Through the Keyhole - April 2026

 

Through the Keyhole APRIL 2026 Take a break from your day... Not your typical company OR newsletter

“This big city is home to a ton of history.  In fact, Emporers walked here and all roads lead here...”  Can you guess the location?   April 1st used to be New Years...   Did you know?   April 1st, now known as April Fools' Day, has a surprisingly curious backstory—one that blends history with a bit of myth.   Before the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, many parts of Europe celebrated the new year around late March, often ending festivities on April 1st. When the calendar shifted in the late 1500s and New Year’s Day was officially moved to January 1st, not everyone got the memo—or chose to follow it.   According to popular tradition, those who continued celebrating the new year around April 1st became the target of jokes and pranks. They were mockingly called “April fools,” and people would play tricks on them, like sending them on pointless errands or giving them false news.   While historians debate how true this origin story really is, it remains one of the most widely told explanations for the holiday. Over time, the pranks became less about confusion and more about fun, spreading across cultures and evolving into the lighthearted day we know today.   So whether or not April 1st truly marks an old New Year, it’s safe to say the spirit of playful mischief has stuck around for centuries.

Living in Chicago in April is basically an extreme sport disguised as spring.   One day, you’re walking along Lake Michigan in a hoodie, soaking up sunshine and convincing yourself winter is finally over. The next day? You’re back in a winter coat, questioning every life decision as icy wind whips down the street like it never left.   April here is full of contradictions. Patios start opening, but no one fully commits—you’ll see people sipping drinks outside wrapped in blankets like it’s a competitive endurance event. Trees begin to bud, flowers think about blooming, and then a random cold snap shows up just to keep everyone humble.   But there’s something kind of great about it, too. The city feels like it’s waking up. Baseball is back, the lakefront gets busier, and there’s this shared optimism in the air—like, “okay, we survived winter… probably.”   In Chicago, April may not be predictable, but it’s never boring.   And Happy Birthday to my wife Melissa who turns 29 again... Cheers!

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Guess the Location Game Last month the winner of the guess the location game was Brian Moffitt who guessed the right answer.  I appreciate all of the participation.  THANKS FOR PLAYING!

ANSWER: Puerto Vallarta, MX

“This city is currently in the news for all the wrong reasons. The place is home to some 800,000 people and tourism is EVERYTHING to the region. Home of great food, friendly neighborhoods and lovely, warm people.  Even though it may be under pressure right now, let's all hope it goes back to what it was...” Puerto Vallarta is still one of Mexico’s favorite beach destinations—and despite a scary moment earlier this year, it’s very much back to normal.   In February, violence broke out across parts of Jalisco after a major cartel leader was killed. In Puerto Vallarta, that meant temporary roadblocks, fires, and people being told to stay indoors. It looked intense, and for a few days, tourism and daily life were disrupted.   But the key thing is how quickly it passed. Within days, authorities had things under control, roads reopened, flights resumed, and the city returned to its usual rhythm.   Today, Puerto Vallarta is once again what people know and love: a relaxed coastal city with beautiful beaches, great food, and a strong expat and tourist community. Like anywhere, it’s smart to stay aware—but the areas visitors spend time in are well-supported and generally very safe.   Bottom line: the February incident was real, but temporary. Puerto Vallarta remains a great place to visit—and an even better place for many people to call home.

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Los Arcos ~ 2 minutes

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Life in the 90s...

Bride's Hilarious Story...

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Exoskeletons go Mainstream..

as little as $799 ~ 2 minutes

TV's have come a long way...

Amazing ~ 2 minutes

Święconka (Polish Easter Basket)

The contents of the Święconka are carefully chosen, each with its own symbolic meaning, reflecting themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and joy. Here’s a breakdown of the traditional items: Eggs (Jajka): Symbolizing new life and Christ’s resurrection. Often, these are beautifully decorated as pisanki, incorporating various techniques and designs that have been passed down through generations. Bread (Chleb): Represents Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life. It’s a reminder of the sustenance and blessings received throughout the year. Salt (Sól): A symbol of purification and the necessity of life. It reminds Christians of their duty to be the “salt of the earth.” Meat (Wędliny): Usually ham or sausage, symbolizes abundance and joy. It represents the joy and abundance of Christ’s resurrection. Horseradish (Chrzan): Its bitterness reminds Christians of the Passion of Christ and the harshness of life, while its strength signifies physical and spiritual strength. Butter (Masło): Shaped into a lamb or a cross, signifies the goodness of Christ that we should emulate. The lamb also represents Christ as the Lamb of God. Cheese (Ser): Symbolizes the moderation Christians should have in all things. Cake (Babka): Represents the skills and talents of the baker, also symbolizing joy and the sweetness of life. The basket, often lined with a white linen cloth symbolizing purity and covered with a handmade lace or embroidered napkin, represents the covering of Christ’s shroud. Sprigs of greenery or pussy willows may adorn the basket, symbolizing spring and renewal. The meticulous preparation and decoration of the basket reflect the reverence of the tradition and the anticipation of Easter’s promise.

Last Second Shot from Every Angle.

Well This is Random...

More Stuff.

Edgy.

More Edgy Stuff...

Honey Glazed Ham for Easter

Ingredients: 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 7–10 lbs) 1 cup honey ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup Dijon mustard 2 tbsp orange juice (optional, but great flavor) Whole cloves (optional, for that classic look) Instructions: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern and stick cloves into the cuts if you’re using them. In a small bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and orange juice. Brush about half the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5–2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound). In the last 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush on the rest of the glaze. Let it caramelize and get glossy. Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.   Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.   Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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