 What could be better than to celebrate Old Faithful, family and food this month? In July, we look forward to fireworks and backyard barbecues. On weekends, you'll find us on our bikes (see our favorite July rides below left) or in the backyard cooking for friends. We're always looking for innovative recipes for the grill. Got one? Send it to our Editor and we'll print the winning entry next month.
We have some ideas below to keep your portfolio sizzling and your temperature cool. Enjoy!
Michael & Tina
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Palo Duro Canyon
 You just can't pack more Texas into a trip than a visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. If you're reading this and have never seen it firsthand, or have stayed away more than ten years--time to schedule a trip!
It's hands-down the most scenic area of the state. You may think July is a bit hot to visit, but the High Plains cools off significantly in the evenings-- into the low 60s--so you'll be comfortable for early morning or evening hikes. Take your camera!
Something that should be on every Texan's Life List is the musical Texas put on right in the park from May through August. It sells out, so if you go, buy your tickets ahead of time here. Sure, it's corny and predictable but we defy anyone not to choke up with pride when the show opens and the rider gallops across the canyon rim carrying the giant Texas flag whipping in the wind.
To really go full-out Texas, you've got to order up the "meal deal." You can order a grilled steak dinner cooked by the famous (or infamous!) Big Texas Steakhouse in Amarillo. A family of four can get tickets, dinner, and a back-stage tour for just $149.
If you're a real Texan, you can actually camp there with your horse! For extra adventure, the park offers three funky 1930-era stone cabins built by the CCC with all the amenities you need and terrific views. Or, they also have more rustic (you know what that means) cabins available in Cow Camp. These cabins are wildly popular and book up early. Check availability here.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, out by Amarillo, is about a seven-hour drive from Dallas. If you load everybody up in the car on Saturday morning, you'll arrive in plenty of time to settle in and see the dinner show. There's nothing better than cutting into your sizzling steak as the sun goes down over the rim of the Canyon. |
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During June, it wasn't just Miami Heat fans that experienced a meltdown! As we went to press, our stock markets had given up virtually all of their 2011 gains. When stock indices tumble, many people panic and do exactly the wrong thing--they sell off stock when prices are in a trough and rebalance their portfolio by converting investment capital to cash when it's too late to be helpful.
As most of our clients know, at Tannery and Company, we don't lose sleep over the rise and fall of the Dow. We use a disciplined investment model that consistently rebalances portfolios to address changing market conditions. Depending upon a client's desired risk profile, we also invest a healthy portion of each nest egg into alternative investments not tied to the stock market.
The reason so many people panic in market downturns is that they have invested emotionally in what we call a "Buy, Hold & Hope Strategy." They don't schedule regular and objective portfolio reviews, they don't have a disciplined sell strategy, and/or they cling to pet stocks long past the point of prudence.
Do any of those ring a bell? If you'd like an objective third-party analysis, we'd be happy to meet with you for a consultation. Also, we are hosting a gathering at the end of July for clients and friends to review the first six months of the year and look ahead to experts' predictions of the investment outlook for the balance of the year. You'll receive an invitation shortly.
Schedule a Consultation |
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Float Your Boat!
 In July, no matter how hot it is in Dallas, you'll feel cool while paddling, kayaking or simply floating one of Texas's great rivers. The State has made a significant investment through their new Texas Paddling Trails program. They've worked with local communities to beef up infrastructure for river sports across the state. For more information, click here. With the Trinity River Project coming on-line, even Dallas now has eight official scenic paddling trails.
In July, most of the crazed college students are off the rivers, so it's a perfect time to go. Here are a few of our favorite floats:
The Guadalupe River is no doubt the most popular river in the state, for good reason. You have a choice of at least a dozen different sections of the river, from flat water through dense forests to more exciting whitewater through limestone bluffs. We enjoy staying overnight in Gruene or New Braunfels. If you're new to paddling, try the easy 2-3 hour trip downstream through the amazing cypress trees. Beautiful scenery! For information, click here.
The Frio River is not nearly so popular, probably because it is 90 minutes west of San Antonio. Many swear it is the most beautiful river in the state and the water temperature is always brisk!
For something closer to home, try the Brazos River just south of Possum Kingdom.
If you desire a tamer summer water experience, we LOVE Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels--always worth the drive! You're never too old or too young to enjoy it.
For more information on local rivers, liveries & outfitters, and current river conditions (no pun intended), here are some places to start:
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As a valued client or friend of Tannery & Company Wealth Management, thank you for spending time with us today. If you have any financial issues or concerns, pick up the phone and give us a call. We are always happy to hear from you and welcome your referrals.
214.239.4700
Sign in, sound off! We'd love to hear your comments. |
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I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.
Abraham Lincoln |
Chrissy's Corner 
Husband Matt and I just returned from a dream vacation to Jamaica. You are welcome to see my photos next time you visit!
Which reminds me of just how many people I know who skip vacations because they think they don't have the time or money. "Vacations are a necessity, not a luxury," says John de Graaf, head of a great organization called Take Back Your Time. According to their research, men who take vacations are 32% less likely to develop heart disease and for women, it's a whopping 50%!
Many people skip vacation due to a misplaced sense of importance. After all, the President of the United States takes time off--so can you! If you can't afford plane tickets to the Caribbean, pamper yourself with a staycation. Catch up on sleep, chores, and kick back in your backyard. Yes, there is a website for that, too--click here.
People who do take their allotted vacation days come back to work more alert, refreshed and productive. Which reminds me, I have to get back to work! |
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Tina's Tip
Celebrating Our
Nation's Birthday
Are your 4th of July party ideas as dated as the thirteen colonies? Everyone knows I love to celebrate the 4th and am always looking for new ways to observe this great holiday weekend.
One of the great websites I've found for virtually any type of holiday is www.celebrations.com. I'm still in mourning over the cancellation of Gourmet Magazine, but they still have their website up with this great slideshow of amazing red, white and blue recipes for your holiday festivities. |
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Michael's Mission
As many of you know, Tina and I have been traveling quite a bit lately. I came across this great FREE app for the IPhone or IPad that people are raving about. The free version takes all your e-mail confirmations from flights, hotels, and car rental companies and turns them into accessible itineraries. Once loaded into your Tripit account, you can share itineraries with friends or family--and even spot friends or business associates who might be in the same place you are! Upgrade to the paid PRO version for a nice basket of services for road warriors. Some of the upgrades include automatic notification of trip changes and a listing of available options should your flight be cancelled or delayed. It also organizes all your frequent flier/traveller program points all in one place. |
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What We're Reading
What else? If you've not picked up this most precious document in our nation's history since you were in grade school, time to revisit it! The link above will not only take you to a copy of the original, but interesting facts and history about our Declaration.
If you need an inspiring soundtrack to go with it, here is our choice. If you've never heard or seen Lubbock's Cactus Cuties, this is definitely worth a look.
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NEW! Hijack Your Future
Visit the latest addition to our client communication portfolio, our financial blog Hijack Your Future.
Articles posted here you will not find anywhere else, and are not duplicated in our other communications.
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Save Money with Oncor
If you are in the Oncor service area, you can save $50 this month off the cost of a complete air conditioning checkup. Poorly performing air conditioners can cost you money! Find out more about the offer here.
One of our clients, Bobbie Pappas of AirMechanix, is on the Oncor-approved vendor list, so if you are overdue for a checkup or need repairs, contact her at www.airmechanix.com. |
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Event Calendar
No matter how hot it is outside, it still cools down nicely for these fun outdoor concerts. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Le Freak is a particularly fun party band scheduled for July 14.
Best fireworks display in the DFW area!
This great family tradition takes place in Breckinridge Park in east Richardson. FREE and open to all.
We enjoy this summer bike ride because at the end you get fresh peaches & free admission to the all-day festival. While running events are slowing down a bit in July/August, this is a fun run at White Rock Lake benefitting Richardson Rotary's scholarship program. July 26 Half-Time Report 6:30-8pm @ Maggiano's Call Chrissy to RSVP or for more info--(214) 239-4700. You're never too old for the Big Top!
One of the greatest voices of our times comes to the Eisemann Center for one concert only. He can still belt out his classic hit Spinning Wheel he wrote and performed as frontman for Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Michael's favorite summer ride! The scenery is amazing--all proceeds go to Johnson County charities. |
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