The Little Things Peace of Mind Post T hanksgiving is a time to recognize how much our families mean to us, and for many of us with older relatives, the holiday is an excellent time to check in and see how they’re doing. The Still, her forgetting to mention what to do with the turkey way wasn’t the only thing that notified us that she was slowing down. As it turns, the year of the “turkey incident” would be the last Thanksgiving she was home. The next Thanksgiving would be SIGNS YOUR LOVED ONES MAY NEED HELP NOVEMBER 2019
spent in the hospital, recovering from a fall just three weeks prior to the holiday, after she tripped on her oxygen cord. These signs were small, and while everyone forgets something here or there, things like forgetting to turn off the stove or take medications may be clear signs that they need additional assistance. If you still suspect something, their hygiene is a good indicator as well.
signs they need help may be small, like needing help lifting something or needing to be reminded about things. For my grandmother, we first saw the signs in the kitchen. When I was a kid, she was in charge of Thanksgiving, and with 20–30 people in attendance, it was her time to shine. My job in the kitchen was drying the silver and china, but as I got older, I was in charge of stirring the gravy! But my favorite part was always making the roasted chestnut stuffing. Every fall, we would gather chestnuts from the farm’s chestnut tree, soak them, and peel them for the stuffing.
“The signs they need help may be small, like needing help lifting something or needing to be reminded about things.
The last Thanksgiving we had with her at home, I helped prepare the turkey. My grandmother was shorter, and it was getting difficult for her to lift things. By this point, she was also
When someone is aging, it may become difficult to bathe and keep up with basic hygiene, so some start going days at a time without bathing. Next time you visit your loved ones, take note of how clean they and their living space are. If you see cuts or scrapes on their arms or legs, they could be indications they have fallen and don’t want to talk about it. When you start seeing these signs, think of gentle ways to start a conversation, as they could quickly become defensive on the subject. If you can, it’s a great idea to contact their doctor. If they’re making their regular checkups, ask the doctor to ask them additional questions. This Thanksgiving, appreciate the time you have with loved ones and keep an eye for the little signs they may need more help. Have a pleasant Thanksgiving, everyone!
permanently tethered to her oxygen tank, making navigating the house potentially dangerous. While I was her right-hand woman in the kitchen, I still had plenty to learn, especially in the turkey department. When I was placing the turkey in the oven, I had no idea there was a certain way to turn it, so it baked upside down the entire time. When I went to carve it, nothing happened, as I was unknowingly hacking at its rib cage! My poor grandmother tried to teach me, but it was too late!
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Keep Those Pa HOW TO PREP YOUR ANIMALS FO
W hether you’re banking with a credit union or a national giant, your financial institution likely offers more resources, account options, and saving plans than you’re using — or even aware of. As one NerdWallet article puts it, “Banks and credit unions continue to find new ways to both delight and confound customers.” If you focus on the delights, you can get more bang for your buck out of the financial institution you’re already using. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll pick up new ways to stretch your retirement fund, grow your investments, and pass nest eggs to your grandkids along the way. Take these two easy steps to get started. 1. Get Clicking Even for someone with plenty of internet savvy, bank websites can be intimidating. Most are filled with tabs and portals that overwhelm customers, causing them to limit their interactions to plugging in a username and password to check their balance. Don’t fall into that trap! If you want to get a complete picture of what your bank has to offer, its website is the place to start. Next time you log in, set aside an hour or two to explore the site tab by tab. Take note of products and services you might not be using, like mobile banking apps, 24-hour hotlines, continuing education, and additional account options and their interest rates. Schwab, for example, offers a free online learning center complete with seminars, one-on-one financial advice, and more than 300 informative articles and videos. 2. Schedule a Sit-Down If your bank has a brick-and-mortar location near you, make a point to visit it. While there, take the time to learn about the latest updates from the reading materials on offer, make an appointment with a financial analyst, or speak with a bank teller. It’s in your bank’s interest to see your accounts grow, so representatives are happy to help. If you’ve already explored your bank’s website, this is the time to ask follow-up questions on what you found or make a financial move in a new direction. Whether you’ve decided on a 529 plan or a high-interest checking account, your banking representative can make it happen. HOW TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
BURNISHED POTATO NUGGETS There are countless ways to prepare potatoes, but not all are created equal. For irresistibly crunchy outsides and deliciously creamy insides, try this recipe. The result is sure to be the star side at your Thanksgiving table. As the cold weather approaches, we’re all starting to bundle up, but what about our pets? Our pets may have amazing fur coats, but they can only protect from the elements so much. To avoid any unnecessary vet visits, here are a couple helpful tips to ensure your fur baby is nice and warm this holiday season. Multiple Layers Lower temperatures can overwhelm an animal’s heat regulation, so if their fur gets wet from rain or snow, they lose the ability to insulate. When they can’t keep their bodies warm, their extremities, like their ears, nose, and toes, are vulnerable to frostbite. To give your pet proper insulation, put a coat or sweater on them before venturing outside. That said, just like wet fur, wet clothing could give your pet hypothermia, so be sure to remove any sweaters after stepping inside. While they’re outside, beware of salt spread, as salt can burn the pads of your animal’s feet. Try slipping baby socks onto their paws when they’re inside to get them used to wearing shoes or booties.
INGREDIENTS:
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5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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8 cloves garlic, crushed 2 sprigs rosemary Kosher salt, to taste
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a large pot, pour water over potatoes to
cover by 2 inches. Salt water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. 3. Thoroughly drain potatoes and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss gently and season with salt. 4. Meanwhile, combine both oils in a large pan and heat in oven for 10 minutes. 5. Remove pan from oven and add potatoes, turning to coat thoroughly. Return to oven and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10. 6. Toss in garlic and rosemary and finish cooking for 8–10 minutes. 7. Drain and serve. Inspired by Bon Appétit
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s Warm! COLD WEATHER Outside Shelter Even if your animals have a pet door and can quickly dart in and out, it’s never a bad idea to have a warm space available to
Being Safe for the Holiday ENSURE IT’S JUST THE BIRD HEATING UP ON THANKSGIVING Surprisingly, the hottest day of the year isn’t in the summer. It’s Thanksgiving! In 2016 alone, there were over 2,000 home fires reported and likely more that went unreported. The sheer amount of property damage reported on Thanksgiving between 2014–2016 equated to about $19 million. To avoid being a part of these alarming statistics, here are some helpful tips to ensure that turkey is the only thing cooking this Thanksgiving.
them outside. Make sure your pet has a dry, draft-free, covered shelter beneath a carport or porch awning. Some companies make pressure-sensitive bed warmers that are perfect for a pet’s outside shelter.
Julie’s cat, Mr. Whiskers
To keep your pet from consuming any questionable snow, place a heated water bowl near their shelter. Animals naturally consume more food during the winter months, so be sure to provide some food in the shelter too. While different breeds of animals may enjoy the cold, it’s important to keep your own pet in mind. If it’s cold for you, it’s probably cold for them too. For more ways to help your furry friends stay warm, visit ASPCA.org.
Thanksgiving is the time for the house chef to shine, but it’s also a time for
distractions. With guests arriving and the Macy’s parade blaring in the background, there are plenty of moments for the stove to be left unattended. Make sure someone is tending to the kitchen at all times before dinner is served. Use this as an opportunity to check that the fire extinguisher is readily available and everyone knows how to use it.
S U D O KU
If you have a gas stove, this also provides an assortment of risks. Gas stoves produce a lot of carbon dioxide, which can be concerning if they’re used for several hours. Before cooking begins, open
all fans and vents and crack your windows to ensure gas disperses from the area.
If you’re going the deep fryer route, make sure it’s a safe distance away from the house and any flammable objects. The oil will inevitably splash around, so to prevent oil burns for your children and pets, restrict the frying area to only adults. After you’ve cooked your bird, let the grease cool and put it in a metal container before discarding it.
Before the day ends, make sure all appliances are turned off and everything is safely put away. If you want to find more helpful Thanksgiving safety tips, go to NFPA.org!
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I N S I D E This Issue
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Signs Your Loved Ones May Need Help
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How to Get More From Your Bank How to Prep Your Animals for Cold Weather Thanksgiving Safety Tips Burnished Potato Nuggets
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Not Your Ordinary Turkey Shoot
Not Your Ordinary Turkey Shoot THE CRAZY CASE OF JACOBS V. KENT
I t began like any other hunting excursion. Neil Jacobs was walking softly through the bushes, looking for a spot to hunker down and watch for a flock of turkeys. The only problem was that someone beat him to that neck of the woods. James Kent had established a hunting spot
When their case came before the Supreme Court of the 4th District of New York, the courts denied both the motion and the cross-motion. They agreed that Jacobs had assumed the inherent risks of hunting — just not the risks it would be unreasonable to assume, like getting shot by another hunter who thought you were a turkey. Beyond that, the courts did not pronounce judgment because they did not have enough verifiable facts. Jacobs asserted that turkey hunters should not shoot unless they can see the turkey and verify its gender. The court could not determine whether Kent had failed to follow this rule when he shot Jacobs. They also could not determine whether the doctrine of primary assumption of risk, which Kent pointed to in his defense, was even applicable. The court also called into question whether Jacobs had also been negligent. Ultimately, the case didn’t move forward. Maybe next time, they should just try getting a turkey from the supermarket.
for himself, and, when he heard rustling and gobbling in some nearby bushes and saw a flash of red, he took aim and fired. Unfortunately, the movement in the bushes was not a turkey. Kent was horrified to find that he had shot Jacobs. Jacobs promptly moved for a partial summary judgment against Kent on the basis that he had failed to determine that Jacobs was not a turkey but, in fact, a human being. Kent cross-moved for summary judgment, saying Jacobs should have expected risks when he stepped into a popular hunting environment.
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