Just for Fun

Black Box Pinot NoirIf you enjoy Pinot Noir wines and are seeking a selection with a very reasonable price, you will want to try the Black Box Pinot Noir. The 3 L box is equivalent to four 750 ML bottles of wine and is easy to serve and takes up less shelf space. It is priced at $15.99 at Total Wine and More. I paid $16.99 less a 10% discount at our local Shoppers store in Germantown, Maryland. Product HighlightsCalifornia - Features enticing aromas of strawberry and red cherry with complementary notes of toasty oak. Fresh berry and cocoa flavors lead to a delicate, lingering finish. Water Lily, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 5883Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/320 sec., ISO-80, 30 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 01/23/2025

Trivia question answers for Tuesday January 21, 20251. What flavor is Cointreau? Orange2. What country has trick-or-treating on Easter? Sweden3. Who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates? Paul Allen4. Which country invented the sauna? FinlandTrivia questions for Wednesday January 22, 20251. Who directed the movie "The Godfather"?2. What is the universal solvent?3. What year gave birth to the word "motel"?4. Who painted the Mona Lisa? Enjoy your day. 01/22/2025

The last two dogs from the series, '10 Dog Breeds with Exceptional Memory.'Belgian MalinoisBelgian Malinois are respected for their intelligence and strong memory. Often used in police and military roles, their ability to learn and remember commands is unmatched. This breed is energetic and thrives in active environments.Malinois excel in obedience and agility training, showcasing their mental acuity. Regular exercise and challenges keep them content and engaged. Belgian Malinois form strong bonds with their handlers, offering loyalty and companionship. Their impressive memory and intelligence make them reliable partners in various tasks and roles. Proper training is key to harnessing their full potential.PapillonPapillons are small yet intelligent dogs, known for their remarkable memor... 01/22/2025

Warm up with Cowboy Stew! Packed with beef, sausage, beans, and veggies, it’s a hearty, customizable dish perfect for cozy nights and family meals.Ingredients          2 pounds ground beef          4 cans (16 ounces each) baked beans          8 hot dogs, sliced           1/2 cup barbecue sauce           1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseDirections In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 4-6 minutes or until flavors are blended.   Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/   01/22/2025

When I went to bed Monday night, it was a crisp 31 degrees, and I caught a glimpse of snowflakes and sleet starting to dance in the air. Fast forward to this morning—hello, winter wonderland! I woke up to a frosty 26 degrees and a delicate blanket of snow covering everything.Okay, maybe it was less than an inch (thanks for keeping us grounded, weather folks), but for Austin, that’s a big deal! Schools were closed, a severe weather warning was issued until 6 pm, and everyone went into full "Texas snowstorm mode."By 10 am, the sun decided to join the party, and the great melt began. Tomorrow promises a wild weather rollercoaster with temps starting at 23 degrees and climbing to a sunny 49. Classic Texas, right? Around here, we say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes!”Che... 01/21/2025

Or it could be Cyndi Lauper's voice.There are a few common reasons for a squeak in a home, they are:Door hinges: Easy to fix or just live with. Using a lubricant is cheap and easy but draws dirt and dust to the problem. Our front door squeaks loudly but we let it go as we certainly know when someone has entered out home. Floor boards: NOT easy to fix, especially on a home without a basement or a home with a finished basement. One needs to weigh the annoyance against the cost of fixing this problem.Mice: Fairly easy to fix. A little peanut butter on a traditional mouse trap is what I use. I have had a couple of mice wander onto the glue traps I use to catch insects and spiders and I hate to see this as I don't feel it is a humane way to do away with them. I have never used poisons as tha... 01/23/2025

Just before Christmas, a stunning amaryllis found its way into my home. Its first stem boasted four magnificent flowers, each petal a vibrant splash of crimson against the winter gloom. When that first stem eventually withered away, I assumed the floral spectacle was over until the next year. Little did I know, this resilient beauty had other plans.In the middle of January, just when the post-holiday blues threatened to settle in, the amaryllis surprised me once again. A new stem emerged, adorned not with just one or two but with a resplendent cluster of six blossoms. Each flower seemed to symbolize a testament to resilience and hope, blooming defiantly against the chill of winter.These amaryllis bulbs held a special place in our family's traditions. We gifted them to Mom every Mother's... 01/21/2025

January 22nd Puzzle - National Hot Sauce 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. 01/22/2025

Trivia question answers for Monday January 20, 20251. In astronomy what is a "WIMP"? Weekly interacting massive particle2. What does the WD stand for in WD40? Water displacement3. What is the plural form of vortex? Vortices4. Who will take the oath of office today and become the 47th US President? Donald J TrumpTrivia questions for Tuesday January 21, 20251. What flavor is Cointreau?2. What country has trick-or-treating on Easter?3. Who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates?4. Which country invented the sauna?Enjoy your day. 01/21/2025

Get Ready for a Tasty Weekend of Chocolate Delights! Introduction If you think chocolate is just a treat, think again! It’s an experience, a celebration, and a beloved ritual, especially during the Harvard Square Taste of Chocolate Weekend. Mark your calendar because from January 27 to January 29, 2025, this festive chocolate extravaganza will take over the Square, showering you with the sweetest delights. Chocolate Heaven Awaits Picture this: you stroll into Harvard Square, where the air is rich with the heavenly scent of chocolate. The Harvard Square Business Association is rolling out a delicious experience you won’t want to miss! Local restaurants and cafes are crafting creative chocolate-infused dishes that will amaze your taste buds. Think chocolate appetizers, entrees, and desser... 01/24/2025

We love our dogs for their unconditional love they give us. We love their loyalty and their companionship. There are dogs that stand out more than others when it comes to possessing remarkable cognitive skills.  In an Epic Dogs Tales article (written by Samira Patel), she explores 10 dog breeds that fall into the remarkable cognitive category.  In this post, I continue to introduce three additional dogs with incredible memories.Labrador RetrieverLabrador Retrievers are popular for their friendly demeanor and intelligence. Their memory skills allow them to excel in various roles, from family pets to working dogs. Labradors are quick learners and enjoy training sessions that challenge their minds.This breed’s adaptability and intelligence make them suitable for diverse environments. Labra... 01/21/2025

Tuesday’s Treasures…My Squirrels Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day. Oh yes, I am aware that many do not appreciate squirrels and the havoc they bring to your home, especially when they choose to make your attic their playground. Larry and I went out Sunday to Meyer Park looking for Mr. NoTail. He usually comes up to us and sometimes will follow us for more peanuts. We didn’t see him but I was excited when two other squirrels came up to us.  Lately I’ve seen Instagram posts (Angie Harmon) of people with pet or pet-adjacent squirrels.   When we moved back to Houston, it took me almost a year to gain the trust of a resident squirrel to take a peanut from me. You can learn more about squirrels or if not go out and buy a bag of raw peanuts for them. By the way, they may not tell you, but th... 01/21/2025

A recipe from the kitchen of Will Hamm.  Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins Additional Time: 10 mins Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins Servings: 8 1 (3 pound) whole chicken 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 2 cups all-purpose flour dash salt 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon vegetable oil   Directions Remove any giblets, rinse the chicken with cold water, and place it into a large saucepan of water. Add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a medium low, and simmer about 1 hour, skimming foam from the broth, until the chicken meat is tender. Mix the flour with a dash of salt in a bowl. With your fingers, make a depression in the top of the flour and drop in the eggs. Add the oil, and stir the eggs into the flour to make a stiff dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, ... 01/24/2025

A recipe from the kitchen of Will Hamm.    Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 4 servings 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained and liquid reserved 1 rib celery, sliced ¼ cup chopped onion ⅓ cup brown rice 2 teaspoons minced garlic ¼ teaspoon dried thyme ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning ¼ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper 4 chicken thighs with skin and bones 1 tablespoon olive oil salt and pepper to taste Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Combine mushrooms, celery, onion, rice, and garlic in an ungreased 10-inch baking dish. Sprinkle thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper on top. Add enough water to reserved mushroom liquid to measure 3/4 cup and pour over rice mixture in the baking dish. Place... 01/23/2025

January 21st Puzzle - National Granola Bar 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. 01/21/2025

"We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." – Jim Rohn Self-discipline is the foundation of greatness. It’s the quiet strength that empowers us to trade fleeting comforts for lasting triumphs. It asks us to choose purpose over distraction, resilience over ease, and the promise of a better tomorrow over the allure of immediate gratification. With self-discipline, we forge resilience and cultivate perseverance. It enables us to face setbacks with courage, transform obstacles into stepping stones, and keep our eyes fixed firmly on our aspirations. Beyond action, self-discipline deepens self-awareness and mastery. It helps us understand the patterns of thought and behavior tha... 01/20/2025

"We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." – Jim RohnSelf-discipline is the foundation of greatness. It’s the quiet strength that empowers us to trade fleeting comforts for lasting triumphs. It asks us to choose purpose over distraction, resilience over ease, and the promise of a better tomorrow over the allure of immediate gratification.With self-discipline, we forge resilience and cultivate perseverance. It enables us to face setbacks with courage, transform obstacles into stepping stones, and keep our eyes fixed firmly on our aspirations.Beyond action, self-discipline deepens self-awareness and mastery. It helps us understand the patterns of thought and behavior that ho... 01/20/2025

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. - EpictetusCommunication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life. - Brian TracyTake advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people. - Jim RohnTrust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships. - Stephen Covey   01/20/2025

Listen along as I discuss a unique spiritual self-study program that I have been reading, A Course in Miracles. This course walks you through the connection to God and your fellow humans as we are all united as one. Learn to live your truth consistently and give yourself a profound sense of peace. The lessons within A Courses in Miracles are meant to teach you happiness, peace, joy and love. I hope that you will be able to enjoy these clips and shift your thoughts and energy, thereby attracting positivity into your life.  Lesson #96 -- Experience Peace Now     Lesson #97-- Experiencing Peace Through God's Love       Lesson #98-- Clarifications And Controversy     Lesson #99-- The Real World       Lesson #100-- God Takes You Where You Are At     Reminder not to judge yourself, someone el... 01/20/2025

Come on, it may be Monday, but you could use an extra smile today, right? So, how about a look at some of the latest humor?  Sit back, make it look like you are working hard on some research, and enjoy! Hope you are able have at least a grin.  And now this is the latest installment of Mayhem Merriment Monday.  01/20/2025