Internet access is still not secure.

More news regarding the flood. Remember when I mentioned that the earlier estimates of the crest being both much higher and much later had mysteriously been changed? I am correct, and I have found the probable source for the change. You see, while the flood waters in Cedar Rapids is receding, and quickly, after they crested, the flood waters here in Iowa City and Coralville are not subsiding, and will not subside for up to a week. I had to ask myself how that was at all possible. Yes, the two rivers are separate rivers, but the only difference in the make-up of the two systems is a dam on the Iowa River (the one that goes through Iowa City and Coralville, the one that is maintaining the crest level for a week or more). I must assume that the dam and system of reservoirs consisting of several lakes, various cutbacks, and other systems, found a way to pack a BUNCH more water somewhere. They had to have flooded nearly a new lake, though they can probably account for some not to insignificant water via their transfer system, if they do it correctly. Why they will not discuss it is anybodies guess. I would have to guess that they used lots of privately owned land, and in a disputed manner. In this case, I am for that use. But in these litigious times, it is probably best to keep all the details behind closed doors. There is no guarantee that is the way of it, just a strong suggestion. And no, I am not going to poke around more.

As I said, my internet access remains hit and miss. My neighbor does not get internet access at all! Our ISP is the same company, we live 30 to 40 feet away, and we are nowhere near the flooding. I wish I had wireless set up, I would gladly share. He has the equipment, but I just do not have time to try and set it up! I do feel bad. He needs to download documents, articles, and such in his research. He is working toward a Ph. d. in English. I love his work, though I could never do it. I have seen his personal work, at least once, and I must admit to being impressed. I had thought English had gone to the dogs, to socialists, feminists, and communists. I think, for the most part, it has. I suppose even the dogs have to try to get someone in who has some actual talent in order to lay some claim to the existence of their department. Perhaps outside pressure, from, you know, people who know but who are no longer deadened to the nihilism of modern academe. Perhaps past graduates from the heydays of academic prowess who see and demand better and more from the current dead society which took over from the golden years.

Yeah, I just woke from a nap, if you must know. *laughs* No, I am not grumpy. Shut up and leave me alone, or you get it next, my fair target plumb. And, I am hungry! I thought to order pizza, I have been dreaming about it I think. But then I realized… the only places which deliver or even offer carry-out, from which I would even consider ordering pizza, are under-water! Arghhhhh! I do not wish to cook. I am not interested in going out, really. But, I think I will head out and get something. Just to not add dishes to the pile that is there. A pile which must be ‘cured’ before I leave. There is a place that makes a burrito which I cannot put one of my massive paws completely around. Though shorter than my manhood, it is pretty long too. *blush* Cheese, black or pinto beans, rice, beef, chicken, or pork, and all the fillings one might expect as options (black olives, jalapeños, tomato onion and something mixed, hot sauce, etc), plus the tortillas are fresh pressed while you watch, all combined into a very good burrito.

Oh, right! I found my way across the river today. My favored store for meats on this side of the river is underwater, but there is a back-up across the river. A not too harried drive found me in that store. And, my favored steaks were on sale! Ribeyes, boys and girls, a whole cut of them. I was so excited, I ordered a roast of steaks before I remembered I was not even sure if I could find dry ice. Doh! It all worked out. I drove a little farther, to Hy-Vee. I sort of lucked out with the Hy-Vee, however. They were the last turn off I could get to before that particular road (Highway 6) went underwater. And, they had not only the dry ice, but also a pale to shi… uhm, put the steaks and ice in that is. I hope to share a few of these around. But there are not as many as I thought their might be, even with me only getting inch and a quarter cuts. If I was not so close financially, with the uncertainty factor and the price of gas, I would get another cut. Hmmm, let me count then think. Well, I do have some extra t-bones I could bring too, I dunno. I might have to take some other meats, and experiment with various cooking methods while on the road.

My workout went well. It was very tight. I can tell I have been negligent. Still, I got it done and hope I can work out Wednesday as well. It does feel good to get it done. No one else will notice, but… the weight belt is going on a lot easier. Yes, I still have a nearly award winning beer belly, but the thing is only big in total mass. For my size, it is becoming a bit anemic looking. To think, in my prime, I though a pinch was fat. That was all I had, and only if I had had recent access to steaks and cases of beer it seems. At 240 pounds, I could only just squeeze a layer of skin between my finger and thumb at my worst. I never worked out a true six pack, I was not into the pretty boy look of it. I wonder if I can even get back to that? Benching 500, a 31 inch waist, no love handles, 240-250… I do not know about that. Perhaps that is only for boys? Well, at least I know I am meaner, hehe, mostly because running is not really a possible tactical solution for low level threats, so vicious when cornered has to do. Bah, I even avoid that necessity these days. Just an old dog, with ticks, fleas, and dreams. Grrrhhhh, hrumph.