Just for Fun

Thankful Thursdays…Texan Through and Through (This post is for the September 2024 Blog 53 Words Challenge)I am thankful I was raised to do the right thing. Growing up a Texan made me value God, country, and family. Respect for others, standing up for those who can’t, football, Tex-Mex, bragging and cowboys shaped me. While I loved living in Florida, Texas will always be in my heart and soul.  And now for the rest of the story… Why this topic?Not a day goes by when I don’t think about all that has been given to me…the people in my life…and the experiences I’ve had.  Lately, I wonder what is going on in our country. I hold on to the hope that the good I believe exists in most of us will prevail.  To expand on the above, I am glad I grew up during an innocent and simple time. As much as I ... 09/05/2024

Who else enjoys learning new facts? Here are 12 things you may not know happened on September 3rd. 301 – San Marino, one of the smallest nations in the world and the world's oldest republic still in existence, is founded by Saint Marinus.   1189 – Richard I of England (a.k.a. Richard "the Lionheart") is crowned at Westminster. 1777 – During the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in the American Revolutionary War, the Flag of the United States is flown in battle for the first time. Six years later in 1783 the war ends with the signing of the Treaty of Paris by the United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain. 1838 – Future abolitionist Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery. 1875 – The first official game of polo is played in Argentina after being introduced by British ranchers. 1879 – Siege of... 09/04/2024

👩‍Trish's Splash Photography 9-11-24💦For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian  ~  Search the MLS for FREEI am sure all who follow my blog are familiar with the talents of Trish, especially with a camera in her hand. A few years ago she created a series of photos from photographing drops of water and the splash that they would make. I absolutely loved what came from this and I am sure that everyone else will too, so I wanted to share them in the Rain. If you missed the inaugural post for this series and thus did not get a peek behind the scenes, you can go back and check it out here: 📸Trish's Splash Photography☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian  ~  Search the MLS fo... 09/11/2024

Escape Your Reality at New England's Premier Renaissance Festival Running Through October 20th! Discover a Fantasy Realm Ready for an adventure like no other? The 42nd season of King Richard's Faire is now in full swing! From August 31st to October 20th, weekends come alive with thrilling activities. Special Monday holidays on September 2nd and October 14th give you extra chances to step into this enchanting world. Located on an 80-acre wooded site in Carver, Massachusetts, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical. Meander down tree-lined paths and immerse yourself in a village ruled by King Richard and Queen Anne. Exciting Entertainment Awaits Prepare to be amazed! The Faire boasts colorful acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and fire-eaters ready to entertain you throughout the day. Tra... 09/05/2024

Join the Fun at Nantasket Beach on September 7th for the Ultimate Beach Festival!Embrace the Season As summer starts winding down, you won't want to miss the most exciting event of the year—the Endless Summer Waterfront Festival! Set your calendars for September 7, 2024, with a rain date of September 8. This annual celebration, held at Nantasket Beach, promises fun for everyone in your family. Gather your friends, and soak in the magic of endless summer vibes! Celebrate Community Spirit This festival was created to give a boost to local businesses before summer's end. Over the years, it has expanded, allowing a diverse range of vendors to join in. You can expect a vibrant marketplace filled with unique offerings from both local and outside businesses. Your taste buds will be delighted, ... 09/04/2024

  Every Wednesday we plan to share our most recent visit to the  PHOENIX ZOO. We have been members for seven years, it is the best $169.00 a year we have ever spent. They have two of these beauties in their own area. We did notice last year one was sitting on eggs while we were there. Nothing came about, so we assumed the eggs were not fertile. Maybe this year. We hope you enjoy some wonderful photos and stories.  Bill and Pam  Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered subspecies of tiger native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are the smallest of all tiger subspecies, with males typically weighing between 220 to 310 pounds and measuring up to 8 feet in length. Key Characteristics Appearance: Sumatran tigers have darker orange fur and closer-set stripes compared to other tige... 09/11/2024

Almost Everyone Makes Wine in PortugalFor longer than recorded history, the fermentation of grapes into a beverage to enjoy has been acknowledged.The Greek God named Dionysus also known as Bacchus by the Romans, traveled the Mediterranean planting the vine and showing the people how to enjoy the grapes when ready and fermented.The byproducts of the travels of Bacchus has spread mighty and today each region prides itself on the specialization of its grape growth and the pride with which they offer their wine to their guests.Visiting here, in the North of Portugal, it is still the case and as one walks the roadways, the grapes are abundant and getting ready to be picked.Grape harvest is still a manual task and the carting of the grapes back to the courtyards where they will be crushed is ... 09/04/2024

Fall gardens bring to mind vivid, jewel toned colors such as scarlet, deep purples and gold.  Planning for a fall garden needs to start early so that plants are established. Even if they bloom late in the season, they will be hardier and bloom best if they’ve been in the garden longer.  Before planting, research what kind of flowers and plants will do best in your area.  To help, here are some that thrive in hardiness zone 8:ChrysanthemumsCommonly called “mums”, these richly hued plants are true sign of fall. When buying mums, look for ones labeled “hardy mums” or “garden mums” for the best chance of having them thrive throughout the season.  Plant them as soon as you buy them.  Given the opportunity to develop a strong root system, they will last longer.​HeleniumPart of the daisy famil... 09/04/2024

September 5th Puzzle - National Cheese Pizza Day:Enjoy your day!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. 09/05/2024

Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma Bowl Chef Dolores was shopping at Trader Joe's and decided to pick up a couple of their Chicken Shawarma Bowls for our lunch at home. This is the first time we have tried this selection. It was good and very filling for 400 calories. We will get them again. Each Chicken Shawarma Bowl is made with a bed of fluffy basmati rice, which our supplier tops with red bell pepper, spinach, and diced, Shawarma-style-seasoned Chicken, along with a tart, tangy, and garlicky sour cream sauce to tie them all together. After just a few minutes in the microwave (or a little longer in the conventional oven), this full-flavored Bowl is ready to enjoy as a quick and easy work lunch, an effortless weeknight dinner, or as part of a more involved, Mediterranean-style spread with ... 09/09/2024

Trivia question answers for Tuesday September 3, 20241. Who met Cyclops on his third voyage? Sinbad2. What year did the "Tonight Show" first air? 19543. Which letter starts the fewest words in the English language? X4. What is Albumen more commonly known as? Egg WhiteTrivia questions for Wednesday September 4, 20241. Who created James Bond?2. Are polar bears carnivores or omnivores?3. What was the name of Edgar Bergman's dummy?4. What is the longest event in the Olympics?Enjoy your day. 09/04/2024

Wordless Wednesday…They Put the Wild in My Life Today is National Wildlife Day so I wanted to share a few of the many wildlife photos I’ve taken over the years.  One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. John MuirOver the years, I’ve had fun photographing sunsets, sunrises, friends, family, flowers,pets, oceans, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.  I love being outdoors and discovering what animal I’ll run into! If we save our wild places, we will ultimately save ourselves. We don't own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife. Steve IrwinAnd, when I don’t have the chance to see wildlife up close and personal, I head over to Bill Salvatore - East Valley’s weekly Zoo Post!!!Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.Albert Einstein 09/04/2024

Camping by season in North Dakota.Each season brings it's own challenge to camping. Spring can mean tics and cool mornings. Spring also means you are not likely to jump into a lake that just a week or so ago you could walk on (ice). Summer is my favorite time to camp as there are few flying insects where we camp and the water is usually comfortable. Fall is good except for flies and bees. Man, did we ever have the flies this Labor Day. I'm glad I brought an adequate supply of fly swatters.  I have yet to camp in the Winter but it seems to be gaining in popularity here. Maybe if you consider an hour or two of ice fishing "camping" then I've camped in the winter. 09/03/2024

This article provides practical and effective solutions for dealing with unpleasant odors in a home. The tips you've shared, from identifying the source to using natural deodorizers, are straightforward and easy to implement. A fresh-smelling home not only improves comfort but also makes a better impression on guests or potential buyers. Thanks for offering these helpful strategies to keep any home smelling clean and inviting!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP While sight is often considered king, smell reigns supreme when it comes to memory and emotion. However, unpleasant odors in your home can dampen the mood. Here's how to tackle some common culprits: 1. Trash TalkFood scraps in overflowing bins, drains, or disposals can create a stench. Regularly empty trash, cle... 09/03/2024

While sight is often considered king, smell reigns supreme when it comes to memory and emotion. However, unpleasant odors in your home can dampen the mood. Here's how to tackle some common culprits: 1. Trash TalkFood scraps in overflowing bins, drains, or disposals can create a stench. Regularly empty trash, clean receptacles, and use a baking soda-vinegar mixture to freshen drains. 2. New Furniture BluesOff-gasing from new furniture releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with unpleasant smells and potential health risks. Open windows, use fans, and consider buying used, vintage, or solid wood furniture to avoid VOCs. 3. Moisture MadnessUncontrolled moisture is a breeding ground for mold and musty odors. Check attics, showers, sinks, windowsills, ducts, plants, and fireplaces for m... 09/03/2024

Leftover grease and oils are a challenge in the kitchen. Pouring oil down the drain is one of the most common causes of household plumbing problems.  Correctly disposing of these items is crucial to your plumbing system and the environment. Let’s discuss what to do and never do with these leftover oils.Cooling the Oil:Always allow the oil to cool before disposing of it. Hot oil not only causes serious injury to your skin but can also melt the containers you place it in. Let the oil/grease sit at room temperature until it is no longer warm to the touch.What Container should I use?Put the cooled oil/grease in an empty jar or plastic bottle. Preferably one that can be sealed to prevent leaks. Always ensure the container can withstand oil without deteriorating. Disposal: Once your container... 09/05/2024

September 4th Puzzle - National Wildlife Day:Enjoy your day!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. 09/04/2024

While sight is often considered king, smell reigns supreme when it comes to memory and emotion. However, unpleasant odors in your home can dampen the mood. Here's how to tackle some common culprits: 1. Trash TalkFood scraps in overflowing bins, drains, or disposals can create a stench. Regularly empty trash, clean receptacles, and use a baking soda-vinegar mixture to freshen drains. 2. New Furniture BluesOff-gasing from new furniture releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with unpleasant smells and potential health risks. Open windows, use fans, and consider buying used, vintage, or solid wood furniture to avoid VOCs. 3. Moisture MadnessUncontrolled moisture is a breeding ground for mold and musty odors. Check attics, showers, sinks, windowsills, ducts, plants, and fireplaces for m... 09/03/2024

Like Philemon above, we all have forged ahead with a bad decision at one time or another. The evidence of that attitude is abundant with Americans Favorite Home Videos and many other shows highlighting stupid human tricks.I hope everyone had a good Labor Day weekend and that no one got hurt doing stupid human tricks or disregarding food safety guidelines.We had an enjoyable time camping and at the same time hosting our daughter & her fiancée as well as his parents. Tina and Jon came up from Omaha and Jon's parents came from Southern Minnesota. It was the first time we met the future in-laws and all went well. The wedding is still on.Everyone  was well behaved (no stupid human tricks) and we all had a lot of fun. Everyone also returned home without incident (this is also a concern to mys... 09/03/2024

Trivia question answers for Monday September 2, 20241. What is a male witch called? Warlock2. What is a female kangaroo called? A flyer3. What is the summer counterpart of hybernation? Estivation4. Are pumpkins fruits or vegetables? FruitsTrivia questions for Tuesday September 3, 20241. Who met Cyclops on his third voyage?2. What year did the "Tonight Show" first air?3. Which letter starts the fewest words in the English language?4. What is Albumen more commonly known as?Enjoy your day. 09/03/2024