Just for Fun

Book Recommendation: Nemesis by Gregg HurwitzIf you are a fan of the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz, you will want to read the latest novel, Nemesis (2025), book number ten. Click on the link to reach the website.No greater friend. No deadlier enemy.Evan Smoak is a highly trained former government assassin who has survived for years by keeping his circle to a few trusted confidants and a strict code he calls "The Ten Commandments." But when Evan suddenly finds himself at odds with his oldest friend, all the rules he lives by shatter--and the consequences are murderous.Tommy Stojack might be Evan's best friend in the world. He's a gifted gunsmith who has created much of Evan's own weapons and combat gear. But now, he has apparently crossed one of Evan's hardest lines and their argument... 05/22/2025

3 Creative Zucchini Patties Recipes to Elevate Your MealsZucchini patties are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy this abundant summer squash. Packed with flavor and nutrients, they can be a light appetizer, a hearty side dish, or even a main course. Below are three unique zucchini patty recipes that cater to different tastes and dietary needs, each with a creative twist to keep your meals exciting.1. Mediterranean Zucchini Feta PattiesThese patties combine the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean with a zesty feta kick, perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.Ingredients (Makes 8 patties): 2 medium zucchinis, grated (about 2 cups) 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 1 garlic clove, minced 1 large egg, beaten 1/2 cup panko ... 05/18/2025

May 10th Puzzle - National Shrimp 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.  05/10/2025

May 9th Puzzle--National Lost Sock Memorial 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.  05/09/2025

This is yesterday's cartoon in The Northern Sentry Newspaper (the official Minot Air Force Base newspaper). Timmothy gets his ideas for the newspaper from the newspaper. On Friday March 28th there was an article with the headline All About Pets and the subtitle Budget Friendly Enrichment. The column is sponsored by PET SUPPLIES PLUS.My first thought was how is cardboard enriching (confusing the word with nutritious). It's enriching as a toy or activity. Summarizing some of the other ideas:Cats: Easily entertained so introducing them to just about any household item they have not seen before will do the trick.Dogs: They had many fun ideas but the one I liked was to take a muffin tin, drop a treat in one of the holes, cover all holes with a tennis ball and let fido find the treat on his o... 05/10/2025

It's truly been an interesting week in the world, and definitely in Chicago.  We learned with a puff of smoke that the world had a new Pope, and not only that, but for the very first time he is from the United States.He is not, as is being widely reported, the first American, as Francis was from Argentina (which is also American... south American to be precise).  I know, I know... we from the U.S. like to call our selves Americans, but we aren't the only inhabitants of America.But those of us in the greater Chicagoland area learned that Pope Leo XIV is also from our area.  He's not technically from Chicago, he's from a nearby suburb (Naperville), but as many in our area who are from nearby, we claim Chicago as our hometown.And better yet, we learned that The Pope, when he was young, ac... 05/09/2025

Let’s be real: Moms are superheroes. And while they deserve the world, a day of pampering is a pretty solid start. Whether you're looking to treat your mom, your partner, or yourself (because, yes, you’ve earned it), Greenville SC has some amazing spots to relax, recharge, and maybe even try something new. From luxury spas to yoga sanctuaries to adventure-filled escapes, here’s your guide to the best wellness experiences in town this Mother’s Day. 1. Woodhouse Spa – GreenvilleLOCATION: Magnolia Park - 1025 Woodruff Rd Suite J101, Greenville, SCIf your mom loves luxury, this is the place. With everything from signature massages to facials that feel like a reset button for your skin, Woodhouse Spa delivers the ultimate in relaxation. Bonus points for the plush robes and soothing tea loung... 05/09/2025

A recipe from the kitchen of Dr. Paula McDonald.    The Spring garden is going nuts! This is my crop from this morning. Because I have so much squash, it is time to make my Grandmother's Squash Casserole for dinner tonight. This is one of those feel-good, homemade yumminess dishes that everyone devours when I make it. It's a true, southern dish! I have the recipe below.   Nothing is measured as this recipe has simply been handed down over the years. So easy to make so don't sweat the small details. Just make it and enjoy! 3-5 yellow squash - washed and sliced 1 yellow onion - diced 2 farm fresh eggs - using fresh makes a huge difference Heavy whipping cream - about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup or more depending on how many squash you use. I just pour some in and mix to determine the consistency w... 05/15/2025

Trivia question answers for Thursday May 8, 20251. In what city does the movie "Mrs. Doubtfire" take place? San Francisco2. Which is Earth's smallest ocean? Arctic3. How many astronauts manned each Apollo flight? Three4. What disease was once known as "The white disease"? TuberculosisTrivia questions for Friday May 9, 20251. What South American country is known as the "Land of Poets"?2. Why do snakes flick their tongues in and out?3. What does FM stand for?4. What were Laurel and Hardy's first name.?Enjoy your day.  05/09/2025

Friday Flags If You Wait, it will Wave in Watertown CTWhile driving into Watertown, CT to meet someone at a condo complex, I noticed the flag at the entrance was less than furled. The limbs on the adjacent trees were moving slightly so I waited a few minutes to see if the flag would strut for me.The saying is that a watched pot never boils, and I was starting to believe that that would apply here as well.As I was thinking that I would have to return, the trees moved a lot, and then I looked up and that flag was speaking to me.Not only did it shine but the burst almost spoke to me as sorry to have made you wait so long.I got the shot, the meeting went well and then went on my way. All Good Friday Flags If You Wait, it will Wave in Watertown CT 05/09/2025

Friday Fun…Missing One? Today is Lost Sock Memorial Day. Big woo…right?! It just so happens that one of Larry’s socks has gone MIA!  I’m sure it will turn up in the wash! Have you ever wondered how something like this happens? I know someone who ties their socks in a knot before washing them to avoid this mishap. Over the years, I’ve misplaced my share of socks (among other things). However, since they are only partially seen peeking from my sneakers, the loss isn’t as great as if I lost the sneaker! What are you supposed to do?  Hang onto it in the hopes of finding its mate?  Toss it out? Buy a pair like it and wait to lose another one?Just in case you are loath to throw away a perfectly good sock, here are a few uses for it...~Use it as a dusting mitt~Make a Sock Puppet~Turn it into a... 05/09/2025

It has been a busy week preparing for a new listing hitting the market this morning.   It is always a pleasure working with a past client, and I sold him this loft downtown 15 years ago!   Met with the photographer today.The day started with MANY Facebook wishes, then the texts and calls started too.   I never want to complain about having friends that take the time to wish me a happy birthday!    My previous broker used to ask --- where do you know these people?I had so many send birthday wishes from - My bowling days Friends from my Safeway days High School friends Neighbors Realtor friends ActiveRain friends Past and present clients Friends I met in Arizona when visiting Friends I met on vacation in Costa Rica Friends I met on vacation in Portugal Friends I met on vacation in South A... 05/08/2025

I've heard of Bearded Dragons but not Bearded Guinea Pigs. If you are wondering what the cartoon is all about you need to look at yesterday's post.I've never seen a Bearded Dragon but this fellow is kinda cute. Although there is no fur on it I "get" it's name. If you find one in your house or in your yard it's going to be a lost pet being they are from Australia.Just for the heck of it I googled "Cute Things That Are Dangerous" . More than anything I was surprised at what some people consider cute. Ooh, isn't that hippopotamus darling"?    05/09/2025

Lunck anyone? Bill  The Spring garden is going nuts! This is my crop from this morning. Because I have so much squash, it is time to make my Grandmother's Squash Casserole for dinner tonight. This is one of those feel-good, homemade yumminess dishes that everyone devours when I make it. It's a true, southern dish! I have the recipe below.   Nothing is measured as this recipe has simply been handed down over the years. So easy to make so don't sweat the small details. Just make it and enjoy! 3-5 yellow squash - washed and sliced 1 yellow onion - diced 2 farm fresh eggs - using fresh makes a huge difference Heavy whipping cream - about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup or more depending on how many squash you use. I just pour some in and mix to determine the consistency which should be wet but not too w... 05/08/2025

The Spring garden is going nuts! This is my crop from this morning. Because I have so much squash, it is time to make my Grandmother's Squash Casserole for dinner tonight. This is one of those feel-good, homemade yumminess dishes that everyone devours when I make it. It's a true, southern dish! I have the recipe below.  Nothing is measured as this recipe has simply been handed down over the years. So easy to make so don't sweat the small details. Just make it and enjoy!3-5 yellow squash - washed and sliced1 yellow onion - diced2 farm fresh eggs - using fresh makes a huge differenceHeavy whipping cream - about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup or more depending on how many squash you use. I just pour some in and mix to determine the consistency which should be wet but not too watery.Salt + Pepper to ta... 05/08/2025

I had a hard time understanding what happened in the cartoon so I looked ahead for a clue. I've decided to show you now. BTW I did just ask the author and he said "it's a cartoon, it just happened".With that in mind I conclude: 1) There are stupid plans. 2) Accidents happen. 3) Sometimes "stuff" just happens.All three of those conclusions certainly apply to Real Estate and home ownership.1) Bad Planning: As an avid "DIY" (Do It Yourself) person I've failed to measure twice before cutting and many other blunders.2) Accidents: All I can say is my family members keep 911 and other emergency numbers at the ready on their phones.3) Stuff just happens: Appliance failures, broken pipes, hail, and on and on and on.All I can say is keep up your health insurance, home owners insurance, and don't ... 05/08/2025

LOST SOCK MEMORIAL DAYHonoring All Those Socks Gone Missing Without a Trace "Life is too short to waste time matching socks." - Helen Pluckrose Today, we gather in solemn—and slightly ridiculous—remembrance of a true domestic tragedy: the unmatched sock. Yes, it’s Lost Sock Memorial Day, a time to pause and pay tribute to all those socks that mysteriously vanish in the laundry vortex, never to be seen again. Some call it a silly holiday. Others (especially those with overstuffed sock drawers) know it all too well. Strangely, Lost Sock Memorial Day always brings a smile to my face. Maybe it’s the absurdity of it all—or the fact that I don’t even wear socks! Fun fact: if you missed it, May 8th was “No Socks Day,” so it’s only fitting that today we honor the fallen socks..A Moment of Silen... 05/09/2025

🐈Tango, Trey, and Tom Boy 5-15-25☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email BrianI know that there are many cat lovers in the Rain, so now you can follow the adventures of Tango, Trey, and Tom Boy if you love pictures of cats!  I welcome everyone to share photos of your cats along with your comments.☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian 05/15/2025

Investing in insurance is a given during our lifetimes. We need car insurance to drive, health insurance to defend against rising healthcare costs, and home insurance to protect our financial and physical assets. But what about insurance you're uncertain you might need, such as life insurance? Let's take a look at how you can determine if life insurance is for you before you invest in a policy.Who Is Life Insurance for?So, who exactly should be purchasing a life insurance policy? Life insurance is designed for anyone who has dependents who rely on their income to survive. In some cases, you might have a spouse and children in a single-income household who would be unable to care for themselves should you pass suddenly. If you take care of your parents or your grandparents and they rely ... 05/07/2025

May 8th Puzzle - National Have A Coke 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 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. 05/08/2025