Take a look at our February newsletter!
February 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm PARTNERS IN LIFE FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH COLLABORATION
When Andrew and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary last year, we found ourselves reflecting on everything we built together — our family, our adventures, and the law firm we run side by side. With Valentine’s Day at the heart of the month, February is the perfect time to think about relationships; ours is a true partnership. We’ve learned that building a strong relationship, whether with your life partner or coworker, relies on clear communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to lean on each other’s strengths. At work, Andrew is typically our clients’ first point of contact. He identifies their needs and guides them through initial consultations. Then, I take over to handle the legal side of things. This balance allows us to stay in our lanes while collaborating effectively when needed. Building Trust at Work and Home Whether we’re running things at home or helping clients navigate estate planning decisions, trust is central to everything we do. Andrew’s initial conversations with clients lay the foundation for trust at work. He’s the friendly voice who reassures clients and helps them feel confident in our ability to meet their needs. By the time I step in to handle the legal work, those relationships are already off to a good start. At home, trust looks a bit different but is just as important. We count on each other to juggle various responsibilities, from school activities to family dinners and camping trips. While Andrew mans the grill, I help with the kids’ homework. And on some nights, the roles are reversed. No matter the responsibility, we’ve learned that embracing one another’s strengths keeps everything running smoothly. Lessons in Communication When people learn that Andrew and I live and work together, they often ask, “How do you do it?” In our experience, the answer is simple: strong communication. Being honest and
patient and truly listening to one another helps us solve problems and stay on the same page, whether navigating a busy day at work or planning a vacation with the kids.
Communication isn’t always easy, though. Like any other skill, it requires effort and practice. Small habits like checking in during a hectic day or clarifying expectations before jumping into a task go a long way toward maintaining harmony. We’ve also learned that great communication, especially as a husband-and- wife team, goes beyond logistics. True communication is about valuing each other’s perspectives and staying connected no matter what life throws our way. Shared Experiences, Shared Values As partners in work and life, we strive to keep work at work and home at home, but the two often comingle. Family life allows us to recharge and enjoy our time together but also shapes how we approach work. Our personal experiences, from simple everyday activities to adventures with the kids, deepen our empathy for the families we assist at our firm. We know all families have unique stories, priorities, and needs. Just as we cherish the special moments in our lives, we know our clients have shared experiences and values they hold close. That’s why we work hard to provide personalized solutions that protect what matters most to them. For us, family and work aren’t separate — they are built on the same foundation of trust, respect, and teamwork. These shared values remind us every day why it’s so important to help families find peace of mind and create legacies worth celebrating.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
Lost but Not Forgotten
A DETERMINED FELINE FINDS HIS WAY HOME NO MATTER THE DISTANCE
Cats are known for many things: their independence, impeccable balancing skills, and endless fascination with shoelaces. However, who would have guessed that our beloved feline friends have
Susanne never lost hope and recalls a moment during their trek home when she saw a double rainbow in the sky. “That’s a sign for our Rayne Beau that he’s going to be okay,” she said. The Anguianos finally got the call they had been waiting for about two months after their Yellowstone trip. Their microchip enrollment company called and said Rayne Beau had been found and turned in to the Placer SPCA in Roseville, California (over 800 miles from Yellowstone and 200 miles from their home)! The next day, Benny and Susanne drove to Roseville to pick up Rayne Beau. Upon arrival, they discovered he had lost 6 pounds, had minor paw injuries, and was malnourished. While seeing their beloved fur baby in such a condition wasn’t easy, the Anguianos made it a point to fit their cats with AirTags and Rayne Beau with a GPS tracker. Rayne Beau’s ability to find his way back home remains a mystery. However, it proves that love (and feline internal GPS) can overcome any obstacle, no matter the distance.
an innate GPS built into their brains?
This furry tale began when a California couple, Benny and Susanne Anguiano, decided to take their two cats, Rayne Beau and Starr Jasmyn, on their first trip to Yellowstone National Park. The couple says this wasn’t the cats’ first rodeo. In fact, they loved looking out the big windows of the RV at the different wildlife. However, their epic park adventure turned into a nightmare on this particular trip. Shortly after arriving at Yellowstone, something startled Rayne Beau, and he ran into the forest. The couple searched for him for four days, leaving out some of his favorite treats and toys to lure him back to them. Unfortunately, Benny and Susanne’s efforts were short-lived, and they had to return home to Salinas, California.
Love and History
THE STORY BEHIND VALENTINE’S DAY
Every February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards, chocolates, and gifts with our loved ones. But have you ever wondered how this tradition began? The history of this holiday of love is as varied as the ways we observe it today. Ancient Roots Valentine’s Day may take its name from a Christian saint, but the roots of the holiday trace back to the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. First celebrated on Feb. 15th in the sixth century B.C., this ancient Roman festival marked the arrival of spring and included fertility rites meant to please Lupercus, the Roman god of fertility. While far removed
from a third-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II’s orders — the emperor had outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of making them better soldiers. Valentine was eventually executed for his defiance, but his story of love and sacrifice left a lasting mark on history. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, honoring the martyr and his commitment to love. A Modern Celebration of Love By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day was associated with courtly love, as seen in Geoffrey Chaucer’s poetry. The tradition grew, and in the 20th century, mass-produced Valentine’s cards became popular, thanks to the greeting card company Hallmark. Today, the holiday is celebrated worldwide with an exchange of gifts ranging from candy and teddy bears to romantic dinners and jewelry. Valentine’s Day continues to evolve with the times but remains rooted in a tradition of love. Whether shared with a romantic partner or friends and family, it’s a day to honor the connections that make life meaningful.
from today’s romantic gestures, it would plant the seeds for a day to celebrate love.
The Legend of Saint Valentine The holiday took on a more romantic tone thanks to Christian influences. While the Catholic Church recognizes more than one saint named Valentine, legend holds that the holiday takes its name
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRU
A Gift of Love: Why Estate Planning Matters
Prevents Family Disputes While we all hope the things we leave behind won’t be a source of conflict, family disputes are common following the passing of a loved one. Heightened stress and emotions can fuel disagreements, but clearly outlining your wishes reduces conflict and helps preserve relationships during an already difficult time. Protects Loved Ones Financially During your lifetime, you’ve shown how much you care by providing for your family financially, and this doesn’t have to end after you’re gone. Whether it’s setting up a trust for minor children or ensuring your spouse is cared for, a well-structured plan supports your family’s financial security. Plan with love in mind. Estate planning is a heartfelt way to show your family how much you truly care. By taking the time to create or revise your plan today, you can give your loved ones peace of mind long into the future. If you’re ready to start or have any questions, call our office and we’ll be happy to help.
When we think of love, grand gestures and heartfelt moments often come to mind. However, one of the most meaningful ways to show love for your family is to plan for their future. While estate planning is about securing your finances, it’s also about ensuring your loved ones will be supported and cared for no matter what happens. Here’s why estate planning is the ultimate gift of love. Reduces Stress for Your Family Losing a loved one is already difficult enough without the added burden of navigating a complex legal process. A detailed estate plan reduces ambiguity and makes it easier for your family to follow your wishes. While you may not be there physically to provide comfort, the plan you leave behind will reduce the financial and emotional stress your loved ones feel after you’re gone. Gives Time to Grieve Without an estate plan, your assets may be subject to probate, a costly and time-consuming process that can take months — or even years. Planning ahead ensures your family can focus on healing rather than managing decision-making, legal paperwork, and conflict.
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients • 2 tbsp butter • 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp herbes de Provence • 3/4 cup canned sun-dried
Directions 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 3. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
tomatoes, drained and julienned
• 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Take a Break
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup pine nuts • 1 cup spinach
• Fresh thyme, for topping • Salt and pepper to taste • Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
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Inside 1
Lessons From a Decade of Partnership
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A Cat’s Pilgrimage From Yellowstone to California The Surprising History of Valentine’s Day Showing Love Through Estate Planning Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
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Fun Ways to Diversify Your Weekly Menu
Tips to Level Up Your Home Cooking! Break Free From Boring
Do you regularly make meals for yourself or your family? Have you ever struggled to decide what to make? Are you tired of your regular menu of recipes and dishes? If you answered yes to these questions, know that you’re not alone. Many individuals grow tired of cooking the same dishes, especially if they get on a routine of making the same five dinners every week. However, you don’t need to feel this way. Trying something new in the kitchen is easier than ever! Here are two ways to revitalize your passion for cooking while discovering new recipes. Get out of your comfort zone. How many different cultures do you know recipes from? You are probably familiar with Italian, Mexican, and even some Chinese dishes, but how often do you explore dishes from cultures you know
little about? Trying out recipes from new cultures can be incredibly fun. However, it can be challenging to know where to start. Simply pick a country with a cuisine that interests you and Google what they eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll receive a few different options to choose from. Want to get even more adventurous? Consider combining ideas from multiple cuisines to create a unique fusion dish! Deviate from the recipe. Many amateur cooks follow each recipe without missing a step. However, if you’re making the same things every week, these recipes can grow stale quickly. Instead of trying to find something brand-new to make, consider swapping out ingredients. Change out the spices, sides, or even the proteins to create something entirely new and delicious.
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