Just for Fun

If you have never owned rodents as pets you may not know just how stinky their cages can be. I had to remind Timmothy often that Hershey's (his real life guinea pig) needed his cage cleaned... immediately.HersheyTitus (the original)Guinea pigs are wonderful "starter" pets for children. They have personality, they are very docile, and they are easy to take care of. As you can see Tina & Timmothy loved to make little costumes for them.The drawbacks are that if you do not change they cage often the will stink up the place. They shed. Their average life span is 5 to 6 years which can be a good or bad thing. It's best to have a rag/towel under them as they can/will "go" any time.Our kids were 12 and 10 years old when we got Titus which I think is about the perfect age for a child to be "tota... 03/12/2023

Motivational Monday…Mountains Out Of Mole Hills and Other Knee-Jerk Reactions Sometimes things happen or go wrong and a first reaction is one we’re all too familiar with…the infamous knee-jerk! My knee has been jerked so many times, I’m sure that knee replacement surgery is in my future. Often we create a problem where there truly isn’t one. It may be a bump in the road where all that’s needed is to go around, over, or through it.  Sometimes that knee-jerk reaction is to find someone or something to blame. Rather than focusing on what the real problem is and a possible solution, we become more focused on the fact that our daily routine or our plans have been impacted. It’s human nature. Sometimes we become part of the problem instead of looking for a solution.  Agents see it all of the ... 03/13/2023

El Arroyo is an iconic local spot in Austin. They make the best hand-squeezed margaritas and serve Black Angus beef tacos (along with many other Tex- Mex offerings) and have since 1975!A quirky marquee is out front on the corner of West 5th and Campbell. Every day they change their bill board with a new pun (everything imaginable).     They encourage you to submit your pun on their website and of course have permission to post them. It’s one of those “Keep Austin Weird” things that we all in Austin love!They post them on Instagram because everyone loves them. Our own Myrl Jeffcoat follows them as well as Kathy Streib and Endre Barath, Jr.! We all need some laughter or a chuckle each day! It's fun checking out the new pun each day. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!! 🍀🍀                          ... 03/17/2023

It's fun to look back over the years and see the significance of certain dates. Here's a few to check out! I remember "The Godfather" debut!♦ 2009: The Sears Tower in Chicago is renamed March 13 as Willis Tower.♦ 1993: Janet Reno is sworn in March 13 as the first female U.S. Attorney General.♦ 1972: The epic crime family drama "The Godfather" debuts March 15.♦ 1931: Nevada legalizes gambling March 18, paving the future for the state's economy.♦ 1892: On March 15, Jesse Reno patents the "inclined elevator" – the first escalator.♦ 1850: On March 16, "The Scarlet Letter," by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is published.♦ 1794: On March 14, Eli Whitney receives a patent for the cotton gin.♦ 0461: Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, dies March 17. ♦ 44 BC: Roman Emperor Julius Caesar is assassinated ... 03/16/2023

Speechless Sundays - Mistaken Cat-identity?Could this be a case of mistaken identity or simply a puppy who is a product of her environment?! Being raised in a home with one very senior (now 16-½) dog (Barney) and 3 very lively cats, Madelaine Mae tends to spend more time with her cat siblings than her k-9 sibling. She chases them constantly but, don't feel badly for them; Maddy is also quite often the hunted in these household chases!Today, I spotted Maddy & Gracie on the sofa back playing. I went to grab my camera and by the time I returned, both were settling in for a nap. Life is good for Miss Madelaine!Happy Sunday, y'all! © Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | SavvyBroker@me.com | Speechless Sundays - Mistaken Cat-Identity? 03/12/2023

As a first-year real estate agent, you're about to embark on a wild ride of ups and downs, twists and turns, and more paperwork than you ever thought possible. But fear not, my dear newbie, for I am your friendly coach, and I'm here to guide you through the ten best things you can do to make your first year in real estate both successful and hilarious.1. Wear a "Newbie" HatNothing screams "I'm new!" quite like a bright red hat with the word "Newbie" emblazoned on it. Wear it proudly to your first few showings and open houses, and watch as people's reactions range from amused to confused. Bonus points if you bedazzle it.2. Take an Improv ClassReal estate is all about thinking on your feet, so why not get some practice in with an improv class? You'll learn how to listen, respond, and thin... 03/12/2023

Ingredients:4 skin-on boneless chicken thighs2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon smoked paprika3/4 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon ground black pepperPreheat an air fryer to 400 degreesPat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and brush the skin-side of each piece with olive oil.  Place chicken thighs, skin-side down, in a single layer on a plate.  Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper in a bowl and sprinkle half the seasoning mixture evenly over the 4 chicken thighs.  Turn thighs over and evenly sprinkle remaining seasoning mixture on top.  Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up.Fry in the preheated air fryer until chicken is brown and juices run clear, about 18 minutes.  An instant-read thermometer inserte... 03/12/2023

We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are. - Max DepreFocus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase. - Will HammFormula for success:  Rise early, work hard, strike oil. - J. Paul GettyYour most unhappy customers are the greatest source of learning. - Bill GatesWhat you do today can improve all your tomorrows . - Ralph MarstonMishaps are like knives.  They either cut us or serve us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle. - James Lowell   03/13/2023

A recent blog post by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) called upon Congress to better protect taxpayers from unscrupulous preparers by giving the IRS the authority to establish professional requirements for paid preparers.The GAO made the call after finding high error rates among unenrolled preparers who filed returns claiming refundable tax credits. The office found that those preparers were not subject to IRS registration, competency testing, or educational requirements and had higher error rates than taxpayers who chose to prepare their own returns.As an Enrolled Agent, Licensed Real Estate Broker, and Licensed Real Estate Instructor - I couldn't agree more! There should be serious educational requirements. The main issue is that "Big Tax" franchises dump millions of dollar... 03/12/2023

A seller listed a high end home for sale with a custom cabinet in the family room that went from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. The home was shown many times before a buyer appeared. They were ready willing and able to purchase and did not need to sell their present home to complete the purchase.A contract was mutually executed and the closing delayed so the seller could stay in occupancy until their new home was completed. A closing date was set and the buyers proceeded to do a final walk through.Here is where it gets interesting. The family room was devoid of the custom wall cabinetry. Gone! And in order to remove it the seller had to have several sliding glass doors removed and replaced after removal. Buyer said it was a part of the purchase and would not close. Seller had alread... 03/12/2023

March 12th - National Girl Scout 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. 03/12/2023

We all get LOTS of reminders to "Fall Back" and change the clocks.   Does the Fitbit really calculate the right time you were asleep, or is it confused too?   Inquiring minds need to know.....   Did you enjoy your "extra hour"? Probably doesn't matter while on vacation, but had to check with Bob to see if he was going to church, so he wasn't late.   He has a bad cold, so he said he wasn't going today. Sure miss my kitties, and hope they aren't too unhappy at the kennel! As usual, found some funnies this week for you!  Happy Sunday, and hope you have a glorious day!  03/12/2023

Trivia question answers for Saturday March 11, 20231. Ageusia is the loss of which sense? Taste2. What is a group of butterflies called? Kaleidoscope3. What is a shark's skeleton made of? Cartilage 4. What are you doing if you "yarn over" or "pop corn"? KnottingTrivia questions for Sunday March 12, 20231. When hyenas gather, what are they called?2. Which scientist formulated the law ion universal gravitation?3. How many soldiers are shown raising the flag over Iwo Jima in the famous photograph and statue?4. What name is given to the line running across a snooker table?Enjoy your day 03/12/2023

Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, Fathom Realty WA LLC, Kitsap and Mason County, Washington's preferred real estate Agent & BrokerThe whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well!Attributed to Horace Walpole (1717-1797)Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog post! This post was researched, authored, and photo by Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, ©2008-2023, all rights reserved. All information is deemed reliable; however it should be independently verified by the reader. Any reproduction of this blog post is prohibited without the prior written permission of the author... 03/11/2023

A friendly reminder to my friends and everyone at ActiveRain community about the Spring forward daylight saving time, which will start on Sunday, March 12th, 2023. Please set your watches, clocks, and all your electronic timing devices one hour forward on Sunday March 12, 2023, at 2:00AM for the start of daylight saving time.Historically, Benjamin Franklin recommended the concept of daylight saving time. However, officially daylight saving time started in 1918.Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona do participate in daylight savings time, but the rest of Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands do not participate in daylight saving time.Enjoy the Spring forward daylight saving time! 03/12/2023

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I have family coming into town on Thursday for Friday morning breakfast could be:Ingredients:2 large eggs3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled2 8 inch flour tortillas1 teaspoon buttercooking spray1/2 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheesePrep time 5 mins.Cook time 10 minsDirections:  Crack eggs into a small bowl.  Add crumbled bacon and whisk until well combined.Spray a large skillet with cooking spray; warm over medium-high heat.  Pour egg mixture into the skillet; cook and stir until eggs are set, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heatLightly butter one side of each tortilla.Warm a separate, dry skillet over medium-low heat.Place one tortilla into the warm skillet with buttered side facing down.  Spoon 1/2 of the scrambled egg mixture over one half of the tortilla.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup Colby-Jack chee... 03/12/2023

 I HATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME! AND SO DOES GRUMPY CAT! YOU'VE HEARD IT BEFORE...  IT'S MY ANNUAL RANT ABOUT HOW MUCH I HATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!How much do I hate Daylight Saving Time? I pose this question each year. The answer each year to this question NEVER changes, as there are probably not enough words in the English language to express my hatred of it! I realize that I'm not necessarily in the majority when I say I prefer my light in the morning as opposed to the evening. And are we actually "saving" time? Or are we are simply moving daylight from the morning to the evening. This morning it was still dark at 7:00 am! Why early mornings should feel like the middle of the night and not the start of a new day filled with light is something I'll never understand!  Something not quite ... 03/12/2023

March 11th - National Tools 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. 03/11/2023

Everyday AgencyLogic shares just for fun posts related to real estate, marketing, and technology.  Here are this weeks 'Just For Fun' posts: Is This Creative or Cringeworthy Real Estate Marketing? Mobile Phones - The Early Days... Is Being Able To Spell Important in Real Estate Marketing? The Worlds Most Creative Buildings Look Into My Eyes, My Eyes... 03/11/2023