Family Board Games, Gut Health Basics, and How Wealthy Retirees Are Avoiding Inheritance Taxes

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Board games have a special way of bringing people together. They encourage conversation, laughter, and face-to-face connection… something many families value more and more as time passes. The best part is that family game nights don’t require fast reflexes or complicated rules. With the right games, everyone can feel included and relaxed.

For mixed-age groups, simple rules make all the difference. Games like Dominoes, Rummikub, Ticket to Ride, Sequence, or UNO are popular because they’re straightforward yet engaging. They offer just enough strategy to stay interesting without feeling overwhelming, which keeps the focus on time together rather than intense competition.

Classic card games like Hearts, Gin Rummy, or Go Fish also work well, especially for families who already know the basics. Familiarity helps everyone feel comfortable joining in right away.

Some of the most enjoyable family games aren’t about winning at all. Word and storytelling games, such as Scrabble, Balderdash, or trivia-style games, often lead to unexpected conversations, shared memories, and a lot of laughter. These types of games are especially meaningful because they encourage storytelling across generations.

Cooperative games, where players work together toward a shared goal, can also be a great choice. They reduce pressure and keep the mood positive, especially for larger groups.

Keeping game nights relaxed is key. Choose a comfortable space, allow breaks, have plenty of fun snacks on hand, and don’t be afraid to stop a game early if energy fades. The focus isn’t finishing… it’s enjoying each other’s company.

Rotating who picks the game or hosting on a regular schedule can turn game night into a cherished tradition rather than a one-time event.

If you’d like ideas for organizing easy, low-stress gatherings or creating routines that encourage connection, reply “family traditions” for thoughtful guidance. 💌 If this inspired your next game night, forward this newsletter to a friend — good games are meant to be shared.

“The Wrong Train to the Right Place”
From the life overview of Herman J., 84, Milwaukee, WI. Shared with permission.

In the summer of 1961, I boarded what I thought was the westbound train to La Crosse. I was twenty years old and carrying a secondhand suitcase with a broken latch and a letter offering me a job interview at a lumber yard. The station was busy and loud from conductors shouting over one another. I hopped on the first train that someone pointed to. It wasn’t until the farmland outside the window started looking unfamiliar—flatter, more open—that I realized I was heading east instead, toward Sheboygan of all places. I remember gripping that suitcase, almost as if I was hoping it could explain something.

By the time we arrived, I’d accepted that my chances at the job were ruined thanks to me. The next return train wasn’t for hours, so I wandered the streets with no plan at all. I bought a cheap coffee that tasted like burnt toast and sat on a bench across from a hardware store, watching people come and go. A man stepped out to sweep the sidewalk and paused when he saw me. “Where are you heading, son?” he asked. Embarrassed and rambling, I told him the whole story. He laughed—not unkindly, though—and said, “Well, if you’re stuck, you might as well make yourself useful.” Then he handed me a broom.

I swept that sidewalk for maybe fifteen minutes before he offered me a part-time job unloading shipments. It was glamorous, but the work was steady and kept me afloat long enough to figure out what I really wanted.

It’s funny how a wrong train can still drop you off someplace right.

***

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World Digital Library
A global digital library created by UNESCO and the Library of Congress that brings together manuscripts, maps, books, photographs, and recordings from institutions around the world. Items are well described and easy to browse by place, time period, or topic. It’s a clear way to explore primary sources beyond any single country.

The Mechanical Curator Collection (British Library on Flickr)
A large set of scanned illustrations pulled from historical books and organized into themed collections. You’ll find diagrams, landscapes, decorative borders, tools, and everyday objects, all presented visually with minimal text. It works well for unhurried browsing and quiet observation.

Internet Archive: Old Time Radio
A freely available collection of radio programs from the 1930s through the 1950s, including dramas, comedies, news, and variety shows. Episodes are clearly labeled and easy to play. It’s a practical way to experience how people once gathered around sound for information and entertainment.

This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for loved ones and/or the public. We can meet any budget. (Does your story deserve to be told?)

Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

Weather apps do more than show today’s temperature. They can warn you about dangerous conditions—such as severe storms, tornadoes, heat waves, or flooding—often before you hear about it on TV. Setting these alerts up once can help you stay safe with very little effort afterward.

On an iPhone

On an Android Phone

Once enabled, alerts appear automatically on your screen—no app opening required.

A Trusted Extra: The FEMA App

Customize What You’re Alerted About

In both Apple Weather and Google Weather, you can choose which alerts matter most—such as extreme heat, winter storms, or flood warnings—so you’re not overwhelmed by notifications.

NOAA Weather Radio Apps

For those who want the most direct government alerts available:

These apps pull alerts straight from the National Weather Service and are especially helpful in storm-prone areas.

Check Notification Sounds

Make sure weather alerts use a loud or distinct sound, especially if your phone is often on silent. This setting is found in your phone’s notification preferences.

Weather alerts work best when they’re set up ahead of time, not during a storm. A few minutes now can give you early warnings when it matters most—and peace of mind the rest of the time.

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Unmissable American gem: Holland, Michigan invites seniors to enjoy its Dutch-inspired charm, from the world-famous Tulip Time Festival in spring to tranquil Lake Michigan beaches and scenic downtown strolls year-round.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Western film star known for his distinctive walk.

OJNH AYENW

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