How do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Ask an Elder Law Attorney

By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

The English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned those famous lines around 1845 in a sonnet dedicated to her future husband, Robert Browning. The sentiment has been quoted so often it has become a part of our popular culture, seen in everything from Hallmark cards to Bugs Bunny cartoons.

While most of us are familiar with the opening stanza of the poem, I suspect that few of us can recall all fourteen lines of the sonnet’s iambic pentameter. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, take a moment to read the entire poem:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

This poem is a love letter, written in an era where people sat in contemplation by candle light with nothing to distract them but books, lively conversation, or perhaps even pen and paper. Not a modern, cheap, disposable ball-point pen mind you, but a finely-tipped fountain pen which applies ink to paper via a method that is essentially a controlled leak. The ink, once applied to paper, would have to be blotted dry to avoid smears and smudges.

When was the last time you sat down, shut out the distractions of modern society, and wrote a letter to someone you loved? Not an email, not a text, not a Facebook post or Tweet, but an honestto-goodness paper letter? We rarely take the time to express our feelings to our loved ones the way the future Mrs. Browning did when she wrote the lines quoted above. While we may

Once we leave this earth, an estate plan is also an opportunity to give gifts of property to the people we care about. They may be sentimental gifts, like family heirlooms, Attend Free Workshop or they may be monetary Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop gifts. They For more information and to register please contact our office may even be gifts of

by calling (334) 239-3625 or email Dana@redoaklegalpc.com.

education, This educational workshop presented by local attorney Raley ensuring that L. Wiggins covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance children or directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting assets grandchildren from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing go to college. You might homes, long-term care and Medicaid qualification. Registration is even leave required. For more info visit www.redoaklegalpc.com. a gift of motivation— conditioning not write many letters these days, an such gifts on achieving certain goals, like estate plan can be a final expression of a minimum GPA, for example. love, a love letter of sorts, to the people we care about most. Every person’s estate planning goals will of course be unique. Every family is Think about it: the one person who will unique. That is why you, and only you, not be around to benefit from your estate can adequately craft a final expression of planning is you. Getting your affairs in love to the people you care about. Most order is not a selfish act, it is a gift to your love letters are written by the young, loved ones. And I’m not just talking about but you shouldn’t assume that estate monetary gifts. planning is only for the old, the sick, or the dying. To the contrary, the best time For example, what if you were in a terrible to draft your final love letter to your car accident, and your family had to family is while you are strong of body and make the decision whether to continue sharp of mind. to keep you alive using machines or other treatments that would serve to prolong This year, skip the flowers and chocolate, your life, but that would not cure you. turn off the TV, shut down the cellphone, In those conversations, the topic usually and write a letter to someone you love. turns to what you “would have wanted.” Without written instructions, your family is left to guess whether you would want Raley L. Wiggins to be kept alive indefinitely, or whether Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com you prefer to be allowed to die a natural 322 Catoma Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, death. (If you’re familiar with the famous www.redoaklegalpc.com Terry Shaivo case from the 1990’s, her family spent several years debating whether Terry “would have wanted” to be kept alive using machines, even though she was permanently unconscious).

Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier Day-Tripping to LaGrange, Georgia

Bellevue Biblical History Center Marquis de Lafayette

LaGrange, Georgia is a day-trip with lots to see and do; and wonderful places to eat. Only an hour and a half from the River Region, the town’s a skip, hop and a jump off I-85 North. And there’s a little something for everyone. In the square, you’ll find an amazing statue of American Revolutionary hero Marquis de Lafayette. It’s a must see before antiAmerican communist revolutionaries find and destroy it.

Hills & Dales Estate completed in 1916, is a 13,000 square foot home designed to flow gracefully into its gardens—a series of dwarf boxwood parterres planted by Sarah Ferrell, which have adorned the terraces of the hill for more than 175 years. It’s considered one of the best-preserved 19th century gardens in the country. The classic home, designed by renowned architects Neel Reid and Hal Hentz, has silently watched over these beloved gardens for a century. Guests are invited to visit, enjoy the grounds and learn more about the family legacy of stewardship. The estate—preserved by the fourth generation of the Fuller E. Callaway family—is open to the public for the education and enjoyment of the community. As you stroll the welltrodden paths, descend the terraces, sit in the seclusion of the rose bowers, or pause to gaze up at the magnificent home, you’re always in the presence of Sarah Ferrell and the Callaway women who made Hills & Dales a home and its gardens a national treasure.

The Biblical History Center (formerly Explorations in Antiquity) helps people encounter the ancient biblical world through its history and culture. Through authentic archaeological replicas, Biblical meal presentations, daily life artifacts in the Biblical Life Artifacts Gallery, lectures, and other personal experiences, ancient Middle Eastern life comes back to life. Biblical History Center provides engaging ways for visitors to experience the daily life of the ancient world. In the Time Tunnel, guests learn about the worship practices of pagans, Jews, and Christians by exploring replicas of excavated houses of worship. The Archaeological Replica Garden houses 23 life-size replicas of structures found in excavation in Israel, Malta and Jordan. The popular Biblical Meal is a full four-course meal with food items that were available in the ancient world. Children have the opportunity to bake bread just like ancient nomadic peoples in the Shepherd’s Bread Experience, and/or participate in an archaeology-style Kid’s Dig that teaches about the past and the world of archaeology. Biblical History Center is one of only eight museums in the world to house a long-term collection of artifacts from the Israeli Antiquity Authority in the Biblical Life Artifacts Gallery.

LaGrange Art Museum aka The Best Little Art Museum in Georgia, is housed in an iconic 1892 jail building, a stone’s throw from the idyllic LaGrange square, eateries and shops. Created in 1963 by a group of local artists and art patrons, the permanent collection of LaGrange Art Museum began when a hometown boy of national prominence, Lamar Dodd, donated a painting. The museum is filled with dynamic exhibitions by renowned and local artists. Collections of high caliber and visually-tantalizing artwork adorn the galleries, making the museum a treat for visitors. Admission is free.

Bellevue is a stately antebellum home built between 1852 and 1855 by Benjamin Harvey Hill for his wife, Caroline Holt Hill. It is a significant example of the “domesticated temple” form of Greek Revival-style architecture popular in the antebellum South. Many dignitaries, including Confederate President Jefferson Davis, were entertained there. Located in historic downtown LaGrange, Bellevue became the home of the LaGrange Woman’s Club in 1942 when the Fuller E. Callaway Foundation presented

The Legacy Museum on Main is located in the heart of historic downtown LaGrange. It is home to a permanent exhibit gallery which features the

history and development of West Georgia. The Charter Foundation Rotating Gallery spotlights temporary exhibits featuring collections that range from the archives collections to nationally recognized traveling exhibits. Permanent exhibits at Legacy Museum feature items ranging from ancient artifacts, like a soapstone bowl believed to be 11,000 years old, to more “recent” historic artifacts from LaGrange’s rich textile and railroad history.

Nutwood Winery sits on ten acres of land filled with 200-year-old pecan trees. Enjoy time with friends and family in the 6,000 square foot tasting room with a full wine bar and ample seating. Specialized cheeses and meats are available for purchase and pair perfectly with the venue’s selection of wines. The winery welcomes all ages as it provides activities and areas for kids

to play. Relax in the cool indoors of the tasting room, outside on the porch or under the trees while tasting complex and crisp wines. Whether you’re a well-traveled wine lover or a newbie, this spot is a must when in LaGrange.

Charlie Joseph’s has been serving up world famous hot dogs since 1920, and is known for its large collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Its walls are lined with items that cause one to feel nostalgic for the days when a bottle of Coke was just a quarter. Enjoy southern classics like slaw dogs, Brunswick stew and juicy burgers at this iconic LaGrange eatery. The outside wall of this beloved restaurant is covered with a Coca-Cola mural making it a great spot for a photo op after lunch.

Taste of Lemon restaurant is Southern comfort cuisine at its finest. Located in the former Second Methodist Church

constructed in 1892, the structure is unique and original. And the food is rumored to be outstanding. Taste of Lemon serves up lunch in a meatand-three style. Poppy seed chicken, country fried steak and salmon croquettes are routinely on the menu. Vegetable sides usually include green beans, okra, sweet potatoes and turnip greens. The mac and cheese and pineapple casserole are to die for!

Karvelas Pizza is a short walk from the square and is just darn good pizza.

Charlie Joseph's Hills & Dales Estate Nutwood Winery

www.karvelaspizzaco.com/lagrange www.visitlagrange.com/things-to-do

Jeff S. Barganier is a freelance writer and manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC in Pike Road, Alabama. (www.cindybarganier.com) He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact him at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram @jeffbarganier. Visit www.jeffbarganier.com

This & tHAT i

LIVE MUSIC - Cameron DuBois @ Taste in Hampstead

Since the 1960’s, the small Northwest Alabama town of Muscle Shoals has been one of music’s most mystique locales in the south, producing a swampy R&B-infused vibe of rock n’ roll dubbed the Muscle Shoals sound. That’s exactly where Montgomery, Alabama native and 27 year-old emerging country-soul-rock singer & songwriter Cameron DuBois has spent a lot of her time after first developing her craft in Nashville. However, the multi-talented independent artist found herself along those muddy banks of the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals, where legendary musicians like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, Paul Simon and The Rolling Stones also found an avant-garde version of their original sound. “I’m a country girl at heart, but I also have an appreciation for Soul and R&B music,” Cameron admits. “ I have always been a fan of the earthy rhythm that came out of Muscle Shoals in the 60s and 70s and its impact on modern music.” Performing live Friday February 5, 7-10 pm at Taste in Hampstead. www.camerondubois.com. and https://tastemgm.com

AJBF Jazz Jam Session @ Commerce Beerworks

Commerce Beerworks is proud to present the AJBF Jazz Jam Session Series in partnership with the Montgomery D.B.A. & Alabama Jazz & Blue Federation! The AJBF Allstars will provide the backing for some of the hottest players around. Visit Commerce Beerworks’ Facebook page for more information, www.facebook.com/Commercebeerworks/ Thursday, February, 18, 6:30PM – 10:00PM. Commerce Beerworks, 166 Commerce Street. Free Event

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Renfroe's Market_Adams Drugs_Sommer's Place_Fresh Market_Whole Foods Tomatino's_MCA Fitness_Vintage Cafe_Derk's_UPS Stores_Steak Out_Steaks & Wine The Vintage Olive_Capital City-Ace Hardware_Orange Therapy_Down the Street Chappy's Deli_Health Wise Foods_Eastbrook Flea Market_John Lee Paints Home Care Assistance_Doug's 2_Baumhower’s Restaurant_Jan's Beach House San Marcos_Chris' Hot Dogs_Lek's_SaZas_Mexico Tipico_La Zona Rosa Read the digital version from your phone, tablet, ipad or computer, www.RiverRegionBoom.com

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce it's popular Native Plant Conference

The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the return of our popular Native Plant Conference! Recognized as one of the Southeast's premier native plant events, this biennial conference highlights the amazing resilience that native plants provide in our gardens. All presentations, roundtables, and trivia will be virtual. On-site, small group field trips will be available to supplement the virtual program with opportunities for in-person observation and study of Alabama's native plant species with local experts. Professionals and hobbyists alike will gain valuable knowledge and skills from tracks in conservation, design, and education. Please join us! www.bbgardens.org

Ultimate Alabama Bucket List: Hiking trails

Alabama’s great outdoors can be enjoyed any time of year and hiking is a great socially-distanced way of getting out of the house during a pandemic. There are dozens of great hiking trails in the state and you can likely make a case for many of them – whether it’s vistas, rock formations, waterfalls or flora and fauna that interest you most. Here are some hikes that belong on your Ultimate Alabama bucket List. Click https://vimeo.com/498451848 to see the full article on the Alabama NewsCenter website.

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Local Financial Advisor Offers Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits Webinar

Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.

The problem with maximizing Social Security benefits is how complicated it has become and is likely to remain so for the next several years. On Wednesday, February 24th 2021 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. (MWM) will conduct a complimentary and without obligation “Maximizing Social Security” webinar. The workshop will review how Social Security works and will include a discussion on President Biden’s proposals to reform Social Security. There will be both a live and recorded version. If you would like to be included in the webinar, please call the Moore Wealth Management office for further information or reservations at 334.270.1672, or email sarah@moorewealthmanagement.com

ASF Insights Play Club

Get closer to the artistry of playwrights by joining ASF's new Play Club, part of ASF Insights. Read up to four scripts and participate in a live online seminar for each with an expert (actor/director) and a scholar on the playwright and material. Choose as many as you like. Dates for online seminars are as follows: "The Trip to Bountiful" — Horton Foote, Feb. 11, 2021 | 7 p.m. CST, Led by Greta Lambert & Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder… "Jitney" — August Wilson, Feb. 25, 2021 | 7 p.m. CST, Led by Ron OJ Parson & Ethan Henry…"Cat On a Hot Tin Roof" — Tennessee Williams, Mar. 11, 2021 | 7 p.m. CST, Led by Chase Bringardner & Topher Payne…"Trouble In Mind" — Alice Childress, Mar. 25, 2021 | 7 p.m. CST, Led by Donnetta Lavinia Grays & Joy Vandervort-Cobb. Space is limited to just 40 members for each play, so register today! There is no cost to join, but members must commit to obtaining and reading the scripts. Members should have access to an internet-connected device (computer, tablet, or phone). Registration is online and first come, first served. Learn more at www.asf.net.

Master Gardener Association Presents Free Lunch & Learn Programs

Capital City Master Gardener Association (Call to Confirm in case of COVID

Cancellation) presents Lunch & Learn 2021 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. Please bring a sack lunch. They meet at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Downtown Montgomery. Programs for the next two months are: Wednesday, February 3rd, Destructive Insects, Anthony Yarbrough, Master Gardener; Wednesday, March 3rd, Creating a Cut Flower Garden, Lucy Edwards, Horticulturist, ACES. For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.

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