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HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND OCTOBER 2025
Big Bend, the Grand Canyon, and Beyond MY MOST MEMORABLE PARK TRIPS
October might be the best month to visit a national park. Lonely Planet says so, and I’m not going to argue. Living in El Paso, we’ve got some of the most spectacular parks in the country within a day’s drive. For me, making the trip to one is about more than just the views. They give you the chance to get out, spend time with those we care about, and come back home with a story. One of my favorite national park trips was to Big Bend. We went right after my younger son, Winton, was born. My dad talked about going
there for years, but he’d somehow never made the trip. So my dad, brother, my son Clayton, and I all piled into the suburban and headed south. We went through Marfa and stayed in Lajitas at a very nice hotel. It was probably fancier than anything we needed, but the stay was worth it. In the morning, we headed into the park. Big Bend is hard to describe if you haven’t seen it. It almost doesn’t feel like Texas. You’ve got mountains, “sky islands” with their own plants and wildlife, and the Rio Grande running like a real river instead of the narrow, controlled stretch we have in El Paso. The Santa Elena Canyon is the spot you’ve probably seen in pictures, with cliffs carved by the river over thousands of years. You have to hike down to reach it. My dad couldn’t make that part, but just being there was worth it. On the way back, we took the road between Presidio and Lajitas through Big Bend Ranch State Park. It’s winding and rugged, the kind of drive that makes you think of an old John Wayne western. We also passed through Alpine, too. It has a more laid-back ranching feel compared to the art scene in Marfa. From the drive home and back to the park visit and all the stops in between, that trip meant a lot to me. My brother and I got to spend quality time with my dad before he passed away, and it’s one of those things that sticks. While Big Bend was unforgettable, it’s not the only park that’s given me those kinds of memories. The Grand Canyon is another. We went a few years ago for spring break and did
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something a little different. There’s a hotel and train station where you can stay, and the train takes you into the park. Winton loved it. They even have a staged train robbery on the way in, with “robbers” collecting money from the passengers for tips. It’s goofy but a blast for the kids. We didn’t do much hiking in the park — that’s not happening with a small child — but we stayed two nights and soaked it all in. The size of the canyon is truly remarkable and humbling. It’s something you have to experience for yourself to appreciate. There are still more parks I want to see. Yellowstone is definitely on the list, but I could name plenty others if I sat down and thought about it. I think everyone should make time to visit our national parks. They’re our treasures, and in my experience, the trip is always worth it.
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CREATE HYGGE IN EVERY COMFORTING MORNING STEP There’s a quiet magic in the early morning. It’s a time made for gentleness, nourishing both body and spirit. That’s the beauty of hygge , a Danish philosophy rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and savoring life’s small pleasures. Pronounced “ hoo-gah, ” this gentle lifestyle encourages you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. And what better time to begin than first thing in the morning? Begin right where you wake, still nestled beneath the covers. Before your feet ever touch the floor, take a moment to stretch — not the kind that feels like a chore but one that softly awakens your muscles and soothes your joints. This small act stirs your blood and eases your body into the day with kindness. Let your shower become a sanctuary. Choose a soap that smells like the season — apple, cinnamon, or something crisp and woodsy. Let the warm water remind you that you’re not in a rush, that this moment is yours. As the coffee brews or tea steeps, light a candle . Watch it flicker and think of someone who has touched your life. Offer a quiet thank-you and wish them well. This small blessing is a gift to them and you. Slip on your walking shoes and greet the world outside . Even a short stroll can awaken a sense of calm. Listen to the autumn leaves rustle, feel the sun on your cheeks. Let nature’s rhythm soften your own. These hygge-inspired rituals help you reclaim mornings with grace, presence, and joy. You’ve earned mornings like these. Let them carry you forward.
MISTAKES THAT COST
WHY THE RIGHT HE
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be hectic. With so much going on, it’s easy to make a wrong move that costs you money and slows your recovery. Some people try to handle everything themselves, thinking they can save time or avoid attorney’s fees. For a minor fender bender without serious injuries, that might be fine. But if you are hurt, trying to go it alone could be a big mistake. I see this often. People think they can manage their claim, but they don’t realize what they are up against. Getting the right medical care, knowing the true value of your case, and dealing with all parties involved is not easy. It’s not just the auto insurance company that can complicate things. You may have to deal with hospitals, health insurers, and doctors. Without help, you risk leaving money on the table. Another mistake is waiting too long to act. Time matters in these cases. You need to preserve evidence to support your case, and you should see a doctor right away. If you wait a couple of weeks while you’re hurting physically and trying to figure things out,
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it will only hurt your claim. You could lose access to valuable evidence, and the insurance company will use that delay against you.
October in El Paso just feels right. After months of dry heat, the air finally cools down, the breeze feels good, and you can spend time outside without looking for the nearest shade. It’s my favorite month here, no contest. You still get plenty of sun this time of year, but it’s the kind you actually enjoy. What makes it even better is how much there is to do. Football’s in full swing, backyard cookouts actually sound like a good idea, and the weather is just right for sitting outside in the evening. And with El Paso’s mix of cultures, Halloween fun blends with Dia de los Muertos. The result is something you don’t find in many other places. THE BEST MONTH OF THE YEAR Why October Wins Here
Talking to the insurance company without legal help is also a big mistake. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer you a quick settlement. I’ve seen people take $5,000 for medical bills and $2,000 for pain and suffering when their case was worth over $30,000. Even though a settlement might be tempting, the money offered may not even cover a hospital bill. Remember, insurance adjusters are not trying to help you. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. If you avoid these mistakes, you give yourself the best chance to recover what you deserve. The sooner you get an experienced injury lawyer involved, the better your chances are of getting the right outcome.
Creamy Braised Short Ribs Enjoy the hearty taste of fall with these flavorful braised short ribs in a creamy herb sauce.
If you’re into big events, you’ve got plenty of options in October. The Amigo Airsho is back this year for two days of loud, impressive aerial displays. The El Paso Fun Fest is packed with games and activities that keep the kids busy, and if you want something low-key, a drive to the pumpkin patch and corn maze at Nuevo Hueco Tanks is a fun way to spend a Saturday. Also, even though it takes place on Nov. 1, the Mexican American Cultural Center’s Día de los Muertos Parade and Festival is a highlight of the season. And there are several free Día de los Muertos-themed arts and cultural activities held leading up to the festival. The great thing about fall here is that you can go all out with events or just take it easy. Some weekends, I’m all for the noise and crowds. Other times, it sounds better to head to a park or just relax at home with the family. The point is to enjoy the season. It doesn’t last long, so it’s worth making the most of it. For me, this is the time of year that reminds me why I love living here.
INGREDIENTS •
5 lbs bone-in short ribs Ground black pepper 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 6 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 1 cup white wine or broth
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1/2 cup water
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1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped kale (optional) 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
8 fresh sage leaves
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. 2. In a large braiser, season short ribs with black pepper. Scatter onion, garlic, and thyme over ribs. Pour in white wine or broth and 1/2 cup water. 3. Cover the braiser with a lid and roast for 2 1/2–3 hours. 4. Increase temperature to 400 F. Remove the lid, skim excess fat, and stir in heavy cream, kale, and 2 tbsp butter. Roast uncovered for 10–20 minutes. 5. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Melt remaining butter and fry sage leaves until crisp. 6. Serve ribs hot with creamy sauce, garnished with sage. DIRECTIONS
Inspired by RecipesByJanet.com
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Adventures in Our National Parks
Hygge Morning Rituals to Nourish Your Spirit Protect Your Case After a Wreck Sudoku
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Creamy Braised Short Ribs October in El Paso
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Reel in More Fish This Autumn
Where, When, and How to Hook Fish This Fall Autumn Angling
EXPERIMENT WITH DEPTHS Fall turnover can scatter fish throughout various depths. Don’t hesitate to try different depths until you locate active fish. Using a fish finder can help you identify these productive zones.
MATCH THE CATCH In fall, baitfish grow larger. Adjust your lure size and color to mimic the prevalent forage in your fishing area. This increases the likelihood of enticing bites. EXPLORE STOCKED WATERS Many lakes and streams are stocked with trout and catfish in the fall. These fish are often eager to bite, providing excellent opportunities for anglers. UTILIZE LIVE BAIT Live bait can be particularly effective in cooler temperatures. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and shad can more effectively entice sluggish fish than artificial lures. MONITOR WATER CONDITIONS Fall often brings changes in water levels due to drawdowns. Stay informed about these conditions, as they influence fish locations and behavior.
As cooler temperatures, golden leaves, and holidays roll in, fall is one of the best-kept secrets in fishing. While many pack up their rods after summer, savvy anglers know autumn
is when the real magic happens. Fish feed aggressively as they prepare
for winter, and the crowds of people enjoying the water have thinned out. A few seasonal tweaks can level up your fishing game this season, whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or trout.
FISH THROUGHOUT THE DAY Unlike summer, when fish
are most active during dawn and dusk, fall fish feed more consistently throughout the day. This allows for flexible fishing schedules without the need for early starts.
TARGET SHALLOW WATERS As temperatures drop, baitfish like shad move into the backs of creeks and embayments. Predatory fish such as bass and crappie follow, making these areas hotspots. Focus your efforts on these shallow zones to increase your catch rate.
FOCUS ON STRUCTURE Fish gravitate toward structures like
submerged wood and rocky banks during fall. These areas provide shelter and warmth, and targeting them can lead to successful catches.
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