Monday Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: The Bluuuueeesss Train

      The Brick and I had a sweaty, bumpy and ultimately wonderful experience in Durango this past weekend -- we rode the Blues Train! 

     If you've ever been riding on the Durango-Silverton Railroad, an antique coal-driven train, then you have part of the experience. 

Now add 9 or 10 cars full of people drinking, dancing and grooving to the music in their particular car while the sun goes down. You're seeing Colorado at its best, and listening to some of the best music ever while you do it. 

     There are some weird problems. The groups may be good -- or not. People are constantly walking down the aisles...and since it's bumpy, they may end up in your lap. (Or you will end up in theirs!) And when they pass by, they're going to be staggering (or dancing, as the case may be) in front of the Artist du Jour. If you go see some of the other acts, don't necessarily plan on your seat being there when you get back. Amd by the time the train pulls back into Durango, there are going to be some very 'happy' people on board, if you know what I mean. 

      At least in August, it's hot, even though the windows are open. I suspect September will be better -- but tickets are all sold out for 2026. Next year should be easier.

      We had a wonderful time. P.S. If the Weary Ramblers are playing again, don't hesitate -- they're amazing.

We got back to the hotel about midnight -- sweaty, bemused and our heads full of music. The Brick said, "Boy, that was surreal..." but wonderful!

Back to reality -- and work ahead this week. If you love music too, our band (The Ritardandos) will be singing and playing Thursday night, Aug. 27, at Lue's Diner in Blanca, CO.  The show starts about 6:30 p.m.

Meanwhile:

A bear sneaked into a Colorado Springs fire station, grabbed a gear bag -- and took off.  No word on whether this ursine sneak thief has been caught yet. (Ahem.)

A bad coffeeshop review... but the truth is in the photo.

The Noah's Ark speculation continues...

'My apartment gave me something that money can't buy.'  (From Millenial Revolution)

Food gifts for special occasions. And yes, you make them yourself. (From The Frugal Farm Girl)

Unusual ephemera found -- including this piece.

101 odd things found in caves:

The "grifting grandmothers" - who almost got away with millions from farrm aid.

The new homeless shelter on the Aurora regional campus? It's not going so good, even though the directors think they've solved a lot of problems. We'll see...

"What's the best meal you can cook on an extremely tight budget?"  Quora readers hold forth.

An ancient shipwreck in the Mediterranean gives up its treasures. Some of them, at least.

A climber survives a 500 FOOT fall on a Colorado 14er? Amazing.

And finally -- Farm Funnies. 

Have a great week. Fall IS coming... isn't it?