Just for Fun

"Casa de Aire y Sol" From Arendsen to Air and Sun Don’t Sell it! Rethink It! Hi Folks, In my last post, I shared a bit about retirement, family transition, and the beginning of a new chapter for Janis and me. Since then, that next chapter has moved from thought to action. We are now fully immersed in the rollout of Casa de Aire y Sol, with a formal launch planned for January 2027. Casa de Aire y Sol translates to House of Air and Sun, a gentle play on our last name, Arendsen. It has been our home for nearly half a century here in Vista, California. We have no intention of ever leaving the Casa. This is home. But the property has become more than the two of us really need, and too meaningful not to share.   Casa de Aire y Sol — Where The Soul Meets The Sun A Different Way to Think About... 06/13/2026

Flag Day 2026In honor of Flag Day on our country's 250th anniversary I purchased a new commemorative flag to fly over the Timm household. I think it looks darn good, what do you think Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 (Ed is the official AR flag man)I am very proud of our country and those who have served under the flag of the USA for the last 250 years as well as those who serve it today.When I was young the saying was: America, love it or leave it. I wish the majority of people today still thought that way. America, if you don't love it... give Iran a try.  06/14/2026

Caffe Rel in Franklin, NC: A Mountain Drive Worth TakingWe just drove to the mountains to celebrate our 19th anniversary with Kit and Brad, and our lunch destination did not disappoint.Henry had heard and read about Caffe Rel in Franklin, North Carolina, so we decided this was the perfect time to try it. Caffe Rel is a French café located inside the Hot Spot service station in downtown Franklin at 459 East Main Street. Yes, inside a service station. That is part of what makes it so memorable.From the Walhalla and West Union area, the drive to Franklin is a beautiful mountain trip. It is the kind of ride that reminds you why living near the mountains is such a gift.We started with fresh bread and the café marinara sauce. Then we shared the pan-sautéed Monterey calamari, lightly fried and... 06/13/2026

Have to say, haven't lived in an apartment since I was 18 years old.   SO, having apartments nearby can lead to some fun experiences.   When I am home, fun to watch what is happening, and keep in mind, there is also a Pastelaria in my parking lot, so within eye shot.    It usually opens at 9:30 (except closed on Sundays), and see so many drinking beers soon as it is open.  Sometimes they have coffee too.  Just cannot imagine.The kitties haven't had the zoomies for some time, but this week, they have gotten back into this behavior.  Fun to see, and glad they are comfortable here.My immigration status still needs to be complete at the AIMA office here in Portugal, and my attorney had tried to set an appointment.  They changed the protocol and I need to do this.   Trying to get this done, ... 06/14/2026

Every year on June 13th, and this year on Saturday June 13, 2026, we celebrate the Happy National Weed Your Garden Day.National Weed Your Garden Day is a reminder to all gardeners to take an extra 5 or 10 minutes to weed the gardens.This National Day is used to inspire people to keep their garden free of weeds to allow for a healthier crop. Giving daily attention to your garden makes it easier to maintain, and especially if a house listed in the market it important to have a weed free clean garden.Wishing a Happy National Weed Your Garden Day ActiveRain Community and to all people everywhere. 06/13/2026

OH, WHAT A NIGHT! A Four Seasons Tribute   The Revivers absolutely crushed it last night at the PAC with "Celebrating the Music of The Four Seasons" I’m still buzzing today! From the second they hit the stage, it was pure electricity. These guys didn’t just perform the hits, they channeled the spirit of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons perfectly.    Harmonies were tight and delivered with that classic Jersey swagger. “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, every single one was a full-body experience. The crowd was singing along so loud, I felt compelled to get up and dance, then others followed!    The Revivers have that perfect mix of silky-smooth vocals, killer falsettos that actually hit the notes and stage presence that feels ... 06/13/2026

Good morning, and good health and wellness to you today! Have you ever thought about the words that you speak? Do you find yourself saying things like:"I have a cold." "I have cancer." "I have an autoimmune disease."I am sure we have all said these statements. What if you started changing the narrative?"I am fighting a cold." "I am battling cancer." "I am beating my autoimmune disease."Your words and thoughts have specific frequencies. These frequencies affect every cell in your body. When you claim to HAVE something, you are basically giving in to that malady. You've claimed that it's YOURS.However, when you change your words to reflect a different attitude and intention, you change the frequency. You do not have to claim these things in your life. You do have the choice to change the ... 06/13/2026

You may laugh, but I SO want to get started traveling!   I almost have forgotten how tough that trip here was with all the suitcases and my fur babies.   The next trip won't be so difficult.That trip here has been my only trip this year, so REALLY itching to go somewhere.BUT, I need to get an appointment at the AIMA (immigration) office before I can schedule anything.  Soon as I schedule something, FOR SURE the appointment will be then, Murphy's Law!I did map out a trip here in Portugal from the Algarve to the northern part of Portugal with many stops in between.   This may be too long a trip, as one day in most of these areas probably won't be enough.I was thinking of flying from Faro to Porto, renting a car, and exploring the northernmost areas first.   I still need to find a pet sitt... 06/13/2026

This Week…A Tropical Pound Cake In Florida, one of my favorite cakes to make was a South Florida Tropical Poundcake. It was perfect any time of the year, but even better in the summer. It requires mixing and measuring ingredients, and mashing bananas and pitting dates. Since Nina Hollander has introduced me to the wide use of boxed cake mixes, I went looking for a hack of sorts for a tropical pound cake. If you’d like the original recipe I used, contact me, and I’ll send it to you.   So here’s what I came up with!! Tropical Pound Cake1 box (16 oz) butter, yellow, or pineapple cake mix1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened4 large eggs (room temperature)1/2 cup canned cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained1 t... 06/13/2026

If that didn't make you laugh then you may want to check your pulse. 😄During my recent visit to Milwaukee I was surprised at what avid bird watchers my daughter and her husband are. When I was in my mid twenties watching birds was the farthest thing from my mind.Did you know that there is an app available for your phone that can identify birds by their song? I learned that on my trip as well.Tina and Jon have several bird feeders outside their picture window that keeps their cat, Shoko, very entertained. It kept me entertained at times as well.Back at home I had the opportunity to photograph a baby robin who got kicked out of the nest and was terrified to try out it's new wings. I did end up getting to close and he flew about 30' to another seemingly safe location. I'm pretty sure  he h... 06/13/2026

My second home away from home, Galveston, TX, is another great place to be for the upcoming 4th of July! The island will be in full celebration mode to say Happy 250th birthday to the land of the free. What better place to watch fireworks than over the Gulf of America!There are still some great places to book your stay on the island. Sand n Sea Vacation Rentals offers hand-selected, well-maintained homes for your vacation needs. You can also choose from a variety of hotels and resorts located all over the island.Insider Tips for 4th of July:🎆 For the parade - get your spot early! This is a jam-packed event! Bring your chairs, your umbrella, snacks, and beverages, and plan to be there a while. The parade begins at 6 p.m.🎆 The fireworks over the Gulf will not disappoint! Again, find your ... 06/12/2026

Trivia questions for Friday June 12, 20261. What is the opening section of an opera called? The Overture2. The "miner's lamp'" is also known as what? Davy's Lamp3. According to rumor, who save the life of colonist John Smith? Pocahontas 4. What title does the wife of an Earl have? CountessTrivia questions for Saturday June 13, 20261. What are the shoes worn by ballerina's called?2. What is the average lifespan of a hummingbird?3. Which country is the second largest in the world?4. Which body part does otology study?Enjoy your day.  06/13/2026

Trivia question answers for Saturday June 13, 20261. Shoes worn by ballerinas are also called what? Pointe shoes2. What is the average lifespan of a hummingbird? 5 years3. What is the second largest country in the world? Canada4. With what body part is otology involved? The EarTrivia questions for Sunday June 14, 20261. What state elected a former pro-wrestler as its governor?2. A "smack" is a group of what?3. Which celebrity popularized the "wedge" haircut?4. Chuck Taylor was the first endorser of what popular brand of shoes? Enjoy your day.  06/14/2026

Friday Flags: Sit and Relax in Watertown CTFo a few years now, I have played in a senior golf league in Watertown CT on Wednesday mornings. Not only does it allow me time on a course I greatly enjoy, but I get to play with some fellow golfers that I have known for guite a few years.There was some road construction that afforded me some time to glance about and I saw an opportunity that I never noticed before. I poulled over and went to take this shot.How opportune to see a place to stop, read a book, watch the world go by and have a reminder just over your head as to how fortunate we are for where we live.It brought a smile to my face, and I gladly share it here as well. Friday Flags: Sit and Relax in Watertown CT 06/12/2026

Trivia question answers for Thursday June 11, 20261. What are the four states of matter? Solid, liquid, gas, plasma2. What is the main constituent of an eggshell? Calcium carbonate3. Where was the oldest sculpture of a human figure discovered? Germany4. Who invented the telephone? Alexander Graham BellTrivia questions for Friday June 12, 20261. What is the opening section of an opera called?2. The "miner's lamp'" is also known as what?3. According to rumor, who save the life of colonist John Smith?4. What title does the wife of an Earl have?Enjoy your day.  06/12/2026

Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good pos today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler#Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore Oh, what a great way to start the day.  I was working on an image for a blog post regarding property tax tips for property owners in Texas when I asked Google Gemini to assist me with an image.  Here is the image that came back, along with the conversation following.  I hope you enjoy and it gives you a smile like it did me!... 06/12/2026

Oh, what a great way to start the day.  I was working on an image for a blog post regarding property tax tips for property owners in Texas when I asked Google Gemini to assist me with an image.  Here is the image that came back, along with the conversation following.  I hope you enjoy and it gives you a smile like it did me!   AI - cartoon of a person looking happy holding a low tax bill next to a house with a Texas flag   (Me) I am not sure if there is something wrong with my system. The photo shows a beaver holding a beer with the Canadian flag?   (AI) Oh wow, that is definitely a glitch on our end—a beer-drinking Canadian beaver is about as far from a Texas property tax tip as you can get! I am so sorry for the confusion and the system mix-up there.    (Me) Everything you are mention... 06/12/2026

It seems that people need a laugh – especially on Friday. So, we dig back in to classic comedy scenes from a much better age of television. Some clips I found from past TV comedy when TV comedy meant something far different from today. A more innocent time and a time of real quality. Hope you enjoy the clips. Due to the length, there is just 1 clip per week. Enjoy! 06/12/2026

It seems that people need a laugh – especially on Friday. So, we dig back in to classic comedy scenes from a much better age of television. Some clips I found from past TV comedy when TV comedy meant something far different from today. A more innocent time and a time of real quality. Hope you enjoy the clips. Due to the length, there is just 1 clip per week. Enjoy! 06/12/2026

Friday Fun…Are You Flying? When we were running an errand, we saw these beautiful flags. Of course, I thought of Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 and Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho , who have shared their flag photos and, hopefully, encouraged us to see the beauty in our flag. You can see Ed's weekly Friday FLags each week.   We proudly fly ours in front of the house. As a school fundraiser, flags are placed in front of participating homes in our area. I love driving through the neighborhood and down our street when they’re all out.    So, for our Friday Fun…a question for you:Are you flying a US Flag in your yard or where you work? 06/12/2026