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August 2022
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UP IN THE AIR My Adventures in Climbing and Flying
Aug. 1 is National Mountain Climbing Day — and while I can’t say I’ve scaled many mountains, my track record shows I like getting high up off the ground and testing myself. My passion started young while camping and exploring the great outdoors with my Boy Scout troop. BSA Troop 499 is to thank for my only legitimate mountain climbing adventure when we visited the Scout ranch in Philmont and climbed the Tooth of Time. Unsurprisingly, the mountain is shaped like a tooth, and when people once traveled from Missouri by covered wagon, it signified that Santa Fe was only seven days away. Now, it’s where Boy Scouts test their mettle. We left for the 2–3 hour climb very early in the morning while it was still dark. It was better that way because it would get too hot later on. When we got to the top, I’ll never forget how many ladybugs covered everything. I’ve never seen anything else like it! And our early arrival had another benefit — we got to watch the sunrise from the mountain peak. It was a lot of fun, but we spent much more time rock climbing. A couple of times a year, my troop would visit Mineral Wells State Park, and we’d spend days going up and down the natural rock walls. It was challenging, and it required a lot of faith in your fellow Scouts and the integrity of your ropes. While climbing up, you had to rely on the guy below you to tighten the rope if you slipped. If he wasn’t paying attention, you could fall farther than intended. Meanwhile, rappelling down the rock was nerve-wracking. You lean back off the side of the rock and slide your rope through the carabiner, dangling in the air and walking in a way gravity never intended. But I had a ton of fun and would have liked to do even more of it than I did. My Boy Scout experiences haven’t been my only brushes with high altitudes — I also got my pilot’s license. I’m not quite sure what made me decide to try flying, especially since I wasn’t a fan of flying as a kid. But it probably had something to do with my grandfather, who flew, and my dad, who got an A&P mechanic license. I remember flying with an instructor from Waco back to the Addison airport. Where I-35 splits between east and west around Hillsboro, there are several airports. I noticed that an old T-6 Texan Trainer took off from one and came right at us. It ducked underneath us, and my instructor knew what was going on. He warned me, “He’s going to come out in front of us.” Thinking he was going to pull up and fly straight and level and fly away
from us, I didn’t think it was big deal. But instead, he flew straight up in the sky not too far off our nose and put us in the middle of a loop. At first, I thought it was cool. Then, I realized just how dangerous it was — I didn’t sign up to be in an airshow 6,000 feet above the ground! We ultimately reported the guy to air traffic control. But I happened to have a camera on me and got the shot of a lifetime with the other plane super close to us. Unfortunately, the memory card got corrupted! After doing some extensive work with it, I was only able to get a small thumbnail-size version of the picture. And now I’ve lost it. But at least I’ll always have the memory. It has been several years now since I last got into a cockpit. My youngest, Kaitlin, will never let me hear the end of it since I took the other two flying. Someday, I hope to have some time to get back into flying, if for no other reason than to put her complaints to rest! I don’t exactly think of myself as an adrenaline junkie, but the evidence seems to indicate otherwise. I guess I just like trying new things and don’t typically back away from a challenge. Maybe we’re not meant to have our feet on solid ground all the time — or, at least, I’m not.
-Aaron Miller
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Soak in the Sun With No Worries PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS
With the 2022 Met Gala theme, “Gilded Glamour,” and Netflix’s popular series “Bridgerton,” it’s no surprise we have succumbed to the alluring corset style. But we need to acknowledge its dicey history and how it has evolved in today’s fashion world. RESHAPE YOUR FASHION Giving Corsets a Modern Makeover The History of the Corset Corsets date back to the 16th century, initially designed to transform the female body into naturally unattainable silhouettes. They began as close-fitting sleeveless bodices made of whalebone, then later steel, and they encircled the ribs and shrunk one’s natural waist. Back then, corsets could actually cause internal problems, like compressing organs or making it difficult to breathe. They were typically worn as undergarments and were very restrictive. Over the years, designers have reimagined corsets from longer varieties that covered the hips to shorter versions that center at the waist. The corset never truly left the fashion scene; it has continued to evolve in modern fashion. Corsets Today You can add a corset to just about any outfit nowadays. It can be paired with a dress, long-sleeved shirt, or even with business pants and a blazer. Brands are creating corsets in a multitude of fabrics and prints inspired by art or natural landscapes. This versatile wardrobe staple has also caught the eye of celebrities. They typically wear corsets with pants or skirts, and some even rock dresses with corset-style midsections. Whether they wear them to a casual outing or a bigger event, celebs can’t get enough of them. One newer aspect of the corset trend is diversity. Corsets aren’t just made for one specific type of person or body shape; anybody can wear one if they’d like to. Because they now accommodate the different shapes and sizes of people and aren’t so restrictive, corsets no longer reinforce the idea of an “ideal” body shape. Instead, wearing one can empower and instill confidence in a person and their wardrobe.
The best part of summer vacation is definitely spending time at the beach. It’s a great place to relax
while soaking in the sun and dipping your toes in the water. One thing that can be a hassle, though, is protecting your valuables. With so much traffic on the sand, it’s an easy place for someone to scoop up a bag or snag a phone that’s sitting on a towel. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your valuables safe while you enjoy the beach.
The Pros of the Lifeguard Tower Something as simple as sitting near a lifeguard
tower can deter potential thieves. Since lifeguards have a clear view of the area, they’ll be able to spot suspicious-looking people who are creeping too close to your belongings. If there isn’t a tower nearby, consider sitting near a pier. Your items are less likely to be stolen where there are more witnesses. Waterproof Accessories Who says you can’t be stylish on the beach? Wearing a waterproof waist pouch or carrying a waterproof dry bag can create a greater sense of security. Knowing your valuables are right there floating with you can ease your mind. You could even bury your waterproof bag in the sand for extra protection. Disguising Valuables One great way to hide smaller valuables, like keys or cash, is to disguise them in food packages. Items such as Cheez-It boxes or cans of Pringles are a sneaky way to divert attention away from your belongings. If someone just so happens to creep by your spot, it’s unlikely they’ll grab a snack as they look for valuables to steal. Someone to Watch Your Belongings If you don’t have acquaintances nearby, find someone who appears trustworthy to watch over your things — families with children may be a safe option. This isn’t an ideal tactic, since it requires you to have a bit of trust in human kindness from a complete stranger. Or you could possibly leave belongings at a restaurant or bar you frequent. Spending vacation at the beach doesn’t need to be stressful. The risk will always be there, but these options can reduce the chances of someone stealing your valuables and can ease your mind while you relax.
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Our feathered friends may need a hand when their food sources are scarce or when winter rolls around, which is where bird feeders come in! Making homemade bird feeders is a fun way for you and your family to be creative while learning about birds and other local fauna. You can create a bird feeder in many ways and encourage kids to get crafty! Gather your supplies. Most homemade bird feeders can be made with materials you can find in your own home! Recycled items such as toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, egg cartons, milk jugs, paper plates and bowls, or even pine cones from the yard are perfect building blocks. Whatever you choose to build with, make sure the feeder is accessible to the birds! Cut holes so the birds can peck at the food and craft a place for them to perch on. If you’re hanging the feeder, cut holes for twine and ensure it won’t hang too low. For food, you can use regular bird seed from the store, or you can use items from your own fridge. (As part of the project, take a little time to look online for safe bird food suggestions if you don’t use seed.) You can Get Crafty With Mother Nature With Homemade Bird Feeders!
adhere seeds and pieces of fruit and veggies to the side of the feeder with peanut butter — no glue required!
Jazz it up! This is where kids can personalize their own bird feeder. Using bird-safe paints (such as oil-based, latex, acrylic, or watercolor), your kids can design their own bird feeders with bright colors or designs that express their personalities or interests. Be sure not to paint the inside of the feeder, as birds may scratch and consume the paint while trying to reach the food. Then all you have left is to find the perfect spot. Try to find a space where you can see the birds but with enough distance so you don’t scare them away. After that, hang it up and watch the flocks come to you! Homemade bird feeders can be a great way to get your kids involved with Mother Nature and teach them how to care for and observe wild animals, all while being good to the environment.
TAKE A BREAK
ZUCCHINI CORN FRITTERS
Ingredients
• 4 cups shredded zucchini • 1/2 cup corn kernels • 6 green onions, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 1/4 cups chickpea flour • 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme • 1 tsp each salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • Vegan nacho cheese, black beans, salsa, and avocado for toppings
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and toppings. Stir until well combined and let rest for 5 minutes until a batter forms. 2. In a large skillet, warm the oil over medium heat. Scoop 1/4 cup of zucchini mixture into the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until fritter is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter. 3. Serve topped with nacho cheese, black beans, salsa, and avocado.
Inspired by MakingThymeForHealth.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Aaron Gets Off the Ground
2
The Evolution of the Corset
Keep Your Valuables Safe on the Beach
3
Handcraft Homemade Bird Feeders With the Family
Zucchini Corn Fritters
4
Choose the Best Channel for the Family
Explore Kid-Friendly YouTube Channels And Enhance Your Child’s Learning
Every family has their own approach when it comes to their children watching online content. The vast world of videos and channels in the media can be dicey. When media is used thoughtfully and appropriately, though, it can enhance your child’s learning experience. Here are four great YouTube channels for your kids, or even your whole family, to watch. Dodo Kids After years of parents telling The Dodo they loved watching their videos with the whole family, Dodo Kids was created. This channel is great for kids who have an interest in or passion for animals and enjoy watching cute, heartwarming animal videos. This channel features kid hosts, funny voice-overs, and colorful graphics to make stories fun and engaging. Check out the cuteness at YouTube.com/c/TheDodoKids/featured . PBS Kids This channel is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children through their curriculum-based media. A large inventory of
educational videos feeds your child’s curiosity about science, the world, or even emotional challenges they may face. To kids, it’s just an interesting video, but in reality, they’re getting a deeper understanding of the world they live in. Give it a try at YouTube.com/c/PBSKIDS/featured. Netflix Jr. In 2022, Netflix will launch Netflix Jr., where kids can watch feature characters from their favorite shows, like “StoryBots” or “Super Monsters.” Children can learn and sing along with engaging content like the “ABC Jamboree” or educational videos like “What Makes an Airplane Fly?” See all the fun at YouTube.com/c/NetflixJr/featured. Crash Course Kids From the producers of Crash Course, this new channel for kids highlights grade school science. They focus on the Earth, habitats, space, chemical reactions, engineering, and much more. Many teachers and home-school parents use Crash Course in their classrooms because it’s full of engaging topics and enhances the
learning experience visually versus reading from a textbook. Discover what you can learn at YouTube.com/c/crashcoursekids/featured. YouTube can be a great outlet for children to learn and engage their creativity. They can discover new interests, learn from diverse perspectives, and even enjoy a greater sense of community. Who knows? You might even learn something along the way!
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