Rats...

 

Maybe I'd Better Hide, Too...

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Colorado Fall

     It's been a quiet week around here. 

A number of chores needed to be finished up before our landlords arrive later this week. I've got some appraisal reports to finalize, as well -- and more appraising later this week. Meanwhile, we've been doing more playing for Worship Team...and the Brick has been driving for Broken Tree, a church reaching out to people with disabilities. 

     We went up into the mountains Friday, above Georgetown. The fall leaves are way behind this year -- only about 2/3 rush. (Usually it's pretty much finished by now. Something similar happened in 2018.) Nonetheless, they're beautiful. 

      However, everyone else and their brother are also out looking at the leaves. It took quite a while to get to Georgetown -- and a friend who went to the same area the day after said the traffic was even worse. 

     Is it worth it to head up into the mountains? Sure...but go early, to avoid the leaf peeper onslaught, and head home before sunset. Also, snow is predicted for later this week at higher altitudes.. Just sayin.'

Meanwhile:

An exhibit on the Inuits' role in finding the fate of the Franklin Expedition. I'd love to visit this -- and find out more.

Ways to beautify your chainlink fence. Including cross-sttich!  (From LisaPie's Musings, Ramblings and Rants)

Skillet lasagna. Easy, delicious.  (From My Heart is Always Home)

Pyramid scheme...or not? LulaRose explodes. Is it imploding, as well?

Dye your tights (and practically anything else) with Kool-Aid!  (From Upstyle Daily)

The ten best spots for fall colors near Colorado Springs, CO.

The secret to not spending.  A classic from yours truly.

A cargo jet flies -- low -- through Brisbane, Australia skyscrapers. It was legal...but I dare you not to think, 'Shades of 9/11.'

An INCREDIBLE chip shot...that nearly landed its golfer in Lake Michigan!

Stars that demanded major raises -- sometimes they got it, sometimes they didn't.

Gloria Vanderbilt - on quilts.  A classic from yours truly that STILL bothers me. Keep this in mind whenever you hear this self-absorbed socialite being touted as so wonderful.

South Sudan's being plundered -- by the leaders supposed to be representing it.  (From Aljazeera)

A curious gray door in NYC's subway that leads... ?

Past New York lottery winners...haven't always done so well.   But some have done ok.

The curious case of Colorado's Crestone Crater.  Try saying that quickly!

Is the Northern Ireland amnesty just another way for Great Britain to hide its wrongful actions?

Did this man know more about the 1990 art theft at the Gardner Museum than he let on? 

A fascinating documentary on the Bronte sisters:

This channel (Absolute History) has a number of interesting literary documentaries. Take a look.

Mrs. Boo-Kay meets the Queen of England. If you're familiar with the series Keeping Up Appearances, you'll find this meeting of Patricia Routledge and Her Majesty amusing, to say the least:

According to the video, the Queen Mother was a huge fan of Keeping Up Appearances, watching it over and over. The Mama is also a huge fan. (!!!)

Oatmeal raisin cookies -- with molasses?   (From One Hundred Dollars A Month)

Make a zombie tonic cocktail for Halloween.   (Or while watching The Walking Dead!  From Who Needs A Cape)

Or get yourself in the Christmas mood by reading what it's really like to celebrate with little kids. (I love this vintage piece from the Frugalwoods.) Or, if you prefer -- Thanksgiving.

A weird ragdoll found boarded up inside a house wall -- with a strange note.

Poke bowls -- made by yourself!   Or some other versions.

An early retirement fail -- or was it?  (From Retire By 40)

(If you're curious, here's this writer's original post about his decision to retire early.)

Ten people who sued themselves -- and some won!   (From Listverse)

Twenty-one billionaires answer questions on how they got rich.

Pork tamales in a casserole -- no husks!  (From 24Bite)

Have a good week.

Peace. Okay, Quiet, too.

 

Things I Don't Understand: Dogs & Cats Living Together

 Yet another installation in one of my favorite subjects. (Gentle Readers, you like them too, based on your visits.) This time, it's on those furry residents who share our lives -- sometimes for good, sometimes just to drive us crazy.   (Sorry, Charley and Ruby.)

That's ok, Mom. Get a little closer, so I can smack you with this chewbone...

We've been lucky. Our dogs didn't do this,

 not even to the 'whatever it was' who hung around downstairs.

(Read the preface to my Ghosts & Legends book, if you're curious about this.)

I've been seeing more and more pets transported this way.

Charley would love this.

Shameful confession: I sometimes give our puppies a bite this way. 

No, I don't use the fork again!

So close, yet so far...

What about me, Dad...

More of same here.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go let two someones out, then get them a snack...

Frugal Hits & Misses: September Report

 Another strange month from the Bricks' strange summer. I spent a few weeks in Michigan that I hadn't planned on, but was able to get back in time to enjoy Colorado's mountain version of fall. (Hint: mostly gold aspen, with a few oranges and reds thrown in.) We've had our share of warm days, but the nights are much easier sleeping, now temperatures have cooled down. 

I love fall.

     The Brick is hoping to snare an elk -- hunting season starts in a few weeks. Our landlords, who have been gone all month, are hoping the same thing. That means we need to 'eat down' the freezer as much as possible, to make room for the meat. I bought several ready-to-eat items for the Brick to eat while I was gone -- which he didn't. That's made my cooking chores easier, until they're gone. 

I love being home with the Brick and the doggies. But I am also very aware, given The Mama's precarious state of health, that things could quickly change. Just like this time of year.

FRUGAL HITS

(This is a touch early -- but I had the time to compile it. Some of these are from late August.)

*Picked up pears for The Mama from her tree. At least a bushel's worth...and helped her make pear bread from some. (I don't care for this stuff. But I DO like fresh pears.) Made a pear/apple tart for supper with friends, and a second tart for my quilting friend. (See next.)

*Free produce from a quilting friend: tomatoes, kale and green beans. (Thanks so much, Jerry!)

*Produce buys: 5 pounds of potatoes from Safeway (79 cents), but need to get more. They store nicely in a cool spot. I probably won't get 50 pounds, but 10 would do nicely through the holidays. Also: tomatoes (from a roadside stand) and sweet corn from Walmart: 10 cents each!

*Combined an appraisal stop with a trip up into the mountains to see the fall colors. Made a picnic supper we ate on top of Guanella Pass. (Quickly...it was cold up there.)

*Bought sugar on sale. Added to the rye flour, white flour and rice purchased (on sale) from Amazon earlier this year, we should be set for cookies, bread and such for the next 3-4 months. 

*Bought myself a $1.00 iced tea from McDonald's -- otherwise, no snacks purchased, even at the airport, while I was gone.

*Brought home 'pogey bait' (the family term for sweets) for the Brick from Daily Deals. Ummm, fudge and dark chocolate-dipped Oreos (1.79 or less)...and a handful of our favorite candy bars, as well (50 cents each). Not to mention the 25-cent chocolate bars I got for Christmas stockings. Shameful confession:  four bags of crunchy potato chips, also purchased. The Mama makes a dry pot roast I just do not care for. We had that a lot, including leftovers, in Michigan. My primary food soon became chicken, salad greens (also from Daily Deals) and potato chips. Actually lost a little weight on this! (Maybe I should start a new Potato Chip Diet craze.)

Okay, I ate some of these, too...

*Several appraisals done -- plus a book given away, and some sold.

*Earned a giftcard from Swagbucks -- and a bonus, for having a birthday in September. You can earn giftcards FREE this way -- just for doing your normal work! Go here for more. 

*Will be returning our mattress -- a very large purchase, when we first got it. The Brick just is not happy with its performance.

*Went without a vehicle for several days -- but at The Mama's house this time! (Niece and nephew needed to borrow it, after theirs went into the shop. No matter; after going without our truck, I was used to it.)

*Watched college football at The Mama's. A lot of football. (Shameful confession: it included an Ohio State game -- and they won. Will my Michigan ever forgive me...)

*Free birthday burger at Red Robin, after I got home. Maybe Michigan will forgive me now for the Ohio State lapse, since we watched the Wolverines beat Washington while we were at Red Robin. Go Blue!

*Pretty little mum plants from Walmart: a dollar apiece. Also a larger plant as a welcome-home present for our landlords. 

*Copy paper and personal items, 'free'-- because they were retrieved from storage in Michigan. Some of these items have waited there since we moved in 2019.

Michigan and Colorado thrift shop finds, including several Christmas presents. (Buying this way throughout the year lets me be picky and choose only the best. It also saves on sticker shock in December.)   Purchases included: Suede leather gloves ($2.99) and a new-with-the-tags sweater for The Mama. My best buy, though, was a very expensive appliance that I paid $12.79 for! (Its cheapest price, used on Ebay: $100. It usually retails for $400-600.) 

     Other purchases: a dollar memoir from Charles & Diana's former housekeeper (wonderfully gossipy) and a 50-cent Dave Ramsey finance book for couples. Ten videos (6 for Christmas presents, $2 each) and a few books, as well, came from the library's used book room in Colorado. Patience is a virtue -- I found four, count 'em, FOUR seasons of Poldark for $2 each! We'll keep Season #5, and gift the rest. Also found season one of a British cop series, Line of Duty, that we like very much. 

*Chores for our landlord -- both the Brick and myself:  computer work; watering and weeding; painting (steps and trim on deck, as well as the front door and entry deck); grass trimming (and poop pickup); clearing out tree roots from the septic system. (This has to be done at least twice a year -- once in fall, once in spring)  Couldn't find the root dissolver, and ran out of the paint used on the steps (also incognito) -- but Amazon came to the rescue. Whew. 

     Handyman chores are part of our pay, for living in this beautiful place.

*The Brick was treated to supper a few times from friends while I was gone. I got a birthday supper when I got back, too. So nice of them.

*Red Robin gift cards, which we'll use for gifts and going out-- 15% discount.

*Fridge food, with instructions to eat it up while friends were out of town. (Thanks, John and Margaret!) A pound of ground elk meat and some rolls, from other friends. (I got more bread free, including french bread and bagels, from a quick visit to the thrift shop.)

FRUGAL MISSES

*The $1.88 trudge: I had a giftcard, printed out for doing a survey, that had only $1.88 left on it. First stop: McDonald's -- because it wasn't a card they could swipe, they couldn't use it. Next stop: Goodwill -- ditto. Finally, Michael's was willing to try...and succeeded. (I still came up 22 cents or so short, to allow for sales tax.)

     A LOT of time, energy and stops, just to spend down this card. (It was the last day I could use it.) I know. Ridiculous.  

*Tickets to a Michael Cleveland concert:  $35 each. Way more than we usually spend -- but our dear friends asked us to go. So we will.

     This musician is blind and mostly deaf, but has worked about his disabilities to produce amazing music. Based on his reputation and Youtube videos, this may well change into a 'hit,' instead.

*Our truck was FINALLY repaired... after borrowing yet another vehicle from friends -- approx. four total. (We've been doing this for nearly two months.) All the borrowed vehicles were returned clean and with full gas tanks. (One even got an oil change.) The final bill, including emissions testing and licenses: nearly $14,000. Groan.  Which reminds me of:

*The truck license two- (three/four?) step. We couldn't get a permanent license, because the truck needed emissions testing. But it couldn't get an emissions test because it was waiting for repairs. (Our local diesel repair shop was in the process of moving to a different location -- so the truck had to wait.) BUT in Colorado, if you're overdue more than 30 days, it's $25 penalty a month. To keep from paying more than one month's penalty, the Brick had to make a special trip to Boulder to get two (count 'em) temporary licenses. (Actually, we made more trips than that -- Boulder's motor vehicle offices are closed on Fridays, a fact we were unaware of.)Then once the truck was in running condition, a final trip to get the permanent license.

     Never let your truck break down when its license comes due. And your repair shop is moving. Just sayin'.

*Out to lunch, more than once. (No smart-alec comments about this from the peanut gallery.) We did try to be frugal in our food choices, though.

Notice the elk?

*Bought smaller packages of shipping supplies -- and paid a little more. Not that much...but it still bugs me to pay extra for smaller amounts. 

(The price of living in a fifth-wheel.)

*We came close to losing two whole pounds of bacon. They were starting to smell funny...but I cooked them anyways. Delicious. (That's what I get for assuming the Brick would cook a lot of bacon while I was gone. Lost a package or two of other stuff, as well, although the soggy bread was inhaled by the dogs.)  Candied bacon is next on the 'make-this' list.   

As of this month, I've been writing the Hits & Misses reports for more than five years! That seems incredible, but it's true. The Brick has been retired six years now, which means, other than my work (which shifts up and down), our living is based on a pension and two Social Security payments. We need to keep track of our spending to fit within those parameters. That has helped keep me focusing on the small things, as well as the big purchases. They do add up!  

     Looking forward to hunting season -- and staying home for a while, God willing.

     See the first Hits & Misses report I ever wrote -- Aug. 2016. Weird. You can see last month's report here, as well as last September's report.

             Michigan IS beautiful this time of year...

Think About It...

 

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Waiting To See What Happens

     I've been home for a week -- loving the time spent with the Brick and the puppies. Some chores are caught up. I've even done some appraising, and (gasp!) read a handful of books! 

     The Mama is maintaining -- sort of. But things are not well in Michigan. I may need to go back. 

For now, I treasure every day I can spend here. This is one of the loveliest seasons, and I enjoy every crisping leaf and cool breeze. 

Meanwhile:

Best and worst moments from the Emmys.

"Who was the most ungrateful patient you ever had?" Nurses hold forth on Quora.

The Taliban has renamed the Women's Affairs Ministry. New name:  "Ministry for Preaching and Guidance and the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

Retail in NYC right now-- there's plenty to think about if you're a store owner; some of it isn't good.

Linda Eaton, an influential textiles curator from Winterthur, has died. (I've read a few of her books; they were not only informational, but well-written.)

37 Easy-baking recipes. Five -or less- ingredients each!

"How I grew my blog in only eight months."   (From Making Sense with Cents)

"Eleven things I learned when the airline lost my bag."

What it's like to be an American citizen.  Thanks for the reminder, Diary of A Stay At Home Mom.

Bread bowls -- for that fall-flavored soup you suddenly feel like making.  (From the Kitchen Magpie)

     Maybe this unusual Chinese spare rib soup...

Did you get a ride in a van to Denver from the Omaha airport on 9/11, twenty years ago?  The daughter of the Good Samaritan who rented that van is looking for the seven strangers he befriended that day.

A new Van Gogh drawing revealed.

Twenty reasons why the 2020 election was the most fair of all time.  So says the Babylon Bee.

Kitchen fails -- bigtime.

Plenty of ways to celebrate our President's accomplishments.

     (Okay, JP's doing it a 'tad' sarcastically. But there's a goodly amount of truth to wince at, too.)

Twenty ways to recycle your old clothes and other textiles into something useful and practical. (I'd be careful on how far you take this, though. Some things need to be preserved.  From Life in Rural Iowa)

A gold mask -- found with other artifacts in a series of sacrificial pits near Sanxingdul, China. Thought to come from the Shang Dynasty, which ended in 1046 B.C.

Making homemade grape jelly -- with juice.  (From The Frugal Girl)

"The market's] very evidently a bubble." Some thought-provoking advice from an Indian asset manager. 

"I think valuations across the board are highly inflated and people should be cautious and really, really diversify, not just amongst different equity classes, but buy some gold, buy some fixed income with no risk."

An antique-look Alice in Wonderland quilt -- gorgeous. (And surprisingly similar to the Victorian era original.)

One of the creepier videos I've ever seen -- a female tv host blinking 'reptilian' eyes! Doesn't look faked, either. Take a look.

Ten strange -- and unexplained -- SOS calls.  (From Listverse)  Also:

Ten amazing stories of survival in the Arctic.

Spiced Christmas jam. Maybe for future Christmas presents?  (From One Hundred Dollars A Month)

Extra-soft Chinese-style sugared doughnuts.

Money lessons learned from traveling around the world.  (From Budgets Are Sexy)

Thousand-year-old artifacts...found in an alligator's stomach!

Tunnels under the Rock of Gibraltar...hardly anything is publicly known about these mysterious places.

Have a good week.

High School Boy Fantasies

Certain hallways in our local high school just REEKED of Axe. Whenever I substitute-taught there, I would literally hold my breath while hurrying through them...but the odor still clung to my hair and clothes. Ewww.
 

"My Rag"

     We are huge fans of John Hartford, the bluegrass wonder who died a few decades ago. Fortunately, his music lives on.  We just found this incredible piece, which musicians everywhere will relate to. We play this way -- we just don't say it out loud!

Here it is -- "My Rag" by John Hartford.

and more of John's work, in case you're curious.

BTW, he composed "Gentle on My Mind," which Glen Campbell made famous. Hartford said that royalties from that song bought his freedom. 

Welcome!!

 

Three Months Til Christmas!

 Had to remind you, didn't I...

But the earlier you think about this -- and prepare -- the more you can actually enjoy the holidays.

Now that fall is beginning to creep in, it won't be long for our first snow -- and thoughts of what's next. This year, for the first time since we sold our house back in 2019, we should be able to host the Seven Fish Dishes again. This has been a special part of Brick Christmas Eve celebrations for decades -- but Covid shot it down the past two years. Now, with things loosening slightly, it's a real possibility. 

I'm so glad.

     Presents aren't a problem. Storing them until Christmas IS! We have more room than some trailer dwellers, but it's difficult to find the space. Right now, I've got them piled in a box in the corner, and bulging out of a bin in my side of the closet...but that's not going to work much longer. I think I may find an unused corner in our landlord's garage, and ask permission to store them there. Fortunately, presents for the family in Michigan are largely wrapped and stored upstairs in The Mama's house. 

     Presents? NOW?!?

Yep.

     Stocking stuffers:  A box of 60 chocolate bars, all kinds of flavors -- 25 cents each found at Daily Deals. (Bundles of these will also go to casual friends and our favorite kids -- at a quarter each, we can afford to be generous. If I have time, I'll dress them up like this.) These join with some items from the school supply sales Walmart and company hold in late August and September. All year round, I look for small items, 50 cents or less, that Daughters, Son #1 and Daughter #1's partner might like. 

     Presents:  This is tougher this time of year -- because both Daughters and The Mama have birthdays in August. Therefore, the presents I find usually go to commemorate those days. This year, however, their birthday presents are still in the corner -- thanks to my unplanned visit to Michigan, we still haven't met to celebrate. Hope to do that in the next week or so.

    BUT -- I have been looking. Sales are perfect; so are clearance shelves. I always look at thrift stores, particularly on Tuesdays. (20% off for seniors here) The library's used book room is also a favorite spot for searching. Generally, though, I'm fussy: the item(s) MUST be not only in good shape, but it's even better if they look unused. So far, I've found books, movies, appliances, a few kits -- and a few dresses. (Daughters are particular about how they look, though, so I may spring this on them early.) 

     Amazon's Warehouse sales are also an excellent place to find Good Stuff. Check it once a week, at least, in your favorite category -- I've found some incredible buys, doing it this way.

     After the insane amount of money we've had to spend on truck repairs this summer, making our dollars stretch is crucial. That includes what we spend on presents, as well as everything else. 

      I really AM a Hollander in these matters.

    Food:   I've stocked up on sugar, flour and ingredients for cookies, pie and cakes. Nuts are especially pricey this year -- find a good sale (like Amazon), and stash them in the freezer! 

     Seafood generally has to wait until closer to December...but I will invest in a few canned items, like clam chowder and crabmeat. 

    Decorations:  We're golden here -- there's not a lot of room for lavishness in a fifth-wheel. But I do have a ceramic Christmas tree snagged from McNeal's Missions Barrel. It will be perfect for celebrating our third Christmas in the trailer. 

Upward and onward.  

             It'll happen...and sooner than you think.

Wirklich...

    If you speak Deutsch, you understand..

Auf Weidersehen...

Ironic, huh...

 

Wear Your Quilt to the Ball!

The Met Gala Ball, that is.

 That's what Rihanna's boyfriend A$AP Rocky did.

Yep, a homey-looking calico puff quilt, wrapped snugly around hisself.  It contrasted nicely with Rihanna's spacious black dress. Whether it 'matched' is a question I'm not prepared to deal with. 

Then again, what do I know about High Fashion...

Maybe they're hosting a slumber party afterwards. 

(If they are, I don't want to know.)

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Where Did Summer Go?

 Oh, that's right... worrying about -- or staying with -- The Mama. She's doing better, though moving very slowly. Some problems remain, but hopefully those will continue to ease up. A few cousins, plus hopefully the rest of the family, will check on her -- and I plan to call or text every single day, if possible.

Back in Colorado now. And it's wonderful to have been missed -- the Brick has made that very clear. Even Charles and Ruby seem relieved that the Snack Giver has returned. 

A lot of jobs need catching up on. Several were done today -- more to go. Thank God for the cooler weather and slowly-turning trees; this is one of the nicest seasons, and I plan to enjoy every possible minute.. 

Meanwhile:

Throwing away American flags -- that's the way to commemorate 9/11?? (Guess he was talking to the professor...see last item.)

How President Biden appeared at 9/11 events.   (More gracious photos, including many more meaningful ones, here.)

One -- count 'em, one -- 9/11-related document released...after President Biden promised to do so, hopefully so survivor groups would let him attend memorials. (They were saying that otherwise his presence wasn't welcome.)

Free antique photos -- Magic Moonlight's blog is a little old, but the photos are free for use!

A Dead Sea pool turns blood-red. And experts don't know why. 

At least they weren't totally abandoned -- what happened to at least some military dogs in Afghanistan.

An 18-year-old won the U.S. Open...but she wasn't even supposed to be there!

King Tut and potato chips.  A classic from yours truly.

Proof of time travel? This site thinks so.  I have to admit -- some of these ARE odd. Time slip events can be just as strange.

A Minnesota record fish -- caught by a teenager.

Have you thought about buying one of those bargain home in Italy? Here are some people who did.

Grimace, the McDonald's mascot is... a TASTEBUD?!?

Worrying about Covid. As in REALLY worrying about Covid.  (From I Pick Up Pennies)

How a stained shirt changed this woman's approach to life as a consumer.  (From She Picks Up Pennies)

'Frivolous expenses, emotional flashbacks...and reserving judgment.'  (From Penniless Parenting)

"You can eat the candles." Huh??  Oh yes, they were also touring California's wine country. 

Our President -- afraid to take questions at a press conference. Or anywhere else.

Anyway, I should get going. I can get myself in trouble here. But I ​get in trouble for things I say, I know. No one ever doubts I mean what I say; the problem is I sometimes say all that I mean​,” This from his meeting with athletes at the Olympics. 

Most recently, Biden was speaking to union leaders on Tuesday during a belated Labor Day celebration at the White House event and ​noted what he was supposed to do at the end.​“Now, I’m supposed to stop and walk out of the room here,” Biden said as he concluded his speech. “I’m going to stop, and with your permission, I’m going to walk into the room because I want to say hello to all of you.”

Makes ya proud, don't it?

The Roe vs Wade baby that should have been aborted -- is now a 51-year-old with children of her own.  Needless to say, she wasn't that fond of the mother who wanted to abort her, gave her up for adoption -- then expected gratitude because she wasn't allowed to abort her child. Hmmm...Just as interesting:

The half-sister of the Roe baby chimes in. She was also given up for adoption, but raised by her grandmother. (She thought her real mother was her sister, at first.

Mike Pence rings in after President Biden's Covid mandate:    "You've got to stop playing politics with people's lives..."

"But to say that it's not about freedom - it's exactly about freedom, America is about freedom and the ability to make the best decision for your family, for your business,' Pence said. 'And the approach this administration is taking now with this new surge of mandates and dictates from Washington, D.C. and also with not respecting the leadership at the state level - that was central to the approach of the White House coronavirus taskforce."

A woman misses her plane -- so she tells staff that a bomb is in her luggage -- which did make it on board. The plane turned around, all right...but she did NOT get on it. 

The panels of the Amber Room were NOT on the Karlsruhe shipwreck, as hoped. Better luck next time. 

Have a great week.

9/11 Remembered

 Sept. 11, 2001 cannot be forgotten. Like so many others, I remember what we were doing that morning. The Brick had terrible back problems. (Not long afterwards, he had surgery -- then a second operation when his spinal cord was accidentally nicked, and spinal fluid began leaking under his skin.) We were at the doctor's office for an appointment, and he was told to sit down in the waiting room. But he couldn't -- it hurt too much. So he laid down-- on the floor.

    (Helpful hint: if you're not getting any help at a doctor's office, head for the floor. You'll be amazed at the quick service.)

    Magically, the receptionist found a nurse who helped the Brick to an examination room. After I saw him settled, I returned to the waiting room...only to see one of the towers collapse. I remember thinking to myself, "This has got to be the worst special effects I've ever seen in a movie. It looks so fake."

It wasn't.

Here are some unusual items about 9/11 -- and its victims, as well as those who survived.

Who was the "Falling Man?"    (More about 9/11 jumpers here.)

One of 9/11's best-documented ghosts: a WWII Red Cross worker who appeared several times to rescue workers who were trying to find survivors. One man saw her several times, often with a tray of sandwiches. 'It looked like she was trying to help,' he remembered.

The ten luckiest 9/11 survivors. (according to Listverse) Also: ten raw videos from then. Some incredible stories, too.

Ten heroic police officers who gave their lives.

The daughter of a 9/11 victim finally gets closure when her mom's DNA is identified -- twenty years later.

The two fighter pilots sent out to intercept Flight 93 are interviewed:  "Our only choice was going to be to ram the airliner.

"We don't train to 'take down' airliners. We never have,"[ one of the pilots] added. "We didn't have any missiles and we didn't have combat loads of bullets. We were going to have to hit the airplane and disable it somehow."

    They survived their suicide mission because Flight 93 had already crashed by the time they reached it. The plane was the only one whose passengers attempted to retake it, though, according to Wikipedia, passengers on at least one other flight were discussing the possibility. Some strange coincidences on this.

Some of the 'darkest day' tributes around the country.

George Bush's famous Ground Zero "I can't hear you" speech:

On September 14, 2001, it was time for the president to make his way to Ground Zero. With one arm embracing a firefighter and the other grasping a bullhorn, Bush, who had held office for less than eight months, began thanking first responders. 

Someone in the crowd shouted "I can’t hear you" to which Bush replied "I can hear you!... The rest of the world hears you!...The people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!" 

The Third Man -- who led at least one survivor from the 91st floor to safety. 

Iconic 9/11 photos and their photographers -- 20 years later.

And yes, yet another professor announces that the victims of 9/11 deserved it.  Shades of Ward Churchill.  (If you're curious, more on Churchill here.)

Never forget. Never.