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WILDERNESS AND WISDOM A Grandchild’s Journey
Of all the holidays we celebrate this time of year, Grandparents’ Day on Sept. 7 warms my heart the most. After all, I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it had not been for mine. After spending my early years in a tiny town in Northern California, my world expanded considerably when my sister and I went to live with my mother’s parents in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Alaska, when I was 10. Living in Alaska was an extraordinary experience. It was dark all winter and light all summer, and moose (and the occasional bear) roamed the land. I went from seeing coyotes, owls, and rattlesnakes in California to realizing that moose were as mean as they were enormous! My grandpa, a brilliant man with a fascination for trains, was a civil engineer for the city of Palmer. My grandma, who stayed at home, was a talented artist who sang and played guitar. She taught me how to cook, made sure I cared for myself and did my homework, and exposed me to music ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to jazz to honky tonk. We fished from the moment our summers began, and Grandpa would go hunting with my uncles and cousins. Most of all, my grandparents encouraged me to have an independent spirit that has served me well over the years.
After researching various homes across the country, I found a place thousands of miles away in Cape Coral and moved there with my son, Max. The tax structure was good, the property prices were excellent, and it was close enough to the ocean that I could get there whenever I wanted. I enjoyed a few years of retirement once I moved here but eventually became restless for something new. Last year, I joined this firm as a receptionist before becoming our final document coordinator. One of my first long-term jobs when I moved to San Francisco was as an executive secretary for an intellectual property attorney, so becoming a member of the Sheppard Law Firm team was a perfect fit for me. When I was a police officer, I had specialized in cases involving elder abuse and care, so I was drawn to working at a firm that prioritized estate planning and other elder-related matters with empathy and compassion. I celebrated my first anniversary at the firm last month, and I couldn’t be happier that my travels finally brought me here. Sadly, I can’t tell my grandparents all about my current work. My grandfather passed away about two years ago, and my grandmother left us about six years ago. Although they’re gone, their lessons about life and love have never left me. I’m working to get a degree in anthropology and intend to get a degree in archaeology after that — all because of my grandparents’ interest in
I spent a school year in an Iñupiat Eskimo village, where I swam, played basketball, and played volleyball. I was also a theater kid and received my high school varsity letter in drama. I stayed in Alaska through my last year of high school. From there, I moved back down to where my mom was for about a year before relocating to San Francisco. Eventually, I became a police officer, but an injury in 2018 led to my early retirement from that career. I was interested in buying a house, but living in the Bay Area on a pension was too expensive.
history, the objects they introduced me to in my youth, all the books they gave me, and all the documentaries we watched together.
The years I spent with Grandpa and Grandma will stay with me for the rest of my days.
If reading my words inspires you to look back fondly on your times with your grandparents, I know you’ll carry that love with you on Sept. 7 and every day.
–Donnelly Liebsch
1 (239) 265-9779
SEPTEMBER 2025
Home Café Vibes If your morning coffee run is the highlight of your day, you’re not alone. But what if you could bring that cozy café vibe home? That’s the idea behind the wildly popular home café trend circling the internet, where people are turning their kitchens into photo-worthy coffee and bakery pop-ups. The best part is that you can do it, too! THE VIRAL TREND MAKING MORNINGS MAGICAL
If you want to go the extra mile, you can print a mini menu for your family with drink or bakery specials, try your hand at homemade syrups or infused cold foam, or even use glass jars for sugar and stirrers! According to Eater, an online resource for all food- related trends, the home café craze exploded as a creative outlet during the pandemic and has stuck around to slow down and make mornings feel special. Hosting “pop-ups” for your family or friends on the weekend is also incredibly fun. Set out croissants, brew something fancy, and let them “order” their drink. You don’t need to be a trained barista, just someone who enjoys making a little magic. So, whether you’re channeling cozy bakery vibes or your favorite local roaster, a home café is a great way to have fun hosting. All it takes is a little creativity, some coffee beans, and the desire to add a little extra to your routine. Your dream café may be one kitchen counter away!
This trend taps into the power of cozy rituals and aesthetic spaces. It goes beyond just making a cup of coffee; it’s about creating an experience. Think rustic pastry displays, handwritten chalkboard menus, syrup pumps lined up like your favorite café, and fresh-baked muffins in a tiered stand. The vibe is charming and personal! Clear a designated “café corner” in your kitchen to get started. This doesn’t require a remodel — a small counter section or rolling cart works perfectly. Add your coffee essentials: a machine, frother, and your favorite mugs. Then, style it up! Install baskets for pastries, a tiny vase of flowers, and even a café bell for fun.
T O P S W I N D L E R S I
Unfortunately, the adage “don’t believe everything you read” has never been truer than it is today — and you should also be mindful of what you hear . The past several months have seen a dramatic increase in reports of scammers targeting seniors nationwide. Examples of fraudulent activities range from people being coaxed into providing credit card information to intricate grifts that exploit victims’ fear of a family tragedy. Here’s an overview of some of the most common swindles we’ve heard about recently. The Uncle Sam Scam First and foremost, readers must be aware that thieves are becoming more creative 2 floridaestateplanning.com
in fooling the public. They often have the technological know-how to expertly mimic official phone numbers and email addresses to project a false air of legitimacy. For example, many scammers employ these tactics to pass themselves off as IRS agents who contact unsuspecting seniors via phone, text, or email and demand payment for overdue taxes under the threat of jail time or a similarly severe penalty. If
They contact their potential victim, inform them that a dear family member is in the hospital and needs a procedure or has been arrested, and then insist on receiving a payment over the phone to remedy the situation. Always ask for a callback number if you receive one of these calls, as there’s a strong chance the “hospital representative” or “police officer” will react negatively to the request or simply hang up. The ‘Good News’ Grift Those of a certain age will surely remember when TV commercials advertising huge prizes from Publishers Clearing House were all the rage. Well, the company is still making calls — and crooks are using its reputation to their advantage. If you’re lucky enough to receive a call proclaiming you’ve won a prize, celebrate — but be sure to hang up if the caller asks for a card number to pay any fees or taxes associated with your big win.
you receive a communication of this nature, ignore the demand for money and contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040 or TTY/TDD (800) 829- 4059 to report it and to confirm your tax status. Fleecing in the Name of Family One of the most nefarious scams we’ve heard of involves callers posing as law enforcement officers or medical personnel.
EVEN MICHAEL CRICHTON GOT IT WRONG Estate Planning Lessons From a Literary Legend
Michael Crichton was a literary giant — the mind behind “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” and “ER.” But despite his brilliance, he wasn’t immune to estate planning complications. When Crichton passed away in 2008 at 66, he left behind a complex situation that serves as a cautionary story for anyone hoping to leave a smooth legacy. Crichton had a will and trust in place, but they were outdated. Most notably, his documents did not provide for any future children. At the time of his death, his fifth wife was pregnant — a fact not reflected in his estate plan. As a result, there was a legal dispute over whether the unborn child, John Michael Todd Crichton, should be considered a beneficiary. Crichton’s adult daughter from a previous marriage argued
Estate Planning Lessons From Crichton’s Case Crichton’s estate was valued in the tens of millions, but we can all learn from his story. Here are four key takeaways. Keep your documents up to date. Life changes with marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Your estate plan should reflect your current reality. Review it at least every 3–5 years, or immediately after a significant life event. Plan for future children and grandchildren. Even if you’re not expecting, it’s wise to include language that accounts for future descendants. This can avoid costly court battles and ensure your intentions are honored. Communicate with your family. Unspoken assumptions can lead to conflict. Being clear with your loved ones and your estate planning attorney can prevent confusion down the line. Work with an experienced estate planning professional.
that the baby should not inherit, citing the
language in the will. A court battle followed, and eventually, a judge ruled that the son could inherit from the estate — but not without litigation and unnecessary stress for the family.
Crichton had a will and trust, but they weren’t airtight. A qualified estate planner can help ensure your documents are legally sound and flexible enough for life’s surprises.
G r i
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
Marinade •
• • • •
1 tsp minced garlic 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp ginger powder
2/3 cup red wine
• • • •
1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sesame oil 1 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Meat •
1 1/2 lbs flank steak
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients.
2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Moose, Memories, and Meaning PAGE 1 From Countertop to Coffee Shop PAGE 2 Don’t Fall for the Fakes PAGE 2 Legacy Lessons From Michael Crichton PAGE 3 Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak PAGE 3 The French City That Has It All (and Then Some) PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
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BORDEAUX IS FRANCE’S BEST-KEPT SECRET
When you hear about people taking trips to France, your mind likely conjures images of the Eiffel Tower, delicious high-end French cuisine, and a view of the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum. However, there’s much more to France than the scenic beauty and decadent flavors found along the streets of Paris. If you want to experience the best of France, you must spend time in Bordeaux. While we often refer to Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California as wine country, Bordeaux is the original wine region. Its history with wine dates back over 2,000 years, and you can still experience the area’s love of wine today. Le Bar à Vin and Le Bistro du Fromager are beautifully decorated wine bars that will leave you stunned, unlike
anything you can experience stateside. And if you want to take it up a notch, you can visit La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s interactive wine museum, and enjoy a glass under a chandelier made from a thousand bottles. Even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s plenty to enjoy in Bordeaux. Those interested in fashion or shopping will love walking down Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street. If that’s too crowded for your liking, you can enjoy shopping in the historic Chartrons district. As you walk through the city, you’ll surely see towers that look straight out of a fairytale or Disney movie. If you’re visiting during the first Sunday of any month, you’ll get to hear the Grosse Cloche belfry ring its 250-year-old
bell! For adventurers, just 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux is Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, also famous for paragliding. Now, it wouldn’t be a visit to France without taking in some art, and Bordeaux won’t leave you disappointed. The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the contemporary art museum CAPC are both worth a visit, and your trip won’t be complete until you stop by the awe-inspiring Monument aux Girondins, a free-flowing fountain over a beautiful bronze sculpture. If a European vacation is on your bucket list, consider visiting Bordeaux when you go. It might just be the highlight of your entire trip!
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