Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Veteran's Day & November Thoughts

     Yow, it's been busy. Every single day this past week, we've had something going -- and some days had multiple events. I don't mind heading out for this or that once or twice, but this week has been exhausting. Our friend's passing Monday night didn't help matters, either. Guess we're not the only ones.
      This week, in comparison, should be more peaceful. Yeah, right.

Happy Veteran's Day to those who served -- and served for us. Thank you, soldiers, sailors (including Coast Guard!) and marines. 

Uncle Archie Cumings' Air Force fighter squadron patch in WWII 

We'll go out and take advantage of a Veteran's Day meal special. (I wouldn't be surprised, either, if the Brick didn't get a free haircut coupon -- another VD freebie. P.S. He did.) The Brick's six years in the Navy entitle him to this. 
    It will be a nice treat. Early November is always tough for me -- I fight the blues. Unfortunately, it runs in the family -- The Mama really struggles this time of year. Doesn't matter how well things are going, or what the weather is. (And it's been gloomy, mostly.) Must be genetic.

Update on Charles le chien:  He's been limping for some time now. Unfortunately, it's the same problem the Brick and I both have: aging, with some arthritis mixed in. Charley is part Golden Lab, part Chesapeake Bay Retriever -- both large dog breeds that are apt to have hip problems. And he does, as well as a rupture on a hind leg. Both will probably never completely heal.

Dog butt hanging rack -- perfect for an animal clinic

  
   The vet was optimistic that Charley would continue to get along, with a little help from us, including chondroitin and (surprise) a marijuana byproduct, CBD oil. I should also keep giving him regular massages, which he loves. 
     Charley will turn 9 in January. The vet thinks he could easily keep going for at least 3 more years, maybe more. Hey, I still limp sometimes from the knee blowout Charley gave me a year ago, jumping across my lap. Guess we're two of a kind. 

Mama loves her little baby dog.

Why the Free Birth Society no longer exists...at least in a public forum. Having had two healthy childbirths without drugs -- but in a hospital -- I am not sure what to think about this. More on this soon...

Ten people who became real-life heroes...and often sacrificed their own lives, in the process.  (From Listverse) While you're pondering that:

Ten strange UFO reports you probably haven't heard about. Most, I have heard about, but there are two from 2018!  While you're at it, Ten UFOs said to be physically recovered. (By governments or the military, naturally.) Also:

Ten amazing creations inspired by dreams. Including Paul McCartney's Yesterday.

Winners from the 2018 Siena International Photo Awards contest. Amazing.  And not to be outdone:

Winners from the 2018 British Wildlife Photography Awards.

What's currently happening in the Georgia governor's election results. If you haven't been following this litany of name-calling, insults and allegations, you've been missing the fun. Oprah and other celebrities just had to insert themselves into the picture, as well. (Votes are not completely counted yet -- why not? -- but so far, the Republican candidate is ahead. Ironically, as current Secretary of State, he's also the chief election official in Georgia.)
    Florida has a similar mess on its hands.

31 easy ways to save money.  One example: use water softener salt to de-ice your sidewalk. (From Compounding Pennies)

Another viewpoint on the Bob Acosta Wars.  Or... is he a poor innocent, picked on because he wouldn't put the mike down? Yes, ladies and gentleman, let's blow this one way out of proportion, as well.

Funny (and sometimes wistful) last words from famous people.   Even stranger:

Celebrities who might have faked their deaths.   Yes, including Elvis. And leading from this:

Who really was buried in Jesse James' grave? Not the outlaw, says his descendant. Or so DNA seems to prove. (From Texas Monthly) Also from them:

The Hero of Sutherland Springs remembers the shootings at the First Baptist Church...and tries to forget.

A millionaire interview -- one in a series. (From ESI Money) Including this important comment:

Once your mind is open to the fact that wealth is achievable, you will find the simple formula for becoming wealthy: live off less than you earn, and invest the difference. You can accelerate your wealth building by earning more, investing more, cutting expenses (including taxes), and staying away from debt. None of this will happen overnight but you can make one step at a time in the right direction.

She's right! (And yes, I'm speaking from experience. That plan of action is how the Brick could retire at age 60.)

"My Grandma's Legacy."  (From Pretend to be Poor)

Scooter the Canine Hunter. A very funny photo essay on a victorious Mole-Killer -- funny, that is, unless you're dealing with the little buggers. Lots of tips.  (From Get Me to the Country)

In the flesh...Scooter hisself.

"What was the most bone-chilling thing a child said to you?"  A lot of strange and intriguing answers here.  (From Quora)

Crockpot mashed potatoes.   The turkey empenadas look good, too. (From Cheap Recipe Blog)

The Man Who Never Got A Real Job.  (From Mr. Money Mustache)

Have a great week.