartender was quite personable and knowledgeable about the wide selection of specialty draft beers and imported beers. The bar was located in the first dining room, a warm and homey room with knotty pine walls, lace curtains at all the windows and cozy little tables. The waitresses are dressed in traditional Bavarian costume, with flower print dresses, aprons and white blouses with puffy sleeves. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and seemed to enjoy making sure that we had what we wanted. The main dining room was warmly decorated with lots of woods, carpet and large windows. For guests fortunate to be seated at a window, there was a gorgeous view of the valley looking toward New Paltz. We were beginning to get hungry, so we were delighted when our waitress arrived with a basket of fresh, dark German pumpernickel bread, half with raisins and half plain, and lots of fresh butter. Mmm, it was wonderful, but I had to control myself so I didn't spoil my appetite before dinner came. I ordered a salad of fresh spring greens with a delicate buttermilk herb dressing to start my meal. Choosing an entree was difficult for both of us. The choice of hearty home-style dinners ranged from sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, knockwurst, yankee pot roast, steak, chicken dishes, as well as untraditional items that had a distinct Asian flair and some interesting vegetarian choices. Each entr�e comes with a choice of potato, including potato pancakes, potato dumplings, mashed potatoes, German potato salad, fries or spaetzle. There was also a choice of vegetable which was braised red cabbage, sauerkraut, or the vegetable of the day. At last we made up our minds. Walt chose the traditional sauerbraten, which turned out to meet with his approval. His family is German on both sides and his father used to make a terrific Sauerbraten. He admitted it was not as spicy as his father's, but tasty! It came with a sweet and sour gravy, potato dumplings and red cabbage. I tasted the sauerbraten and it was excellent. I ordered the beef rouladen - tender rolled strips of angus beef stuffed with bacon, paprika, onions, mustard, pickle and spices. It was served in a rich, spicy dark sauce. It was heavenly! I chose the potato pancakes and red cabbage. This was a special night out so we enjoyed taking our time eating and talking between courses. Our food was definitely filling and absolutely delicious! Although the dining room was full, the service was excellent that night, and our waitress never made us feel rushed. If you are looking for a quick meal and want to dash, this might not be what you are looking for. This is a place where you will want to linger with good friends and family. It's comfort food in a relaxed country setting. Our waitress returned with the dessert menu and since we were celebrating, we decided to indulge in dessert. I was full, but determined not to pass on dessert when there were so many tempting selections. I settled on something light. It was a very light and frothy Grapefruit-Honey Mousse in a shallow pool of fresh squeezed and tangy grapefruit juice and topped off with a drizzle of local fresh honey and fresh mint. It was refreshing and yummy. Walt chose his all-time favorite, cheesecake, but this was not your everyday cheesecake. It was a very light but creamy Lavender and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake topped with wild blueberry sauce. Walt is a cheesecake connoisseur and he commented that it might possibly be the best cheesecake he had ever eaten. It was a memorable dining experience. We will definitely be returning to the Mountain Brauhaus and look forward to bringing our two sons there the next time they come to visit. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1117 Restaurants http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1117 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Located right off the banks of the Hudson River, Rhinebeck is bustling with quaint shops, rich heritage and beautiful landscapes. Rhinebeck is home to the Dutchess County Fair, Crafts at Rhinebeck and the Aerodrome, but explore even further to find some of the best kept treasures in the Hudson Valley. For restaurants, historic sites and events in Rhinebeck visit dutchesstourism.com or rhinebeckchamber.com. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1116 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1116 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT The days are cooler, the trees aflame with rich color, and the Hudson Valley comes to life to celebrate its bounty. From now until the end of October, not a weekend will go by without a festival of apples, music and outdoor fun. Find even more great fun at hvlifeonline.com! An around the world experience this fall Belgian Festival. Hugenot Street in New Paltz is celebrating its roots with Belgian foods, crafts, music and more. Free. 11am-5pm. Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz. 845-255-1660. huguenotstreet.org. Sat., Sept. 27. Celtic Day at Staatsburgh. Pipe bands, Celtic music, dance presentations, sheepdog herding, clan tent displays. Fee. 11am-5pm. Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Old Post Rd., Staatsburg. 845-889-8851. Sun., Sept. 28. Octoberfest. Music, German food and more. Reservations required. Noon-6pm. Winding Hills Golf Course, Montgomery. windinghillsgolfcourse.com. 845- 457-3187. Sat., Oct. 4. Get out and get moving Paddle from Tivoli to Esopus. For moderate paddlers ready for 5-mile excursion by kayak or canoe. Register by Labor Day. Tivoli Bays Visitor Center, Tivoli. 845-928-1730. midhudsonADK.org. Sun., Sept. 7. 9th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble. More than 100 guided walks, hikes, paddles, bike tours, river explorations and cultural events throughout Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble. 800-453-6665. Sept. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28. Guided Walk. Easy to moderate, 1-2-hour walk through Clausland Mountain Park in Upper Grandview. 9am. Rain or shine. 845-708-7307. Sun, Sept. 7 and a more challenging hike on Sat, Oct. 11. Tour de Squeak Bike Ride. 10, 30 or 50 mile easy to moderate rides through the Catskill mountains. 9:30am. Cinder Track Bicycles, 48 Church St., Livingston Manor. 845-439-4590. Sat., Oct. 4. McQuade Foundation Fall Foliage Tour. Orange County bike tour benefits the McQuade Foundation. 845-561-0436. Sun., Oct. 5. Fantastic festivals Monroe Cheese Festival. Food, crafts, live music, exhibits. 10am-6pm. Stage Road Square, Monroe. monroecheesefestival.com 845-774-1727. Sat., Sept. 13. 13th Annual Lobster Fest. Lobsters with all the trimmings, live music. Rivendell Winery, New Paltz. rivendellwine.com. 845-255-2494. Sat., Sept. 13. 18th Annual Taste of New Paltz. Dozens of local restaurants, wineries, micro breweries and crafts people. Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz. 845-255-0243. tasteofnewpaltz.com Sun., Sept. 14. Irish Heritage Festival. Irish music, dance, crafts, food. Noon. Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Montgomery. 845-343-5736. irishheritagefestival.org.  Sat., Sept. 13-14.  18th Annual Von Steuben Parade & Germanfest. Food, crafts, music and dancing, parade (Noon), Germanfest to follow. Fireman's Field, Yulan. 845-557-8431. Sat., Sept. 27. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival.  Food, crafts, music, chef and farmer lectures. Cantine Field, Saugerties. 845-246-3090. hvgf.org Sat., Sept. 27-28. Chili Cookoff and Italian Festival. Rondout waterfront, Kingston. 845-331-7517 or 339-6925. ci.kingston.ny.us Sat., Oct. 11 & 12. The Heart of the Hudson Valley Bounty Festival. Local farms, wineries, restaurants; attractions, craft vendors, antiques, demos. Rain date Oct. 5. 10am-4pm. Cluett-Schantz Memorial Park, Route 9W, Milton. 845-616-7824. meetmeinmarlborough.com. Sat., Oct. 4. 18th Annual Harvest Party. Unique food & wine tasting experience featuring fine Hudson Valley purveyors from The Culinary Institute of America and others. Noon-4pm. Millbrook Winery, 26 Wing Rd., Millbrook. 845-677-8383.  millbrookwine.com. Sat., Oct. 11.12th Annual Fall for Art. Juried art show and sale of regional artists. 6-9pm. Wiltwyck Golf Club, Kingston. 845-338-8131. ucjf.org. Thurs., Sept. 4. Harvest Moon Folk Festival. Live music and wine tasting. Apple and pear picking. 12-6pm. Warwick Valley Winery & Orchard, Warwick. 845-258-4858. wvwinery.com.  Sat., Sept. 6-7. SeptemberFest 2008. Outdoor street fair with 200 vendors, live entertainment, food and much more. Rain or shine. 10am-5pm. Main Street & Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-2221. Sun., Sept 7. Town of Wappinger Community Day. Vendors, community group booths, parade (2pm), live music. Free. Fireworks at dusk. Noon-dusk. Schlathaus Park, 126 All Angels Hill Rd., Wappingers Falls. (Rain Date Sept. 14th). 845 297-5771. Sun., Sept. 7. Walden Harvest Fest 2008. Parade, entertainment, food and special events. 9am-9pm. Municipal Square, Walden. 845-778-2655. villageofwalden.org. Sat., Oct 4. Fourth Annual Goshen Jazz Festival. Celebrating Willie "the Lion" Smith. 11am. 845-294-6606. goshenjazz.com. Sat., Sept. 13. 51st Annual Stanford Community Day. Parade, flea market, flower and vegetable show, community booths and exhibits. Free. 10am-6pm. Stanford Grange Hall and Recreation Park, 6043 Rte. 82, Stanfordville. 845-868-7869. Sat., Sept. 13. 7th Annual Haverstraw International Festival. Live music and dance, ethnic foods, artists, antiques, edibles. 11am-5pm. Main Street, Haverstraw. 845-429-0300. haverstrawchamber.org  Sun., Sept. 14. The Congers Italian Festival will be bustling on September 14 from 11am-7pm. This makes for a great day out with the grandkids. They'll want to take part in the grape stomping contest! For details, visit CongersItalianFestival.com. 16th Annual Plattekill Day. 10am-5pm. Thomas Felten Park, Rte. 32, Modena. 845-883-7331 or 883-7332. Sun., Sept. 21. Catskills Jeep Jamboree. Get dirty and see best scenery the Catskills has to offer in your Jeep. Mr. Willy's Restaurant & Catering, Corner Rte. 42 & Sackett Lake Rd., Monticello. 845-791-4328. catskillsjeepjamboree.com. Fri., Sept. 26-28. Jeff Fest '07. Autumn festival, classic/custom car show, music, games, crafts, food. 10:30am-5pm. Free. Downtown Jeffersonville. 845-482-4275. Sat., Sept. 20. Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival. Rubber stamps, cardmaking, scrapbooking and paper crafts. Free classes, make & takes, demos. Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rt. 9, Rhinebeck. dutchessfair.com/calendar.html. 845-876-4001. Sat., Sept. 20-21. 31st Spirit of Beacon Day. Exhibits, crafts, entertainment, parade (1pm). Rain date Sept. 30. 11am-4pm. Free. Main St. to Teller Ave., Beacon. 845-831-5401. Sat., Sept. 28. Crafts at Rhinebeck. Indoor show with more than 350 crafters, specialty foods, wine tasting, music. Fee. Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rte. 9, Rhinebeck. 845-876-4001. Sat., Sept. 4-5. 36th Annual Sugar Loaf Fall Festival. Arts, crafts, live music, food and fun for all ages. Rain or shine. 10am-6pm. 845-469-9181. sugarloafnychamber.com. Sat., Oct. 11-13. Pottery Festival. The potters of Sullivan County come together to exhibit their recent work. 11am-5pm. Main St., Jeffersonville. 845-482-4976. Sat., Oct. 11. Bluestone Festival. Exhibits, demonstrations, food, live music. Noon-6pm. T.R. Gallo Park, Kingston. 845-331-7517. Sun., Oct. 5. Applefest. Street festival with live music, food, arts and crafts vendors, and more! 10am-5pm. Downtown Warwick. 845-987-8300. warwickapplefest.com. Sun., Oct. 5. Antiques and Collectibles Nyack Street Fair. Over 300 vendors and dealers showing fine crafts, jewelry, art, photography and ceramics. Live entertainment and more. 10am-5pm. Main Street & Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-6981. Sun., Oct. 12. Woodstock Film Festival. Independent film festival featuring films, concerts, panels and more. Woodstock. 845-679-4265. woodstockfilmfestival.com. Thurs., Oct. 1-5. 21st Gathering of Old Cars. Antique automobiles, car capers on the west lawn, and a costume show. Free. 11am-4pm. Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Old Post Rd., Staatsburgh. 845-889-8851. staatsburgh.org. Sun., Oct. 19. Historic Burning of Kingston. Reenactments, encampments, exhibits, demonstrations and tours throughout Kingston. 845-331-7517. ci.kingston.ny.us Fri., Oct. 18-19. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1115 Feature Stories http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1115 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT A perfect time for flowers and plants If you're already looking forward to Spring, you may want to think about getting a head start on your Spring flowers. Debbie Lester of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County (cce.cornell.edu/ orange) says September through November is the perfect time to plant bulbs for flowers for next year, such as tulips or daffodils. Fall is also the perfect time for planting perennials, such as pansies, violas and dianthus, trees and shrubs. Debra Sweeton, owner of Generals Garden in Warwick (www.generalsgarden.com) explains that fall is also a great time to plant perennials because the temperature is cooler and rain is more abundant. With many plants, it's all about the timing. If you do decide to plant your flowers in the fall, Sweeton advises that you plant them as early in September as possible in an area of part shade to full sun. "Plant them in the middle of September if you'd like them to perennialize," she says. "Oftentimes people keep their mums in pots until October and then plant them. If they're planted too late they won't come up again in the Spring. They need time to root out before the ground freezes." "And be sure to water thoroughly through November, or until the ground freezes," Lester adds. Some people like to leave their perennials up through the winter; however, if you want to trim them back experts advise you to cut them to within three inches of the ground. For extra protection, says Lester, "Put mulch around them, but wait until you have had several frosts and the ground is frozen.""The mulching serves as in insulator or a blanket for the perennial beds," Sweeton explains. Straw, evergreen boughs or raked leaves from your lawn all make great mulch. Just be careful not to use unhealthy leaves and greenery as your mulch. "Make sure," Sweeton warns, "that if you use leaves that they come from a healthy tree or shrub. If the tree had any problems or disease throughout the year, be sure to rake away the dead leaves and dispose of them right away so that no other plants catch that disease." Prep your trees and shrubs for Spring by limiting your fall pruning to just damaged, bent or broken limbs. Both Lester and Sweeton advise say you don't want to prune healthy limbs because it may force new growth. Get your vegetable garden ready to go Fall is also a good time to get a jump start on a vegetable garden. Once you have cleaned your garden from the summer and before the first frost, "Add organic matter to improve and enrich the soil, such as three to six inches of compost or well aged manure - manure must be aged at least a year," Lester explains. You could also start a compost pile with leaves to use throughout the year. As another option, Sweeton suggests covering the garden with thick, wet newspaper once it has been raked clean of debris to prevent weed seeds from growing. Don't cover up every plant, though. "Leave ornamental grasses because they look cool in the winter. Don't cut those back until early Spring." And if you're already thinking about the holidays, dig a hole for a potted Christmas tree early, before the ground freezes so it's not so much trouble once December rolls around. For fall lawn care, Sweeton suggests using a fall fertilizer such as a Japanese beetle and grub killer. "On your last mow, which is usually early to mid-November, cut the grass one notch or inch lower than you would normally, then fertilize for the last time two weeks after the last mow," Lester adds. Watch out for winter To protect your plants over the winter months, cover them with mulch or green manure (which is actually winter rye grass); this can be turned into the soil in the spring. Don't know if your larger plants can withstand howling winter winds? A windscreen like burlap wrapped around the shrub can help. The key is to prevent the wind from evaporating moisture off the leaves faster than it can be replaced by the roots. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1114 Feature Stories http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1114 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT How does a five-day vacation at the Jersey Shore with all breakfasts, dinners, a cocktail party, a pizza party and day trips to Atlantic City, Cape May, and a winery with entertainment every night sound? How about transportation included too? How about $345 per person? Sound incredible? I thought so too when I received the Town of Newburgh Recreation Department schedule for this year, so we signed up along with some friends who had taken the trip last year and raved about it. My son kidded us. "Your first senior trip," he said. "This is a milestone." Between the cost of gasoline and the escalating epidemic of road rage (probably because of the price of gas!), letting someone else do the driving is enticing, not to mention the budget price for the whole package is too good to pass up. There were about 40 of us on the Jersey shore trip - all of us over 55. The bus departed from Chadwick Lake Park, where there was plenty of parking and someone to watch our vehicles during the five days we were away. Our hotel was the Aqua Beach resort right on the ocean in Wildwood. The hotel's restaurant provided our breakfast. Our dinners were held at various venues and were always fun, delicious and included nightly entertainment. Our trip and tour of the Renault Winery was fascinating and included a terrific lunch and wine tasting. Our jaunt to Atlantic City included a show, buffet dinner and even $10 for gambling (I won $50 at the nickel slots!). We were also treated to a dolphin cruise and a shopping trip to Cape May. "Every one of our trips this year has been sold out," says Town of Newburgh senior activity leader Debbie DeAgostine. "These trips are a great way to vacation and socialize with peers of the same age group. Our trips give our seniors the ability to change their environment and experience new places or visit familiar old ones again. Our Wildwood, New Jersey trip is a sellout every year because of the enjoyment and variety and excellent entertainment." DeAgostine says she hopes to plan a trip next year to Canada or Branson, Missouri. "I hope to offer a different destination every year to draw more seniors into traveling. Trips are extremely cost effective and are available to all town of Newburgh seniors." (Note: Although trips are open to non-residents as well, town residents have priority. The Town Recreation Department also offers many day trips to all town residents regardless of their age, including sports events, Broadway and off-Broadway plays, casinos and shopping. And you can't beat the price! (For a list of fall trips, visit hvlifeonline.com.) The Town of New Windsor also has a full recreation schedule this year and the trips are a great bargain. "We aren't looking to make a profit," explains recreation Director Matt Varonesi. "If you buy a ticket to a Yankees game it will cost you $60, but we can offer you a ticket and a bus ride for $60 because we get group rates and we pass on the savings to our residents. We do the same for Broadway shows." City of Poughkeepsie Senior Recreation Program Director Don Letterii says his trips fill quickly. "Our seniors love to take trips to casinos. They're very popular," he says. No wonder! Bus trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are just $30 and include gambling money. City residents have priority, but everyone is welcome. In addition to town recreation departments offering these terrific deals, Mount Saint Mary College sponsors day trips for adults of any age. Coming up are two trips to see Broadway shows, the Metropolitan Museum, a walking tour of New York City and a day at the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, all at amazing prices. Such a deal! Plan your fall vacation now! http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1113 Feature Stories http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1113 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT The young James Gurney spent many warm days vrooming his Tonka trucks across the front lawn of his family's home in Los Altos, California. He dug a few holes in the lawn, with hopes of finding a buried pharaoh or a dinosaur bone. Little did he know he was laying the groundwork for a career that has included painting scenes of actual lost cities and creating a virtual one called Dinotopia, where humans and dinosaurs coexist. "My father was a mechanical engineer, and I was the youngest of five children. By the time I came around, my parents were able to let me make a creative mess. My father even let me use his tools . table saw and a welding torch. And I still have all my fingers," laughs Gurney, a self-proclaimed diligent little kid with a complex imagination who also loved art. His grandfather's old National Geographic magazines, the pages of which told the magnificent tales of Troy and Machu Picchu, further fueled the young boy's dreams. "I also loved the adventure classics, like 'Treasure Island' and Mark Twain's works," says the now 50-year-old. "Everyone in the family saved toilet-paper tubes for me so I could make miniature castles." Before long, those toilet-paper tubes were traded for college-ruled spiral notebooks. At the University of California at Berkeley, he spent four years studying "everything," from archaeology to history and paleontology. He earned a degree in anthropology in 1979. He then went on to study for two semesters at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. After graduating from Berkeley during the summer of 1980, the free-spirited Gurney and a fellow art student W.T. Kinkade hopped a freight train in Los Angeles and sketched their way around the country. "We were inspired by John Steinbeck and Charles Kuralt," says Gurney, referring to writers who road-tripped their craft. "We wanted to explore America as artists." The two slept in graveyards and on rooftops. When they needed to eat, they painted portraits of people in bars for a couple of bucks. "We also drew pictures of dogs for $2 each at a dog show in Missouri. This was valuable experience because these people knew what their dogs looked like and wouldn't hesitate to critique your drawing." Rather than words, their memories were recorded in sketches, sketches that would translate into "The Artist's Guide to Sketching," a compendium of anecdotes and practical information for artists that was published in 1982, when Gurney was only 24.  "We got kicked off the train at gunpoint in Willard, Ohio. I got caught trying to fly a kite from the top of a train car," he recalls. "In New York, we couldn't afford a hotel and stayed on a burned-out pier. I stored my backpack underneath the pier, forgetting about the rising tide of the Hudson River." In many ways, this experience of traveling with a sketchbook laid the foundation for Dinotopia, he says, referring to one of the book's main characters, Arthur Denison, whose journals and sketches tell the story. It was also at the Art Center that Gurney met his sketching buddy and soul mate, Jeanette Lendino. "She's still my sketching buddy," he says, "though once we were settled down, I gave up riding freight trains, much to her relief." He accepted an offer to be a background painter for an animated feature titled "Fire and Ice." It was his job to paint the swamps and jungles, which would be overlaid with the cells containing the animated characters. "It was like living inside the painting," he says of the 600 or so eight-by-12-inch paintings that he produced at the rate of 11 a week. "I had to learn how to paint quickly." That animation project led to painting science fiction and fantasy covers for paperback books. "I'm a fantasy painter who's a realist at heart," he says. The young couple, who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last April, decided it would be best for their future to be closer to New York City. They bought a Ford Econoline van, and looked for places to live within 100 miles of New York City. Ultimately, they settled in Rhinebeck in 1984. "We fell in love with the Hudson Valley," Gurney says, "partly because this was the home of the Hudson River School of landscape painters. It's thrilling to be close to the site of their inspiration."  To this day, he and his wife are enamored with and inspired by many little spots along the Hudson River - especially the view from Olana, home of 19th century landscape painter Frederic Church. From his home in Rhinebeck, Gurney freelances illustrations for publishers in New York City and also worked with National Geographic, based in Washington, D.C., on historical and archeological reconstructions. "These are scenes that can't be photographed, such as dinosaurs or sunken ships, which bring the past into focus," he says. These freelance assignments were not made up out of thin air; rather, they required meticulous research, including interviews with scientific experts, in order to paint a scene that brings clarity to the unseen past." He notes one trip in which he went to Italy to see a newly discovered intact Etruscan tomb. "But tomb robbers had gotten there first and emptied the tomb," he says. So Gurney consulted with archaeologists and looked in museums to reconstruct the death bed, pottery and chariots that were looted. The National Geographic assignments rekindled his interest in lost cities. There was no storybook concept at this time, but he started painting a series of large, realistic lost cities - including Waterfall City and Dinosaur Parade - which were released as collectible art prints. It was about 1988 that Gurney became acquainted with Ian and Betty Ballantine, who lived near Woodstock. Ballantine was the founder of Ballantine and Bantam books, and he helped to popularize paperback books in the U.S. "He believed in fantasy for adults, publishing the authorized edition of 'The Lord of the Rings,'" says Gurney. "He first approached me to do a book on dwarfs."  But Gurney was brewing another idea, which he first called "Lost Empires," and which later became "Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time." "Mr. Ballantine looked at my initial sketches," Gurney recalls. "He suggested that the book be 160 pages. I told him that would take me at least three years."  Which it did. Not only was this the time that Gurney's career began to soar, it was also the time that the Gurneys' two sons were born. Jeanette, a cookbook and exercise book illustrator, set aside her paintbrushes and devoted herself to making a home and raising two boys. Dan, now 21, is studying music; Franklin, 18, is a business major. Both boys grew up in a home that never had a TV. Rather, imaginations were fueled by things like refrigerator cartons turned into spaceships and books read aloud by dad. "Hallmark made a TV miniseries based on the books, but we didn't have a TV, so we had no way to watch the tapes they sent us," Gurney says. "Eventually, we got a monitor to play videotapes, but it's still not hooked up to anything." Gurney has also been commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service to design postage stamps. In 1988, he designed a postal card commemorating the settlement of the Northwest Territory. He also painted the artwork for "The World of Dinosaurs" released in 1996, showing 15 dinosaurs and other creatures in two panoramic scenes. One scene depicted the dinosaurs, plants, insects and birds from 75 million years ago and the other from 150 million years ago. "Every detail had to be accurate," he says. "Usually the Postal Service works with its own researchers, but they let me work directly with the research scientists. It may have been the first they worked with this way." Most recently, he illustrated the Sickle Cell Awareness stamp, a challenging concept. To drive home the message of preventing the disease by testing early, Gurney chose to paint a mother holding her infant son. He found models through an agency in Goshen and did the final paintings based on the photos. Gurney's fourth book in the series, "Dinotopia, Journey to Chandara," was released last fall. With their boys in college, the couple mapped out the book tour as a road trip. The itinerary included bookstores and museums, and they also did slide presentations at art schools and movie studios nationwide. "It was a different way to do a book tour," says Gurney. "By traveling in our car and splitting the costs with the publisher, it was affordable, and we took a lot of back roads and visited small towns that didn't have authors come by too often." Locally, Gurney and his wife have participated in an artist-in-residency program at a 19th-century red cabin in the Platte Clove area of the Catskills, through the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. "The cabin is fairly primitive, with electricity but no plumbing, and it's set right next to a 100-foot waterfall," Gurney says. "It feels like a million miles from civilization, yet it's so close to Kingston and Saugerties." For a week, the artist has complete peace within which to create. "I feel very lucky to be making art and telling stories for a living," Gurney says. "I'm doing for a living the same thing I enjoyed as a kid." All from digging up a lawn. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1112 Profiles http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1112 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT The Last Chinese Chef is the tale of a widow who learns of her husband's infidelity after his death. This affair occurred while he was in China. Coincidentally, the widow is sent to China on assignment - to write an article about an up-and-coming Chinese-American chef. Of course, there are sparks between her and the chef, and she delves into her husband's past during her visit. The book reads almost like a TV movie, but I have to say her description of Chinese food and its history is wonderful. The author definitely knows her stuff (I learned after finishing the book that she is a long-time food writer for Gourmet magazine). I'm not much of a world traveler, due to a lifelong health condition, so I love to escape in books about other countries. This book offers intriguing insight into Chinese culture, despite the rather predictable plotline.   Reviewed by Sophie Watson of Washingtonville. What's on your must-read list? Tell us at excitingread.com. If you'd like to participate in this monthly review, email editor@excitingread.com http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1119 Page Turners http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1119 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT They had telephoned and e-mailed for several months and gotten to know each quite well. When they met for the first time, it was like an encounter between friends - comfortable, warm and, yes, there was that magic spark. Paul was retired and financially comfortable. An avid golfer, he spent about six months every year in sunny Arizona to pursue his favorite sport. Kate, a native of Phoenix, was a lively divorcee running her very successful interior design business. Both single boomers were seeking a permanent relationship. Kate's energy and aliveness were captivating Paul immediately. He loved listening to her latest professional ventures and was impressed with how well she had organized her business and private life. In the attraction department bells were ringing from the very beginning. They also discovered that they shared a number of interests such as music, the arts, fine dining, and they came from similar family backgrounds. But four months later they called it quits and decided to part as friends. What she says "He likes that I have a beautiful home and can entertain in style. The reason I can afford my lifestyle is because of my business. I enjoy it and have no intention of giving it up. He plays golf three times a week. That doesn't bother me, but I feel that I carry the major load in the relationship. I stimulate most conversations - not much happens in his life on the golf course. "Because he spends so much time there and likes to travel to different golf locations on his vacation, his interests are limited, and his friends are golfers. He expects me to make life exciting - give dinner parties, arrange our weekends, create our social life. It's too one-sided. A partner is supposed to enlarge your life, not make it smaller. The best thing about our relationship was our sexual life. But that wasn't enough. Life before Paul was more varied, more fun." His side of the story "I need a woman who is far more available. Kate works too much, her business consumes her. I like to have someone around me, just being in the same room, talking, reading. Frankly, I want more attention from a woman, more closeness. Though I like that she has her own money, and I don't have to be responsible for her expenses, I wish she didn't work." What this pair should do Paul and Kate had too little in common to overcome their differences in lifestyle and life values. Besides, there was not enough incentive on either side to make the necessary changes that could have provided the basis of a life together. Most psychiatrists today agree that it is shared values, common beliefs, values and lifestyles that are a prerequisite to building a viable relationship. The more similarity exists, the better the prognosis for a positive outcome. So how do we get there? Self-knowledge is the key. The most important ingredient in building a harmonious life with someone else is to deeply understand one's one likes, needs and character, and feel good about who we are. To know what's important to us and what we can or cannot accept in another person or living situation is fundamental to living a happy life. Recently an attractive single professional asked me for advice on how to meet his future love. "I was stuck in a very unhappy marriage for thirty years. I don't want to make another mistake." "What makes you happy?" I asked him. "Frankly," he said, "I have never thought about it." I realized then that he had no idea how to be in touch with his feelings or create a harmonious life. How could he possibly expect to find the woman of his dreams or build a new life if he didn't even know his how he felt? The advice I have given many friends is to write down the vision of your life in great detail and review it from time to time. In order of importance, list the qualities, values and activities you love. What is important, where and how do you expect to live? What do you expect from a partner? What is essential and what issues are negotiable? What are the "must have" ingredients in your life that make you happy?  Then list all your inner qualities, character traits and assets (such as debt free, homeowner) that make you a good partner. When you meet a new person and start considering life together, review your list and think about it. Are you really compatible? Do the "shared categories" between you outweigh the differences? Or are you willing to make changes to accommodate your contrary views or preferences? While there are always exceptions to the rule, overwhelmingly most of the scientific data suggests that similarity will give you a better chance to building an enduring, caring connection. Do you have a question for Jacqui? Write us at editor@excitingread.com and we'll pass it along. Jacqueline Brandwynne has worked in the health and beauty industry for more than 25 years and is creator of the Very Private line of products. Visit her at veryprivate.com. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1120 Very Private http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1120 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Nestled between the fabled Catskill Mountains and the majestic Hudson River sits a gem of a town in Ulster County: Saugerties. This quaint, picturesque town, once bustling with industry in the 18th century, is today a major tourist destination. Easily accessible via Exit 20 on the New York State Thruway, Saugerties is the site of festivals, shopping and historic sites galore. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1077 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1077 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT The tree-lined main artery of Millbrook offers an inviting collection of galleries, bookstores, eateries, and of course, antique shops. Known as hunt country among the equestrian crowd, this Dutchess County village has it all: horse farms, a quaint shopping district, a first-class winery - even a castle! But these are just a few reasons to visit Millbrook. Discover why you'll love Millbrook this weekend! http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1076 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1076 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT You've had the same kitchen since the kids were in diapers. The wall paint is looking a little drab, the linoleum is so scuffed you're embarassed to have company over for a visit, and that ceiling lamp circa 1985 has just got to go. Well, the kids are out of the house now and the kitchen is all yours. Here are some cool ideas for energy-efficient, easy-to-use appliances and a look that's top-of-the-line. For more details on all products mentioned here, visit excitingread.com. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1075 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1075 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Summer is all about grilling on the patio or just lounging in the shade on your deck with a glass of wine and a good book. If you love to be outdoors but prefer the shady comfort of your yard, you can find relief under an awning, patio umbrella or gazebos. If your patio is close to the house, you may want to consider an awning instead. Motorized retractables make it easy - with the click of a button - to open and close the awning. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1074 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1074 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT You look at your floor so much you almost stop paying attention to it, yet the right flooring can make all the difference in your home's look and feel. Whether you decide to warm up your rooms with carpet, keep them cool with tile or ceramic, or go "green" with bamboo, cork and other environmentally friendly woods, there is an entire world of flooring open to you. Here's the latest on what you'll find. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1073 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1073 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT The fall months aren't what immediately come to mind when we think about planting our gardens. But, according to Hudson Valley gardening pros, fall could very well be the best time to start digging in the dirt. The mild temperatures and fabulous foliage lend to ideal gardening conditions. "It's great working weather, and so dramatic and beautiful," says Eli Joseph-Hunter, yard manager and woody plant buyer at The Phantom Gardener in Rhinebeck. "The Northeast has a fall like nowhere else in the world. We need to take advantage of it. Get outside and have a blast." http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1072 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1072 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Your philosophy for living is reflected in your home's look. Are you going for elegant and formal, where comfort takes a back seat to style? Or do you want livable pieces that you could just melt into at the end of a long day? Whether you prefer Victorian, Mission or environmentally friendly furniture for your "green" home, there are styles to suit your home's look and feel. Hudson Valley home furnishing experts tell you what's hot and what's not for furnishing your home. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1071 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1071 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Whether you're building a new home or renovating the one you've lived in for 30 years, it's critical to consider your lighting needs first. "Lighting is the crowning glory of your house, and it's the most important part of decorating," says Barbara Vaughn, manager of Ulster Lighting Center in Kingston. Many homeowners think of lighting as secondary to the furnishings in a room, but, according to Vaughn, plans for lighting should be done in the early stages of building or redecorating. "In the 38 years we've been in business we try to educate that lighting should be done in the early stages," she says. "Most people buy furniture and work lighting around it." http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1070 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1070 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Are you sick of seeing the same old kinds of gifts and gadgets every year at holiday time? This year, take a drive off the beaten path and browse in some of the great independent shops in our communities. You'll find unique gifts that you just won't see in the Big Box stores, and chances are you'll get service with a smile. Here are a few cool things you'll discover at local stores in the Hudson Valley. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1069 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1069 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT The city of Hudson, named for 17th century explorer Henry Hudson, has undergone a renaissance. Chic shops, trendy restaurants and new businesses have breathed life into this former port town as buildings have been renovated and tourists seek out its antique shops and art galleries. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1068 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1068 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Beacon is one of the most walkable villages in the Hudson Valley. Its main strip is lined with original art galleries, funky antiques shops and stores, delightful restaurants offering foods from around the globe, and undoubtedly some of the coolest architecture in Dutchess County - where one could easily spend hours browsing, dining, oohing and aahing. So take a detour, right off Interstate 84, into the up-and-coming village of Beacon. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1067 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1067 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Take a step back from the flurry of everyday life and enjoy the slower pace of the Catskills. Hiking, fishing, antiquing and art gallery hopping are just a few of the reasons to make the cozy villages of Liberty, in central Sullivan County, and Roscoe, in the county's northern corner, your day-trip destinations. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1066 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1066 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT On the banks of the Hudson River the village of Nyack seems to be in a world of its own, inviting visitors to spend time drifting through upscale shops and dining at both fine and fun restaurants along its tree-lined streets. This very walkable village bustles with activity during its many craft and antiques festivals from April through October. Why else should you explore Nyack? http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1065 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1065 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Nestled along the Wallkill River and named for Revolutionary War General Richard Montgomery, the Village of Montgomery offers fantastic experiences in dining, antiquing, shopping or simply viewing thedowntown centre with its abundance of historic homes, churches, buildings and museums. The charm, friendly people and down-home atmosphere of this quaint village are just a small part of its allure. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1064 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1064 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Nestled between the fabled Catskill Mountains and the majestic Hudson River sits a gem of a town in Ulster County: Saugerties. This quaint, picturesque town, once bustling with industry in the 18th century, is today a major tourist destination. Easily accessible via Exit 20 on the New York State Thruway, Saugerties is the site of festivals, shopping and historic sites galore. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1063 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1063 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT The tree-lined main artery of Millbrook offers an inviting collection of galleries, bookstores, eateries, and of course, antique shops. Known as hunt country among the equestrian crowd, this Dutchess County village has it all: horse farms, a quaint shopping district, a first-class winery - even a castle! But these are just a few reasons to visit Millbrook. Discover why you'll love Millbrook this weekend! http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1062 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1062 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tourists from all over are quickly discovering that Troy in Rensselaer County is a treasure trove. Its opulent Victorian architecture, abundant Tiffany windows, rich history, bustling antiques district, unique restaurants and shops, and eclectic mix of art galleries and cultural offerings make it a challenge to do justice to in a single day. Aptly called one of the nation's most walkable cities, downtown Troy is best seen on foot. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1061 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1061 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Few cities in the Hudson Valley have roots so deep in early American history as Newburgh. Today the city is evolving into a cultural center, with art galleries, fine restaurants, a revitalized waterfront area, and music and arts festivals. With its breathtaking seat along the Hudson River, Newburgh is worth revisiting, for a look into its past and into its future.   http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1060 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1060 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT The sun - an endless resource for heating and electric power that is virtually untapped on the scale that it perhaps should be. Utilizing this clean, renewable power source is great for the environment and helps the U.S. break from its dependence on foreign oil. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1042 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1042 Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT It used to be that having an in-home theater was strictly for the rich and famous. With today's technology, even if you're on a budget you can have a cinema experience in your own home. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1040 Home and Garden http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1040 Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Who needs Valentine's Day as a reason to celebrate the love you share with a special someone? Make a date now for a romantic getaway to add a little spark to your love life. We've come up with seven of the coziest, most romantic inns and B&Bs in the Hudson Valley to make planning your next mini-vacation a snap. http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1039 Cool Places * Hot Trips http://www.hvlifeonline.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1039 Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT