Just for Fun

Ten things you probably do not know about my past: 1.  I'm from Pennsylvania, specifically the Pennsylvania Dutch area. 2. My parents owned a restaurant. Starting at age 5, my job was to milk the cow every night - which meant draining the soft serve ice cream machine.  3.  My dad had a baker route - selling bread to houses in the country. Since the elementary school was one of his customers, he would drive my brother and me to school every morning. The van had a small passenger seat where my brother sat. Once I wanted to sit there, so I pushed my brother out the open door into the ditch while the van was in motion. This was the beginning of trouble for me at the early age of 7. 4.  I worked at my parents' restaurant until I graduated from high school. During that time I had lots of gir... 08/18/2026

Please forgive the fact that this Saturday Soundess post is coming out on a Tuesday. Way too much going on this weekend. I do think this is a topic worth diving in to so I wanted to get it out there.Most of us have heard of GLP because the pharma ads are all over the TV, social media, etc. Many understand that these drugs help people lose weight and are the rage. But at what cost to our overall health? This post is going to dive into what a GLP is from the basics.GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It's a hormone your body naturally makes, mostly after you eat. It's like your digestive system has a little messenger named GLP-1. When food arrives, GLP-1 starts sending messages around your body: “Hey, there's food in here. We better slow things down and use this food wisely.”Your br... 08/18/2026

  WE STRESS TOO MUCH OVER THINGS THAT, IN THE BIG PICTURE, REALLY DON’T MATTER. ❤️Life can change in an instant, so make sure you actually LIVE it. Spend time with the people you love. Laugh more. Take the trip. Make the memories. Appreciate the little things. Stop waiting for the “perfect” time.And remember…If you don’t take care of YOU, who will? 💯Your health. Your happiness. Your peace. Your time.Those are things you can’t buy back.Don’t spend your whole life preparing to live someday. LIVE TODAY. 🙏❤️#LiveLife #MakeMemories #TakeCareOfYou #LifeIsShort #EnjoyTheMoment #FamilyFirst #PositiveMindset #JustCallWilliam 08/18/2026

Who Knew? Right Side Up/Upside Down My niece’s husband was over this weekend, and I learned something from him!  While I was refilling a pill case, I asked him why they put the small amount of pills I had in a large bottle instead of the smaller ones.  His answer was simple… sometimes they don’t have the smaller bottles! However, that’s not what I learned. I’ll bet many of you already know you can do this, but I didn’t!  If you have arthritis or have trouble opening the lids with the thumb tab, you can turn them upside down. Then just screw the lid on. It turns them into an easy-to-open screw lid.   Did you know this??Don’t you love the simple things in life? 08/18/2026

Trivia question answers for Monday August 17, 20261. Who was the first left-hander serve two terms as US President? Bill Clinton2. What is a brigand? An armed bandit3. The Flintstones lived in what city? Bedrock4. How many US states have names which are only four letters long? ThreeTrivia questions for Tuesday August 18, 20261. What is the term for an organism that lives on or inside another?2. Who performed the first human heart transplant?3. Who created the TV show "Wheel of Fortune"?4. What planet has the shortest day, at 10 hours? Enjoy your day.  08/18/2026

If you enjoy watching hummingbirds around your porch or garden, now is not the time to put those feeders away. In fact, late summer and early fall can be some of the busiest weeks of the year at a hummingbird feeder.Here in Upstate South Carolina, we are used to seeing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds throughout the summer. As we move through August and September, however, something begins to change. Hummingbirds start their fall migration south, and our yards may be visited not only by the birds that spent the summer here, but also by travelers coming through from farther north.That is why I plan to keep my hummingbird feeders out, clean and filled through at least October 15.They Need Energy for the Trip SouthHummingbirds may be tiny, but their migration is anything but small. Most Ruby-thr... 08/17/2026

A man's friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.  -  Charles DarwinYou cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. -   Abraham LincolnLearn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.  -  Albert EinsteinMore business is lost every year through neglect than through any other cause.  - Rose KennedyA dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.  -  Colin PowellEvery day can be a major deal for all of us if you work it with a plan.  -  Will Hamm 08/17/2026

📼☎️ ...DO YOU REMEMBER THESE NORMAL THINGS FROM THE 1990s THAT FEEL COMPLETELY WEIRD TODAY? 😂🔥The 90s were a different world...and somehow we didn't think any of this was strange! 😂🚬 Restaurants had smoking sections📸 You took pictures without knowing how they turned out📼 Friday night meant going to the video store🚪 You knocked on your friend's door to see if they were home💻 The whole family shared ONE computer☎️ You stretched the phone cord as far as it would go for some privacy📅 You made plans and just hoped everyone showed up📻 You waited by the radio to record your favorite song🥣 The best part of a new cereal box was finding the TOY inside!📚 Before Google, you looked it up in an encyclopedia☎️ You called your friend's house and their parents answered📺 You needed a TV Guide to know wha... 08/17/2026

No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.  -  Andrew CarnegieNothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!  -  Audrey HepburnStrength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.  -  Napoleon HillBelieve you can and you're halfway there.  -  Theodore RooseveltWhen you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.  -  Franklin D. RooseveltA good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.  -  PlatoI think it is wise to stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion  -  Will Hamm 08/17/2026

Motivational Monday reminder: One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is confidence in who they are. Encouragement, listening, and reminding them that they are valued can make a lasting difference—especially during times of change and peer pressure. Be yourself, be kind, and know that you are enough! Motivational Monday…One of the Best GiftsYou Can Give Your Child We had a small family gathering this weekend to celebrate Raffe’s birthday. While I love our big family gatherings, the smaller group allowed me to spend more time with the kids.  Mini-me is now about ½ inch taller than I am and at the age when peer pressure can take its toll. Last week was her first day of middle school. She was worried that she wouldn’t have anyone to eat lunch with.  Would she make new friends? T... 08/17/2026

Columbus ArborFest Returns to Whetstone Park August 22If you're looking for something fun, free and outdoors to do in Columbus this weekend, put the third annual Columbus ArborFest on your calendar.Columbus ArborFest 2026 takes place Saturday, August 22, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Whetstone Park in Clintonville. This free, family-friendly event celebrates something we sometimes take for granted in Central Ohio — our trees, parks and natural environment.And Whetstone Park is a pretty hard location to beat.What You'll Find at ArborFestArborFest has grown into much more than an event just for people who know their oaks from their maples.Visitors can enjoy: Live music Food trucks Guided nature and tree walks A native plant sale A sustainable pop-up market Local environmental and nonprofit or... 08/17/2026

Trivia question answers for Sunday August 16, 20261. In "The Farmer in the Dell", what stands alone? The cheese2. What body organ produces insulin? The pancreas3. Which toy's original patented name was the "wirligig"? Yo-yo4. The Easter Lily is a native plant of which country? JapanTrivia questions for Monday August 17, 20261. Who was the first left-hander serve two terms as US President?2. What is a brigand?3. The Flintstones lived in what city?4. How many US states have names which are only four letters long?Enjoy your day.  08/17/2026

It is time to start meeting people here in Quarteira, and am a member of some expat groups on Facebook.  I asked what events there are available, and many responded.   Today, I went to attend a coffee group, that meets every other Monday at 10 am in Vilamoura at a Pastelaria.So, I rode my bike (45 min walk otherwise), and hoped my hair wouldn't look too bad.   It is cloudy, very humid (90%) but it is cooler today.I didn't see a group, only families, and waited an hour, and never saw anyone.  BUT, guess there is space behind the Pastelaria, as someone responded AFTER I left.  I waited an hour, and never thought anyone showed. SHOOT, Next time....  08/17/2026

Every year on August 17th, this year on Monday August 17, 2026 we celebrate unofficial Happy National Pineapple Juice Day.There is no record indicating origin of the Happy National Pineapple juice Day started, it is an annual entertainment we enjoy every year on August 17.Pineapple juice is a tropical drink that delivers a refreshing boost of hydration and Vitamin C, with bright flavors, one sip of pineapple juice transports your taste to the tropics.  Today, we can join millions of people across the globe to hold a celebration and start their day differently on National Pineapple Juice Day.Pineapple juice is a versatile ingredient in the culinary world. With plenty of ways to use it, pineapple juice adds sweetness, slight acidity and a savory balance to any recipe.Pineapple juice is gr... 08/17/2026

Motivational Monday…One of the Best GiftsYou Can Give Your ChildWe had a small family gathering this weekend to celebrate Raffe’s birthday. While I love our big family gatherings, the smaller group allowed me to spend more time with the kids.  Mini-me is now about ½ inch taller than I am and at the age when peer pressure can take its toll. Last week was her first day of middle school. She was worried that she wouldn’t have anyone to eat lunch with.  Would she make new friends? The night before her first day, we talked. My advice…be yourself!  We all love who you are!!You are valuable simply because you exist. Max Lucado  As it turns out, she ended up having lunch with several new friends!   Listening to everyone this weekend only reinforced my belief in the importance of helping young p... 08/17/2026

This year’s garden has surprised me in the best and funniest way. My cucumber plants have exploded, producing far more than any one person could reasonably slice into salads. It’s not exactly the worst problem to have, but after a while you start thinking, How many salads can one gardener make?So, I turned to juicing. With a very full harvest staring me down, juicing became the easiest, healthiest way to use up the extras. What I didn’t expect was how good cucumber juice would make me feel. Cucumbers are naturally hydrating, packed with electrolytes, and full of antioxidants that support skin health, digestion, and overall hydration. It’s like giving your body a refreshing reset.Cucumber juice also plays well with others. You can blend it with celery for extra hydration, spinach for iro... 08/17/2026

What you need to make Apple Crisp is:Apples, peeled and sliced Sugar 1 cup water or apple juice Dash of nutmeg and CinnamonTopping:  1 cup flour, 1 cup Sugar, 1 stick butter  and 1/2 cup Chopped nutsFill 9x13 pan with apples and sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg.  Pour liquid over apples.  Mix topping ingredients using a pastry blender until consistency of cornmeal.  Place topping over apples and bake at 375 degree until brown and buddy.  About 45 mins to 1 hour. 08/16/2026

Every year on August 16th, and this year on Sunday August 16, 2026 we celebrate Happy National Tell a Joke Day.Timing and delivery a joke can be an essential element. Without it, the joke will fall flat, and be sure to know the audience.There is no record indicating origin of the Happy National Tell a Joke Day started, it is an annual entertainment we enjoy every year on August 16.We can celebrate the Happy National Tell a Joke Day, by telling joke to family members, friends, neighbors, or anyone.I want to wish to everyone at Active Rain community a Happy National Tell a Joke Day. 08/16/2026

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins Active Time: 4 hours Makes: 12   Ingredients:  12 lemon Oreos 2 8-oz. bars cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. powdered sugar 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. lemon zest 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract pinch of kosher salt 2 c. heavy cream 1/4 c. blueberry preserves Directions: Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners then place an Oreo into the bottom of each cup. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth, then beat in powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla and salt. Add heavy cream and beat until fluffy and stiff peaks fork. Spoon cream cheese mixture over Oreos. Using a small spoon, dollop a small amount of blueberry preserves into the center of each cheesecake. Use a toothpick (or a small skewer) to swirl. R... 08/16/2026

Late summer in South Carolina means fresh peaches, and there are few better ways to enjoy them than in a bowl of homemade peach ice cream.Peaches are one of those fruits that taste even better when you buy them locally and let them ripen on the kitchen counter. When they are soft, sweet, and juicy, they are perfect for homemade ice cream.This simple recipe doesn't require many ingredients.Homemade Peach Ice CreamIngredients 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped 1 cup sugar, divided 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 cup whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon lemon juice Pinch of salt DirectionsPlace the chopped peaches in a bowl with 1/2 cup of the sugar and the lemon juice. Stir well and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This gives the peaches time to release their natural j... 08/16/2026