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Peace of Mind Post October 2025
OCTOBER MAGIC Crisp Air, Golden Leaves, and Endless Reasons to Smile
Betty the Donkey Now, when I tell people that Betty is one of the things that makes me happiest, they usually look at me sideways. “What’s the donkey’s purpose?” they ask. My answer is always the same: She makes me smile. She makes me laugh. And honestly, isn’t that purpose enough? Betty has this way of doing whatever she wants. Most of the time, she moves at her own slow, steady pace. But every once in a while, she gets these bursts of inspiration and takes off running. She almost looks like a cartoon animal with her little legs pumping at lightning speed, but she’s not really moving that fast. It’s the funniest thing, and no matter what mood I’m in, I can’t help but laugh. One of my favorite stories happened when Betty decided to roll in the dirt. Donkeys love dust. Rolling around keeps them comfortable in arid climates, but Betty went at it with so much gumption that she rolled right out of her halter. Suddenly, I had no control of her, and she just strutted around the barnyard like she owned the place. It took me a while to catch her, and in the meantime, she clearly enjoyed her little victory lap. But Betty isn’t just silly. She’s incredibly sweet. She’s the one I always encourage visitors to meet if they want to pet a horse. I tell them, “Nope, you’ve got to meet the donkey first.” She’s incredibly tolerant and kind. Last year, she even came to an Alzheimer’s fundraiser with me and absolutely stole the show. People flocked to her, and she just stood there, calm and patient, letting everyone pet her. Watching how much joy she brought to others reminded me of why she means so much to me. She’s a little energy machine.
The Beauty of October The second thing that always makes me smile is October itself. This month feels like it was made for me. I love stepping outside when it’s sunny, 65 degrees F, and the leaves are lit up in every red, gold, and orange shade. It’s like living inside a painting. I love taking time off work this month, not because I’m taking a trip, but because I want to stay home. I even have a self- imposed travel ban this time of year. Between the trees around my property and the trails through the woods at the farm, it feels like living in my own private park. I’ll ride my horse outside, walk through the leaves, or just sit still and take it all in. That’s the beauty of it; I don’t have to go anywhere. The magic is right here. Last year, we even had what I called a “pumpkin zen garden” at the office. It was just a variety of pumpkins growing in our little garden space. Simple things like that bring me a ridiculous amount of joy. So, when World Smile Day comes around on Oct. 3, I already know what makes me smile: a goofy, lovable donkey, and the gorgeous world that October wraps around me. And that’s really the point of the day, isn’t it? To remind ourselves that happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as small as watching your donkey run in circles or looking up at a tree on fire with autumn color. Happy October!
This month, hands down, is my favorite! The air cools down, the leaves start to turn, and it feels like the world finally slows to a pace I can breathe in. But October isn’t just about pumpkin patches and cozy sweaters: World Smile Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of October. This year, that’s Oct. 3, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start the season. World Smile Day is all about kindness, joy, and those small sparks that make you grin when you least expect it. And two things are guaranteed to make me smile: Betty the donkey and the beauty of October.
Betty never fails to make me smile.
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When it comes to Alzheimer’s care, sleep often becomes one of the biggest challenges for patients and their caregivers. Restless nights, disrupted routines, and round-the-clock responsibilities can take a toll. But sleep isn’t just a comfort; it’s essential for health, patience, and resilience. For those living with Alzheimer’s, sleep REST MATTER
Mission Im-paw-sible
Florida Cat’s Epic Getaway From the Vet
difficulties are common. Changes in the brain can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to nighttime wandering, confusion, and restlessness. Lack of rest often makes symptoms like memory problems, anxiety, and agitation worse, which can feel overwhelming for the patient and caregiver. But here’s the piece many
No one likes going to the doctor, but for one Florida feline, a routine visit to the vet turned into a daring escape. Just after being neutered at SPCA Florida, George the cat put his kitty GPS to the test when he broke out of his cage, trying to make his way home. As if his daring getaway wasn’t impressive enough, the tabby scampered across 3 miles full of obstacles to return to his owners’ doorstep. On the day of the incident, George managed to pop his cage open and scurry out in a matter of seconds. Still loopy on anesthesia, the housecat evaded clinic staff, scaling up fencing before disappearing. Employees did everything they could to stop the escape artist, lifting each other over fences, but George was too quick and determined to catch. Owner Bob Beasock was heartbroken by the news and searched for his little buddy alongside clinic staff for nearly a week. Just when it looked like they might never find his furry companion, Bob found him at home, curled up in his favorite armchair in the carport. “There was George, stretched out in his chair in our carport, looking like he had just returned from a grand adventure,” Bob told reporters. “He was a bit thinner, clearly hungry, but otherwise no worse for the wear.” Though George was unscathed, his journey home was no walk in the park. He had to trek through multiple subdivisions, maneuver around a couple of lakes, and cross five or six roads to reach his destination.
caregivers overlook: Their sleep is just as critical. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is demanding, and too often, caregivers push through exhaustion to “get it all done.” Over time, sleep deprivation drains
energy, weakens the immune system, and fuels stress. It can also heighten feelings of frustration or burnout, making it harder to provide the calm, steady presence their loved one needs.
Cats are skilled navigators who use a combination of scent, visual markers, and even geomagnetism to find their way around. But George’s journey wasn’t all prompted by a deep instinct or fear of the vet; he just wanted to get back to his owner. Though they express it more subtly than dogs, research has found that cats love their humans and form a deep attachment with their owners. Bob was relieved to find George safe and sound, but said he would have done it just a little differently if he ever found himself fleeing his doctor’s appointment. “If I had been stuck there, I would’ve called an Uber. But George didn’t have that option.”
Puzzle Time!
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Protecting Sleep for Alzheimer’s Caregivers and Patients
HERE’S WHY IT’S ACTUALLY ABOUT PEACE OF MIND Think Estate Planning Is Scary? Every October, a week is set aside to highlight something many of us put off far longer than we should, estate planning, and this year, Estate Planning Awareness Week is Oct. 20–26. Before you roll your eyes and think, “That’s depressing,” hear me out. Estate planning doesn’t have to be scary, complicated, or reserved for people with sprawling mansions and yachts. In fact, it’s about peace of mind, clarity, and protecting the people you love most. One of the largest myths floating around is that writing a will somehow tempt fate. People joke that signing those papers is like putting one foot on a banana peel, surely the end must be right around the corner. But here’s the truth: There is zero evidence that drafting a will or setting up an estate plan has anything to do with when you’ll pass away. What it does do is give you control and confidence, ensuring your wishes are respected no matter what life throws your way. Think of estate planning as answering three simple but powerful questions: 1. Who should make medical decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself? 2. Who should handle financial matters if you’re temporarily unable to? 3. What do you want to happen with your belongings, home, and legacy when the time comes? Estate planning is less about paperwork and more about making thoughtful choices ahead of time. Once those choices are written down, you and your loved ones can breathe easier knowing you have a clear plan. Another common misconception is that estate planning is only for the wealthy. The reality is that if you own anything, a car, a savings account, or a houseplant your sister’s already called dibs on, you have an “estate.” Planning just means you get to decide what happens, instead of leaving your loved ones to guess or, worse, letting the courts decide. Estate Planning Awareness Week is the perfect reminder to check this off your to-do list. It’s not about gloom and doom. It’s about empowerment. With a little thought and a small investment of time, you can create a plan that reflects your values, safeguards your family, and saves everyone from unnecessary stress down the road.
The truth is simple: Well-rested caregivers are healthier, more focused, and better equipped to manage the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s care. Prioritizing sleep isn’t selfish. It’s an act of care for yourself and the person you love. Here are five strategies caregivers have found helpful. Establish a routine. Consistency helps the patient and caregiver. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can reinforce natural sleep cycles. Create a restful environment. Keep the bedroom quiet, cool, and dark. Soft lighting and safe spaces can reduce confusion or wandering risks for patients who wake in the night. Share the load. If possible, ask family, friends, or respite services to take a night shift so you can catch up on rest. Even short breaks can make a difference. Wind down together. Gentle evening activities, like listening to calm music or doing simple stretches, can soothe the caregiver and patient, signaling it’s time for rest.
Seek support. If sleep challenges become overwhelming, talk to a health care provider. Sometimes, small adjustments in daily routines, medication timing, or professional respite care can ease the burden.
Apple Upside- Down Cake
Inspired by IHeartEating.com
Ingredients
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping • 1/4 cup unsalted butter • 1/2 cup light brown sugar • 3 Honeycrisp apples Cake • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt • 3/4 cup milk • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 large egg
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, add butter for topping. Place in oven for a few minutes until melted. 3. Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter. 4. Cut apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick (no need to peel) and arrange them in circles, overlapping slightly until they fill the entire pan. Set aside. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. 6. Add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Whisk until combined. 7. Pour batter over apple slices, smoothing as needed. 8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let cool to room temperature, invert on a plate, and serve.
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Happiness Doesn’t Need a Purpose
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A Daring Kitty GPS Test The Caregiver’s Guide to Better Rest in Alzheimer’s Care Why Putting Off Estate Planning Causes More Stress Than Doing It Apple Upside-Down Cake
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Hygge Morning Rituals to Nourish Your Spirit
CREATE HYGGE IN EVERY COMFORTING MORNING STEP Start Your Day the Danish Way
There’s a quiet magic in the early morning. It’s a time made for gentleness, nourishing both body and spirit. That’s the beauty of hygge , a Danish philosophy rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and savoring life’s small pleasures. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this gentle lifestyle encourages you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. And what better time to begin than first thing in the morning? Begin right where you wake, still nestled beneath the covers. Before your feet ever touch the floor, take a moment to stretch. Not the kind that feels like a chore but one that softly awakens your muscles and soothes your joints. This small act stirs your blood and eases your body into the day with kindness. Let your shower become a sanctuary . Choose a soap that smells like the
seaso: apple, cinnamon, or something crisp and woodsy. Let the warm water remind you that you’re not in a rush, that this moment is yours. As the coffee brews or tea steeps, light a candle. Watch it flicker and think of someone who has touched your life. Offer a quiet thank-you and wish them well. This small blessing is a gift to them and you. Slip on your walking shoes and greet the world outside. Even a short stroll can awaken a sense of calm. Listen to the autumn leaves rustle, feel the sun on your cheeks. Let nature’s rhythm soften your own. These hygge-inspired rituals help you reclaim mornings with grace, presence, and joy. You’ve earned mornings like these. Let them carry you forward.
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