November 2017
Thank You…
Thank You!!
It’s that time of year again when we pause and give thanks for all the good things that come our way in this great nation of ours. And we want you to know we are indeed thankful for the fabulous clients and friends of our agency! Thank you for your business and patronage!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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Guess Which Holiday Tops the Fire Claims List?
That’s right. Thanksgiving is the number one fire insurance claim day; claims are typically twice that of any other day in November.
Most Thanksgiving fires boil down to cooking error; unattended stovetops and grease fires top the list. But there is good news: most of these fires are preventable, and all of them can be covered by insurance. To create a safe atmosphere for your holiday gathering, take the following steps:
Don’t get distracted: Many Thanksgiving Day fires occur because the cooks get distracted. Family time, football, and festivities pull them away from the kitchen, and the unattended food goes up in flames. Keep a close eye on anything currently “under fire.”
Put a lid on it: If you experience a grease fire, don’t try to put it out with water. While cooking, keep a lid nearby to smother the fire. Slide the lid over the pan, and turn off the element.
Don’t try to fry: Many hosts want to impress their guests with a deep-fried turkey. It might taste good, but it may not be worth the risky process. If you do go this route, fry the turkey outdoors, away from buildings and trees; carefully determine how much oil you need; and never leave it unattended.
Insure your holiday: Homeowners insurance typically covers your home and its contents if they are damaged by fire. If you aren’t sure what your policy covers, or what the limits are, now’s a good time to review your policy with your agent.
And have a safe Thanksgiving!
Quick Quiz
Each month I’ll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
What environmental condition causes cold germs to travel farther?
First 10 responders will be entered into drawing for 3 Starbuck’s gift cards.
How and What You Can Learn from Your Kids
Most parents will tell you that having children teaches you a thing or two. It tests your patience and your ability to go without sleep.
It teaches you how to change diapers, how to read storybooks like a comedian, and how to hold a 20-pound object while making pasta.
But that’s not all – it turns out, kids are pretty wise, too.
Here are three of the most important things you can learn from your children:
There are different ways of doing things
Toddlers want to try things on their own. They don’t want their parents to show them the “right” way; they want to see if their way works. Let’s take a page from our kids. Once we learn one way of doing something, we rarely veer off course.
But experimentation is often key to growth and learning. Let’s think outside our own boxes.
There’s a world of possibilities
Kids wake up each day filled with anticipation. They’re excited because they know innately that they’ve got a whole day to find fun and adventure. When we become adults, we lose that sense of excitement and anticipation.
And we may not want to face our day, because we’re dreading the tasks ahead. But what if we think like a kid and try to see each day not as a list of things to do, but as a period of time we can shape and even enjoy?
We don’t need much to be happy
Kids want things. They want toys, sodas, and TV shows. But they’re also endlessly entertained by Lego or a big cardboard box or a day at the beach. Kids don’t need much to be happy and entertained and, though we often forget it, adults don’t need much either. Do as your kid does, and seek pleasure in everything, especially the small things.
We adults will be more excited, creative, and happier for it.
Worth Quoting
This month, some famous quotes on the topic of nostalgia:
It is strange how we hold on to the pieces of the past while we wait for our futures.
Ally Condie
I’d trade all my tomorrows for one single yesterday.
Kris Kristofferson
It shocks me how I wish for…what is lost and cannot come back.
Sue Monk Kidd
I hate the good old days. What is important is that today is good.
Karl Lagerfeld
There is no “what should be,” there is only what is.
Lenny Bruce
Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.
Peter De Vries
How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home.
William Faulkner
Quotes on Thankfulness
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into Blessings.
William Arthur Ward
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey
When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.
Willie Nelson
The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.
Henry Ward Beecher
Meet Christine Doherty
Christine is a new Customer Service Agent for us. She is fully licensed and has more than 26 years experience in the insurance agency business. Please welcome her to our agency!
Roasted Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Pomegranate
Serves 6
1 small acorn squash, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed and sliced into 1/2-inch-wide half moons
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup toasted flaked almonds
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
About 1/2 cup each roughly chopped cilantro, mint, and parsley
Juice of 3 lemons
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup golden raisin
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Toss squash slices in oil and place on a rimmed baking sheet, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Roast about 20 minutes until squash is tender. Allow to cool.
Combine quinoa, zest, cinnamon, salt, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. With lid on, steam for 10 minutes. Drain and fluff with a fork. Combine squash, quinoa, and remaining ingredients in a serving dish and serve.