Just for Fun

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

Trivia question answers for Sunday January 19, 20251. What are the fastest and strongest global winds called? Jet streams2. Who performed the first human heart transplant? Dr Chris Barnard3. What is the smallest state in the US?  Rhode Island4. Where did the croissant originate? AustriaTrivia questions for Monday January 20, 20251. In astronomy what is a "WIMP"?2. What does the WD stand for in WD40?3. What is the plural form of vortex?4. Who will take the oath of office today and become the 47th US President?Enjoy your day. 01/20/2025

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 will list three more of the ten dogs with incredible memories.GERMAN SHEPPARDGerman Shepherds are admired for their intelligence and memory, which make them ideal working dogs. Often used in police and military roles, they are quick learners and retain information effectively. This breed is known for its loyalty and protective nature.German Shepherds excel in obedience and agility training. Their ability to remember commands and t... 01/20/2025

Motivational Monday…My Four Pillars Did you ever have a moment when your heart was so full of JOY you wanted to bottle it up and save it?  Yes..you’ve had them…at least I hope you have . Often mine may seem a bit silly or trivial to some…for example when Justin Verlander returned to Houston in 2023. My grandson texted me and my neighbor ran across the street to share the good news. Not so trivial was the joy our whole family felt on Raffe’s adoption day.   Joy is part of what I call my 4 pillars in my life that are important to me. They are what support me, strengthen me, and keep me going.  LOVE   HOPE   FAITH   JOY  I woke up this morning with all 4 of them in alignment…just as all of the planets are supposed to be in alignment this month.  Faith and Hope go hand in hand for me. I can... 01/20/2025

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. The laughter doesn't stop there—they share these puns on Instagram, drawing in admirers like our very own Myrl Jeffcoat, Kathy Streib, and chef Endre Barath, Jr.! Notably, Debe Maxwell, CRS, is also in on the fun. In a world where a daily chuckle is a necessity, following El Arroyo's Instagram for the latest pun ... 01/24/2025

January 20th Puzzle - National Cheese Lover's 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. 01/20/2025

Talking Bout My GenerationWho are you?  In some ways when you were born defines a lot about you.   Then society looks at you as a group and makes studies about you. See the above graphic.   So it got me wondering about what my newest grandchild would be called and what my grandparents where called.  So here is the 411 on generations.  Thanks to my assistant AIME.  So where do you fit in?   And does anyone else miss the Busters title rather than Gen X?  I’m at the end of the boomers. Naming generations began in the 19th and 20th centuries as sociologists, historians, and writers sought to group people by shared experiences and societal influences. However, the widespread practice of assigning distinct names to generations became more systematic in the 20th century. Here's an overview:The... 01/19/2025

All Day Earl Grey™ Orange Marmalade Black TeaMy blogging beverage, All Day Earl Grey™ Orange Marmalade Black Tea, was served by Chef Dolores. If you enjoy tea, this is a selection that you should try. Click on the link to reach The Republic of Tea website website. The container holds 36 tea bags and is priced at $13.00. An Elegant Tea MomentSavor the refined flavors of teatime with this decadent blend. Rich black tea, lifted by citrusy-floral bergamot and juicy orange, pairs beautifully with freshly baked scones. This delightful twist on a timeless classic brings the charm of teatime with friends or whenever you need a comforting pause. Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2595Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4, 1/640 sec., ISO-125, 11 mm, No FlashPhotograph by R... 01/20/2025

Trivia question answers for Saturday January 18, 20251. What does Lilo give Stitch to drink in a baby bottle? Coffee2. What is the largest country wholly within Europe? Ukraine3. How many rivers does Saudi Arabia have? None4. The Pope is protected by soldiers from what country? SwitzerlandTrivia questions for Sunday January 19, 20251. What are the fastest and strongest global winds called?2. Who performed the first human heart transplant?3. What is the smallest state in the US? 4. Where did the croissant originate?Enjoy your day. 01/19/2025

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 article, I will introduce two of the ten dogs with incredible memories.Border CollieBorder Collies are often regarded as the most intelligent dog breed. Their exceptional memory and quick learning abilities make them popular in dog sports and herding competitions. This breed thrives on mental stimulation and can remember commands with minimal repetition.Border Collies are highly energetic and require ample exercise to match their cognitiv... 01/19/2025

January 19th Puzzle - National Popcorn 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. 01/19/2025

What Is Pet Insurance?If you buy insurance for your pet, expect to pay about $40 a month or less than $500 yearly for a basic policy. In exchange, your pet can receive emergency care at a veterinarian near you that would cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of pocket without insurance. Many pet policies cover expensive treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy for cancer, and prescription medications.Some policies also provide preventive care such as vaccines and well visits. However, many insurers do not cover pets that have existing health conditions, such as hereditary problems.Even if your pet never gets sick or has an injury that requires you to use pet insurance, coverage may give you peace of mind. Otherwise, you could end up with a costly bill or a difficult decisi... 01/18/2025

It is only 12 degrees at 2 pm today (Saturday) and was thinking of something that would be warming!   I had made this a few years ago and thought it was very good.Prep Time: 10 min.   Total - 2 hours 55 min.Serves 4-6 Ingredients:5-6 Bone-in chicken thighs1/3 cup honey1/3 cup soy sauce1 T rice wine vinegar (I put in less)1 T toasted sesame Oil (optional)  I didn't have, so didn't add1 T vegetable oil1/2 c green onions, sliced (about 4-5 green onions)1 1/2 T minced ginger (about 4-5 cloves1 1/2 T minced garlic1 1/2 cups rice2 cups chicken stock (can substitute water)Salt & pepper to taste Directions:Preheat oven to 400°.In a large bowl or resealable zip-lock bag, add the chicken, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Squeeze out the excess air from the bag and tightly seal it; gentl... 01/18/2025