Monday Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: Business As Usual

     I would love to tell you we're leading an Exciting Life right now...but we're not. The usual chores, including trying to clear up the woodpile before it freezes to the ground -- and we have to chip it off. Plus a lot more jobs, getting ready for winter. So far, things are looking good. 

     I have a number of reports to write, too. Our one play day is Wednesday, to take advantage of some of the Veteran's Day specials. As you might remember, the Brick put in six years in the Navy. He finds getting discounts at Chili's and Great Clips for his military service amusing, but his Hollander heart doesn't mind. I don't, either. 

Meanwhile:

(And we won't talk about the Michigan-Michigan State game that made Michigan's offense look like serial doofuses. Some of my cousins are still laughing.)

The 'Ring-Around-the-Rosie play that worked.  (They still lost the game.)

Veteran's Day specials, discounts and freebies for veterans.

"Buried treasure" -- a classic from One Hundred Dollars A Month.  I love the idea of thinking that the people before us (including Native Americans) may have left something on our land.

A tip from our cousin led me to Seeking Persephone, a Regency-era Jane Austen-type romance series. It was wonderful!  Granted, it was set in 1805 -- and the costumes were more 1820s. And there could have been some more action. (Pride and Prejudice, if you've seen it, also has a lot of sitting around and talking.) If you enjoyed P&P, you'll love this. If you're a guy, I have to warn you, though -- the Brick, who holds a dim view of all things Austen-y, says you might have to turn in your "man card."

A top scientist is accused of stealing trade secrets. That's interesting, but the real intrigue is what the company is working on: bringing back species that have been extinct for thousands of years.

Another guy accused of theft -- but Adam Worth definitely did it. Including stealing Georgianna.  (If you don't recognize her name -- I didn't -- she was the great-great-great-grand aunt of Princess Diana.)

Thanksgiving recipes -- when you're on a budget.

Some incredible storms -- and waves -- out at sea.

Election cake -- a prime standby in Colonial New England on Election Day.

A Georgia O'Keefe painting lost for 40 years -- found in a closet under some fur coats. Whoa. Incredibly strong provenance, too.

Famous imposters in history.

"Hey, I've got a four-wheel drive. What's the problem?"

The "Hand of God" -- found near Highclere Castle. 

Have a good week. Work hard -- winter will be here before you know it.

Only Six-Fingered Men Invited

 

Head-Turning

 No, this is not AI-generated.

Martin Laurello could turn his head 180°, and was known as the Human Owl.  A sideshow performer, he lived from  1886 To 1955.

A Gem of A Thought

 

I love opals, anyways. Australian, American or African -- they're all beautiful.

More nature-based facts here. 

This Too Will Pass

 God is in control.

I firmly believe that, regardless of how you voted.

Hopefully, You Did, Too.

 

Monday Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: VOTING -- And Other Discouragements

 Yes, you read that right. 

I am voting...and so should you. Even when none of the candidates are exactly A-plus. Even when the zillion amendments promise serenity, peace and happiness, when their real results will just be more money grabbed from the taxpayers. At least that's the way it is in Colorado this year.

It's enough to make you spit -- but that doesn't mean you shouldn't register your opinion. Just do the best you can --

     Hold your nose and vote.

It will be over soon. Promise.

    In other Cheerful Thoughts, it's been cold, dreary and snowing. We hauled in a few loads of soaking-wet firewood, and the usual Monday chores ensued. (Washing clothes, tidying up from Sunday guests, etc.) I have a ton of work to finish up.... and we just found out that a dear cousin, Betty Rosekopf, died suddenly on Nov. 1 from pneumonia. Ironically, her dad's birthdate was two days before. 

     The Brick will be an observer Tuesday at Costilla County's election room. Our county, bless its little heart, relies a great deal on cronyism: family-affiliated politics. There are a few candidates running who would break this tradition. I hope they'll succeed, but it's difficult to hope. At least we will no longer be inundated with commercials that treat us like gullible idiots. That's one blessing I'm looking forward to.

Meanwhile:

Don't buy just one French house -- buy several! The intriguing story of a couple who did just that.

In case you ever wondered -- more about the Naked Cowboy of New York City.

(Hey, only the best news around here...)

Hidden treasures found -- and some still lost.

"What I learned from studying Hitler's DNA."

"Everything I needed to learn in life, I learned from Star Trek." One of my favorite bloggers, The Nonconsumer Advocate, holds forth.

Underwater weirdness. Including this: a nuclear reactor pool.

Another look at the 1947 Roswell Incident.

Little Golden kids' books sought by collectors.  Be sure to look for them at your next garage sale or visit to Goodwill.

Amazing original design outfits.  Some terrific quilts, too!

King Charles cuts loose during the Junkaroo Festival in the Bahamas. What a guy.

Could this ancient Roman fort be connected to a Roman emperor -- and King Arthur?

A series on Youtube, about people who get shafted - and triumph, anyways. I enjoy these "rags to riches" stories...kind of a video version of 'Gracie's' books.  Very encouraging when it's cold and dreary, your pocketbook feels empty, and you're discouraged. 

    Here's an example for you -- the lady who ended up in a broken-down trailer. Trust me on this - don't expect reality, but they all include a ray of hope.

And have a good week. (I hope you voted!)