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Just for Fun

The savvy, charming and hilarious members of ActiveRain like to let their hair down and have a little fun. Topics take on a whole new life when the creative minds of AR author fun posts. Wordless Wednesdays are a big contributor of this topic along with other posts written for fun. With each of our members' clever wit behind these blog posts, there should definitely be something for everyone to delight in.


Take a moment out from the daily grind to get lost in these entertaining pieces. If you have a funny story or photo you'd like to share with the wonderful world of AR, please do. Just for Fun posts are a great avenue to expressing yourself and sharing your funny bone.

Recent blogs on Just for Fun
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Timmothy likes to use the theme of you are what you eat throughout his cartoons and paintings. Here are a few examples: The only way I can tie this into Real Estate is that if you have your own home you can create your own kitchen and you can create it centered around the food you most like to prepare.
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
A fun place to live. Bill Another week in the books, first I did three videos that I hope helped people who might be facing a spouse or family member with memory issues.  There are a lot of great organizations here in The Villages, Florida that are willing to help.  If you need services there is a group to help.Now top three articles for the week, coming in at number three is “Victory Sports Grill,” yep food as expected.  Number two was the picture of Peg and Al Bundy (Dick and Michelle) from Halloween, yes you missed it.  And the number one by a wide margin “Fenney Grill From Farm to Table!”  Yep another food article.For Michelle and me we are trying our luck flying to Arlington, VA Wednesday.  We have babysitting duties for my son, his wife, and their sons 5- and 3-year-old.  Hope our...
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Book Recommendation: Striking Range by Margaret MizushimaStriking Range (2021, Crooked Lane Books) is novel number seven of the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series by Margaret Mizushima. I enjoyed this book and recommend this series for your reading list. I suggest reading this series in order of publication. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and her books.A deadly secret is buried in the Colorado high country--and murder is only the beginning in the seventh gripping installment of Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 mysteries.He was suspect number one--the man who tried to kill Deputy Mattie Cobb and may have killed her father thirty years earlier. But when Mattie and cold case detective Jim Hauck reach the Colorado state prison where they will finally...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Who doesn't love a Festive Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board?🍂🍂🍂Let these artisanal charcuterie board images inspire youThe Basics: A traditional charcuterie board usually features a mix of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts, but for Thanksgiving, feel free to add any seasonal twists that your heart desires. Some seasonal favorites include: cranberries, spiced nuts, seasonal fruits like apples and pears, etc. And you can add decorative elements like mini-pumpkins, gourds, mums, etc. to really make you board pop. Here’s a quick checklist of some items to gather for a fall-themed board:Cured meats Salami Prosciutto Turkey slices Cheeses Sharp cheddar Brie Gouda Soft cheeses like goat cheese with cranberries Crackers and breads Wheat crackers Baguette slices Pretzels Fruits Dried apricots...
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By Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
(House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373)
This month our challenge is Thankful Thoughts, and thanks to Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 for hosting this challenge.Sometimes as we age, traveling is not so easy, if you have trouble walking, or breathing in high-altitude locations.    I know the airline travel part is frustrating often, especially with weather, detours, delays, or cancellations.    When you have allotted only so many days per City, and that gets changed, it can throw off a vacation.There are places I have been where many of my friends/colleagues said they would never travel to.   Costa Rica was one of them.   Bugs, scorpions, alligators, iguanas, and mosquitoes turned them off.    I was intrigued by the different kinds of monkeys we saw, and some came pretty close to our group.    The howler monkeys a...
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By Wayne Martin, Real Estate Broker - Retired
(Wayne M Martin)
Trivia question.answers for Tuesday November 4, 20251. Who is the Greek counterpart of Cupid? Eros2. What is the driest continent? Antartica3. In NATO's phonetic alphabet, what is the letter "F" referred to as? Foxtrot4. What US city was Walt Disney born in? ChicagoTrivia questions for Wednesday November 5, 20251. What city was nicknamed "The Paris of the West"?2. President Nixon called what songstress an "Ambassador of Love"?3. Who was the first US Attorney General?4. How much does the Academy Award statue weigh?Enjoy your day!
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Another week in the books, first I did three videos that I hope helped people who might be facing a spouse or family member with memory issues.  There are a lot of great organizations here in The Villages, Florida that are willing to help.  If you need services there is a group to help.Now top three articles for the week, coming in at number three is “Victory Sports Grill,” yep food as expected.  Number two was the picture of Peg and Al Bundy (Dick and Michelle) from Halloween, yes you missed it.  And the number one by a wide margin “Fenney Grill From Farm to Table!”  Yep another food article.For Michelle and me we are trying our luck flying to Arlington, VA Wednesday.  We have babysitting duties for my son, his wife, and their sons 5- and 3-year-old.  Hope our flight goes okay with rec...
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By Kathy Streib, Retired Home Stager/Redesign
Zoom Homework…I Had to Open My Big Mouth I’m just kidding! I mentioned using Grok to create a video, and now we’re all “Grok-ing” for our Zoom homework. (kidding Debe Maxwell, CRS )  Sometimes our most informative Zoom Calls come from ones that are Open Table discussions. Our speaker was delayed on the tarmac, so we opened it up to discussions about AI. Assignment:Upload a picture to Grok and create a video using it.  What I did:Instead of uploading a photo, I asked Grok to create an image of a cuddly bear with a smile on its face. He is seated and has his arms outstretched. I asked it to have the bear say, “Here’s a hug.”  I chose a bear giving a hug because it seems we can all use a big hug these days. and a big bear hug is just what I pictured.  Here are the 4 images it offered: Next...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~REO Broker / Auctioneer
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Deliciously creamy Green Chile Grits with a perfect kick of spice. Easy to make, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a flavorful Southern side.Prep time: 15 minutes Ι Cook time: 30 minutes Ι Serves 4 to 6Ingredients 4 tablespoons butter, divided 1⁄2 cup minced white or yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 1⁄2 cups water Salt 1 cup grits 2 to 5 roasted green chiles, chopped, about 1 cup 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano or marjoram 1 cup shredded longhorn, Jack, or Chihuahua cheese 1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced 1⁄4 cup minced cilantro Black pepper Instructions Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook the onions and garlic until soft and translucent, but not browned, about 4 minutes. Stir occasionally, and salt them a bit as they cook. Add the water and a...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
I always look forward to our Tuesday ActiveRain Zoom calls, they’re the perfect blend of learning, laughter, and tech adventure! This week’s assignment took creativity to a whole new level: take a photo, upload it to Grok, and turn it into a movie! Yes… a movie from a still photo. How cool is that? What a fantastic AI assistant!Of course, I knew exactly which photo I wanted to use.One of my granddaughters, Maggie, lives in New York City with her sister and works for the talented fashion designer Kobi Halperin. Just a few weeks ago, she returned from Paris Fashion Week where she worked tirelessly behind the scenes, hiring models, helping prepare the venue, and doing everything needed to support a flawless runway presentation.Then came November 3, “The Oscars of Fashion” in NYC, held at t...
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By Lew Corcoran, Expert guidance. Exceptional results.
(Better Living Real Estate, LLC)
How a Still Image Became a Soul-Soothing Video Experience Summary A still image of a waterfall in autumn was transformed into a short video with motion and sound. It captures the beauty of falling leaves, flowing water, and seasonal serenity. The post explores the emotional impact of nature in motion and invites readers to experience and share the peaceful moment. Introduction: From Still to Soulful Ever stared at a photo and wished it could breathe? That’s exactly what happened when I looked at a snapshot of a waterfall tucked into an autumn forest. The image was stunning—fiery leaves, golden light, and water frozen mid-fall. But something was missing. So, I turned that still moment into a short video, complete with the soothing rush of water and the gentle flutter of leaves drifting i...
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By Wayne Martin, Real Estate Broker - Retired
(Wayne M Martin)
Trivia question answers for Monday November 3, 20251. What part of the world did the Vikings come from? Scandinavia2. What is the coldest sea on Earth? White Sea3. Grits are generally made from what grain? Corn4. What was Paul Revere's profession? SilversmithTrivia questions for Tuesday November 4, 20251. Who is the Greek counterpart of Cupid?2. What is the driest continent?3. In NATO's phonetic alphabet, what is the letter "F" referred to as?4. What US city was Walt Disney born in?Enjoy your day!
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journaling for November 4, 2025 Check out the blue sky in Texas! Doesn't it just sweep you off your feet! Get ready for the Super bright Beaver Moon on the evening of November 4 and November 5. It will be the brightest moon this year. November 11 is Veteran's Day. I was surprised to receive notification from the VFW Auxiliary Department of Texas that a book was published and my interview with a representative at the VA about a story I shared on 2/6/24 was selected to be printed for publication in 2025.Between now and November 11, it is a good time to find ways to honor the veterans for their sacrifices, courage and dedication to serve. Let us never forget how young soldiers were when they volunteered or were drafted. Most of them weren't even old enough to vote and many did not own cars...
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By Chuck Carstensen, Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert
(RE/MAX Results)
Join me as I explore A Course in Miracles, a powerful spiritual self-study program designed to help you connect with God, yourself, and others on a deeper level. In this video, I reflect on Lessons 176-185, which focus on themes of peace, love, joy, and truth. Through this course, you'll learn how to shift your mindset, release fear, and embrace a life filled with spiritual awareness and inner peace. These teachings encourage you to live your truth consistently and recognize the divine unity between all people. Lesson #176 -- Specialness     Lesson #177 -- The Holy Spirit Needs your Special Function     Lesson #178 -- The Little Hindrance or Heaven     Lesson #179 -- The Holy Ground You Stand On!     Lesson #181 -- Happy Dreams     Lesson #182 -- A Miracle is Undoing What is Not Real  ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
There is nothing wrong with a pat on the back even if you have to give it to yourself. Joe's list isn't very long but for a cartoon character he did pretty good. Physical labor can exhaust you but so can the heavy lifting of mental labor.I think I should give myself a pat on the back.I say if you think you deserve a pat on the back and no one offers you one than do it yourself. I also say no one loves a braggart so do that patting on the back where no one else will see it. 
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
We have a tendency to always be looking towards the future. Future goals, things we have to do or get, and if we are not looking towards the future we may very well be looking back and judging ourselves harshly for our past actions.But, we need to make more effort to just be present. To stop and smell the roses, or enjoy an afternoon at the beach. Are you so busy that you cannot take some time off to spend with those you love.Or even just to spend some time alone to clear your head, to take time out in nature. Are you always scrolling, looking for the next bright shiny thing that will allow you to achieve this or that goal.Can you just be satisfied! Can you compliment yourself and be grateful for all that you have right now.We have a dog, Jackie, who we discovered a couple of years ago ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Nerdin Gardens: Pickling Peppy Peppers In the Nerdin Gardens plot, with a tippy-toed prance,I pluck peppy peppers, swaying in a unisoned dance.Carefully slicing them, all sun-kissed, bold and bright,Another batch of spicy goodness promises future delight.Orange, red, green and yellow ready for a briny, hot mingle,When the sealed jars pop! pop! pop!, it indeed makes me tingle!~ Wanda Kubat-Nerdin Happy Monday all, I'm picking and a grinning!
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By Lane Rogers & Patricia Zars, Making Moves. Making a Difference.
(Epique Realty)
We’re Lane Rogers and Patricia Zars, partners in life, business, and purpose. Growth, connection, and intentional living are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’ve built a life we love through family, real estate, entrepreneurship, and a shared passion for serving others. We live in Boerne, Texas, with our daughter, Riley, and believe in creating meaningful experiences for both our clients and our family.After nearly two decades of leading a successful independent brokerage, our focus has always remained the same: providing a concierge-level real estate experience for clients and building a supportive, growth-driven environment for agents. With nearly 45 years of combined experience in the real estate industry, we joined Epique Realty to align with a forward-thinking, tech-em...
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By Lew Corcoran, Expert guidance. Exceptional results.
(Better Living Real Estate, LLC)
Celebrate Autumn with Trucks, Treats, and Unforgettable Family Fun Summary Celebrate fall at The Learning Experience – Franklin’s Touch-a-Truck Fall Festival on November 7, 2025. Free family fun, trucks, treats, and more. Introduction: What’s a Touch-a-Truck Festival Anyway? Ever wonder what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a fire truck or peek inside a police cruiser? That’s the magic of a Touch-a-Truck event. It’s where kids (and let’s be honest—grown-ups too) get up close and personal with the big, bold vehicles that keep your town running. Add in pumpkin painting, face art, and sweet treats, and you’ve got a fall festival that hits all the right notes. Why This Event Deserves a Spot on Your Calendar Mark your calendar for Friday, November 7th, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The ...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
It takes an endless amount of history to make even a little tradition. - Henry JamesFeeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. - William Arthur WardWhen I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. - Willie NelsonBe grateful for what you have and stop complaining - it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn't solve any problems. - Zig ZiglarThank you for life, and all the little ups and downs that make it worth living. - Travis Barker 
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