Cubby holes filled with trinkets and treasures
While waving hello to neighboring friends you realize every family cottage and summer home is as different as the memories gathered by families every summer. Each cottage has a special cubby hole filled with trinkets and treasures from sandy beaches and hiking adventures through surrounding woods. Weathered hinges guarantee screen doors will squeak open and slam shut right on cue announcing that this is summer. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of racing down to the lake and assuming every summer will be just like the last.

My son Casey has been crossing out days on the calendar as the school year winds down into his summer up north. He’s been talking non-stop about everything he wants to do this summer, and spending time with those who are a part of his summer. Without fail, his list includes everything he wants to do each summer. I’ve also been thinking about these excursions and of how to keep our lunch dry during our annual trip down the Crystal River (see photo).

As much as family cottages and memories stay constant, change and different circumstances ultimately visit families over time. Your family cottage is often one of your most valuable legacy assets and attention should be directed to new options and enacted tax laws available to you to protect your family cottage now, and for future generations.

Family goals remain the same
It’s no surprise that in spite of our busy lives some things never change. Family goals remain the same of protecting those you love, the place you love, and protecting the experiences and cottage memories you love.

When your family begins to gather this summer consider talking with them about the future of the family cottage. Now might be the time to begin the discussions about developing a cottage succession plan, if you haven’t already, and looking at short- and long-term strategies and legal structures to avoid the uncapping of your property.

At the minimum, a solid cottage succession plan protects your family cottage from passing outside the family, solves future conflicts between family members about how the family cottage is operated, maintained and improved, and probably most important of all, avoids, through the right to partition governed by real estate laws, the forced sale of your family cottage.

Even a simple plan, which you can easily change and update, is better than the consequence of not having a protective cottage succession plan in place.

Protecting a special place
You know deep in your heart this is where your family memories live, and like a protective mother bear you’ll do whatever you need to do to protect this time, this special place for future generations.

If you have questions or need additional information about planning for your cottage, please call and also visit our Cottage Law website about how to protect the family cottage at www.Cottage-Law.com.

Now if I could just figure out a way to protect my brown-bag lunch during my upcoming water adventures with Casey….

Dan

Make sure you are camera-ready and the battery is charged. Snap photos of your guests throughout the day and then create an online photo album, and e-mail it to everyone after your Thanksgiving dinner feast!

Give your Thanksgiving tradition a way to reach out. Phone a long-lost friend. You can reconnect by e-mail or letter if you choose. Reconnecting with someone you care about is proven to boost your levels of mood-boosting hormones. It also will slash those pesky stress hormones!

You deserve a lift today!

Be true to all the promise shining in you. Be your own brightest candle. Be your own highest flame.
-Angela Sough

“Life is about family. You have to be there for your people. Without that what’s the point?
-Hilary Swank

Your family can be your friends. The best thing about friends is you choose them and family- well you put up with them. I have three great friends I can call on and they are always there for me. So I salute my friend Cindy, Sharon, and Cheryl who keep my life full of laughter and astounding joy!

Overcome exhaustion with your imagination. Having a difficult time moving off that comfy couch? Just envision yourself doing your tasks or jobs. You’ll be 200% more likely to get up and do them. In a study in the Journal of Neurophysiology tests show that just imaginining yourself doing an activity and actualy doing it activates the same part of the brain. So when you picture yourself being active this instanly puts the mind and body into action! If you just image an athlete- they do this all the time. They see the finish line over and over to win the race. A ball player uses his imagination to pitch the perfect pitch. A hockey player imagines the puck going into the goal for the win! Use your imagination to boost creativity and activate your brain to power up that energy. Picture your way into a happier you. Studies show just thinking about being in a great mood increase those feel good hormones like dopamine and serotonin! Think happy thoughts-it will be good for you!

“Music is magic!” They showed two toddlers in a vehicle causing an outburst and then they put on a great tune and it was amazing. The toddlers immediately started moving to the music and they were actually happy, and best of all they stopped their unhappy protest. Listen to some tunes this weekend, and crank up that iPod!

Jumping for joy is good exercise.
-Anonymous

Take time to read your inspirations this weekend: You sparkle brighter than any diamond!, Someone smiles when they think of you. You matter. Take a break. You’ve earned it!

A great health tip for you is to make sure you are taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily along with 1,000 mg of calcium. This will reduce upper respiratory infection by 90%, all cancers by 70%, rheumatoid arthritis by 42%, multiple sclerosis by 40% and Type 2 diabetes by 33% (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2008; The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007; Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2004; The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2006; Diabetes Care, 2006.) Make sure you are getting this powerful daily dose of vitamin D. My friend Cindy told me this morning, that her husband actually was tested and was vitamin D deficient. In a study they found out that women with an insufficient vitamin D level had 80% more abdominal fat than their high D-peers. Buy some vitamin D today!

My son just informed me to grab his ice bucket from the freezer- he takes ice baths after his workout- this is to boost caloric burn. He tells me this is good for muscles and performance. I do not like freezing cold baths or anything for that matter. Kudos to Tucker- he does preform well on the ice!

Take time to smile at your reflection in the mirror. Laugh at a comedy movie this weekend. Do anything that will boost your soul!

Making you better at the family cottage,

Dori

One of the most popular questions and points of confusion is how a soft looking and fuzzy haired yellow cat acquired the name “Spike.” A consistent mindset is because of The Depot being connected to the railroad, and hence “Spike” because of railroad spikes.

The mystery has been solved somewhat and it had less to do with the railroad than it did with how Spike looks.

Part of the reason Spike was named Spike is because of The Depot and the other part is that when Spike was a kitten, Stuart & Rose would walk their sheepdog in the morning and stop in to The Depot on the way back to check on things. Their sheepdog would lick Spike up and down and, with his long fur, it would stand straight up all over the place and look like spikes.

I wonder if that’s how the hair gel industry got its start!

“Make one person happy each day, and in forty years you will have made 14,600 human beings happy for a little time, at least.” -Charley Willey

Who can you make smile right now? That is your challenge of the day. We all need laughter in our lives. Giving people a little humor and entertainment leaves them with a good feeling of upbeat enthusiasm. It can be great for businesses, families, and friends.

Whenever you interact with people, even if it’s to say hello, you leave them with a feeling of kindness. If you give out cheerfulness you will get it back. Try smiling for 60 seconds straight. Concentrate on only smiling for a full minute and doing nothing else (if you try this on the cottage porch in a group you’ll all laugh so hard you might roll into the lake!). It’s amazing isn’t it, because know you start to think of all the fun things that make you smile and laugh. Your whole body feels good. It’s hard to feel down and out if you’re smiling. Smiling costs you nothing- remember the best things in life are free.

How does it make you feel to be around complainers? They just bring you down listening to their whining sessions. Now don’t get me wrong people everywhere have real problems and they do need a good friend to listen to them, but be careful that they don’ t do this every time they see you because otherwise all they’ll do is drain you of your energy. You came to the family cottage to relax and sometimes it’s difficult if you run into too many complainers.

Find the upbeat people in your everyday life and think about how they make you feel. I’m sure you’re thinking about all the laughter and stories you share with that person. My friend Cheryl and I like to laugh at all the fun things Casey, our youngest twin, has to say. Casey has the best sense of humor and he gets people in all their situations of life. He got my message about leaving people in life better than you found them. My challenge for him was to try to make at least one person smile per day. It is a great challenge to take on. It’s kind of nice when you know you can do this for people anytime you want to. And it’s free! Just think when you pass on your smile what will those people think of you?

If you are up for the challenge of trying to make one person smile it will not only change you it will change your life. When you smile it will help you forget your problems and give you a better outlook on life. I want to leave you with a funny story from the family cottage. Now Jake, one of our cottage dogs, has a daily grooming session from our grey cat named Shark. Shark sits on top of our bench and Jake just stands right next to him while he grooms his ears and his head and the top of his back. This can go on for about 10 to 15 minutes daily. They have this thing going on, it’s really quite funny to watch. Shark loves Jake, and then pretty soon after this session is over Jake will start to groom Shark. Now this doesn’t last nearly as long because Jake literally gives Shark a bath. I keep telling my teens and Dan we need to grab this on a video and upload it to YouTube. Shark does not think he is a cat, he thinks he is another cottage dog.

So grab the smiles and laughter at the family cottage. Smile every day, many times, it will do you and your family and friends good!

Dori

“The greatest things on earth have been done little by little” –Thomas Guthrie.

I started thinking about that word multi-tasking, after reading that quote, and I really began to realize that I try to do to many things at once. I recently read an article on being a multi-tasker, “The secret to doing more is doing less.” While this may seem odd, in research from the University of Michigan it shows that while we think we’re doing all the multiple tasks on our list of to-do’s we are simply forcing our brain to rebound among two tasks. This reduces our productivity by 20% to 40%.

When we attempt to multi-task we reduce productivity and work quality. According to motivational speaker Deanna Davis multi-tasking reduces our quality of life. There are ways to kick this habit, but it may take some convincing. I used to think my teens were the best multi-taskers in the world, until they got cell phones, because they can’t text and carry on a conversation with me or anyone for that matter unless of course you are the “text receiver”.

If you find yourself at the family cottage with a multi-tasker, take a look at my list of ways to help you or someone you know who is a multi-tasker:

Wait and hold-off on checking your e-mail for at least two hours. (Now this maybe impossible for some, but trry it.)

Create deadlines-plan your day in blocks putting the most important tasks first. I try to get the project that needs the most attention out of the way- this may be big or small. Hey did you go to that e-mail yet? I said to try to wait two hours.

Take and give yourself breaks. Give your mind a mental break and rest. This will help you focus better when you need to. This refreshing break may even be a walk outside for a breath of fresh air. It maybe even be grabbing a bottle of water. Everyone needs a mental break because as much as we are programmed by society, nobody can work 24/7 and get the job done efficiently.

Last but not least keep a to-do list. If you’re like me, I am a very creative person so my mind tends to wander and I think everybody is on the same wavelength as me. I found, when I am like this, it is best to write it down so I know I won’t forget it. Then I can return to this task or tasks later on.

My positive affirmation for you and your family/friends is to enjoy staying focused on one thing at a time. Try to regain your balance in your responsibilities. It doesn’t do any good for you or others to be fleeting all over the place. If you focus on the thing you should be focusing on, you’ll be able to do it well and then you’ll be able to go on with your next task with full potential.

If you must, and are true to yourself, you can read your e-mails now. I hope these tips helped you where ever you are in your daily life. Remember you are the most important you. Keep your mind intact and slow down at the family cottage.

Best regards, Dori

Oops I missed a spot!

Final rinsing

Born retriever of the mouth

Waiting for the cook to grab something out of the frig

Hanging out with a conspirator

Waiting for the squirrels to come into our range

Teeth cleaner and acorn chewer

Day dreamer

They have plenty of fans

They like to try on new hats

Stick taster

Garbage disposal

Ooo I missed something!

Sun bathers at the family cottage

They like to find ways to take in fiber – more sticks and acorns

Did you find the other sock? Missing pair. Love to break in new socks

Double trouble

Ice cube chewer

Perfect pillow

Hugs all around

Love to siesta alone

Love the finer drinks of life

Enjoying sleepovers with human kind

Remember that people won’t remember what you say they will remember what you do. If you belong to the circle of kindness you don’t run around with a badge or a sign saying, “Look what I did for so and so”. You just do your thoughtful gesture because you want to.

Have you ever helped someone find something and feel like you have made their whole world a better place? My oldest son Tucker and a group of friends helped bring a stray dog back to its rightful owner. When the dog was given back to them the faces of the little boy and girl lit right up. They were so happy to get their dog back. These teens truly belong to the circle of kindness.

Sometimes a simple act of kindness can jump start your whole day. I have witnessed the circle of kindness in my own life when someone holds a door open for you. A simple easy little thing but it makes you feel important and special. When someone says a kind word or lets you cut in line at a busy drive through it gives you a lift and then you believe there are some pretty nice people out there.

I have also seen someone they don’t even know buy a person’s cup of coffee at the local coffee shop. My whole impression of this is, “Wow, it is the perfect little way to make someone’s day start out right.”

You can belong to the circle of kindness just by giving a smile and a friendly hello. It is a nice way to make the day better for someone else, and yours too!

You never know when you’re going to make a difference. My husband just made a real impression on me with an act of kindness today. He helped a friend today by picking him up from Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan. It was kind of a scary two days for his friend. He under went stint surgery for his heart. This friend, Terry, never asked my husband to play nurse-maid after his procedure, or become his main support person to care for him. It was my husband’s kindness and friendship for this friend that made him do it. This heartwarming kindness is truly admirable and belongs at the top of the circle of kindness. Get well soon Terry! Smiling at this thoughtfulness, “this will be the best medicine of all.”

So when you are out and about in this sometimes crazy and mixed up world, please take time to belong to the circle of kindness because you will not only make a difference for that person or persons, it will do you good and your soul will be lifted. Your gesture of goodwill will be truly rewarded.

Dori Penning

Visit Cottage-Law.com for all of your cottage succession planning needs and for learning about saving the family cottage. Keep that good will and circle of kindness going for you and your family and friends.

Conor and The Rose Lizard Club sign

Casey named this club the “Rose Lizards.” We made special friends at the family cottage. These friends are people you don’t see on a daily basis and sometimes they may be just summertime friends. I love these friendships, because you pick up where you left off and never skip a beat in conversation or in sharing a story or two.

Casey was the president and the dues to belong were 25 cents. What a bargain! The meetings took place once a month in June, July, August, and Labor Day weekend. The meetings were called to order and there always was lots of food, great desserts and plenty of fun for all of the members.

Sometimes drop-in guests wanted to belong. It was always up to Casey if he allowed them to join the Rose Lizard Club. Casey never rejected anyone into the club. Casey gave a speech on new business, new members, dues, and old business that needed to be covered. Casey was called Mr. President. It was a real honor to belong to this special club. There were t-shirts made for members. Casey even had his own business cards with a lizard and a rose logo. This was all about celebrating Casey. The gatherings were splendid. We even had a cherry-pit spitting contest. I can’t remember which member won, but it was a terrific effort by all who participated. Casey planned the menu and the dessert.

The Rose Lizard Club was fabulous fun with our summer friends.

Some of the Rose Lizard Club Members

Visit Cottage-Law.com to keep your friends visiting the family cottage. The best friends are the ones who share your footsteps and your journey.

Dori Penning

A few days later we discovered that our pets were not the only critters at the summer cottage. We had a family of skunks living under the shed in the back of the family cottage. There were 5 skunks to be exact. A mother skunk who was not happy we had invaded her space and her 4 babies. I did not want her spraying the dogs. We had that happen before to our very first dog Baily, a yellow lab. It was awful -the smell smarts your eyes. I believe we used tomato juice and hydrogen peroxide to get rid of the smell. I absolutely did not want her spraying the boys.

Our nature buff and animal lover Conor was already checking things out, way too close for comfort. We needed to get the skunks out quickly. I, first of all, did not want to adopt any skunks. I don’t care how cute and fluffy they are. We called Critter Control. They came to set up three traps to start with. Now let me tell you this doesn’t happen right away so I had to keep the boys and dogs away from the shed. Easier said than done.

The first two babies were caught in the trap and then the mother skunk. Two more babies to go. It was overnight by the time we had those two captured in the third trap. They were taken away and let go in the woods.

I was thinking to myself any smart woman would pack up teens, cats, and dogs and go back home. But I couldn’t leave the family cottage, besides my boys were waiting for their next adventures and critters to appear.

I do need to let you know that our neighbor across the street from us actually thought we owned these skunks as family pets. He believed we came with them and they were just outside getting some fresh air in their cages. Seriously, did he not think I had enough going on with 2 dogs, 2 cats and 4 teenagers? If you come across critters at the family cottage take time to enjoy them, but be careful about leaving them as permanent extended family members. I did get a real laugh out loud moment when our neighbor thought we owned these black and white beauties.

Visit Cottage-Law.com and believe your family will be secure in leaving your cottage to family members. I don’t know if you can get help in leaving all your wildlife critters at the family cottage. Maybe there might be a way to add critters and family members at the family cottage.

Good luck!

Best wishes,

Dori Penning

Cottage-law stands for:

-C- completeness
-O- for openness
-T- for togetherness
-T- for time spent with loved ones,
-A- for awesome
-G- for generosity
-E- for eagerness.

The Law stands for

-L- look ahead not back
-A- for amazing
-W- for the wow factor

Dan Penning is a lawyer with a positive attitude and an incredible knowledge of the best ways to keep your family cottage intact, so the togetherness of family and friends can last. Dan Penning lives a life full of purpose and goodwill toward others, so surround yourself with a positive upbeat attorney who makes a difference working for you. Achieve your dream at Cottage-Law.com. Visit this website so that you can get a positive attitude and the “Power of Know” when dealing with the laws concerning your family cottage! You will like this, Dori Penning