Herrman & Herrman May 2020

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may 2020

www.herrmanandherrman.com • 844.567.6399 1201 3rd St., Corpus Christi, TX 78404 • 4121 N. 23rd St., McAllen, TX 78504 855 E. Harrison st., brownsville, tx 78520 • 8122 Datapoint Dr., Suite 816, San antonio, TX 78229

Driving Safety Tips for All Motorists

May I s Mo t o r cyc l e Awar e n e s s Mon t h

If you’ve followed our monthly newsletter or follow us on Facebook, you know motorcycles are a big deal around here. We love them. As such, motorcycle safety is also a big deal. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and every May we spend time talking about this important topic. Motorcycle safety means everything. All around Texas and the greater U.S., motorcyclists hit the road to take advantage of the mid-spring weather. They ride to feel the rush, see the sights, and enjoy an incredible piece of machinery. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some 4,985

night. Other crashes result from motorcyclists losing control while driving at high speeds or due to alcohol use. To avoid crashes, drivers should be as attentive as possible.

This is true for all drivers, whether they’re in a car or truck or on a motorcycle. Paying attention can save lives. In fact, one of the best things drivers can do to avoid collisions is spend a few extra seconds looking for oncoming traffic at every intersection. Drivers who spend more time looking for hazards such as oncoming traffic will significantly decrease their chances of a collision.

Many collisions between cars and motorcycles occur because the driver of the car doesn’t see the motorcycle. Because they are smaller and easily obscured by traffic or blind spots, motorcycles can be harder to spot. So remember: When in doubt, check it out. When you’re on the road, always double-check before driving through an intersection, making a turn, or changing lanes. We all share the same roads, and one driver isn’t more important than another. Attentive driving can go a long way toward saving lives, as can wearing the appropriate safety gear. Motorcyclists should always wear a helmet. Stay safe and have fun!

motorcyclists were killed in 2018, a 5% decrease from 2017. This followed a decrease in motorcycle fatalities from 2016, suggesting a downward trend, which is good news. But even with a silver lining, many motorcyclists are still involved in serious accidents. While there is no doubt this can be a dangerous way to travel, there are plenty of things both drivers and motorcyclists can do to improve the safety of everyone on the road. Interestingly, many motorcycle crashes occur with fixed objects. In 2017, for instance, the NHTSA reported that 23% of fatal accidents involved crashes into “fixed objects,” such as trees, utility poles, signs, guard rails, barriers, rocks, or other objects found near roadways. By contrast, 33% of crashes occurred between a motorcycle and another vehicle, including cars, light trucks, or heavy trucks. Why do so many motorcyclists collide with fixed objects? There are many different factors. Some crashes are caused by poor visibility due to fog, smoke, or darkness, as most fixed-object crashes occur at

-Greg Herrman

P.S. In case you haven’t heard the news, a major event we sponsor every year, the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon, has been postponed. It was previously scheduled for May 16, 2020, but will now take place October 10, 2020. We look forward to taking part in this great community event in the fall. In the meantime stay safe out there and we’ll see you soon.

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Health Benefits of Family Gardening Give Your Kid the Gift of a Green Thumb

Yes, there will always be football season, basketball season, and soccer season, but right now, it’s gardening season. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development.

The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.” The two

found that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies.

If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a

For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr.

few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set. Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child

Wendy Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves. Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good:

discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries. The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants. Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!

“I want everyone to know that I truly appreciate all the long hours that Cary Toland and his assistant Laura Morris put into resolving my case. It wasn’t an easy one, but Cary just kept pushing through. He and Laura also did a good job of calming me down when I got to thinking it was taking too long. In addition, I want to recognize Bonnie and all the girls at the front desk who were always professional and friendly. I was very satisfied with the final outcome and would definitely recommend Cary and Herrman & Herrman.” -Charlotte Beagley

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it

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3 Amazing Motorcycle Routes Around Texas

The 100 Mile loop Also called the Twisted Sisters (or Three Sisters) route, this 100-mile loop faces northwest San Antonio and is comprised of a string of roads that many

Motorcycle riding is a thrilling experience. Veteran motorcyclists attest that it provides a rush like no other, and they know the feeling of the wind brushing against their faces as they take it all in.

But the experience is even better when you’re cruising along amazing routes. Here are four of Texas’ most popular motorcycle routes.

Willow City Loop Situated a few miles from Fredericksburg in central Texas, and starting from the small town of Willow City, this beautiful route stretches over 20 miles of incredible scenery. The area is a must-visit for anyone who loves wildflowers, as they are plentiful along this route. Meander through the hills and take in the spring colors. Because the area is so motorcycle-friendly, a few local bars cater to riders specifically. But be cautious when riding through this area: Cattle crossings and sightings are common in this area. Farm to Market Road As you cut through the thick edges of the Sam Houston National Forest, you’ll find approximately 30 miles of winding road, which faces the west side of Montgomery. Motorcyclists on this route will get an unforgettable ride through eye-catching pines. Plus, there are a couple of stops for a good snack and to ease the stress of riding on this route.

believe are the best in Texas for motorcyclists in search of a thrilling

trip. That said, this road is not recommended for riders with little experience, because of its many hazards. The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, among other roadside attractions along this route, makes this ride an exceptional experience for seasoned riders. Galveston Seawall This route offers adventurous riders a nice break from Houston. The initial part of this trip is widely considered uninspiring, but that changes once the rider is out of the city and arrives at the Gulf. There’s nothing quite like riding along the Gulf and feeling the sea air in your face. Many consider it a rejuvenating ride, though most motorcycles don’t appreciate regular contact with salty sea air.

Sudoku

Sticky and Sweet Pork ‘Ribs’

Whether you’re celebrating your mom or those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, there’s no better recipe to grill up than these delectable country-style pork ribs.

INGREDIENTS

* * * * * * *

2 heads garlic, cloves separated

* * *

1/3 cup oyster sauce

3 thumbs ginger, chopped

1/3 cup toasted sesame oil 5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, flattened

1 cup hoisin sauce 3/4 cup fish sauce

2/3 cup honey

* *

3/4 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup rice wine 1/2 cup chili oil

1 tbsp molasses

DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender, purée garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice wine, chili oil, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth. 2. Reserve and chill 1 1/2 cups for later use. 3. In a bag, add the remaining mixture and pork shoulder. Marinate for at least 8 hours.

4. Using a convection plate on the grill, cook pork until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 140–145 F. 5. In a large saucepan, simmer brown sugar, molasses, and reserved marinade for 6–8 minutes. 6. Baste the pork with the brown sugar glaze for 2 minutes before serving.

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1201 3rd St. Corpus Christi, TX 78404

Motorcycle Safety Is Important for Everyone Page 1 What Is Gardening Good For? Hear What People Are Saying About Us Page 2 Popular Motorcycle Cruise Routes Around Texas Sweet and Sticky Pork ‘Ribs’ Page 3 The Best Grandfather a Kitten Could Have Page 4 Inside This ISSUE

The Story of Grandpa Mason How a Feral Cat Came to Care for Orphaned Kittens

When cats are orphaned as kittens, they don’t get the chance to develop all the skills needed to become successful cats. Just like human children, kittens need older role models too. The most famous cat role model had

from being petted. In an interview with The Dodo, Roche described him as “an elderly gentleman [who] lived his whole life a certain way, and then, all of a sudden, [was] forced to live completely differently.”

a rough start in life but became an inspiration for kittens and humans alike. His name was Grandpa Mason, and during the last years of his life, he stepped up and gave love, care, and guidance to the orphaned kittens that lived with him. The Canadian animal rescue group TinyKittens rescued Grandpa Mason in 2016 from a property that was scheduled to be bulldozed. The poor feral tabby was suffering from many health problems, including severe dental issues, a badly injured paw, and advanced kidney disease. Since TinyKittens is a no-kill rescue organization, euthanization was out of the question.

After Grandpa Mason grew accustomed to his home, Roche took in several foster kittens, and those new roommates completely altered Grandpa Mason’s behavior. Roche expected him to hiss, swat, or growl at the kittens when they invaded his space, but he didn’t. Instead, he allowed them to crawl all over him and appeared to enjoy it when they licked his ear. Suddenly a playful, affectionate, and gentle personality came out of Grandpa Mason as he played with, bathed, taught, and cared for the orphaned kittens that Roche welcomed into her home. Potentially due to the kittens’ influence, Grandpa Mason surpassed his prognosis by more than two years.

Given his health conditions, veterinarians predicted the battle-scarred Grandpa Mason didn’t have long to live, so TinyKittens’ founder, Shelly Roche, took him in and provided him with a comfortable place to sleep, plenty of food, and time to relax in the last months of his life. Grandpa Mason had a hard time adjusting to domestic life and would often shy away

During the last few years of his life, Grandpa Mason passed on important lessons and good manners to the kittens he looked after and adored, as a true grandfather should. He passed last September, but he spent his last night in his ultimate happy place: snuggling in his bed surrounded by kittens.

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