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Notes From The Field
February 2024
818-369-7900 | FieldLawPC.com
A WESTERN LOVE STORY Have you ever heard a love story that took your breath away? One so beautiful and inspiring it made you believe in love all over again? A few months ago, I had the privilege of spending a little time with Lucy and Danny Meyring, a couple whose love story is not only inspirational, but aspirational for many. They are fifth-generation ranchers, and together, they own a ranching business called Meyring Livestock. Lucy shared their love story with us, and I am pleased to share part of their Western love story with you. Danny and Lucy:
Q: How did you two first meet?
A: We met in the fall of 1983 when I arrived here at the ranch in northern Colorado. I came to work here after getting a divorce from a man I married in college, and Danny was my boss!
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for other couples?
Q: What did your early relationship look like?
A: In all the challenges we have faced, we held fast to those things that are meaningful in our lives — hope, faith, and honesty. Ranching is a hard life but a good life for those strong enough to meet its demands. The generations before us sacrificed much and gave much. I hope future generations will never forget the hardships they went through to pave the way for a softer, kinder existence for those of us living today. This love story is truly one for the ages. Danny and Lucy are a testament to perseverance and partnership as they work together to build a legacy. Families with horses, livestock, and ranches, just like Danny and Lucy, benefit greatly from comprehensive estate planning that not only appoints individuals to continue their work but also preserves their values and life lessons for generations to come.
A: We worked side by side for three years doing cowboy work here on the ranch. His parents became my second parents, and I felt loved and cherished, especially after the death of my own dad only two short months after arriving here.
Q: When did you two decide to get married?
A: Danny actually asked me to marry him a couple of times over the next two years, but I didn’t feel ready for another commitment. He got tired of asking me, so I ended up proposing to him during our third year together! I realized that I had become attached to Danny, his family, and his way of life and that I either needed to commit or leave.
Q: How would you describe your relationship?
A: We are partners in every sense of the word. We have worked together to keep the ranch in good working condition. We have braved cold, harsh winds and blinding snows to rescue newborn calves and gotten them out of the elements. As both sets of parents aged, we were there for them, caring for their needs and making sure they were treated with dignity and respect. That probably strengthened our relationship as much as anything: caring for those we loved.
To read their full love story in Lucy’s words, check our website on Valentine’s Day for a special post.
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BRAIN GAMES
SOLUTION
Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln: ALLIES IN THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
As the war progressed, Douglass and Lincoln found common ground in advocating for the end of slavery and civil rights for African Americans. Douglass passionately called for the enlistment of Black soldiers in the Union Army, emphasizing their right to fight for freedom. Lincoln, recognizing the moral and strategic importance, supported the formation of the United States Colored Troops. Their collaboration extended beyond the battlefield, with Douglass offering insights to Lincoln on issues related to race and emancipation. Despite occasional disagreements, their evolving relationship showcased a shared commitment to justice and freedom.
The dynamic relationship between Frederick Douglass, the prominent abolitionist, and Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the U.S., reveals a fascinating tale of collaboration during a critical juncture in American history. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass escaped bondage and became a leading abolitionist, while Lincoln, born in 1809, rose through the ranks of politics with a commitment to preserving the Union. Initially on divergent paths, their lives intersected with the outbreak of the American Civil War. Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 marked a pivotal moment. Despite earlier differences, Douglass recognized the significance of this executive order, praising Lincoln for his courage and lending crucial support to the abolitionist cause.
contributions to the fight against slavery. Douglass’s eloquent speeches and writings continue to inspire, while Lincoln’s leadership during a tumultuous period solidifies his place among the nation’s greatest presidents. In conclusion, the Douglass-Lincoln relationship exemplifies how diverse voices can collaborate for social change. Their partnership, though complex, played a crucial role in shaping the course of American history, highlighting the transformative power of unity in the pursuit of a more just and equitable nation.
The legacy of Douglass and Lincoln endures as a testament to their
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TAKE A BREAK
AQUARIUS CANDY CUPID GROUNDHOG HEART LINCOLN CHOCOLATE PENNSYLVANIA PHIL
History of Pregnancy Testing
PRESIDENTS VALENTINE WINTER
FROM SEEDS TO SCIENCE
From ancient times, human ingenuity has been pivotal in unraveling medical mysteries, and pregnancy testing is a particularly fascinating example. In Egypt, around 1350 BCE, pregnancy testing blended mysticism and early science. Women would urinate on wheat and barley seeds, an intriguing method that modern research has shown to be surprisingly accurate, with a 70% success rate. If barley grew, it indicated a male child; wheat signified a female. Across different cultures, unique approaches emerged. The Greeks, influenced by Hippocrates, developed diagnostic theories based on the four bodily humors. In India, ancient Ayurvedic texts detailed pulse examination techniques for various conditions, including pregnancy, showcasing remarkable observational abilities and a deep understanding of the human body. The Middle Ages saw a curious amalgamation of superstition and the beginnings of scientific inquiry. “Piss prophets” examined urine for its color and clarity, practices that were precursors to today’s urinalysis. A significant advancement came in the 20th century with the discovery of the hormone hCG. This breakthrough led to the first reliable home pregnancy tests in the 1960s, marking a dramatic shift from rudimentary ancient methods and offering greater accuracy and privacy. This journey from ancient seed tests to sophisticated modern diagnostics illustrates the evolution in our understanding of the human body. Those early tests laid the groundwork for the reliable techniques we use today, inspiring us to continue improving our medical knowledge and practices.
Marry Me Chicken Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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818-369-7900 FieldLawPC.com
P.O. Box 8306 La Crescenta, CA 91224 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Danny and Lucy: A Western Love Story
Upcoming Events
Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln: Allies in the Fight for Freedom
Marry Me Chicken
Seeds, Science, and Surprises in Medicine
Lessons From Hoffman’s Estate
Beyond the Stage PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN’S ESTATE OVERSIGHT
The situation raised significant questions about how Hoffman’s daughters figured into the estate since they were born after the will’s creation. Thankfully, New York law, like many other states, offers protection for children in this situation, provided there’s no explicit intent to exclude them. Hoffman’s choice not to marry O’Donnell further complicated matters, leading to a substantial estate tax burden. Unmarried, Hoffman’s estate faced a staggering tax rate of up to 40% federally and 16% in New York State, culminating in a potential $14 million tax bill from his $35 million estate. Marital status plays a crucial role in estate tax liabilities, something entrepreneurs with significant assets should note.
The unexpected demise of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at just 46 shocked the world and brought to light the intricacies of estate planning. His passing left behind a substantial estate worth over $35 million, primarily bequeathed to his long-term partner, Marianne O’Donnell. A glaring issue with Hoffman’s will was its outdated status, failing to encompass his entire family. Drafted in 2004, it only acknowledged his son, Cooper, with daughters Tallulah and Willa, born after that, absent from the document. This oversight necessitated a complex navigation through New York’s probate system, showcasing the need for everyone to update their will regularly.
Photo: Georges Biard
Hoffman’s case exemplifies why proactive and continuous estate planning matters. Regular updates to one’s estate plan can significantly ease the burden on your loved ones during times of grief. It’s a stark reminder to meticulously manage and regularly revise your estate plans, especially for entrepreneurs overseeing considerable assets. It ensures your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones are provided for.
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