A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter Z – Zonkers

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter Z – Zonkers

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

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Well, another A to Z Blog Challenge has come and gone. This is my final entry for 2021, and it’s been fun. Hope you’ve enjoyed some of these posts from long ago. Thank you so much for all the visits, likes, and comments! They are so appreciated! ❤

So, here we go with Letter Z  …

 

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SCREAMING YELLOW ZONKERS!

Yummy, sweetened popcorn in a box…that’s Screaming Yellow Zonkers!

Back in the 1960s and early 1970s, Zonkers were a must have snack among the hippie crowd. The popcorn tasted great when you had the munchies, but the box it came in was special.

You bought the snack as much for the box, as for the popcorn. The box was black, one of the first products to be packaged in a black box. There was lots of writing on the box…some of it absurd, mostly funny, with cartoon characters and witty (so we thought) sayings. That was the main selling point…the snack was just a bonus.

At times Zonkers were hard to find at the store. If someone found a store that was selling them, word was passed around. I remember at least once, driving way out of my way to find them. Down unfamiliar streets, I went, finally finding the little convenience store that reportedly had Zonkers. It was so worth the trip…I had my Zonkers!

Screaming Yellow Zonkers were discontinued in 2007, but as of May 2012, they have been in production again, in limited editions. You can find them at times at Walgreens Drug Stores!

Thanks for reading!

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2014 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter Y – Yippee More Definitions

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter Y – Yippee More Definitions

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter Y  …

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Daffy Definition = yen-shee  – A certified instructor of the art of meditation.

Sentence = Everyone who attended meditation class thought Hannah was the best yen-shee.

Real Definition = The residue formed in the bowl of an opium pipe by smoking.

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Daffy Definition = yare – The southern way of pronouncing the words year, or your.

Sentence = Yare yarely physical exam is next month.

Real Definition = Set for action; characterized by speed and agility; nimble; lively.

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Daffy Definition = yaupon – A cleansing cream for removing make-up products from your face.

Sentence = Wanda smeared yaupon all over her face, before going to bed.

Real Definition = A holly of the southern U.S. with smooth elliptical leaves and emetic and purgative properties.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 20015 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter X – X-tra Nutty

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter X – X-tra Nutty

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter X  …

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Here are some X-tra nutty definitions for letter X

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Daffy Definition = xiphisternum – A cable TV channel airing Science-Fiction (Sci-fy) programs.

Sentence = To subscribe to the new xiphisternum channel, you must have a Premium cable account.

Real Definition = The posterior segment of the sternum, called also the xiphoid process.

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Daffy Definition = xeric – A superhero in comic books.

Sentence = Xeric rose to superhero status, when he defeated the enemies of Earth in a fierce battle.

Real Definition = Characterized by, relating to, or requiring only a small amount of moisture.

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Daffy Definition = xebec – A rare bird, having black and white striped feathers; a bird found in the rainforest.

Sentence = While on their expedition to the rainforest, the ornithologists were excited when they saw the rare xebec, in it’s natural habitat.

Real Definition = A usual 3-masted Mediterranean sailing ship with long overhanging bow and stern.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

©2015 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter W – Word Games

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter W – Word Games

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter W …

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GETTING WORDY WITH IT

Well, being a writer, I love words. Word games are a favorite way to work with words. One of the first word games I learned to play was Anagrams. You would draw from a pile of letter tiles, and try to make as many words from them as you could. You’d take turns with other players, drawing tiles until all the tiles were used. The person with the most formed words, won the game.

From that, I went on to crossword puzzles, and skeleton puzzles. Next up, I think, was word search games, then Scrabble and Boggle. Other games that make use of words, are Scattergories, Scrutinize, and the old favorites…Password, and Mad Libs. There are a lot of pencil puzzle books too, with all kinds of fun games to do inside.

Television game shows make use of words for the contestants to play the game. These are fun to watch and play along to at home. Some of these include, Jeopardy, $100,000 Pyramid, and Wheel of Fortune.

I still like to play all of these games. So, to someone who likes word games, there are plenty to choose from.

Have fun being ‘wordy’!

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2014 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter V – Van

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter V – Van

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter V …

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THE BURNT ORANGE VAN

Quite a few years ago, we owned a big, burnt-orange van. What I remember most about it was that when it rained, you almost needed an umbrella on the inside! The front window leaked. We’d had it replaced, but evidently the seal was not good.  We also had to hook it up to a battery charger every night, so it would start the next morning.

It was a fun vehicle, that van. It was a big conversion van, with captain seats, two other chairs, and a bench seat in back. I think you could unfold the bench into a bed. Then in the way back area was a storage type closet. It also had tinted windows on the side.

I drove that van all over town, hauling kids to and from school and activities. When we’d travel, the dogs loved riding in it, too.

Sometimes, the kids would have camp-outs/sleep-overs out there in the van…right out there in the driveway. They’d gather up snacks, have their friends over, pile in the blankets and pillows, and have a fun night.

Once, I had to pick up an order of pizzas for my daughter’s class at school. There were lots of pizza boxes stacked up high in the van.

We eventually traded the van in for a regular sized car. We’d had enough of being dripped on every time it rained. I kind of miss that old van.

 

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2014 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter U – Union Station (Haunted?)

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter U – Union Station (Haunted?)

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter U …

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Ceiling at Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri

Large round chandelier

 

Ceiling at Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri

Very long hallway and a U. S. Flag hanging from ceiling

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UNION STATION, KANSAS CITY – IS IT HAUNTED?

Is the Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri haunted? As your footsteps echo on the highly polished floors, your eyes are drawn upward. The vast ceiling is awe inspiring. Beautiful and intricate artwork, and huge chandeliers make you catch your breath. Voices are hushed, as you feel the history emanating from the walls.

You think of all the souls that have passed through this train station throughout the years..soldiers travelling to their next duty stations during WWII, regular travelers, and even fugitives from the law.

Built in 1914, Union Station operated for many years, until a slow decline in business forced it to close in 1985. After a renovation, in 1996, it was opened as a museum. By 2002, it was again being used as a train station, when Amtrak began service. There are many attractions, besides train travel to be seen here now. There is the museum’s history and displays, kid friendly, hands on learning areas, restaurants, and gift shops. There is a wonderful model railroad city surrounded by train tracks with the model trains in motion.

Outside, you can go on an elevated walkway above the huge trains. You can feel the vibrations of the great engines, and look down at the tops of them. There are many photo opportunities in and around Crown Point, inside and out. The architecture is amazing.

We learned, too of the Union Station Massacre. It took place right outside, in 1933. The shooting took place, as FBI agents were transferring a fugitive back to Leavenworth prison. Gang members tried to free him from the agents, and a gun battle resulted in the fugitive being killed…his head blown off. You can still see bullet holes in the building’s exterior walls.

I’ve heard it said that the headless fugitive’s ghost roams around the station, now. Employees, during after hours, have seen and heard this, as well as other paranormal entities. There are reports of a lady, dressed in black, that walks up and down the stairs at night, and phantom travellers with suitcases roam around. Eerie train whistles can be heard, when no trains are there.

Union Station is a very interesting place to visit, even if you are not traveling. I would definitely urge you to go, if you are in the area. We really enjoyed our day spent here with family.

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Union Station (Kansas City, Missouri)

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2014 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter T – T Words

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter T – T Words

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter T …

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Daffy Definition =  tautology  – The study and discipline of tau – a zen-like state, practiced by monastery monks.

Sentence = As a top level monk, Ben was an expert in tautology.

Real Definition = Needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word.

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Daffy Definition = testudo – An exam/test, as in the sport of judo; a final exam to be passed, to become a master judo instructor.

Sentence = Before Jacob could open his own dojo, he had to pass his testudo.

Real Definition = Tortoise shell; a cover of overlapping shields or a shed wheeled up to a wall used by the ancient Romans to protect an attacking force.

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Daffy Definition =teonanacatl – A fungus of the toenail (in humans) and of the hooves (in cattle) contracted by walking on rotten bananas and/or the peels/skins of such a fruit.

Sentence = After Horace chased his cow through the banana grove, they both came down with a raging case of teonanacatl.

Real Definition = Any of several New World mushrooms (Psilocybe and related genera of the family Agaricaceae) that are sources of hallucinogens.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2015 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter S – Salt & Pepper Shakers

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter S – Salt & Pepper Shakers

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter S  …

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Do you like to collect things? How about salt and pepper shakers? I have quite a few sets that I’ve collected over the years. I find them at yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores. Some were given to me as a gift, as friends and family members are always on the lookout for them.

Most of mine fall into the catagory of collectibles, antique, vintage, and novelty. Salt and pepper shakers come in all manner of materials. I have wooden, metal, plastic, and glass ones.

The novelty S & Ps are the cute ones, even though they can certainly be used at the table as their intended purpose. There are so many catagories to choose from to collect, as it suits your interests. You can pick one theme, or just randomly create your collection.

Some themes include animals of all types, holidays, kitchen wares, letters, clowns, souvenirs, advertising, and many more. Some can be very rare to find, very costly and valuable; others can just be fun to add to your collection.

I entered one of my salt and pepper shakers in the fair one time. It was a kangaroo, with the baby joey sitting in a pouch. I won a ribbon for it. The picture is similar to the one I have. What I need now, is a display case for all my sets.

For very little cost, you can start your own collections of salt and pepper shakers. It is a fun hobby and a great topic of conversation.

 

This is my antique salt & pepper shaker Kangaroo & Joey. I entered this in the local fair, under antiques and relics, one year, and won a ribbon.

Tigers Salt & Pepper Shakers

Dalmation dog & red fire hydrant S & P shakers

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter Q – 20 Questions

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter Q – 20 Questions

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter Q …

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20 Q (the game)

Based on a parlor game called Twenty Questions, Robin Burgener, in 1988, invented a hand held electronic game he called 20Q. He was experimenting with using AI – Artificial Intellegence.

When you turn this game on, it will ask you to think of something for it to guess. It has a display screen that you can read it’s questions, and buttons you can push, to log in your answer, either yes, no, sometimes, or unknown.

This ‘toy’ will ask you a series of 20 simple questions. As you keep answering the questions posed, the device will build on them, to ultimately guess what you were thinking about.

In between the questions, it will make funny comments to you. On the package it comes in it states that it can read your mind. One of the comments it makes, is that it is spooky how it knows what you are thinking.

It is not programmed. It somehow ‘learns’ from every answer you give, and every time turns out different. Most of the time it guesses right!

I have two of these 20Q games, and have been amazed at how it can even do this. It occasionally does miss the answer, and will make a funny comment about how you can’t win them all.

I think it is a bit weird to be holding a sort of ‘mini brain’ right there in my hand. Like it says…it’s spooky!

 

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2014 & 2021 BS

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter P – Painting Pictures

A to Z Blog Challenge 2021 – Letter P – Painting Pictures

 

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

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It’s that time again for the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ve done this one for quite a few years, and it’s always fun.

This time I decided to go with the miscellaneous type posts, which some days will be whatever I want, and other days will be a resurrection of my older posts that pretty much no one or very few ever saw.

So, here we go with Letter P …

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PAINTING PICTURES

I mentioned awhile back that I like to paint pictures. I’ve been drawing and painting forever it seems. I’d draw on most anything I could find…notebook paper, typing paper, the backs of old wallpaper rolls, butcher paper, manila paper, canvas, and even the walls in the house. (Yeah, got in trouble for that) 🙂 … My aunt would bring me reams of paper that was discontinued from her office…printed information on one side, blank on the other. Still have some of that around. Also, I have some of all my artwork from years gone by. I’ll be posting some occasionally.

Do you remember those drawing aptitude ads in magazines…draw this or that picture, and get a free analysis? I did that one time, when I was probably ten or eleven. It was a picture of Abraham Lincoln. I sent it in, and waited. Sure enough, I got a letter from the Art Institue, saying a representative would be visiting me. So the day came, and the man was very complimentary and wanted me to go to their school…but in a few years…as I wasn’t old enough at the time. Kind of good news, bad news…I was ready to go right then! 🙂

I’ve tried watercolors, and had a big easel I’d take out in the back yard, painting pictures of the dogs. I went through a horse phase after reading the “Black Stallion” series of books, and drew and colored a lot of those. Then I started in on acrylics. I’d tried oils, but I’m too impatient to wait on the drying time, so acrylics were just right.

I like doing pictures of animals the best. I’ve tried sketching portraits…they are not good, and scenery and still life just don’t grab me and make me want to paint them. So, animals, whether a real likeness, or more in the cartoon style, is what I like to do. Once I even entered a couple in the local fair. I didn’t win a ribbon, but hey, people saw my work!

I also like painting on rocks. Back in the day when ‘pet rocks’ were a fad, I painted my own. Lots of fun to see how they turn out, and I still do those sometimes… putting the word Peace and a peace sign on them.

Anyway, just wanted to keep my promise of posting some of the paintings I’ve done. Hope you enjoy them!

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2015 & 2021 BS