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NPR: A Caregiver's Survival Guide

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

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NPR: A Caregiver's Survival Guide

Accessed 21 October 2025 by Gail K. Kachnycz

     My good friend Donna was introduced to you for Mother's Day 2024. Here is the link:

Mothers Day: Don't Compare

     Donna shared this article with me. "NPR: A caregiver's survival guide: Advice from people who've been there," by Kat McGowan and Connie Hanzhang Jin. It was published October 18, 2025 on NPR. Using the crowd-sourcing ability of public media, these authors compiled information for caregivers divided into several categories: (1) The medical maze: How to help your person through it (2) The new normal: This isn't the life I planned. How do I adjust? (3) Help! How to ask for (and accept) support (4) Self-care: It's essential and it's not what you think (5) Your new relationship: Dealing with a changing dynamic (6) Explore more resources. Each section has the option "Can't see this visual? Click here." By clicking, you will be able to access the details of that particular section.  Although not from a Christian perspective, the information is helpful to anyone in a caregiver role. Here is the link:

NPR A Caregiver's Survival Guide

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SELF CARE: NEW START

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

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Image: Harvest Moon Rises Above Ocean by Gail K. Kachnycz 7 October 2025

SELF CARE: NEW START by Gail K. Kachnycz on 22 October 2025

     You may have noticed there was no new post published last week on A Map Through The Valley. I was taking some time off for self-care, so important for caregivers. I spent two weeks in Ocean City New Jersey with my Elephant Sisters and other friends. If you are not familiar with the term Elephant Sisters, this post explains it:

Elephant Sisters 


     While we were in Ocean City, the full moon, called the Harvest Moon, was due. The name Harvest Moon connotes the timing during the fall, when most crops were harvested. The full moon at that time of year provided extra light to complete the task of harvesting the field. The moon's orbit around the earth is not symmetrical or circular, but rather oval shaped. This harvest moon occurred at the point when the moon is closest to the earth (perigee). After checking for the time and location of moonrise, several of us walked out to the boardwalk and searched the eastern horizon. It seemed like forever, but sure enough, a golden pink edge appeared over the ocean. 


     A cloud bank was hugging the ocean, so for a brief period part of the moon's appearance was obscured. But as the moon continued to ascend, the complete orb was visible.


     The parable here is that God is often closer than we think. But, if we know what signs to look for, we will see His presence in our lives. Even if circumstances obscure our vision, if we continue to look to the Lord and trust Him, He is faithful.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1

     As noted in the post September 24, this blog has been active for two years now.

Bloggy-versary Two!

 The Lord has provided me the unique opportunity in the next 4-5 months to devote more time to content and expansion of A Map Through The Valley. Please join me in praying for guidance from the Lord with this project. Thank you again to all the subscribers and readers.

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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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Image: pexelsleeloothefirst accessed 13 September 2025

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT  by Gail K. Kachnycz 

     Open Enrollment for Medicare begins October 15, 2025 and ends December 7, 2025. There are quite a few options, and health insurance "Advantage Plans" will be flooding the TV with ads. Of course, they will try to convince you that their plan is the best for you. However, unbiased information and assistance is available through PA MEDI. An appointment is needed, so make contact early to arrange a time to see a counselor.  PA MEDI was introduced on A Map Through the Valley last October, so here is the link to that post which includes more information and the phone number to call.

Post: PA MEDI Explains Plans 

Here is a link to the Medicare website that lists information about Open Enrollment. I find government websites can be "Too Much Information" but it is the official website so no bias to promote an Advantage Plan

Medicare Website: Joining a Plan


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RECIPE: SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Image: Roasted Spaghetti Squash by Gail K. Kachnycz

RECIPE: ROASTED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

     Fall is the time for squash. I like spaghetti squash because it is a veggie alternative to pasta, lower in calories, and gluten free (if that is a concern). The easiest way to cook it to free up the strands inside is to roast it, cut side down. Remember the "4's" that is, 400 degrees F for 40 minutes. I consulted an online cooking site, delish.com, for the particulars. For example, the safest way to cut through the rind, how to season it, and how to check that the squash is cooked but not overdone. Here's the link:

dlish.com cooking spaghetti squash

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