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Peace of Mind Post December 2024 WINTER WONDERLAND
Finding Magic in the Chill
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived! Yes, I know it’s a common saying, but I mean it — I genuinely love the cold, snow, and the entire winter season. While some folks may see winter as an inconvenience or even downright painful, I embrace all that this time of year has to offer. There’s something magical about it, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Sure, it can be challenging to keep moving in the winter. Let’s face it: Once the temperature drops, the couch and a warm blanket start calling your name. But staying active is more important than ever during these colder months. It’s often said that movement is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or related dementias, and I believe it! So, even when it’s cold, I just add a few more layers and keep right on walking. Some might think I’m a bit crazy for loving winter, but the snow is gorgeous! I always say it is natural glitter, sparkling in
the sunlight. Walking in the snow is like stepping into a peaceful, frosty wonderland. While I cannot enjoy all the outdoor activities I’d like to do this time of year, I still get out there and enjoy every snowfall. When I was younger, I used to ice skate a lot, and I still enjoy a brief skate from time to time. But with work and my responsibilities in the barn, time is limited these days. Speaking of which, winter barn duties are an adventure of their own. Admittedly, the cold makes everything take longer. There are 14 horses and a donkey to look after, and let me tell you, caring for livestock in the winter is a job and a half! With snow on the ground, and freezing temperatures, everything is more challenging, but it’s all part of the winter season. Keeping the animals’ water from freezing is a constant battle. We often haul out hot water to keep ice from forming in their buckets, and some of the waterers are insulated for good measure. Keeping the water clean and ice-free is important so the animals stay hydrated. Did you know horses generate heat through digestion? Yep, that’s their natural furnace. To keep warm, they need a lot of hay. Hay to horses is like salad to us — only, in the winter, they need a much bigger helping! Instead of feeding them hay four times a day, like in the summer, we increase it to six or even eight times a day. Two years ago, we had that brutal cold snap around Christmas, and I was out in the barn every hour, checking on the horses and feeding them extra hay to ensure they stayed warm. They grow thick winter coats, which helps, but we weren’t taking any chances during that cold snap! Winter may bring its challenges, but it also brings a lot of joy, and I love being out in the snow and cold with my animals. There are few things more beautiful than the stars on a clear winter evening. With the holiday season here, I hope everyone stays warm, happy, and healthy. Don’t forget to keep moving, even if it’s just a quick walk in the winter air — it’s good for your body, mind, and soul. I wish you all a joyful holiday season! Stay cozy, but get out there and enjoy the beautiful winter world around you.
I’m not the only one who likes snow!
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Who doesn’t love animals? Pet therapy has emerged as a great way to boost the mood and well-being of Alzheimer’s patients. Alzheimer’s, a progressive disease that affects memory and cognitive function, often leads to feelings of confusion, frustration, and anxiety in patients. Pet therapy offers a great way to address these emotional challenges through animals’ companionship and calming presence. Reducing Anxiety and Stress Animals, especially therapy dogs, can naturally pick up on human emotions and respond in a comforting manner. Sometimes, petting or being in the Unleashing Pet Therapy Brings Joy and C
Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously, maybe even too seriously. For owner Lea Hendy, it became apparent quickly that the loveable giant didn’t know how to dog. On their days off at the dog park, Samson was the odd man out, sitting alone in the corner while the other pups played. It seemed like he couldn’t turn off work mode or form bonds with other dogs. Samson joined Lea’s family to train as a service dog. When she noticed his seeming lack of social skills with other dogs, she was determined to find a way to bring him out of his shell. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a cat would change everything. While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building and immediately wanted to play. It was an “aha!” moment that Samson could indeed make deep bonds; it just had to be with the right animal. A couple of months later, they brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo, and the instant friendship surprised everyone. They gently placed the backpack with the little kitten inside in the middle of the room, and Samson immediately sprung into excited barks and tail wags. Lea said they were never expecting him to be so excited about his new friend, and the two have been inseparable since. “It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said. Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Cleo has become an avid adventurer since the family started taking her on hikes. When the kitty tires out, she takes a ride on her older brother Samson, who looks so proud to be transporting his sister. Cleo, a tiny kitten with a big heart, allowed Samson, a workaholic looking for a friend, to break out of his shell and explore his world in ways his family never thought possible. Now, thousands of people worldwide watch their friendship and adventures on the animal-odd couple’s Instagram page @calvin.andco. “It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.” How a Kitten Helped Samson Unleash His Inner Pup A PURR-FECT MATCH
company of an animal can trigger the release of oxytocin, which reduces stress. This interaction often helps to calm agitated patients, making them feel more at ease in their surroundings. Boosting Mood and Engagement Pet therapy can enhance the mood of Alzheimer’s patients by providing a source of joy and engagement. Animals often bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of playfulness, even in patients who may otherwise seem withdrawn or unresponsive. A friendly dog or cat can help reignite positive emotions and bring patients out of their shells.
Puzzle Time!
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the Benefits
Comfort to Alzheimer’s Patients
What do you love about the holidays? I love Christmas movies, and “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of my all- time favorites. There’s something timeless and heartwarming about George Bailey’s journey that resonates with me, especially as a reminder of how easy it is to overlook our positive impact on others. The film shows George facing financial hardship, feeling like his life has no value. But through his angel, Clarence, he sees how much he has touched his family, friends, and community. I have always found it interesting that this movie teaches valuable lessons about estate planning. George Bailey’s life shows us that our legacy isn’t only about material wealth; it’s also about the people we influence and the memories we leave behind. In many ways, estate planning is a tool for ensuring that your loved ones are protected and your legacy remains intact after you’re gone. Without a proper plan, families can be left with financial hardship and conflict, similar to George’s struggles when things take a bad turn. One key takeaway from this awesome holiday movie is the importance of financial protection for those we care about. If George had an estate plan, his family wouldn’t have been vulnerable. While an estate plan can’t solve every problem, it does safeguard against unexpected financial troubles, providing peace of mind and stability to loved ones. Additionally, just as George learns how valued he is in his community, estate planning ensures that his legacy will support those relationships and intentions after he passes away. Another important takeaway is the unpredictability of life. George never imagined facing financial disaster, but these unforeseen moments highlight the importance of planning. Life insurance, trusts, and a well-structured estate plan can prevent families from experiencing unnecessary hardship in times of grief. So, this holiday season, give this classic holiday movie a watch (or a rewatch), for it reminds us to reflect on our own impact and the steps we can take to protect our loved ones. Happy Holidays! Give ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ a Watch This Holiday Season My Favorite Christmas Classic Has Powerful Lessons
This boost in mood often leads to increased social interaction with the animal and other people. Stimulating Memory and Communication For Alzheimer’s patients, interactions with therapy animals can also help stimulate memories and encourage communication. Many individuals with Alzheimer’s may have had pets earlier in life, and the presence of an animal can trigger fond memories of those experiences. This can lead to conversations about past pets or related topics, helping to improve cognitive function and foster a sense of connection to their past. Even patients with limited verbal abilities may become more expressive when interacting with a therapy animal, using gestures, facial expressions, or sounds to communicate their enjoyment. Encouraging Routine and Physical Activity Pet therapy also introduces a positive routine and encourages physical activity. Whether it’s walking a therapy dog or simply reaching out to pet a cat, these small activities promote movement and offer a sense of purpose. Physical engagement, no matter
how minimal, can have significant benefits for an Alzheimer’s patient and support both their physical and emotional well-being.
Sticky Fig and Pecan Pudding With Toffee Sauce
Inspired by Delicious.com
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened • 2/3 cup brown sugar • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp baking powder • 3/4 cup self-rising flour • 3/4 cup dried figs, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped • 1/2 cup hot water
Toffee sauce • 1/2 cup unsalted butter • 1 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 6-cup ovenproof bowl and line the bottom with waxed paper. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and flour until smooth. Stir in pecans and figs, then add 1/2 cup hot water. 3. Pour batter into prepared bowl, cover with a circle of waxed paper, then cover tightly with foil. Bake for 50–60 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. 4. For toffee sauce, put butter and sugar in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Stir in cream and increase heat to medium. Bring to just below boiling, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until thickened. 5. Turn pudding onto a plate and drizzle with toffee sauce.
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Inside 1
Embracing the Magic of Snow, Cold, and the Holiday Season
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Samson and Cleo’s Tail-Wagging Tale The Power of Pet Therapy Sticky Fig and Pecan Pudding With Toffee Sauce What ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Can Teach Us About Legacy and Estate Planning
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Unravel the Myth of the 16th-Century Rocket Cat Cat-apulting Into History
The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off
Throughout military history, you’ll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th-century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered. Let’s set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the “Feuer Buech,” published in 1584, a treasure trove of (literally) explosive innovations in warfare. Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats. Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm’s groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for cats. Picture a kitty, strapped with a sack of gunpowder, zipping
through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds. The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists. The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder- laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope Mr. Whiskers doesn’t get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords. Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the “Feuer Buech” reminds us of the lengths human creativity can go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior.
As any cat owner will tell you, cats have their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper.
Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats’ notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self-respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you’re cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
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