Bolton Law - November 2024

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Bolton Bulletin The November 2024

Tomball 990 Village Square, Suite G1100 Tomball, TX 77375 (281) 351-7897

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Love Knows No Age MY DAD’S 2ND CHANCE

It turned out my dad was her first boyfriend since her long-term husband had passed away as well. When my dad and Diana met it was an instant connection. He sent us that group text less than two weeks after they met. A week later, they called to tell us that they were getting married, and I attended their wedding on Sept. 21. It was a fast enough wedding to concern even their supportive children. But both Dad and Diana were adamant that they knew what they wanted. They shared that they realized life is short and they made each other happy and they didn’t want to waste any of their remaining time apart. Instead, they were embracing the love and happiness they found in each other. It brings tears of happiness to my eyes to see this couple who are so dear to me, both in their 80s, behaving like Romeo and Juliet. As a divorce attorney, I meet a lot of newly single people. Many of my clients swear off marriage forever. I get it. It is a common feeling right after a divorce or the death of a spouse. In addition, some people genuinely prefer to be single. Those who prefer being single should be able to relax into that state and enjoy it without the pointless sympathy of those who do not understand. But a lot of people who swear off love do it because they think that that chapter of their life is closed. For whatever reason, they don’t have a partner now, and they feel that it is too late to find one. No one should feel like they have to remain single or that they can never find love again. As I used to tell my daughters during their boy troubles, “The world is full of people, and half of them are male. Keep looking.” Of course, I don’t mean just anyone will do, but chances are, there is someone out

On July 24 of this year my 82-year-old father delighted our family by sending our group chat a picture of a sweet-looking woman who appeared to be about his age, and a message that said “This is Diana, who said that it is alright if I call her my girlfriend.” I was very happy for my father. In the three years since my mother’s passing, I knew that he had been lonely. When he first stepped back into the dating world, the stories of who he was dating and how many times they had gone out had made the rounds through our family almost weekly. My daughter, Meagan, had groaned and said, “How bad is college when my grandfather has a more exciting dating life than I do?” But none of the ladies he treated to dinner or escorted to church events seemed to work out. He kept attending events hosted for older singles and kept getting out and meeting people, but at times he was quite discouraged. Until Diana, there hadn’t been anyone he seemed to really click with. Diana was his first girlfriend since my mother passed away.

there that can make you happy, and they are probably looking for you too! My father and Diana are a perfect example of how it’s never too late to find love again. After my mom passed, my dad quickly learned that he did not like being single. He was determined to find a second wife. I was amazed by how focused he was on finding someone to share the rest of his life with. It would have been easy for him to give up after a year or two, but he didn’t. As an active older man, he was looking for someone who could keep up with his energy and share his interests and passions. And then, along came Diana to prove that patience and persistence pay off! They seem to be blissfully happy, and I’m thrilled to death that they have each other to spend the rest of their lives with. Something I always remind my clients, no matter how sure they are that they’ll never remarry, is that if staying single feels right for them, that’s perfectly okay. But if they ever want to remarry, they should never think it’s out of reach or impossible — love can always find its way back into your life. Here’s to you, Dad and Diana! Your love story is inspiring, and this is just the start of an amazing new chapter! -Ruby Bolton

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THE $93,750 SPUD Uncover Fabergé’s Unexpected Masterpiece

sale of a Fabergé potato, the world did a collective double-take. After all, who would have thought a potato — albeit one crafted by a master jeweler — would garner such attention and a hefty price tag to match? The bidding war was intense, with collectors and Fabergé

When you think of the name Fabergé, you probably imagine opulent, jewel-encrusted eggs that epitomize luxury and elegance. But did you know the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, the mastermind behind the glittering eggs, also created a humble potato? And not just any potato, but one that fetched an astounding $93,750 at a Christie’s auction in 2016. Fabergé’s Glorious Spud In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter Carl Fabergé was the go-to jeweler for Russian royalty. His intricate and lavish creations, particularly the famous Fabergé eggs, were commissioned by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. Each egg was a masterpiece, often containing hidden surprises like miniature portraits, mechanical wonders, expensive jewels, or even tiny replicas of royal palaces. But amidst these exquisite creations, Fabergé had a sense of humor and a knack for the unexpected. Enter the Fabergé potato — a far cry from the shimmering eggs but equally fascinating in its own right. This potato, crafted from pink agate, was a whimsical departure from his usual opulent fare. The Humble Potato’s Journey Fast-forward to 2016, and this extraordinary potato was again in the spotlight. When Christie’s auction house announced the

enthusiasts eager to own this unique piece of history. When the gavel finally came down, the potato had sold for a staggering $93,750. Not bad for a root vegetable! Why a Potato? You might wonder why Fabergé, a jeweler known for his elaborate and luxurious designs, chose to make a potato. Perhaps it was his way of showing artistry could be found in the simplest of things. Or maybe it was a playful nod to the significance of potatoes in Russian culture — a staple food that sustained many through tough times. Whatever the reason, Fabergé’s potato reminds us that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of creativity and a touch of humor.

PECULIAR LAWS OF THE ANCIENT EMPIRE ROMAN RULES

Dress Codes and Party Fouls Beginning in around 215 BC, the Roman Republic began instituting what was known as sumptuary laws, which restricted the clothes people could wear, foods they could eat, and the maximum number of attendees at parties. They created these, in part, to reduce the costs of banquets, festivals, and other Roman ragers. Some examples were enacted in 213 BC when it became illegal for women to wear colorful dresses — unless they were celebrating a ritual sacrifice — to wear more than a half ounce of gold or even to ride around in carriages. However, they soon repealed these laws because they considered them antiquated . Shocking Statute Tough luck for those who like hanging out on tall metal poles — if a lightning strike killed someone in Rome, the law forbade families from burying them! This is because Romans believed lightning strikes were

divine retribution from the king of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter. See Ya Later, Gladiator! Romans “borrowed” the idea of gladiatorial games from their (conquered) neighbors, wherein people would fight — sometimes to the death — for the public’s amusement and began holding them back in 264 BC. However, because only 3 of every 5 people made it to their 20s at the time, only about 10% of those bouts involved actual fatalities. Many slaves, prisoners of war, and Christian martyrs fought as gladiators in the arena, but if they were already sentenced to execution, they had no hope of survival. One peculiar law involving gladiators was that they would fight until an injured combatant put down his shield and lifted his index finger to ask for mercy. At that point, it would come to an abrupt halt — though the emperor, if in attendance, would make the final decision.

While ancient Rome may be known for gladiators, grand conquests, and fashionable togas, a surprisingly intricate legal system kept their civilization in line. They had many laws — some familiar, others bizarre — that dictated the everyday lives of millions of Roman citizens, enslaved people, and soldiers across a vast empire. Here are three of the most outrageous and interesting laws Romans enacted as a republic and an empire.

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HELPING KIDS WITH ADHD THRIVE

TAKE A BREAK

STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT

It’s common for parents of children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed — and more than a little guilty for having these emotions. First and foremost, it’s perfectly understandable for any parent to experience hurdles as they work to help their child live a happy, healthy life. Although there are unique challenges to raising a youngster with ADHD, every day is an opportunity to take positive steps to help your child learn and grow. Here are four quick tips to help make the rough times a little smoother. Build a balanced routine. Helping your child stay on task with daily routines is critical to managing their ADHD journey. Are they hydrating regularly? Do they follow consistent meal and sleep schedules? Sometimes, staying consistent with the smallest things makes the biggest impact on your child’s well-being. Plan a digital detox. With everything so tech-based these days, there’s a good chance your child spends a lot of time in front of a screen. Set aside time throughout the week to interact with them in a digital-free environment — even if it’s just to chat about their day. This time is meant to help you build a stronger relationship

GREEK CHICKEN AND RICE

with your child, so try to avoid discussing anything that may cause conflict or a distraction.

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken broth • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice • Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup feta cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste

Find a community of support.

Participating in a support group is a fantastic way to connect with other parents, share concerns, and learn new ways to encourage your child’s growth and success. As a bonus,

• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme

connecting with parents whose experiences are similar to yours could lead to their children interacting with yours — which may go a long way in helping your child relate to other people and develop their social skills. Tailor your tools. Every child with ADHD is a unique individual with specific needs. A specialized mental health professional can help you craft a solid framework to address obstacles as they arise. Whether you need guidance on stress management or tips on sharpening your communication skills, utilizing the services of an empathetic therapist could provide you with the fresh perspective and game plan you need to help your young one thrive.

Directions 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.

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(281) 351-7897 BoltonLaw.com 2441 High Timbers Dr., Suite 400 The Woodlands, TX 77380

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

It’s Never Too Late for Love

Discover Fabergé’s Playful Potato Masterpiece

2

Ridiculous Rules From Ancient Rome

Greek Chicken and Rice

3

Tailoring Your Child’s ADHD Journey

Hollywood Ending in the ‘Rust’ Trial

4

HOLLYWOOD ENDING Alec Baldwin Walks Free After Case Dismissed

contributed to the swift decision. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison but has appealed, and what happened in July in Alec Baldwin’s trial may affect the outcome of that appeal. Hollywood Ending When the third day of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico began, it became apparent that something was amiss. The defense attorneys had something important to bring to the court’s attention. Assistant District Attorney Erlinda Johnson was absent. As it turned out, she had resigned from the case after allegations that Santa Fe police, in conjunction with Special Prosecutor Kari Morrisey, had conspired to hide evidence from the defense. The evidence in question was a case of ammunition matching those retrieved from the set of “Rust.” The ammunition was given to Santa Fe police before the trial, but it was filed under a separate case number — even though

About three years ago, on Oct. 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a live round fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie “Rust.” You might believe this would be an open-and-shut manslaughter case. However, just like the scenes Hutchins brilliantly captured on film, this scene was more complex and layered than you may expect. Baldwin’s trial was dismissed just three days after it began, on July 13, 2024. Ironically, but perhaps fittingly, Baldwin’s criminal case came to a dramatic, Hollywood-esque conclusion. Is the armorer to blame? Previously, in May, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The jury deliberated for just three hours before passing judgment; evidence revealing Gutierrez-Reed loaded the gun that killed Hutchins likely

Photo: Abhi Suryawanshi

the witness who handed in the evidence claimed it was relevant to the “Rust” trial. In light of these revelations, Santa Fe County District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice. Throughout the day, as the camera centered on Hollywood star-turned-defendant Alec Baldwin, viewers were treated to his wide range of emotions: first, annoyance, then sadness, and, finally, tearful exultation. This was his Hollywood ending.

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