Thrift Store – Family Portrait…Where we end up?

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I was at the thrift store, looking for puzzles. As I headed to pay, I walked by the picture frames.

This family portrait caught my attention.

It’s sweet, I felt sad. A lady was looking at picture frames too. We both looked at each other and shared our thoughts. This was an expensive picture frame. The painting done is such a lovely way.

She snapped a picture and did a Google search. This family portrait Is from 1920, so about 106 years old.

NEXT THOUGHT — Who donated it? Children or grandchildren? Maybe not even a family member. Hard to know.

Anyhow, life is interesting. When people pass, many things end up at the thrift store.

Someone will buy the painting for the picture frame and throw the painting away, most likely.

Well, for a few minutes, this lady and I paid our respects.

You never know what you might see in a thrift store…

Chicago Architecture… Now houses Target store!

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I haven’t been to downtown Chicago for a while. Luckily, I was there early, 7:30 AM for an appointment and was able to actually “see” the city with not many people around.

As I was standing at the light, I noticed this beautiful old building. I wondered what had been there before, because it seemed funny to see Target in a building like this.

Turns out, this was the flagship store for Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company opening in 1899. This building is 127 years old. The landmark structure was designed by architect Louis Sullivan. It’s officially named the Sullivan Center and is celebrated as a masterpiece by the Chicago School of architecture.

Apparently, Sullivan built many buildings and was a great influence on Frank Lloyd Wright.

Oh, when I turned around, I saw the iconic Clock on the old Marshall Field’s building. It’s always hard to get a photo of it with so many people around, but I got it. It’s known for being “the” place to meet… UNDER the CLOCK.

It’s nice when we are able to take a moment and enjoy our surroundings and old architecture.

Have a great weekend.

A sunflower starting…

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I was visiting a friend of mine and out of no where, she had a sunflower that started growing.

I took a picture from the top, I was curious how they look, because when they get so tall, it’s hard to see them. This was was still relatively short in stature.

I hope it will be a little fuller looking than this one. I found this sunflower so amusing. It looks like a person having a bad hair day. I also thought it looks like a man with a full beard, but losing hair on top. Interesting what our mind sees.

We’ve had an interesting summer. Super hot temps, normal temps, then wicked thunder storms.

It’s definitely not a normal summer… still… it is summer, let’s enjoy the outdoors and its beauty.

Alaskan Cruise – View of Dawes Glacier

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I just went on an Alaskan Cruise which brought us to Dawes Glacier. I always wondered what the glacier looked like up front. Surprisingly, it’s not white, or surrounded by water. Instead, it was nestled in this cove. It had beautiful blue crystal. I have a close up of a small piece that had broken off.

There were two tour boats following us, special excursion to bring people closer to the glacier. We saw some harbor seals, but I wasn’t quick enough to get a photo. Also, some people saw whales, I saw their spouts, but did not see their tails as they dove in, darn.

Alaska is beautiful, full of outdoor activities.

The most amazing part — BREATHING FRESH AIR! Really wonderful.

Last chance – Stamps go up 4 cents, 7/12/26!

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I haven’t had to use stamps for a long time. When I was mailing a package the other day, the Post Mistress asked, “Will there be anything else, ie stamps?”

I saw the notice that stamps were going up July 12, 2026 by 4 cents. So, I bought some. I told her she could give me any pack, I wasn’t particular.

She pulled out these, “Baby Wild Animals.” They are cute.

So, if you need stamps. GET THEM NOW. Why pay extra if you don’t need to.

Have a great day!

How do YOU eat your corn?

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It’s raining here. I thought we could use a funny post.

I was at a BBQ party last weekend for Father’s Day. While I was eating my corn, someone said, “How are YOU eating your corn?”

I said, “What do you mean?”

He said, “You’re eating your corn in a row.”

Yes, I said, “What’s the problem. I’ve always eaten my corn this way.”

He laughed and said, “Look how I eat my corn — in a circle.”

We both laughed. Incredible. That made me think.

Is there a right way to eat corn? Do people in different parts of the country eat their corn differently?

I’m curious now. HOW do YOU eat YOUR corn?

How can a book be translated electronically?

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My mother has this book from her childhood. She said all children read it.

The story of a young boy who writes in his diary of his daily events. Apparently, he’s always getting into trouble.

Does anyone know of a way to translate a book electronically.

It would take me forever to translate this by using Google. I would like to read it.

I saw an App that allows you to scan a page and then it reads it back to you. So, there must be a way to translate a big document, right.

And maybe, there is already an English version. There’s a thought. Any good sleuths out there?

Have a good day!

A new way to unwind, a floating sound bath…

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We all have stress in our lives for different reasons. All we want is to relax and unwind.

Well, look at this. I saw it on social media, the website: Stillwater Symphony, offers luxury floating sound baths.

What do you think? Have you seen this before?

Have a relaxing weekend!

The Traveling Wooden Puzzle…

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I’m not normally a fan of wooden puzzles, the shapes are just so strange. However, my friend had posted this sea turtle puzzle she had done, which is so beautiful. So, she sent it to me to do and then return when done.

It’s my first “traveling” puzzle.

I’ve done the first step, sorted the pieces. Now, to tackle putting them together.

LOL – I’m always amused when people are doing something challenging and they say, “WISH ME LUCK!”

Is that what I should say, given this situation? Look at these pieces. I don’t know where to begin.

Look to the far right of the photo. They had some cute shaped pieces.

Ok… today is the day to tackle this beast of a puzzle!

What challenging project are you working on?