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HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND MAY 2025
The Last Family Road Trip (Sort Of) MAKING MEMORIES, ONE MILE AT A TIME
There comes a time when family vacations start to feel different. Not because the places change but because the people do. Kids grow up. Schedules get harder to coordinate. And at some point, you realize the trips that once seemed routine are suddenly something to hold onto.
into the “Young Harry Potter” phase than the teenage angst and wizard-battles phase.
For him, this trip is all about Universal Studios. But the most important part for me is the time we spend together on the road. THE MAGIC (AND MADNESS) OF A FAMILY ROAD TRIP I love road trips. They’re also more convenient for us. With a family of five, flying is a major hassle. So, more often than not, we drive. And when we drive, we get to experience everything in real time. Mile after mile, the scenery changes, and the trip starts to take on a life of its own.
That’s where we are now.
Claire is turning 17 this month and heading into her senior year of high school. Clayton, our college kid, will be home for the summer, but who knows for how long? And Winton, our youngest, is still at that magical age where everything is exciting, especially if it involves Harry Potter. This summer is probably the last time we’ll take a trip together while Claire is still technically “at home.” So, we’re doing what any self-respecting family would do in this situation — hitting the road. RECREATING AN OLD TRIP The year before Winton was born, we took a trip to California, from Los Angeles up the coast to
Of course, not everything is magical.
the ocean is a special part of the trip. The world changes, and you actually feel it happen. WHY THESE TRIPS MATTER Years from now, my kids won’t remember every detail of this trip, but they will remember the time we spent together on the move as a family. The random stops, funny stories, and unexpected moments always have the most lasting impressions. I remember my childhood road trips that way — like when the family crammed into an RV with my mom’s childhood friend, gospel singer Johnny Ray Watson, and drove from Mississippi to Texas. I couldn’t tell you the stops we made, but I remember his voice and the feeling of the road underneath us as we saw new places. With road trips, destinations are just details. They might be forgotten, but our time spent together as a family is what makes trips like these matter.
Winton doesn’t nap. Ever. Claire is at the age when taking a trip with the family might be pushing it, and Clayton’s just fine listening to his music for hours on end. And then there’s me. I don’t know if it’s more optimistic or
delusional to take on the task of planning and coordinating a road trip with three kids at very different stages of life, but here I am. The great thing about this trip is the drive from El Paso to San Diego. It feels different every time I take it, but one section always stands out — the stretch of road near Yuma, Arizona. Yuma is as hot as the face of the sun. You can see heat radiating from the pavement. But it’s beautiful, and transitioning from the desert heat, up through the mountains and into the perfect temperatures near
San Francisco. We’re taking the same trip this year but modifying things to fit the entire crew. We want to start the California portion in San Diego and visit the beaches before heading north to Universal Studios so Winton can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in real life. He’s 6 and full-on obsessed with Harry Potter. We’ve read the books, and he had a Potter-themed birthday party. Winton also ate up most of the movies until hitting a wall at around movie five, when things got a little too scary for him. Let’s say we’re more
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QUICK WEEKEND GETAW
TREAT MOM TO A MAGICAL MORNING
ADVENTURE IS CLOSER
If the weather warming up outside has you itching for a road trip, you don’t have to take a week off work to have a good time. Many great spots closer to home make the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you love nature, art, or history, these West Texas gems are worth the drive.
We should all show appreciation for the moms in our lives year-round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something extra special. For many busy moms, a relaxing, stress- free breakfast in bed is the ultimate treat. But Mother’s Day breakfast doesn’t have to be an over-the-top display or super complicated to prepare. A little planning, a few thoughtful details, and helping hands make all the difference. START WITH A MENU SHE’LL LOVE. Mother’s Day breakfast in bed should be simple but meaningful. Breakfast go-tos like pancakes and French toast are delicious and easy to make, and you can add a parfait or fresh fruit and a cup of freshly squeezed juice for a special touch. If she loves eggs and toast, go in that direction. Preparing Mom’s favorite dish or incorporating ingredients that remind her of a family tradition can take the meal to the next level. PRESENT IT BEAUTIFULLY. You can elevate even a simple breakfast with a few thoughtful additions. Ditch the disposables and use real plates, silverware, and linen napkins. Deliver the breakfast with care on a lovely tray accompanied by a small vase of flowers. Keep everything organized neatly, and include a handwritten card or note to add a heartfelt message to the meal. MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT. Get the whole family involved — minus Mom, of course! Even young kids can pitch in by spreading butter, arranging fruit, or folding napkins. Older kids can help out more with the actual cooking. To make Mother’s Day morning stress-free for everyone, do prep work the night before. Chop fruit, prepare the coffeemaker, and premix the pancake batter. And don’t forget the cleanup. Working as a team to wash dishes and put things away will ensure a dirty kitchen doesn’t ruin Mom’s special day when she gets up. Remember, you don’t have to prepare the perfect meal to make Mother’s Day memorable. It’s all about showing your love and appreciation. The holiday is an opportunity to bring the entire family together to create a special moment for the most important woman in your life.
MARFA — WHERE COUNTRY MEETS COUTURE Just a three-hour drive from El Paso, Marfa is famous for the mysterious “Marfa Lights,” but there’s so much more to this small town. Marfa is a minimalist art mecca but still remains true to its cowboy and ranching roots. It also has a rich history, from its founding as a water stop in 1883 to its role as a military camp and filming location of James Dean’s final movie “Giant.” Today,
it’s a popular destination for art lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts.
ALPINE — A WEST TEXAS TOWN STRAIGHT OUT OF A MOVIE Alpine is also around three hours from El Paso and offers pure West Texas charm thanks to its scenic beauty and welcoming people. Once called “The Eden of the West,” Alpine is surrounded by mountains, and its quiet streets are full of historic architecture and a vibe that feels frozen in time. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to see
SUDOKU
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WAYS FROM EL PASO THAN YOU THINK
Whether traveling with a friend or packing up for a family adventure, road trips are one of the best ways to vacation. Time spent on the road allows for conversation and unexpected experiences you don’t often get when hopping on a plane and jetting to your destination. But long drives can come with a few risks. Knowing what to watch for will help you stay safe and have a trip that’s memorable for all of the right reasons. ROAD TRIP HAZARDS In recent years, distracted driving has become one of the biggest dangers on the road. Tens of thousands of people are injured or killed each year in accidents involving distracted drivers. Even a few seconds of inattention can cause an accident, especially when traveling at highway speeds. Fatigue is another issue. Long hours spent behind the wheel make it challenging to stay alert. Studies have shown that fatigue causes impairments in reaction time and hand-eye coordination, similar to those caused by alcohol. Speeding is also a problem. It’s easy to see an open stretch of highway and be tempted to hit the accelerator, but speeding makes driving more dangerous and accidents more serious. The road itself can pose a danger as well. Sharp turns, road damage, and unexpected construction zones can easily catch drivers off guard. Finally, weather conditions can add to the unpredictability. Summer road trips typically have fewer weather surprises, but rain, strong winds, and extreme heat can all impact visibility and driving conditions. TRAVEL TIPS FOR A SAFER JOURNEY Preparation can make all the difference in avoiding and handling unexpected situations. Have your car inspected before your trip to reduce the chances of a STEERING CLEAR OF ROAD TRIP TROUBLE What to Know Before You Hit the Highway
as the backdrop of a John Wayne movie. Alpine is also
the perfect home base for exploring the surrounding region’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.
FORT DAVIS AND MCDONALD OBSERVATORY — STARGAZING AT ITS FINEST
Northeast of Alpine, Fort Davis is a former frontier military post and one of Texas’s best-preserved 19th- century military installations. It sits at around 5,000 feet, making it a
great place to cool off from the Texas heat. The area’s elevation and lack of light pollution also provide perfect conditions for stargazing. If you want an even better look at the night sky while visiting, take the short 20-minute trip north to McDonald Observatory. The observatory hosts star parties, special viewing nights, and workshops year-round to help visitors learn more about astronomy.
Weekend trips shouldn’t be stressful. Sometimes, all you need is a destination and a full gas tank. So, get out and enjoy the weather and all the great spots near El Paso.
Creamy Chicken Carbonara With tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a velvety egg-based sauce, this is a rich, satisfying take on classic carbonara — and it comes together in about 30 minutes.
INGREDIENTS •
breakdown. Packing emergency supplies, such as water, tools, and a spare tire, will ensure you’re ready for trouble.
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
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3 oz Parmesan cheese
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1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup pasta water
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Salt and pepper 1 tbsp olive oil
Once you hit the road, stay aware. Keep your eyes looking ahead and your hands on the wheel, and watch for distracted and aggressive drivers around you. If your trip has you
1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
4 large eggs
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and
spending hours in the driver’s seat, take frequent breaks and switch drivers regularly if possible.
cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
A road trip should be about the experience, not the stress. With the right preparation and a little caution, the road ahead will be as safe as it is enjoyable.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
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A Family Road Trip to Remember
Mother’s Day Breakfast Ideas to Wow Mom
Top Weekend Getaways Near El Paso
Sudoku
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Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Staying Safe on Your Next Road Trip
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Europe’s Hidden Paradise: The Hawaii of the Atlantic
Escape to the Azores A Journey Back in Time
If a trek through timeless volcanic landscapes dotted with crater lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, plus access to awe-inspiring marine life sounds inviting, the Azores may be the vacation spot for you! The Azores are an increasingly popular tourist destination, often called “the Hawaii of Europe” for their remote mid-ocean location and volcanic origins. The archipelago encompasses nine major islands 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal and is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. Visitors should plan their trip from the end of April to the beginning of May to view larger migratory species, such as the blue whale. The rocky shorelines of the Azores ascend as high as 7,713 feet atop the Ponta de Pico on the island of Pico. The islands’ untamed beauty offers plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking. The climate is subtropical,
with year-round temperatures ranging from 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
islet accessible from the southern shore of São Miguel, offers exceptional visibility of unique marine life, plus snorkeling, swimming, and cliff diving.
Religious festivals and traditional holidays abound on these predominantly Roman Catholic islands, an autonomous region of Portugal. Beyond that, however, the islands’
Wine lovers will enjoy the island of Pico, where vintners produce the islands’ complex volcanic wines. The Azores Wine Company offers tastings, tours, and
culture, dialect, and cuisine vary widely.
overnight stays. The island of Santa Maria has the only white- sand beaches in the region. And Faial Island’s bountiful hydrangea gardens have earned it the nickname “The Blue Island.” Foodies will also enjoy famous local foods, including octopus stewed in wine, kale soup, fried mackerel, and fresh yogurt and cheeses. Taken together, the Azores have something to delight any traveler.
The largest island, São Miguel, is home to numerous hot springs and Europe’s only two tea plantations. An emblematic nature area, Sete Cidades, includes the famed Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (green lagoon). Numerous healing hot springs in Furnas offer opportunities for wellness and relaxation seekers. Ilheu de Vila Franca, a flooded crater
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