Just for Fun

Keeping in mind that Timmothy writes these cartoons a month in advance it's amazing how often he is spot on when mentioning the weather. The last three days Minot has set record high temperatures each day. The normal highs for early May is in the 60's but we have been in the upper 90's. That being said the forecast for the rest of this week will be below normal with even the possibility of frost over night. Personally, after a long winter, I like the 90's. I'm going to turn this back to a subject often discussed here which is first time home owners often run out and get that pet they have always wanted since childhood.The rule in the Timm household is before an animal, or new breed of animal enters the house a book MUST be read so that the quirks and care of the animal is understood. Do... 05/13/2025

Homemade Apple pie day, ever one can taste a warm apple pie just out of the oven.  It is a great day to enjoy something like this with maybe some ice cream to add to it.  I make more pies in July and August from Apple to Cherry or even Blueberries. 05/13/2025

Restaurants in Pacifica, CA: A Foodie's Guide to Dining in the City by the SeaIf you're considering making Pacifica, CA your home, one of the many perks of living in this coastal gem is the incredible food scene. Pacifica offers a wide variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, hearty comfort food, or international flavors. Here’s a list of the top 10 restaurants in Pacifica that showcase the best of the area’s culinary offerings.1. Nick's Rockaway Located along Pacifica's scenic coastline, Nick’s Rockaway is a local favorite known for its stunning ocean views and delectable seafood. Whether you're in the mood for a clam chowder bread bowl, fresh oysters, or a hearty seafood platter, Nick’s Rockaway delivers delicious, locally sourc... 05/13/2025

If you’re considering making the move to Dunwoody, GA, or you’re already a resident looking to explore more of what this vibrant city has to offer, you’re in for a treat. Dunwoody is known for its great mix of family-friendly attractions, scenic parks, and vibrant shopping and dining options. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or someone who enjoys arts and culture, this suburb of Atlanta has something for everyone. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Dunwoody, GA, to help you make the most of your time here.Activities in Dunwoody, GA1. Visit the Dunwoody Nature Center The Dunwoody Nature Center is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in a peaceful 22-acre wooded setting, this center offers hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and a host of edu... 05/13/2025

 Sweet meets tart in every bite—Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars are pure dessert magic! Ingredients  1 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup packed brown sugar Dash kosher salt 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans FILLING: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons 2% milk 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Dash kosher salt 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten JAM: 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1-1/3 cups chopped fresh strawberries 1-1/3 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb 1 tablespoon lemon juice    Directions Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8-in. square baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Pres... 05/14/2025

Trivia question answers for Monday May 12, 20251. What country are eclairs said to be originated from? France2. What stopper necessary for champagne did medieval monks invent? Cork3. What is the average lifespan of the hummingbird? 5 years4. Ikebana is the Japanese art of what? Flower arrangementTrivia questions for Tuesday May 13, 20251. Which countries participated in the Lobster War?2. What is a "foss" in Iceland?3. What is the sea parrot commonly known as?4. What is typically addd to tin to make solder?Enjoy your day.  05/13/2025

Here you go a little fun for your day. I like puzzles and CHATGbt helped me with this one.  Sellers, looking for a unique marketing plan? I market your home like no one else will. Buyers, I offer Mom-approved customer service. Agents, I am a referral resource you can trust. Call me, and we can talk. I serve the Victor Valley of CA and the Hill Country area deep in the heart of Texas. I'm Karen Sanchez, REALTOR. "Marketing your house like no one else will." 760-684-0250 Licensed in two states: CA and TX. Working in the Victor Valley and South Bay area, with some other SoCal areas by request, and the Hill Country of Texas. Legal stuff to follow. Karen L. Sanchez Broker, Reputable Realty License #01804752 Email: karen@karensoldit.net Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Don Johnson Realtors, Ne... 05/12/2025

Spring is the time real estate USUALLY ramps up, so I decided to stay in Colorado through June.   Going on a road trip to Vermont in June.The trip to Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Prague will be in September.   The EF Tour I took to South America was really good, so I decided to go with them again to Europe.   I also decided at the end of this trip (Prague) to fly directly to Faro, Portugal, to wander the city as a resident so I know FOR SURE I want to move there.   It will be a long time away, especially for the kitties with the pet sitter!I booked my flight today, as flights are very reasonable right now.   I found the $691.00 for he round-trip fare, which did not include checked bags, a seat on the plane (think that one is hilarious), and insurance.    Still, the round trip for ... 05/12/2025

No picture today. Well, perhaps a picture of my daughter, whom the blog is about.  As normal, she had encouraged me to try something new. To be honest, she has insisted that I do many things!!I was a real estate agent and blogging was something new so off I went.  How many years is that?   18!!   How many blogs have I done?   OMG!!   2078 blogs.  They began as real estate related and have now grown to be more like historic things from my area.  So here goes the first one. Click https://activerain.com/droplet/7Kcg .Or read it here.  Using your wit.Using your wit is a great way to make it in life.  My daughter decided to go to San Francisco shortly after graduating from college.  She'd been in small cities all her life and all at once she was on her own in a huge city where one side of th... 05/12/2025

Favorite Quotes from Author James Pattersonand personal thoughts to ponder... "Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls...are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered."---James Peterson---  "Your mind creates your reality. If you expect nothing, you open up the universe to give you options. If you expect the worst, you usually get it." ---James Peterson---  "You are an endless project....changing, evolving, surprising."---James Peterson---  "For a long time, it had seeme... 05/12/2025

Admittedly, I don't try new recipes often, nor do I really cook.  I love to grill!   I had some pork chops, so I was looking for something a bit different, and these were really tasty! 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp fine salt, divided (I didn't use this) 1/2 tsp black pepper (I used a full tsp) 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (each about 3/4-1" thick) 1 T avocado oil or olive oil 1 sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 cups chicken broth, divided 3 T all-purpose flour 1 tsp ground sage Optional for serving - mashed potatoes and sprigs of fresh thyme or finely chopped fresh parsley.Instructions:1.  In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper; stir together.2.  Season both sides of the pork chops generously with all of the seasoning mixt... 05/12/2025

May 13th Puzzle - National Fruit Cocktail Day:I have created a new word search puzzle for you to enjoy.Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal.  05/13/2025

The information below is from an article written by "BEAUTY OF PLANET EARTH", a magazine, blog, and news media. You can access the full article at Beautyofplanet.com"A full moon occurs each time the moon is positioned on the opposite side of Earth from the sun, allowing the sun’s light to fully illuminate the side of the moon that faces our planet.This month’s full moon reaches peak illumination at 12:56 p.m. EDT (17:56 GMT) and is known as the ‘Flower Moon’ to some in North America and Europe owing to the abundant seasonal wildflower blooms that appear during this time of year.A full moon pictured behind a blooming Jasmine plant. (Image credit: Getty Images, Lee Sie Photography) WHEN AND WHERE TO SEE THE FULL FLOWER MOONStargazers in New York will see their first glimpse of the Flower ... 05/12/2025

Prep time is 15 minutes   Cook 4 to 5 hours on low1 large red onion, cut into small this wedges2 12 0z packages frozen cooked Italian meatball1 25 ro 26 oz jar of marinara sauce1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper4 Roma tomatoes, sliced 6 sliced provolone cheese, quartered24 cocktail buns, split1.  Place onion wedges in a 3/12 or 4 quart slow cooker.  Top with frozen meatball.  In a medium bowl combine marinara sauce, balsamic vinegar, and crushed red pepper, Pour over meatballs.2.  Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours.3.  Gently stir mixture in cooker.  Place a tomato slice and quartered cheese slice on bottom half of each cocktail bun.  Top each with a meatball; replace bun tops.  Makes about 24 sliders.  05/11/2025

 Motivational Monday…Your Options A family member is making some decisions regarding a career move. It’s an exciting time for them, and they are concerned about making the right choice. They have been reluctant to explore other options before knowing the outcome of their primary choice.  In playing Devil’s Advocate, I told them what I told my applicants when I staffed offices…You can’t accept or turn down an offer you don’t have. I threw out the possibility that their first choice might not be available to them or even something they want. They needed a proactive approach that would put them in control of their future.  One thing is certain in life…if we don’t control our ship, someone or something else will.  While you plan your day, month, year…your life, plan for the unexpected. Don’... 05/12/2025

Exploring the annals of history is always a fascinating journey, offering glimpses into the significance of various dates. Here are a few intriguing historical tidbits to dive into this week.    THIS WEEK IN HISTORY ♦2020: WHO Pandemic Inquiry on May 18: World Health Organization member states agreed to initiate an independent inquiry into the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.♦2014: Russian President Vladimir Putin signs a bill May 18 annexing Crimea.♦2010: Jessica Watson's Solo Voyage on May 15: At 16, Australian sailor Jessica Watson became the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the world.♦1994: On May 18 – FDA Approves First Genetically Modified Food: The Flavr Savr tomato became the first genetically modified food approved by the FDA for human consu... 05/15/2025

El Arroyo stands as an iconic Austin gem, renowned for crafting the finest hand-squeezed margaritas and serving up delectable Black Angus beef tacos, among a plethora of other Tex-Mex delights, since 1975!Situated at the corner of West 5th and Campbell, this local favorite boasts a quirky marquee that captures attention. Daily, the billboard transforms with a fresh pun—spanning the spectrum of wit and humor—making it a delightful fixture at the heart of Austin's culinary scene. The laughter doesn't stop there—they share these puns on Instagram, drawing in admirers like our very own Kathy Streib, and Debe Maxwell, CRS, is also in on the fun. In a world where a daily chuckle is a necessity, following El Arroyo's Instagram for the latest pun is a shared joy.Wishing you endless smiles! Happ... 05/16/2025

Happy Mother's Day From Southern Utahhhh! 🌼🌸🌺 A special shout out to all the ladies out there who have held, inspired or mentored a child in order to help them achieve their full potential. We are all strong, independent women in our own right and I am extremely honored to know you and to be a part of your online lives. Here is an ode to my mom in heaven: Nature Made by My MomMy mom had a gardener’s heart,Planting good in me from the start.Showing me sunshine, inspiring dreams. She helped me believe thru faithful means. She sheltered me during inclement storms, Teaching me to stand on my own set of norms. Discerning the difference between right and wrong,Guiding a direction that remains with me all life long.I'm garden grown, nature made, her love will live on you see,Hope mom feels the... 05/11/2025

Many times, I meet clients that are staying in The Villages, Florida on a Lifestyle Visit or maybe have rented a home for a week to a month.  We will be talking about when to meet and they say “what’s today” Monday?  Tuesday?  No, it’s Wednesday.  It’s not a senior moment it is because your normal routine has changed.  For many folks coming here they are either finishing up a career of working or had a routine where they are moving from.  Here every day can be the same if you want, sleep in, maybe golf or pickleball, social club meetings, dinner with friends, head to the squares, your choices are almost endless.Our big thing is putting it on the calendar, Michelle and I share our calendar on our phones.  She books something and invites me and I do the same.  Recently we wanted to get to... 05/14/2025

Mother's Day, founded in 1914, holds significant importance in American culture for several deeply rooted reasons:We honor motherhood as a fundamental role. It is a crucial and demanding role in society.  Mothers are primary caregivers, nurturers, and often the emotional anchors of families. Mother's Day provides us with the opportunity to show them they are valued and recognized for all they do.Mothers reinforce family bonds. We do not forget our mothers because of the important role they played in our lives. In essence, Mother's Day in American culture is a powerful blend of heartfelt sentiment, social tradition, and centered around honoring the vitally important role of mothers in families and society. It's a day dedicated to making mothers feel special, loved, and appreciated.My mot... 05/11/2025