Just for Fun

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

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

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

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

I have been anticipating the 3rd amaryllis blossom for over a week and thought it might open on a Friday as the other 2 had. But perhaps it was more fitting that this beautiful red bloom happened for Mother's Day. Here are the other 2 that I posted previously.   They are all beautiful and I can't say I have a favorite. How about you?!  05/11/2025

May 12th Puzzle- National Limerick 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.  05/12/2025

  There’s nothing better than one-on-one time with my granddaughter Beckett! She’s 10 (almost 11 in August!) and just weeks away from graduating 5th grade, she already has her dress picked out and is counting down the days to May 29th! While her amazing mom was tackling a self-imposed 50-mile overnight running challenge (yes, you read that right—50 miles starting at 8 PM!), I had the absolute pleasure of spending the evening with Beckett. Her brother was off at a birthday sleepover, her dad was going to be biking behind her, so it was just the two of us. We went out to dinner at The Grove, then treated ourselves to some delicious froyo at Planet Yogurt, complete with all the toppings, of course! I stayed the night to keep Beckett company while her mom ran through the night (literally!).... 05/10/2025

We have all received packages or have purchased items that contain silica gel packets. I believe most of us throw them away.  WAIT, KEEP THEM! Below are some cool  and interesting uses for them if you know what to do with them and how to store them safely.WHAT ARE SILICA GEL PACKETS?Silica gel packets are small packets containing silica gel, a desiccant, which is used to prevent moisture and prevent damage from humidity.While silica gel itself is  generally considered to be non-toxic and non-flammable, caution must be taken with the small size packets as  they can pose a choking hazard to young children and pets.There are two types of silica gel packets; 1.) food grade or medicine grade; and 2.) regular grade. Food grade or medicine grade gel packets are those that come with food or med... 05/11/2025

Mother's Day 2025 Day Moment Becomes More Precious One has to be a woman, and to be more precisely, a mother, to comprehend thoroughly the emotions involved. There is a connection between a mother and her children that defies definition. It reaches past the sense of logic and no matter how many times a harsh remark may be made, there is a bond that knows no limit and is almost impossible to destroy. If times are tight, a mother will go without so that her children will be comfortable. I once heard a line that went, the Children never knew the chicken had bones until mother died. Kids will break their hearts and cause many a tear, but they will not darken that light that shines in her eyes when she looks at them.A Mother will feel every pain their children have as if it was inflicted on ... 05/11/2025

"May you be blessed on this special day. May you continue to make many memories that last a lifetime. Happy Mother’s Day!" 💐🌻Sincerely,Katina Hargrove, Broker/Owner 05/10/2025

 🌅 5 Places to Catch a Sunset This Spring in Oconee CountyOne of the best parts about living in the Western Upstate of South Carolina? We don’t need to go far to find a view worth stopping for. Spring is the perfect time to slow down and take in a sunset — and if you're wondering where to go, here are five of my favorite places to watch the day wind down.1. South Cove County Park – Lake Keowee Set right on Lake Keowee, this park offers gentle waves, quiet picnic spots, and beautiful west-facing views. The sunsets here reflect off the water like a mirror — perfect for a peaceful evening.2. Sassafras Mountain Tower The highest point in South Carolina offers 360° views — and yes, the sunsets up there can be absolutely jaw-dropping. Bring a light jacket and someone to share the moment with.... 05/10/2025

🌸 Rhododendron & Mountain Laurel: A Mother's Day Bloom in the Western UpstateThere’s something magical about Mother’s Day in the Western Upstate of South Carolina. Just as families begin planning gatherings and celebrations, nature puts on a show of her own — with rhododendrons and mountain laurel bursting into bloom across our mountain landscapes.From the winding roads near Tamassee and Salem to the forested trails in Mountain Rest and Long Creek, these native flowering shrubs begin their peak bloom in early to mid-May. Their delicate pinks, whites, and purples line mountain creeks and high ridges, filling the air with subtle fragrance and the feeling that something sacred is unfolding.Locals know that a trip to Yellow Branch Falls or the Foothills Trail around this time of year is a M... 05/10/2025

Trivia question answers for Sunday May 11, 20251. Which substance has the chemical formula HCL? Hydrochloric acid2. Which time zone is the City of Chicago in? Central time zone3. Where did Gulliver find a race of tiny people? Lilliput4. "Faux pax" literally translate to what?  False stepTrivia questions for Monday May 12, 20251. What country are eclairs said to be originated from?2. What stopper necessary for champagne did medieval monks invent?3. What is the average lifespan of the hummingbird?4. Ikebana is the Japanese art of what?Enjoy your day.  05/12/2025

May 11th Puzzle - National Twilight Zone 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. 05/11/2025