Well, a few things scratched off the list.

I did not make it to church today. I headed that way, but traffic was both heavy and slow, my usual parking area was full, and before I could get to another area, I was past the start time. I just do not enter church (or school) late. Every time I go, someone comes in late. And, just maybe, that is correct. All I can say is that I will not do that.

While I was out, when returning to the cave, I decided to pick up a five gallon bucket and a filet knife. I went ahead and purchased three buckets, as I am going to be seeing if I can buy wheel weights from local tire shops. I have heard that a bucket to exchange for the one full of weights and $15 dollars could very well get me in all the lead I need for producing my own bullets (and some fishing weights and weighted hooks as well). So, several tasks done. It was raining so I decided not to go fishing this evening.

I am still pretty tired today. I had to nap from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. I did get a little cleaning done, and hope to do a bit more. I also cooked the rice and stored it. I left a few spoonfuls in the pan, added beans, several of my favored spices, and a little cheese. It made for a good meal. It is nothing fancy, for certain, but three of those little tacos did hit the spot. I really do not even feel hungry in spite of the small meal and only a tuna sandwich for lunch. I am thawing some beef, a couple of rib-eyes and a pound of hamburger. But that will just have to wait, as I am trying to go without meat on Fridays. It is an old tradition, one that does not seem to be in play so much these days. But I like it. For a heavy meat eater it is a sacrifice.

My last shipment of gear for the month arrived today. Several pair of swimming trunks, rock climbing shoes, some hiking Smart-Wool socks, and a wool sweater at too low of a price to pass up. I have noted that as I search for gear, I have started becoming much better at seeing when a very good sale is on compared to when a bluff is being played. The difference between a sale on street prices and a sale on msrp is huge, and laughable now. The shoes are definitely not the most comfortable things I have worn. I am told that this is as it should be. They will stretch a bit, and I will have to do my part and deal with it. So, I am wearing them from time to time. Oh, I also purchased some chalk and a chalk bag. These climbing pieces will carry into tree climbing, or at least according to the majority of what I am hearing and reading. And this is the minimal practical gear for the rock wall.

Next month, I will be holding onto every nickel in my inventory. I will probably pay for a bus pass so as to avoid gas and parking costs as much as possible. Now that I am more active, I can even take it to church. Before, I had difficulties with this as I had no idea what to do for the hour and some between when the last bus that would allow me to be on time to church dropped me at the curb and when the actual church service started. I feel confident enough that I will not become too exhausted that I will feel the need to rush home, and more, I think I could enjoy walking around downtown. Window shopping all the things I can never have and maybe a few I can. Perhaps I could go to some of the sporting goods stores and hear whoppers, check out gear, and maybe in time describe some of my exploits. Who knows, I might even find a climbing partner, group, or association. Life has a lot of surprises for me when I put on my boots and socialize a touch. Well, that and I enjoy people who enjoy what they do, or exploring, are in the know, or even just interested in chatting a bit. I think, too, as I am shaping up and becoming active, I am less intimidated by crowds. The crowds on the bus can be a snarly nasty bunch, though it is a random group every time. Some surprises I would just rather do without. Still, I do need to start counting my coin much more closely and I think I am up to the task.