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Peace of Mind Post October 2024 DISASTERS IN THE KITCHEN When Mac & Cheese Goes Up in Flames and Turkeys Go Upside Down
Don’t laugh, but there was this one time my grandmother made me a delicious pan of homemade mac and cheese with a crumb topping. Her instructions were simple: just pop it in the oven. Of course, I managed to mess it up by putting it under the broiler instead, and, well, I set the whole thing on fire! It turned into quite a disaster and a major cleanup. Let’s just say cooking isn’t exactly my strong suit.
the Kitchen .” It’s perfect for beginners, making it a great choice for anyone with a grandchild just starting to cook or for a child heading off to college who might need to learn the basics of cooking. It’s a great cookbook because it has simple recipes and explains cooking terms like blanching. I received it before Google was a thing, so it was super helpful for learning the basics, like the difference between slicing and dicing. Even now, I still make the meatloaf recipe from that cookbook — it’s one of the three dishes I can actually cook!
This month is National Cookbook Month; it seems fitting since starting next month, many will be cooking up a storm for
all of the holidays (it’s hard to believe the holidays are nearly here, but I guess it is that time of year already). Since I’m not exactly a pro in the kitchen, whenever I do make something, I definitely need to follow a recipe!
“Let’s just say cooking isn’t exactly my strong suit.”
Since cooking just isn’t my talent, what do I do instead?
Sometimes, I pick up prepared meals from places I often recommend to clients because they’re great for single-serve portions and taste amazing. I also make a lot of quick salads for myself since they’re easy to throw together, or I’ll treat myself to takeout or a meal out.
I have a cookbook that was gifted to me back in high school or college called “ Clueless in
I’d rather be outside than in the kitchen.
My late grandmother, the same one who made that tray of mac and cheese I completely ruined, tried to teach me how to cook. She was a great cook, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite stick with me. I think by the time she tried, it was a little too late for me — I just can’t seem to get the hang of it and make things taste right! With Thanksgiving next month, I’m reminded of another one of my cooking fumbles. One year, I cooked a Thanksgiving turkey, and I actually thought I had ruined it because when I went to carve it, it wouldn’t carve! “What the heck?!” I thought to myself. It felt like the turkey in “ Christmas Vacation .” I was sure it was ruined, but apparently, I had accidentally cooked it upside down. Oops! I wish all of you a happy Halloween, and as we near the holiday season with tons of delicious meals to be cooked, I send my best wishes!
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—Julie McCormick
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Alzheimer’s disease is difficult, and creating a safe home environment for someone struggling with the condition is vital to ensuring their well-being and reducing the risk of accidents. As Alzheimer’s progresses, patients may experience memory loss, difficulty with judgment, Essential Steps to Creating a Secure Home for Alzheimer’s Patients Safety First
FROM RESCUE TO RESCUER
Poncho’s Inspiring Story
In a heartwarming story of canine courage, a rescue dog named Poncho has emerged as a hero after putting his life on the line to defend his family during a home invasion. The events unfolded on a fateful night in early June when an intruder broke into Poncho’s home in northern New Mexico. Poncho, an 8-year-old rescue pup, sprang into action the moment the intruder entered the home. Without hesitation, the brave dog leaped at the would-be criminal, determined to protect his family at all costs. In the ensuing struggle, Poncho suffered a deep neck wound that miraculously missed his vital organs. But the attack didn’t stop there — the intruder then proceeded to kick Poncho repeatedly. Undeterred by his injuries, Poncho managed to hold the intruder at bay until others could intervene and restrain the criminal. Poncho’s family then embarked on a desperate two-hour journey to Albuquerque, searching for emergency veterinary care. Remarkably, the family ended up at the doorstep of Española Humane, the same rescue organization where they had adopted Poncho. The dedicated staff immediately sprang into action, performing extensive surgery to clean and repair Poncho’s traumatic neck wound. The brave pup stopped breathing at one point, but the veterinary team successfully revived him. Despite his severe injuries, Poncho has steadily regained his strength. His tail never stops wagging, and he responds enthusiastically whenever he hears the words “good boy.” Poncho’s dad promised him a lifetime of rib-eye steaks to reward his heroic actions. Poncho’s story is a powerful reminder of the unwavering loyalty and bravery rescue animals can possess. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know — you might just find your very own guardian angel, just like Poncho’s family did.
confusion, and changes in their ability to perceive space. That’s why creating a safe space is a priority. Here are five
key ways to create a safe home environment for someone living with this condition. Eliminate Tripping Hazards Clear any clutter, including
rugs, cords, or furniture, that could cause tripping.
Be sure all areas of the home, especially any staircases or hallways, are well-lit to improve visibility. To provide additional support, it may also be a good idea to install grab bars in the bathroom and near stairs.
Puzzle Time!
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Secure Dangerous Items Sometimes, Alzheimer’s patients struggle with judgment. It’s important to keep potentially harmful items, such as sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and medications, out of reach. Use locked cabinets for storage, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Also, consider using child-proof locks on drawers that contain knives, scissors, or other hazardous items. Install Safety Devices Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in all areas of the home. In the kitchen, using appliances with automatic shut-off features can prevent cooking accidents. You may also consider placing locks or alarms on exterior doors to prevent wandering, which is common in Alzheimer’s patients. Label Key Areas Labeling rooms, cabinets, or drawers can help reduce confusion for someone with Alzheimer’s. Clearly mark the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom areas to assist with navigation. This can promote independence and reduce frustration for the patient. Modify the Bathroom Keep in mind that the bathroom can be a high- risk area for falls, so it’s important to make modifications. Install non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower, as well as a shower chair to
With Halloween just around the corner, this month is all about embracing and having some fun with silly fears — like spiders, monsters, and scary movies — that make our hearts race and our adrenaline pump. But while we enjoy these spooky thrills, other fears in life aren’t so easy to laugh off, and they can often hold us back from taking important steps. One common fear we encounter is the hesitation around creating a will or estate plan. Many people shy away from estate planning because of an irrational fear: the belief that if they make a will or set up an estate plan, it somehow means they’re expecting to die soon. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Estate planning isn’t about predicting your death; it’s about being responsible, prepared, and taking care of your loved ones in the future. Just like wearing a seat belt isn’t an invitation to get into a car accident, having an estate plan doesn’t speed up the inevitable. What it does is provide peace of mind. By creating a plan, you are ensuring your family is protected, your wishes are respected, and unnecessary stress is avoided during a tough time for your family and loved ones. Estate planning is a way to safeguard everything you’ve worked for and to pass on your legacy to those who matter most. It’s important to remember that estate planning isn’t just for the elderly or those with significant wealth. It’s for anyone who wants to make sure their family is taken care of and their assets are distributed the way they’d like. This month, as we enjoy the spooky season and face our playful fears, consider facing the real-life fear of creating an estate plan. Taking this important step isn’t scary — it’s smart. It’s Not as Scary as You Think! This Halloween, Face the Fear of Estate Planning
assist with bathing. A raised toilet seat may also make it easier for the patient to sit and stand safely.
Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil, or as needed • 1/2 cup half-and-half • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée • 3 large eggs • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 8 slices day-old bread • Maple syrup, to taste
Directions
1. Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium heat. 2. Whisk half-and-half, pumpkin purée, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl. Stir in walnuts until evenly distributed. 3. Place 1 slice of bread in the bowl and let it soak briefly to coat both sides. Lift bread to let excess liquid drip back into the bowl, then transfer to the hot skillet. 4. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until done. 5. Stir batter to redistribute walnuts and repeat with other slices of bread, cooking in several batches if necessary. 6. Serve warm with maple syrup.
—Julie McCormick
3 724.256.8850
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. Box 154 ● Renfrew, PA 16053 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
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Clueless in the Kitchen
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Loyal Pup Risks Life to Protect Loved Ones Tips for Alzheimer’s Patients’ Safety and Well-Being Pumpkin Pie French Toast Don’t Let the Fear of Estate Planning Hold You Back
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The Secrets of the Deck
Playing Cards and the Calendar An Unexpected Synchronicity The humble deck of playing cards has remained relevant in a world filled with digital screens and instant gratification. Beyond card games, however, these pocket-sized wonders have a captivating history. The Calendrical Connections As we explore the history of playing cards, we uncover the intricate relationship between a standard deck’s components and the modern calendar. From the two primary colors representing day and night to the four suits corresponding to the four seasons, the parallels are uncannily precise. The Rhythmic Resonance of the Cards Dive deeper, and you’ll find the 13 card values, from Ace to King, align seamlessly with the 13 weeks in a quarter and the 13 lunar cycles. When you add the numeric values of all the cards, the total is 365 — the exact number of days in a year, with the addition of the Joker card representing the leap year.
Behind the Mysteries of the Court Cards But the synchronicity doesn’t stop there. The 12 court cards, comprising the Kings, Queens, and Jacks, mirror the 12 months of the calendar year, adding another layer of intrigue to the connection. Embracing the Timeless Allure of Playing Cards Whether this remarkable alignment is a coincidence or deliberate, the relationship between playing cards and the calendar is a fascinating and thought-provoking revelation. For ardent card enthusiasts, this knowledge adds another dimension to their hobby. Rediscovering playing cards can be a refreshing and enlightening experience in a world that often prioritizes the digital and the instant. So, the next time you find yourself shuffling a deck, take a moment to ponder the hidden secrets that lie within.
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