Beck & Beck - October 2023

Check out our latest edition!

October 2023

(314) 961-5678 | www.becklawmo.com

Trout Fishing, Fall Foliage, and Scenic Trails

Explore Missouri’s National Parks and Monuments in October

Fall is in full swing, and while summer may seem like the best time to visit a national park, I’m here to tell you otherwise. A cool breeze and a variety of orange hues make this month the best time of the year to explore nearby national parks and monuments. Don’t just take it from me! Even Lonely Planet called October the ultimate month for national parks in the United States. So, I thought I’d share some of my favorite national and state parks in Missouri I love heading to this time of year. Ozark National Scenic Riverways While this national park seems like a summer dream to dip in the cool water, visiting during the colder months is still a must. The Ozark Nation Scenic Riverways features 80,000 acres of nature and 134 miles of two different rivers — the Current River and the Jacks Fork River. First created in 1964, the park was formed to protect these rivers and the area’s natural beauty. It’s actually the first national park created to preserve a riverway! In October, you can witness all the colorful fall foliage while hiking along the Ozark Trail! Caves and historic sites await at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. George Washington Carver National Monument Despite being dramatically smaller than the previous national park, George Washington Carver National Monument is still a must-see. Head to Diamond to see the family home and REFERRALS WELCOME Thank you for referring clients to us over the years. You will never be embarrassed by a referral to our office. We’re always available to lend a helping hand to anyone with any legal need. Just give us a call at (314) 961-5678 or visit us at BeckLawMO.com .

cemetery of the remarkable George Washington Carver, one of America’s first Black scientists. Carver faced endless hardship yet was a pioneer in his field, and this national monument protects his legacy. Along with memorializing Carver and his impact, the park also offers 240 acres of rolling hills and trails that are perfect to walk or hike to take in the fall colors. Roaring River State Park I know it’s not a national park, but Roaring River State Park is such an incredible place to visit year-round because of its scenery and trout! The astonishing river is stocked with rainbow trout, and visitors can go fishing whenever they please, no matter the month. Along with the perfect fishing conditions, this state park also offers seven different trails among its 4,294 acres. You’ll enjoy picturesque sights along any of these trails and the bluest spring you’ll ever see! If you want to spend a few days here, you have plenty of lodging options. You can spend the night in a cozy cabin, pitch your tent, or stay at the park’s Emory Melton Inn. No matter where you lay your head, you must have a meal at the hotel’s restaurant! Onondaga Cave State Park For a more unique experience, I highly recommend heading to Onondaga Cave State Park in Crawford County. The cave holds remarkable sights of dramatic rock formations, sleepy bats, and the Meramec River running throughout it. This state park also has guided tours throughout the lit-up cave, so you and your family can learn everything you need to know while taking in the sights. Just because summer is long gone doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring Missouri’s natural wonders. I hope you can head to one or more of these parks and monuments in October to experience everything this season offers. Happy traveling!

-Paul Beck

www.becklawmo.com | 1

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

In the 1800s, wealthy English families clamored to get their hands on the latest garden decoration trend, one that would showcase their affluence to other families while maintaining their image as intellectuals. No, this garden trend wasn’t a bench, wind chime, or statue. It was alive . They were called “Ornamental Hermits” and were living men hired to inhabit the gardens of the elite. Aristocrats across England between 1727 and 1830 outfitted their landscape gardens with “hermitages,” or tiny structures for the hermits to live in, and would pay the men to dress like Celtic priests, refrain from bathing, grow their hair and nails, and sit in the gardens looking contemplative while reading and writing. The idea was that these men would add an air of mystique to the property, as the hermit life symbolized philosophical and scientific curiosity, which of course, reflected the values of the property owners. And at the The Hidden History of Ornamental Hermits

time, hermits were a great curiosity of many due to their alleged “mystic powers.” By the end of the 19th century, the ornamental hermit craze fad ended, largely due to complaints that hiring a human to be a garden decoration and forcing them into a silent, unclean life was exploitative. However, many wealthy garden landscapes throughout England still feature tiny overgrown hermitages where these living “decorations” once resided.

Behind the Plate: Unveiling Food’s Mysteries

You probably think you know the foods you eat pretty well. Otherwise, you wouldn’t put them in your body, right? But you might be surprised to learn that common dietary staples like eggs, pineapples, and even chocolate cake are hiding some shocking secrets! The stickers on fruit are edible. According to the Food and Drug Administration, they have to be! Since these stickers come in contact with something we do eat, manufacturers must make them from safe materials in case any substance from the sticker transfers over. So, yes, the stickers are indeed edible but have no flavor or nutritional value. Pineapples are not a single fruit but many berries grown together. Have you ever noticed the pentagon-shaped pattern on the outside of a pineapple? Each of

those pentagons is its own berry, called “syncarp,” and they all grow together onto the pineapple’s main “core,” which is that hard column in the middle most people cut around. German chocolate cake isn’t German. It was simply named after baker Samuel German who created a sweet baking chocolate used in the original recipe. Eggs sold in the U.S. would be illegal in the U.K. It’s all thanks to the fact that eggs in the U.S. must go through a washing and sanitizing process before they hit the shelves. While in the U.K., it’s illegal to wash or clean eggs in any way before selling them.

2 | (314) 961-5678

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

TAKE A BREAK

In the U.S., 21 million people report having at least one major depressive episode, while 17.3 million adults live with major depressive disorders. When someone feels depressed, there isn’t much anyone can do to help them. However, someone suffering from depression can do a few things to help ease their symptoms. No. 1: Be gentle with yourself. When you feel depressed, you’re not going to accomplish the same number of tasks or be as productive as you usually would — and that’s okay! Be open and accepting of your current state, and take pride in your progress that day, no matter how small. No. 2: Take a walk — literally ! SMALL JOYS, BIG DIFFERENCE: Overcoming Depression

Candy Costume Gourds Halloween Haunted Moon Raven Tricks Vampire Werewolf Witch Zombie

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Research shows that for some people, even a little bit of exercise

(like a short walk) not only reduces their current symptoms but can also prevent future depressive

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp salt • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 2 large eggs • 2 cups (12-oz package)

episodes. Even if you can only walk around the block, it will still help your mind and body. No. 3: Do things YOU enjoy.

semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. 3. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until creamy. 4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended. 5. Gradually beat in flour mixture. 6. Stir in chocolate chips. 7. Arrange dough in rounded teaspoonfuls on ungreased baking sheets. 8. Bake 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; move to wire racks to cool completely.

The fatigue that depression brings can feel more powerful than your desire to enjoy your hobbies. Push back against this as much as possible and do something enjoyable, even if it seems minor. This will boost your mood and motivate you to continue engaging in activities.

www.becklawmo.com | 3

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Free 24/7 Legal Hotline (573) 203-5880 Call us with ANY legal issues. If we can’t help, we’ll connect you with a lawyer who can.

(314) 961-5678 | www.becklawmo.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

8770 Rose Avenue St. Louis, MO 63144

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Experience Missouri’s Natural Charm This Autumn

1

The Bizarre Trend of Living Garden Decorations From Stickers to Cakes: Food Revelations!

2

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Walking Toward Happiness: Depression’s Antidote Revamp Your Space on a Budget With Furniture Flipping

3

4

Furniture Flipping: Your Wallet-Friendly Ticket to a Stylish Home Makeover!

One of the easiest ways to refresh your home is to change your furniture, but that isn’t always cheap. According to Furnishr, a turnkey home-furnishing platform, refurnishing a living room can cost you nearly $2,500 on the low end , and that’s just one room. But if you don’t have thousands to spend on an interior facelift, don’t give up hope! Furniture flipping is a great way to revitalize a living space without breaking the bank. What is furniture flipping? You “flip” furniture when you purchase old or outdated furniture from a local thrift store or online resale marketplace and then update it to a new, trendy condition!

reupholster any chair or couch you buy, so don’t worry about the fabrics; instead, focus on the frames. Consider the structure of the furniture and let your creativity imagine what color or material would look perfect in your home. What are some ways to upgrade old furniture? Change the color! Give that furniture a good cleaning, strip off the old finishes, sand down the surface, and apply a fresh coat of paint so it looks new!

Change existing hardware. Many handles on furniture pieces require only a screwdriver to change out. Visit your local hardware store and pick out some in your style!

We know what you’re thinking: “Ew! I don’t want to sit on someone’s used couch,” or “Why would I buy used furniture for my home?” Remember, flipping means work . The whole point is to give old and cheap furniture a complete makeover to make it uniquely yours. You’ll likely

Reupholster couches or chairs. While it may require some work, reupholstering

fabric furniture can save you a TON of money. If you want to learn how to do it, search “DIY reupholster” on YouTube. Hundreds of flippers are there waiting to give you advice!

4 | (314) 961-5678

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

becklawmo.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator