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PUBLISHER Juliet Hubbell

EDITOR Tamara Abel

ASSISTANT EDITOR Nancy Moreland

October 2016

TAMMY BATEMAN PROPERTIES

ART DIRECTOR Adra Staﬀord

DISTINCTIVE  DYNAMIC  AUTHENTIC

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ann Greer

Are You Home Yet?

CONTRIBUTORS Byron Barclay Tammy Bateman Audrey Boutros Karen Bunch Julia Davila Newt Harlan Ahmad Khan Bobby McCallitt Anice Shelton Lisa Smith Dillon Sorensen Susan Scott Watts

CONTENTS TRAVEL

Texans Visit Carmel

HEALTH

5 Ways to be Inspired

FOOD

Bon Appetit

HUMOR

Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts

FAMILY

There’s an App for That!

PETS

Old Age in Dogs

REAL ESTATE

Talk To Tammy

BABY BOOMERS

Susan Scott Watts gives tips to visiting Carmel, California

Tips for Staying Motivated and Inspired for a New Goal

Recipes from Growing Up on the Famous King Ranch in Kingsville

Two Schools of Thought on Getting “Educated”

Six Free Apps that Everyone Needs

Caring for and Recognizing Old Age in Pets

Houston’s Changing Real Estate Market

The Mobile Phone

A Fun Look at Mobile Phones in Our Daily Lives

Reader correspondence, editorial submissions and advertising inquiries are welcome.

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SPORTS

Football’s Instant Replay Rules

Time for Financial Planning for Adulthood

Why the NFL Should Learn From the NCA

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ribbons displayed in the tasting room from Houston’s Rodeo Uncorked Competition. Houstonians will feel at right at home there!

TEXANS VISIT CARMEL

The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur has a 4 star spa and breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean where guests can experience a unique blend of rustic, earthy, nature with pure luxury. Other excellent lodging choices in walking distance of shops and dining in Carmel are: Doris Day’s Cypress Inn, where dogs are treated like family and the people and dog watching are a pastime. La Playa Hotel was once owned by the heir of Ghirardelli Chocolate and has rooftop dining with ocean views. At La Playa, you may see Apple employees now, since the ban was lifted in 2013 because of a skinny dipping incident that happened 30 years ago. Carmel Mission Inn is surprisingly affordable for only $125/night, but not as convenient as other hotels on the ocean side of Hwy 1.

by Susan Scott Watts

ULTRA TRAVEL The age-old vacation dilemma: squeeze in an actionpacked schedule or just relax and recharge? In the Carmel CA area, problem solved. You can easily do either, or both! You may think of Carmel as the quaint City-bythe-Sea, where Clint Eastwood served as mayor, or the place where Father Junipero Serra founded the second of California’s missions in 1774, or maybe the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, founded by David and Julie Packard (of Hewlett Packard) comes to mind. Or you may think of whale watching, surfing, hiking and racing cars, but you may not know about the ways to “not” do anything around the Carmel area.

showcase events not to be missed and are good for people watching and celebrity sightings. A drive down the famous 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach, realizing you don’t have to manage the upkeep on one of these mansions, can be very relaxing as well. I find peace at Spanish Bay when a Scottish bagpiper strolls up at sunset as I sip my cocktail, warmed by fire pits. With five extraordinary golf courses, spa, tennis center and equestrian center in an oceanfront setting with white glove service…. you can’t go wrong at Pebble Beach Resorts! About 6 miles east, in fogless, sun-drenched Carmel Valley is Bernardus Lodge, where dining options include: fine dining, casual croquette courtside dinning, fire pit/water fountain dining and deck dining. Enjoy their romantic, private wine cellar for dinner, too! Bernardus is special because it has its own vineyard and award winning wines. When you go there, notice the

If your agenda is to not have an agenda, but rather lounge poolside and indulge in spa treatments, Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Post Ranch Inn & Spa and Pebble Beach Resorts are a three-way tie for me. I enjoy all three and recommend them all to my Texas friends.

Lastly, at Esalen Institute Center for Theory and Research you can spend $800 a week, or $5K a week for a range of sleeping options from a sleeping bag to a luxury bed. Their tagline is “the religion of no religion.” Their mission is to explore human potential. As a Texan, if you ever wanted to see the California hippy lifestyle in action, you can find it here. You should look this one up too! After you satisfy your need for restful lodging, you can find endless choices to satisfy your taste buds. I like to bring guests to Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch near where the Carmel River empties into the Pacific Ocean, across a sheep-dotted grazing pasture, that was once a dairy farm. I admit, I take my Texas friends there to try to get a gawk at Clint when he comes off the golf course around 5pm. I have seen him also gawk back at tourists and look them up and down in return. The food never disappoints, the menu is broad and the piano bar is a local hangout. I also like Grazings on 6th Street in Carmel, and so do a lot of Houstonians I know. It has great wine selections, atmosphere and bar area with giant TVs that run the sports action of the day. Forge In The Forest is another hit for their outdoor patio dining and entrees, garlic fries, and giant cookie dream. Texan-owned Christopher’s Restaurant showcases the finest and freshest seasonal bounty of the Central Coast. Rio Grill in Carmel, Montrio and Tarpy’s Roadhouse are three top-quality restaurants in the area that have the same owners and are amazing with food quality and service. Little known fact: the inventor of the “Oven Glove,” featured in infomercials, is Montrio’s Chef,

Pebble Beach’s events of Concourse D’ Elegance rare car show and auction, Pebble Beach Food & Wine Event and AT&T Pro-Am Golf Tournament are 6

The Hermitage is off the beaten path and offers a chance for silence and Catholic prayers with the monks for only $125 a night in solitude, no talking, no technology and lots of serenity. Renting a yurt for $265/night from Treebones Resorts in Big Sur offers unique nature experience, but showers and baths are common and a short walk away. Go ahead; look up yurt if that’s a new word for you!

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Tony Baker; and Todd Fisher, of The Food Network’s “United States of Bacon,” is the chef at Tarpy’s. Vesuvio Bistro Italiano in Carmel is a local favorite for great food and happening rooftop bar. Please note Carmel has laws of no high heels, no loud noises, and quiet after a certain hour, curb any rowdiness, so Vesuvio’s is as happening as it gets around here. A “must do while you’re here” is a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 to see “the ragged edge of the Western World.” There are many ways to enjoy the view. One way is to run the Big Sur Marathon; another is to drive and eat a juicy hamburger at Nepenthe and take selfies with the Pacific Ocean. Finding things to do for the active or adventure traveler is easy. Monterey Bay offers scuba diving, surfing, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming, sail boating, sunset cruises, whale watching, fishing, kayaking, and jet skiing. The cool climate and sunshine allows for lots of golf, tennis and biking. You can hike the vast area trails, with mountain and ocean vistas, including Point Lobos, just a few miles south of Carmel. Learn to drive a race car at Laguna Seca Raceway; drive the “Experience Land Rover” course at Quail Lodge; attend the Jazz Fest in Monterey, Carmel Art and Film Fest, Carmel Plein Air and Art Show or Quail Lodge Motorcycle Gathering. Tour the Carmel Mission, Big Sur Lighthouse, Monterey Bay Aquarium or the architecturally-noted homes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Comstock, or Jeffers. continued on page 24 7

ULTRA HEALTH

Take back your family time.

5 Ways to ﬁnd Inspiration

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When a significant goal or challenge stands before you, it may be tough

for a way to ensure that their inspirational words would always be with

to envision the finish line. Finding and drawing on what motivates and

me. For my trek on Denali, I asked them to write motivational messages

inspires you will make the journey toward that successful finish line

on my gear with Sharpie Extreme Permanent Markers, which have

more pleasant, and your ultimate victory that much sweeter.

high-contrast ink that resists fading even when exposed to the most challenging conditions like harsh UV rays, snow, rain and mud. When I

Dig deep and find the fortitude you need to achieve ambitions big and

had moments where I struggled during the summit, I was able to gather

small with these sensible tips:

strength from their words written on my gear.”

1. REFLECT ON PAST EXPERIENCE.

3. TAKE A DETOUR.

While it may seem contradictory to look into the past as you seek to

If you’re struggling to identify the right motivator for your situation, simply

arm yourself with inspiration for the future, the truth is, you can learn

take a break and direct your energy elsewhere. Sometimes forcing your

a lot from your personal history. Think about the situations throughout

mind and heart to focus too strongly can prevent the most genuine feelings

your life when you’ve felt most empowered and most inspired to be your

and emotions from surfacing. Taking a step back to gain perspective will

very best. Consider what you can take from those circumstances and

allow time for the most authentic forms of inspiration to arise.

apply it to your current position.

4. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH INSPIRATION.

2. FIND WHAT INSPIRES YOU.

     

Put yourself on a better path by creating a lifestyle that lifts your spirits.

Once you pinpoint what motivates you most, consider how to integrate

Forge relationships with people who inspire you, and fill your physical

it into the task or goal you’re striving toward. For example, you could

space with idea boards including pictures and inspirational quotes that

follow the lead of mountaineer Masha Gordon, who recently scaled

drive you to be your best.

Denali National Park in Alaska, her last climb of the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which is an endurance challenge that requires climbing the

5. KEEP IT SIMPLE.

highest peak on each of the seven continents and trekking to the North

There are times when the end goal is prize enough, and that’s perfectly

and South poles on skis. “My children are my greatest inspiration, yet

OK. If the reward itself is the motivator, seize it and push forward with

I couldn’t bring them with me on my climbs,” Gordon said. “I searched

all of your might. (Family Features) 

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{

ULTRA FOOD

TWO VARIATIONS

 Ground beef spiced up with a bit of taco seasoning and browned.  Smoked chicken is absolutely fantastic in this recipe.

}

KING RANCH CASSEROLE

BON APPETIT

 1 rotisserie chicken, torn into bite-sized pieces

KING RANCH

 1 package corn tortillas (slightly stale)  1 onion, chopped

by Anice Shelton

 2 cloves garlic, minced

I grew up deep in South Texas on a very large and famous horse and cattle ranch in Kingsville. There were cattle in the pastures surrounding the house and my sisters and brother rode horses daily. I say that THEY rode the horses because I did not ride. Oh, I tried but instead of riding I just fell off. I loved living on the ranch and having the freedom to ride all around on my bike and play in the “Big House” (the main house on the ranch). I would slide down the bannister of the staircase, play with the trophies in the dining room, and I especially loved poking around the large commercial kitchen. When people learn where I was raised, they often ask about its most famous culinary creation: King Ranch Casserole. Except that it isn’t a King Ranch recipe. And it’s made with chicken not beef. It is one of the great culinary mysteries of the world: how did a casserole with chicken (not beef), Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, canned soups, tortillas and cheese come to be known as King Ranch Chicken or King Ranch Casserole. The answer? I do not know. Truly, I have no clue. Nor does anyone else I know or any of my family members. I once asked my Daddy if he knew and he said, “I have no idea. It’s made with chicken and we don’t raise chicken.” Then he went on to say something about his Aunt Helen (who raised him) and maybe someone made it in her honor. That’s the closest I have come to discovering the origins of it. I’ve seen recipes that “fancy it up” and pass over the canned soups in favor of making a cream sauce with mushrooms, cream, flour, and stock but to me that is sacrilegious to a recipe that is a staple in community and Junior League cookbooks for half a century. To me, it is a casserole and casseroles should be easy to make and freeze and canned soups freeze well. I like to use a grocery store rotisserie chicken to make the recipe quickly. You can boil your own chicken but I find that the rotisserie chicken gives better flavor.

 1 can cream of mushroom soup  1 can cream of chicken soup  2 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chili  1 package shredded Cheddar/Jack blend cheese  1 package shredded Velveeta or Mild Cheddar  1 package shredded Pepper Jack or Jack cheese  1-2 tsp. cumin (to taste)

 1 Tbsp. chili powder  Cilantro (for garnish) Note: I prefer to use Progresso canned soups in this recipe. They have more “liquid” than the condensed soups from Campbell’s. If you use Campbell’s soup, add a few cups of chicken stock to keep the consistency right. Ideally, I like to let this rest in the fridge a bit before cooking. One more thing: use “regular” Rotel for a mildly hot version, “mild” Rotel for no spice and “spicy” Rotel for a hot version. In a deep skillet, over medium heat, sauté the onion in a little butter or olive oil until softened. Add in the minced garlic and allow to soften taking care not to burn it. Toss in the torn up chicken and both cans of soup. Stir in the cumin and chili powder. Add in one can of Rotel. Add in most, but not all of the second can (about ¾). Remove from heat. Spray a casserole or Dutch oven with nonstick spray and spoon in enough of the sauce to lightly cover the bottom of the pan. Make a layer of the tortillas. Spoon more sauce over (be more generous this time) and add a layer of cheese (I like to use a bit of all 3 cheese in each layer. Place another layer of tortillas over the cheese and spoon in more sauce and layer on more cheese. I like to try to get at least 3 layers of tortillas and end with a layer of sauce and more cheese. Place in a 350° oven, covered, for 45 minutes. Uncover and cook 10 minutes longer until the top layer of cheese is melted. You can also refrigerate the casserole overnight before baking but if so, I like to add in the full second can of Rotel to make sure it’s nice and moist. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and topping with chopped cilantro.

UltraMagTexas.com

I was blessed to have an “extra” mom when I was a child. Her name was Matilda (we called her Tilda) and she was the best cook I knew. If my mom were alive she would agree. Everything Tilda made was delicious. Every Saturday, she came to babysit my siblings and me and we lived for that dinner and getting to watch “The Carol Burnett Show.” And every Saturday, we always requested the same dish---Carne Guisada. Sometimes we would ask for enchiladas or tuna noodle casserole but nothing beat her Carne Guisada (a stew with a rich gravy). I would stand beside her and hand her the spices that she would put into the molcajete (a mortar and pestle made from basalt rock from Mexico). She would put comino (cumin) seeds and garlic and whole peppercorns in the molcajete and I would grind it. It was my favorite thing to do and the beginning of my love of cooking. Today, I am lazy and use ground cumin and pepper and garlic from a tube, but I will never forget the delicious aroma of the spices as I ground them. We would eat the carne guisada with tortillas, pan de campo (a thick bread made in a skillet), red Mexican rice or over mashed potatoes. These days, I usually serve it over mashed potatoes or rice. Every time I make it, I can feel her standing next to me telling me what to add and to taste it as I go. Note: this is a flexible recipe. Most of it is “to taste.” I have provided measurements but you can adjust it to your taste. As for the beef you use, Tilda always used ground beef when I was a child but in later years she “fancied” it up and made it with steak such as round steak, short rib meat, or skirt steak.

{

FUN TIP: If you serve this over mashed potatoes, boil the potatoes in milk rather than water. After cooking, drain the potatoes in a colander over a bowl and reserve the milk to add back in to make the potatoes even creamier.

}

Continued on page 26

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CARNE GUISADA

 2 lbs meat (ground beef, or steak or beef cut into small cubes or strips)  1 onion, chopped  1 bell pepper, chopped  2 cans Rotel  3-5 cloves garlic, minced fine (or use the paste)  2-3 Tbsp. cumin  4 Tbsp. flour  1 cup beef stock (or cube or powder)  Small handful of cilantro (including most of the stem) or 3 Tbsp. chopped leaves

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TWO SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT

Winning Smiles with a Personal Touch

Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts

BOUTROS ORTHODONTICS

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ULTRA HUMOR

hole. Not surprisingly, you can usually find someone in those places

With school back in session, it is time for the

The loud and boisterous part isn’t only because

Generally speaking, the topic of which kind of

gang down at the watering hole to rekindle their

of strong opinions on the subject. There are

education is best simply doesn’t lend itself to

annual, ongoing discussion about the values of

several members of the discussion group who

reaching a conclusion, no matter how strong the

formal education versus those of what is proudly

presume that the person who makes their point

arguments or how impassioned the pleas. There

referred to as “the-school-of-hard-knocks.”

the loudest is clearly the one with the strongest

are good points to be made for both sides and

case, so you can well imagine the cacophony

they’re usually well taken. As a result, we usually

Now don’t get the mistaken idea that this is some

that erupts every time we get into this

wind up with an ongoing exercise of drinking

kind of academic, esoteric, intellectual, pantywaist

discussion. (For those of you who dislike going

beer, enjoying good arguments and picking up

discussion. These impromptu discussions are lively,

to dictionaries, cacophony means loud, harsh,

occasional pearls of wisdom, such as this one

passionate, and animated. Both sides hold very

discordant sounds--in other words, noise.)

from the other night, “The trouble with learning

strong opinions and are extremely excited when

from the school-of-hard-knocks is the test comes

presenting them. Two things are certain about

Most of the time during these discussions, my

first and the lesson afterwards!” That reminded

almost all of the discussion participants, they

position is that of observer, beer drinker and

me of something Uncle Babe Martin over in

subscribe to the theory, “if you’re too open minded,

occasional referee. I qualify for both sides, having

Saratoga often said, “y’all can talk all you want to

your brains are liable to fall out” and very few of

invested parts of my life enduring the heat,

about learning from ‘the-school-of-hard-knocks,’

them bother to heed the old saying, “you ain’t

mosquitoes, vermin, scrapes, bruises and poison

but remember that good judgment comes from

learnin’ nothin’ when your mouth’s a-running.”

ivy while attending “the-school-of-hard-knocks,”

experience and a right smart of that experience

You can be sure whenever this discussion gets

as well as spending several years getting what is

comes from bad judgment.”

kicked off, there are always two things certain to

often referred to as “some book learning,” in the

happen--there will be a lot of cold adult beverages

hallowed halls of ivy, even though in most of my

Personally, my advice to anyone seeking

consumed and the discussion will positively be

classes, I was one of those whose main function

someplace to expand their educational horizons

loud and boisterous.

was to make the upper half of the class look smart.

would be to go on down to their local watering

UltraMagTexas.com

who knows something about almost anything and everything you need to know something about. I’m not talking about some old boy who can spot a goat in a flock of sheep, but an old boy who can spot the goat, tell you the breed, show you how to milk it and give you two or three good recipes for barbecuing it.   Heck, at one time or another you can find doctors, lawyers, bankers, machinists, salesmen, roughnecks, truckers, millwrights, teachers, cowboys, heavy-equipment hands, railroaders, coaches, chefs, military men, rocket scientists and just about any other kind of expertise that you may want or need, right there at your local waterin’ hole. In addition, there are always three or four old boys hanging around who, when the beer gets to flowing, if they don’t know something about something, they’ll fake it so well that you and about three quarters of the rest of the world will swear that they know everything there is to know about it.   My plans are already made, instead of me worrying about sending my

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great-grand kids off to college, I’m going to offer them a scholarship to hang out down at the watering hole with me and soak up on some of the knowledge that is just floating around. As an added bonus, they’ll be able to pick up on a bunch of social skills such as playing dominoes and darts, shooting pool, playing shuffleboard, singing karaoke and dancing.  ADVERTORIAL

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ULTRA FAMILY

WAZE Whether you’re a frequent driver or just going on a long road trip, you should check out Waze. It’s the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app. Waze provides real-time traffic and road information, allowing you to save time, gas, and improve your daily commute. It also works wonders on your stress levels.

There’s a Free App for That

CUT ME IN

By Bobby McCallitt

As most of you know, a mobile app is a software program you can download and access directly using your mobile device. With over 1 million apps to choose from, finding useful ones can be a difficult process. Not to worry, as we’ve done the searching for you. Here are six of the most useful, fun, and FREE apps you will find. Let’s start with your finances – or maybe the lack thereof. As Oscar Wilde once said: “Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.” With that in mind, check out these apps.

TOSHL Toshl is a simple to use personal finance manager. It easily tracks income and expenses, organizes your bills, and allows you to manage your budget. And who doesn’t need a little budgeting help from time to time? For expense tracking purposes, this app is great.

LEVEL MONEY While a lot of finance apps show you a myriad of information (mostly meaningless), Level Money shows you exactly how much money you have left to spend given your budget. This app is perfect for college students or young adults (or 14

even old adults) who are tight on funds. Tracker categories allow you to monitor in great detail exactly what you are spending your money on. Great for staying on top of savings as well. There is an old Jackie Mason quote that says, “Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.” And who doesn’t? The last thing we always did before we left home was to make sure we had some dough. However, in today’s world, it’s getting easier and easier to function without wads of cash. Here are a couple apps that will help further that cause.

VENMO Venmo is an easy, no-fuss way to exchange money between friends. The Venmo app is a digital wallet that lets you make payments or accept payments from third parties. Whether splitting a pizza, or splitting a bar tab, this app makes it easy.

UBER Who needs to wait for a smelly taxicab to show up when you can summon a ride with virtually no waiting, and leave the driving to someone else? With Uber, there is no exchange of money

Advetorial

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as the fare is pre-determined and automatically billed to your credit card. A punctual ride in a comfortable car, with no fumbling around for cash – what a concept! Dan Rather quipped, “Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn’t block traffic.” In Houston, there are two things that we deal with on a daily basis, and they are both frustrating and ever-changing – the traffic and the weather. To help with both, try these apps.

DARK SKY The weather is always a dicey issue as who really knows how to correctly tell you what is happening, weather-wise, exactly where you are? Dark Sky knows. This app is able to predict weather for your exact location, not just your city. And it does it right down to the minute! When was the last time you dropped off a roll of film for developing? Bought any neat photo albums lately? Sorry kids, we can’t take any more pictures because I’m out of film. Are you kidding? Oh how things have changed. Luckily, there are camera phone apps that are easy and fun. And remember, as Abe Lincoln once said, “There are no bad pictures; that’s just how your face looks sometimes.”

SNAPCHAT Snapchat isn’t just for millennials anymore. People of all ages are using the app to keep up with what their friends are doing. Get your kids to show you some of the unique and neat features. It’s fun!

Cut Me In is an easy to use app that allows you to crop yourself out of your original photo and superimpose yourself on a funny or unique background. Not associated with Photoshop in any way, Cut Me In is a great way to trick your friends into thinking you’ve been all over the world. Thomas Jefferson, who by most accounts was a pretty smart fellow, once said, “Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health.” Here, here! Enjoy these apps and thank me later.

UNTAPPED Beer lovers, keep track of every brew you drink with Untapped, a mobile social network of sorts. As you sample different beers, rate them and you will build a personal beer journal. You can avoid trying bad beer that you couldn’t remember if you’d ever had, and it also helps you find your favorite beers nearby.

HAPPY HOUR FINDER Need a cheap drink and need it fast? Happy Hour Finder uses your location to find the Happy Hour deals closest to where you are. While it can certainly be helpful here in Houston, it can be particularly handy when you’re out of town and looking to unwind after a long day. With the app, Happy Hours can be sorted by day and can also be plotted on a map.  UltraMagTexas.com

CARING FOR OLDER PETS

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REAL ESTATE MARKET?

College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University

ULTRA PETS Pets are more than just our companions—they are a part of our family. As your pet ages, it is important to consult your veterinarian for help providing the proper care for your senior pet’s changing needs. Every animal is different, so the senior-life stage occurs at different ages in different pets. For instance, dogs are typically considered seniors at seven years old, but larger dogs age quicker than smaller dogs. Cats can be considered mature at 7 years and seniors at 11 years old. Breed and species aside, your pet’s genetics, nutrition, health, and environment will ultimately determine when your pet is considered a senior. One of the telltale signs of increasing age in pets is a decline in physical activity. For instance, previously active pets may not play as much and both dogs and cats may need assistance climbing on and off the bed or couch. Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), explained when pet owners can expect this transition into senior pet behavior. “A decrease in physical activity depends on the breed, size, and genetics of the pet,” she said. “However, some older pets are still quite active in their senior years.” In addition to a decrease in physical activity, older cats and dogs tend to develop more degenerative health problems. “Chronic 16

Tammy Bateman & Mustang

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Come by for a tour today! degenerative disorders like heart and kidney disease are common in older pets, and so is cancer,” Eckman said. “In cats, kidney, heart, and thyroid disease are the most common aging conditions. In dogs, different breeds are more prone to certain conditions. For example, some breeds are more likely to see a dramatic increase in cancers as they age.” A visit to the veterinarian every six months can help determine what is normal for your pet so that any changes in behavior or health can be detected early. Aging cats and dogs are also prone to arthritis, dental disease, loss of sight and hearing, and a decrease in mobility. Just like humans, pets may need more assistance getting around and taking care of themselves. Despite this change in mobility and physical activity, it is important to keep your dog and cat active to slow the progression of joint pain and arthritis. In addition, a healthy diet that adequately nourishes your pet is also key in reducing your pet’s risk for obesity, which can also contribute to joint pain. “The single most important aspect in helping your pet stay as happy and healthy for as long as possible is maintaining a healthy weight throughout their lifetime,” Eckman said. “A healthy weight should be UltraMagTexas.com

coupled with regular exercise and activity.” Perhaps the hardest part about having an aging furry best friend is accepting when they are no longer happy in everyday life. It is never easy to let go of a pet, but in some cases, euthanasia is the most humane option. “Making the decision to euthanatize a pet is a personal and difficult decision,” Eckman said. “The decision is dependent on what signs and symptoms the pet is showing or what disorder the pet is experiencing. When owners are questioning if they should euthanize their pet, they should discuss it with their veterinarian to help guide the decision-making process. At the CVM, we typically have owners think of three to five specific characteristics of their pet, and when the pet stops doing these things, then it may be time to consider euthanasia. For example, my dog loves to play ball. When he stops playing or does not get joy out of this any longer, that would raise concerns for me.”

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Let’s talk about the number one question my dog, Mustang, and I get asked: How is the real estate market changing in Houston? Well, the market has shifted and it is more important than ever to price the home correctly, right from the get-go! So how do you start? We pull “comps,” comparable sales to the subject property. But beware, comps are only a part of the equation and it is important to understand the other factors such as:  LOCATION Exact location within the neighborhood and city  LOT ATTRIBUTES Is it smaller, larger, hilly, water feature or on a ravine?  RENOVATIONS Homes with improvements usually get a higher price.  AGE The competition from new construction needs to be taken into consideration.  PRICING The difference between listing price and sales price. Sold inventory is more reliable to determining a realistic price than asking price of homes active on the market.

The process can be tricky, so please give us a call to help you navigate the process and get your property positioned to sell in today’s market.

As much as we would love our pets to live forever, they grow old and need special care. To ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life, be sure to visit your veterinarian regularly to discuss your pet’s diet, exercise habits, and overall health.

Have a Real Estate Question for Tammy?

TAMMY BATEMAN PROPERTIES 713.461.7070 | tammy@tammybateman.com www.tammybateman.com UltraMagTexas.com

For many young people, their entire social lives revolve around their phones, instant messaging and social networking. They spend a lot of time talking and texting on the phone, keeping up with friends who are

THE MOBILE PHONE

mostly local, but might well range all over the world. They’ve come of age with this and they expect it in their lives – they’d be lost without it. Phones that allow us to text, talk and use instant messaging are incredibly popular, as are ones that give full access to social networking sites. Of course we really don’t always need to be connected. Our lives would keep going on just fine without being connected, and the work would still all be done. But as the pace of life has increased – due in part to those computers, phones and other technology – so has the

since 1968… nurturing young minds emphasis on individuality respect for students

focusing on academics

sense of urgency about things. If we’re not connected, we might not know what’s happening. So, really, we’ve become victims of our own

By Bobby McCallitt

technological success, and ultimately, slaves to it.

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Mobile Phone Facts ALEXANDER-SMITH ACADEMY An extraordinary college preparatory high school

It was not that long ago, just in the first half on the 1990s, when mobile

But why do we need this? It was not that long ago, before the

phones were brand new, the size of bricks, ridiculously expensive, and

widespread use of email and mobile devices, that we were quite content

all you could do with them was make phone calls. That was fine as they

to be relatively unconnected. If you go back just one generation or so,

were new and different, almost science fiction become reality. And they

many people didn’t even have landlines at home.

did what they were intended to do.

The demands of business have grown greater and greater in recent

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years. Where a 9-5 working day was once the norm, with every weekend Many of the early cell phones were considered to be “car phones,” as

off and so many weeks’ holiday each year, now much of our lives center

they were too large and cumbersome to carry around on a pocket or

around work, every day of the week.

purse. That quickly changed. The laptop, which was first adopted by

U.S. at almost $4,000 each.

businessmen, allowed the ability to work

(Do you even know one person without

effectively and to be connected while

Over 250 million Nokia 1100 devices were sold, making

one?) Then they began to shrink in size, and

travelling. Laptops are now commonplace,

it the bestselling electrical gadget in history.

the idea of sending a text message rather

as are the places they can be used. Almost

than making a phone call arrived. Since

every hotel offers wireless Internet

More People in the World Have Mobile Phones

then, the mobile phone has advanced by

connectivity, and Wi-Fi hotspots are

than Toilets.

leaps and bounds. These days we take them

around all over the country and the world.

for granted and every month, it seems,

When a project needs to be completed or

So many Facebook photos and videos are uploaded

brings some new advancement in mobile

a report back on a presentation, it can now

via mobile that it takes up 27% of upstream web traffic.

phone technology.

be done almost instantly and there’s no

We keep our mobile phones on all the time logging on to see if we’ve received an email can be an almost obsessive

teens and the young there’s a need, too, but a very different one – this

The average person unlocks his or her smartphone

ritual. Over the last decade we’ve become a society that’s addicted to

time it is strictly for social reasons.

110 times each day. 

July 2015

Easy & Delicious Fish Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts

10 Insanely Clever Gardening Tips UltraMagTexas.com

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The technology behind smartphones relies on up to 250,000 separate patents.

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Find the Silver Linings in Life

So with business, there’s a reason behind the need to be connected. For

UltraMagTexas.com

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and check them regularly for texts or missed calls. For many of us,

being connected, always in touch, and always available.

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Complimentary

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Suddenly mobile phones were everywhere.

putting it off until Monday.

CELEBRATING & DISCOVERING HOUSTON’S FINEST

In 1983, the first mobile phones went on sale in the

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GROW UP!

ULTRA LEGAL

B. R. Pitcher, P.C.

BYRON K. BARCLAY

Financial Planning for Adulthood

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

BKBarclay@lawyer.com www.BarclayLawFirm.com 713.224.2334

Courtesy of Byron K. Barclay

BIOGRAPHY & DISCLAIMER Byron K. Barclay is a Houston, Texas attorney and Board Certiﬁed by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law. In

 Tax Planning

 Tax Preparation

addition, Mr. Barclay handles estate planning matters and is regularly

 Financial Planning

 Computerized Bookkeeping

appointed to serve various courts in Harris County as an Attorney Ad

 Payroll Tax Reports

 Budgeting and Forecasting

Litem for the estates of persons who have died without a will.

 Periodic Business & Operational Reviews

Mr. Barclay also handles commercial litigation, divorces, family law

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and child custody issues. The foregoing article is oﬀered only as a public service to this

281.440.4865

community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site and column should not be used as a substitute for

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obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed or authorized to

There are three professionals that every adult needs to navigate the financial and legal world we live in: a certified public accountant, an attorney and a financial planner. These three professionals often work together to ensure the very real goals in your financial world are met, within the law and with all of the advantages you need to ensure a comfortable life. While most people understand that certified public accountants can assist you in preparing and filing your personal and business taxes, they often forget that an experienced accountant can also offer suggestions for implementing strategies to legally avoid taxes. These strategies may include modifying the business structure for your small business; setting up a family trust or creating a family limited partnership to shield income from unnecessary taxation. Though a CPA will not actually set up a corporation, partnership or trust, they can and often will work with an attorney to recommend and implement a business structure plan that can shield income and avoid taxes. An experienced certified public accountant has usually worked with financial planners and attorneys in the past, and can make recommendations for experienced professionals in those disciplines that they have worked with successfully. You may have read many columns in this space on different legal issues, you will recall a number of those columns have specifically concerned Estate and Probate Planning. This area of the law is, of course, extremely important for ensuring that you are not leaving problems for your heirs to deal with after you die. A Will, the Statutory Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney as well as Designations of a 20

Guardian in case of incapacity and HIPAA Authorization are important documents you will need for a full and comprehensive Estate plan. More importantly, every adult should understand that you need to prepare these documents, regardless of the size of your estate, since there are legal issues that can arise even if your financial resources are modest. In a similar fashion, a financial planner is an important resource for every adult, since a secure financial plan can offer security and opportunities that are often impossible to achieve without effort and discipline. Setting and achieving your goals for saving and investments can help you provide for your financial security throughout adulthood, college planning for your children and help ensure a comfortable and predictable retirement. Many financial planners are also licensed to sell life insurance, (which, depending on the product, can be a financial investment product as well as an insurance product), as well as longterm care insurance, which will help offset the costs for assisted living and nursing home expenses when you are no longer able to work. An experienced financial planner has usually worked with certified public accountants and estate planning attorneys in the past, and can offer guidance for hiring an experienced attorney or accountant. When you have the combined wisdom and advice of an estate planning and business attorney, a certified public accountant and an experienced financial planner, you are well equipped to handle your money as an adult. The key is to start early, during or shortly after college, to implement the plans that will ensure your success. 

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practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualiﬁed attorney regarding any speciﬁc legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual

Small enough to listen... BIG ENOUGH TO DELIVER.

author. Nothing in this column or on any website where it may be published is intended to create an attorney-client relationship and nothing posted by Mr. Barclay constitutes legal advice. Should you have questions, you may forward them via email to Mr. Barclay at BKBarclay@lawyer.com. Questions may be edited for length or clarity. Mr. Barclay will choose questions submitted for brief answers and possible publication. Mr. Barclay reserves the right to choose which questions to answer, and submission of a question does not guarantee that he will provide an answer.

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Exploring The Woodlands... A Fun and Easy Getaway Getting away from it all shouldn’t mean spending more time traveling than relaxing. The Woodlands – just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston – provides the perfect staycation respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, encompassing an ideal mix of big-city appeal and small town charm. Shop until you drop at local boutiques and sought after national retailers, reconnect with nature while exploring miles of hike and bike trails and kayaking in one of the area’s scenic lakes, or attend a concert at one of the world’s top-ranked outdoor amphitheaters. And when you’re ready to kick up your feet and relax, The Woodlands and The Howard Hughes Corporation offer a variety of premier properties suited to every taste and style.

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A dazzling addition to Town Center, The Westin at The Woodlands sets a new bar for hospitality in the region through its striking architecture, chic decor, destination amenities and elevated service levels. Ideally situated to take advantage of Town Center’s pedestrian orientation, guests don’t have to worry about the hassle of the car with top attractions such as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Mall and upscale Market Street district easily reachable by foot, water taxi or trolley.

Perched on the eastern shore of Lake Woodlands, Hughes Landing is one of The Woodlands’ most exciting new destinations. Explore exclusive retail and specialty shops, grab a bite along Restaurant Row or dive into adventure with an array of watersports and hike and bike trails. Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands at Hughes Landing puts you in the heart of the action and features stylish suites, plus complimentary made-to-order breakfast and cocktails at the Evening Reception. Relax with a workout in the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, or a dip in the rooftop infinity pool overlooking Lake Woodlands.

In the summer months, The Woodlands Resort comes alive with excitement, centering on the property’s Forest Oasis Waterscape™. Located within a vast poolside environment and surrounded by three luxurious guest wings, towering pines and lush landscaping, the spectacular amenity with double-helix water slide and new lazy river was designed to create a fun and refreshing experience for the entire family.

And while an array of dining and entertainment options are located steps away off Waterway Square and along The Woodlands Waterway, many visitors opt never to leave thanks to on-site offerings that include a WestinWORKOUT fitness studio, waterway-oriented, vanishing edge pool with fire feature, full-service Starbucks, sophisticated Lobby Bar, rooftop SideBar lounge, plus acclaimed CURRENT restaurant, which is dedicated to highlighting the finest and freshest ingredients from local and regional farms, ranches and producers.

Embassy Suites by Hilton, The Woodlands at Hughes Landing

The hotel also features a new restaurant concept – E’terie – where guests can enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour grab-and-go gourmet market, as well as a full menu of fresh, simple dishes for lunch and dinner.

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In addition to multiple pools, the Resort’s soothing, wooded landscape is overflowing with recreational opportunities, ranging from two championship golf courses and a world-class tennis center to an indulgent spa, fitness center and vast network of trails. An enticing array of on-site dining venues is sure to please the palate, including Robard’s, named one of the best steakhouses in Houston. Overlooking the Panther Trail golf course, the restaurant and bar showcases an extensive menu of USDA prime grade, dry-aged steaks and chops, seafood and chef-inspired specials.

TEXANS VISIT CARMEL continued from page 7

A day exploring in Carmel is only complete with fine dining and local wine. Monterey County boasts 175 wineries, with 42 grape varieties and is known for excellent Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. There are 14 tasting rooms in downtown Carmel, a wine walk in Carmel, a wine trolley to Carmel Valley and River Road wine area. Take note of a few local wineries:

Holiday Luxe Décor BY KAREN BUNCH

ULTRA SPORTS

The National Football League began using instant replay way back in 1986 on a temporary basis, and using it full time starting in 1999. The NCAA enacted instant replay starting with 2005 season. Instant replay has been great for the game of football. It is a fast, violent sport, and thus it is a hard game to officiate. It requires split-second decisions and often times these decisions effect the outcome of the game. Everyone, including the officials, wants the rulings to be accurate. Instant replay has helped ensure that they are.

Bernardus ; Boekenoogen; Talbott ; Georgis; (Also visit other Georgis’ establishments, Cowgirl Winery and Corkscrew Cafe in Carmel Valley, and Casanova restaurant in Carmel.) De Tierra hosts an incredible vineyard lunch in Steinbeck’s “Pastures Of Heaven”; Galante Vineyards is noted as one of the best Cab makers in Monterey County, and his wife’s winery is Dawn’s Dream hosts a pilates and wine class! Silvestri Vineyards; Alan Silvestri is a famous composer who created music for many movies such as Back to the Future, Forest Gump, and Castaway. Carmel was originally established by artists and art is everywhere! Many famous established artists’ works are here as well as talented artists just waiting for you to discover them. Shopping the streets around Ocean Avenue for unique treasures and sampling the variety of cheese at The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza is a must.

FOOTBALL’S INSTANT REPLAY RULES The NFL should learn from the NCAA By Bobby McCallitt

Most plays are routine and play continues without interruption. However, if there is reasonable evidence that an error was made in the initial ruling, and the play is reviewable, the game can be stopped and a video review will take place. Not all plays can be reviewed, and there is a clear set of guidelines for determining what is and is not reviewable. However, how the NFL and the NCAA handle this review process is quite different.

At the end of the day, when the leisure traveler joins up with the active traveler, or the combo traveler has had their fill of fitness and leisure, it’s time to build a bonfire on the Carmel beach, sip fabulous wines, nibble on cheese and roast s’mores on the white sand in the cool ocean breeze. Jacket required… for warmth, not style!

In the NCAA, every play is reviewed by a Replay Official up in the press box. This NCAA Replay Official is the one who determines when play should be stopped for a review, as he is watching every play live and then again from his high-definition monitor. If he sees that a possible mistake has been made on the field, he pages the officials to stop play for a review.

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The NFL is typically on the cutting edge when it comes to football rules and regulations. For as far back as anyone can remember, most all rule changes have been instigated on the professional level, and then trickled down to the NCAA and even to high school football. When it comes to football guidelines, the NFL almost always gets it right – except when it comes to instant replay.

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In the NFL, except in the final two minutes, the head coach is the only one who can initiate an instant replay review. The head coach can “challenge” a ruling on the field by throwing a red flag prior to the next snap. With teams often hurrying to run another play, it is a decision that must be made quickly, and since each team is only allowed one challenge per game, they must use their challenge wisely. Typically, the only way the head coach on the sideline will know if a possible mistake was made is to rely on his coaches up in the press box who are watching replays – which is exactly what the NCAA Replay Official is doing on every play! How a play goes “under further review” is quite different in the NFL versus the NCAA. Head coaches are very busy during the game, and trying to determine what is reviewable and when to challenge shouldn’t be added to their worries. It’s time the NFL learns a lesson from its college-aged brother; let’s retire the red flags and leave instant replay in the hands of the replay official.  UltraMagTexas.com

BON APPETIT Continued from page 11

In a Dutch oven, cook the onions until softened over medium high heat. Add in the meat and brown, then add in garlic and cook a minute more. The meat will release juices as it browns. Stir in the flour one tablespoon at a time and mix thoroughly. Once all the flour is added, add in the cumin and cook a minute more to help cook the flour a bit and toast the cumin. Add in both cans of Rotel and 1 cup beef stock. I like to add the cilantro in at this time. I leave it whole and fish it out after the stew has simmered (you can tie it up for even easier removal) or just add in a few Tbsp. of chopped leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper (to taste) and let simmer gently for 30-45 minutes or until the meat is tender. Remove cilantro. Serve over rice or potatoes or with tortillas. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

SOUTH TEXAS MARTINI



1 lime, freshly squeezed

 2-3 thin slices of jalapeno  4 oz. Western Son prickly pear vodka

I will leave you with a cocktail recipe that brings in the flavors that remind me of South Texas: jalapeno and prickly pear cactus. Prickly pear cacti grow wild all over south Texas and the juice from the fruit is sweet and makes a great jelly. Western Son Vodka (I swear they do not sponsor me I just like their products) has made delicious vodka flavored with the taste of it. I like to make it spicy with jalapeno. I often buy a bottle and add slivered jalapeno and store it in the fridge just to make this martini. SOUTH TEXAS MARTINI In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeno with the juice of one lime. Add in vodka and shake well with ice. Pour into a cold martini glass and garnish with a sliver of jalapeno.

DR. AUDREY M. BOUTROS DDS, MS

Member of the American Association of Orthodontists

IN ORTHODONTICS

I love the flavors of South Texas: yellow cheese, Rotel, jalapenos, chili pequin, prickly pear cactus, nopales, gravies rich with cumin, quail, dove, and of course wonderful beef. I have great memories of growing up on the ranch and I’m glad I got to share a few of them with you today.

Courtesy of Dr. Audrey M. Boutros, DDS, MS

Orthodontics is a great way to increase your self-confidence, improve your dental health and create a beautiful smile you can share with everyone you meet. Boutros Orthodontics prides our self on keeping abreast on the latest technology. We believe that using the best and latest technology for your treatment creates better smiles and a better experience.

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There is a general misconception that all braces and orthodontic treatments are the same. With all the options available today, it is more important than ever to carefully select what type of braces and technology are used. The Damon® System not only produces beautiful smiles and straight teeth, but allows orthodontists to enhance facial changes as well. We have never before had such an influence on the bone and soft tissues that support and surround the teeth. Traditional braces use colored elastics to hold on to the arch wire. The elastics have to be changed frequently because they wear out and become stained over time. With the Damon® system, there is a unique sliding door, which allows the teeth to slide along the arch wires freely and requires fewer adjustments. The light force, high-technology wires continue to work for a longer period of time. This means less office visits than with conventional braces. We want to make your treatment as comfortable ADVERTORIAL UltraMagTexas.com

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