October 2023 OutreachNC

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3

Into the Future: Planning for the Top 5 Unexpected Retirement Expenses

Retirement is a major life transition many people eagerly anticipate. We spend years planning and looking forward to working less and enjoying more time with family, friends and hobbies. After years of hard work and savings, the idea of having more free time and pursuing interests is definitely appealing. However, while you may have thoughtfully planned for your retirement, anticipating every possible need and expense, there are some unexpected expenses that pop up and can catch even the most prepared retiree off guard. From unforeseen tax payments to family needs, financial challenges can arise during retirement that can throw a wrench into the best laid plans. In this month’s feature, we explore the major unforeseen expenses retirees face and offer guidance for navigating these costs and continuing to make the most of these much-anticipated years.

1. Healthcare Costs

One of the most significant unexpected expenses in retirement is healthcare. While many people understand there will be some healthcare needs as we age, many underestimate or are simply unprepared for the reality of these costs. As you age, healthcare needs tend to increase. While older Americans enjoy unprecedented levels of good health and longevity, health issues still exist for older adults.

According to the Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Future of Healthcare Workforce for Older Americans (2008), “older adults still do have high rates of chronic disease and disability, particularly as compared to younger adults, and disease prevalence has risen as longevity has increased.”

As we age, the cost of medical care continues to rise. Even with Medicare, out-of-pocket expenses (such as deductibles, copayments and prescription drug costs) can quickly add up. Additionally, long-term care expenses, such as in-home care or skilled nursing care, are not

continued on page 6

ASK THE EXPERT: MEDICALLY NECESSARY?

FEATURE: INTO THE FUTURE: PLANNING FOR THE TOP 5 UNEXPECTED RETIREMENT EXPENSES

MIND MATTERS: EMOTIONS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY INFOGRAPHIC PLUS

RECIPE: VELVETY PUMPKIN SOUP

OCTOBER 2022 - 2

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Well, it’s official: fall is here. I had my first pumpkin-spiced latte just ture dipped low enough to merit a fleece.

Don’t worry. It was decaf.

Well, it’s official: fall is here. I had my first pumpkin-spiced latte just two days ago, as the evening temperature dipped low enough to merit a fleece.

This month we’re officially in fall. The leaves flutter to the ground ablaze in color. It’s the time of year we forget summer humidity, shopping instead for s’mores and pulling out an extra quilt, just in case. Gone are the air conditioning bills. Windows remain open as the evening creeps in, and a mystery novel seems like a good idea.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Don’t worry. It was decaf.

At OutreachNC, we’re featuring the coziest topic of all in this month’s feature: finances. We know. You can thank us later. Seriously, though, we dig into the issue of unexpected expenses in retirement, which can come as a surprise for many of us who had the best laid plans. From housing costs to tax bills, we explore the most common unanticipated expenses and how to deal with these extra costs.

October is a gentle month. There are constant reminders of change. we are lucky, toward each other. We have lingering conversations over the flames flicker. Smoke dances around us in a circle. We zip our jackets

October is a gentle month. There are constant reminders of change. We turn inward, toward warmth and if we are lucky, toward each other. We have lingering conversations over tea. We burn fires and sit in silence the flames flicker. Smoke dances around us in a circle. We zip our jackets and consider hats.

In this month’s feature, we’re starting an important conversation: care community for ourselves or a loved one? Fox Hollow Senior Robin Hutchings offers inside perspective for making this decision.

With the holidays right around the corner (literally), Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate Colleen Merkins offers readers insight and advice for dealing with the stress and anxiety of holiday expectations. From family drama to travel planning, the holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Merkins offers tips for making the most of this time of year without burning the turkey…or our mental health.

In this month’s feature, we’re starting an important conversation: how do we choose the proper senior care community for ourselves or a loved one? Fox Hollow Senior Living’s Sales and Marketing Director, Robin Hutchings offers inside perspective for making this decision.

Finally, we’re celebrating National Pumpkin Day (Oct. 26) with some interesting facts, a story of pumpkin confusion in China (of all places) and a recipe for velvety smooth pumpkin soup.

In Ask the Expert, Amy Natt answers a reader’s question regarding away without any estate planning. Without a will or access to important

In Ask the Expert, Amy Natt answers a reader’s question regarding what to do when a loved one passes away without any estate planning. Without a will or access to important accounts, what does a family do?

Physical therapist Dr. Sara Morrison of Total Body Therapy and Wellness potential diagnostic tools used in physical therapy to help diagnose these tools differ from what other doctor’s offices may offer.

As we plunge into fall, Thoreau reminds us of the beauty of the pumpkin far beyond its value in a soup:

I’m going to agree with Nathaniel Hawthorne this month, who wrote:

Physical therapist Dr. Sara Morrison of Total Body Therapy and Wellness helps readers understand potential diagnostic tools used in physical therapy to help diagnose and treat pain. You’ll want to learn how these tools differ from what other doctor’s offices may offer.

sit on

I’m going to agree with Nathaniel Hawthorne this month, who wrote:

In this month’s Ask the Expert, Amy Natt addresses the issue of helping parents with doctors appointments, which can seem arbitrary and even unnecessary. Natt helps a reader understand how to bring this up with their parents and help parents keep track of appointments, determine what is medically necessary and respect the choices and wishes of parents even if we disagree.

pumpkin,

I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air.

I’ll take either, a velvet cushion or a pumpkin, if I can have a moment to sit, think and enjoy the autumn sunshine.

Here’s to enjoying the October sunshine, falling leaves and daylight

I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air.

Here’s to enjoying the October sunshine, falling leaves and daylight hours.

facebook.com/agingoutreach/ instagram.com/agingoutreachservices/

e in Aging Well Experts

“I would rather

a

and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.“

Nov.

5:00 - 8:00pm

McKenzie Bros Band Cash bars, Guys

On

Q:My parents are going to endless doctor’s appointments. It seems like they have something scheduled every day. I’m worried they’re having unnecessary testing or procedures. I feel like they’re in good health, but it’s hard to keep track of all the different specialists they see. I’m not sure they need them all?

A:It is great that you are involved and watching out for your parents. Much of our health care system is very fragmented into different specialties. Without knowing their medical history, it is hard to say if they are all necessary, but a good place to start is with the primary care physician. This person can help determine which of the specialists are needed and provide insight on testing and procedures that are recommended. It is good to come up with a system to track the different providers and keep documentation of all appointments. I often recommend a three-ring binder with a tab for each provider. You can also create a section for medications, both prescribed and over the counter. If they are healthy, they may only see their primary care provider 1-2 times per year, so this binder would be great to take with them and discuss.

It is also important for your parents to realize that they have a choice in the care they want. Some things may be recommendations, but they certainly do not have to follow each and

every one. They may need help sorting out what is essential and what is just recommended. They should know the side effects and risks involved as well as the potential benefits. This allows them to make more informed decisions.

Ideally preventative care can help them reduce issues they may be dealing with down the road. If they would like to have you involved in helping them make future healthcare decisions, it will also be important that they have listed you on HIPAA forms and put health care power of attorney documents in place, in the event they are unable to make these decisions. Your involvement with them now and open discussions will help provide you with the guidance you will need on their specific preferences and wishes.

It is also a good idea to keep tabs on medications. There are a couple of different systems (portals) medical providers use, but you can ask the pharmacist for a printout of all current medications and reconcile this to what’s being taken. Old medications should be discarded in an appropriate drop box. If there are medications on the list they no longer take, these should be removed. Sometimes things get added during a crisis or hospitalization that are meant to be temporary but end up on the ongoing list. Other times, something is prescribed, but never picked up. Cleaning this up once a year will prevent any confusion.

Lastly, as an adult child, it is important to remember that your parents’ wishes may be different from your own. You can certainly offer assistance or express concern, but ultimately it is important to make sure they are allowed to make decisions about their care that reflect their own choices. Together you all can successfully navigate the best possible care for them.

Join us for an upcoming event!

Food, fun, and drinks provided. Family & friends are welcome!

At One Medical Seniors, we believe in building strong relationships with our patients and the local community. We are currently offering in-practice and community events at no cost to keep our senior population healthy and connected.

Bingo

October 10 at 10:30 a.m.

4014 Connection Point Blvd

Ste C

Charlotte, NC 28212

Medicare 101

October 18 and October 25

10:00 a.m.

8332 Pineville Matthews Rd

Ste 205

Charlotte, NC 28226

Breast Cancer awareness

October 12 at 10:30 a.m.

4014 Connection Point Blvd

Ste C

Charlotte, NC 28212

Halloween boo bash!

October 31 at 1:00 p.m.

4014 Connection Point Blvd

Ste C

Charlotte, NC 28212

To view our monthly events, scan the QR Code with your phone or visit oms-clt.eventbrite.com

SURPRISING EXPENSES OF RETIREMENT

covered by Medicare and can be expensive. While planning for retirement, it’s difficult to know exactly how much care we need as we age. Each person’s needs will be unique to the individual, so preparing financially can be a challenge. To prepare for healthcare expenses before (or even into) retirement, consider purchasing supplemental insurance policies. For example, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Health Insurance) is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill in “gaps” in Original Medicare Plan coverage.

Long-term care insurance is another option for preparing for unforeseen healthcare needs, such as in-home care or skilled nursing care.

According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, “long-term care insurance policies reimburse policyholders a daily amount (up to a pre-selected limit) for services to assist them with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, or eating. You can select a range of care options and benefits that allow you to get the services you need, where you need them.” Budgeting for these expenses in advance can help ease not only the financial burden of extra healthcare costs but also the mental and emotional burden of wondering if you’ll be able to pay for much-needed (and often emergency) care.

2. Home Maintenance and Repair

As we age, our homes may require more maintenance and repairs. Appliances break down, roofs need to be replaced, and general wear and tear can take its toll, both physically and financially. These unexpected home repairs and expenses can be especially challenging for retirees on a fixed budget. According to the Society of Actuaries, 1 in 5 retirees will experience a financial “shock” during retirement, and 28% of these shocks are home maintenance repairs and upgrades.

While we may plan for regular repairs such as a hot water heater needing to be replaced or a new roof, we often fail to plan for upgrades to our homes as we age.

We may need wheelchair accessible bathrooms and doorways, for example. This might include widening

doorways or building a ramp to access the front door. Lowering cabinets, installing grab bars and installing seatheight toilets are other examples of upgrades common with retirement. Steps can also become an issue in retirement, and some retirees find themselves moving to single-level living. This can mean moving bedrooms downstairs or even moving into a new home. Other costs might include energy efficiency upgrades, building additional living space, adding bathrooms, replacing lawn areas with hardscape (for less maintenance) and fixing hazardous floor issues, which lead to falls.

All of these repairs and upgrades cost money often not included in retirement budgets. To manage home-related costs, set aside a portion of your retirement savings for maintenance and repairs beyond the typical expenses (like new roofs, kitchen remodel, updating appliances).

Also, you might consider downsizing in retirement or moving to more efficient homes.

Single floor living, as noted above, can be an easier transition before a health issue occurs, and lowmaintenance homes offer more time to enjoy hobbies and more time and money for other interests.

3. Inflation

Inflation is often overlooked when planning for retirement. According to the Council of Economic Advisers’ 2022 Economic Report of the President, the post-pandemic shift in demand toward goods over services, in addition to supply chain issues, has added to the rise in inflation. Over time, the purchasing power of your retirement savings can erode due to rising prices. This means the money you saved and set aside may not go as far or buy as much as you initially thought. Not only are retirees affected during retirement, but those planning for retirement are finding it harder to put as much money towards savings as they once could, due to rising costs for goods and services.

Many Americans have paused savings entirely after COVID or are contributing less than before the pandemic. This can take a toll on retirees, financially, physically and emotionally.

Worries about the costs and expenses causes stress and

anxiety for many Americans, before and during retirement, which contributes to mental and physical health issues. To combat the effects of inflation, or to at least better prepare for them, speak with your financial advisor about investing a portion of your retirement portfolio in assets with the potential to outpace inflation, such as stocks or real estate investment trusts (REITs). A financial professional can help you create a balanced plan that takes inflation into consideration and forecasts the purchasing power of your money into the future. Be sure to regularly review your budget and adjust spending to account for rising prices. It takes some time and thought, but doing this now can save you a lot of stress and worry over the long term, creating a more peaceful retirement experience overall.

4. Family Expenses

Family emergencies or unexpected financial needs of adult children and grandchildren come up often in retirement. A Lending Tree survey found that 66% of parents would use retirement funds to pay for kids’ college tuition and fees. College is no longer just for people in their late teens and twenties. Many adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s are returning to higher education for college degrees and graduate degrees. The percentage of adults between the ages of 24-65 who are pursing higher education has increased from 38% in 2009 to more than 53% in 2021. Some adult children will ask parents for support during this change, either with funds for tuition or living expenses. Supporting children through career transitions is an important value and goal, and retirement funds can be diverted for this purpose. Additionally, unexpected healthcare costs pop up for our family members. Housing issues are often a source of stress for growing families. Grandkids need college funds and dance lessons, and grandparents often desire to help and support them in these wants and needs. Without a proper plan, supporting family members can dip into retirement savings and create money worries, fear and anxiety for everyone.

A few helpful reminders can make things easier for everyone. First, plan for extra expenses when you’re planning for retirement. Establish a “slush fund” for family emergencies, so you know there is money set aside for what comes up. Second, accept that you can’t prepare for everything or anticipate every need or emergency. There will be times you can help and times you must say no. Third, set appropriate boundaries with family members and with yourself. You can set boundaries for which expenses you are willing or unwilling to help pay for. You might be open to supporting your grandkids with college but not camp.

You might set a boundary of a certain amount of your income for family support but no more.

The boundaries you set should feel doable in terms of keeping the boundaries, communicating them and sustaining them.

Encourage open communication with your loved ones to understand and support their needs while maintaining your financial stability.

5. Taxes

Retirement is not the end of taxes. You’ll still pay income taxes on your retirement account withdrawals, Social Security benefits and other taxable income such as pensions, tax-deferred annuities, and short-term capital gains.

Your tax bracket may shift in retirement, but the need to pay taxes altogether doesn’t go away.

Understanding what to expect with taxes will help you plan accordingly and avoid being hit with a tax bill you didn’t expect or find yourself short several hundred or thousand dollars each month.

Working with a financial advisor can make these decisions easier and less confusing; although many people develop retirement plans on their own and find the research stimulating and worthwhile. Either way, develop a taxefficient withdrawal strategy for your accounts, review your strategy regularly and stay informed about changes to tax laws that may affect your personal financial situation.

Retirement is an anticipated part of life, something many of us look forward to as a time to focus on how we want to spend our time rather than how we need to spend our time. The years of work at a job are over or greatly reduced. We have more down time to spend with loved ones, on hobbies and traveling the world (however we define our world). This is a time we envision taking that dream trip or spending with the grandkids as they continue to grow like weeds, faster than we ever imagined. By planning, establishing a budget and seeking financial advice when needed, we can make the most of these years by making the most of our income. Money is, for many of us, not the important part of life, but it certainly supports our ability to engage in the important parts. With a stable financial income and plan, we get to focus on what does matter: the people we love, the goals we’ve set and the dreams we’ve made. Remember that being proactive and adaptable is key to navigating unforeseen challenges and surprise expenses. We can’t control the future, but we can plan for it!

MIND MATTERS: EMOTIONS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Along with the cooler air and falling leaves come what most of us wait all year for: the holidays. We start with Halloween and pass through Thanksgiving and wind our way into the Christmas season. New Year’s Eve comes right on the heels of all the festivities, reminding us that another 12 months are upon us. There are goals, dreams and resolutions to set.

As wonderful as all the eating, drinking and merriness can be, it can also feel stressful. Family issues emerge when distant relatives visit and stay the night. Expectations abound. Money is spent. Food is eaten, and cocktails are flowing freely. We usually end up starting the next year overwhelmed and exhausted. For all the fun and festivities, the holidays can affect both our physical and mental health. More than the dreaded 5-pound weight gain from the cookie exchanges, many of us deal with depression, increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness and isolation during a time of year we’re expected to be our happiest.

We spoke with Colleen Merkins, LCSWA, about what she sees as a counselor during the holidays. She offers insight, perspective and tips for making the most of the season, which ironically often means doing less

ONC: Do you see changes in people’s mental health before or around the holidays?

Colleen Merkins: Yes, I do. It’s typically with people who already struggle with certain issues, and those issues get worse. So, anxiety or depression get worse. So, there is stress around the holidays, but it won’t necessarily create anxiety or depression if you don’t already experience it.

ONC: What do you see as the major issues the holidays highlight for people?

CM: The holiday season can also be a trigger for trauma. I have a client who experienced trauma as a child, and the abuse happened during the holidays, during family events. So, today, the holidays can be triggering for her. Even for people who just have family issues, they feel like during the holidays, they have to be around family members. Engaging with toxic family members can set you back in your own mental health recovery.

Also, people who are lonely can feel lonelier during holidays. It can just highlight what is already there. Also, people who struggle with alcohol issues can find the holidays hard. People are drinking more around them, and that can be complicated for them.

Social media is an issue, too. People see friends who decorate perfectly and the activities they’re doing with their families, and they compare themselves. They think they need to take their kids to do the same things or buy the same stuff. People start to feel like they’re failing. For people who already struggle with comparison and feelings of failure and anxiety, the holidays and social media can really highlight this.

ONC: How do you recommend dealing with those issues? What are some positive coping strategies you encourage clients to use or have seen them use?

CM: I think one is, if you have a toxic family or know visiting with them is going to trigger a trauma response or you’ll feel badly visiting family, then don’t go. Put yourself first and assess what going means and the sacrifice you’ll make by going. There are no hard or fast rules about having to go. If you get along with your family but you know watching others drink will be challenging for you, make sure you have a good support network (family member, counselor) when you’re struggling.

Let go of expectations. You can make the holidays yours.

Colleen Merkins, (LCSWA), Greater Vision Counseling and Consulting, Southern Pines, NC

Society has a lot of external expectations. I know how hard this is. It’s hard for all of us.

ONC: What do you see as the most negative coping skills people use that we should be aware of and pay attention to? If we can be aware of them, we can avoid them, but often we’re unaware.

CM: I think alcohol abuse is a big one. People drink more to deal with negative emotions. Isolation is also an issue. People with depression can really isolate.

Another negative coping skill is to try to do more. People who have anxiety feel like if they do more, it will be enough. This only adds to anxiety. There are no perfect holidays.

So, it’s unrealistic and adds to stress. Often parents try to compensate with extra activities or gifts, for example, to feel better if they can’t do something else for their kids.

ONC: What is the biggest myth about the holidays people have in terms of emotions and mental health?

CM: I learned this a few months ago: suicide does not actually increase around holidays. That’s a myth. Research shows that these rates stay pretty consistent. News outlets may put that out as a way to educate or warn people about suicide, but the idea that these rates increase during the holidays just isn’t true.

ONC: How can we make the most of the holiday season while limiting stress or possible problems?

CM: I think that goes back to really trying to take care of yourself first and assessing what you would traditionally do during the holidays and if it’s really good for you. If it’s not, you can do something different. You can stay home with immediate family or friends instead of traveling. You can create new memories or traditions. You can try alternatives to negative behaviors by finding other options. So instead of drinking, you can do a 5k or something like that. It depends on what you like, what you need and what will make you feel the best.

Also, while I know it’s hard, limiting social media can be helpful. It’s just one less stress. Don’t strive for perfection!

8th Annual Mums for Memory™

Your donations allow AOS & Friends Care to provide a a variety of services to older adults, focusing on those with dementia, including direct care grants, personalized music players, robo companion pets, resources, and education.

The need for funds and community support is yearround. We invite you to include AOS & Friends Care in your end-of-year donations.

No one likes to be in pain. In fact, I have spent the past 20+ years helping people get out of pain. The most common question I hear is “How can I get this pain to go away?” The answer to this is simple. We first need to know Why you are hurting. Then we can figure out how to stop the pain. So, why are you hurting? There are many different reasons for pain to occur in our bodies. Pain can be due to a problem in the Muscles, Joints, Tendons, Organs or Nerves. It can also be due to Medication, Psychological reasons, or Nutrition

National Pumpkin Day

October 26

and diagnose your pain with over 98% accuracy. That means that we can find the real problem, or problems, and address them from the beginning. No more trial and error. No more “try this for a few months and if it doesn’t get any better we will try to get an MRI”. With the addition of Diagnostic imaging, your Physical Therapist can now say “From my evaluation it looks like you have a problem in ____. We are going to do a Diagnostic Ultrasound and confirm this and fully check your joint.” In a matter of a few days, we can have your test performed, results given to you and a new, more comprehensive plan to improve your pain.

When I lived in China, serving in the Peace Corps, I taught English to future Chinese English teachers. One year, we teachers decided to have a pumpkin carving party to share this tradition with our Chinese students. We headed to the local market and purchased as many pumpkins as we could carry. We had a great time with our students, but each week after that, the Chinese farmers at the market brought as many pumpkins could carry to sell to us. I never could manage to convey, through my broken Chinese, that it was a one-time thing, that we don’t actually eat that much pumpkin! Every year, I think of that as I carve a pumpkin (just one) with my kids. There is a Chinese villager somewhere telling his family Americans love pumpkin. Here are some facts you may not know about the great pumpkin… American and otherwise:

Each pumpkin contains roughly 500 seeds, which take between 90

Many health care professionals diagnose pain by Special Tests. During these tests, your practitioner will use their hands to push, pull and twist the areas that are causing you pain. These tests are very useful to find what structure is causing you pain. If you place stress on a structure and it increases your pain, it is likely that structure is contributing to your symptoms. Although helpful, many of these special tests are only 60-80% accurate. While this may look good at first, changing the way the question is framed will show that this also means they are 20-40% inaccurate. Misdiagnosis of pain can be very costly. At best it keeps you in pain longer, while in other cases it can allow symptoms to intensify. When you are dealing with pain, missing your favorite activities and sleepless nights… you want to be as accurate as possible!

Diagnostic imaging in physical therapy includes:

1. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS)

Pumpkins are indigenous to North America and have been cultivated since at least 7,500 B.C.

Over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are grown each year in the U.S.

The addition of Diagnostic Imaging in Physical Therapy has revolutionized the way pain is addressed. By utilizing Diagnostic Imaging, PT’s are now able to look inside you

Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.

MSKUS is a safe, non-invasive, and painless diagnostic tool. It is used to diagnose structures such as tendons, muscles, bursas, ligaments, nerve entrapment/pinching and joint structure changes. Like a video, MSKUS captures real-time images of body structures and can assess a joint/area while it moves. This feature is especially useful as many times pain does not occur at rest, only with movement.

Open Arms

Dr. Sara S. Morrison, T, DPT, CDT, FCE, CFT, Cert DN, Cert FMT | Owner -Total Body Therapy & Wellness

There are more than 45 types of pumpkins including Tricky Jack, Sweety Pie and Ghost Rider, to name a few. And a few others are shown below!

In colonial times, pumpkin was used for the crust of a pie, not the filling.

Pumpkins are part of the winter squash family. In Australia and New Zealand, pumpkin refers to any type of winter squash like butternut and acorn squash.

Original Jack-OLanterns were made with turnips and potatoes, by the Irish.

Pumpkins were once used for curing snake bites and getting rid of freckles.

In the U.S., Illinois produced the most pumpkins than the other top 5 states combined (California, Michigan, Texas, Virginia and Indiana).

The world’s heaviest pumpkin weighed over 2600 pounds and was produced in Italy. It was larger than a Nissan car and heavier than 17 men!

Velvety Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small white onion, chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste

• 1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• Salt

• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

• Crème fraîche, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter begins browning, add onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic, sugar, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper and cook for 3 minutes, until spices become fragment and begin melding together.

2. Stir in the pumpkin puree and broth, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Stir in the cream and let soup cool for 10-15 minutes.

4. Using an immersion blender in the pot, puree until smooth. If needed, add additional water or broth to reach desired texture and consistency. If you do not have an immersion blender, transfer soup to regular blender, blend and return to pot.

5. Serve warm with a drizzle of crème fraiche and, if you’re fancy, toasted pumpkin seeds as garnish.

1.

GRAY MATTER GAMES

34. Golf ball support

35. “Come in!”

37. “Dang!”

38. Coin featuring Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man

39. Compassion

40. “I ___ you!”

41. Poison plant

45. Kind of monkey

46. Its motto is “Lux et veritas”

48. Styx ferryman

49. Flea market deal

50. Stereo knob

53. Soft flour roll with onion and poppy seed

54. Glorify

55. Predator

56. Feed

58. Drink from a dish

59. “___ to Billie Joe”

60. 20-20, e.g.

61. Barely get, with “out”

62. Backboard attachment