Norton Accounting Services November 2019

NortonAccountingServices.com 985-640-6072 Info@NortonAccountingServices.com NOVEMBER 2019 NORTON NEWSLETTER EASE OF MIND • AVAILABILITY • FLEXIBILITY • INDIVIDUAL APPROACH • EXPERIENCE • TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™

WELCOME THE UNCONVENTIONAL THANKSGIVING

FROM THE DESK OF Bob Norton

I recently started an experiment. I came across some anecdotal

information (in a philosophy book) that hypothesized that modern diets of three meals a day are causing some of our modern health problems due to the fact that the human body evolved with periods of scarce food sources.

The hypothesis is that human bodies need periods without food for optimum health.

3 I deas for M ixing U p the T raditional T urkey D ay

I started setting aside whole days when I would only drink liquids. At first, it was one day per week; now, it is two. Typically, I do Mondays and Fridays, which are convenient for my schedule. I drink beef broth and water on no-food days. On the days that I eat meals, I start the day with a low-carb meal. And, I only eat two meals a day of anything that I want. I have been doing this for about three months, and so far I’ve lost 10 pounds; plus, I feel so much better. Surprisingly, I don’t get too hungry on no-food days. I’m planning on trying this experiment for a year. What are some experiments that you’ve tried lately?

Some people love Thanksgiving just the way it is, but others feel the annual traditions that come with it are stifling. If you’re dreading the inevitable conversation about whose house to go to, which side dishes to cook, and who to invite to the table, why not mix things up for 2019? Just because Thanksgiving falls on the same fourth Thursday each November doesn’t mean you’re locked into the same holiday routine. If you’re stuck in a Turkey Day rut, try one of these alternate celebrations and enjoy the spirit of gratitude in a new way. TV shows love to draw up stories about devastated characters forced to spend Thanksgiving without their extended families, but really, what’s so bad about making Thanksgiving an intimate affair? Big, boisterous Thanksgivings with every uncle, cousin, and stepsister certainly have their downsides. Slaving over the stove is stressful, and bringing people from so many different walks of life together can cause heated arguments. Why not skip the drama this Thanksgiving and enjoy a romantic dinner with your significant other or a cozy meal with your spouse and kids? You can cook together at home or grab a table at a restaurant with a Turkey Day special to leave the stress of cooking behind entirely. In the end, you may be even more grateful for those you hold dear. ‘JUST US’THANKSGIVING

-Bob Norton

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FRIENDSGIVING

This gathering of friends rather than family has been a Thanksgiving option for decades, but in the last few years, rising popularity has given it a name: Friendsgiving. Some people think that the moniker dates back to a 2007 episode of the TV show “Friends,” while others credit Twitter users or a 2011 Bailey’s Irish Cream marketing campaign. Whatever its origins, The Atlantic says the informal, potluck-style meal gained real traction with 20- and 30-somethings in 2014 and has only gotten more popular since. Friendsgiving is a great option if you’re living far from home, don’t get along well with your family, or simply want to avoid the pressure holidays bring. For the best of both worlds, try adding a Friendsgiving to your Thanksgiving routine, either on the weekend before or the weekend after Turkey Day.

an entire menu for “Thanksgiving at the Beach.” Alternately, turning Thanksgiving into a family trip with your spouse and kids is a great way to completely avoid political discussions and best-pumpkin-pie debates. If anyone calls to ask where you are, just explain that you planned your trip months ago — then take another sip of your piña colada and show your kids how to make a turkey-shaped sandcastle. Tea Time

altogether and jet off to a hotel room instead. The destination Thanksgiving is a great way to take advantage of days off work, and they can bring families together on neutral territory. If you’re bringing the full crew, rent an Airbnb for everyone and have fun experimenting with Thanksgiving recipes that fit your new surroundings. If you go tropical, for example, MyRecipes.com offers

DESTINATION THANKSGIVING

Here’s a new way to solve the “Whose house should we eat at?” debate: Skip the houses

WHAT’S SWIRLING AROUND IN YOUR CUP?

with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves:“The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” YOUR MOOD Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%. So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip.

Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second-most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person’s long-term health through regular consumption. YOUR HEART` According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity — how well your blood vessels respond to stress. YOUR BRAIN Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of dementia in the elderly

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CARCASSONNE The Real Magic Kingdom

commoners, plenty of quaint bed-and-breakfasts exist just across the Aude river.

occupies a former bishop’s palace and overlooks the inner ramparts of the fortress. With medieval tapestries and gorgeous woodwork in the hotel’s interior, you’ll feel like you’re living among French royalty. Of course, if you’d prefer lodging with the

Every year, tourists flock to Disney’s “Magic Kingdom” and marvel at Cinderella’s iconic castle. As fun as it is to see this Florida-based attraction, it would be even more magical to step back in time and visit a real medieval citadel. What if you could walk the same ramparts as Roman legionnaires and climb the same towers as French kings? If this idea gives you goosebumps, pack your bags for Carcassonne, France. A four-hour train ride from Paris, towering above the rolling vineyards of southern France, you’ll find one of the most intact, accessible castles in Europe. With sweeping, concentric walls and 53 elegant towers, the Cité de Carcassonne is a breathtaking sight. Once an impenetrable border fortress between the kingdoms of France and Aragon, the gates now stand open to anyone curious enough to walk its cobblestone streets.

With rustic cafes, fresh crepes, and bustling crowds making their way down the twisting cobblestone streets, the surface-level experience of Carcassonne would be enticing to anyone wanting to explore the French countryside. But for those who want to delve into the history of this storied castle, grand narratives await you. Just walking the walls of Carcassonne paints a picture of the past. While the outer fortifications were built by Louis IX and Phillip III, a section of the inner wall is far older. The red brick used in this part of the construction dates back to before the existence of France itself. Roman troops first fortified the hillside town around 100 BCE, giving every stone of this site a story to tell. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing medieval life for yourself, your adventure awaits in Carcassonne.

In fact, you can stay in the ancient city yourself. The five-star Hotel de la Cité Carcassonne

Take a Break!

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich Thanksgiving may be held on Thursday, but the food often lasts at least through the weekend. To make the best use of the excess, grill up some killer turkey sandwiches.

Ingredients

1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing

2 slices sourdough bread

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp leftover gravy

2 slices Swiss cheese

1 tbsp butter, room temperature

1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce

Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.

Directions

2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.

1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a

slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other.

THANKFUL THANKSGIVING TRADITION TURKEY

HARVEST PIE POTATOES STUFFING

AUTUMN BLACK FRIDAY FAMILY GRATEFUL

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Bob PAGE 1 Thanksgiving 2.0 PAGE 1 Spilling the Tea on Tea PAGE 2 Stay in a Real Castle PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich PAGE 3 The Legend of Sergeant Reckless PAGE 4

THE GREATEST AMERICANWAR HORSE The Legend of Sergeant Reckless

Sergeant Reckless’ greatest achievement occurred during the final stages of the Battle for Outpost Vegas. During the bloody five-day campaign, Reckless made 51 trips to resupply guns over the course of a single day. By the end of the battle, she had carried 386 rounds of ammunition by walking 35 miles through rice paddies and mountain trails. After dropping off the ammunition, Reckless would then bring wounded soldiers back to safety. Reckless was trained to lie down when under fire and avoid barbed wire, and her ability to do so without needing human command saved many lives during the battle. Reckless would close out her war career with two Purple Hearts and the rank of staff sergeant. She spent the rest of her years at Camp Pendleton in California. To learn more about this legendary mare, be sure to check out “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse” by Robin Hutton.

Animals have acted as companions to humankind for thousands of years. They’re a near-constant source of companionship, comfort, and aid. Unfortunately, military animals don’t often get the recognition they deserve. One horse, in particular, was essential to the success of her regiment during the KoreanWar. Meet Sergeant Reckless. Bought for $250 in 1952 by a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant at a Seoul racetrack, Sergeant Reckless was trained to carry ammunition for the 5th Marine Regiment. Her name was a play on the“recoilless”rifle ammunition she carried and a nod to the daredevil attitude of the soldiers who used them. Reckless was pivotal for her regiment in more ways than one. As Robin Hutton notes in her book“Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse,”“Because horses are ‘herd’ animals, the Marines became her herd. She bonded so deeply with them that Reckless would go anywhere and do anything to help her adopted family.”

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