Just for Fun

Thirteen years ago, the end of this month we bought our home, quickly we met our neighbors including Betty who lives next door.  Betty adopted us at the time she had no family close by, what an amazing woman!  Golfing a few times a week, playing cards in the evening was a regular occurrence for her the first 10 years she was our neighbor.  She is still going; I sit here and see her backing out of her driveway regularly in her Cadillac headed to cards and stores.  She likes to grocery shop in the evenings so many times I see her pulling in about 8:00 pm so I head over and help her bring her groceries in.  In her 90’s she drove alone to Wisconsin, up until 2 or 3 years ago she celebrated her birthday in Las Vegas now she goes to Biloxi.  Few years ago, Michelle was in San Francisco with h... 06/12/2026

From the book of Genesis 2:18, it states: "It is not good that the man should be alone. I am making him a helpmate for him."  Through translations over time, this term has been altered and missued. Unfortunately, some have tried to twist this term to imply that God created men to lord over women!If you step back a moment and look at the origins of this term, it tells a different story! Originally, this term came from helpmeet, which came from a two-word noun meaning a helper like himself." This meant someone to mirror him in a way that was beneficial to both. This never implied that one was above the other.To mirror one another means to compliment the other. We know that men are physically stronger because they are made that way. Men are natural hunters and providers. Women have their o... 05/31/2026

When Two Perfect Flavors Meet—Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Thanks to Kat Palmiotti for prompting me to share one of my favorite dessert recipes in the Bananatudes group today. This will be a great dessert to compliment her Penne ala Vodka Pasta dinner!There are some flavor combinations that simply belong together and always have—and chocolate and peanut butter might just be the reigning champions of them all. Rich, velvety chocolate paired with creamy, slightly salty peanut butter creates a sweet treat that feels indulgent, comforting and downright irresistible!The best part? This retro chocolate peanut butter fudge couldn't be easier to make. No candy thermometer, no complicated techniques, no standing over a hot stove hoping everything comes together perfectly, just a handful of ingr... 05/31/2026

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 ♦ 2012: On June 3 Britain celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II with a grand pageant of more than 1,000 boats on the River Thames.♦ 2004: Former President Ronald Reagan dies June 5 from Alzheimer's disease. ♦ 1998: On June 3 Germany suffered the tragic Eschede high-speed train derailment, then one of the worst rail disasters in modern European history.♦ 1994: On June 8 the world was eagerly counting down to the opening of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, the first World Cup hosted by the U.S.♦ 1973: Secretariat wins the Belmont Stakes June 9 to win hors... 06/04/2026

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! H... 06/05/2026

The Woman Who Shaped My Life—My Tiny But Mighty MawMaw ❤️ The summers I spent with my grandmother are among my most treasured memories. Though she stood only 4’10”, she had an outsized presence—speaking five languages, possessing a razor-sharp mind and carrying a wealth of wisdom gathered over a lifetime. At my towering height of 5’13” (and yes, that’s intentional!), we made quite the pair. Our difference in size was impossible to miss, but our connection and shared outlook on life made us a perfect match.She had a saying for everything, many of which were popular in her younger years but remained relevant when she passed them down to me decades later. One of her favorites was, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” She believed that challenges were meant to strengthen us, not brea... 05/31/2026

The last weekend in May for the last 53 years, the Fisherman's Festival is held in Quarteira.  WHAT FUN!   I went to the event spot, but everyone said you need to get to the beach, as that is where the fishermen bring the fish!   Many took hold of the ropes to haul in the nets, young and old!I got so close, the waves came in and got me wet to my pockets!  LOL   Fun to see everyone get so excited for the fishermen, especially the squeals of the kiddos!Then went to the venue a few blocks away, and there were many booths of food available for purchase.  There was also live music, which was really nice.   Will need to practice up on my salsa!      So glad I went today, it was the Portuguese tradition that should be experienced!Went to the fish market this morning and saw all kinds of fish I... 05/31/2026

Richard Henry Lee reminds us that sometimes it takes one brave voice to say what everyone else is thinking. He teaches us that conviction matters, courage matters, and speaking up—especially when it’s risky—can change the course of history.His story nudges us to ask: What would we stand up for today?     Hero Quote: “The first maxim of a man who loves liberty should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary.” — Richard Henry Lee   Who was Richard Henry Lee? Richard Henry Lee was a Founding Father, Virginia statesman, and the man who introduced the resolution calling for American independence.   Why did Richard Henry Lee sign the Declaration of Independence? He believed deeply in natural rights, self-governance, and the moral necess... 06/01/2026

Alaska has more airports and airstrips than any other U.S. state. Because so many Alaskan communities are isolated and not connected by roads, airplanes are a normal part of everyday life.    “In a country this large, airports are not just transportation hubs, they are lifelines.”  Most people know the United States is a large country, but here’s a fun fact many people do not realize: the United States has more airports than any other country in the world. The U.S. has over 19,000 airports, ranging from massive international hubs to tiny rural airstrips. Some serve millions of passengers every year, while others are small community airports used for crop dusting, medical flights, flight training, private planes, or emergency services. One reason for this huge number is the sheer size an... 05/31/2026

Did you know that for most of human history, people didn't eat three meals a day? And, snacking was not even a thing! Times of fasting were a normal part of life. Today, we are learning that fasting should be an important part of our lives.  When we intentionally give our bodies a break from constant eating, our bodies have a chance to reset metabolically.There are many ways to fast, endless programs, length of time, and so on. To put it simply, fasting just means going for a period of time without consuming calories. This can range from a 12-hour overnight fast to longer periods under appropriate guidance. The goal isn't starvation—it's allowing the body time to shift from digestion and storage into repair and restoration.What are the Potential Health Benefits of Fasting?1. Improves In... 05/30/2026

Book Recommendation: A Poisonous Palate by Lucy BurdetteA Poisonous Palate (August, 2024, Crooked Lane Books) is book number 14 of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series by bestselling author Lucy Burdette (Roberta Isleib). This is a good series for your reading list if you enjoy good food and mystery stories. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and her books.The heat is turned up for Hayley Snow and her friends in the next installment of the Key West Food Critic mystery series by USA Today bestselling author Lucy Burdette.When food critic Hayley Snow receives an intriguing email about a mysterious, decades-old disappearance, her curiosity is piqued. Writer Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s ... 06/01/2026

Trivia. question answers for Saturday May 30, 20261. What country is nicknamed the "Land of a Thousand Smiles"? Thailand2. What is the largest island in the Indian Ocean? Madagascar3. What artist said "every child is an artist"? Pablo Picasso4. What duo's first name were Don and Phil? The Everly BrothersTrivia questions for Sunday May 31, 20261. In what country would you celebrated "Carnival"?2. Who said: "The hottest love has the coldest end"?3. What is made of chicle?4. Which Disney's cartoon character's love interest is named Faline?Enjoy your day.  05/31/2026

Trivia question answers for Friday May 29, 20261. What is an ice hockey puck made from? Rubber2. What was Fox's first series to win a TV season's Nielsen ratings? American Idol3.  Flour cooked together with fat is known as what? Roux4. What used to be called the apple of love or love apple? The tomatoTrivia. questions for Saturday May 30, 20261. What country is nicknamed the "Land of a Thousand Smiles"?2. What is the largest island in the Indian Ocean?3. What artist said "every child is an artist"?4. What duo's first name were Don and Phil?Enjoy your day.  05/30/2026

Foto Friday Beautiful View with SelectAnnHere is a beautiful place but who knows what it will look like in the future.  There could be a Data campus in the distance.Why would anyone want to spoil this lovely landscape with a 70 or 100 foot tall building?Keep a watchful eye or there will be one in your neighborhood.The burning question is why so many???If you are in the market for a new space, contact SelectAnn- Ann Hayden.For a FREE home estimate click HERE!  Contact SelectAnn, Ann Hayden to find out about your value!For all your real estate needs in the St. Louis area, specializing in helping my clients as a buyer's agent and as a marketing specialist.  I utilize the latest technology to assist in the sale of your home as well as your purchase. Updated daily.  Sign on for FREE!  Whethe... 05/29/2026

This Week…Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner! This is a dish I made about four years ago for our Christmas brunch, and the whole family loved it.  It’s a Sausage Spinach Crustless Quiche …ideal for anyone watching their carbs! (The recipe is on The Southern Lady Cooks website.)  Sausage Spinach Crustless Quiche Ingredients 1/2 pound pork sausage 3 cups chopped fresh spinach 1 4 ounce can chopped mushrooms, drained 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup chopped green or regular onion 5 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper   Instructions Cook the sausage on top of the stove and drain it. In a large bowl, toss sausage with chopped spinach, onions, mushrooms, and 1/2 cup of cheese. Spray a baking dish with cooking oil and add the sausag... 05/30/2026

Today I went through a home for my out-of-state clients. The moment I stepped into the home, the overpowering smell of those wall plug-in type scents overpowered my olfactory senses in seconds! The headache began shortly thereafter. I discovered the reason why the homeowner was flooding the home with these scents - two, large dogs that smelled to high heaven!But today, when you walk into almost any home these days and you'll find scented candles, plug-in air fresheners, room sprays, wax melts, or perfume fragrance diffusers throughout house. Most people do not give these products a second thought. However, these fragrances contain TONS of chemicals that are not good for humans or for pets!Some of these products claim to "clean the air". Not true. Instead, they release toxic chemicals th... 05/29/2026

Catch what’s happening around Catonsville this weekend! From May 29–31, 2026, explore local events, community happenings, and family-friendly activities all in one quick weekend events recap. Whether you’re looking for something fun, relaxing, or spontaneous, this reel keeps you in the loop on what’s going on right here in Catonsville.Watch it here: https://youtube.com/shorts/97BmMn1vWxg?feature=share 05/29/2026

If you're searching for one of the most fun, affordable, and memorable things to do in Greenville SC, a night at Fluor Field watching the Greenville Drive — Greenville's own Minor League Baseball team — belongs at the top of your list.Whether you're a local planning a spontaneous weeknight out, a visitor exploring downtown Greenville activities, or a family looking for the perfect summer outing — this guide covers everything you need to know. From tickets and seating to food, parking, nearby restaurants, and insider tips, consider this your go-to resource before you go.A Greenville Drive game isn't just baseball. It's a full-on downtown Greenville experience. Why a Greenville Drive Game Is a Must-Do in Greenville SCThere's something about a Greenville Drive game that perfectly captures ... 05/29/2026

Let’s turn our attention to an increasingly valuable tax planning opportunity involving qualified small business corporation (QSBC) stock, especially in light of recent law changes.QSBCs—essentially, certain qualifying C corporations—offer powerful tax advantages. Most notably, you may be able to exclude up to 100 percent of the gain on the sale of QSBC stock if you hold it for at least five years. In addition, partial exclusions are now available for shorter holding periods (50 percent after three years and 75 percent after four years), making this strategy more flexible than ever.There are also generous limits on the amount of gain that you can exclude. Depending on your situation, you may exclude the greater of $15 million (indexed for inflation) or 10 times your investment basis. An... 06/14/2026

There is an ugly tax law change taking effect in 2026 that could affect a common workplace practice: providing coffee, snacks, and other small refreshments to employees.For years, these items have been treated as de minimis fringe benefits, meaning employees are not taxed on them, and employers were generally allowed a deduction. But beginning in 2026, the tax code eliminates the employer deduction, even though the benefit remains tax-free to employees.This change stems from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which gradually phased out the deduction. While employers could deduct 50 percent of these costs through 2025, the deduction drops to 0 percent starting in 2026.As a result, your business will now bear the full cost of providing break-room refreshments. This creates an unusual mismatch: em... 06/07/2026