Just for Fun

Journal Entry for February 17, 2026 Thanks to Kathy Streib and Lise Howe I learned a lot today. It's Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse! Here are the links for Kathy and Lise. Their posts are very educational and interesting! In case you missed it, both are a MUST read - and don't forget to comment on their own blog posts too!  Happy New Year-Happy Year of the Horse by Kathy StreibThe Year of the Fire Horse 2026 by Lise HoweI was curious about which famous people were born in 1966, 60 years ago! In case you're curious, the famous people are listed below.  List of Famous People Born in 1966 - Source: CoPilot Adam Sandler (September 9, 1966) -An acclaimed American actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for his roles in popular comedies such as Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and The Wate... 02/17/2026

Moving to Abu Dhabi can feel like stepping into a new luxurious level of life—sleek, well-organized, and built to impress. You quickly realize that the real advantage is knowing the order of steps behind the scenes. Most relocations go sideways for one boring reason. People treat housing, paperwork, and transport as separate “projects,” then wonder why the calendar starts biting back. If you want predictable mobility while you settle down, a car rental without a deposit in Abu Dhabi can be a practical bridge between arrival and long-term routine.That one decision can shift your day from “I’ll try to make it work” to “I’ll sort it out after lunch,” which is a quiet kind of control and a real kind of relief. What follows are the usual steps that keep your first month in Abu Dhabi organize... 02/17/2026

I needed new pillows, king sized.So after a trip to the stores with so many pillows to choose from and so little help from sales staff, and free shipping offered online, I decided to order them.  It may have been a good idea because I learned something new.The box shown above arrived through the mail! Surprise! What was it? How could those huge pillows be backed in that small box? I solicited the help from daughter to open the strange package.  Inside was a stranger item and we started carefully unwrapping. Each unwrap made it a bit bigger, sorta like it might EXPLOAD! !!!! AND IT DID!!!!  To what you see above!  Daughter and I had by then backed up several feet!!  And had learned something new!!  Strange, isn't it!  02/17/2026

In honor of Presidents’ Day, I love recommending day trips that blend fresh scenery, American history, and — if you’re anything like my husband and me — a great meal somewhere new. One of my favorite themes? Exploring presidential homes near Washington, DC.The Mid-Atlantic is rich with beautifully preserved estates, birthplaces, and retreats connected to U.S. presidents. Many are surprisingly close to one another, making them ideal for an easy weekend outing or even a spontaneous weekday adventure.If you’re homeschooling, entertaining visiting guests, or simply looking for meaningful things to do beyond the usual museums, these destinations truly make history come alive.Let’s start right here in Washington.President Lincoln’s CottageTucked away on a hilltop in Northwest DC, this quietly... 02/16/2026

On occasion I will read or participate on a blog that is part of the "Notary Cafe". I came across a story I thought some of us may identify with when it comes to a Real Estate nightmare. My thanks to Gary F of takenotenotaryservices for his story. This is Gary's story Not mine.My last signing for 2025 was a sellers in my city. Simple 24 page packet, sign scan, drop, no problem. Or it should have been. I arrived at the house and the people were loading up their car to move out. The lady said I am embarrassed to take you in the house. I played it off and said it will be ok. After about 10 minutes and a few pages into the signing I realized it wouldn’t be ok. They had no table to sign at so we used a sofa table and made it work. The not ok part came when I noticed bugs on the table we were... 02/16/2026

Book Recommendation: Too Deep To Cross by Kerri HakodaToo Deep To Cross (Scheduled publication date: May 26, 2026, Crooked Lane Books) is the new novel by author Kerri Hakoda. This book is a sequel of her debut novel, Cold To The Touch. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and her books.Homicide Detective DeHavilland Beans is back in his hometown with a case much more dangerous—and personal—than it seems.Told through multiple points of view, this thrilling sequel to Cold to the Touch is perfect for fans of Alice Henderson and Dana Stabenow.A shocking discovery on a remote beach brings Detective DeHavilland Beans back to his Yukon River hometown—and a missing person's case turns into a murder investigation. On administrative leave after an unsettling offi... 02/17/2026

A little Presidents Day trivia for your morning coffee. Turns out George Washington himself didn’t make a big fuss about his birthday. No parades, no sheet cake, no “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” merch. Mount Vernon’s records don’t show any big celebrations at all. Fast‑forward a couple centuries and the holiday becomes… a shopping weekend. Once it moved to Monday in 1971, retailers jumped on it, and by the 80s we were knee‑deep in “Presidents’ Day Sales” with flags, eagles, and Mount Rushmore in every ad. And the cherry pie thing? That comes from the completely made‑up story about Washington chopping down a cherry tree. Not true, but the pie tradition stuck anyway. America loves a good myth. One tradition that is real: every year the Senate reads Washington’s entire Farewell Address ... 02/16/2026

Born: May 29, 1917, at his family home in Brookline, MassachusettsDied: November 22, 1963 in Dallas Texas Buried in Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, Virginia) John F. Kennedy served one of the shortest terms of any president, yet his presidency is among the most legendary in American history.  As one of the most written-about presidents in history, it is a challenge to find any information about JFK that feels fresh.  “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”  -John F. Kennedy “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”  -John F. KennedyBorn: May 29, 1917, at his family home in Brookline, MassachusettsDied: November 22, 1963 in Dalla... 02/17/2026

Sunshine Citrus Crunch SaladA fresh, sweet-savory classic with a modern twistBright, crisp, and just a little nostalgic, Sunshine Citrus Crunch Salad is one of those recipes that disappears fast wherever it’s served. The combination of tender greens, juicy mandarin oranges and warm candied almonds is balanced perfectly by a light, tangy homemade dressing. It’s simple, timeless and always a crowd-pleaser.🥗 IngredientsFor the Salad 1 head lettuce, chopped 1 bunch romaine, chopped 2 cups fresh spinach 2 stalks celery, sliced 2 green onions (with tops), sliced 1 (11-oz) can mandarin oranges, well drained Candied Almonds ¼ cup sliced almonds 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon sugar Dressing ¼ cup oil 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley ½ te... 02/15/2026

Every year on February 16th, and this year on Monday February 16, 2026, we celebrate unofficial Happy National No One Eats Alone Day.National No One Eats Alone Day was started in 2012 by a handful of schools in California. Now, more than 2,000 schools in all 50 states participate in National No One Eats Alone Day, impacting millions of students.No One Eats Alone Day was created by students for students, then this positive celebration incorporated into our everyday life with everyone.When we someone eating alone we can start with a compliment, find something in common, mention a movie you saw this recently, tell a funny story about yourself, and other positive things.I want to wish everyone on ActiveRain community a Happy National No One Eats Alone Day. 02/15/2026

Motivational Monday…Encourage It If you’re a parent, you may have had a child who has endless questions. Or you may have worked with someone who has more questions than you can answer.  They might be considered annoying; however, where would we be without the innovations that were born from a single question?Being curious about something is the fuel for creativity and learning. On our walk, I observed an adult and their child. The child was watching a spider building a web on a bush. I’d stopped as well to watch.  I grabbed my phone and started filming. This was one of those unscripted moments in nature you don’t often get to see.   The mother was not the least bit interested and hurried her child along, saying, “It’s just a spider.”Perhaps they were on a schedule, but it was a missed o... 02/16/2026

This will be my fourth entry to the February challenge cohosted by Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran. Thank you for cohosting the challenge.I have had the opportunity to read several entries and all provide new insight about those highlighted. Like many I was having a hard time choosing who to post about as so many over the years have caused me to learn and think about things. I choose an earlier entry to name some of those people and acknowledge their contribution. This morning I read a post from Debe Maxwell, CRS and commented on it. It started me thinking about his entry. I have always cherished quiet time to reflect and ponder but not as seriously as Michael Jacobs. When I joined Active Rain and finally became active one of the first people I followed was Michael. His posts always ca... 02/15/2026

Being a 3-day weekend, not much is happening at my listing, so I was able to settle in on Saturday evening and scroll through the movie list.I really love action movies, but this one looked good, especially after I watched the trailer.   Having a rebellious teenager in the house is always tumultuous, and this movie showcased this with Miley Cyrus.   Kelly Preston and Greg Kinnear also star in this film.It has some romance, some drama, and of course, some sad moments where I cried.   Things we have gone through ourselves.This movie was filmed in 2010, so many of you probably have already seen it, but you can find it on -  HULU Tubi Disney+ YouTube Apple TV Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home I enjoyed this movie, and if you decide to watch it, hope you do as well.   02/16/2026

Benjamin Franklin was a polymath, inventor, and Founding Father who signed the Declaration of Independence at age 70.Why did Benjamin Franklin sign the Declaration of Independence? He believed in liberty, Enlightenment ideals, and the need to break from British tyranny.What happened to Benjamin Franklin after 1776? He secured France’s support, helped draft the U.S. Constitution, and shaped the young republic until his death in 1790.   🖋️ Hero Quote:  "We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." — Benjamin Franklin   🧱 The Life Behind the Signature   Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence—and arguably the sassiest. He risked it all for liberty.   📦 Summary—Who was Benjamin Franklin?   Benjamin Franklin was a polymath, ... 02/16/2026

Today is Sunday, and time for some rambling about the week, SHUCKS, no football, but a bit of real estate!This was the week I had on my calendar to list my house - but probably not a really good choice - President's Weekend, and Valentine's Day.   Although I did have a showing yesterday, I truly thought I would see an offer.  They were here for AN HOUR!    Feedback came back - afterall, they loved my home, but liked another layout better, and will wait for one to come on the market.   Thinking it would be slower, so decided to turn some things back to active on Facebook, and got rid of a few more things from the garage and basement.  YIPPEE!I now dream of Portugal, and really sad to see so much flooding and devastation.  Luckily, not a whole lot of damage in the Algarve, most of it was ... 02/15/2026

Book Recommendation: A Killer Clue by Victoria GilbertA Killer Clue (2024, Crooked Lane Books) is the second novel of the Hunter and Clewe Books series by author Victoria Gilbert. I have enjoyed the three books in this series and recommend them for your reading pleasure. Click on the link to learn more about the author and her books. You will also want to read her Blue Ridge Library Mysteries.When Eloise Anderson, the owner of an antiquarian bookshop, arrives at the grand Aircroft estate to ask retired librarian Jane Hunter and eccentric collector Cameron Clewe for help, Jane and Cam expect a bookish inquiry. But the bookseller has a different sort of assistance in mind—clearing her mother’s name of a murder Eloise is convinced she didn’t commit.Eloise’s mother has just died after spend... 02/16/2026

Starting my Sunday morning out with Buttermilk Pancakes!  I think it is a good morning to make some Buttermilk Pancakes and sausage links with hash browns. Here is my Buttermilk Pancake recipe from my parents restaurant that I would make lots of every Sunday morning. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoon white sugar 3 teaspoons baking power 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoons salt 3 cups buttermilk 1/2 cup milk 3 eggs 1/3 cup butter, melted 1.  In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar baking powder, baking soda and salt.  In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter.  Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook. 2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle to medium high.  I would always flick water across the surface and if it beats up and... 02/15/2026

  Prep Time: 10 mins Total Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 10 mins     Ingredients: 2 c. almonds 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. brown sugar 1 tbsp. cinnamon pinch of salt 1/3 c. water melted white chocolate   Directions: Combine sugars, cinnamon, salt and water in a large skillet over medium heat. When the sugar has dissolved, stir in the almonds. Stir constantly until the almonds are completely coated and the sugar crystallizes, about 8-10 minutes. The mixture should be dry. Remove from heat and transfer almonds to parchment paper to cool. Drizzle with melted white chocolate. Let set for 10 minutes. Serve at room temperature. 02/15/2026

A recipe from the kitchen of Hannah Williams.This is a good recipe to try during this holiday weekend. Let me know what you think! I am going to suggest this recipe to Chef Dolores as well.Happy Valentine's Day!  Apple Coffee Cake  8x8  baking pan, preheat over 350 degrees  2 cups of flour  1 1/2 cups of white sugar  1/4cup of veg oil 1/14  of melted butter  2 tsp of cinnamon 1 tsp of vanilla  1 tsp of almond extract 1/3 cup of sour cream    1 large apple, cubed ( add a handful of nuts or raisins if desired)  1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda   It is important to choose a large sweet apple  Whisk all dry ingredients  together  In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients, then add them to the dry ingredients, except for the cubed apples—add them at the end. If adding nuts or raisins,... 02/14/2026

Love at first sight is real — especially when it comes to the right home. This Valentine’s season, don’t leave it to chance. Whether you’re searching for “the one” or ready to say goodbye to your current sweetheart, I’ll help you close with confidence. Shot through the heart? Good. That means it’s the perfect match.- 52 02/14/2026