Just for Fun

Photo Journalism September 15, 2024 by Patricia  This is the story of the little cabin in the woods and other structures too. There was no tour or information booth to get the history on the property owners, so all I can share is what I could only imagine. My story begins on September 14, 2024 in the early morning. The weather was in the low 70 degrees. I took the Green Dragon trail to get to the cabin at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning. After miles of hiking through the woods, you can only imagine what I was thinking.  My initial reaction was, what a great place to bring scouts and to teach them about Pioneer Living. The door was locked. The shutters bolted. So I mozied around to look, see, feel, and imagine what life was like back then. Seeing the circle of benches got me e... 09/15/2024

Motivational Monday…Make Your MemoriesThis weekend, we celebrated the life of my sister-in-law’s father.  He passed away almost 5 months to the day he lost his great love and wife..Mrs. A. During the services his daughters, grandchildren, cousins and other close family members shared funny and sweet stories about him.   My niece recalled that her grandfather was always there to pick her up from activities if needed. He stressed the importance of family first, no matter what differences you may have  His nephew, who grew up on the same block, recalled the encouragement his Uncle Pete gave him when upon graduation from college, he decided to join the military.  One of his granddaughters remembered how much he loved talking to people. When he took her to the mall, they always ran into some... 09/16/2024

Every year on September 15th, and this year on September 15, 2024, we celebrate and enjoy Happy National Double Cheeseburger Day.There is no record indicating origin of the Happy National Double Cheeseburger Day started.We can observe the day to enjoy a delicious double cheeseburger by adding favorite toppings, and invite friends neighbors to join the celebration.Double Cheeseburger made of double patties, with cheese, onions, peppers, pickles, onions, and other things for a delicious meal.I want to wish to everyone at Active Rain community a Happy National Double Cheeseburger Day. 09/15/2024

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. El Arroyo invites you to contribute your own puns on their website, with full permission to showcase them on their marquee. It's a quintessential "Keep Austin Weird" tradition that resonates with the spirit of our vibrant city!The laughter doesn't stop there—they share these puns on Instagram, drawing in admirers... 09/20/2024

Our world is noisy. People are stressed out, angry, and scared. Our futures feel uncertain, and it's easy to get caught up in the chaos. Yet, as Etty Hillesum reminds us, “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”In the midst of life's turbulence, it's often those small moments of stillness, the pause between breaths, that allow us to reset and find clarity. These moments remind us that peace isn't always about changing our circumstances but finding a calm space within ourselves. When we pause, we reconnect with our inner strength, allowing us to face the noise with a renewed sense of purpose. 09/16/2024

Celebrating the Nisson Brothers Band of Washington, Utah  The Nisson Brother's Band has been a fixture in the southern part of Utah for many years. Their musical talent has neen handed down through the generations. Their father, Quentin played the piano, fought in World War II and the Battle of the Bulge, returning home safe to enrich people's lives with the sounds of music. Here is a photo of The Nisson Band that played at special events such as parades, birthdays, Independent Day celebrations. They are riding on what was known as the‘serenade truck’ also known as the ‘granny wagon’. Quentin Nisson, former Mayor of Washington City was called “Mr. Washington,” and “piano man.”  Robert plays guitar, Garth is on the keyboards, Kelvin plays the saxophone and harmonica. Together they play t... 09/15/2024

Trivia question answers for Saturday September 14, 2024 1.  In what city does Spider Man live and protect? New York City 2. What is the Hungarian word for red pepper? Paprika 3. Which boxer was nicknamed the "Louisville Lip"? Muhammad Ali  4. Who coined the phrase "15 minutes of fame" Andy Warhol Trivia questions for Sunday September 15, 2024 1. Which major European city has zero stop signs? 2. How many lanes does an Olympic swimming pool have? 3. A purple stripe on a Roman tunic was a sign of what? 4. What is the westernmost state in the US? Enjoy your day. 09/15/2024

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes Time to Cook: 3-4 Hours  Ingredients: 1/2 cup of milk 1 1/3 cup of salsa 3 (8 oz.) pkgs. of cubed cream or Neufchatel cheese 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. of flaked imitation crabmeat 1 cup thinly sliced green onions 1 (4 oz.) can of chopped green chiles Directions: Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine milk and salsa in crockpot. Stir in cream cheese, crabmeat, scallions, and chiles. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Serve with crackers or bread. Notes: Remember to stir every 30-45 minutes.  09/15/2024

September 16th Puzzle - National Play-Doh 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. 09/16/2024

Trivia question answers for Saturday September 14, 20241.  In what city does Spider Man live and protect? New York City2. What is the Hungarian word for red pepper? Paprika3. Which boxer was nicknamed the "Louisville Lip"? Muhammad Ali 4. Who coined the phrase "15 minutes of fame" Andy WarholTrivia questions for Sunday September 15, 20241. Which major European city has zero stop signs?2. How many lanes does an Olympic swimming pool have?3. A purple stripe on a Roman tunic was a sign of what?4. What is the westernmost state in the US?Enjoy your day. 09/15/2024

Inspired by Bill Salvatore - East Valley  and his weekly zoo posts, we finally (me and Colleen) made it back to the oldest zoo in the nation.  The Philadelphia Zoo turned 150 this July.  This time, we took our grandson, Ollie.  It was a fun day1.While I love most of the animals,  the big cats, namely, the TIGERS are my favorite.  I think they are truly beautiful and magnificent.   While behind a glass panel, a tiger walked inches away from me.  It made my day.   I had not been there in likely over a decade.  I will not repeat that.  While my bad hip does not allow me to walk the entire zoo, I was able to rent a scooter, which worked out fabulously.   It made getting around very enjoyable and a breeze.   I thought I was going to be embarrassed to be on that.  But then I figured, what the... 09/16/2024

Friday's Dinner: Happy Birthday Dinner for Diane.... Honest she thought I was trying to outdo the Linner we had the day before.I reassured her that nothing was purchased in advance or on Friday, everything was in the Fridge or in the Freezer:) Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no one else could, please reach out to me directly!! If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxu... 09/14/2024

Discover the Power of Thankfulness and Transform Your Life World Gratitude Day is the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude in our lives. This special day, established in 1965, encourages people worldwide to express appreciation and recognize the positive aspects of their lives. Whether it’s through a simple “thank you,” a heartfelt note, or a moment of reflection, gratitude can significantly impact our well-being and relationships. The Origins of World Gratitude Day World Gratitude Day was first celebrated in 1965 when an international gathering in Hawaii decided to set aside a day to express gratitude. The idea was to create a global movement that would encourage people to appreciate the good in their lives and spread positivity. The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude Resear... 09/21/2024

Discover the Beauty, Warmth, and Charm That Fall Brings Your Way  The Beauty of Changing Leaves  As the days grow shorter, admire the vibrant leaves painting the landscape. Each leaf transforms into shades of amber, gold, and red. When you walk outside, take a moment to appreciate the gentle rustle beneath your feet. That delightful sound is a reminder of nature’s cycle. Indeed, autumn whispers a promise of change, inviting you to savor its beauty.  Cozy Comforts of Fall  As the temperature dips, your wardrobe shifts too. Sweaters and scarves become essentials, wrapping you in warmth. Consider the joy of curling up in a cozy chair, perhaps with a warm beverage in hand. The delightful scent of pumpkin spice fills the air. It’s as if the season tempts you to indulge in comfort. With each ... 09/22/2024

Every year on September 14th, and this year on September 14, 2024, we celebrate and enjoy Happy National Parents Day.There is no record indicating origin of the Happy National Parents Day started.Parents are the organizers, teachers, directors, protectors of the family. Parents wear many hats and rarely have a moment for themselves. However, parents are dedicated to raising successful, well-adjusted children. Once school starts, parents involve after-school activities, and school projects.Parents buy homes to live more comfortable and for the future of children.I want to wish to all parents and everyone at Active Rain community a Happy National Parents Day. 09/14/2024

Chocolate has a fascinating history that traces back thousands of years. Originally, ancient Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Maya and Aztecs, revered chocolate as a sacred drink. They prepared it using cacao beans, spices, and water.   From Sacred Beverage to Universal Indulgence   The Ancient Beginnings   Chocolate has a fascinating history that traces back thousands of years. Originally, ancient Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Maya and Aztecs, revered chocolate as a sacred drink. They prepared it using cacao beans, spices, and water. This bitter beverage was rich in cultural significance, often reserved for elite classes and religious ceremonies. Imagine sipping a beverage that held such importance; it was believed to bring wisdom and power.   The Role of Cacao in Society   Duri... 09/20/2024

Portrait of Cleo 1966This has been White County Fair Week in Arkansas.  Memories return.  Here is a strange one.  Yearly, there was an art contest along with pickles and sewing and all kinds of other things.  I entered this painting of a lady named Cleo.  She actually sat and posed for me.  It won first place at the fair and I have had it since.  I'd like to know where she is and perhaps she'd like this picture for her family.Children's art winner.My daughter, Valerie Smith, attended McRae Elementary back in the 60's.  She painted and entered this one.  She won!!  These are good memories of our White County Fair.  I need to visit it today before it closes!!We are now Barbara Smith Duncan and Valerie Smith Canepa. 09/14/2024

September 15th Puzzle - National Double Cheeseburger 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. 09/15/2024

Microsoft has some beautiful photos when you turn your computer on in the morning, and the other day, I had to know where you could find these animals.These Valais Blacknose sheep will be located near the Matterhorn in Switzerland, and cannot be more excited to see them on my trip next Spring.   We have bighorn sheep in Colorado, but they don't look like these cuties! 09/14/2024

Trivia question answers for Friday September 13, 20241. What are mummies wrapped in? Linen cloth2. Which actor's real name is Edward Goldenberg? Edward G. Robinson3. What was the color orange named for? The citrus fruit4. What word is used for an adult female sheep? EweTrivia questions for Saturday September 14, 20241.  In what city does Spider Man live and protect?2. What is the Hungarian word for red pepper?3. Which boxer was nicknamed the "Louisville Lip"?4. Who coined the phrase "15 minutes of fame"Enjoy your day. 09/14/2024