Just for Fun

My daughter Carrie Ann had the honor of being filmed last month with her husband for this gorgeous resort in Madagascar. Mazava Loha Resort is located in a remote area in the north. The owner, Gregory started the resort from scratch. In her own words she says, "The team's hospitality spirit exceeds traditional 5 star hotels."Both my daughter and her spouse visited many 5 star hotel/resorts from around the world. She has mastered Kitesurfing, Surfing, Windsurfing, and Sailing. She is the one with the long red hair and her Kite is Green. She says the Kitesurfing is EPIC. In addition to the amenities, the snorkeling, hiking, food, and message are excellent. It was her idea to ask me to get the word out about the beautiful Mazava Loha Resort in Madagascar. P.S. The Lemurs are friendly to To... 12/03/2023

I am still looking for that ONE Christmas song that crushes it for 2023. I'm glad I got rave reviews on the one I posted earlier but that was my 2022 Christmas song (I think).I did come across a group I really like named HUMAN NATURE and they do a very nice job but I'm not going to declare them the winners, just entertaining.Human Nature: Let It SnowIf you enjoyed that here is their rendition of White Christmas and Santa Clause Is Coming To Town as well as Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).I will be continuing my search for the absolute best for 2023. 12/03/2023

Speechless Sundays - FriendsAndFurryFriendsmasLast night was our annual Friendsmas. With decades (over 30 years for some) of friendships, we always look forward to the 10 of us being together. As you can see, the fur babies also enjoy this time as they are spoiled absolutely rotten during this 'event!'I am so very grateful for these girls and their spouses - all are like siblings to Ray and I both. If I needed one of them at 3AM, they would not be able to get to me fast enough - and they all know the same goes for me!  It's so nice to have these girls in my life and always great spending time together for the holidays. And, of course, Maddie & Gabby enjoy their company as well.Happy Sunday, y'all! 🐾© Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | Savvy + Company | SavvyBroker@me.com | Sp... 12/03/2023

Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock Intersect with the Beaver MoonIn the 20 years I have lived in Sedona, this is only the second time I have caught the moon setting in the cradle of Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock.  This happens only in the fall from my vantage point in the Cottages At Coffeepot, Sedona.  Conditions need to be perfect. The above photo was taken in late September 2011 with a Canon 5D Mark II full-frame camera on a tripod and a Sigma zoom lens. "I always look up at the Moon and see it as the single most romantic place within the cosmos."Tom HanksThis photo was taken with a hand-held iPhone 11 Pro Max with digital zoom at 10:07 am on Dec 2, 2023. Panorama View of Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock The above image is from my driveway in October 2017Above - Hiking on a... 12/03/2023

Are you looking for some travel inspiration for 2024? Do you want to discover new places, cultures, and adventures that will enrich your life? If so, you're in the right place. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best travel destinations and experiences that will change your life. Whether you're into nature, culture, community, family, or adventure, there's something for everyone on this list. So, grab your passport and get ready to explore the world! Bora Bora, French Polynesia Bora Bora is a tropical paradise that will take your breath away. This 12-square-mile island is surrounded by turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches. You can stay in luxurious overwater bungalows, snorkel with colorful fish, or hike up to the extinct volcano, Mount Otemanu. Bora... 12/03/2023

December 3rd - National Roof Over Your Head 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. 12/03/2023

PHOTO JOURNALISM  by PATRICA FEAGER on 12/3/2023'Tis the Season to feel nostalgic during the month of December. This is Part 3 of my visit to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens on November 29, 2023. Pictures tell a story. Let the journey begin.  You don't have to believe in Santa Claus but celebrating the memories and sharing your family stories brings us all closer together. The Dallas Arborteum and Botanical Gardens created a quaint Christmas Village apart from the Garden but within the Arborteum. The Village is open until the end of month.  What seems so far away is closer than we think. Starting the season early eliminates a lot of crowds and encourages thought provoking ideas and memories. Although there was no street sign outside of Santa's House, I call it Memory Lane. Wh... 12/03/2023

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Reminiscent of the very popular dish King Ranch Chicken in the form a soup. With all the same flavors and the convenience of throwing everything into a slow cooker, this will also quickly become a favorite. Top with fried corn tortilla strips, if desired. Prep Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Ingredients 1 serving nonstick cooking spray 1 cup diced onion 1 cup diced bell pepper 2 teaspoons salt, divided 2 cups chicken broth 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as RO*TEL®) 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles (such as Ortega®) 2 tablespoons oil 1 tablespoon taco seasoning ½ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 pound skinless, boneless... 12/03/2023

Trivia question answers for Saturday December 2, 20231. How many toes does a pig have on each foot? 42. What is the sum of the angles of a triangle? 180 degrees3.  In what city was the Wright brothers bicycle shop? Dayton, Ohio 4. The name "Otto" is German for what? WealthTrivia questions for Sunday December 3, 20231. What food item literally means "twice-cooked"?2. What does the Schmidt index measure?3. What were the Crusades?4. What name was attached to Germany's World War II submarines?Enjoy your day.  12/03/2023

Truffle Infused Pasta with Clam Sauce a recipe by Endre Barath, Jr a Beverly Hills Realtor... As most of you know I read many recipes before I create my own version. The Traditional Pasta with Clam Sauce from Italy is with Spaghetti and white clam sauce.Gratefully I have many Pasta cookbooks. I used a combination of old traditional Italian recipes with a more modern version Pasta Modern: New and Inspired recipes from Italy and I bought it up to the next level.I am a firm believer that the ingredients make a huge difference. If you cook with top-of-the-line pasta it makes a difference.If you add top of the line ingredients the flavors are so much better. Now to bring it up to the next level let me share my thoughts. Truffle infused pasta; truffle infused olive oil. Then add one black tru... 12/02/2023

Tonight, is the night, you don’t want to miss it! We started a Holiday Tradition about 12 years ago hosting a Christmas Movie Night which we have hosted annually even during Covid when people stayed in their golf carts like a drive-in movie.  Few years ago, we added The Ugly Sweater to the movie night and this year we have added Christmas Pajamas to the program.  If by chance you already bought your Ugly Christmas Sweater, no problem just pick up a pair of Christmas Pajama Pants.Over the years, we have added more equipment for this event, a 10’ screen, on my second projector, great sound system so we are ready this year.  How it works we live on a cul-de-sac so we line golf carts up on our property and have an area for chairs so plenty of room.  One year it rained so we had wall to wall... 12/03/2023

December 2nd - National Fritters 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. 12/02/2023

Trivia question answers for Friday December 1, 20231. How many strings does the standard violin have? Four2. How many pounds does a U.S. gallon of water weigh? 8.33. What fairy tale character has two evil stepsisters? Cinderella4. In pool, what color is the eight ball? BlackTrivia questions for Saturday December 2, 20231. How many toes does a pig have on each foot?2. What is the sum of the angles of a triangle?3.  In what city was the Wright brothers bicycle shop?4. The name "Otto" is German for what? Enjoy your day.  12/02/2023

 I get asked a lot about my previous career...Yes, Radio was an absolute pleasure to perform. I edited most of this as it came from someone else in the radio biz.Maybe I can share something you did not know...I worked on the air in radio for over 10 years. Back in the old days, there were no .mp3 files or computer automated playback systems.You were on the air for a 4-6 hour shift and once the shift began, you did not stop moving until the next DJ sat down and plugged his headphones in hours later.If you found a period of time in those 5 hours that your hands stopped moving, you were going to get screwed by something that would lead to an on air blunder including dead air, the wrong thing playing on the air or missed commercial breaks or something else that would make it excruciatingly ... 12/01/2023

This Week…Getting In the Christmas Spirit  With Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror, the push is on to prepare for the next big holiday. No matter what holiday you celebrate in December, you will probably have food, travel, and family on your agenda.  My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.Bob Hope It would be hard to not be in the holiday mood unless you never leave your home and don’t watch television or listen to the radio. Between all of the Hallmark Christmas movies playing all day and night, Christmas music playing in all of the stores and let’s not forget the Christmas decorations that popped up the day after Halloween…there’s no escaping the holidays.   It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. W. T. Ellis We will... 12/02/2023

December 1st - National Pie 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. 12/01/2023

s otnSodrep36m4g58mt109gtmfmt0gggl6c11h80l2t3ui0f216038h Fried Wing Flats Drizzled With Honey Lemon Pepper INGREDIENTS: 8-10 Chicken wings, split into drums and flats if desired 2 cups Vegetable oil, for frying Seasoning/ breading 2 cups All purpose flour 2 tablespoon Seasoning salt 2 teaspoon Garlic powder 2 teaspoon Onion powder 1 teaspoon Paprika 1 tablespoon Black pepper Lemon Pepper Honey 1/2 cup Honey 2 tablespoon Lemon pepper seasoning 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS: Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. In the meantime, season the chicken liberally with all of the seasonings, ensuring to coat evenly. Toss wings in flour mixture to coat evenly. Gently place wings in hot oil careful not to overcrowd the pan. While the wings are frying, add honey, lemon pe... 12/02/2023

December is here, and winter holidays are right around the corner. Despite all of the hustle and bustle, it is important to find time this season to spend with loved ones. Many towns in the Pocono region lean into the cheer and feeling of Christmas, decorating and coordinating events for kids and adults alike to enjoy. As always, one of the area’s most scenic towns is leading the way in seasonal sights and sounds. Jim Thorpe is a place to behold all year long: a charming small town that is often included on national “must-visit” lists. We’ve talked about how beautiful the town is during the fall months, but Christmas in Jim Thorpe is not to be looked over. The town and its storefronts are decorated beautifully in Victorian style, ready to welcome visitors from near and far. Festivities ... 12/01/2023

Yikes! A snowblower? That reminds me of the movie Fargo. It would be just as messy of a way to go as the wood chipper scene. We love all Christmas music in our home from the old classic crooners, heavy metal rock, to the comedies like Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. I found this version where Grandma comes back. I like it.BTW I am still looking for my "new" favorite heavy metal Christmas song for 2023. I'll post it once I find it. 12/02/2023

Friday Flags Visible from the Highway in Waterbury CTThe center of Waterbury CT is traversed by 2 highways and caution is necessary as there are always distractions.As one rounds a curve in the highway there sits the oldest hospital in Waterbury, St Marrys hospital. At the farthest end of the building is an island and center to that island is our flag.It stands tall with the adjacent flags of the State of CT and the company that operates the hospital.The bridge behind it is the roadway that traverses the highway at that section of roadway.I am happy that I found a few extra minutes to circle back and take the photo as the day was perfect for it.Friday Flags Visible from the Highway in Waterbury CT 12/01/2023