Just for Fun

Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, Fathom Realty WA LLC Kitsap, Pierce and Mason county, Washington's preferred waterfront real estate Agent & Broker I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful!Attributed to Bob Hope (1903 - 2003) Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog post! This post was researched, authored, and photo by Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, ©2008-2023, all rights reserved. All information is deemed reliable; however it should be independently verified by the reader. Any reproduction of this blog post is prohibited without the prior written permission of the author… 09/29/2023

If you don't make mistakes you're not working on hard enough problems.  And that's a big mistake. - Frank WilczekIf you have not felt the joy of doing a kind act, you have neglected much, and most of all yourself. - A. NeilenI encourage you to reject rejection.  If someone says NO, just say NEXT! - Jack CanfieldThe secret of staying young  is to live honestly, eat slowly , and lie about your age. - Lucille BallEveryday we all must work on what are goals are and how we are going to meet them. - Will Hamm  09/28/2023

The Almanac You May Not Know!  Part TwoDog Days of Summer: The “Dog Days” of summer are from July 3 to August 11 each year. They’re usually the hottest and most unbearable days of the season. We often hear about the “Dog Days” of summer, but few know where the expression originated. Some think it’s a reference to the hot, sultry days that are “not fit for a dog.” Others suggest it’s the time of year when the extreme heat drives dogs mad. But where does the term come from? And what does it have to do with dogs? You may be surprised to see is has to do with the stars! Read on.The phrase is a reference to Sirius, the Dog Star. During the “Dog Days” period, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth. Sirius is a part of the const... 09/28/2023

Left Albufiera this morning, and drove through several small towns, and then through Faro.    Still very difficult to find parking in these cities, so just drove through.    Went to Tavira, and THOUGHT my hotel was near the water, but NOPE.   Not sure what I was doing, but this one is clear up in the hills in rural Portugal!  In the far distance you can see the ocean.The Quinta Do Marco is located at 18 acres, where they have fruit and olive trees and gardens to grow some of the food they cook.   They have a pool, baby pool and hot tub along with the pool bar.   There is a small spa (with sauna and Turkish bath).    You can make an appointment for a massage also.     They also have some farm animals (donkeys, sheep, chickens, geese, peacocks) for the kids to get a kick out of.   I found... 09/28/2023

September 28th Puzzle - National Strawberry Cream 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. 09/28/2023

  Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, Fathom Realty WA LLC Kitsap, Pierce and Mason county, Washington's preferred waterfront real estate Agent & Broker Be hopeful. Be optimistic. Never lose that sense of hope!Attributed to  John Lewis  (1940 ~) Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog post! This post was researched, authored, and photo by Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, ©2008-2023, all rights reserved. All information is deemed reliable; however it should be independently verified by the reader. Any reproduction of this blog post is prohibited without the prior written permission of the author… 09/28/2023

Every year on September 28th, and this year on Thursday September 28, 2023, neighbors around the nation celebrate unofficial National Good Neighbor Day to acknowledge importance of good neighbors. In 2003, National Good Neighbor Day was changed from the fourth Sunday in September to September 28.Generally, neighbors become friends, watch out for each other, gather together for events, and a neighborhood becomes a large family.National Good Neighbor Day was created in the 1970's by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana.In 1978 United States President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601: “As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love, and respect build cohesive families a... 09/28/2023

SoapUI is a powerful tool used for testing web services and APIs, allowing testers to create comprehensive test cases to ensure the functionality, reliability, and performance of applications. Test steps in SoapUI are essential components that help testers execute specific actions and validations during the testing process.Let's delve into a detailed guide on test steps in SoapUI.Understanding Test StepsIn SoapUI, a test step is a unit of work within a test case. Each test step represents a specific action or verification that needs to be performed during the test execution. These actions can range from sending requests to web services, extracting data, asserting responses, or even manipulating data.Adding & Running Test Steps In SoapUI1. Create a Test CaseBegin by creating a test case ... 09/27/2023

Randy's Donuts in Inglewood CA Los Angeles has lots of iconic landmarks, and Randy's Donuts in Inglewood is certainly one of them. This is the original store, established in 1952, at 805 West Manchester Boulevard at La Cienaga. This popular donut shop (one of 34 now, including several in the LA area, San Diego, Las Vegas, South Korea, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia) has supposedly appeared in a number of movies and on TV. And no doubt it's been photographed by many tourists and residents. I had heard about the place but just happened to be in the area at the right time earlier this year...and at a red light so I could snap a photo. I suppose next time I have to do the drive-through and order what is supposedly their most popular brand of donut - the Buttercrumb Raised. And there are d... 09/27/2023

After several long days either exploring or driving, sure was nice to have a day to relax more.   I need to remember that when scheduling vacation.   No need to RUN every single day, stop and smell the roses, or your surroundings!Today was my second day in Albufiera, and just fun sitting on my couch and looking out at the ocean, and the people frolicking on the beach!   The weather is still very hot (upper 80's with high humidity).    I did go to the Benagil Caves today, but decided against another tour, and could not actually see the caves, but the beach was sure nice!Wandered around several of the smaller towns nearby and walked.Tomorrow leaving for Tavira, and will stop in Faro to explore.   I will be flying out of there in a couple of days, but my flight leaves in the morning, and w... 09/28/2023

This weekend the State and County Fairs start in New England. As we live so close to Maine & New Hampshire will partake in the Fryeburg Fair, the Deer Field Fair, and the Topsfield Fair.Deerfield, New Hampshire is the host of the Deerfield Fair which began in 1877 and is 146 years old.Fryeburg, Maine is the host of the Fryeburg Fair which began in 1851 making it 172 years old  Topsfield, Massachusetts is the host community for the Topsfield Fair which first began in 1818 making it 205 years old.No matter where you are in the country there are State and County Fairs everywhere so take some time off from your busy Real Estate business and become that kid who went to Fairs and enjoyed the sights, the sounds, the smells, the barkers, the food booths and magic of the County Fair.Pam & I will... 09/27/2023

Ultimate Chicken Casserole     °6 ounces stuffing mix (use 3-4 cups of dry stuffing)°1¼ 1¼ cups water (hot to boiling)°½ tablespoon butter (optional, melted)°½ cup chicken breasts (cooked, shredded or cubed chicken breasts or thighs)°Half a cup of sour cream°10.5 ounces cream of chicken (one can of condensed soup)°½ teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)°½ teaspoon garlic powder°½ teaspoon onion powder   * instructions ; Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a 9×13 skillet or casserole dish.Heat water to boil, mixing it with top mixture, hot water and optional melt butter. To put aside.6 ounces filling mix, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons butterAdd remaining ingredients (chicken, sour cream, heavy cream of chicken soup, mixed greens and seasonings) to prepared baking dish and stir until comb... 09/27/2023

A dark and gloomy room can have a significant impact on your mood and overall mood and well-being. It can make a space feel cramped, uninviting, and even depressing. However, there are several effective ways to transform a dark room into a bright, welcoming, and cheerful space. Lets's explore the secrets to lighten and brighten a dark room, ranging from clever design choices to lighting solutions.1. Choose the Right Paint ColorOne of the most effective ways to lighten a dark room is by choosing the right paint color. Lighter shades of paint can significantly impact the room's brightness. Opt for soft, neutral colors like whites, creams, light grays, or pale pastels. These colors reflect light better than darker hues, making the room appear brighter and more spacious.2. Use Reflective Su... 09/27/2023

On September 27th, the world becomes a little sweeter, creamier, and more delightful because it's National Chocolate Milk Day! This special day invites us to celebrate a classic childhood favorite that continues to bring comfort and joy to people of all ages.Chocolate Milk: A Timeless ClassicChocolate milk is more than just a beverage; it's a taste of nostalgia. This creamy concoction of milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder has been a comforting presence in our lives since childhood.The Perfect PairingWhat makes chocolate milk truly special is the magical union of rich cocoa and the creamy goodness of milk. This dynamic duo creates a symphony of flavors that's both indulgent and comforting.A Taste of ChildhoodSipping on chocolate milk often evokes memories of school lunchboxes, afte... 09/27/2023

September 27th Puzzle - National Crush A Can 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. 09/27/2023

Awhile back I shared that Florida was the lightning capital of the U.S and Four Corners, FL just outside of Orlando is where the most lightning occurs.  Yesterday around 5:00 we have a line of Thunderstorms roll through so what did I do?  Went outside and sat on the lanai.  Yes, I have a roof and my lanai is 22’ x 30’ and screened in so plenty of room to sit in a dry area and watch the storm.Growing up in Pennsylvania my dad was a thunderstorm watcher, we had a under roof back porch where we would sit and watch the storms.  Our little town was in a valley actually “The Cumberland Valley” for those that know the area and we would watch the storms come over the mountains and sometimes the storm would come back.  Yesterday at 5:00 an adult beverage in hand I sat and watched the storm and r... 09/27/2023

  Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, Fathom Realty WA LLC Kitsap, Pierce and Mason county, Washington's preferred waterfront real estate Agent & Broker  My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world!Attributed to  Jack Layton  (1950-2011) Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog post! This post was researched, authored, and photo by Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, ©2008-2023, all rights reserved. All information is deemed reliable; however it should be independently verified by the reader. Any reproduction of this blog post is prohibited without the prior written permission of the author… 09/27/2023

Wordless Wednesday…Any Idea? Years ago when Larry and I were walking on A1A along the beach in Delray, we saw benches with these things on them. As we walked, we came up with all kinds of wacky ideas about what they could be or why they were there. After asking a fellow beach walker, we learned that they are skate stoppers or skate deterrents.  They are placed on benches or handrails where skateboarders like to practice their skills. As much fun as it can be, this can also damage the surface of the bench or railing.   What about you? Have you seen these?? 09/27/2023

Thanks again for the time you took to guide us on our choosing of Branson attractions. Your recommendations were spot on as attested to by my wife JoAnn, sister-in-law Karolyn, Geoffrey and myself.We went to Top of the Rock and went on the Golf Cart tour. The photo above was captured on the tour. Everybody was amazed at the sights. See photo below.After about 90 minutes of some magnificent sights it was time for a trip to the Arnold Palmer Restaurant for a small bite. The views along with the refreshments were awesome.My 3 companions wanted me to let the rest of those on Active Rain know how cool Branson, Missouri is if you follow the suggestions of faye schubert, the attraction expert.Enjoy your evening.    09/26/2023

RECIPE: Tastefully Tuesday - Avocado Quinoa SaladLooking for something to have with a fabulously marinated steak for dinner tonight, I decided upon this delicious and healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad. It's simple, nutritious and, the best part,  you can whip it up in no time! INGREDIENTS: 1 cup quinoa, cooked 2 - 3 ripe avocados, diced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cucumber, diced 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste (as with most recipes, I use smoked pepper - it definitely adds a great dimension to the flavor).  INSTRUCTIONS: Cook the Quinoa: Follow package instructions to cook 1 cup of quinoa. Let it cool. Prep the Veggies: Dice the avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and finely c... 09/26/2023