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Peace of Mind Post June 2025
THE LONGEST DAY A Fundraiser With Miles, Heart, and a Friendly Donkey
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate summer, support a great cause, and maybe even challenge your physical limits all at once, mark your calendar for Friday, June 20. That’s the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and it also happens to be the date for a unique fundraiser benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s called “The Longest Day,” and it’s not your typical walkathon. The idea is simple: Do something you love from sunup to sundown to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s. For people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia — and their caregivers — every day can feel like the longest day. The emotional, physical, and mental toll of the disease is relentless, and this event is a way to honor their endurance and bring attention to their struggle. For me, getting outside is a favorite part of summer. I love walking, sometimes running, and just soaking up the season. So, for “The
Longest Day,” I’ve decided to turn that into something meaningful. I’m going to attempt to complete a 2.7-mile loop that starts and ends at our office as many times as possible. The loop features a notoriously brutal three-quarter-mile hill with a nasty turn that makes you question all your life choices. My goal is to make it 10 loops — that’s 27 miles in one day. Sure, it’s a little crazy, but that’s the point. It’s not a race. It’s not about speed. It’s about endurance and continuing even when your legs are tired, your body is sore, and your mind tells you to stop. And that feels like the perfect metaphor for what caregivers and families affected by Alzheimer’s experience every day. This isn’t my first challenge, but it will be my biggest. The most I’ve ever done in a day is 18 miles during a race. So, 27 miles is pushing the limit, but I believe I can do it and am excited to try. The best part is that we are turning this into a community event. Our office will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day at 234 A Smith Road. We’ll have an open house atmosphere, a food truck (details coming soon!), and a special guest appearance from our friendly office donkey. No, we’re not pinning any tails on Betty the Donkey, but visitors can say hello, give her treats, and snap a few selfies. Donations will also be accepted on-site. If you’d like to contribute ahead of time, scan the QR code below, visit act.alz.org/goto/ LongestHill or send a good old-fashioned check payable to “Alzheimer’s Association” to our office! Every bit helps the Alzheimer’s Association continue its work supporting families, funding research, and spreading awareness. This event is meant to be fun, unusual, and deeply meaningful. Just like the Alzheimer’s journey, it might be uncomfortable. It may require doing things we didn’t plan on. But it’s also an opportunity to show support, build community, and remember that even on the longest,
hardest days, we don’t have to walk alone. So, come out, cheer me on, pet a donkey, grab some lunch, and help us turn the longest day into something powerful and positive. More details to come — stay tuned!
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BEATING THE HEAT
The bonds we develop with our pets are unlike any other we experience. They depend on us for their every want and need, and we often give them whatever they ask for! We know they would do the same for us if the roles were reversed. As the years pass, that bond deepens, making us inseparable from our furry friends. Many of us have felt despair when we imagine life without our trusty dog, cat, or other pet. It turns out that some animals feel the same and will do everything in their power to protect their owner if tragedy occurs. An 84-year-old man in Washington state woke up one morning to the sound of his glucose machine telling him his blood sugar was too low. As he headed toward the fridge, he noticed his 13-year-old dog, Gita, wanted to go outside. Shortly after being let out, Gita took off toward the woods, and her owner followed in pursuit. After traveling 20–30 feet, the man turned around to head back home when dizziness overcame him. He fell to the ground, broke his hip, and immediately started shouting for help. Gita remained by her owner’s side for some time before realizing nobody would hear him in the secluded woods. She jumped into action, heading toward a well-traveled street, where she encountered a sheriff’s deputy. The deputy tried to get the dog in his vehicle to no avail, so he surveyed the surrounding area to find Gita’s owner. The deputy could not locate the owner but still felt something was wrong, so he turned his attention back to Gita. The two locked eyes before Gita stood up and ran toward an unmarked side street. Gita led the deputy directly to her owner before any more harm could come to him. After the event, the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office posted “Hero Dog Saves Owner” and their account of the story on Facebook. Gita certainly proved her loyalty and bravery that day! Gita’s Heroic Dash to Save Her Owner Loyalty Runs Deep
ALZHEIMER’S WANDER
Wandering is one of the more common and concerning behaviors in individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It can happen for a variety of reasons: confusion, anxiety, searching for something familiar, or being unable to recognize surroundings. While it’s something to keep an eye on year-round, it’s especially important to be extra cautious during summer. Warmer weather means more people spend time outdoors, kids are out of school, pools are open, and there’s more activity in neighborhoods. It’s easier for someone to slip away unnoticed or head outside without realizing they’re not where they’re supposed to be. For families and caregivers, being proactive is key to keeping loved ones safe. Establish a Routine
A predictable schedule can reduce restlessness and anxiety, which are common triggers for wandering. Meals, walks, and activities at consistent times can help your loved one feel more secure. Secure Entrances and Exits Install childproof locks or alarms on doors and windows. Consider motion sensors or door chimes that alert you
Puzzle Time!
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T AND STAYING SAFE
RING TIPS FOR SUMMER
WHY I’LL NEVER STOP CAPTURING THE LITTLE MOMENTS 65,000+ Photos Later It may sound silly to some, but I recently deleted over 65,000 photos from my phone — and I still have thousands left. Why? Because I believe you can never have too many photos, especially of animals, nature, and everyday beautiful moments that deserve to be remembered. This month, National Camera Day is the perfect time to slow down, look around, and appreciate the power of photography — not necessarily perfectly staged or filtered photos, but the real, raw, and heartwarming kind — the kind that reminds you of who you love, where you’ve been, and all the little things that made you smile along the way. Most of my photos are of dogs, horses, and sunrises. I’ve sent my fair share of sunrise shots to friends and family (they haven’t complained yet!), and I’ll never get tired of capturing a familiar view with a slightly different glow. There’s something about a sunrise. It’s a moment of peace and promise, and every single one feels different. I take those photos to relive them later, especially when I’m on a plane or scrolling through my phone on a quiet afternoon. It’s like a built-in gratitude practice. And then, of course, there’s the animals. My camera roll is a highlight reel of my dog’s adorable expressions and my horses’ funniest antics. Whether they’re napping in the sun, sticking their tongues out, or just doing something silly, I can’t help but snap a picture. And don’t even get me started on baby pictures. Puppies and foals grow up so fast; looking back at how tiny they were is always the best. At the end of the day, I think photography is really about preserving the good. You don’t take pictures of bad days or stressful moments — you capture the laughter, the beauty, and the love. So, on National Camera Day on June 29, don’t worry about taking “too many” pictures. Grab your phone, head outside, snap that sunrise, catch your dog mid- wiggle, and just enjoy the chance to freeze a happy moment in time. You’ll be glad you did.
when someone is coming or going. To discourage wandering, you can also use signs like “Stop” or “Do Not Enter” on doors. Keep ID on Hand Always make sure your loved one has some form of identification: an ID bracelet, medical alert jewelry, or even a sewn-in label with contact information on their clothing. Alert Neighbors and Local Authorities Let your neighbors know about your loved one’s condition and that they may be prone to wandering. If they see your loved one walking alone, they’ll know to check in or call you. Be Cautious Around Water With pools and lakes being popular in the summer, it’s important to secure access to these areas. Wandering near water can quickly turn dangerous, even if it’s just a shallow backyard pool.
Summer is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors, but for Alzheimer’s caregivers, it’s also a season to stay on high alert. With a few precautions in place, you can help ensure your loved one stays safe while still enjoying all summer has to offer.
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 medium shallot, chopped • 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced • 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided
• 1 14-oz can reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear) • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.
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Inside 1
27 Miles, a Steep Hill, and a Cause Worth Every Step
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Hero Hound Saves Owner Stay a Step Ahead When Caring for Someone With Alzheimer’s What My Camera Roll Says About Life Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup
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The House That Spite Built
Traffic Stopper Tiny homes may be all the rage for budget-conscious house hunters these days. But none has as engaging a history as the diminutive Alexandria Spite House in Virginia. Brickmaker John Hollensbury built this 7-foot-wide rowhouse nearly 200 years ago — not to live in, but to fill up the alley next to his splendid two-story brick home in what is now the Old Town district of Alexandria. Hollensbury was bothered by horse-drawn carriages trying to squeeze through the alley, scraping against the brick walls of his and his neighbor’s houses, and loiterers gathering in the area. Hollensbury decided to close the alley forever by building a house in it — not to create living space, but to block the alley — thus its name, the Spite House. The little dwelling is squeezed in so tightly that its neighbors’ exterior walls serve as its interior. Its 25-by-7-foot area is spread over two floors, producing a total floor space of 325 square feet. The little home is comfy enough that one couple lived there for 25 years. Its most recent owner bought it in 1990 for $130,000 and used it occasionally. The Spite House at 523 Queen St. is Alexandria’s best-known tiny home, but it isn’t the only one. Three other tiny houses, all 1–3 feet wider, were also built in alleys during the 19th century. This may seem like a cheap way to build since all that is needed is a roof and rear and front walls. Nevertheless, based on the latest available sales data from 2014, one of these alley houses sold for a cool $424,000! A Historic Tiny Home Built on Spite
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