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We come together with loved ones, indulge in a feast, loosen our belts, and reflect on our blessings. Some blessings are major milestones in life and certainly deserve our gratitude: the birth of a child or grandchild; graduations; weddings; and retirement. But it’s often the little things that touch our hearts and make our days. So this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to appreciate those simple pleasures that brighten our everyday lives. One of my all-time favorite songs is “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas. The song brilliantly captures the meaning in everyday moments: Our lives are made, In these small hours, These little wonders, These twists and turns of fate. Time falls away, But these small hours, These small hours, Still remain. Sometimes we need a little reminder of the extraordinary potential in ordinary moments. Here are some of my favorite little wonders. Morning Sunrises : Every dawn is a fresh start — a gentle reminder of the world’s wonder and beauty, a new gift to be unwrapped. Laughter: Laughter is the universal language of joy. From lounging around the house listening to my kids playfully banter back and forth to my little grandson, Jack, squealing with delight over feeding a goat at the petting farm, there’s nothing more infectious to lift my mood. Nature’s Beauty: Strolling through the park, listening to the leaves rustling, smelling a bonfire drifting in from the distance, or simply gazing at the stars on a clear night, it all fills me with simple wonder. Kind Gestures: Holding a door for someone, receiving a handwritten note, or experiencing a random act of kindness from a stranger — these small, thoughtful actions remind us that, despite all of the commotion in the world, there’s lots of kindness out there. A Good Book: Getting lost in the pages of a good book is a treasure in itself, allowing us not only to learn but also escape to different realms.
Moments of Silence: In our bustling lives, moments of quiet reflection are rare gems. We don’t do it enough, but these moments let us contemplate and uncover inner peace. Health: We often take our health for granted until it falters. To wake up each day in good health is a priceless blessing beyond measure. Sunsets: Sunsets, especially over water, are one of my great joys in life. I’ve experienced thousands, but I feel a special warmth inside every single time. These are just a few of my little wonders, the simple things I’m grateful for. I’m sure you’re thinking of your own right now. As William Arthur Ward put it, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” So, this Thanksgiving and every day after, let’s embrace the little wonders, cherish our loved ones, and find gratitude in the world around us. It’s in these moments of thanksgiving that we truly discover the richness of life. I’ll leave you with a quote by Robert Brault I’ve used before, but it seems particularly apt today: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Happy Thanksgiving!
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Mayo Magic: The Secret to Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Even Browning
The turkey undoubtedly takes center stage among the many culinary delights that grace the Thanksgiving table. While there are plenty of methods for cooking a turkey, many chefs and home cooks swear by the “mayo method” as the best way to achieve a moist and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey — here’s why! Moisture Lock One of the biggest challenges when roasting a turkey is maintaining its moisture. The mayo method involves slathering the turkey with a layer of mayonnaise before roasting. Because mayonnaise contains oil, it helps lock in moisture during cooking, resulting in a juicy and tender turkey. Flavor Infusion If you’re a mayo lover, you’ll agree it’s delicious!
skill levels, this is the perfect place to break in your skis or snowboards and enjoy fresh powder this season. Because Mt. Brighton is one of the highest points in Livingston County, the views from the chairlifts are spectacular, so don’t forget your camera. Island Lake Recreation Area Island Lake Recreation Area is a favorite destination for those who love to get outdoors, even in winter. Here, you can enjoy countless hiking trails that lead to frozen lakes and snow-covered meadows as well as 14 miles of trails for snowmobiling. So, grab your snowshoes or snowmobile keys and start exploring! Holiday Glow and Christmas Market For a slower pace and some holiday fun, check out Brighton’s Holiday Glow and Christmas Market on Nov. 18. From food trucks to petting farms, there will be plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Bring your holiday spirit and have some fun with the community! Fantasy of Lights On Nov. 24 in downtown Howell, gather with family and friends to watch the annual Fantasy of Lights parade, participate in or watch the 5K race, meet Santa, shop, or enjoy holiday cookies and snacks. It’s a fun and exciting way to welcome the holiday season. Applying mayonnaise to the turkey creates an even and beautiful browning effect on the skin. This enhances the visual appeal and contributes a succulent and slightly crispy texture. Spice Kick Don’t worry — you’re not using only mayonnaise on your turkey. The mayo method serves as an excellent base for your choice of seasonings. You can create your own mixture before applying it to the turkey. Thyme, parsley, garlic powder, sage, cayenne, and rosemary are all great options. Simple Preparation The mayo method streamlines your preparation process — here’s what to do: • Allow your turkey to thaw. Create your custom mayonnaise by mixing it with your seasonings of choice. • Dry the turkey with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper. • Gently separate the skin from the bird and slide in cubes of butter. • Rub the entire turkey with your mayonnaise mixture, inside and out. • Bake at 450 F for 30 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 325 F and cook for 15 minutes per pound. This Thanksgiving, give the mayo method a whirl — you and your guests won’t be disappointed!
While it gives the turkey a subtle and rich flavor, the
result doesn’t taste like mayonnaise at all! (Mayo haters can breathe a sigh of relief.)
Although we won’t officially ring in winter until next month, the cold weather’s coming, so be sure to bundle up! This time of year, popular winter activities often start with skiing, sledding, ice skating, and more. Whether you enjoy activities in the cold weather or simply want to appreciate the beauty of the season, here are some local activities and events to check out. Kensington Metropark Kensington Metropark is the place to go for some of the best sledding and tobogganing, as the area has more than 4,000 acres of hills and woods to slide down. Children can enjoy the “bunny hill” for simple terrains, while older kids and adults can explore the beginner to advanced sledding hills. If sledding isn’t your kid’s thing, there’s also a gorgeous lake for fishing and ice skating. Mt. Brighton If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, head up to Mt. Brighton. With well- groomed slopes and trails for all ages and Local Winter and Holiday Activities for the Entire Family
Happy holidays! Have fun and stay safe!
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million adults in the U.S. are currently struggling with Alzheimer’s, and this number is projected to increase to 13 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s can profoundly impact an individual’s memory, cognitive ability, and daily function, so early detection is crucial for managing the condition and improving the quality of life for those affected. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the subtle signs of Alzheimer’s for timely intervention, treatment, and support. In honor of November being Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, here are a few early indicators to keep an eye out for. Memory Loss Likely one of the most recognized signs of Alzheimer’s is persistent forgetfulness and memory loss that disrupts daily life. This includes forgetting recently learned information, special events, and important dates. Those affected by Alzheimer’s may frequently ask for the same information or rely on memory aids to navigate daily tasks. Communication Problems As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may have difficulty finding the right words to express themselves, repeat themselves often, or be unable to maintain conversations. Sometimes, they may even struggle to remember what certain words mean or block out background noises while conversing. Confusion With Places and Times Losing track of seasons, dates, and the passage of time is common in those who suffer from Alzheimer’s. They may become disoriented about their current location or struggle to remember how they got there and where they were before. Misplaced Items Consistently losing belongings is another common trait of Alzheimer’s. Those affected may accuse others of stealing or moving their items simply because they can’t remember where they last saw or used them or have lost the ability to retrace their steps. Difficulty Problem-Solving Those with early-stage Alzheimer’s may struggle with problem-solving and planning tasks. They may find it difficult to follow a recipe, manage finances, or complete familiar tasks that require a sequence of steps. It’s important to note that some degree of memory lapses and difficulties with completing certain tasks can be a part of normal aging. However, if you notice a combination of these signs becoming more pronounced, consult a medical professional. The earlier these signs are brought up, the more likely it is that a loved one can receive the proper diagnosis and care. SPOT THE SIGNS: 5 Early Indicators of Alzheimer’s
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com.
• Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law
Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are happy to help!
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2
Sometimes, the Little Things Are the Big Things
Tips to Make the Best Thanksgiving Turkey
Experience the Winter Magic With These Activities
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Identify Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Helpful Resources
Explore the Instinctual Call of Crisp Autumn Leaf Piles
Whether it’s your boisterous toddler or rowdy pup, a perfect pile of autumn leaves might be too good to resist! You probably remember the days when you also jumped into a crunchy orange leaf pile without a second thought. But why do humans and dogs love jumping into huge piles of leaves? The main (and most obvious answer) is because it’s fun! For kids, dogs, and even some adults, jumping and rolling around in the fall leaves is a satisfying form of play that releases energy. While this may be the simple reason for humans, there are a few more reasons your canine companion can’t resist a tower of leaves. Instinct to Dig Digging is a dog’s favorite pastime that dates back to their wolf ancestors. Just as natural as sniffing and barking, digging is an ingrained behavior for dogs, and they want to follow their instincts the moment they see a leaf pile. Whether they’re digging in to rest in the cool leaves or demolishing the pile entirely, your dog is just doing what dogs have always done.
Irresistible Seasonal Scents Our sense of smell doesn’t even come close to dogs’ incredible scent skills. While we have 5 million scent receptors, dogs have anywhere between 125–300 million! This means they can smell countless other scents we can’t, and autumn may bring some exciting aromas your dog hasn’t experienced in a while. The result? They’ll dive right into a leaf pile and get sniffing! Marking Territory Another scent factor could be your dog wanting to claim a particular leaf pile. We already know dogs use their scents to mark territory, and rolling in a beloved pile of leaves is a way to infuse their scent. After diving head first into some leaves, they leave their scent behind so other animals can smell them and know that the leaf pile has already been claimed!
Whatever the case, jumping into a pile of leaves is completely normal — and fun! — for both humans and dogs.
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Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
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