Just for Fun

Speechless Sunday:  what do the animals do when I come home?... this question was raised by George Souto  when he saw my post what the cats do when Diane comes home.Well with that said I must respond and show him via photos rather than a comment what the animals in our household do when I come home:) what is the old saying a picture is worth 1000 words? Well, here you go  George Souto  this is what happens when I get home:))) 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 properti... 04/07/2024

Speechless Sunday: Holly went for a ride to Manhattan Beach... Diane wanted to get some special personalized cards for her friends...so with that said off we went to Pages the bookstore that has wonderful cards in their store. Holly did not want to be left behind. Hence, she left her frenemies aka the cats and joined us for the ride.Holly is very focused and regal when she goes on a ride especially to Manhattan Beach, since she loves looking at the Pacific Ocean. In case you are wondering she was focused on when will her mother finally get in the car i.e.: let's go this is Manhattan Beach we are going to:))   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 wil... 04/07/2024

Speechless Sundays - Sweet Gracie Rose Visits the VetI am always a nervous ninny when I take sweet Gracie to the vet because we almost didn't get to adopt this precious little one. She suffered a stroke while being spayed but, was ultimately released for adoption THE DAY that Ray and I were being 'screened' to adopt her brother, Jack. Gracie Rose sat on her new Daddy's lap the entire time the foster mom was interviewing us. I think he fell in love the first minute she cuddled up to him. Her brother was quite the charmer with me and we both (Ray and I) were so confused, we asked to sleep on the decision and ultimately chose them both the next day - ONE month before Covid lockdown!Fast forward to every vet visit since!  I have been a nervous ninny, worried that Gracie would suffer another... 04/07/2024

Motivational Monday…Turn Around…Look Around Isn’t it interesting how some people, standing almost in the same spot can see an event or person differently? While wandering through Cyberville I came across this quote…Good things are always coming our way, we’re just looking in the wrong direction. Turn around.Jay Shetty When we’re journeying down Negativity Lane, sometimes all it takes is taking the blinders off to change your view.  Didn’t get that listing you wanted?  You were focused on it all week. Take a moment to evaluate things, then change your direction.  Look at the other leads or calls you’ve received.  We’ve had morning walks when it’s overcast…no sunlight in sight. It’s not exactly the best time for photographs or to lift your mood. But, I look out over the lake and see Mom a... 04/08/2024

It seems that people need a laugh – especially on Friday. So, we dig back in to classic comedy scenes from a much better age of television. Some clips I found from past TV comedy when TV comedy meant something far different from today. A more innocent time and a time of real quality. Hope you enjoy the clips. Due to the length, there is just 1 clip per week. Enjoy! 04/19/2024

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. I really had to chuckle with #3 as it came out Monday, April 8th in the morning! 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 la... 04/12/2024

A recipe from the kitchen of Will Hamm.    Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings: 4 Ingredients 8 ounces uncooked thick spaghetti 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound bay scallops 2 tablespoons butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1 pinch red pepper flakes ⅓ cup dry sherry 1 cup heavy cream salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley, divided Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving Directions Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes or 1 minute less than directed on the package. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. When oil just starts to smoke, add... 04/11/2024

Exploring the annals of history is always a fascinating journey, offering glimpses into the significance of various dates. Here are a few intriguing historical tidbits to dive into this week.   THIS WEEK IN HISTORY ♦ 1974: Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run April 8, breaking Babe Ruth’s record. ♦ 1970: After 200 films, John Wayne wins his first and only Oscar April 7 for “True Grit.” ♦ 1961: On April 12, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in Earth orbit. ♦ 1948: The United Nations’ World Health Organization begins operations April 7. ♦ 1945: U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt dies April 12 of a cerebral hemorrhage. ♦ 1865: The U.S. Civil War ends April 9 with Confederate surrender at Appomattox, VA. ♦ 1790: President George Washington signs the Patent Act into law on Apr... 04/11/2024

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings: 4 Ingredients 8 ounces uncooked thick spaghetti 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound bay scallops 2 tablespoons butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1 pinch red pepper flakes ⅓ cup dry sherry 1 cup heavy cream salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley, divided Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving Directions Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes or 1 minute less than directed on the package. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. When oil just starts to smoke, add scallops and move them into a single laye... 04/07/2024

What an exciting Friday night celebrating 2 milestone Birthdays for the beautiful mother daughter duo, Annette & Victoria. The setting was perfect on the outside deck at Super Saps, decorated beautifully with white linen table cloths and white roses. Groovy tunes were sung by the talented Kelly Doze. The Thai buffet was outstanding, and glad to see such a wonderful gathering for music, fun and laughter.  I feel incredibly fortunate to have such diverse and wonderful friends who include me in their fantastic celebrations! I feel that Birthdays are truly special occasions that deserve to be cherished; after all, we all know the alternative! Celebrating the dual milestone of turning 30 and 60 is simply amazing and was excited to be a part of it! My friend Annette is an amazing, kind hearte... 04/07/2024

We have questions. The first one: would you rent your home out for an hour?  For more ‘Real Estate Fun’ posts click here. 04/07/2024

Personal projects and experiments can be a great way to spice up your life, challenge yourself, and have some fun. They can also help you improve your skills, health, and happiness.   Have you ever felt bored, stuck, or unfulfilled in your life? Do you want to challenge yourself, learn new skills, or have some fun? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in trying some personal projects and experiments. Personal projects and experiments are self-initiated activities that you do for your own enjoyment, curiosity, or growth. They can range from simple hobbies to ambitious goals, from creative endeavors to scientific inquiries, from solo ventures to collaborative efforts. The only limit is your imagination and willingness to try. In this blog post, I wil... 04/10/2024

Spring 2024  March Rains Led to April FlowersTh expression has always been April showers lead to May Flowers.  In years past that may have been the case, but I noticed while taking a light stroll along the yard this morning, that the flowers aren't waiting for much warmer weather.In fact, they aren't even concerned that the spring debris cleanup has yet to be done.We have daffodils all over the yard and as they are so good about regenerating themselves, they are not only stronger but also thicker.I know there are several varieties of daffodils, but the best I can do is large and small, yellow and white.Same with the hyacinth, and at least one of the clumps has far more this year than they had last year but still a little too early for them to fully blossom.It just cheered my soul to see... 04/07/2024

My neighbor texted me late yesterday afternoon…“would you like some boxwoods? “ we took out the plants in front of our garage.””Well of course I would!”Turns out she was redoing her front landscaping and had pulled out these huge boxwood plants.Now in my mind I’m thinking small little boxwoods, but low and behold these things are huge. As you can see they look perfect in my garden but whether they will survive the transplant is another story which I’ll report on at a later date  Thank goodness for great neighbors!Our spring trimming will commence next week as welll and should look much more manicured and beautiful     04/07/2024

In the rich tapestry of nature, bison, though akin to their bovine cousins, possess remarkable distinctions. Unlike cattle, bison exhibit a peculiar behavior when confronted with a snowstorm; they pivot into its icy embrace, for their innate wisdom guides them to seek swifter passage through it's adversity, embracing the tempest to hasten their journey to shelter.  Your action for today is to recognize that the fastest way through a storm, is into the the storm. What challenge at work or home can you face today and get through quicker than by avoiding it? Design An Extraordinary Day! 2022 The Day We Met Whiskey 👉 Get After It / Take Action Archives 👈We work 100% By Referral!Our experienced team is coached by the #1 businesscoaching company in North America:Buffini & Company for over 20 ... 04/07/2024

Happy Sunday to you all!Wishing Denver was "in the path of totality", but then again, don't want the city to be flooded with people either.   So, maybe it is OK.   Will see it on the news.The wind has been ferocious over the last couple of days.    We have had wind gusts over 90 miles an hour.   Right now, there are 88,000 homes with no power, as our utility company has turned it off to ensure they don't start a fire.   We are SO dry, and this wind doesn't help anything.   We have seen a few fires over the last couple of days, but luckily, nothing huge.   Hopefully, the power will be on later today for those without.   (mine never went off)Went on a hike to Castlewood Canyon Friday when the weather wasn't too windy, and saw 74 degrees!   Perfect day for a good walk.    There was still s... 04/07/2024

Trivia question answers for Saturday April 6, 20231. Which president gave the longest inaugural speech? William Henry Harrison2. What type of bridge is the Golden Gate Bridge? Suspension Bridge3. Which U.S. state is smallest by land area? Rhode Island4. What was Henry Ford's original design for a car called? QuadricycleTrivia questions for Sunday April 7, 20231. The logo of Mack trucks is a what?2. What was the last album recorded by The Beetles?3. What name was given to EuroDisney?4. What part of the wine bottle is the punt? Enjoy your day..  04/07/2024

  2 pounds (750g) well marbled chuck roast steak, 2 inches thick 1 head (383g) broccoli, chopped into large florets 4 garlic cloves, roughly minced 1 tablespoon (15g) ginger, roughly diced 1 tablespoon (15ml) peanut oil Black pepper, salt, and brown sugar to taste Chicken Stock Mixture: 1 cup (250ml) unsalted chicken stock 2 tablespoons (30ml) regular soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) dark soy sauce ½ tablespoon (7.5ml) oyster sauce 1 teaspoon five spice powder ¼ teaspoon sesame oil Thickener: 2 – 3 tablespoons cold water + 2 ½ tablespoons (22.5g) cornstarch p 1Prepare Pressure Cooker Heat up your pressure cooker over medium high heat Instant Pot: press Sauté button and click Adjust button to go to Sauté More function Make sure your pot is as hot as it can be Instant Pot: wait until the ind... 04/07/2024

Have you ever noticed how beautiful the vegetables are displayed in some of the grocery stores?  One of my favorite Fresh Food Markets has some of the most creative and eye catching displays.Some look so inviting like this beautiful photo I took of a display of fresh asparagus and cauliflower.It's like they're just begging you to take them home and cook up something deliciousApparently there is actually a strategy behind how they display them.First off, they put the best-looking veggies right at the front of the store or in the most visible spots. That way, they catch your eye as soon as you walk in.And have you ever noticed how neat and organized everything looks? They arrange the veggies in these perfect piles or rows, mixing up the colors and textures to make them look extra appealin... 04/06/2024

Today is Worth Singing About! Caturday's are meant for catching up with paperwork, house chores or for spending time in the garden. Slinky and I would meet quite often in Nerdin Gardens. She would happily supervise in between cat naps and chin scratches, while her tiny paws gently padded their way into my heart. Every day is an opportunity to improve relationships by reaching out to those who matter, even if it's just a satisfying belly rub. Happy Caturday all!    04/06/2024