Monday (Sunday?) Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Here We Go

     Mr. Flu made a return appearance, just in time for the Thanksgiving shindig in Denver. I wasn't in best form, but did enjoy the talking and various foods -- Daughter #1 is a fine cook, dating a fine cook, and their friends are fine cooks, as well. Going to one of their potlucks is a visual and tasteful feast, though Daughter's partner was heard to mutter how he 'massacred' the turkey. (It was a little dry -- but not bad.) 
     We went out to eat at Red Robin, then to a concert Friday night with friends: free and/or coupons. A Hollander's dream. Too bad I couldn't get my cough to stay home. 
     And this weekend, it's just been stay home and work, though I've grabbed some extra sleep. This flu stuff really takes it out of you. So did Michigan's defeat. 
     The outlet mall across the highway has been CRAMMED with people wandering around. We had to go down to that area for an appointment, and ended up stuck in traffic for about 20 min. each way, waiting to people to leisurely pull out of the parking lots, push in front of each other, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. I feel determined to avoid that area like the plague for the rest of the year. Besides, we're not shopping much -- only a few presents each, and those are already purchased. 
    
     Does this sound a little aimless and disconnected? Yeah, well, there's a reason for it. Mr. Fever keeps tapping lightly at the door.  The wind is howling past the windows, blowing a fresh coat of snow around the yard. (I got the clothes off the line just in time.) Time to finish up, and head to bed.
     Then back to work.

The Christmas cactus is almost ready to bloom again -- I hope.

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ADVANCE NOTICE:  I'll be at Roxborough State Park's Annual Author Signing Dec. 8, from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., to do a little schmoozing, tell some stories (including a short talk, I think) and hopefully a lot of book signing. Go here for more info.   Roxborough State Park is at 4751 E. Roxborough Drive in Littleton, CO.
    P.S. I'll also be signing books at Denver's BookBar Dec. 21st. Info is here; more soon.
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A purse-stealing crew is prowling the country... and Colorado police think they're working the Front Range right now. Wallets have been stolen in Colorado Springs and Castle Rock at several places...including the Panera I often go to for coffee with friends. (Yikes) Be on the lookout -- they're probably operating up in Denver, too.

Please tell me why hundreds of people have been suddenly reading my 2016 post on the demise of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine -- and other organizations.  Nearly 300 visitors to that post, just on yesterday. Makes me wonder...

A modern-made missionary, killed on an isolated island. John Chau left one last letter on a fishing boat the night before he was murdered. See what your notions are about this...I am not sure what to think.

17 Christmas decorating ideas from one of the great divas, Emily Henderson. Bear in mind, they'll cost big bucks. (She's never seen a purchase she can't double or triple in cost -- then announce how 'reasonable' it was.) Often, though, these settings can inspire more budget-based solutions.

'Elevated Acre:' one of Manhattan's best-kept secrets. A gem of a park, hidden above the crowds.

50 'working dinners' every busy mom and dad needs to know.  (From Taste of Home) Including
           Muffin-Tin Lasagnas

The family who was forced to leave their dog while evacuating from the Camp Fire -- and returned home to find her guarding the only house that didn't burn in their neighborhood. (Unfortunately, it wasn't theirs.)  Good dog!  Speaking of the Camp Fire:

The 'bus driver from heaven' who saved a few dozen kids -- and their teachers -- by staying calm and doing his job. The Brick drove a schoolbus for several years; it's not an easy thing to do.

Some of the best career advice the author of the 'The Simple Dollar' ever received. And it's good, too. Particularly "ask questions, even if they're dumb ones."

20 celebrities who are surprisingly careful with their money.

A holiday with the in-laws.  Sad...yet encouraging. (From the Misadventures of Widowhood)

Ten mysterious libraries. Careful -- books can produce dangerous ideas! (From Listverse) Also from them:

Ten interesting passengers on the Mayflower.

An elevator in a Chicago skyscraper breaks a cable -- and falls 84 floors. Six people were inside. Did they live? Click on the link and find out.

A Viking ship burial found with georadar on farmland -- not far from Oslo, Norway! Radar is showing a larger cemetery around it, as well.

George's football-loving dog... from an old Monday Stuff post by yours truly.

Have a good week. If you're on break, enjoy it!