I missed seeing Lilyfestre's remarks until this morning—I feel like I've been on a tiny vacation just reading it! That sounds like a wonderful week away. In a month that included deer, turkey, and wheel bearings you still came out on top!

I'm maintaining the frugal stance this month, though I did some opportunistic shopping yesterday. I had an appointment in the next town over so I stopped in the Halal grocery for a package of their freshly made Iraqi bread and a couple of things for a friend (a standing order for when I'm over there and I'm paid back). I freeze the large loaves (12" or more across) and they'll go into a dozen meals over the next few weeks.

The new stud finder arrived; it has a "deep scan" feature I wanted to use on the newly-textured wall but it seems similarly challenged as the old one. I may have to return this and try the higher-price device I've read about in reviews. I finished painting hall trim and scrubbed that tile floor and have removed the plastic blocking that route through the house. The dogs were giddy at being able to go in there again.