Just for Fun

This Week…Mother Nature is Having Her Way There are some things in life over which we have little to no control. Mother Nature has shown us that. No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others. Charles DickensThis week those in California are dealing with the worst fires to hit Los Angeles.While Mother Nature was not totally to blame and there is finger pointing all around, she is firmly in control. Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. William JamesAnd heading east, there is Winter Storm Cora who is dumping sleet and snow in her path. She showered the Dallas area with snow and iffy driving conditions ahead of the Cotton Bowl (played last night) Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others? Martin Luther King, Jr.  Houston... 01/11/2025

Exploring the annals of history is always a fascinating journey, offering glimpses into the significance of various dates. Here are a few intriguing historical tidbits to dive into this week.    THIS WEEK IN HISTORY ♦2009: On Jan 15, pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger lands a jet safely on the Hudson River.♦2001: Wikipedia goes online Jan. 15. ♦1994: The 6.7-magnitude Northridge earthquake rocks L.A. Jan. 17, leaving 61 dead. ♦1986: The U.S. observes the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 20. ♦1981: Iran releases 52 U.S. hostages Jan. 20, after Reagan's presidential inauguration. ♦1967: On Jan. 15, Green Bay beats Kansas City 35-10 in the first Super Bowl.♦1919: The 18th Amendment goes into effect Jan. 16, beginning alcohol prohibition.♦1892: The first official basketball game is pla... 01/16/2025

What a wonderful childhood memory! I always wanted to make money, entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, selling sweet corn in front of your parents' restaurant.  Had a relationship with a  lady from New York City who had moved to Pennsylvania and was growing the corn.If I ran out selling sweet corn by the dozen my dad world supported my venture and would drop you off at the lady's house to pick more corn. Those kind of experience gave me a sense of making money at a early age.  Did you develop a taste for sweet corn from picking and selling it all those years ago? 01/11/2025

As we fear for the residents of Los Angeles, and everyone receiving snowfall across the Country, we actually have sun, and is finally above 30 degrees.   We cannot complain, I am sitting in home office with heat and my house is still standing.   I feel so bad for those in LA.We need some chuckles or at least a smile - Everywhere you go here, you find road construction, but luckily NOT this sight!This is a definite statement.   I used to be able to work 6 am to 10 pm every day. Happy Friday, stay safe, and be kind to one another! 01/10/2025

A recipe from the kitchen of Will Hamm.    Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins 2 pounds ground beef chuck 1 pound bulk Italian sausage 3 (15 ounce) cans chili beans, drained 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 green chile peppers, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon bacon bits 4 cubes beef bouillon ½ cup beer ¼ cup chili powder, or more to taste 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco) 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 ... 01/16/2025

January 11th Puzzle - National Milk 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. 01/11/2025

Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins 2 pounds ground beef chuck 1 pound bulk Italian sausage 3 (15 ounce) cans chili beans, drained 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 green chile peppers, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon bacon bits 4 cubes beef bouillon ½ cup beer ¼ cup chili powder, or more to taste 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco) 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 ... 01/10/2025

Never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today---Mark Twain Have you checked your home and vehicle insurance policy? Do you have adequate coverage in case of a fire or any other type of emergency? Do you have Insurance? When does it expire?Do you have enough money in savings in case of an emergency? If you have pets, are their needs being met? Food. Water. Activities and toys to stop boredom.How's the condition of your HVAC? Do you need to plan for replacements or repairs?Do you have prescriptions, medical devices, or other first-aid necessities in case of an emergency? Do you have flashlights and fresh batteries?If you're letting water drip through the faucets because of freezing weather, will you need to plan to buy a new Water Heater? Did you remember to do your pre-winter chore... 01/10/2025

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 ... 01/17/2025

Trivia question answers for Thursday January 9, 20251. What famous inventor proposed to his wife in Morris code? Thomas Edison2. What is the nickname for Rome Italy? Eternal City3. What food of the gods gives immortality? Ambrosia4. What cheese is traditionally used on a Reuben sandwich? SwissTrivia questions for Friday January 10. 20251. What two colors are the cat's hat in "The Cat in the Hat"?2. Which animal is said to produce the world's most expensive cheese?3. Who wrote the song Mr. Tambourine Man?4. Who was the first person to be awarded two Nobel prizes?Enjoy your day. 01/10/2025

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a must-visit destination for families and animal lovers in Tampa, Florida. Renowned for its award-winning conservation efforts and unique animal encounters, this zoo offers a mix of education, adventure, and entertainment.Home to over 1,300 animals, ZooTampa provides guests with the chance to see wildlife from around the globe. Explore the Florida Wildlife Center, where native species like manatees and alligators showcase the state’s natural beauty. Head to the Asian Gardens for an up-close look at majestic Malayan tigers and Indian rhinos. For a splash of fun, stop by the Wallaroo Station, a kid-friendly area featuring a petting zoo, water play zone, and kangaroo habitat.Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences such as feeding giraffes or meeting endangered ... 01/10/2025

Ybor City, Tampa's historic gem, offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and excitement. Known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter, Ybor City was founded in the late 1800s by cigar manufacturers and has since become a vibrant destination filled with charm and character.Stroll along the red-brick streets to admire the historic architecture and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to an array of shops, art galleries, and eateries that showcase its rich Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage. Don’t miss the famous Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, known for its delicious Spanish and Cuban dishes.History buffs will enjoy the Ybor City Museum State Park, where you can learn about the city’s origins and the cigar industry that shaped it. For those... 01/09/2025

January 10th Puzzle - National Cut Your Energy Costs 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. 01/10/2025

Good Old Chicago! There was a time when you could say, "Good Old Chicago," and that's because Downtown Chicago was the place to hang out. I began riding the bus by myself when I was 12 years old. You never knew who you would see. In this photograph taken on Michigan Avenue in 1964 (before I was able to ride the bus alone), are the Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger (leaning) on the left in the picture.  The photograph was taken on Michigan Avenue. The taxicab in the back looked different than yellow cab but you knew a cab when you saw one. And check out the big fin in the black automobile too! Yes. Other guys started wearing heels like the ones worn by the guy in the middle. Skinny ties were trending too. Long hair (British Style) took off quickly, influencing teens everywhere, just like the B... 01/09/2025

Trivia question answers for Wednesday January 8, 20251. What is a wallaby? A kangaroo2. What war lasted from June 5 to June 10, 1967? Six-Day War3. What is the shade of a Tiffany lamp made of? Stained glass4. Metropolis is the home city of which fictitious hero? SupermanTrivia questions for Thursday January 9, 20251. What famous inventor proposed to his wife in Morris code?2. What is the nickname for Rome Italy?3. What food of the gods gives immortality?4. What cheese is traditionally used on a Reuben sandwich?Enjoy your day. 01/09/2025

Some people always have wisdom to share.Here's one of those people. Enjoy spending time with Michael Jacobs  California - "About Pasadena and Beyond"Here are several other posts Michael has shared with our ActiveRain community....   Workaround   ...   ...   Thoughts   ...   ...   Reel Life vs Real Life  ...   ...   Home Again   ......   Looking Forward and Back   ...     ...   The Knot   ...     ...   Storage Spaces and Stuff   ...   8/365  2025. . .   Finally!   Already?  Both reactions may be expressed by some as another year appears on the calendar.     Many sorts of things seem more than ready to join the welcoming committee. Predictions. Forecasts.  Winners as well as losers from the past year still linger along with the recipients from countless best and worst lists for the umptee... 01/08/2025

Last year we visited Stowe Vermont in the early Spring and not far from Smugglers Notch we saw a few carved bears. 01/08/2025

January 9th Puzzle - National Static Electricity 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. 01/09/2025

Apps Away…Accepting AI Art Just having some fun!  In case you missed it, yesterday we had a fun and informative Zoom Meeting about AI.   (Really, if you haven’t attended one, you don’t know what you’re missing. Lots to learn…lots of fun…and a wonderful cast of characters!!!)  Kat DeLong , Carol Williams and I shared examples of how we use AI to generate pictures. If you want to enhance your posts…here, on your website, or just for fun, photos and graphics are key. Walls of words are never fun to read.  However, it’s often hard to find copyright free works or even your own photos that convey what you want.  I’ve been using Meta AI for no particular reason other than it’s free and easy. Below are two AI-Generated photos using the same prompt…A realistic picture of a family packing their h... 01/09/2025

I did it to myself yesterday, in speaking with a client I said, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and the rest of the day that song was playing in my head!  I was letting my client know I got this and will work for her best interest, and she can just relax knowing I am doing my best.  I hung up the phone and here it goes, “Here’s a Little Song I Wrote”.If you need a reminder here it is:Here's a little song I wroteYou might want to sing it note for noteDon't worry Be happyIn every life we have some troubleBut when you worry you make it doubleDon't worryBe happy, don't worry, be happy nowAccording to AI which I checked with this is what you do:To get a song out of your head, the most effective method is to distract yourself with another activity like listening to a different song, engaging in conve... 01/09/2025