Check out our January newsletter!
Janaury 2024
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FROZEN IN MY MEMORY My Warm Recollections of Past Winters
I wasn’t born in Texas, but as the saying goes, I got here as soon as I could. I was in the second grade when we moved to Fort Worth. Since arriving in Texas, I’m glad to have not had many serious brushes with winter, other than “Snowmageddon” from a couple of years ago. But that hasn’t always been the case in my life. January is traditionally the coldest month in the U.S., and when this time of the year rolls around, it brings me back to some warm memories of some colder places I’ve called home. Some of my earliest memories are from living in Anchorage, Alaska, where I was born. We then moved to Valdez, where my dad became the pastor of a small church in town and had a brief stint as a commercial fisherman. I distinctly remember walking by our kitchen sink, and a huge crab was in the bottom of it. It was the first time I’d ever seen one and the most bizarre thing I’ve ever seen. Valdez has so much snow that there are poles higher than street lamps that line the roads, so you can still see the road when the snow comes and packs up that high. For a while, Valdez was a booming place fueled by the construction of the Valdez pipeline. However, when the pipeline was done, the local economy suffered, with too many former pipeline workers looking for the few available jobs. When I was about 3 years old, we moved out of Alaska down to Washington State. I remember climbing into a small plane on a cold day with my mother and sister and getting strapped in for the flight from Valdez, and eventually, we made it to live in Springdale, Washington, where my grandparents had moved to. I was outside with my granddad on one of those cold days in Springdale. The place where we lived was near a large pasture that had a stream running through it. As he talked with a neighbor, he watched me take a few steps onto the icy creek and told me to be careful not to fall in. I, not realizing I was already on the literal thin ice, told him confidently, “I won’t fall in, Granddad.” But it was too late. Within seconds, the ice gave way, and I sank into the water with my head and feet above the ice and my midsection in the water! He couldn’t help but laugh a bit as I sat there, but he pulled me up and made me walk across the field back to the house (so I didn’t get hypothermia). Until the day he died, he loved telling that story and reminding me that I told him, “I won’t fall in, Granddad.” Then, with glee in his eye, he’d yell, “Kerthunk!” which is the sound of me going through the ice.
Another memory I have of living in Washington was witnessing the eruption of Mount Saint Helens. I still clearly remember having to wear a mask for days after it happened and watching the volcanic ash fall like snowflakes.
When I was in first grade, my family moved to Colorado. I walked to school each day, which normally wasn’t a problem, but on one particular day, it was unusually frigid. I must have looked freezing on my walk because I remember my friend’s parents stopping their car to see if I needed a ride, but I declined. I may have been on the verge of severe hypothermia that day because when I got to school, I was so cold that they called my mother to get me and take me home. I also remember another winter day when the snow was so deep that when I accidentally dropped a book on my way home, I never could find it. I was in first grade when we lived in Colorado. Sometime that summer, we moved to Texas. Dad worked with my uncle at a company that sold newsprint used for newspapers, and I finished growing up in Fort Worth. The rest is history! I’m thankful for the life that my family and I have today in Texas and the bonds we have with you, and I’m grateful for everything that helped me get to where I am. January is traditionally the coldest month in the U.S., and when this time of the year rolls around, it brings me back to some warm memories of some colder places I’ve called home.
-Aaron Miller
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Keep Your Eyes to the Sky
Explore the Celestial Highlights of 2024
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal with family or friends. However, research suggests that eating together at least three times a week can significantly benefit overall health, particularly for children. Let’s delve into why this age-old tradition is more important than ever. Promotes Healthy Eating Habits One of the most immediate benefits of family meals is you generally eat better. Families sitting down to eat together are more likely to consume a balanced homemade meal rich in essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. This is especially beneficial for children in their formative years who need these nutrients for growth and development. Weight Management Eating together also helps in controlling weight more effectively. Home-prepared meals usually contain healthier ingredients and allow for better portion control. Mealtime structure also supports better eating habits, which can be a crucial factor in weight management for both adults and children. Positive Effects on Child Development Research suggests that eating dinner together positively affects child development. Children interact with adults and siblings, and conversations help them learn social skills, table manners, family values, and culture. Emotional Well-Being Family meals are not just about the food but also about spending quality time together. Enjoying a meal with loved ones allows family bonding and may even improve mental health. It contributes to fewer emotional problems and helps children feel loved, safe, and secure. Educational Benefits Mealtime conversations can be educational. Parents can discuss various topics, helping children expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. This intellectual stimulation can be particularly beneficial for school-aged children. Sharing meals with family or friends is not just a social custom but a healthful practice with numerous benefits. The advantages are numerous, especially for children. So, make it a point to gather around the table for a meal at least three times a week. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you. FOOD FOR THOUGHT— THE BENEFITS OF EATING AS A FAMILY
You could easily miss a lot happening above our atmosphere if you didn’t stay up late or watch the news beforehand. Once the sun sets tonight, look up at the sky. As long as you’re not in an area with heavy light pollution, you should be able to see brilliant constellations. On some nights, you may even see more than you expected. No, we’re not talking about UFOs or little green men but about naturally occurring phenomena deep in outer space.
Several unique events take place in 2024. Here are the highlights you don’t want to miss!
Meteor Showers Seeing a shooting star is magical, but witnessing a meteor shower is awe-inspiring. Meteor showers occur when interstellar dust particles enter our planet’s atmosphere at high speeds. The first meteor shower of the year is the
Quadrantids Meteor Shower, which should take place a few days after New Year’s, but if you miss it, you won’t have to wait long to see another. April, May, July, August, October, and November should also have
meteor showers. Be aware that if the moon shines too brightly, you likely won’t be able to see the meteors.
Saturn Looking at other planets can be fascinating but not always possible, especially without a telescope. Thankfully, you won’t need a telescope to see Saturn and its rings on Sept. 8. Once the sun sets, head outside and look to the east. You should see a bright yellow star that’s not usually visible. That’s Saturn! Total Lunar Eclipse You won’t have to wait until night to see this rare occurrence. On April 8, the moon will pass perfectly between the Sun and Earth, creating an eclipse. Residents of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will see a total eclipse for only a handful of minutes. The rest of the country will still see an eclipse, but it won’t be as extreme. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur until August 2044, so get out there and see it this year! Just be sure to wear protective eyewear!
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BEYOND THE BALL DROP The New Year is a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. While many of us are familiar with the ball drop in Times Square or the clinking How Different Cultures Celebrate the New Year
Denmark: Breaking Plates The Danish have a unique way of showing affection to their friends and family. On New Year’s Eve, it’s customary to break plates and dishes against the doors of loved ones. The more broken pieces you find at your doorstep, the more popular and loved you are.
of champagne glasses at midnight, exploring how different countries and cultures ring in the New Year is fascinating. Let’s journey outside the United States to discover a few unique New Year’s traditions from around the world.
Brazil: Offerings to Iemanjá In Brazil, particularly in coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro, people make offerings to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, on New Year’s
Spain: Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight As the clock strikes midnight in Spain, people eat 12 grapes — one for each clock chime. This tradition brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The grapes are usually eaten in public squares and plazas where crowds gather to celebrate. It’s a race against time to eat all 12 grapes before the last chime, as failing can bring in bad luck. Japan: Joya-no-Kane (Bell Ringing) The Japanese celebrate Joya-no-Kane, where temple bells ring 108 times: 107 times on Dec. 31, and then the 108th ring at midnight on the New Year, bridging the old and new year. This practice is rooted in Buddhist beliefs and is thought to cleanse the 108 worldly desires that cause human suffering.
Eve. They gather at the beach dressed in white and send small boats filled with flowers, candles, and gifts into the ocean as offerings. Scotland: First-Footing In Scotland, the first person to enter a home after midnight is called the “first- footer” and will bring good luck for the year. Traditionally, the first-footer should be a tall, dark-haired male who brings gifts like coal, bread, and whisky to symbolize warmth, luck, and good cheer.
TAKE A BREAK
BAKED SALMON WITH GARLIC AND LEMON
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon!
Ingredients
• 2 lbs salmon fillets • 4 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 2 lemons • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
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214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Early Memories From Colder Places Why Eating Together Matters More Than You Think A Preview of 2024’s Best Celestial Events Unique New Year’s Traditions Around the World Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon Transform Your Home With These 3 Smart Devices!
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THE FUTURE OF HOME LIVING: Discover the Must-Have Smart Devices for Your Space
When we think of technological innovations, we may focus on things like smartphones and self- driving cars. But in today’s fast-paced and ever-advancing world, our homes are experiencing smart revolutions of their own.
Smart home devices are easy to operate and make our lives easier. So, if you’re looking to make a digital upgrade to your home, here are three devices we recommend you check out.
Voice-Activated Assistants Voice assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home’s “Hey Google,” and Apple Homepod’s Siri, can be incredibly helpful around the house. With just a simple verbal command, they can set daily reminders for specific tasks, appointments, or medications; place outbound calls for emergencies; and even provide basic first-aid instructions when asked. Robot Vacuums On average, Americans spend six hours a week vacuuming their homes. While this task may seem simple, it can be quite physically demanding. Robot vacuums clean even the toughest spots (like under the couch!) all on their own, then return to their charging station. Smart Pet Feeders We love our furry friends, but feeding them at the same time every day can be a challenge. Not only that but feeding our four-legged friends requires a bit of bending, too. Luckily, smart pet feeders do all the work for you! They distribute food and water automatically and on a consistent schedule.
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