Just for Fun

Grilled Lime Coconut Shrimp Foil Packs Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins marinade 30 mins Total Time 45 mins   These Grilled Lime Coconut Shrimp Foil Packs are easy, healthy, and out of this world delicious! Perfect for grilling season! Course: Main Course Cuisine: American Keyword: Grilled Lime Coconut Shrimp Foil Packs Servings: 4 packs Ingredients 1 small red onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⅓ cup shredded sweetened coconut 2 TBS lime juice ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped + more for garnish ¼ cup olive oil ⅓ cup lower sodium soy sauce 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 zucchini, sliced in half and then into ½ inch moons 1 summer squash, sliced in half and then into ½ inch moons 2 cups corn kernels (frozen is fine) heavy duty aluminum foil Instructions For the marin... 07/01/2025

Kiss is a Fourth of July fireworks show with a backbeat. - Gene Simmons If you look at tailgating, everyone does it. It's for everyone who likes to cook outdoors. It could be a 4th of July picnic. - John Madden Soldiers of the American Revolution fought that 18th century war with heavy muskets. In the early 20th century, we kids fought it every Fourth of July not only with exploding powder and shimmering flares, but with all of our senses. - Paul Engle I always have the most fun on the Fourth of July. You don't have to exchange any gifts. You just go to the beach and watch fireworks. It's always fun. - James Lafferty At noon, on the Fourth of July, 1826, while the Liberty Bell was again sounding its old message to the people of Philadelphia, the soul of Thomas Jefferson passed on; and ... 06/30/2025

🏡 Homeschooling and Real Estate: A Balancing Act That Builds CommunityAs a homeschooling mom of five and a mountain Realtor here in beautiful Bailey, Colorado, my life is anything but ordinary—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! 💛People often ask how I juggle homeschooling and real estate, and the answer is simple: organization, flexibility, and purpose. These aren’t just skills I’ve picked up along the way—they’re habits honed through years of planning lessons, managing multiple schedules, and staying calm under pressure (like when someone can’t find their shoes right before a showing 😅).But here’s the thing—homeschooling has made me a better real estate agent.Why? Because we are out in the community every day. We know the best places to grab lunch after a science lesson 🥪, where to ... 06/30/2025

Within the real estate industry, sometimes we, as professional real estate agents, fail to remember that as individuals:You’ve got a friend in me.That friend is often another professional real estate agent.This friend is there:"When the road looks rough ahead"And this may include dirt roads filled with rocks, ruts, washes and open range cattle, OH MY! Then we may fail to remember that:“You’ve got troubles, I’vet got em too”Of course, some of our own friends may make this statement:“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”Yet there is strength in numbers, only if that number is two:“We stick together, we can see it through.”For those professional real estate agents who have been in the real estate industry for more than a couple of years may believe:"And as the years go by""Our frien... 06/30/2025

I doubt my kids (ages 23 and 24) know the expression, Here's Mud in Your Eye. It was common in my 20's when toasting at the bar.What is the origin of Here’s Mud in Your Eye?This expression is more common in British English than in American English. It is informal and originated around the 1930s.The exact source of this expression is unclear. Some people speculate it relates to mud from the trenches in World War 1. Because the soldiers had to dig, live, and fight in these trenches in the earth, they would get very muddy.Others point to the Bible as the source, as Jesus heals a blind man with mud. He smears mud over the eyes of the blind man. When the man opens his eyes again, he can see. This theory could make sense as people often toast to good health.However, there is no good evidence ... 06/30/2025

On June 28th Joan Cox, shared a post title 'Same Named Cities Across the Country.'It was Joan's post that triggered my curiosity about states that have the same names as automobiles. My research landed me on an article published in 2023 by Andrew Ganz a long-time journalist and automobile enthusiast. Based on his 2023 publication, he reported they pored out 2023- model-year car, truck, and SUV sold by a major automakers in the U.S. to find out which states are the most popular for car names. Below are the 8 states, based on his report, are the most popular for car names.  He comments that it appears that car manufacturers strongly seem to go west.                                                                                                                                       Alaska ... 06/30/2025

Trivia question answers for Sunday June 29, 20251. Which mammal has no vocal cords? Giraffe2. What happens to bread with too little salt? Rises too quickly3. What TV show did "Mork & Mindy" spin off from? Happy Days3. Which is the windiest planet in our solar system? NeptuneTrivia questions for Monday June 30, 20251. What is the cell where a virus reproduces called?2. Where does sherry wine come from?3. What is the name of the mansion where Elvis Presley die?4. What part of the human body is affected by scoliosis? Enjoy your day.  06/30/2025

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 Kathy Streib, and 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 is a shared joy.Wishing you endless smiles! Happ... 07/04/2025

Celebrate the Spirit of America with Words and Stories That Inspire Introduction: Why Reflection Matters on Independence Day Every year, the 4th of July reminds us of America's fight for freedom. It’s a day to honor brave souls who stood up for independence. But beyond fireworks and barbecues, it’s also a time to reflect on what freedom truly means.  Inspiring quotes and stories can help us reconnect with the core values that built this nation. They remind us of the sacrifices made and the ongoing journey toward liberty. Want to feel more connected to the holiday? Keep reading for powerful words and stories that celebrate freedom’s true spirit. Historical Quotes That Still Inspire Throughout history, many leaders have spoken about freedom’s importance. For example, Thomas Jefferson once... 07/04/2025

Don't be like me! I had over 25,000 photos on my phone. I was almost out of storage and easy off methods don't work! It took me hours and hours to offload them to free up storage space so my phone works and backs up easier. Memories are precious. One thing I miss is photos that are printed and in albums. The good thing about digital photos is now shelves and shelves of albums that often sit around and collect dust. No film to get developed and immediate viewing is  a big plus. The bad thing about digital photos is all the storage they take and we don't look at them as much as we want. I do have a few digital albums around the house and I can turn them on when I want. I had emails from 2009 on my computer and phone taking up storage. I deleted nearly 75,000 emails!  I have thousands of ... 06/29/2025

Shopping List   Leftover Brownies 1 Scoop of Gelato or Vanilla Ice Cream 2 oz Baileys Chocolate – or regular Baileys will be delicious too! Chocolate Shavings (optional garnish)   Allergies Milk   Directions STEP ONE Crumble your leftover brownies into your favorite ice cream bowl. STEP TWO Place a big scoop of gelato or ice cream right on top of the brownies. If it melts over them a little, it’ll just add to the indulgence! STEP THREE The best part! Pour the delicious Baileys Chocolate over your creation and finish off with a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings. 06/29/2025

Book Recommendation: The Fortunate Ones by Catherine HokinThe Fortunate Ones (2020) is a well written historical novel by Catherine Hokin. Another good book for your summertime reading list. Click on the link to reach her website.Every day he stood exactly where he was directed. He listened for his number, shouted his answer in the freezing cold. He was ragged and he was starving, but he was alive. He was one of the fortunate ones whom fate had left standing. And he needed to stay that way. For Hannah.Berlin, 1941. Felix Thalberg, a printer’s apprentice, has the weight of the world on his shoulders. His beloved city is changing under Nazi rule and at home things are no better – Felix’s father hasn’t left the house since he was forced to wear a yellow star, and his mother grows thinner e... 07/10/2025

Ingredients   8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1-3/4 cups) 1 cup  Mayonnaise Real Mayo 2 Tbsp. vinegar 2 tsp.  Dijon Mustard Blend 1 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1 cup thinly sliced celery 1 cup chopped green or red bell pepper 1/4 cup chopped onion Directions   COOK macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool. Real Mayonnaise, vinegar, Country Dijon Mustard Blend, sugar, salt and pepper in large bowl. Stir in macaroni, celery, green pepper and onion. Serve chilled or at room temperature.   06/29/2025

Don't be like me! I had over 25,000 photos on my phone. I was almost out of storage and easy off methods don't work!It took me hours and hours to offload them to free up storage space so my phone works and backs up easier.Memories are precious. One thing I miss is photos that are printed and in albums. The good thing about digital photos is now shelves and shelves of albums that often sit around and collect dust. No film to get developed and immediate viewing is  a big plus. The bad thing about digital photos is all the storage they take and we don't look at them as much as we want. I do have a few digital albums around the house and I can turn them on when I want.I had emails from 2009 on my computer and phone taking up storage. I deleted nearly 75,000 emails! I have thousands of sunse... 06/29/2025

  1 lb. fresh crabmeat, picked through for shells 2 tbsp. Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Mayonnaise Real Mayo 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves 1 egg 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 tsp. horseradish 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning 1/4 tsp. salt Dash hot pepper sauce 8 saltine crackers, crushed 1/4 cup margarine Directions   Combine crabmeat, Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, parsley, egg, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, salt and hot pepper sauce in medium bowl. Shape into patties using 1/3-cup crab mixture for each, then roll in cracker crumbs. Melt margarine in large skillet over medium heat and cook crab cakes until golden brown and crisp, turning once. Serve, if desired, with coleslaw.   Ingredients   1 lb. fresh crabmeat... 06/29/2025

First week back at work, and got my listing closed.  Probably the longest "closing" I have had.  Seller closed 5 days early because of a work trip mandated.  The buyers closed on the day scheduled, but didn't get their 401 monies for the down payment.   We extended funding two days, and finally got funded Friday.  WHEW!  Luckily, the seller isn't closing for another 1.5 weeks and didn't need the proceeds quick.I did add up the miles for the road trip - over 4,000 miles in 15 days.  I may have put too much into the itinerary as the hours I had noted from town to town ended up being much more with traffic and road construction.   There were many days that it rained (POURED), so couldn't get out and do daily walks to off-set the butt time.  Still saw parts of the Country I hadn't seen, and... 06/29/2025

Trivia question. answers for Saturday June 28, 20251. what fruit comes in Chubby Gray and Jubilee variety? Watermelons2. Which countries home to the world's longest roller coaster? Japan3. What flavors make up Neapolitan ice cream? Vanilla, chocolate & Strawberry4. When was a Twitter first launched.? 2006Trivia questions for Sunday June 29, 20251. Which mammal has no vocal cords?2. What happens to bread with too little salt?3. What TV show did "Mork & Mindy" spin off from?3. Which is the windiest planet in our solar system?Enjoy your day.  06/29/2025

June 29th Puzzle - National Camera Day:I have created a new word search puzzle for you to enjoy.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 Play 06/29/2025

We asked ChatGPT what to do in St. Louis and here is Scout's list.  Do you have suggestions?  I will be there just after Labor Day in September.Exploring St. Louis Beyond the ArchWhile the iconic Gateway Arch is a must-see when visiting St. Louis, there’s so much more to experience in this vibrant city. Here are some top recommendations: Missouri Botanical Garden – Take a stroll through 79 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Japanese Garden and Climatron conservatory. Perfect for nature lovers! Forest Park – This massive park is home to the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, and more, making it a great spot for a family day out. Enjoy a picnic, a boat ride, or just explore the lush green spaces. The St. Louis Zoo – Ranked among the best in the country, this free zoo... 06/28/2025

Do I have your attention? The lead in picture was taken a few days ago, as the Public Safety Building driveway and lot were being resurfaced. Where do I go?...lolSome upcoming events in our community.                   For the late summer and September, Pam & I will be traveling while celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. I've been looking a a specific picture of us 50 years ago so I can contrast it with today. Do you think I can find it? 06/28/2025