Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Surviving

 It was a VERY long seven days last week. I started with two days in the Denver/Castle Rock area, appraising...then spending some time with friends before they left on a European trip. (Lucky stiffs) Then supper on the way home with another set of friends in the Springs. We just don't get to see these people very often -- talking with them is like a breath of cool air wending its way across the valley. We love them dearly.

    Add to that a pastor luncheon I catered on Saturday (which needed a lot of prep work earlier in the week), plus the usual round of Stuff -- and it's been zany. The Brick and I both took naps most days...just to get through. 

    So -- apologies for missing a Monday Stuff post. But it couldn't be helped. Plenty of work to do this week, as well, but at least we can (mostly) stay home.

A final shoutout of Happy Father's Day to the Brick -- who's been a wonderful dad to our kids -- and our dear Pa, who's been gone for nearly 15 years. I miss him more than words can say.

See you soon, Dad -- love you.

Meanwhile:

Moraine Park Campground at Rocky Mountain National Park will NOT be open this summer.    FYI -- this is really going to cut back on camping at the park.

A frugal grocery shopping strategy that works -- from Retireby40.

Six cars that are still a great purchase secondhand -- advice from an experienced mechanic.

An Assyrian military camp mentioned in the Bible -- traces have just been found.

Here are some other dads, showing off their skills -- and driving their wives crazy.

Nice to know that craziness -- and babies -- survive through the generations.

A fascinating discovery uncovered at Mount Vernon -- jars and jars of preserved fruit, including cherries! (No, they're probably not edible -- but perhaps now we could grow George Washington's specific cherry trees.)

The girl at Messy, Thrilling Life (one of my favorite bloggers, now usually quiet) may be buying Freeman House back! Did she or didn't she?? I've been trying to find out.

A rare white bison calf, photographed in Yellowstone. This is supposed to harbinger good news.

Will masks finally be banned in New York? They've been used so much by thieves and anti-semetic protestors to mask their identities...

An early Diego Rivera painting surfaces, done when the artist was 18.

UPS drivers and their animal greeters...a very funny, charming photo-essay. (Don't tell Ruby -- she HATES UPS drivers.)

Palestinian deaths are "necessary sacrifices." This is an Israeli general talking, right? No, it's the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar. I feel a little sick. Does he feel the same way, now that a Hamas official's family members have been killed in an attack?

Some very funny commercials:

Have a good week.