Frodo and Sam Can Relax Today

 

Hey, even villains need time off now and then.

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Hanging in There

      We're finally making real progress on everything! Finished the steps on the deck... endured a Sunday church morning where, for most of the activities (except the sermon), we were 'in charge' (with a lot of help)...did the wash, repaired a quilt, put strawberries and apples in the freezer...and finished up the last appraisal reports and requests. Temporarily, at least.

      I may be a bit quiet the next few weeks. I want to practice more on my lock-picking skills. (Got a kit last year for it.) I want to do some research for an upcoming book, play with the dogs, just rest and be with the Brick. Who knows - we may even go swimming!

Meanwhile:

JD Vance admits to one of his most boneheaded political comments.  (He thought he was being funny. Oops.)

What it's like to blow through $108 million, without even trying.  Thanks, Antoine Walker! (And apologies )

I think we have to start teaching our kids about their lifestyle,” Walker added. “Because when you’re making money, … everything is going good — you’re buying cars, you got houses, you got jewelry, you got all these things going on.”

“But at some point, the money’s going to stop coming in the way it came in the beginning. Are you able and are you prepared to maintain that lifestyle? You have to be ready to withstand that storm.”

Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce.  Gentle Readers, I could kill for Orange Chicken...and this recipe sounds a lot like it.  (From Khin's Kitchen)

President Obama's library is about to open -- but has it paid its bills, even to the minority contractors it hired?

Do students entering college know their math and science stuff?  Fourteen hundred professors say no, in a petition they're circulating to require higher standards. I'm wincing a bit at this -- I made it through algebra only because the teacher was the tennis coach -- and we could get him to talk about his latest matches. I almost flunked geometry...which is extra ironic because I use it so much now to design. The only thing that saves our girls from total ignorance was their father, who loved math and physics. 

     So...I might have been the middle-school-math doofus the professors are griping about. 

Is that person lying...or are they fidgeting, even though they're telling the truth? It's multiple 'tells,' not just one, that warn you, this expert says.

Have you seen Mr. Jetpack Man??  He's back again in L.A...

The story behind the most-viewed photo in history.

Just for fun -- yours truly rantings in a previous "Stuff" post.  Sadly, they were warranted, I think. 

Stovies -- a Scottish meat stew. 

A 16-century diamond ring is found in Gloucestershire. There's another important mention in this article, though, about the "Touch of Paris."  Gold appraisers and collectors should take notice.

Readers' comments: what it means to be cheap -- instead of frugal.  Some of these I disagree with -- but they're all thought-provoking. (Thanks, The Frugal Girl)

Have a good week. And yes...

Saw Something Like This At the Louvre

 ...sadly.

Young girls, never looking at the incredible paintings behind them. Just taking selfies, of themselves and each other. Pathetic.

Dog Thoughts

 Something charming just turned up on Quora -- thanks for posting it, Ali. My one question: how do you smell paperwork on a dog? Do Tiger and Bo smell like "coffee and paperwork" sometimes -- like right now? (I'm doing both.)

"Who cares, Mom..."

P.S. Comforting thoughts to Friend Mavis, who just lost her much loved pug, Lucy. Lucy was 13 1/2...but it still hurts, and leaves an empty spot in your home -- and heart. 

Cat lovers... animal dogs (3)

· 

Follow

Posted by 

Ali Khoso

May 11

My dog Moose used to sneak out every day at 1:40 PM at the same time and in the same way.

He would return in the evening, and I could smell coffee and paperwork on him.

I thought someone must have been treating him, but one day, there was a note attached to his collar.

The note said:

"Please keep your dog at home, or he steals my chair and disturbs me in meetings."

An address was written below.

I went there with Moose. I knocked on the door, and as soon as it opened, Moose went inside as if it were his own home.

I found out the man's name is Walter. His wife had left a year ago, and he lives alone.

Moose used to go to him daily and alleviate his loneliness, even disturbing his meetings.

Walter told me that’s when I realized the house had fallen silent since Moose started coming.

After that day, Moose began visiting Walter every day.

The next time, another note came.

It said:

"How does it feel to wait for you every day? Moose taught me."

Dogs never ask for permission to heal someone.

Beware! Well, Be Aware...

 

Been there, done that. Poor Brick.

The heat is starting to press down; we're already in the 80s! A few rainstorms have lessened the load, but it's still so dusty. We leave the windows open for cooling, and a film of dust forms on the dining room table overnight. Eww.

Tidying up and dusting helps. So does homemade iced tea - and finishing a report! At least I'm getting a little sleep.

Gotta Complain About Something!

 

Antique Baby Blocks

 I've made a geometric Baby Blocks by machine, using a 'cheaters' method. (Use the same fabric, more than one seam, and it blends into one diamond.) It wasn't simple, even then. (This method is easier.) The pattern, though a classic, is not for a beginner...unless you're willing to stumble a bit, and learn as you go. 

Now this 19th century photo shows up on Ebay, most probably done by hand. The maker must have pieced this quilt for years! 

No wonder she's so proud of it.

Go here for more.

The photo's pricey...but amazing.

Monday Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: June Bugs

     The flies are out...and the moths. They've had a great time flying around our faces. Maybe it's the heat that's brought them out. At any rate, Tiger enjoys snapping at them...the other dogs pay no attention. Our dear Buck, our Weimaraner, used to really go for moths and spiders -- maybe they were "spicy" to him. 

     Still plugging away at various tasks. The lights for the back steps have arrived, and the Brick is busy hanging them up. 

Meanwhile:

A postage increase is on your doorstep! The dears at the U.S. Post Office are planning on a nearly 5% increase for first class, as of July 12 or 13. They already snuck in nearly 9% increase on priority mail back in April, arguing that production and transportation costs had gone up. Well sure, but...we don't get a discount for driving there, or our time spent mailing things. (I know -- picky, picky, picky.)

     The moral: buy your Forever stamps NOW, and save in the future.

How an unusual marketer turned 'ridiculous ventures' into moneymakers. Another lesson in not following (or necessarily believing) the crowd.

An Alice in Wonderland mural is back on display -- a WPA wonder from the Depression era.

People who think they experienced a time warp.

George Washington's "small beer" -- now you can get it (or a version of it) for the Fourth.

A day in the life of a Colorado campground host.

Ten 'hidden' architectural and other gems to see in New York City.

"The Bag Lady of Castle Rock" -- a very odd person that hangs around my old neighborhood. She has her own Youtube page -- not that she appreciates it, I'd guess, because it messes up her scamming abilities. But hey...

A rather funny anniversary of Home Free - and sea shanties!

Butter chicken -- yum. This India dish is a favorite of The Frugal Girl.

Dozens of historical treasures worth admiring. Including, of all things, Greek octopus coins.

The best hot dogs on the market... according to this reviewer, anyway.

What does the Trump family-- especially the President -- love to eat?

Yellowstone Park's "lake music."   No one knows for certain what it is -- and how it's caused.

Queen Elisenda lives!  Well, sort of...

Have a good week. And if you say something -- mean it. 

Another (Weird) Reason to be Afraid...

 ...of your printer. Trust me, ours does some pretty strange things sometimes.

Maybe they talk to each other. (I hope not.)

Flawless

 Thank God.

I'm here...but trying to finish up a few deadlines. This is one of my very favorite videos - it reminds you of the wretch you are without God's cleansing power. I'm so grateful for that transformation!

Enjoy.

It's Happened Again!

 In 1973, the Who were performing at California's Cow Palace. Keith Moon seemed a little 'off' -- but hey, that happens when you mix horse tranquilizers with whiskey before the concert. He slumped over his drums and eventually had to be dragged offstage

     And that's where 19-year-old Scott Halpin stepped in.

     'Can anybody play the drums?' Pete Townsend asked the crowd. Halpin volunteered -- and played the last three songs of the concert. Did a good job, too.

     Wow.

(Here's Moon, when he was (sort of) coherent -- an amazing version of Pinball Wizard.)

Sometimes you're in the right place at the right time. And that happened again recently. The symphony was playing in Sydney, Australia, along to the movie La La Land. Everything seemed normal -- until the conductor stepped out during intermission. 'The pianist is ill. Can anyone sightread -- and play piano?'

    And 21-year-old Sterling Nasa could -- and did.

     Also Wow.

Sightreading - i.e., playing music when you first saw it moments ago -- is not easy. Playing with a symphony is even more difficult -- especially when you have a solo or two.  

Gutsy to volunteer -- incredible to actually accomplish it.

    Nasa is actually an international studies student at the University of Sydney, but plays piano, organ - and the bagpipes. Hmmm... what if a Scottish movie performance needs a helping hand? 

    "Not bad for a Saturday night," added Nasa.

Nay Neigh...

 

Where, oh Where...

 Parts is parts, I guess.

A Perfect Post For Monday Mornings

 ...about the only time it might make sense.

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Routine

     Memorial Day's chilly rain has developed into hot-then-cold-then-windy-then-hot weather. The Brick has persevered, nailing balusters ("Not banisters!") on the railing down the new back steps. (If this doesn't make sense, read May's Frugal Hits & Misses.)

     I have a big appraisal report to finish up, as well as a few small ones. The kids have a booth at a gem show. The truck needs a recall appointment. And we both need haircuts. Life goes on. 

Meanwhile:

A huge sonic boom and 'earthquake' hit the East Coast.  They're still not sure what happened. Maybe a meteor?

Anna Delvey may be heading 'home' soon -- if the government has its way. (I hope she does, quite frankly.)

A classic from The Prudent Homemaker: Winter's 1840s era costume, and how to make it.

DNA and other evidence leftover from OJ Simpson's trial.  Turns out there's a lot. Hmmm... why didn't we hear about some of these damning details before?

A veteran's widow asks for people to visit his grave on Memorial Day -- and is amazed at who shows up. 

Nearly 15 million paid at auction for the 'Rosebud' sled in Citizen Kane.  And more than $500,000 for one of Indiana Jones' whips. Yow. Speaking of treasures:

A new exhibit features Queen Elizabeth's coronation gown -- and its design is far more complicated than you'd think.

Some of the Met Gala's most awkward moments. Not to mention weird outfits.

A Japanese temple, housing an 'eternal flame' thought to be 1200+ years old...burns. The flame, ironically, was rescued, and still burns. 

Colorado's governor gets censured...by his own political party!

Hoffman Challenge contest winners, including Sharon Schlotzhauer's Like A Tree Firmly Planted.

Have a good week.

LOVE This...

 ...an impulse purchase at T.J.Maxx.

Now, if it only came with puppies, too.

Frugal Hits & Misses: May Report

   Another strange month for the Bricks, including a few weeks of dogsitting, a funeral trip...and a new project. But we continue on, including...

We just got new neighbors -- Daughter #2 and Son #1 moved in nearby. They reasoned that most of their shows for their business, Phenomenal Gems, were south of us. So why rent a cabin in Nederland, some four hours north, and keep trudging down to stock inventory and bring their dog Freya for babysitting? Their stuff is packed downstairs and in the barn until the shows ease up, and they can put things in order. It's lovely to have them close -- but in their own place. We set up a Wednesday night supper, when we can all get together. And hopefully they'll stop by a lot, too.

Thai basil -- more fragrant than the Genovese stuff.

(But I planted some of that, too.)

FRUGAL HITS

(Some of these are from late April)

Five-in-one Jack London books -- an Ebay steal at $6 plus $4 shipping. (Used my allowance.) After devouring his Letters, I've been wanting to read The Road and People of the Abyss. And I get three more to enjoy, as well. If you haven't read London's Call of the Wild or White Fang... you should.

Planning for an upcoming trip - - we reserved a hotel at Gettysburg. Friend Tommy reserved an apartment in Washington, D.C. (We're going with the same friends who traveled to Europe with us last year.)

Homemade stuff:  bread, chocolate chip cookie bars and peanut butter pie, plus the usual pancakes/waffles/French toast. (The Brick loves this sort of thing.)

Mother's Day: a nice lunch at Calvillo's, our favorite Mexican spot, courtesy of Daughter #2 and Son #1. Plus a beautiful opal and a very pretty bunch of flowers. Thank you, Dears!

A beautiful oak rolltop desk -- a present from Adopted Son #1.  He inherited it from his dad, and generously passed it on to me. Son #1 and Daughter #2 lugged it down from Arvada, then helped us set it up last night. It needs some work: some drawers are discolored and the fronts on two drawers are off. But I think it will be very nice. (In fact, I'm typing on it right now.)

    While we were setting up, I felt something strange behind the drawers -- covered in plastic. Could it be cash? The Brick indulged me by unscrewing the top area. Lo and behold, it was a package of foam mouse pads, plus two old letters. They'll go back to Adopted Son #1...and I'll keep looking for treasure.

Sent a present to an online blogger -- one I've come to regard as a friend over the years. She collects metal embroidery hoops. Ironically, it cost more to ship the batch I found than what they cost in the first place! USPS mail costs have gone WAY up this year. 

Went back to using the outdoor 'dryer.' I'll still use in the dryer indoors if it's important...but not very often.

Made a lot of iced tea. I'm just not a big water drinker; iced tea is better. We got a Buy 3/Get 3 Free special on Coke, which has helped out a lot with dryness. Not to mention some nausea. 

More appraisal reports done. 

Helped out during a church work day. 

The kids loaded their Netflix account on our tv.  Most of the movies and series are meh, but we're enjoying some interesting ones, like The Night Agent.  And a new(er) Godzilla! We also watched the Shooter series on Prime -- good stuff. 

La Brea? (As in tar pits.)The first episode of this "L.A. falls into a sinkhole" series was interesting, but quickly degenerated into standing around, endless recaps and an occasional fake Wild Animal. ('But it's EXTINCT,' the characters keep saying, as if they're still surprised. After repeating this umpteen times, along with 'Well, we must be in 10,000 B.C.' . How do they know?)

Aunt Ruth's funeral service, near Kansas City -- what a trip. I skipped supper the night before, and drove steadily, from morning until after 11 p.m. on Friday. Stayed at a cheap hotel, entertained by the Nigerian Debate Team. (At least I assume they were because they talked and argued often and loudly. Note: Do NOT stay at Kansas City's 'America's Best Value.' It's not.)

     It was wonderful to see so many cousins again -- but none of the aunts and uncles weren't there. They had gone on ahead of us. (Aunt Ruth was the last person in the original "2 and a half-dozen" Cumings siblings and their spouses. The Mama was the youngest -- and the last of the original crew.)  The family provided meals on Saturday after the service, the sweethearts. Sunday, I left for the trip home, accompanied by Cousin Phil. We ate at Subway (I paid) and Sonic (Cuz paid) -- and drove steadily, except for two stops to look at wagon wheel ruts left marking the original Santa Fe Trail. Three days, thousands of miles..and glad to be back home.

Aunt Ruth's service -- the video

Cousin Phil came for a visit -- and expert help! He taught construction for decades at a trade school in Michigan...and we needed to build an extension and steps on our back deck. Phil worked like a champ all week, along with the Brick and Son #1, and the steps sans railings were done by the time he flew home on Friday. (I found an $80 ticket back to Michigan for him -- hooray!) We were soooo grateful.

Phil celebrated his birthday while with us: tacos and enchiladas. I had everything in pantry and kitchen, but romaine lettuce for the tacos. Plus all ingredients for his celebratory peanut butter pie! 

Repairs: the Brick is amazing for this.  He re-booted and repaired his computer; it had refused to start up. He also did some repairs on the truck, and changed the Highlander's oil. Currently he's working again on the back deck's step rails. What a guy.

Given a jar of pineapple-orange jam. We have plenty of jam right now, so I regifted it to friends -- who don't.

Found money:  a dime on our friends' dryer top. (I wasn't sure if it was theirs or ours, so left it. I may be frugal, but I'm honest.) Plus a penny in a drawer. (Ditto.) Not one cent in any of the Coinstar machine returns...and I looked. Three crisp dollar bills from a Neilsen's survey helped ease the sting. (I know. Doesn't make sense. It's the thrill of the hunt -- not just the money.)

Ordered Bigfoot lawn ornaments for Cousin Phil's birthday -- plus a few for me. Also, a Gentle Reader sent me a free Bigfoot quilt pattern from Kalamazoo's Shop Hop in Michigan. Thank you, Marcy!

Planted lavender*, sage*, thyme*, basil, zucchini, coreopsis*, dianthus,* daisies*, dill, marigolds, tomatoes and roses*.  Cut some of the rose blossoms for bouquets, both for church and home. So encouraging!  Beans come next, once I fill up the side bed with soil. 

     *These can and hopefully will winter over. Our Brickhouse rose lived; so did a dianthus and a lavender plant. A friend gave me some plants last summer -- the hollyhocks made it, along with a plant (name?) I just bunged in at the last minute. Everything else died, including a just-purchased Thai basil plant. 

Rosebush for Daughter #2 -- plus a few for me. Several quart-sized perennials (3 for $10 -- a steal), cherry tomatoes ($1.50 ea!) and four-packs of dianthus. Yes, it's a bit optimistic, considering the dry summer ahead...but I'm going to try. Good news: a blueberry bush stored in the garage over the winter is putting out tiny leaves!

dianthus...otherwise known as 'pinks.'

Rose cuttings and baby plants, from the kind people at Alamosa's AirBnB, Holden House. These are 'Harison's Yellow,' otherwise known as 'The Yellow Rose of Texas,' mentioned in my book. (See below) I planted the babies, dipped the cuttings in hormone powder and planted them, too. In other news, the deck stairs meant that a few shovelfuls of my bunching onions had to move. The Brick helped me replant them, and add a sage and thyme plant to keep them company.

Had our young former piano student over for the day. She helped get the rose cuttings, played with the dogs and spent time on her tablet. Her mom gave us a loaf of banana bread, which was gone in a few days. Yum.

Dogsitting:  We spent two weeks in late April and early May taking care of our friends' dogs while they were on vacation. This meant, incidentally, bringing Bo and Tiger along, as well as granddog Freya part of the time. (With permission.) We took Friends to the airport. One of us (usually both of us) then stayed at their house 24/7, with careful supervision of the dogs to make sure they got along. (And stopping it quickly when they didn't, which was extremely rare, thank God.) We got to pick and choose from the freezer (we weren't greedy), and used up several items from the fridge that wouldn't have lasted until Friends got home. I wore clothes more than one day. (Typical for the Brick, but not for me.) But if things got too stained or smelly, I was able to head home, if needed, for a shower and restocking. (Our doggie friends only live about a mile away from our place.) We kept the plants watered, then tidied up, including dusting and vacuuming, before picking our friends up at the airport -- then home.

     Bo and Tiger patrolled the fenced backyard, and had several Chews and mock fights with Cooper, who loved it. (All three did, actually.) Prince, the older dog, was Above It All, but enjoyed barking at them. Particularly memorable: watching all five dogs in a straight line, yelling at clearly unimpressed deer on the other side of the fence. Silly pups. (Prince's new moniker, by the way, is "Your Highness." If he deigns to listen to us, that is.)

Cooper, Bo...and the Brick.

Thrift Shop Buys:  A map of the U.S. for a buck; one dollar (each!) for dresses and a skirt, including formals loaded with iridescent crystals (guess who's clipping them off?); a $7 pair of like-new jeans; BOGO necklaces and bracelets; several $1-2 books, including a volume of Jack London's letters; two vintage drinking glasses (50 cents each)...and some birthday presents (Nazarene Thrift Shop/Monte Vista).  A painting of women having a coffee chat ($12.99) and $9.99 garden edging for the front flower bed (Savers). An armful of kids books (25 cents each) for the Little Free Library, plus a history book for my research shelf, and some videos -- half price. Plus some drinking glasses for $1-2 each; we've been running out  (Treasures in the Park - Castle Rock). A visit to the 'bins' meant vintage teddy bears for resale (25 cents each), a water dish for the dogs plus a ton of books for the Little Free Library, presents and my own reading -- 25 cents each! (Goodwill/Colorado Springs). 

Thinking about buying more land here. I wrote two query notes, hoping to plant some seeds.

A free supper at The Fort in Morrison, for myself and a friend -- thanks to Lord & Richards.   I've been looking forward to visiting this restaurant for ages, but it's expensive.  Atmosphere: wonderful. Food, sadly:  meh.

Grocery deals:  Half-gallon milk, $1.39 each; marked-down pkgs of popcorn chicken ($1.65, $2.30 - snacks for the KC trip), beer bratwurst (about $2/lb); extra discounts on corned beef hash (about $2.50) and Oscar Mayer hot dogs ($1.99 -- plus $1 off for buying two); a 40-pack of bottled water (10 cents/bottle); marked-down veg, beef chunks and chicken breast over Memorial Day, plus $5 off $25 of meat, and a 10% veterans discount; free slice of strawberry cake, plus a marked-down slice of cheesecake (City Market). Half-gallons of milk, $1.40 each; pork chops for $1.69/lb; thin-sliced chuck steak approx. $4/lb (when regular chuck roast's 'sale' price was $6.99/lb); a bottle of chardonnay for $4 and change  (Safeway).

True to form, City Market did NOT have the really good sale items in stock -- no $1.29/lb whole chicken, and no rainchecks. I had a digital coupon for the cake...but had to ask, in order to get CM (a King Soopers affiliate) to honor it. Strawberries were $2.75 a pound -- that's a 'sale price??' 

     Also true to form, Safeway shorted me on a $4 coupon (They made up for the $4 by giving me a $5 coupon for next visit.) They also got me for 65 cents by mis-charging celery, when it was on sale. (sigh) King Soopers did their part, as well, by charging full price for the $1.99 hotdogs. I'll fight that battle next time I stop by there. 

FRUGAL MISSES

A hefty insurance bill, which came on top of property and income taxes just a few weeks earlier. Gee, I love April and May bills...

Wood, glass and other materials for the back deck steps.  It wasn't cheap, but the Brick's careful purchases saved us a hundred here and a few hundred there. More costs to come.

The Brick got new glasses and sunglasses. Nearly triple what mine cost. Ah well.

Almost lost some of our new plants... because I didn't keep them watered properly.  It's been hot early this year, and promises to stay that way all summer. I decided to focus on the garden bed next to the house, and let the one further out fallow. (It's in the sun 100% of the time. The house bed gets a little shade, at least.) This is a bit discouraging, but it's practical and makes sense.

Some cheese went green. I trimmed off the gunky parts and used it, anyways. Lost a bunch of cilantro, strawberries and leftover asparagus -- shame on me. 

Tiger and Company had a little snack while we were dogsitting:  lawn sprinkler heads. ("They got them all," Friend said.) We apologized to our friends, and paid for them. Stinkers. (The dogs, not the friends.)

The hummingbirds came back in mid-April. But the recent cold spate in mid-May meant multiple trips out to fill the hummingbird feeder. We were the prime buffet in town, based on their enthusiastic slurping. (Either that...or they were just Staying Alive.)

Couldn't help myself.

 I hope they appreciated my nectar facial (plus stained shirt and slippers), trying to fill the feeder in our brisk winds. I also trudged out evenings for nearly a week to cover plants. 

Last month's report is here.  Plus 2025's May report... and the year before. 

Now on to really warm temps, and even less rain. We'll make it.

It's The Plumbing Aisle!

 

The Brick worked at Home Depot one summer, in Plumbing. He still likes to wander around there, checking out what's new. A close second: the screws/nuts/bolts aisle.

Me, I head for the Garden section.

Have Fun Storming the Castle...

 

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Happy Memorial Day

       What did the Brick and yours truly do on this special holiday? We made a trip to Alamosa to get more parts for the deck steps, and use up what was left on the food debit card from Devoted. (City Market had a bunch of marked-down veg and meat, and were offering 10% discount to veterans. Which the Brick is.) 

      It rained, a little. We've been gulping down episodes of Netflix's The Night Agent. And now it's back to reports -- I really need to clean these out completely before May ends.

Meanwhile:

Secrets behind Steven Colbert's show -- including a dome, chandelier and stained glass hidden for decades until Colbert stepped in.

Weird things that happened at funerals.

Some very funny -- and ???? -- photos.

The girl who lived in an attic -- before she hit the big-time.

Do you really have to replace your underwear every six months?  The Frugal Girl's take on this. (Frankly, I rarely believe the self-titled 'wellness experts,' anyways.)

The "man in the red bandana" gets the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And this 9/11 hero deserves it. There's an interesting reason for the red bandanna -- don't miss this. And:

Other heroes of 9-11 -- many of them unsung.

Athletes who cheat.

Have a good week.

Memorial Day

Do You Think They're Listening?

 

Yumm...

 

It happens...

Breathless

 

I'd laugh harder at this, if I didn't know about one of  'composer' John Cage's performances.

 He sat down at the piano...and did absolutely nothing for the rest of the piece.

Then he stood up and bowed. And the audience clapped!!

Meow (said seductively)...and Updates

 

A touch of flu. Cold, blustery winds. A rush to cover up the plants at night from 30+ degree temperatures. 

(The tomatoes got glass jars, thanks to The Prudent Homemaker.)

The hummingbirds are going nuts, trying to slurp up enough nectar

 before the rain starts. (Or snow.) 

And the clouds are moving in. 

80-some temperatures last week? A wry memory.

As I said before... 

Monday Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: Hot, Then Cold, Then...

      We had deep summer temperatures all last week. This week, we're supposed to get freezing rain and icy temperatures. Since I planted a bunch of stuff, that means covering everything up at night -- every single night -- and hoping for the best..

     Welcome to Colorado.

Meanwhile:

She's 101; he's 100. They just celebrated their 80th anniversary. Congratulations!!,  (And that's what you get, Buddy, for marrying an Older Woman.)

'I think we've held it together pretty well and had a wonderful family, so I'm most proud of my children and also our lasting love,' Jennifer told ABC 7 News.

Dozens of piggybanks found washed ashore in Texas.  Weird, huh...

A vintage UFO report -- from our neck of the woods. 

Buffy Sainte Marie stripped of yet another honorary degree, after her loudly-proclaimed indigenous status comes into question. 

Odd celebrity wills.

A Norwegian hiker finds a 1500-year-old gold scabbard...under a tree!

More than 100 left-handed celebrities.   (Not a celebrity -- but I am left-handed.)

Showing off before you hit the finish line. What happens next?

Embarrassment for a lifetime.

Rachel Dolezal has skin cancer -- probably, she thinks, from over-tanning her fair skin. (Yes, the Caucasian woman who masqueraded as black for decades. Go figure, huh.) In other interesting news, she's announced that she's close to certifying as a sex coach. Wow.

Best-selling treats at the world's oldest candy shop.

All I can say is... awwwww.

Have a good week.