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July 2025
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The Ice Cream Chronicles FROM PORCH CHURNS TO CUSTARD CONQUESTS
July is overloaded with ice cream holidays. There’s National Ice Cream Day, Ice Cream Soda Day, Vanilla Ice Cream Day, and even Hot Fudge Sundae Day. With that much celebration packed into a single month, I figured it was time to do what I do best — tell an oddly specific story about it. I’ve had a lot of experience with ice cream over the years. I’m not talking about casually eating it once in a while. I mean the kind of experience that sticks with you. My earliest memory involves standing on my grandparents’ porch in Montrose, Colorado, helping churn a batch of homemade ice cream until my arm fell off. I don’t remember how old I was. I just remember it felt like I signed up for a bicep workout I didn’t ask for. The reward was worth it, though. The first bite was cold, creamy perfection. Probably vanilla. It usually was.
“One trick I was especially proud of involved hollowing out the center of a scoop and filling it with hot caramel. It was like a secret sauce surprise.”
Of course, the real action came during slow shifts when I had time to experiment. Some of my best inventions came from boredom and access to the toppings bar. One trick I was especially proud of involved hollowing out the center of a scoop and filling it with hot caramel. It was like a secret sauce surprise. Fudge didn’t work as well, but I was committed to the research. It didn’t hurt that my wife was pregnant at the time, so I kept bringing home tubs of “mistakes.” These were scoops with the wrong mix-ins — nothing bad, just not what the customer ordered. She eventually hit a point where the freezer was full, and the sight of one more spoonful made her nauseous. Lesson learned. Ice cream is about timing. I eventually realized I’d outgrown the job, or at least the hours. The stores didn’t last long in Austin, mostly due to location and the city’s general refusal to stand outside in 104-degree weather. But I kept the memories, the recipes, and the suspiciously specific opinion on why hamburger grease and ice cream should never share airspace. These days, I’ve moved on to Tillamook. It’s rich and creamy and probably ruined me for anything else. I still make homemade ice cream on New Year’s and still say pistachio is underrated. And yes, I still believe hot caramel belongs inside the scoop, not just on top. So, happy Ice Cream Day. Or Ice Cream Soda Day. Or whichever one we’re supposed to be honoring this week. Personally, I plan to celebrate them all, one scoop at a time.
That wasn’t the end of the tradition, either. My mom grew up in Alaska, and for reasons I still don’t fully understand, her family always made homemade ice cream on New Year’s Day. I guess when the snow is free and plentiful, you use it. She carried that tradition with her, and we kept it going. Even now, New Year’s and ice cream still go hand in hand for me. Eventually, I took it to the next level. After college, I got a job running a frozen custard shop. Technically, I was vice president of operations. Realistically, it meant I worked every shift a teenager forgot to show up for. That job came with a revolving door of characters and more strange stories than I ever expected to find behind an ice cream counter. I also learned a lot working there. For one, frozen custard isn’t the same as soft serve. It’s smoother, creamier, and has fewer unpronounceable ingredients. It also melts faster, which makes it perfect for summer and a little risky in Texas. The shop made chocolate and vanilla every day, plus a rotating third flavor. That third flavor could be anything — pistachio, lemon, raspberry-marshmallow — and yes, raspberry- marshmallow is exactly as good as it sounds.
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SAVORING NATURE SAFELY ON A BIKING ADVENTURE TRAIL- READY
Hobby Hustles for Happy Retirees Just because you’ve clocked out of work for the last time doesn’t mean you have to put your passion projects on hold! Retirement can be a perfect time to cash in on your craftiness or hustle with your hobbies. Whether you’re a master gardener, love to paint, or have an RV you rarely use, your favorite pastimes could pay off as side hustles. So, get ready to turn what you enjoy into a little extra income — and have a whole lot of fun doing it. Start Blogging You can profit from your favorite hobbies without leaving the comfort of your home or favorite chair. Retirees can start blogging about the pastimes they love, whether that’s gardening, crossword puzzles, dog walking, or knitting. A blog can be a handy tool to sell related items, like used puzzles or handmade scarfs, or you can even earn advertising revenue if you build a large enough fan base. Think of this as an online journal where you can share your niche expertise and joy while making extra cash. Sell Your Creations If your hobby produces a product, like paintings, baked goods, or photography, you can sell your creations in various ways. Many retired artists sell their works at local coffee shops, art fairs, or other community Passion Projects That Pay Off
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. Be Weather-Wary Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down. Know Your Level Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. Gear Up Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. Don’t Go Alone Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
spaces. You don’t need much computer savvy to set up a small shop online through sites like Etsy, which caters to handmade and unique items. If you are a
photographer, you can earn income from stock photography sites like Shutterstock, where browsers can use your images for a licensing
fee. Every time someone downloads one of your photos, you get a little richer.
Relax and Rent Out Unused spaces or vehicles can also be
surprisingly profitable. If traveling is your hobby but your RV has been sitting in the driveway for months, you can rent it out to other travelers. People are also lining up to rent unique spaces like swimming pools, homes, and even extra acreage for camping or room for their dogs to stretch their legs. So, that space you’re not using could be your next side hustle in disguise.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
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FROM FARM TO FREEZER
Freezing Food Locks in Freshness and Nutrients
Which foods freeze best? Almost any food can be frozen, but some handle the process better than others. Fruits and vegetables with
Freezing food — what’s not to love about it? Not only does it save time and reduce food waste, it also retains nutrients and keeps your favorites on hand and ready to use. Let’s dive into the many benefits of freezing your food and how it stacks up nutritionally. Understand the cold, hard facts of nutrient retention. Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, freezing food doesn’t change its nutritional value? Instead, it’s like hitting the pause button, especially for fruits and vegetables. The moment these foods are picked, they start losing nutrients. However, freezing them shortly after harvest (often done at the peak of ripeness) helps lock in vitamins and minerals. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, and, in some cases, they might even retain nutrients better than fresh foods stored for several days. What happens to food in the freezing process? When you freeze food, tiny ice crystals form. The quicker the freezing process, the smaller these crystals, which is important because smaller ice crystals cause less damage to cell structures. This helps to preserve the food’s texture, flavor, and nutritional content. Fast freezing processes like those used commercially minimize nutrient losses and help preserve food close to its original state.
high water content, such as watermelon and lettuce, can become mushy when thawed because the large ice crystals rupture cells. However, berries, peas, corn, carrots, and greens like spinach freeze well. Meats and fish are also great options for freezing.
Are there any nutritional downsides? While freezing does an excellent job at
preserving nutrients, water-soluble vitamins like B and C can be slightly reduced during the blanching process (a quick boil used primarily for
vegetables before freezing to inactivate enzymes that degrade quality). However, this loss is often minor compared to the losses during refrigeration over several days.
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Ingredients
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (separate oil and tomatoes) • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally; (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes. Directions
TAKE A BREAK
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214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1
A Life Measured in Scoops
2
Unlock the Earning Potential of Your Favorite Pastimes
Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking
3
The Science Behind Frozen Food
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
4
Old-School Habits That Will Whittle Your Wallet
Budget Brilliance From a Bygone Era RETRO HABITS MAKE MODERN LIFE (AND PRICES) EASIER
In a world where you can have anything delivered in a day, it’s easy to forget that less can be more. But our grandparents and great-grandparents knew the art of stretching a dollar. These timeless frugal habits aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re resourceful and surprisingly satisfying. Ready to channel your inner penny-pincher? Let’s bring these throwback habits back to life. Mend it, don’t end it. Once upon a time, people didn’t just toss a sock with a hole. Instead, you sewed it right back up! No need to rush to the store — just a few basic mending skills can save you from countless unnecessary purchases. It’s also more empowering to fix something with your own hands than tossing it — not to mention much more eco-friendly. Master the magic of homemade meals. Fast food might be convenient, but cooking from scratch is where the real savings (and flavor)
happen. Think soups from veggie scraps and hearty meals made from simple pantry staples. Not only does it cut costs, but it puts you in control of your ingredients and nutrition — a win-win. Reinvent your leftovers. Gone are the days of letting food wilt in the fridge. Old-school frugal folks gave every last bite a second act. Roast chicken becomes
broth. Rice gets turned into stir-fry. Stale bread transforms into French toast or bread pudding. Get creative! You’ll waste less and eat better. Choose cash over card. There’s something about handing over $20 cash that makes you think twice before spending it. Cash budgeting may feel outdated, but it’s one of the simplest ways to curb impulse buys. Envelopes marked for groceries, gas, or coffee dates give you a clear snapshot of your spending — and what’s left. No more senseless swiping! Save with secondhand savvy. Hand-me-downs were once a household norm! Today, thrift stores and vintage finds are trending again, and for good reason. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, or kitchenware, buying secondhand is kinder to your wallet and the planet.
So, channel some old-school genius and start living a frugal, intentional lifestyle!
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