Canyon Clean-up and Barbecue! - Hi-Country Estates II

The Canyon BreezeHi-Country Estates II May 2008 vol. 2.5The opinions expressed in this Newsletter are those of the authors of each article alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hi-CountryEstates II Board of Directors or of any other person. This is not a HCEII Board of Directors publication.ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV)OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (OHV)By Terri WilliamsThe usage of ATV’s and OHV’s in Hi-Country Estates II is becoming a problem. The properties of homeowners and landowners are private property.There are signs specifically stating “NO ATV’s”! The Association Protective Covenants and By-Laws state that recreational vehicles may be used on theowner’s property only so long as proper noise control is used and they do not constitute a nuisance to the other owners. They may NOT be used onother owners’ property.Nuisances include, but are not limited to: activities which cause excessive DUST, reckless driving, speeding, and excessive noise from any source.“Utah’s OHV laws and rules have been formulated to promote safety and protection for people, property, and the environment. No one under eightyears of age is allowed to operate any OHV on public lands, roads or trails in Utah. Operators eight through 15 years of age may operate an OHVprovided they possess an Education Certificate issued by Utah State Parks and Recreation or equivalent from their home state. Resident operators, 16years of age or older, may operate an OHV if they possess either a valid driver’s license or an approved OHV Education Certificate. A Properly fastenedhelmet, having at least a “DOT Approved” safety rating for motorized use are REQUIRED for all OHV operators and passengers under the age of 18years.It is illegal for any person to use an OHV in connection with acts of vandalism, harassment of wildlife or domestic animals, or in the commission of acrime. It is also illegal for anyone to operate any OHV in such a manner as to damage the environment by excessive pollution of air, land, water, or toabuse the watershed, impair plant or animal life, or create excessive noise.”(Taken from Live by the rules, Utah’s Off-Highway Vehicle Program, State of Utah Natural Resources.)So, please show courtesy and ethics, and protect your privilege by respecting other people’s property, and Hi-Country Estates II beautiful roads, wildlife,and land.AnnouncementsCanyon Clean-up and Barbecue!A Canyon Clean-up is scheduled for May 17! Salt Lake County is providing orange trash bags and will be picking them up free of charge for us. Pickup your orange trash bags at 8:00 A.M. down at the common area. Drop full bags off (only the orange bags from the road clean up will beaccepted) down at the common area.The barbecue will be at 5:00 P.M. at Jack and Jolynn Darton’s home, 14570 Shaggy Mt. Rd. The Association is providing the main course, cups,water and lemonade to drink. Bring a side dish to share. If you want something other than water or lemonade to drink then you can bring your owndrinks also (BYOB if you want).If you want to run for office contact Libby Wilson, 254-1991, by Sunday, May 13 to have your name included on the ballot.Board of Directors IssuesLegal: The lawsuits to collect back assessments are proceeding. Also, HCEII may be recovering the funds from the lawsuit against the owner of lot#166-E (the lot on the corner of Rose Canyon Rd. and Sharose that was cleaned up last September). June 3 there will be a Sheriff’s sale of otherproperty owned by the owner of Lot #166-E, money from the proceeds will be used to clear the owner’s obligation to HCEII.Roads: The Arnold Hollow Rd project is done! The total cost was $99,000.00. The road is much improved and the life of the road has been extendedby ten years.Water: Water rates are going up. We are being charged more for the water we get from Herriman (Water Conservancy), and more people here areusing more and more water. This will be explained in-depth at the annual meeting in June.Community Affairs: Salt Lake Co. has been here checking on the trash can problems. They are following up on an outside company that they hadgather up un-used blue recycle containers. They are concerned about our challenges, and will be working on solutions for us.ACC: There is nothing new at this time to report.1

In BalanceGoing Bananas!By Carol DeanYes, that was me pushing the grocery cart behind the mountain of greens, veggies and fruit at the market every week since March 25th. Wesure did go through a ton of greens and bananas and are still going strong! What started as an experiment has turned into a life choice for a higher levelof health because the benefits are so vast and we have only just begun to tap into them. Here are just some of the benefits that we and other 30 dayplus experimenters have been enjoying: increased energy, Candida and nail fungus disappeared, sex life improved, wanted less or no coffee,fingernails became stronger, depression lifted – suicidal thoughts gone, weight loss, less blood sugar fluctuation, more regular bowel movements, ‘PMS’symptoms went away, acne cleared, eczema healed, dandruff disappeared, better sleep, B-12 levels normalized, improved digestion, cancer improvedand healed (after three months), cravings for sweets and junk food disappeared, clearer thinking, clearer eyesight, calmer mental state, warts andallergies disappeared (after a few months) and the list goes on. Even arthritis, gout, diabetes and hypertension have been reversed after a short time.The best part is that you can receive benefits just from adding green smoothies to your existing diet –that’s the power of plants!Some may ask how we get our protein. It’s a well kept secret that greens such as kale, spinach, parsley, carrot tops, beet tops, dandelion andcollard greens among others are an abundant source of protein in the form of amino acids which are easier for the body to utilize than complex proteins,especially when the cell walls are broken down by a high speed blender. Greens have sufficient protein to build dense muscle in grazing animals like thebuffalo, antelope and deer so why not us? And the protein from greens doesn’t have cancer as a side effect. Plus, your body gets all the important plantfiber, abundant minerals, vitamins and protein in a usable form just minutes after drinking. Children love green smoothies and so does our dog!Is it expensive? When you consider the cost of a doctor visit, a hospital stay, medical insurance, loss of work time out, declining health or lossof a loved one – you decide. We decided to join the Green Smoothie Revolution!For more information go online:www.rawfamily.com, www.creativehealthinstitute.com,or go to Amazon for “Green For Life” by Victoria Boutenko.Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.~ Albert EinsteinRose Canyon FloraRubber Rabbitbrush(Chrysothamnus nauseosus)By Arlene JohnsonRabbitbrush or, in Spanish “Chamisa”, is dominant along Rose Canyon Road with its broom shaped growth and its yellow, late summerblooms. Even after a series of drought years, the runoff along the road provides enough water for the plant survive.This plant is usually found in abandoned farmsteads, fence rows, and disturbed sites and along roads. Rabbitbrush found on range land canbe an indicator of overgrazing. Because of its deep root system, Rabbitbrush resprouts readily after a fire and it survives brutal attacks from mule deer.(And we have had several). The seeds are abundant and will rapidly reseed with a little ground moisture. There are several subspecies in the westernstates that have adapted to a variety of soils, micro climates and plant communities.Rabbitbrush is also called “Rubber Rabbitbrush” because of the latex in the stems. Native Americans of the Great Basin chewed it to relieveboth hunger and thirst. The rubber shortage during World War II stimulated research into mass producing rubber from this plant. It did not pan outbecause of the large amount rubber needed compared to the amount of rubber that could be produced. There has also been research into theproduction of hydrocarbons from its biomass and using its resin for polymer plastics. Tea has been produced from Rabbitbrush; however there is thepotential for an allergic reaction. The Navajo use the seeds to make bread or mush. The plant is also used for dyes.The plant develops an extensive root system enabling it to tap the underground water reserves. Specimens growing near Los Alamos, NewMexico exhibited a concentration of radioactive strontium-90 300,000 times higher than a normal plant. Their roots had reached into a closed nuclearwaste treatment area, mistaking strontium for calcium. The strontium was drawn from the underground waste containers to the plant above ground.(Masco, Joseph. The Nuclear Borderlands: The Manhattan Project in Post-Cold War New Mexico. Princeton University Press, 2006). Moral to the story– Do not plant Rabbitbrush near your septic tank, drainage field or any water piping system.In a drought period, low moisture prevents the seeds from germinating but once there is a wet winter, the seeds sprout and rapidly grow a taproot. After this past wet winter, there are several newly sprouted seedlings by my house. These came from a lone plant that has survived the last tendry years growing on the edge of a fence. In an attempt to relocate some seedlings to another location, I discovered they had already grown a 12 inchtap root by late April.2

Recipe of the MonthThis month’s recipe is from Nora Somers. Nora lives in area C with her husband Kevin and their son Gus. Kevin says this soup is really good andmakes a great meal all by itself!SERVES 4THAI CHICKEN SOUP1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 garlic clove, finely chopped2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (6 ounces each, chopped)1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric1/4 teaspoon hot chili powder1/4 cup coconut cream3 3/4 cups hot chicken stock2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter1 cup thread egg noodles broken into small pieces1 tablespoon chopped scallions1 tablespoon chopped cilantrosalt and ground black pepper(optional) dried unsweetened coconut and finely chopped red chili to garnish1 Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the garlic for 1 minute, until lightly golden. Add the chicken and spices. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.2 Pour the coconut cream into the hot chicken stock and stir. Pour onto the chicken and add the lemon juice, peanut butter and egg noodles.3 Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the scallions and cilantro, season well and cook for 5 minutes more.4 Meanwhile, heat the coconut and chili in a small frying pan for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the coconut is lightly browned. (actually the soup isgreat without this if you don't like coconut!)5 Serve the soup sprinkled with the dry-fried coconut and chili.Hi-Country Estates Phase II Real EstateBy Walt HoffmanSince recent surveys rank the economy as American’s number one concern, and the direction of the real estate market is on the minds of many peoplelately, I would like to report on the local real estate market activity in HCII during the first 4 months of 2008.There are currently ten homes in HCII listed on the MLS®, ranging in price from 429,000 to 1,800,000. Five homes are listed under 500,000, and fivehomes are listed with a listing price over 500,000.There are currently 14 lots listed for sale on the MLS in HCII, ranging from 78,000 to 379,000. The average listing price of lots currently for sale is224,000.MLS statistics show that no homes or lots were sold or are under contract in HCII during the first four months of 2008.Looking at the Salt Lake County market of which HCII is a part, MLS statistics show thatDuring the first quarter of 2008, home sales in Salt Lake County fell 42 percent compared with the same quarter last year, with the median selling pricevirtually unchanged at 242,000.Some good news shows that job growth in Utah in the year ending in March was 2.1 percent compared with a national average of .4 percent, and theunemployment rate in Utah was 3.3 percent compared to the national average of 5.1 percent. In other positive news for the Utah real estate climate,Forbes magazine recently ranked Salt Lake City #1 on their list of Best Cities for Jobs In 2008, and #6 on their list of Most Recession Proof Cities.The 42 percent drop reported in the number of homes sold in Salt Lake County during the first quarter is significant and may affect prices in the secondquarter as sellers compete to sell. Buyers, Sellers, and others interested in the local real estate climate will likely be anxious to see the second quarterstatistics, which come out in July. I will report on second quarter activity in the July issue, third quarter activity in the October issue, and fourth quarter aswell as year-end activity in the January 2009 issue.If you would like more specific information about past or current market activity or listings, feel free to call me at 808-2299 or e-mail me atwalt@walthoffman.com or walthoffman@hotmail.com3

Canyon CrittersThe Red Tailed HawkBy Terri WilliamsFor years now, a pair of Red Tailed-Hawks have nested off South Shaggy Mountain Road in Hi Country II, in a tall Juniper tree. They are not therethis spring that I can see and hopes that they will come back are high. The huge stick nest looks intact from last year’s nesting.The Red-tailed Hawk lives throughout North America to Alaska and Canada and south as far as Panama. They are not true migrators, though manyof them may move south in the winter for food.The Red-tailed Hawk is a member of the American Buteos (the large soaring hawks). They are carnivores (meat eaters) and are known as raptors orbirds of prey. They have strong hooked beaks and their feet have three toes pointed forward and one turned back, and their claws, or talons are verysharp. Prey such as small rodents, rabbits, snakes, lizards, and pheasant are killed with the long talons and beak. This hawk is sometimes known asthe “chicken hawk” because in rare occurrence the inexperienced juvenile birds have killed chickens. As a consequence, hawks have been shot andhave been found lying under trees and power poles, evidence that shooters do not understand the importance of raptors, or are unaware of theprotective laws, (Federal) and still kill them.Mating and building the nest begins in early spring and continues through May. The Red-tailed Hawks perform aerial displays, circling and soaringhigh, then fold their wings and plummet to the treetop level. The nests are located 35-75 feet high in the forks of large branches and consist of sticksand twigs about 1/2 in diameter or larger. Both male and female assist in building the nest. Nest sites may be used from year to year, and if the old nestis damaged, layers of new nesting material are added each year. The Hawks mate for life, but sometimes will find a new mate if something happens toone of them. The female lays two eggs and incubation takes 28-32 days. The female sits on the nest and the male hunts for both of them, bringing herfood to the nest. When the young are hatched they are covered with a white down. They grow slowly and require much food, which keeps both parentsbusy. They remain in the nest for up to 48 days, and begin flapping their wings getting ready for the day when they will fly into the air. The young do notreach maturity and mate until they are about three years old. The life span of a Red-tailed Hawk is between 10 and 21 years of age.The Red-tailed Hawk is easily identified, while soaring over head, the broad, rounded tail shows a rich russet red. Within its range, its frequentsoaring and loud hoarse scream will point them out.Classified AdsArt class for Adults. Tuesday nights at 7:30—9:30. $40.00 per month, adult students must provide their own supplies. We are currently studyingbasic drawing. For questions call Annette, 254-5721.Art Classes for Children. Off-Track Art Classes for Children. Children do projects in hand building ceramic clay, drawing, and watercolors.Kindergarten meets once per week, three classes per off track session, for $40.00 (includes all supplies and clay firing). Grades 1—6 meet twice perweek, six classes total per off track session, for $70.00 (includes all supplies and clay firing). Enroll with a sibling or friend and each get a 10% tuitionreduction! Call Annette 254-5721.Babysitting. Call Sadie Howe, 254-1614.Daycare. Deb Roberts is reopening for daycare services. 20+ years experience. Give me a call at 253-9734Real Estate, Walt Hoffman, Secure Real Estate. Specializing in Herriman and Hi-Country Estates homes and lots. Representing buyers and sellers.801-808-2299,. HerrimanRE.com, walt@walthoffman.comWasatch Piano Works, Total Piano Care and Service. Including tuning, regulation, and major and minor repairs. Free estimates. Please call 253-1143 for an appointment.Questions or Comments?Please send any questions, comments, Letters to the Editor, Real Estate Questions, Recipes, or classified ads to: thecanyonbreeze@gmail.com4