.
.
My friend did not want to go shooting or fishing. Beside fear of rain for him, I think it was too cold. We stopped at a store and I bought some more bullets for the .45, though just 50 to shoot out the oil. I also bought a few more types of lures on my list and some snells fishing hooks, and a few smaller treble hooks. They had no red fish egg baits, so I skipped that. He picked up a 50 pack of .45 bullets as well, and a fishing lure holder in which to put the original parts for his .45.
We then headed to a park and the local zoo. The area was packed, it seems there is a rodeo going on. It started today, so I doubt if they had more than opening ceremonies tonight, though I could be wrong. I have not seen a rodeo in years so I would like to go. I have other things planned though. As well, I do not want to fight the crowds and mess with that after my last and future city travels. Instead, I wanted to drive up Providence Canyon. He had only been up it to about two blocks in. We ended up going about 4 miles or more up the canyon. It was quite a ride. There were places where I had to use low/low to get through. I got as far as I was confident going and then went another half a mile! There were some spots that were quite spooky. I could see my neighbor was not comfortable, and I was beyond my sure comfort level by a goodly bit, so I turned around. He did not think the road went further either (he says things like that when he is at his limits, rather than just asking if we could turn back, or that he is tired, or cold, or such).
I actually stopped there, got out, and did a bit of hiking to check the trail ahead. It does keep going, though there is a bit of a better path. Then again, it was harder in a different way to get to what later turned into the better path. The Xterra did very well. But it tested everything I know about driving and what the Xterra, that I know of, can offer. I would like to go up again with others who go all the way and see how they tackle some of the more difficult terrain. I really want to get to the top, and maybe camp. It was a lot cooler in that canyon, as it was tighter, much steeper and closer walls kept the sun out and channeled wind through it, as well as a much quicker ascent so higher altitude by far than what Logan Canyon ever attains.
After that, a stop at the Golden Coral was the ticket. I have only, usually, been eating small amounts and infrequently. But today I was hungry. I usually stop at one plate, or at most just get a small second serving. Today I ate two good sized platefuls, enough tea that they ran out, but I could not contemplate deserts. Cooked meats, and a variety of them, was my main hunger. Though, as I think back on it, some vegetables did land on my plate somehow. My neighbor, usually a much lighter eater than even I, loaded up two big plates. He might have rivaled me! It was a good day for a buffet. Though, I would think we ate lighter than most hungry men who enter their place of business, if I drank tea for three of them.
Tomorrow, it seems, we will be going shooting. I checked my church. Their services are in the early morning, not at 17:00 as I had thought. Yeah no. I simply cannot be awake by 9:00, let alone be to Church by then. It just does not work, no matter how hard I try or what I do, except once in a while for no reason I understand. So, shooting it is. And, I will be taking swimming trunks and a towel. My neighbor had thought I was joking about that. I assured him that, cold or even very cold, in I will go. The nice thing about this place we are going is that there are enough trees for cover that I will not need to take a change tent. If a critter sees my dinkydoo, too bad. Though I refuse to pay psychology sessions for wild game with penis envy or infatuations if female. Ha! "No, little beaver, that is not a rifle. No, little muskrat, I will not drain the waters with it." Ha!
Some shooting, a drive, and some swimming, and I should be good and tired tomorrow night. I want to swim more so since I was not able to be out in any rain. If it rained here, I did not see it.
My neighbor wants to look at my .45. He is not sure, exactly, how it works. He has shot one. He has an idea of how they work. But he has not looked at the parts schematic or seen one taken down. He used to do parts machining and works on his own pistols, so curiosity has gotten the best of him. After that, I will either be napping or outright sleeping. I am getting tired. A big meal, the interesting drive, and the high altitude seems to have drained me.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wrestling with sleep.
.
.
And losing. I did get a good long nap in after returning from my trip. And I tried to sleep this morning but that did not happen. I did get several hours of rest time in, twice though. I was about to try again when my phone rang. After pulling myself out of grog and reaching for the phone, only to not find it, I had to waken a bit more to try and locate the sound. Right when I was sort of close it stopped ringing. Close enough, it had been in my pants pocket. Yes, I then remembered having put it there to free my hands for other things I needed to bring up to the apartment.
My lady friend had called. She had several things on her mind, but more, she needed someone to talk to according to the message she had left. Being that I am her only friend, that sort of limited the field. She then asked if she was coming out for Christmas, which I took to mean whether I was getting things arranged. I explained that I had rented the cabin and that I had not called her because I could not get the plain tickets until next month. And, that I have been pretty busy and active, so calling her with the news had slipped my mind. I should call her once in a while, I think she is now realizing what not having me near really means. She was tired and wanted to go to bed. I asked her how her gardening was going and she indicated strongly that she did not want to talk about it. Fine, fine, I said as I chuckled to myself. Then we said our goodbyes.
Since that woke me up and I was not going to sleep anyway, I was pretty sure, I decided to call my Mom. She is doing well and staying quite busy. She is in charge of cooking a meal for 200 people for the wedding party of a daughter of a friend. The meal is today at noon. Most of the work is done, though fine details and some last parts are left. She was in good spirits and happy to hear from me. She has lost some weight too, staying busy and watching what she eats. I filled her in on what is going on here and asked some advice about that help I would like to offer (she is pretty good about such matters and intervenes or assists many people on many matters). But I could tell she was getting busy with lists and planning, her mind started to drift. So, we said our goodbyes and ended the call.
Oh, she reminded me that a friend of ours is having a family reunion Labor Day. Labor Day is the fall one, right? In October I think, or is it September. In any case, it is in Colorado. I think I can go, so long as it is not when I need to move. Complications are always the way, though usually things can be mitigated. These are people I have not seen in decades, some of them as much as 30 years or more. Plus, the food is fantastic. I may have sounded a little unsure, but I think I will find a way to be there. As well, I think my Mom really misses me. I think the visit will help settle her.
My brother, she says, is doing well. He is afraid he will not be able to work. I know that feeling. I understand what he is going through. Separating our self value from our economic potential is very difficult, for men more than women I think. Whether it is ingrained in us, whether it is just a natural aspect of our nature, or maybe a bit of both, when we face a brick wall on that, it hurts like little else. At least he might be able to receive an increase in his disability check. And, perhaps, with a little down time, he can find things to fill his time. Perhaps he can go back to school. He and his family remain in my prayers, even if we probably will never speak to each other again.
It may rain today, and during the day light hours! It has rained, or more dropped a bit of small droplets, the last two days. But today it could pour. If it does, I want to be in it for a bit. I wonder if it will be freezing cold, being that we are at 4,000 foot of elevation (I believe)? Either way, I am ready for raindrops on my noggin. I doubt if it would rain long enough to hamper target practice though.
Have a great day!
.
And losing. I did get a good long nap in after returning from my trip. And I tried to sleep this morning but that did not happen. I did get several hours of rest time in, twice though. I was about to try again when my phone rang. After pulling myself out of grog and reaching for the phone, only to not find it, I had to waken a bit more to try and locate the sound. Right when I was sort of close it stopped ringing. Close enough, it had been in my pants pocket. Yes, I then remembered having put it there to free my hands for other things I needed to bring up to the apartment.
My lady friend had called. She had several things on her mind, but more, she needed someone to talk to according to the message she had left. Being that I am her only friend, that sort of limited the field. She then asked if she was coming out for Christmas, which I took to mean whether I was getting things arranged. I explained that I had rented the cabin and that I had not called her because I could not get the plain tickets until next month. And, that I have been pretty busy and active, so calling her with the news had slipped my mind. I should call her once in a while, I think she is now realizing what not having me near really means. She was tired and wanted to go to bed. I asked her how her gardening was going and she indicated strongly that she did not want to talk about it. Fine, fine, I said as I chuckled to myself. Then we said our goodbyes.
Since that woke me up and I was not going to sleep anyway, I was pretty sure, I decided to call my Mom. She is doing well and staying quite busy. She is in charge of cooking a meal for 200 people for the wedding party of a daughter of a friend. The meal is today at noon. Most of the work is done, though fine details and some last parts are left. She was in good spirits and happy to hear from me. She has lost some weight too, staying busy and watching what she eats. I filled her in on what is going on here and asked some advice about that help I would like to offer (she is pretty good about such matters and intervenes or assists many people on many matters). But I could tell she was getting busy with lists and planning, her mind started to drift. So, we said our goodbyes and ended the call.
Oh, she reminded me that a friend of ours is having a family reunion Labor Day. Labor Day is the fall one, right? In October I think, or is it September. In any case, it is in Colorado. I think I can go, so long as it is not when I need to move. Complications are always the way, though usually things can be mitigated. These are people I have not seen in decades, some of them as much as 30 years or more. Plus, the food is fantastic. I may have sounded a little unsure, but I think I will find a way to be there. As well, I think my Mom really misses me. I think the visit will help settle her.
My brother, she says, is doing well. He is afraid he will not be able to work. I know that feeling. I understand what he is going through. Separating our self value from our economic potential is very difficult, for men more than women I think. Whether it is ingrained in us, whether it is just a natural aspect of our nature, or maybe a bit of both, when we face a brick wall on that, it hurts like little else. At least he might be able to receive an increase in his disability check. And, perhaps, with a little down time, he can find things to fill his time. Perhaps he can go back to school. He and his family remain in my prayers, even if we probably will never speak to each other again.
It may rain today, and during the day light hours! It has rained, or more dropped a bit of small droplets, the last two days. But today it could pour. If it does, I want to be in it for a bit. I wonder if it will be freezing cold, being that we are at 4,000 foot of elevation (I believe)? Either way, I am ready for raindrops on my noggin. I doubt if it would rain long enough to hamper target practice though.
Have a great day!
Shooting, tomorrow I do believe.
.
.
My neighbor and myself are going to shoot tomorrow. I am not sure where, but if we go to the first shooting area, I am going to take my swimming trunks. Hmm, actually all of the shooting areas have some stream or "lake" (really a dammed lake) in which to swim. So, a towel, trunks, and a willingness to just get in there will be all I need. I even have a 'changing shack' to take with. It is actually an enclosed camping shower, but it will work if needed. I did say I had been collecting gear, right? I knew I would not need a changing room, but when dealing with women and camping, one must facilitate. And, of course, I like to surprise a girl (lady, woman, they are all those things and more, but the term girl works, and they even like that sometimes). Being a little ahead of her on her needs and wants is no small way to win favor.
Anyway, I will be taking the .45 for which I will try to grab 150 more rounds. Of the 3boxes, only one will be to shoot. I am trying to stock up on ammo. As I said, I would like to get 2k to 4k of that on hand. I want to shoot that since I cleaned it down to the bolts and butt, toes and forehead, and all. In part, I want to bang some of the extra lube out. I will just clean the barrel after this shoot. But I really just want to see if she is shooting more smoothly. It is fun to shoot a creamy gun that just bangs and whizzes and bangs again. I will also be taking my .22 pistol and rifle. I should be able to finish targeting the rifle. Then I can begin getting them targeted in for the hunter's safety course shoot. I do not know if they will let me use the pistol yet or I would just take it and concentrate on it. The pistol is so much lighter and easier to shoot. And at 50 feet, I cannot miss unless I just look away and pull the trigger as fast as I can.
I do need a day off and soon though. A day of rest, just in the house. Those are addictive though, and detrimental until they become a true rarity. To that end, I may do some laundry tomorrow too, and try to make it to Church this Sunday. It is about time I get that Churchy project started. I have been holding off on that, for a number of reasons. But I really need to get that project going. I will find out about confession too, when that is held, and take care of that. Though I still fear that a bit, I feel tons better when it is tended. It is almost like a haircut. :p
I am so amazed that life has picked up so strongly here. One might suggest psychosomatic impulses drive this, but I would doubt that. I have had that affect before. It simply does not last this long. And, it never survives a real crash that I seemed headed for a few weeks ago. Each week, as time passes, and in spite of the heat, I am able to do more and more. I am in the middle of literally a dozen separate projects, all multi-faceted, relatively complex, time consuming, requiring thought interaction and timing, and through time, adding or having projects added all the time. I have also completed about that many various projects. I only have so much money, so much time, and so much energy, if that last is increasing as I push and am pushed, that I have to really be careful. But it is magical!
I did note, when speaking to the professor and her husband, that should I graduate whether I stop at undergraduate or not, I will not be leaving Utah. If I cannot get to graduate school here, I simply will not go (though there are quite a number of colleges in state which offer a masters in engineering, it is a good state that way, like Iowa is or was). She, and he as well, suggested that I would not need to move even before I said I would not. I do like this state, at least the northern and mountainous more rural areas. You can keep Salt Lake City, though if required for a masters, I would, grudgingly, do that.
I even have a project in mind, a project to help someone. I am not sure how far I can float it, as I could never do it all on my own. There is someone who needs some serious help. I am making plans to go around to some people and organizations who could help. I am willing to put some of my own money into it as well as time and effort. It may be a bit of a struggle. Pride is a difficult thing to overcome. But I think in the end, I might be able to do a really good thing for someone who could really use the assistance. There may be more too it than pride, but I think that can be overcome too. It is just a thought currently, one I have been rolling around and hammering out. But to be a part in vastly improving someone's life, health, and social possibilities is a very good thing.
The night is cool. The moon is out and nearly full. And it has been a long day. So, good night.
.
My neighbor and myself are going to shoot tomorrow. I am not sure where, but if we go to the first shooting area, I am going to take my swimming trunks. Hmm, actually all of the shooting areas have some stream or "lake" (really a dammed lake) in which to swim. So, a towel, trunks, and a willingness to just get in there will be all I need. I even have a 'changing shack' to take with. It is actually an enclosed camping shower, but it will work if needed. I did say I had been collecting gear, right? I knew I would not need a changing room, but when dealing with women and camping, one must facilitate. And, of course, I like to surprise a girl (lady, woman, they are all those things and more, but the term girl works, and they even like that sometimes). Being a little ahead of her on her needs and wants is no small way to win favor.
Anyway, I will be taking the .45 for which I will try to grab 150 more rounds. Of the 3boxes, only one will be to shoot. I am trying to stock up on ammo. As I said, I would like to get 2k to 4k of that on hand. I want to shoot that since I cleaned it down to the bolts and butt, toes and forehead, and all. In part, I want to bang some of the extra lube out. I will just clean the barrel after this shoot. But I really just want to see if she is shooting more smoothly. It is fun to shoot a creamy gun that just bangs and whizzes and bangs again. I will also be taking my .22 pistol and rifle. I should be able to finish targeting the rifle. Then I can begin getting them targeted in for the hunter's safety course shoot. I do not know if they will let me use the pistol yet or I would just take it and concentrate on it. The pistol is so much lighter and easier to shoot. And at 50 feet, I cannot miss unless I just look away and pull the trigger as fast as I can.
I do need a day off and soon though. A day of rest, just in the house. Those are addictive though, and detrimental until they become a true rarity. To that end, I may do some laundry tomorrow too, and try to make it to Church this Sunday. It is about time I get that Churchy project started. I have been holding off on that, for a number of reasons. But I really need to get that project going. I will find out about confession too, when that is held, and take care of that. Though I still fear that a bit, I feel tons better when it is tended. It is almost like a haircut. :p
I am so amazed that life has picked up so strongly here. One might suggest psychosomatic impulses drive this, but I would doubt that. I have had that affect before. It simply does not last this long. And, it never survives a real crash that I seemed headed for a few weeks ago. Each week, as time passes, and in spite of the heat, I am able to do more and more. I am in the middle of literally a dozen separate projects, all multi-faceted, relatively complex, time consuming, requiring thought interaction and timing, and through time, adding or having projects added all the time. I have also completed about that many various projects. I only have so much money, so much time, and so much energy, if that last is increasing as I push and am pushed, that I have to really be careful. But it is magical!
I did note, when speaking to the professor and her husband, that should I graduate whether I stop at undergraduate or not, I will not be leaving Utah. If I cannot get to graduate school here, I simply will not go (though there are quite a number of colleges in state which offer a masters in engineering, it is a good state that way, like Iowa is or was). She, and he as well, suggested that I would not need to move even before I said I would not. I do like this state, at least the northern and mountainous more rural areas. You can keep Salt Lake City, though if required for a masters, I would, grudgingly, do that.
I even have a project in mind, a project to help someone. I am not sure how far I can float it, as I could never do it all on my own. There is someone who needs some serious help. I am making plans to go around to some people and organizations who could help. I am willing to put some of my own money into it as well as time and effort. It may be a bit of a struggle. Pride is a difficult thing to overcome. But I think in the end, I might be able to do a really good thing for someone who could really use the assistance. There may be more too it than pride, but I think that can be overcome too. It is just a thought currently, one I have been rolling around and hammering out. But to be a part in vastly improving someone's life, health, and social possibilities is a very good thing.
The night is cool. The moon is out and nearly full. And it has been a long day. So, good night.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Well, maybe Monday, or Tuesday.
.
.
The bureau I needed to visit was closed. It did not say it on the door, but I saw a woman coming out of the building, through an workers only entrance and asked her. State offices, she said, are only open Monday through Thursday. And, really, I knew that, if I had forgotten. My neighbor in Iowa has a sister here I had been emailing. She works for the state and told me about the new project. Instead of doing it in one or two departments as a trial (what she would have preferred and what sounds reasonable to me as well), they did this statewide this year. Longer hours Monday through Thursday, three days off, in the hopes of saving on everything from traffic to gasoline to reducing road traffic. I am curious how that is working, academically. But I am a bit miffed at myself. And the recording as well, for not highlighting that (especially since this is the first year of it).
The ride was long and dull. The city has 4 McDonalds, so finding which one the building I was looking for was behind was interesting. The mid-afternoon traffic was no different from the busier streets and times than Chicago, NYC, or any other major metro. And I only wasted a half a tank of gas and most of a day. On the upside, I know right were it is and how to get there.
I called the renter of the vacation property but he did not answer after four rings. So I let that go. Though I did follow his instructions and I did find the place. It is quite nice from what I saw of it. If weather allows, and my lady friend can make the trip, it should be quite nice. Lots of 'if's', but there is not much to do about it.
Though it sounds somewhat negative, it is not. I consider the day, for the most part, a draw. Round two on these issues will be either Monday or Tuesday. I am not sure I will be able to rise early enough to go to Taylorsville in time to do my business and return to Ogden for the V.A. appointment. It simply is not working out well for me to get up that early. I could try to stay up, but that is brutal and I do not wish to talk about my gun rights while half sacked out. All of this is delaying my contact with the landlady, who is only here half the day, from 13:30 to 17:30 or so. Argh! It will all get done, and in as timely a manner as possible.
Wow, I need a nap. Beyond the city having brutal traffic, I hit the freeway just in time to crawl 20 or 40 miles for seemingly no reason except that after work, the dead do not always rise. Bah! I have to remember to wear my sunglasses as well. Oh, and long sleeve, if thin material (sun resistant to 30 would be a great add as well), shirts would make driving in this heat a bit better. I am beat down and ready for a nap. Though hungry, sleep is calling much more strongly.
.
The bureau I needed to visit was closed. It did not say it on the door, but I saw a woman coming out of the building, through an workers only entrance and asked her. State offices, she said, are only open Monday through Thursday. And, really, I knew that, if I had forgotten. My neighbor in Iowa has a sister here I had been emailing. She works for the state and told me about the new project. Instead of doing it in one or two departments as a trial (what she would have preferred and what sounds reasonable to me as well), they did this statewide this year. Longer hours Monday through Thursday, three days off, in the hopes of saving on everything from traffic to gasoline to reducing road traffic. I am curious how that is working, academically. But I am a bit miffed at myself. And the recording as well, for not highlighting that (especially since this is the first year of it).
The ride was long and dull. The city has 4 McDonalds, so finding which one the building I was looking for was behind was interesting. The mid-afternoon traffic was no different from the busier streets and times than Chicago, NYC, or any other major metro. And I only wasted a half a tank of gas and most of a day. On the upside, I know right were it is and how to get there.
I called the renter of the vacation property but he did not answer after four rings. So I let that go. Though I did follow his instructions and I did find the place. It is quite nice from what I saw of it. If weather allows, and my lady friend can make the trip, it should be quite nice. Lots of 'if's', but there is not much to do about it.
Though it sounds somewhat negative, it is not. I consider the day, for the most part, a draw. Round two on these issues will be either Monday or Tuesday. I am not sure I will be able to rise early enough to go to Taylorsville in time to do my business and return to Ogden for the V.A. appointment. It simply is not working out well for me to get up that early. I could try to stay up, but that is brutal and I do not wish to talk about my gun rights while half sacked out. All of this is delaying my contact with the landlady, who is only here half the day, from 13:30 to 17:30 or so. Argh! It will all get done, and in as timely a manner as possible.
Wow, I need a nap. Beyond the city having brutal traffic, I hit the freeway just in time to crawl 20 or 40 miles for seemingly no reason except that after work, the dead do not always rise. Bah! I have to remember to wear my sunglasses as well. Oh, and long sleeve, if thin material (sun resistant to 30 would be a great add as well), shirts would make driving in this heat a bit better. I am beat down and ready for a nap. Though hungry, sleep is calling much more strongly.
It is no 9:00 wake-up.
.
.
But I will take it. I kept hitting the snooze, until about 9:30. The neighbors, if they are home, must hate me. Then, I thought for sure I was getting up so I turned it off. Well, I could have gotten up at 9:30ish. Here it is, a bit past 11:30, but I am up. I suppose it beats waking at 14:00 or 15:00. Besides, I was not able to sleep until 5:00. Now to shower and ship off. So much to do, and I will not be in Taylorsville until 14:00 at the earliest. Though Taylorsville is only an hour or so from Ogden and pretty directly on my way home.
No dreams lately, none that I remember as they say. I miss them, the normal ones, when they are gone. Sleep has been relatively good if the hours are not yet quite my preferred. Even today though, I am waking earlier than was becoming common. I do not know if I mentioned it, but the couple I am possibly going to be renting from suggested that in the summer heat, they will sleep from 9:00 to 17:00 in the summer to avoid the heat. If I did not have so much business, I might as well. Though getting back on a regular routine after that has to be a struggle.
I must admit I am not homesick. I miss a few people, sort of, but I saw them so rarely that it is only the lack of potential of seeing them which is a more minor thing. I can still call them. Then again, even when I was more of a homebody, I was home alone. That makes a house less a home than a cave. Without ownership, too, there is much less attachment to a residence. Stores are the same even if they have different names. Maybe there is no place like home and I simply have never had a home. I have been a wandered since before I knew what a home was supposed to be, both because of my Mom and because of my nature. Not that I have been looking for greener grass it is just that I am curious what really is over that next hill. This move is my first move in search of actual "greener grass". A rolling stone does not, indeed, gather as much moss if I did happen to gather enough for a big moving truck.
Before long though, I mean to gather more moss. I need to, now that I am more active and becoming more settled here, begin to get back to Church and going other places were women seem to sit and wait. They cannot or will not go out seeking, but they might make themselves presentable and known. It is my job to find them and court them. Of course, I feel like the treants, or whatever they called them in Lord of the Rings: The Twin Towers (I think), when he asked the hobbits if they had seen any lady Ents (was that what they called themselves?). He indicated that they had not seen them in a long time, lost them millenia ago. I walk fast and discuss things slowly as well. Maybe that IS my problem. You are small, so you could be right.
I have been thinking though, about my weight loss. It has stalled, but I am keeping to 280ish, though I think I will get a new wind and get more off soon again. If I do get down to 260, it will probably be in the winter. A bicycle will do me no good in extending my weight loss. If I happen to be cross country skiing as much as I hope, I may instead buy skis, poles, bindings, and all that. I already have winter layering clothes, so I would be more prepped for that. The cost for a good bike is rather steep, so the price might well be similar or even less for ski gear unless I wanted to try and shoot the moon and go high-end (and even then, one can often find last years high end at a fantastic bargain, such is the nature of fad). Who would know I did not spend $XXX.xx last year and only spent $XX.xx this year? Fools anyway. But I would only do that if there was a real technical advantage to doing that, like with bindings which really do easily, quickly, and rightly switch from downhill to cross country skiing facilitation as some will. All I need is another 20 pounds off. I am half way there. But the rest of it, I think, will be more of a struggle. Hiking when it cools, and swimming, should do that more easily if over more time than the first 20 pounds lost.
I should get going. I have a shower, a long drive, a conversation, a couple of city drivescapes to navigate, a phone call, a visit, probably a meal, and such to finish before hopefully being back by dinner time. And the road does not get shorter as I write.
.
But I will take it. I kept hitting the snooze, until about 9:30. The neighbors, if they are home, must hate me. Then, I thought for sure I was getting up so I turned it off. Well, I could have gotten up at 9:30ish. Here it is, a bit past 11:30, but I am up. I suppose it beats waking at 14:00 or 15:00. Besides, I was not able to sleep until 5:00. Now to shower and ship off. So much to do, and I will not be in Taylorsville until 14:00 at the earliest. Though Taylorsville is only an hour or so from Ogden and pretty directly on my way home.
No dreams lately, none that I remember as they say. I miss them, the normal ones, when they are gone. Sleep has been relatively good if the hours are not yet quite my preferred. Even today though, I am waking earlier than was becoming common. I do not know if I mentioned it, but the couple I am possibly going to be renting from suggested that in the summer heat, they will sleep from 9:00 to 17:00 in the summer to avoid the heat. If I did not have so much business, I might as well. Though getting back on a regular routine after that has to be a struggle.
I must admit I am not homesick. I miss a few people, sort of, but I saw them so rarely that it is only the lack of potential of seeing them which is a more minor thing. I can still call them. Then again, even when I was more of a homebody, I was home alone. That makes a house less a home than a cave. Without ownership, too, there is much less attachment to a residence. Stores are the same even if they have different names. Maybe there is no place like home and I simply have never had a home. I have been a wandered since before I knew what a home was supposed to be, both because of my Mom and because of my nature. Not that I have been looking for greener grass it is just that I am curious what really is over that next hill. This move is my first move in search of actual "greener grass". A rolling stone does not, indeed, gather as much moss if I did happen to gather enough for a big moving truck.
Before long though, I mean to gather more moss. I need to, now that I am more active and becoming more settled here, begin to get back to Church and going other places were women seem to sit and wait. They cannot or will not go out seeking, but they might make themselves presentable and known. It is my job to find them and court them. Of course, I feel like the treants, or whatever they called them in Lord of the Rings: The Twin Towers (I think), when he asked the hobbits if they had seen any lady Ents (was that what they called themselves?). He indicated that they had not seen them in a long time, lost them millenia ago. I walk fast and discuss things slowly as well. Maybe that IS my problem. You are small, so you could be right.
I have been thinking though, about my weight loss. It has stalled, but I am keeping to 280ish, though I think I will get a new wind and get more off soon again. If I do get down to 260, it will probably be in the winter. A bicycle will do me no good in extending my weight loss. If I happen to be cross country skiing as much as I hope, I may instead buy skis, poles, bindings, and all that. I already have winter layering clothes, so I would be more prepped for that. The cost for a good bike is rather steep, so the price might well be similar or even less for ski gear unless I wanted to try and shoot the moon and go high-end (and even then, one can often find last years high end at a fantastic bargain, such is the nature of fad). Who would know I did not spend $XXX.xx last year and only spent $XX.xx this year? Fools anyway. But I would only do that if there was a real technical advantage to doing that, like with bindings which really do easily, quickly, and rightly switch from downhill to cross country skiing facilitation as some will. All I need is another 20 pounds off. I am half way there. But the rest of it, I think, will be more of a struggle. Hiking when it cools, and swimming, should do that more easily if over more time than the first 20 pounds lost.
I should get going. I have a shower, a long drive, a conversation, a couple of city drivescapes to navigate, a phone call, a visit, probably a meal, and such to finish before hopefully being back by dinner time. And the road does not get shorter as I write.
No nap, cannot seem to find sleep.
.
.
So it goes some nights. Still, I will attempt to be up and out early. I set my alarm to 9:00. If I do not think I will make it, I will simply have to reset it. I think I can do that reliably. Tomorrow is going to end up being a busy day. Not only am I going to visit the yea or nay gun purchase place for Utah, I will also be checking about primers in a super sekret location and hopefully visiting with the owner of the cabin I am to rent. It will mean another long day, much of it on the road. Drats, I had meant to speak with the landlady here, to discuss letting the lease go or trying to get a renter in that late. If I absolutely have to, I suppose I could pay two rents for a month. More than that and I would be in trouble.
I did some sleuthing using Google Earth again. Directions to this place from home, then from that place to the other place. I should do one from the cabin to home too. Though it all seems simple enough, looking at it, it would be easy, especially tired from a long day of multi-tasking, driving, and the heat, to end up lost. I would eventually find my way home. It would just be better to have something on paper.
All this driving, and I get to go to Ogden again this coming Monday. An actual appointment this time, one that was scheduled. I might be able to, after all this driving to and from Ogden and the surrounds, have a simple trip up and back. There will be lines at the clinic, be assured. And parking may be very difficult to find, or so I am told. But after that it will be a drive home and then perhaps a nap. And then perhaps I can begin figuring everything else in my life out!
I have been so busy being busy I have not had much time to simply go shooting, fishing, or anything else. That happens to be a good reality check for when I begin college (assuming I am accepted). School days are fraught with busy. Fun will have to wait for the weekends and times when demand is less than usual. I did, through the help of Daniel at Key Words, find a link to the physic course I need to take, in video, from MIT. It could, should, prove quite useful. I have a different course book, but there should be similarities. I need a headset to hear though, as this little machine is not very loud (or very good quality in the sound department). Tinny sound is fine, so long as I can understand, regarding this type of material.
So much is all up in the air. So far I have been keeping on top of things. The apartment is getting a bit shabby again, but not as bad as it ever got in Coralville. Still, I need to do something this weekend to shake up the place and make it spiffy again. Maybe I can get some shooting in too. If all goes well tomorrow, I might even be able to use the new .22 rifle. I finally have enough ammunition to feed it, get it loosened a bit, and be on target before the great hunter's education shootout of ought 9. If I cannot get the rifle, now or even later, I may check and see if I would be allowed to shoot the pistol. That is plenty accurate at 50 feet. At 70 yards I was hitting a 5x5 every time I aimed for a second or two, at least once I got the sight picture correct and used lower velocity (lower than high velocity, so standard) ammunition.
Everything depends on something else, though there are 4 or 5 different interdependent problems. I am hoping to have most of them solved by Tuesday, though who knows. I have not been this busy since, I do not know! Engineering school, though strenuous, did not require this many different skills, with driving, shooting, learning to use Google Earth, writing emails, placing calls, and doing follow-ups, engineering is simply a different ball of wax. But I love it! I am proving, in little ways, that I am gaining competency, confidence, the will to push back, communication skills, and everything else that had lain dormant for decades, if it had ever been this good. I am becoming alive, becoming human again, and able and willing to stay active. Yes, I like that. If too, it makes me bone tired sometimes. No time to be depressed or to sleep my days away. I am busy!
Good night.
.
So it goes some nights. Still, I will attempt to be up and out early. I set my alarm to 9:00. If I do not think I will make it, I will simply have to reset it. I think I can do that reliably. Tomorrow is going to end up being a busy day. Not only am I going to visit the yea or nay gun purchase place for Utah, I will also be checking about primers in a super sekret location and hopefully visiting with the owner of the cabin I am to rent. It will mean another long day, much of it on the road. Drats, I had meant to speak with the landlady here, to discuss letting the lease go or trying to get a renter in that late. If I absolutely have to, I suppose I could pay two rents for a month. More than that and I would be in trouble.
I did some sleuthing using Google Earth again. Directions to this place from home, then from that place to the other place. I should do one from the cabin to home too. Though it all seems simple enough, looking at it, it would be easy, especially tired from a long day of multi-tasking, driving, and the heat, to end up lost. I would eventually find my way home. It would just be better to have something on paper.
All this driving, and I get to go to Ogden again this coming Monday. An actual appointment this time, one that was scheduled. I might be able to, after all this driving to and from Ogden and the surrounds, have a simple trip up and back. There will be lines at the clinic, be assured. And parking may be very difficult to find, or so I am told. But after that it will be a drive home and then perhaps a nap. And then perhaps I can begin figuring everything else in my life out!
I have been so busy being busy I have not had much time to simply go shooting, fishing, or anything else. That happens to be a good reality check for when I begin college (assuming I am accepted). School days are fraught with busy. Fun will have to wait for the weekends and times when demand is less than usual. I did, through the help of Daniel at Key Words, find a link to the physic course I need to take, in video, from MIT. It could, should, prove quite useful. I have a different course book, but there should be similarities. I need a headset to hear though, as this little machine is not very loud (or very good quality in the sound department). Tinny sound is fine, so long as I can understand, regarding this type of material.
So much is all up in the air. So far I have been keeping on top of things. The apartment is getting a bit shabby again, but not as bad as it ever got in Coralville. Still, I need to do something this weekend to shake up the place and make it spiffy again. Maybe I can get some shooting in too. If all goes well tomorrow, I might even be able to use the new .22 rifle. I finally have enough ammunition to feed it, get it loosened a bit, and be on target before the great hunter's education shootout of ought 9. If I cannot get the rifle, now or even later, I may check and see if I would be allowed to shoot the pistol. That is plenty accurate at 50 feet. At 70 yards I was hitting a 5x5 every time I aimed for a second or two, at least once I got the sight picture correct and used lower velocity (lower than high velocity, so standard) ammunition.
Everything depends on something else, though there are 4 or 5 different interdependent problems. I am hoping to have most of them solved by Tuesday, though who knows. I have not been this busy since, I do not know! Engineering school, though strenuous, did not require this many different skills, with driving, shooting, learning to use Google Earth, writing emails, placing calls, and doing follow-ups, engineering is simply a different ball of wax. But I love it! I am proving, in little ways, that I am gaining competency, confidence, the will to push back, communication skills, and everything else that had lain dormant for decades, if it had ever been this good. I am becoming alive, becoming human again, and able and willing to stay active. Yes, I like that. If too, it makes me bone tired sometimes. No time to be depressed or to sleep my days away. I am busy!
Good night.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Nice people.
.
.
After super, I was moving a little slowly. Speaking with my neighbor helped perk me up though as it usually does. I had to change shirts, use the facilities, get the address and such, and then drive there. I had looked on Google Earth, had the numbers in memory, drove there, and could not find the place. I had to drive home and recheck. Everything looked right, but there was no house at that number! Then I realized, I was using the street number instead of the house number, after just having used the street number to find the right street. I chalk it up to being nervous.
I did finally get there, ten minutes late, but more awake still. I rang the doorbell. I was not exactly sure what to expect though I had some idea having spoken to both husband and wife. And yeah, I do get an idea and a good one from phone conversations. My thoughts were on target. They first showed the house. It is a fine place, full of nooks and with little rooms, both of utility and relaxation, here and there. Though it seems like it is only 2 level from the outsie, it seems to have 3 levels and a basement. None of the rooms are big, and they all seem dispersed and quite separate, yet they are all somehow open and mostly connected. One might be convinced to call it a warren of a house. And, yes, I loved it.
Then we talked for a good bit. They asked questions, as did I, we shared some minor personal information, and simply shared more of a pleasant conversation, as if with friends I had not seen in a long time. It seems they have quite an interesting life. She has taught biology her whole life, though it seems not always here. She is, I believe, retired at this point. He has a degree in biology but never used it, having done a smattering of this and that, and successfully it seems. He now buys, fixes up, then rents or sells houses, probably whichever in the current market yields the best return on his dollars and time. Just from the conversation, I do believe they are quite willing to allow me to move in, without a reference or deposit! And yes, I did discuss my disability. Since it regards my income, I thought it fair. As well, I prefer to be honest. They live in Hawaii half the year. They said they did everything they could, outdoors and such, here locally the first 5 years they were here. They finally started thinking that the winters were getting colder, then finally too cold, so off they went to find warmer winter digs. Should I end up starting school this spring, they assured me that they would allow me to stay until school lets out. Since all I will have is my clothes, essentially, I should be fine that way even if I do not have a house by then. Anything else I might happen to bring over will be minor, as the house is well furnished. And, anything larger, such as weights, can be put back in storage by the time they return in any case. Really, this is a great deal. The garage space is just icing on the cake.
Everything looks good from their end. Now I must speak with the manager at the apartment I am in. I hope she will be helpful, as she said she would be, in finding a new tenant for the time I move, in late September or early October. Though this place is austere, it is also quite busy and I can always hear something from the other tenants. Whether it is an alarm clock, cellphone, television, or just someone coming or going. I do not think it disturbs my sleep to heavily, but it does at times, and it is weird having lived quietly for two years before the recent tenants moved in at the duplex in Coralville. Even then, they were generally quiet and ran mostly on day hours.
During the earlier discussion with my neighbor, he had been talking about bullit lube, for lead bullits of course. (I know bullit looks like a misspelling, but for the crafters of such items, it is the term coin of that kindgom) Fouling is an issue, so he wanted to see what was out there. When we were in Ogden, he had been looking for that but no one carried it. I had meant to do a search before now, but with so many things going on, I could not quite remember it at the right times. I finally did do that. Not only did I find the product I think he had in mind, specifically, I also found another type, and several seriously diy recipes that look simple enough (both no heat and heat treatment recipes). I printed them out and am hoping to notice when he goes to the porch for a smoke. I will give him the goods. Only the Cabela's product would require ordering online, though they might have a phone number too. The rest are either store bought goods or ordered with an order form (which I also printed). Hey, if you are going to try and help, then do it A+.
Another thought about tomorrow. If I get up early, as I have been, and make it to Taylorsville by 13:00 or earlier, I might give the cabin owner a call if there is time on the way back. Not only would it be more sure than the V.A. day, it would free up the day I go to the V.A. for other things, like going to the shop I liked so much to maybe buy that rifle (after I leave the V.A., it is a federal building no matter, and absolutely gun free even for vehicles, if I park on their grounds). I had an associate (not a friend, a liberal too so I was less sympathetic, eat what you vote for I always say) who got in all kinds of hot water for having a gun in his vehicle at the V.A. in Iowa City. Beyond that, that gun shop is also a bike shop. Remember, I said if I get down to 260 I get a bike. I will need a good one. But more than that, and adding to the shop, he is well stocked and has interesting things to look at and some fine long and side arms to peruse.
Well, that is it. I had a mostly successful day, got some shopping done too (but no pickles and I am out!). I will be ready for sleep, or the nap most likely, then I might write a bit later. It is becoming habitual. At least it is not a vice. Is it?
.
After super, I was moving a little slowly. Speaking with my neighbor helped perk me up though as it usually does. I had to change shirts, use the facilities, get the address and such, and then drive there. I had looked on Google Earth, had the numbers in memory, drove there, and could not find the place. I had to drive home and recheck. Everything looked right, but there was no house at that number! Then I realized, I was using the street number instead of the house number, after just having used the street number to find the right street. I chalk it up to being nervous.
I did finally get there, ten minutes late, but more awake still. I rang the doorbell. I was not exactly sure what to expect though I had some idea having spoken to both husband and wife. And yeah, I do get an idea and a good one from phone conversations. My thoughts were on target. They first showed the house. It is a fine place, full of nooks and with little rooms, both of utility and relaxation, here and there. Though it seems like it is only 2 level from the outsie, it seems to have 3 levels and a basement. None of the rooms are big, and they all seem dispersed and quite separate, yet they are all somehow open and mostly connected. One might be convinced to call it a warren of a house. And, yes, I loved it.
Then we talked for a good bit. They asked questions, as did I, we shared some minor personal information, and simply shared more of a pleasant conversation, as if with friends I had not seen in a long time. It seems they have quite an interesting life. She has taught biology her whole life, though it seems not always here. She is, I believe, retired at this point. He has a degree in biology but never used it, having done a smattering of this and that, and successfully it seems. He now buys, fixes up, then rents or sells houses, probably whichever in the current market yields the best return on his dollars and time. Just from the conversation, I do believe they are quite willing to allow me to move in, without a reference or deposit! And yes, I did discuss my disability. Since it regards my income, I thought it fair. As well, I prefer to be honest. They live in Hawaii half the year. They said they did everything they could, outdoors and such, here locally the first 5 years they were here. They finally started thinking that the winters were getting colder, then finally too cold, so off they went to find warmer winter digs. Should I end up starting school this spring, they assured me that they would allow me to stay until school lets out. Since all I will have is my clothes, essentially, I should be fine that way even if I do not have a house by then. Anything else I might happen to bring over will be minor, as the house is well furnished. And, anything larger, such as weights, can be put back in storage by the time they return in any case. Really, this is a great deal. The garage space is just icing on the cake.
Everything looks good from their end. Now I must speak with the manager at the apartment I am in. I hope she will be helpful, as she said she would be, in finding a new tenant for the time I move, in late September or early October. Though this place is austere, it is also quite busy and I can always hear something from the other tenants. Whether it is an alarm clock, cellphone, television, or just someone coming or going. I do not think it disturbs my sleep to heavily, but it does at times, and it is weird having lived quietly for two years before the recent tenants moved in at the duplex in Coralville. Even then, they were generally quiet and ran mostly on day hours.
During the earlier discussion with my neighbor, he had been talking about bullit lube, for lead bullits of course. (I know bullit looks like a misspelling, but for the crafters of such items, it is the term coin of that kindgom) Fouling is an issue, so he wanted to see what was out there. When we were in Ogden, he had been looking for that but no one carried it. I had meant to do a search before now, but with so many things going on, I could not quite remember it at the right times. I finally did do that. Not only did I find the product I think he had in mind, specifically, I also found another type, and several seriously diy recipes that look simple enough (both no heat and heat treatment recipes). I printed them out and am hoping to notice when he goes to the porch for a smoke. I will give him the goods. Only the Cabela's product would require ordering online, though they might have a phone number too. The rest are either store bought goods or ordered with an order form (which I also printed). Hey, if you are going to try and help, then do it A+.
Another thought about tomorrow. If I get up early, as I have been, and make it to Taylorsville by 13:00 or earlier, I might give the cabin owner a call if there is time on the way back. Not only would it be more sure than the V.A. day, it would free up the day I go to the V.A. for other things, like going to the shop I liked so much to maybe buy that rifle (after I leave the V.A., it is a federal building no matter, and absolutely gun free even for vehicles, if I park on their grounds). I had an associate (not a friend, a liberal too so I was less sympathetic, eat what you vote for I always say) who got in all kinds of hot water for having a gun in his vehicle at the V.A. in Iowa City. Beyond that, that gun shop is also a bike shop. Remember, I said if I get down to 260 I get a bike. I will need a good one. But more than that, and adding to the shop, he is well stocked and has interesting things to look at and some fine long and side arms to peruse.
Well, that is it. I had a mostly successful day, got some shopping done too (but no pickles and I am out!). I will be ready for sleep, or the nap most likely, then I might write a bit later. It is becoming habitual. At least it is not a vice. Is it?
A bit done a bit to do do, some today some tomorrow.
.
.
As usual, nothing happens fast. After calling my sheriff to check the status of my handgun buyers permit, which is in order, I set about finding the source of my problem. Nothing was found on that end, at least as far as could be gathered from those with whom I spoke. Exhausting my connections there, I called the phone number here, given by the gun shop merchant. There is no one to speak with. There is a programmed message indicating the address and hours of service in which to visit. It just gives that simple message and suggests whoever has been turned down visit the office to find out what may be done in the situation.
It is, according to Mapquest, an hour and 40 minute drive. A place in Taylorsville, behind the McDonalds, or so I am told. I rushed to try and get ready to get there. After a quick shower, dressing, and heading out, then stopping for gas, I realized I could make it with 20 minutes to spare if everything went perfectly. I have doubts about perfection. So, instead, I drove Main Street a couple of times and then found a place to stop for a meal.
I believe the place is called the Bumble Bee Cafe, or something close to that. They happen to be the only microbrew station in town, a new place actually still having a sign indicating they are open for business now. Having a good meal the other day really made me want another. I did have one of their draws. I chose their lightest, a blond. I ordered a barbecued rack of ribs, whole. Since it was before 5:00, I had few options regarding sides so I chose fries. Instead of having another beer, I finished the meal with an iced tea. The food was good. But I was disappointed to have a male server. Male servers should never kneel when taking an order, that is teh gay. Sit, if one must, but never kneel. That is a belittling thing, too much so for a real man. However, after some non-verbal correctives, he straightened out and became good enough. My tea was refreshed and often. I am a heavy drinker whatever I drink. As well, I did gain some useful tidbits of data from him. The odd thing is, he knew I was not from Utah. He could not have seen me drive up though, so have seen my plates. The parking lot is not viewable from the main part of the inside of the restaurant. Unless they have security cameras, but why would he have been looking and noticed not only the plates but connected those to me? More data for the data pipe. I will be smoking on all that data tobacco soon.
So, tomorrow I will be driving a little past Salt Lake City. I ought to see if Salt Lake City, or any of it's surrounds, has a store for good spices and herbs. I do not need them now, but I would like to actually make a great Thanksgiving feast for some of those in the apartment complex with nowhere else to go. Perhaps we could all join in and make a real feast for those who cannot go home or do not have a home in which to return. My neighbors in Coralville did that a time or two, or more, for several occasions, and it was splendid. We are, after all, all family. Just ask God. Uhrm, I may not be hear for Thanksgiving. Perhaps I will have to make some more friends to invite over. Well, if all works out. Doh! So much to consider. No plan is safe yet!
I have to go for a 20:00 meeting with the potential renters yet. They sound like a nice couple. Through my several calls, I have spoken with both the husband and wife. A sitting discussion and introduction on the porch, as I hear it, then a brief tour of the home if that goes well. I thought about bringing treats, but that is complicated these days. Some have diabetes, some have low salt requirements, some choose low or not fat, some want... I give. If I get to know them a bit better an we have another occasion to meet, perhaps I will figure something out. I spilled a little on my shirt at meal time. I believe it was just tea but it is refusing to disappear. I will simply change shirts before I go.
Life seems to pass so quickly sometimes, and so slowly at other times. Though I do not believe reality, righteousness, morality, principles, or such are relative, I do believe things of the flesh, things that will pass away, are. Therefore, I do believe time is relative. Not only as individuals, but as a stated dimension. If we do not understand how it is relative, that is irrelevant to the reality of the thing, or anything really. Do you actually know how every piece of your car works? Do you really know every component of your watch and how the digital or mechanical mechanisms interact so as to produce what you see when you look at the device? Do you even understand how your spouse or children think with absolute certainty (do not kid yourself here)? But do they work in spite of your various levels of ignorance? Right, that is reality over knowledge, reason, learning, or anything else. So it is with time. That is my thoughts anyway.
Now I am just waiting for my neighbor to appear on the porch. I want to show him Google Earth, perhaps allow him to ask for some places to be shown for his amazement and delight, and talk to him about the day. He might know about this place I am visiting on the morrow. If nothing else, he can add his cynicism to mine so that in spite of everything ought to being one way, we can both assure each other I will not ever be able to buy that .22 rifle or get a conceal carry permit. *grins* Ah, another cynic. But I think we both like it.
.
As usual, nothing happens fast. After calling my sheriff to check the status of my handgun buyers permit, which is in order, I set about finding the source of my problem. Nothing was found on that end, at least as far as could be gathered from those with whom I spoke. Exhausting my connections there, I called the phone number here, given by the gun shop merchant. There is no one to speak with. There is a programmed message indicating the address and hours of service in which to visit. It just gives that simple message and suggests whoever has been turned down visit the office to find out what may be done in the situation.
It is, according to Mapquest, an hour and 40 minute drive. A place in Taylorsville, behind the McDonalds, or so I am told. I rushed to try and get ready to get there. After a quick shower, dressing, and heading out, then stopping for gas, I realized I could make it with 20 minutes to spare if everything went perfectly. I have doubts about perfection. So, instead, I drove Main Street a couple of times and then found a place to stop for a meal.
I believe the place is called the Bumble Bee Cafe, or something close to that. They happen to be the only microbrew station in town, a new place actually still having a sign indicating they are open for business now. Having a good meal the other day really made me want another. I did have one of their draws. I chose their lightest, a blond. I ordered a barbecued rack of ribs, whole. Since it was before 5:00, I had few options regarding sides so I chose fries. Instead of having another beer, I finished the meal with an iced tea. The food was good. But I was disappointed to have a male server. Male servers should never kneel when taking an order, that is teh gay. Sit, if one must, but never kneel. That is a belittling thing, too much so for a real man. However, after some non-verbal correctives, he straightened out and became good enough. My tea was refreshed and often. I am a heavy drinker whatever I drink. As well, I did gain some useful tidbits of data from him. The odd thing is, he knew I was not from Utah. He could not have seen me drive up though, so have seen my plates. The parking lot is not viewable from the main part of the inside of the restaurant. Unless they have security cameras, but why would he have been looking and noticed not only the plates but connected those to me? More data for the data pipe. I will be smoking on all that data tobacco soon.
So, tomorrow I will be driving a little past Salt Lake City. I ought to see if Salt Lake City, or any of it's surrounds, has a store for good spices and herbs. I do not need them now, but I would like to actually make a great Thanksgiving feast for some of those in the apartment complex with nowhere else to go. Perhaps we could all join in and make a real feast for those who cannot go home or do not have a home in which to return. My neighbors in Coralville did that a time or two, or more, for several occasions, and it was splendid. We are, after all, all family. Just ask God. Uhrm, I may not be hear for Thanksgiving. Perhaps I will have to make some more friends to invite over. Well, if all works out. Doh! So much to consider. No plan is safe yet!
I have to go for a 20:00 meeting with the potential renters yet. They sound like a nice couple. Through my several calls, I have spoken with both the husband and wife. A sitting discussion and introduction on the porch, as I hear it, then a brief tour of the home if that goes well. I thought about bringing treats, but that is complicated these days. Some have diabetes, some have low salt requirements, some choose low or not fat, some want... I give. If I get to know them a bit better an we have another occasion to meet, perhaps I will figure something out. I spilled a little on my shirt at meal time. I believe it was just tea but it is refusing to disappear. I will simply change shirts before I go.
Life seems to pass so quickly sometimes, and so slowly at other times. Though I do not believe reality, righteousness, morality, principles, or such are relative, I do believe things of the flesh, things that will pass away, are. Therefore, I do believe time is relative. Not only as individuals, but as a stated dimension. If we do not understand how it is relative, that is irrelevant to the reality of the thing, or anything really. Do you actually know how every piece of your car works? Do you really know every component of your watch and how the digital or mechanical mechanisms interact so as to produce what you see when you look at the device? Do you even understand how your spouse or children think with absolute certainty (do not kid yourself here)? But do they work in spite of your various levels of ignorance? Right, that is reality over knowledge, reason, learning, or anything else. So it is with time. That is my thoughts anyway.
Now I am just waiting for my neighbor to appear on the porch. I want to show him Google Earth, perhaps allow him to ask for some places to be shown for his amazement and delight, and talk to him about the day. He might know about this place I am visiting on the morrow. If nothing else, he can add his cynicism to mine so that in spite of everything ought to being one way, we can both assure each other I will not ever be able to buy that .22 rifle or get a conceal carry permit. *grins* Ah, another cynic. But I think we both like it.
Oh, about men and bitterness.
.
.
I was reading Vox's post about modern women, grumpy men, and such. I thought about it a bit and then... it started. At first it was low and muffled. It grew. As I thought about his notions of men holding onto their bitterness and resentment and sitting in their castles, defending themselves from the encroachment of any, including potential mates, the thing grew stronger. In time, it became audible and then pronounced. I reread the particular statements about a man being in control and that being sexy, I am paraphrasing and adding my own interpretations which expand things a bit, but... And finally, it gurgled out into full blown laughter.
Men will be grumpy until we die. We, those who have dropped their set, will resent women whether we are married to them or not, whether we can find a wife, lover, girlfriend, or not. We are what we are. And beyond, marriage is not some twisted up love ball of two people in one, merely two people with (at best) similar goals to help each other forge those things. If there can be that oneness of spirit, it is a thing not of flesh. And, marriage is a bit of a tussle between two people, one man and one woman facing off, often, in opposition to each other.
Like the relationship between the feds and the state, the state and the city, government and free men, and even God and man, there is a natural antagonism which must always exist between man and wife, woman and man, and the roles each plays. Each has a role, and these roles even when (or perhaps more so when) played correctly must oppose one another. As for my bitterness, I will cling to that (along with my bible an guns)!
Now, I am not exactly a hill goat, hiding from the world and casting arrows blindly. If that has been known to happen, it certainly is not all that I am. And, I do not laugh at all he has to say in a (completely) serious way, I merely note that the view is rather simplistic. A thing necessary when making points, albeit. But I did laugh, and gurgle, and grin, and laugh some more. The problem is not with men, at all, for the vast majority. Men do not divorce, essentially. Nor do we have any means of holding a family together nor trusting a woman or the law. So, grumble we will, change we will not. Should he find himself in divorce court, God forbid, we will discuss this further.
Men are, after all, just men. And I am a man. And, it is a gas. *laughs* Independent? Of course. Grumpy, Lord knows I hope so. Grumpy gives me go gas and gets things done. To include dealing with fussy weird cat women. *laughs*
.
I was reading Vox's post about modern women, grumpy men, and such. I thought about it a bit and then... it started. At first it was low and muffled. It grew. As I thought about his notions of men holding onto their bitterness and resentment and sitting in their castles, defending themselves from the encroachment of any, including potential mates, the thing grew stronger. In time, it became audible and then pronounced. I reread the particular statements about a man being in control and that being sexy, I am paraphrasing and adding my own interpretations which expand things a bit, but... And finally, it gurgled out into full blown laughter.
Men will be grumpy until we die. We, those who have dropped their set, will resent women whether we are married to them or not, whether we can find a wife, lover, girlfriend, or not. We are what we are. And beyond, marriage is not some twisted up love ball of two people in one, merely two people with (at best) similar goals to help each other forge those things. If there can be that oneness of spirit, it is a thing not of flesh. And, marriage is a bit of a tussle between two people, one man and one woman facing off, often, in opposition to each other.
Like the relationship between the feds and the state, the state and the city, government and free men, and even God and man, there is a natural antagonism which must always exist between man and wife, woman and man, and the roles each plays. Each has a role, and these roles even when (or perhaps more so when) played correctly must oppose one another. As for my bitterness, I will cling to that (along with my bible an guns)!
Now, I am not exactly a hill goat, hiding from the world and casting arrows blindly. If that has been known to happen, it certainly is not all that I am. And, I do not laugh at all he has to say in a (completely) serious way, I merely note that the view is rather simplistic. A thing necessary when making points, albeit. But I did laugh, and gurgle, and grin, and laugh some more. The problem is not with men, at all, for the vast majority. Men do not divorce, essentially. Nor do we have any means of holding a family together nor trusting a woman or the law. So, grumble we will, change we will not. Should he find himself in divorce court, God forbid, we will discuss this further.
Men are, after all, just men. And I am a man. And, it is a gas. *laughs* Independent? Of course. Grumpy, Lord knows I hope so. Grumpy gives me go gas and gets things done. To include dealing with fussy weird cat women. *laughs*
Up early, part deux.
.
.
I did set the alarm but did not need it. I woke about the same time today as yesterday. A bit groggy, a little slow on the draw, but good. I have to be awake all day, perhaps I will be tired enough to sleep well tonight again. Who knows, maybe that first bit of a nap might eventually turn back into a full night's sleep. I will keep tinkering.
I am about to call my sheriff's office to see whether my permit to buy is still active and if so, why the difficulty buying the rifle. I want to be more awake and alert so that I can understand what is being said and speak clearly and think clearly. I am not sure what, if anything, they can do. Perhaps the state can override the permit out of state bounds. Perhaps he can make a call and set them straight. It may take weeks or I may have an answer, and perhaps solution, before the day is out. I always get a knot in my gut when dealing with these things.
Two bigger projects are coming to a head today. The gun thing and the new rental. All I can do is present my cases and then it is out of my hands. It will be a relief to get them done, but quite often then all I can do is wait. What is it that Yoda said, "There is no wait. Do, or do not, but do not wait". Well, okay, I fudged that a bit. But it is what he should have said. Waiting, what a foolish thing. Kan I haz my ansuers now? Why? Why? Why?
The clouds are gone, the sun is blazing, though perhaps it will cloud up again before too long. Then again, every time they have forecast rain here, we have not had a drop. What we got yesterday and last night might be all we will get until fall. I have little faith in the local or national weather service, after 4 or 5 epic fails. Make that 6 fails, as were not supposed to even get rain until today as a weak maybe. But I do have hope.
Some grocery shopping, to include pickles, seems to be the minor work of the day. As well, I may put some money into my new account so as to have a more local option. Some difficulty comes with splitting my money base and yet other problems occur should longer range options become difficult for any reason. After reading several links from D.C.'s recent post, I checked the viability of both my banks. The new one has a B+, the old one has a B-. I suppose that is as good as it gets. I reviewed other local banks hereabouts, B+ was the best available. I am not sure I will go fishing, unless cloud cover rolls in and maybe not then. Yesterday was a long hot day and driving sort of puts a crimp in wanting to do too much more the next day for me.
I did receive an email back from the renter of the vacation property. It seems he is not only still in Utah, he is at the place. He suggests, if I can get there by the 12th, that I stop in and say hello. He would like to show me the place! Well, you betcha, as some have said. I will be that way again the 10th and my appointment is not until 14:00. If I can get there early again, I will go on up. If not, I will wait until after the appointment. I ought to get a haircut first, but my hair is always really ugly for about a month after they cut it. My natural waves must find new ways to orient themselves and I have to retrain. Stupid waves, but they look decent when they finally do train. Hopefully, too, by then I will have the rifle thing sorted out and can buy the rifle I meant to buy.
Good fortunes in your day.
.
I did set the alarm but did not need it. I woke about the same time today as yesterday. A bit groggy, a little slow on the draw, but good. I have to be awake all day, perhaps I will be tired enough to sleep well tonight again. Who knows, maybe that first bit of a nap might eventually turn back into a full night's sleep. I will keep tinkering.
I am about to call my sheriff's office to see whether my permit to buy is still active and if so, why the difficulty buying the rifle. I want to be more awake and alert so that I can understand what is being said and speak clearly and think clearly. I am not sure what, if anything, they can do. Perhaps the state can override the permit out of state bounds. Perhaps he can make a call and set them straight. It may take weeks or I may have an answer, and perhaps solution, before the day is out. I always get a knot in my gut when dealing with these things.
Two bigger projects are coming to a head today. The gun thing and the new rental. All I can do is present my cases and then it is out of my hands. It will be a relief to get them done, but quite often then all I can do is wait. What is it that Yoda said, "There is no wait. Do, or do not, but do not wait". Well, okay, I fudged that a bit. But it is what he should have said. Waiting, what a foolish thing. Kan I haz my ansuers now? Why? Why? Why?
The clouds are gone, the sun is blazing, though perhaps it will cloud up again before too long. Then again, every time they have forecast rain here, we have not had a drop. What we got yesterday and last night might be all we will get until fall. I have little faith in the local or national weather service, after 4 or 5 epic fails. Make that 6 fails, as were not supposed to even get rain until today as a weak maybe. But I do have hope.
Some grocery shopping, to include pickles, seems to be the minor work of the day. As well, I may put some money into my new account so as to have a more local option. Some difficulty comes with splitting my money base and yet other problems occur should longer range options become difficult for any reason. After reading several links from D.C.'s recent post, I checked the viability of both my banks. The new one has a B+, the old one has a B-. I suppose that is as good as it gets. I reviewed other local banks hereabouts, B+ was the best available. I am not sure I will go fishing, unless cloud cover rolls in and maybe not then. Yesterday was a long hot day and driving sort of puts a crimp in wanting to do too much more the next day for me.
I did receive an email back from the renter of the vacation property. It seems he is not only still in Utah, he is at the place. He suggests, if I can get there by the 12th, that I stop in and say hello. He would like to show me the place! Well, you betcha, as some have said. I will be that way again the 10th and my appointment is not until 14:00. If I can get there early again, I will go on up. If not, I will wait until after the appointment. I ought to get a haircut first, but my hair is always really ugly for about a month after they cut it. My natural waves must find new ways to orient themselves and I have to retrain. Stupid waves, but they look decent when they finally do train. Hopefully, too, by then I will have the rifle thing sorted out and can buy the rifle I meant to buy.
Good fortunes in your day.
Thunderstorms!
.
.
It is raining! There is lightning and thunder! It is night and further I have little view of the sky in any case. *sigh* We did have a mild storm roll over us during the last part of the trip today. It was mild and only dropped enough rain to spot the Xterra. We were inside, watching from our seats at Sizzlers. It looks and smells like it has dropped a goodly bit more rain this evening. There is a chance of it from today to Saturday. I am hoping to be awake to go out and enjoy some small cloud burst or other. Though I do like the dry, thunderstorms are some of my favorite things, and rain from it or even minor events is among my favorite things. Well, actually, I like most weather, other than the nothings of high summer. Okay, minus freezing rain and slush, that I can do without.
I slept well, and will sleep again shortly. I have been tinkering with Google Earth. It is a rather powerful tool. I know have the mountains listed, 360 city view activated, trail and trip icons up, and I have figured out how to get directions from my various flagged locations to each other. There is more to learn and do with the program, but I have tinkered enough for tonight. I also wrote an email to the cabin owner asking if he could provide more specific instructions about how to get to the cabin. Though, upon reviewing Google Earth, and what I suspect is the cabin, I now realize why we could not find the cabin. Not only is there a foot bridge to the cabin, there is a little bridge out to the second walk-only wire suspension bridge, a little bit of a cut back drive, or both. It is difficult to get too fine of a view. Still, it would be nice to have good instructions, as I will be driving a rout which will require chains on the tires merely due to the time of the year. That on a sloping, curving, road. I do not want to be going up and down that road in winter, looking for what I cannot seem to find in the summer!
By the way, if you ever find yourself in an arid region for any period of time, I only have one thing to say which may not have been said yet. That is, pickles. Buy them while they are cold. Any time you think you need a refresher, eat a pickle. Any time your breath pipe and mouth are bone dry, drink some juice. If it is the right thing, you will all but have to force yourself to stop sipping. If you like pickles in more wet climates, they will absolutely delight you out here. Good, strong, crisp, dill pickles. And that juice will not go to waste. It wets your whistle clean to the core, and from scalp to toes with a little wiggle in the middle! I ought to get paid by the pickle companies, in congregate, for that little ditty. Bah, I just want people to be healthy, happy, and comfortable, at least from time to time.
I think, if the rain and storms hold, and between the worst of it, I might have to get out fishing again. It has simply been to hot. The weather has a way of beating a guy down into his cave, where he can hide, sulk, play, rest, or anything one can do out of the blazing heat. For August though, as I am used to things, this is not all that bad. My problem is either the lack of humidity or the a/c unit in the cave cause a/c in general not to work as well, or it simply feels like it is not cooling. And, since I am more used to a cave at 66 F, perhaps I even need that, I am a bit out of sync with this arrangement. I have the new a/c, but with all that is going on, I have not yet set it up. And, considering I may be moving, and if that works out, I might simply send it back. Argh! But who knew? I had forgotten about the other house sitting rental and after the first one went from $100 to $1,000 a month, I was not holding much hope for this one when I did get an email about it. Some things simply cannot be planned around. Life is not linear, and opportunity is always a stretch, at least.
Oh, I suppose, it is about bed time again. I think it is much cooler so I might be able to sleep earlier. It sure feels cooler. The roar of the wind, the occasional sound of thunder, the perception of raindrops (which might just as likely be dust bits rather than rain, but it's the idea) also all combine to allow, for me, a restful sleep. And, if it really rains, then floods, I am on the second floor. The noise will not wake me, but it might make the place cooler with an underbreeze. Ha.
From my cave to your house, good night, again. Nope, that is not dirt. It is raining! Yipee! Yipetty Yip Yip Yap!
.
It is raining! There is lightning and thunder! It is night and further I have little view of the sky in any case. *sigh* We did have a mild storm roll over us during the last part of the trip today. It was mild and only dropped enough rain to spot the Xterra. We were inside, watching from our seats at Sizzlers. It looks and smells like it has dropped a goodly bit more rain this evening. There is a chance of it from today to Saturday. I am hoping to be awake to go out and enjoy some small cloud burst or other. Though I do like the dry, thunderstorms are some of my favorite things, and rain from it or even minor events is among my favorite things. Well, actually, I like most weather, other than the nothings of high summer. Okay, minus freezing rain and slush, that I can do without.
I slept well, and will sleep again shortly. I have been tinkering with Google Earth. It is a rather powerful tool. I know have the mountains listed, 360 city view activated, trail and trip icons up, and I have figured out how to get directions from my various flagged locations to each other. There is more to learn and do with the program, but I have tinkered enough for tonight. I also wrote an email to the cabin owner asking if he could provide more specific instructions about how to get to the cabin. Though, upon reviewing Google Earth, and what I suspect is the cabin, I now realize why we could not find the cabin. Not only is there a foot bridge to the cabin, there is a little bridge out to the second walk-only wire suspension bridge, a little bit of a cut back drive, or both. It is difficult to get too fine of a view. Still, it would be nice to have good instructions, as I will be driving a rout which will require chains on the tires merely due to the time of the year. That on a sloping, curving, road. I do not want to be going up and down that road in winter, looking for what I cannot seem to find in the summer!
By the way, if you ever find yourself in an arid region for any period of time, I only have one thing to say which may not have been said yet. That is, pickles. Buy them while they are cold. Any time you think you need a refresher, eat a pickle. Any time your breath pipe and mouth are bone dry, drink some juice. If it is the right thing, you will all but have to force yourself to stop sipping. If you like pickles in more wet climates, they will absolutely delight you out here. Good, strong, crisp, dill pickles. And that juice will not go to waste. It wets your whistle clean to the core, and from scalp to toes with a little wiggle in the middle! I ought to get paid by the pickle companies, in congregate, for that little ditty. Bah, I just want people to be healthy, happy, and comfortable, at least from time to time.
I think, if the rain and storms hold, and between the worst of it, I might have to get out fishing again. It has simply been to hot. The weather has a way of beating a guy down into his cave, where he can hide, sulk, play, rest, or anything one can do out of the blazing heat. For August though, as I am used to things, this is not all that bad. My problem is either the lack of humidity or the a/c unit in the cave cause a/c in general not to work as well, or it simply feels like it is not cooling. And, since I am more used to a cave at 66 F, perhaps I even need that, I am a bit out of sync with this arrangement. I have the new a/c, but with all that is going on, I have not yet set it up. And, considering I may be moving, and if that works out, I might simply send it back. Argh! But who knew? I had forgotten about the other house sitting rental and after the first one went from $100 to $1,000 a month, I was not holding much hope for this one when I did get an email about it. Some things simply cannot be planned around. Life is not linear, and opportunity is always a stretch, at least.
Oh, I suppose, it is about bed time again. I think it is much cooler so I might be able to sleep earlier. It sure feels cooler. The roar of the wind, the occasional sound of thunder, the perception of raindrops (which might just as likely be dust bits rather than rain, but it's the idea) also all combine to allow, for me, a restful sleep. And, if it really rains, then floods, I am on the second floor. The noise will not wake me, but it might make the place cooler with an underbreeze. Ha.
From my cave to your house, good night, again. Nope, that is not dirt. It is raining! Yipee! Yipetty Yip Yip Yap!
A long day.
.
.
The ride, as you may have guessed, started out earlier than I had hoped possible. In spite of giving myself more sleep after waking up several hours before I actually rose, I was a bit groggy most of the day. I suspect that is true any time I do not sleep or rise within my regular routine until I get used to a new routine or get back on schedule a few days. Nothing new there. I think it is a general rule for most.
The drive was not that long, actually. I doubt if it took an hour to get there. Once in Ogden, however, driving became a real time eater. It is a typical city as far as summer road work, long lines, and many vehicles on the road goes. That is the way of things, especially near a summer vacation area. Then again, it might be that way year round, with spring and fall campers, summer lake visitors, and winter skiing. The city is not too complex to navigate with just a little insight. My neighbor provided that. As well, the Mormons build cities correctly, aligning them at great pains with roads running the cardinal directions if at all geographically possible.
We did not stop at a gun store. We stopped at three. I picked up some .22 ammunition at each. The first only had faster bullets, but since I was not sure what the other stores would have, I picked up a box of 500 (for about $27 with tax). I also tried to buy a rifle there, a Henry Repeating lever action. Since I have not been in Utah long enough to be a resident (6 months for this case, fishing and hunting, but 1 year for school), I had to apply as a resident of Iowa. No problem I thought, I have a current license to buy handguns on the spot from my county sheriff. What could possibly go wrong? It did.
I was refused purchase. No reason is given, only a rejection code is offered. The man was embarrassed. I was not, at first, I was more miffed. As we finished looking around in the store, it became apparent that word had spread. Then it was embarrassing. And it seems to have spread to the other stores too. Really. The man gave me a number to call, here in Utah, to get this corrected. And though I will call it, I am first going to call my sheriff. I am going to ask him, or his office, whether my license to buy is still current, and if so, why the state of Iowa refused to allow me to buy a .22 rifle in Utah as a resident of Iowa. I think he or his office can (and will) act faster than some anti-gun bureaucrat at the state office. If he will, and has the power to fix that, or run through whatever channels he has, and once that is concluded, then I will call the Utah phone number. Iowa, what a loser socialist new Kalifornia state.
The next shop we stopped into had some .22 bullets I do know and like. I grabbed five 100 round boxes and went to check out. That bullet, they said, was on their limited list, they could only sell me two boxes of 100! They told me this was nation wide, though I wonder if it had something to do with my refusal of purchase. I thought about having my neighbor buy some, but decided against it. We then went to a final gun store, this one run by an independent owner. It was the only store of those who carried powder for my neighbor's pistol and revolver reloading. They also carried those same rounds which the other store would only sell two boxes. I asked if he had a limit on purchase. Heck no, he said, buy as many as you want! I already had two boxes, so I grabbed three more boxes to fill my initial want.
I know where I will go for ammunition, supplies, and guns if he has them from now on. Whether he costs more or not, I believe the last gun shop and really shop owner, is not just in it for a few sheckles. He loves guns, he likes to shoot, he believes in being armed, he shares and wishes to extend those, and he keeps stuff in stock. I believe he does a lot of work to make things available, something big chains often cannot or will not do. He has a real face and it is his reputation on the line. Should I be able to clear up Iowa crap soon, I will call and see if he has or can get a Henry Repeating .22 in a timely manner.
I did like the man I was dealing with at the other store, but after word got out and spread quickly, my discomfort with the whole thing and the store has bittered that initial feeling of trust resulting from that initial open conversation. I may stop there, to look around, but I probably will not start a strong business relationship there. I will only buy a gun there if the other shop does not have it.
After shopping, I drove up the Ogden Canyon road. I looked for the cabin. With my neighbor and myself looking, we could not find the place. On the way back, we looked again. I saw one potential cabin, so pulled in. It was not the cabin. We were headed back to Ogden when I suggested a meal. Sizzlers was the recommendation, initially, so we headed that way. My neighbor then started not wanting to eat there. So, on the way, we looked for another place. Not much was to be had by the time we arrived at Sizzlers, so we pulled in and went in. We both ordered a steak and lobster meal, at a temporary bargain price. It was okay, but nothing to write home about. But in the sense that it was a whole, cooked, actual meal, the first for me in over a month, it was great.
After that the ride was a relatively quiet drive over a pass, or it seemed like a pass. As my neighbor gets tired, his hearing gets worse. His hearing is not the best to start with. Though I suppose, too, when I get tired, I do not speak up as well. It was better to not talk than to repeat. If he said something, whether I heard it or not, I would often just nod. The reverse being true as well. But the ride home was good. If nothing else, I think both of us wanted to get home and rest. A cursory nod and a "Later", as we entered our perspective apartments, and we were in our caves.
I looked over my purchases, used a few cloth bits I had purchased to swab the barrel of my .45, called the new potential renter, and hit the sack at about 20:30, waking at about 23:48 or something. I do not need the swipes for my .22s, as I have a gun snake for those. After waking a bit, I thought about whether to blog about the gun purchase refusal or not. It is still galling. And, I still carry some embarrassment. But I decided to write it and begin planning how to deal with it.
The lady who is possibly going to rent the house over the winter called during the trip. Each time she called, however, I was either busy dodging traffic or taking heavy turns up the canyon road. I checked the messages when I returned home, and tried to call her. All I received was a message service from her phone, so I left a message accepting her preferred time for a visit tomorrow. Thankfully, it is later in the afternoon. It will be good to have that business tended, whether I get the place or not. Oh, I also did get my rent check in before we left, and checked my mail. A long, busy, mostly good, day. One which leaves more work for tomorrow, of course.
Ah, right, one other thing. While living in Iowa, I had been a retreatant at a monestary. I had been looking for the monasteries here in Utah and found one near a town called Huntsville. As it turns out, the road that travels the lake atop the Ogden Canyon leads nearly directly to Huntsville. I had not realized it was that close. So, since I was right there, I decided to go on in and see if I could find it. There were, surprisingly, signs right to it. So, I drove in, took a look without stopping really, before heading back. I did read that they allow longer stays, even for those not intending on permanent living. There is an application process, if approved then a 4 to 5 day stay within the cloister. Then after a brief cool down, and if that works for all parties, then a 3 to 4 month stay.
The conditions are primitive, the food is vegetarian, the hours are long, and it is rather regimented. My difficulty is not with the will, but the actual means of following such structure. I simply may not be capable of extended stays. Going to bed at 19:30 and rising at 03:15 hours. Celebrating the hours, working, eating, studying, and praying fill the waking hours. I do not mind most of that, probably only the vegetarian fare but I could deal with that. Maybe I can only be a retreatant. We will see.
The gall, though. In the last 4 years I have bought a pump 12 gauge, a .45 acp semi-auto, a .22 semi-auto pistol and rifle, and an AK-47 variant. Why refuse a lever action .22? Too many guns? I will not return to that state if at all possible, ever.
.
The ride, as you may have guessed, started out earlier than I had hoped possible. In spite of giving myself more sleep after waking up several hours before I actually rose, I was a bit groggy most of the day. I suspect that is true any time I do not sleep or rise within my regular routine until I get used to a new routine or get back on schedule a few days. Nothing new there. I think it is a general rule for most.
The drive was not that long, actually. I doubt if it took an hour to get there. Once in Ogden, however, driving became a real time eater. It is a typical city as far as summer road work, long lines, and many vehicles on the road goes. That is the way of things, especially near a summer vacation area. Then again, it might be that way year round, with spring and fall campers, summer lake visitors, and winter skiing. The city is not too complex to navigate with just a little insight. My neighbor provided that. As well, the Mormons build cities correctly, aligning them at great pains with roads running the cardinal directions if at all geographically possible.
We did not stop at a gun store. We stopped at three. I picked up some .22 ammunition at each. The first only had faster bullets, but since I was not sure what the other stores would have, I picked up a box of 500 (for about $27 with tax). I also tried to buy a rifle there, a Henry Repeating lever action. Since I have not been in Utah long enough to be a resident (6 months for this case, fishing and hunting, but 1 year for school), I had to apply as a resident of Iowa. No problem I thought, I have a current license to buy handguns on the spot from my county sheriff. What could possibly go wrong? It did.
I was refused purchase. No reason is given, only a rejection code is offered. The man was embarrassed. I was not, at first, I was more miffed. As we finished looking around in the store, it became apparent that word had spread. Then it was embarrassing. And it seems to have spread to the other stores too. Really. The man gave me a number to call, here in Utah, to get this corrected. And though I will call it, I am first going to call my sheriff. I am going to ask him, or his office, whether my license to buy is still current, and if so, why the state of Iowa refused to allow me to buy a .22 rifle in Utah as a resident of Iowa. I think he or his office can (and will) act faster than some anti-gun bureaucrat at the state office. If he will, and has the power to fix that, or run through whatever channels he has, and once that is concluded, then I will call the Utah phone number. Iowa, what a loser socialist new Kalifornia state.
The next shop we stopped into had some .22 bullets I do know and like. I grabbed five 100 round boxes and went to check out. That bullet, they said, was on their limited list, they could only sell me two boxes of 100! They told me this was nation wide, though I wonder if it had something to do with my refusal of purchase. I thought about having my neighbor buy some, but decided against it. We then went to a final gun store, this one run by an independent owner. It was the only store of those who carried powder for my neighbor's pistol and revolver reloading. They also carried those same rounds which the other store would only sell two boxes. I asked if he had a limit on purchase. Heck no, he said, buy as many as you want! I already had two boxes, so I grabbed three more boxes to fill my initial want.
I know where I will go for ammunition, supplies, and guns if he has them from now on. Whether he costs more or not, I believe the last gun shop and really shop owner, is not just in it for a few sheckles. He loves guns, he likes to shoot, he believes in being armed, he shares and wishes to extend those, and he keeps stuff in stock. I believe he does a lot of work to make things available, something big chains often cannot or will not do. He has a real face and it is his reputation on the line. Should I be able to clear up Iowa crap soon, I will call and see if he has or can get a Henry Repeating .22 in a timely manner.
I did like the man I was dealing with at the other store, but after word got out and spread quickly, my discomfort with the whole thing and the store has bittered that initial feeling of trust resulting from that initial open conversation. I may stop there, to look around, but I probably will not start a strong business relationship there. I will only buy a gun there if the other shop does not have it.
After shopping, I drove up the Ogden Canyon road. I looked for the cabin. With my neighbor and myself looking, we could not find the place. On the way back, we looked again. I saw one potential cabin, so pulled in. It was not the cabin. We were headed back to Ogden when I suggested a meal. Sizzlers was the recommendation, initially, so we headed that way. My neighbor then started not wanting to eat there. So, on the way, we looked for another place. Not much was to be had by the time we arrived at Sizzlers, so we pulled in and went in. We both ordered a steak and lobster meal, at a temporary bargain price. It was okay, but nothing to write home about. But in the sense that it was a whole, cooked, actual meal, the first for me in over a month, it was great.
After that the ride was a relatively quiet drive over a pass, or it seemed like a pass. As my neighbor gets tired, his hearing gets worse. His hearing is not the best to start with. Though I suppose, too, when I get tired, I do not speak up as well. It was better to not talk than to repeat. If he said something, whether I heard it or not, I would often just nod. The reverse being true as well. But the ride home was good. If nothing else, I think both of us wanted to get home and rest. A cursory nod and a "Later", as we entered our perspective apartments, and we were in our caves.
I looked over my purchases, used a few cloth bits I had purchased to swab the barrel of my .45, called the new potential renter, and hit the sack at about 20:30, waking at about 23:48 or something. I do not need the swipes for my .22s, as I have a gun snake for those. After waking a bit, I thought about whether to blog about the gun purchase refusal or not. It is still galling. And, I still carry some embarrassment. But I decided to write it and begin planning how to deal with it.
The lady who is possibly going to rent the house over the winter called during the trip. Each time she called, however, I was either busy dodging traffic or taking heavy turns up the canyon road. I checked the messages when I returned home, and tried to call her. All I received was a message service from her phone, so I left a message accepting her preferred time for a visit tomorrow. Thankfully, it is later in the afternoon. It will be good to have that business tended, whether I get the place or not. Oh, I also did get my rent check in before we left, and checked my mail. A long, busy, mostly good, day. One which leaves more work for tomorrow, of course.
Ah, right, one other thing. While living in Iowa, I had been a retreatant at a monestary. I had been looking for the monasteries here in Utah and found one near a town called Huntsville. As it turns out, the road that travels the lake atop the Ogden Canyon leads nearly directly to Huntsville. I had not realized it was that close. So, since I was right there, I decided to go on in and see if I could find it. There were, surprisingly, signs right to it. So, I drove in, took a look without stopping really, before heading back. I did read that they allow longer stays, even for those not intending on permanent living. There is an application process, if approved then a 4 to 5 day stay within the cloister. Then after a brief cool down, and if that works for all parties, then a 3 to 4 month stay.
The conditions are primitive, the food is vegetarian, the hours are long, and it is rather regimented. My difficulty is not with the will, but the actual means of following such structure. I simply may not be capable of extended stays. Going to bed at 19:30 and rising at 03:15 hours. Celebrating the hours, working, eating, studying, and praying fill the waking hours. I do not mind most of that, probably only the vegetarian fare but I could deal with that. Maybe I can only be a retreatant. We will see.
The gall, though. In the last 4 years I have bought a pump 12 gauge, a .45 acp semi-auto, a .22 semi-auto pistol and rifle, and an AK-47 variant. Why refuse a lever action .22? Too many guns? I will not return to that state if at all possible, ever.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Amazing!
.
.
Up and at it and early this morning. I was awake at 10:00 and without the crutch of an alarm. I actually woke at 8:30 but decided I needed a little more sleep if it did not really feel like it at that moment. I am still a bit groggy though I usually am whatever the time I wake up. I like waking while it is still actually morning. I do not know what is different, maybe having many things to do before I head off on the trip inspired the early rise. If so, I need to start doing something otherwise similar which beckons me from slumber.
While I am at gunland, I may look for a .22 rifle. They might have a better selection and better prices. While at Wal-Mart yesterday, I looked at their Henry rifles. At $287 it was neither really high or low. At some of the other stores which offered bolt action .22 rifles, the prices were low but they did not carry a stainless barrel and only had junk stocks (plastic). Online I was able to get a price of $241 for the Henry rifle and a little less for a wood stock stainless barreled Savage bolt action .22, if I would have to drive 30 miles for either of those (it pays to drive). If I can even split the difference at gunland, I may do just that. If nothing else, I think gunland is going to be my new go to gun store for ammunition and reloading bits so it is always good to start such a relationship with a bit of a nod. I do not know if that is just a guy thing, but it is a guy thing for sure.
My mother just called and needs my mailing address. It sounds like she was in the field. No, not hunting, or even fishing. Though she used to fish, I think she has stopped doing so. After the last back surgery and perhaps before, she retired her pole. She used to have one of us kids or her last husband to go fishing with. Now that she is alone, there is no one to help. Mostly she just needs a hand on some of the banks and to help carry everything. I wish she could have found a regular fishing partner, she used to enjoy it. Anyway, I mean in the farm field. Doing what, I do not know. But she was coming to a turn, or as she put it, the end of a row. Crazy woman. But she loves that stuff, if she does it rarely. She can drive just about anything. Back in the day, I watched her back a big rig like a pro. Yes, we are hicks. :p
Time passes so quickly now, unless I have something I really want to do come up. It is good to be doing more as time whizzes by now. If it is only ten things a day which get done, tended, or handled otherwise, it is good. I sat frozen, in Iowa, for months at a time. Nothing was done and I lived as if partially frozen in a dead land. With few things to do that did not require long drives and crowds, with only a few good neighbors surrounded otherwise by former inner city thugs, and with a state that was trying to put out the "No fun shall be had by peasants!" sign, it was difficult to become enthused. Though nothing is perfect, being able to throw a rock and hit something new, interesting, fun, wet, outdoorsman like, or all the above has switched my gears. Though the arid climate may have something to do with it too.
It is time to get a shower, make a few calls, check on the baby, and get going. I was just checking to see if YOU are awake. Unless you consider me a baby, which I might grant, but then I know how That baby is doing. I need changed, a bottle, and some tlc. That's what I need. Oh well, I will stick with a self shower and some water.
On a side note, since being here my personal grooming has taken leaps and bounds in the right direction. Though my teeth did not mind (literally, no cavities in... a long time, and some that formed even self corrected), my feet and other parts suffered a bit (dry thick skinned feet, troublesome all about), I have been taking much greater care here. I brush between 3 and 5 times a day, the moisturizing has brought my feet into compliance (along with wearing shoes and socks and often twice daily showers), and my nails (feet and hands) get trimmed quite regularly. I do not know why, but my new level of care is excellent. I even, other than the half experiment, shave at least every other day or so. The one thing that is lacking, a bit, is proper nourishment. The regular heavy milk diet, added fruits and fruit juices, and such might help a bit, but. At least that is short term. That, I suppose, my body can tolerate for the year or so until I can buy a house and begin proper food work again. Eating out, even fast food, adds up but microwave food is, well, the cardboard it came in might be the tastiest part.
.
Up and at it and early this morning. I was awake at 10:00 and without the crutch of an alarm. I actually woke at 8:30 but decided I needed a little more sleep if it did not really feel like it at that moment. I am still a bit groggy though I usually am whatever the time I wake up. I like waking while it is still actually morning. I do not know what is different, maybe having many things to do before I head off on the trip inspired the early rise. If so, I need to start doing something otherwise similar which beckons me from slumber.
While I am at gunland, I may look for a .22 rifle. They might have a better selection and better prices. While at Wal-Mart yesterday, I looked at their Henry rifles. At $287 it was neither really high or low. At some of the other stores which offered bolt action .22 rifles, the prices were low but they did not carry a stainless barrel and only had junk stocks (plastic). Online I was able to get a price of $241 for the Henry rifle and a little less for a wood stock stainless barreled Savage bolt action .22, if I would have to drive 30 miles for either of those (it pays to drive). If I can even split the difference at gunland, I may do just that. If nothing else, I think gunland is going to be my new go to gun store for ammunition and reloading bits so it is always good to start such a relationship with a bit of a nod. I do not know if that is just a guy thing, but it is a guy thing for sure.
My mother just called and needs my mailing address. It sounds like she was in the field. No, not hunting, or even fishing. Though she used to fish, I think she has stopped doing so. After the last back surgery and perhaps before, she retired her pole. She used to have one of us kids or her last husband to go fishing with. Now that she is alone, there is no one to help. Mostly she just needs a hand on some of the banks and to help carry everything. I wish she could have found a regular fishing partner, she used to enjoy it. Anyway, I mean in the farm field. Doing what, I do not know. But she was coming to a turn, or as she put it, the end of a row. Crazy woman. But she loves that stuff, if she does it rarely. She can drive just about anything. Back in the day, I watched her back a big rig like a pro. Yes, we are hicks. :p
Time passes so quickly now, unless I have something I really want to do come up. It is good to be doing more as time whizzes by now. If it is only ten things a day which get done, tended, or handled otherwise, it is good. I sat frozen, in Iowa, for months at a time. Nothing was done and I lived as if partially frozen in a dead land. With few things to do that did not require long drives and crowds, with only a few good neighbors surrounded otherwise by former inner city thugs, and with a state that was trying to put out the "No fun shall be had by peasants!" sign, it was difficult to become enthused. Though nothing is perfect, being able to throw a rock and hit something new, interesting, fun, wet, outdoorsman like, or all the above has switched my gears. Though the arid climate may have something to do with it too.
It is time to get a shower, make a few calls, check on the baby, and get going. I was just checking to see if YOU are awake. Unless you consider me a baby, which I might grant, but then I know how That baby is doing. I need changed, a bottle, and some tlc. That's what I need. Oh well, I will stick with a self shower and some water.
On a side note, since being here my personal grooming has taken leaps and bounds in the right direction. Though my teeth did not mind (literally, no cavities in... a long time, and some that formed even self corrected), my feet and other parts suffered a bit (dry thick skinned feet, troublesome all about), I have been taking much greater care here. I brush between 3 and 5 times a day, the moisturizing has brought my feet into compliance (along with wearing shoes and socks and often twice daily showers), and my nails (feet and hands) get trimmed quite regularly. I do not know why, but my new level of care is excellent. I even, other than the half experiment, shave at least every other day or so. The one thing that is lacking, a bit, is proper nourishment. The regular heavy milk diet, added fruits and fruit juices, and such might help a bit, but. At least that is short term. That, I suppose, my body can tolerate for the year or so until I can buy a house and begin proper food work again. Eating out, even fast food, adds up but microwave food is, well, the cardboard it came in might be the tastiest part.
I tried!
.
.
I did head off to bed, and I thought I may be able to simply trick myself to sleep. It was an interesting plan. It did not work. Oh well.
I keep looking at gun sellers, reviewing the various rifles, pistols, and revolvers I would love to add to my inventory. I may get another .22 rifle, either a Henry Repeating or Savage bolt action. Both are interesting to me, both would probably do very well. I have an 10/22, but it weighs a ton. With a heavy stainless hammer forged barrel, laminate stock, and scope, it is a bit much to use for small game. I suppose I could get used to it, but it really is not that practical just by weight. The stainless and laminate are great, at least it seemed like a good idea at the time.
This rifle, should I buy one, will set me back from my other goals, gun wise. I had hoped to either be looking at a .308 stainless rifle or a .500 S&W revolver, those or another XD .45. Then, when those were bought, I had been thinking about a lever action rifle in .308, and then a long range rifle, probably in .308 though with the custom barrel. After that, I had been think about a rolling block in .45-70 or something. Then, maybe, a semi-auto shotgun, a .357 magnum carry piece, then some other even smaller carry piece. Who knows, the winds blow, hunting becomes more of an option, and things change. It might take a decade or two but I think I will end up with a decent collection of firearms. None of them will be glamorous, none will be safe queens, all will be shooters and goods ones, and each will be used when it is appropriate.
Now I have to consider money, moving, bow and black powder hunting, and some other things. Guns are taking a bit of a back seat, except for the strongly considered new .22 rifle. And, that was not even on my list. I wonder how many guns I will end up buying that are not on my list? Oh well. Of course, that will mean the need for a gun safe. Since I reload, I will need a powder cabinet (or, I will be reloading when the magic negro runs out of fairy dust and the rest of the Dems are given 10% off Vaseline and shoved back into their socialist closets).
I am hoping to do some small game hunting this fall, and that means passing the shooting test. I think that .22 rifle, or even pistol, I already have will work, if they allow pistols that is. But I cannot be sure. With another .22 rifle, I would be more sure. And, it is always good to have another .22 around. Who knows when it will lend me the opportunity to take a noob out shooting. A couple of .22 rifles give a new shooter the chance to test some things out. One an auto with a scope, the other a bolt or lever action with iron type sights. And the pistol, to boot. Maybe it will be my children who I am teaching. Better get the guns before a wife gets the checkbook. :p
Well, I think I will tinker and try to sleep by 4:00 again. I will set the alarm for 11:00 and hope that I only hit the snooze a few times. I am as excited about the visit to gunland as my neighbor. I just hide it better. Though knowing where the V.A. Clinic is will make the trip less stressful too. And the drive up Ogden Canyon should be fun. And knowing where I am going for vacation will also be a good thing. A drive in the mountains, for the most part though, is always a pleasure.
Oh, I just realized, not only am I doing more in real life, I am blogging much more. I would say I am blogging 2 to 3 times a day, sometimes more. I know it must get old, a little boring, and often a bit of a rehash, but I did say I blog for my own purposes. If it is interesting, even a bit, I am merely glad there is some external value to it. It does help me keep my life in order, to keep it moving in the directions I want it to, and to allow me to leave things I do not wish to be carrying around in my mind.
Good night. This time for real.
.
I did head off to bed, and I thought I may be able to simply trick myself to sleep. It was an interesting plan. It did not work. Oh well.
I keep looking at gun sellers, reviewing the various rifles, pistols, and revolvers I would love to add to my inventory. I may get another .22 rifle, either a Henry Repeating or Savage bolt action. Both are interesting to me, both would probably do very well. I have an 10/22, but it weighs a ton. With a heavy stainless hammer forged barrel, laminate stock, and scope, it is a bit much to use for small game. I suppose I could get used to it, but it really is not that practical just by weight. The stainless and laminate are great, at least it seemed like a good idea at the time.
This rifle, should I buy one, will set me back from my other goals, gun wise. I had hoped to either be looking at a .308 stainless rifle or a .500 S&W revolver, those or another XD .45. Then, when those were bought, I had been thinking about a lever action rifle in .308, and then a long range rifle, probably in .308 though with the custom barrel. After that, I had been think about a rolling block in .45-70 or something. Then, maybe, a semi-auto shotgun, a .357 magnum carry piece, then some other even smaller carry piece. Who knows, the winds blow, hunting becomes more of an option, and things change. It might take a decade or two but I think I will end up with a decent collection of firearms. None of them will be glamorous, none will be safe queens, all will be shooters and goods ones, and each will be used when it is appropriate.
Now I have to consider money, moving, bow and black powder hunting, and some other things. Guns are taking a bit of a back seat, except for the strongly considered new .22 rifle. And, that was not even on my list. I wonder how many guns I will end up buying that are not on my list? Oh well. Of course, that will mean the need for a gun safe. Since I reload, I will need a powder cabinet (or, I will be reloading when the magic negro runs out of fairy dust and the rest of the Dems are given 10% off Vaseline and shoved back into their socialist closets).
I am hoping to do some small game hunting this fall, and that means passing the shooting test. I think that .22 rifle, or even pistol, I already have will work, if they allow pistols that is. But I cannot be sure. With another .22 rifle, I would be more sure. And, it is always good to have another .22 around. Who knows when it will lend me the opportunity to take a noob out shooting. A couple of .22 rifles give a new shooter the chance to test some things out. One an auto with a scope, the other a bolt or lever action with iron type sights. And the pistol, to boot. Maybe it will be my children who I am teaching. Better get the guns before a wife gets the checkbook. :p
Well, I think I will tinker and try to sleep by 4:00 again. I will set the alarm for 11:00 and hope that I only hit the snooze a few times. I am as excited about the visit to gunland as my neighbor. I just hide it better. Though knowing where the V.A. Clinic is will make the trip less stressful too. And the drive up Ogden Canyon should be fun. And knowing where I am going for vacation will also be a good thing. A drive in the mountains, for the most part though, is always a pleasure.
Oh, I just realized, not only am I doing more in real life, I am blogging much more. I would say I am blogging 2 to 3 times a day, sometimes more. I know it must get old, a little boring, and often a bit of a rehash, but I did say I blog for my own purposes. If it is interesting, even a bit, I am merely glad there is some external value to it. It does help me keep my life in order, to keep it moving in the directions I want it to, and to allow me to leave things I do not wish to be carrying around in my mind.
Good night. This time for real.
A few more tasks
.
.
Before getting ready for bed, I finished a few more tasks. A little straightening of the cave, a bit here, a bit there, and trash and recycling will go out as a last item. Gun cleaning, the .45 and the .22 rifle and pistol, was also completed. Actually, it was gun cleansing which lead to the neatening. I was looking for the brush for the .45. I had last seen it, as I remembered it, in the closet. The closet is about 5 or 6 feet long and deep enough to contain a dresser and it is fully open, having no doors or material covering it. That closet is quite full, if relatively neat. In going through it, I was able to optimize (a bit more than what it was) the objects in it. Some of the things in it were in the wrong place, so I put the misplaced items where they belong. That movement to the right places of bits and pieces lead to more organizing in other places, similar to the way a forest fire gets around I suppose. Bit by bit, I went through it, organizing, optimizing, and removing items that did not belong. I came to the end and still no barrel brush.
Aha! It was in with the gun stuff. Oh well, I feel better about the closet. And I did get the guns cleaned. They are nice and shiny with that good gun smell. The .45 needed cleaning the most. Chambering a round was getting a little rough. My strength did allow it, and easily enough, but it was noticeably cranky in the first of the pull and did not seat the bullet as easily and heavily as I like it. I knew it needed cleaned some time ago, long ago actually, but just ignored it. Now I have all I need to clean it, for sure, minus patches. I will get some tomorrow. I was going to get a few from my neighbor tonight, which I would gladly have paid for tomorrow, but he went to bed early. I think he wants to dream of gunland!
With the bathroom and wash area clean, the guns clean, and when I take out the trash, the place is looking pretty good. I need to do laundry, figure out the vacuum cleaner and actually use it, and do a minor restorative in the kitchen, and the place will be very good. I have been staying on top of things, for the most part. Far better than before. I want to do one more thing for my new life, get a filing system going. My last gal cum lady friend tried to get me started on that but it never took. Over the years, and thinking about it, then when I was moving and I was able to find paperwork for the move and goods I was giving away I really came to see the value of such a system.
Since I do not pay taxes, I have had so little reason for paperwork management that it never occurred to me to try. Beyond, until the last 5 years or so, I was in such bad shape that such a thing was so beyond silly that it did not matter. Hand a blind man a golf club, that is about the same thing. Yeah, I suppose you can trick out the ball with sound, and add musical flags, and all that, but it is pretty silly. Same here, all I needed to file stuff was a filing cabinet and someone else to do the filing. :p Now, perhaps, I can do that on my own. Hmm, actually I think I brought what she had started, both times. I might not need to buy a thing. What a gal. I suppose she deserves a little respect. She really did try. Still does.
Well, time to take out the garbage and tinker just a bit longer. I would really like to try and make it up by noon so that I might have time to make contact with the other renter, pay my rent, and check my mail. The mail room is just at the end of the apartments, I drive by it daily and sometimes more often, but I rarely check my mail. Then again it is mostly junk mail. I need a worm farm. Ha.
Good night, Looo-uise!
.
Before getting ready for bed, I finished a few more tasks. A little straightening of the cave, a bit here, a bit there, and trash and recycling will go out as a last item. Gun cleaning, the .45 and the .22 rifle and pistol, was also completed. Actually, it was gun cleansing which lead to the neatening. I was looking for the brush for the .45. I had last seen it, as I remembered it, in the closet. The closet is about 5 or 6 feet long and deep enough to contain a dresser and it is fully open, having no doors or material covering it. That closet is quite full, if relatively neat. In going through it, I was able to optimize (a bit more than what it was) the objects in it. Some of the things in it were in the wrong place, so I put the misplaced items where they belong. That movement to the right places of bits and pieces lead to more organizing in other places, similar to the way a forest fire gets around I suppose. Bit by bit, I went through it, organizing, optimizing, and removing items that did not belong. I came to the end and still no barrel brush.
Aha! It was in with the gun stuff. Oh well, I feel better about the closet. And I did get the guns cleaned. They are nice and shiny with that good gun smell. The .45 needed cleaning the most. Chambering a round was getting a little rough. My strength did allow it, and easily enough, but it was noticeably cranky in the first of the pull and did not seat the bullet as easily and heavily as I like it. I knew it needed cleaned some time ago, long ago actually, but just ignored it. Now I have all I need to clean it, for sure, minus patches. I will get some tomorrow. I was going to get a few from my neighbor tonight, which I would gladly have paid for tomorrow, but he went to bed early. I think he wants to dream of gunland!
With the bathroom and wash area clean, the guns clean, and when I take out the trash, the place is looking pretty good. I need to do laundry, figure out the vacuum cleaner and actually use it, and do a minor restorative in the kitchen, and the place will be very good. I have been staying on top of things, for the most part. Far better than before. I want to do one more thing for my new life, get a filing system going. My last gal cum lady friend tried to get me started on that but it never took. Over the years, and thinking about it, then when I was moving and I was able to find paperwork for the move and goods I was giving away I really came to see the value of such a system.
Since I do not pay taxes, I have had so little reason for paperwork management that it never occurred to me to try. Beyond, until the last 5 years or so, I was in such bad shape that such a thing was so beyond silly that it did not matter. Hand a blind man a golf club, that is about the same thing. Yeah, I suppose you can trick out the ball with sound, and add musical flags, and all that, but it is pretty silly. Same here, all I needed to file stuff was a filing cabinet and someone else to do the filing. :p Now, perhaps, I can do that on my own. Hmm, actually I think I brought what she had started, both times. I might not need to buy a thing. What a gal. I suppose she deserves a little respect. She really did try. Still does.
Well, time to take out the garbage and tinker just a bit longer. I would really like to try and make it up by noon so that I might have time to make contact with the other renter, pay my rent, and check my mail. The mail room is just at the end of the apartments, I drive by it daily and sometimes more often, but I rarely check my mail. Then again it is mostly junk mail. I need a worm farm. Ha.
Good night, Looo-uise!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
No .22 shells?
.
.
Well, okay, I finally did find some .22 shells at the second Wal-Mart. But they were all the very high velocity shells, there were not many of them, and they do not shoot well in my rifle or pistol. Both of my .22 firearms prefer at least standard ammunition. I would like to find some subsonic munitions for the weapons, at least to see how well they shoot. I had been told my firearms of that caliber, both Ruger, prefered hotter rounds. Not so, and rather gladly. Hotter rounds often cost a good deal more.
Since I did not find the shells I wanted, I had thought to go to the Wal-Mart in Ogden tonight. My neighbor was with me. I asked if he wanted to go to Ogden with me or whether he would rather I drop him off. He suggested that nothing would be open. And I said Wal-Mart would be open. He then said they would not have the ammunition, they shoot more there than here. And I suggested that if they shot more, they would carry more, and probably more variety. Finally he suggested I wait until tomorrow. So, I asked if he wanted to go then. He said, maybe. Which meant yes. Ha. So, it is on. We will go tomorrow. Plus, he knows of a shooter's warehouse place. Prices, for most of his memory, are a lot lower there as they do bulk. Sounds good. Tomorrow, whenever I wake up (or earlier knowing him :P ), we will go to Ogden. Besides, I wanted to find the V.A. so I will have an idea about where it is at and then drive up Ogden Canyon and see if I could spot the cabin I am renting for Christmas. Why just do one thing when you can do a half dozen or more for the same price?
I had been shaving until about a week ago. Besides being a bit lazy, I was curious how fast my beard grows now. It grows fast. I nearly had a beard already. Perhaps it was a week and a half. It was a tough shave too. Now I look all clean and baby-faced again. Now for a haircut. Then I will almost look civilized. I would still rather find a barber. Beauticians are fine, they often do well, but it is the idea. If I am to be a gent, I need to start doing the things gents do. Beyond that, a barber shop is a good place to meet and great. It is generally for men only, saving for the women who bring their boys in. And barbers are often better than many of the so called comedians I have seen or even paid to see.
Even if it was a small outing, this is one more day I did not spend in the cave. I did not get everything done that I meant to do, but I did do the most vital things. My neighbor says we have until tomorrow to pay rent, that is the next vital thing. And I need to call about the rental, perhaps stopping there before I head out to Ogden. My card does work, from my old bank, so it was probably something just a bit off at the store I made the purchase. It is, however, good to know. If I play my cards right, this month, I may be able to stock a little cash away. It is good to have some of that on hand. I figure in a month or two, I will have 3 months of emergency cash stowed just in case the banks do take an "extended holiday".
Back to your regular programming.
.
Well, okay, I finally did find some .22 shells at the second Wal-Mart. But they were all the very high velocity shells, there were not many of them, and they do not shoot well in my rifle or pistol. Both of my .22 firearms prefer at least standard ammunition. I would like to find some subsonic munitions for the weapons, at least to see how well they shoot. I had been told my firearms of that caliber, both Ruger, prefered hotter rounds. Not so, and rather gladly. Hotter rounds often cost a good deal more.
Since I did not find the shells I wanted, I had thought to go to the Wal-Mart in Ogden tonight. My neighbor was with me. I asked if he wanted to go to Ogden with me or whether he would rather I drop him off. He suggested that nothing would be open. And I said Wal-Mart would be open. He then said they would not have the ammunition, they shoot more there than here. And I suggested that if they shot more, they would carry more, and probably more variety. Finally he suggested I wait until tomorrow. So, I asked if he wanted to go then. He said, maybe. Which meant yes. Ha. So, it is on. We will go tomorrow. Plus, he knows of a shooter's warehouse place. Prices, for most of his memory, are a lot lower there as they do bulk. Sounds good. Tomorrow, whenever I wake up (or earlier knowing him :P ), we will go to Ogden. Besides, I wanted to find the V.A. so I will have an idea about where it is at and then drive up Ogden Canyon and see if I could spot the cabin I am renting for Christmas. Why just do one thing when you can do a half dozen or more for the same price?
I had been shaving until about a week ago. Besides being a bit lazy, I was curious how fast my beard grows now. It grows fast. I nearly had a beard already. Perhaps it was a week and a half. It was a tough shave too. Now I look all clean and baby-faced again. Now for a haircut. Then I will almost look civilized. I would still rather find a barber. Beauticians are fine, they often do well, but it is the idea. If I am to be a gent, I need to start doing the things gents do. Beyond that, a barber shop is a good place to meet and great. It is generally for men only, saving for the women who bring their boys in. And barbers are often better than many of the so called comedians I have seen or even paid to see.
Even if it was a small outing, this is one more day I did not spend in the cave. I did not get everything done that I meant to do, but I did do the most vital things. My neighbor says we have until tomorrow to pay rent, that is the next vital thing. And I need to call about the rental, perhaps stopping there before I head out to Ogden. My card does work, from my old bank, so it was probably something just a bit off at the store I made the purchase. It is, however, good to know. If I play my cards right, this month, I may be able to stock a little cash away. It is good to have some of that on hand. I figure in a month or two, I will have 3 months of emergency cash stowed just in case the banks do take an "extended holiday".
Back to your regular programming.
A little tidbit.
.
.
D.C. had indicated something about dew point being a point to consider when understanding why one day feels hotter than another in spite of temperature. Now, not knowing a thing about dew point, other than as an indicator regarding fog, frost perhaps, and some other things, I decided to do a little research. Not that it took long, required calculus, or even trig, but it is interesting. From what I have read, dew point is actually another way of saying humidity.
The dew point indicates how much the temperature would have to drop in order for the air to reach maximum moisture saturation. It cannot be above the actual temperature, as the actual temperature if it is equal to the dew point is 100% saturation. Humidity is the same thing except on a percentage scale. As noted, if the dew point temperature is equal to the actual temperature, humidity is 100%. (they use 'dew point temperature' instead of '% humidity' to gauge moisture content, though there are two types of moisture in the air measurements, but, that is another story) How to figure the dew point is a mathematical procedure or formula, I did not actually look into that. Today, for example, the temperature is 89 degrees, but the felt temperature is 86, due to the dew point of 16 F with a 7% humidity. I think in generally arid parts of the world, dew point is much more significant than in wetter climbs. The indicator is better for finer variations, so a better indicator in dry zones.
Does that mean I know that all? No, but I do understand just a wee bit more than I did. Now, when I look at the weather listings and forecasts, I will have a much better understanding. As well, now I understand why it actually feels chilly today with the air on in the cave and why on many days it does not. I can learn and I try to learn. One... single... thing... at... a... time... The Lord knows, we are not always the fastest learners, but he did instill in us to do our best.
I now wonder if in the low dew point stretches that moisturizing might be more necessary? As well, contacts might be more irritating to wear and need more eye moisturizer? I will find these things out and learn more, if more by feel than necessarily book or weather monitoring. There are far too many independent and dependent variables in life to try to track even some small portion of the whole, except for very specific tasks (like reloading ammunition, outdoor activities, and such). Live and let sweat, I always say. Or, not.
Oh, and any and all clarifications or corrections are welcome. I am only stating what I understand with a few thoughts extending beyond what I have learned. I do this as much to pass on what I am getting as to be corrected.
.
D.C. had indicated something about dew point being a point to consider when understanding why one day feels hotter than another in spite of temperature. Now, not knowing a thing about dew point, other than as an indicator regarding fog, frost perhaps, and some other things, I decided to do a little research. Not that it took long, required calculus, or even trig, but it is interesting. From what I have read, dew point is actually another way of saying humidity.
The dew point indicates how much the temperature would have to drop in order for the air to reach maximum moisture saturation. It cannot be above the actual temperature, as the actual temperature if it is equal to the dew point is 100% saturation. Humidity is the same thing except on a percentage scale. As noted, if the dew point temperature is equal to the actual temperature, humidity is 100%. (they use 'dew point temperature' instead of '% humidity' to gauge moisture content, though there are two types of moisture in the air measurements, but, that is another story) How to figure the dew point is a mathematical procedure or formula, I did not actually look into that. Today, for example, the temperature is 89 degrees, but the felt temperature is 86, due to the dew point of 16 F with a 7% humidity. I think in generally arid parts of the world, dew point is much more significant than in wetter climbs. The indicator is better for finer variations, so a better indicator in dry zones.
Does that mean I know that all? No, but I do understand just a wee bit more than I did. Now, when I look at the weather listings and forecasts, I will have a much better understanding. As well, now I understand why it actually feels chilly today with the air on in the cave and why on many days it does not. I can learn and I try to learn. One... single... thing... at... a... time... The Lord knows, we are not always the fastest learners, but he did instill in us to do our best.
I now wonder if in the low dew point stretches that moisturizing might be more necessary? As well, contacts might be more irritating to wear and need more eye moisturizer? I will find these things out and learn more, if more by feel than necessarily book or weather monitoring. There are far too many independent and dependent variables in life to try to track even some small portion of the whole, except for very specific tasks (like reloading ammunition, outdoor activities, and such). Live and let sweat, I always say. Or, not.
Oh, and any and all clarifications or corrections are welcome. I am only stating what I understand with a few thoughts extending beyond what I have learned. I do this as much to pass on what I am getting as to be corrected.
No sleep, not tonight.
.
.
Not this morning I should say. I was able to sleep and then rest a bit earlier, and I was able to rest a bit before calling the thing off for the last hour or two, but no regular sleep is to be had. I have too many financial concerns on my mind and I mean to take care of them as early as possible. First a call to my old bank to find out how much I have in deposit. Next, a stop at the new bank to deposit a check for most of that amount. Then I need to call a few people, figure out where some of that money needs to go and how far it goes. I also need to pay rent, utilities have already been paid, thankfully.
On my list of things that have to be paid is the automobile, rent, $200 deposit for the cabin rental, and that is about it for absolutes. After that, I have to see if I can afford airline tickets, a .22 rifle with iron sights, and a few other odds and ends. Another thing on my mind is the potential new rental. I need to call them and go look at the place and meet the renters. Along with that, of course, is figuring out if I can get out of this lease and in order to take that rental. Some other things on my mind regard drivers license and new plates for the Xterra. Those, if need be, can wait until next month as I have a 3 months to change my license, 2 months for the plates for there own reasons.
There are too many things on my mind to allow for sleep. Time is of the essence on many of them. I have to kick it into high gear. I think it is almost all doable, only the change in living arrangements might be tricky. Well, at least I can do one of them now. I can call and make an auto payment. I am finally, it seems, out of trouble. I have paid down all I need to and can actually make a half payment this month, which I do believe I will do. I had meant to keep up the higher payments, but not this month. I have too many dishes on the stove to try and beat a nickel into a dime.
There is not much I can do, other than that one thing, until 7:00 here (8:00 in Iowa), plus maybe a few minutes to a half hour to give them time to set up and become operational. It will feel good when I do get this stuff done. I need it done, I want it done, it has to be done, and it will be done. Until then, I will tinker lightly, wishing I could sleep but knowing why I cannot and will not, or will not at this point. On the good side, maybe this will allow me to sleep long when I take my 22:00 nap.
.
Not this morning I should say. I was able to sleep and then rest a bit earlier, and I was able to rest a bit before calling the thing off for the last hour or two, but no regular sleep is to be had. I have too many financial concerns on my mind and I mean to take care of them as early as possible. First a call to my old bank to find out how much I have in deposit. Next, a stop at the new bank to deposit a check for most of that amount. Then I need to call a few people, figure out where some of that money needs to go and how far it goes. I also need to pay rent, utilities have already been paid, thankfully.
On my list of things that have to be paid is the automobile, rent, $200 deposit for the cabin rental, and that is about it for absolutes. After that, I have to see if I can afford airline tickets, a .22 rifle with iron sights, and a few other odds and ends. Another thing on my mind is the potential new rental. I need to call them and go look at the place and meet the renters. Along with that, of course, is figuring out if I can get out of this lease and in order to take that rental. Some other things on my mind regard drivers license and new plates for the Xterra. Those, if need be, can wait until next month as I have a 3 months to change my license, 2 months for the plates for there own reasons.
There are too many things on my mind to allow for sleep. Time is of the essence on many of them. I have to kick it into high gear. I think it is almost all doable, only the change in living arrangements might be tricky. Well, at least I can do one of them now. I can call and make an auto payment. I am finally, it seems, out of trouble. I have paid down all I need to and can actually make a half payment this month, which I do believe I will do. I had meant to keep up the higher payments, but not this month. I have too many dishes on the stove to try and beat a nickel into a dime.
There is not much I can do, other than that one thing, until 7:00 here (8:00 in Iowa), plus maybe a few minutes to a half hour to give them time to set up and become operational. It will feel good when I do get this stuff done. I need it done, I want it done, it has to be done, and it will be done. Until then, I will tinker lightly, wishing I could sleep but knowing why I cannot and will not, or will not at this point. On the good side, maybe this will allow me to sleep long when I take my 22:00 nap.
A few steps forward, a few steps back?
.
.
Yes, it must happen. Just as things were smoothing out, my debit card from my old bank was canceled. At first I was not even sure what to do. Then I realized I could simply write a check for most of that account into my account here and begin using this account. I cannot close that account yet, as my checks still go there. For the moment, it will be a temporary hassle though. If, as it turns out, a real if minor one.
I have been doing a lot of looking. I installed Google Earth, and have been locating where the shooting ranges are, where some interesting driving has been, some places I would like to go, and some places I will need to go. It is quite an amazing tool. I have 6 yellow "pins" so far, indicating those places above. Though, and to be honest, Utah is not a difficult state to navigate. Most of it is central, most of the northern areas have only one or two access points generally speaking, and "the big cities" are rather close. Logan to Ogden and then to Salt lake City is a rather short drive. There are a few places which take a bit to drive to, but not like Iowa, Illinois, and other flat states. Though the drives might be a bit more indirect due to mountains, they are more sure. I cannot wait to show these things to my neighbor. I think, honestly, he will be amazed.
I have accomplished a fair number of things today for being a nearly nothing day. From shopping, to information gathering, to planning, and a few tinkerings that do not involve the computer at all. I suggested that I would be buying a spotting scope to target my .22 rifle. My neighbor had one he has not ever used so he offered it to me! Well, okay. I do not know how well it works yet but for free, how could I turn down the opportunity. His eyes, he says are going. I tinkered with it tonight, as did he. We could not get it aimed on Jupiter (he says, if I remember right), but it was a fun first go. I think I will need day time practice with both the scope and the tripod. Both can be a little fussy and have particular needs and requirements. It should work just fine though.
I was supposed to get some business done today, but with a credit card cutting out on me and my bank card coming up broken too, there was little chance of that. As frustrating as that is, I will get it all done as soon as possible. Bit by bit, one thing at a time, dancing in and out, weaving toward my destination. Whether I must go as slowly as a turtle or whether I am able to hop along like a rabbit, I will get it done. Hehe, or not. At the end of the final day, no one will ever be able to say, in finality, that I just quit. If too they might wonder why not. That is my secret, and probably yours now too. I simply cannot quit, I do not know how. Heck, I cannot even die! Well, or so far.
Hmm, I must have something to eat around here. Good night. Or, I could just go to bed. Yeah, bed. I am trying to go to sleep a little earlier. If I do that for a week, then back it off another hour, I might get my days straight. Who knows, but I will try and find out. Yep, good night.
.
Yes, it must happen. Just as things were smoothing out, my debit card from my old bank was canceled. At first I was not even sure what to do. Then I realized I could simply write a check for most of that account into my account here and begin using this account. I cannot close that account yet, as my checks still go there. For the moment, it will be a temporary hassle though. If, as it turns out, a real if minor one.
I have been doing a lot of looking. I installed Google Earth, and have been locating where the shooting ranges are, where some interesting driving has been, some places I would like to go, and some places I will need to go. It is quite an amazing tool. I have 6 yellow "pins" so far, indicating those places above. Though, and to be honest, Utah is not a difficult state to navigate. Most of it is central, most of the northern areas have only one or two access points generally speaking, and "the big cities" are rather close. Logan to Ogden and then to Salt lake City is a rather short drive. There are a few places which take a bit to drive to, but not like Iowa, Illinois, and other flat states. Though the drives might be a bit more indirect due to mountains, they are more sure. I cannot wait to show these things to my neighbor. I think, honestly, he will be amazed.
I have accomplished a fair number of things today for being a nearly nothing day. From shopping, to information gathering, to planning, and a few tinkerings that do not involve the computer at all. I suggested that I would be buying a spotting scope to target my .22 rifle. My neighbor had one he has not ever used so he offered it to me! Well, okay. I do not know how well it works yet but for free, how could I turn down the opportunity. His eyes, he says are going. I tinkered with it tonight, as did he. We could not get it aimed on Jupiter (he says, if I remember right), but it was a fun first go. I think I will need day time practice with both the scope and the tripod. Both can be a little fussy and have particular needs and requirements. It should work just fine though.
I was supposed to get some business done today, but with a credit card cutting out on me and my bank card coming up broken too, there was little chance of that. As frustrating as that is, I will get it all done as soon as possible. Bit by bit, one thing at a time, dancing in and out, weaving toward my destination. Whether I must go as slowly as a turtle or whether I am able to hop along like a rabbit, I will get it done. Hehe, or not. At the end of the final day, no one will ever be able to say, in finality, that I just quit. If too they might wonder why not. That is my secret, and probably yours now too. I simply cannot quit, I do not know how. Heck, I cannot even die! Well, or so far.
Hmm, I must have something to eat around here. Good night. Or, I could just go to bed. Yeah, bed. I am trying to go to sleep a little earlier. If I do that for a week, then back it off another hour, I might get my days straight. Who knows, but I will try and find out. Yep, good night.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Too hot.
.
.
The plan was to go fishing today. At 95 F, the activity department has decided to hold off until Thursday or Friday. We are supposed to get rain, scattered thunderstorms anyway, and a cooling to the mid or low 70's. Personally, I am glad. Some days when it is hot, it does not feel like it. Today, the heat was not only high on the porch but it seemed to reach right into the cave and threaten combustion. I was just thinking though, perhaps in an hour or so, a road trip might be good. I will see if my neighbor wants to go along.
There are many little canyons I have not yet explored. Some are not really mapped at all. I downloaded an off-roader guide to Utah and looked at the paths they suggest. I have already been to all the closer ones! I did not realize those were considered off-road paths. Some of them, of course, I knew a car really could not take, but all of them? Now, that I think about it, all I ever passed or otherwise saw on those roads were atv's and motorcycles. Oh well. But there are more out there, ones that are not covered. It must have been a list of light trails.
I looked at the weather history of this part of Utah last night. It seems that the weather here has been higher this summer than usual. But the spring seems to have been colder. In general, each month after August falls by about 10 F through the months, give or take, getting to January and February (highs) of 20 F or so. Then it warms back up incrementally. This is not quite like Iowa. Even in the warmer part where I was living, cold came hard and fast and then stayed long. What made the part of Iowa I lived in warmer was that there were occasional warmings. This weather looks more linear, more of subtle changes rather than hard snaps. I am looking forward to finding out.
I have contact lenses, which I had stopped using in Iowa. Since I was always tired there, I would not wear them as they, oddly, made my eyes tired and that increased my overall sense of exhaustion. I thought about trying them here, and earlier, as exhaustion does not seem to be as pervasive for me here. I scratched the idea due to the initial effects of the low humidity and having constant dry eyes even without them. Since I have started to acclimate a great deal, I decided to give them a go again today. They work as well as ever, and with a bottle of eye moisturizer (which I needed in Iowa too, when I used to wear them), I think I will be able to ditch the glasses occasionally here.
Bit by bit I am taking my life back, becoming more active, becoming more interested, and rarely am I staying in the cave for too long. Miracles happen, but I am not sure that is what this is. I dreamed about mountains, snow, cool wind, and rivers. Whether that was merely God calling me to a new home or whether I just knew it was right. I do not know if any of you remember my dreams or for those of you who do if you understood how powerful those dreams were? The funny thing is, I thought I was being called to give up college. When I first decided to come here and started making plans, I thought school was over. How weird that even that sacrifice has been turned on it's ear.
Well, I just talked to my neighbor and he thinks a drive sounds like a good plan too. So, off I go.
.
The plan was to go fishing today. At 95 F, the activity department has decided to hold off until Thursday or Friday. We are supposed to get rain, scattered thunderstorms anyway, and a cooling to the mid or low 70's. Personally, I am glad. Some days when it is hot, it does not feel like it. Today, the heat was not only high on the porch but it seemed to reach right into the cave and threaten combustion. I was just thinking though, perhaps in an hour or so, a road trip might be good. I will see if my neighbor wants to go along.
There are many little canyons I have not yet explored. Some are not really mapped at all. I downloaded an off-roader guide to Utah and looked at the paths they suggest. I have already been to all the closer ones! I did not realize those were considered off-road paths. Some of them, of course, I knew a car really could not take, but all of them? Now, that I think about it, all I ever passed or otherwise saw on those roads were atv's and motorcycles. Oh well. But there are more out there, ones that are not covered. It must have been a list of light trails.
I looked at the weather history of this part of Utah last night. It seems that the weather here has been higher this summer than usual. But the spring seems to have been colder. In general, each month after August falls by about 10 F through the months, give or take, getting to January and February (highs) of 20 F or so. Then it warms back up incrementally. This is not quite like Iowa. Even in the warmer part where I was living, cold came hard and fast and then stayed long. What made the part of Iowa I lived in warmer was that there were occasional warmings. This weather looks more linear, more of subtle changes rather than hard snaps. I am looking forward to finding out.
I have contact lenses, which I had stopped using in Iowa. Since I was always tired there, I would not wear them as they, oddly, made my eyes tired and that increased my overall sense of exhaustion. I thought about trying them here, and earlier, as exhaustion does not seem to be as pervasive for me here. I scratched the idea due to the initial effects of the low humidity and having constant dry eyes even without them. Since I have started to acclimate a great deal, I decided to give them a go again today. They work as well as ever, and with a bottle of eye moisturizer (which I needed in Iowa too, when I used to wear them), I think I will be able to ditch the glasses occasionally here.
Bit by bit I am taking my life back, becoming more active, becoming more interested, and rarely am I staying in the cave for too long. Miracles happen, but I am not sure that is what this is. I dreamed about mountains, snow, cool wind, and rivers. Whether that was merely God calling me to a new home or whether I just knew it was right. I do not know if any of you remember my dreams or for those of you who do if you understood how powerful those dreams were? The funny thing is, I thought I was being called to give up college. When I first decided to come here and started making plans, I thought school was over. How weird that even that sacrifice has been turned on it's ear.
Well, I just talked to my neighbor and he thinks a drive sounds like a good plan too. So, off I go.
Sleep problems.
.
.
I noticed something tonight when I took my nap. I was able to sleep an hour. After that, I woke up as if an alarm had gone off. I was not troubled, no heart palpitations or such, but I was (or actually felt) hot. My body was cool, even my feet. But I felt as if I was burning up in spite of that. I tried to get back to sleep or even to rest, but I could not. After an hour of that, I just got out of bed and did a few tasks I had been meaning to do and then came to the computer. I was getting a headache trying to get back to sleep, and kept feeling hot. The thermometers say it had neither warmed nor cooled since I started my nap nor since I woke up and during that time I tried to sleep or rest.
I will have to discuss this with my doctor. Maybe it is diabetes creeping back in. But no, this is the way it has been since before I had diabetes. Sometime this morning, I will again be able to sleep, but for 6 to 7 hours. I have tried to sleep a few hours after the nap, but that just ruins my good morning sleep. In Iowa, when I did get my internal clock turned around so that I was awake days and slept at night, it did often interrupt my ability to be as active. Though too, sleeping mornings interrupts how much I can do on any day and is a detriment to school.
One doctor tried sleeping medicine, of various types. And though they did force me to sleep, sometimes, when they would work was never sure and then I would always wake up after 4 hours of sleep, leaving me a bit tired all day. Those simply do not seem to work. Perhaps there is one out there that would work, but I hate changing medicine every 3 months to try and find it while having to suffer through some medicine until my doctor gave up on it, if I had not already. The cure is not in a pill, at least for sleeping. Then again, Ritalin, which has the opposite affect, would often allow me to expend energy so that I was tired and would sleep more naturally. And though I am more active now, it is not to that level of activity. It too, sometimes, had problems of it's own as well.
I will keep at it. Maybe there is a way, with or without pills. This system is good enough for retirement though, and currently, that is what I am. I did hear something the other day that shook me though. I was listening to a program about hospice workers when I was still in Iowa. They discussed what they did, but also the stages of dying. One of the stages was the insistence by the person dying that if they could just get up, they would be fine. I have to wonder if that does not also apply to the severely ill. Perhaps my belief that if I could just 'get up', or 'stay awake', or this or that is merely a coping mechanism.
Yes, dear readers, I have a pragmatic side. And yet, there is always hope. That even people on the death bed have it must mean something. And, to some degree, I have to wonder if some of them are right, if too most often they really cannot get up again. Life seems to be a knock down drag out fight in which most of us will not get out alive. I say most because the bible clearly indicates some will be and have been taken straight up. In the end, the Lord will judge the quick and the dead, or the living and the dead if you prefer. I prefer quick, and it gives a special meaning to quickening. It is a quickening that I am attempting to orchestrate before I begin decomposing. Ha!
I hope this one is short enough. My last few (?dozen?) blog posts have been outrageously long. I am surprised my reader base has not gone on strike! Of course, I would merely fire you and hire scags. :p Good night.
.
I noticed something tonight when I took my nap. I was able to sleep an hour. After that, I woke up as if an alarm had gone off. I was not troubled, no heart palpitations or such, but I was (or actually felt) hot. My body was cool, even my feet. But I felt as if I was burning up in spite of that. I tried to get back to sleep or even to rest, but I could not. After an hour of that, I just got out of bed and did a few tasks I had been meaning to do and then came to the computer. I was getting a headache trying to get back to sleep, and kept feeling hot. The thermometers say it had neither warmed nor cooled since I started my nap nor since I woke up and during that time I tried to sleep or rest.
I will have to discuss this with my doctor. Maybe it is diabetes creeping back in. But no, this is the way it has been since before I had diabetes. Sometime this morning, I will again be able to sleep, but for 6 to 7 hours. I have tried to sleep a few hours after the nap, but that just ruins my good morning sleep. In Iowa, when I did get my internal clock turned around so that I was awake days and slept at night, it did often interrupt my ability to be as active. Though too, sleeping mornings interrupts how much I can do on any day and is a detriment to school.
One doctor tried sleeping medicine, of various types. And though they did force me to sleep, sometimes, when they would work was never sure and then I would always wake up after 4 hours of sleep, leaving me a bit tired all day. Those simply do not seem to work. Perhaps there is one out there that would work, but I hate changing medicine every 3 months to try and find it while having to suffer through some medicine until my doctor gave up on it, if I had not already. The cure is not in a pill, at least for sleeping. Then again, Ritalin, which has the opposite affect, would often allow me to expend energy so that I was tired and would sleep more naturally. And though I am more active now, it is not to that level of activity. It too, sometimes, had problems of it's own as well.
I will keep at it. Maybe there is a way, with or without pills. This system is good enough for retirement though, and currently, that is what I am. I did hear something the other day that shook me though. I was listening to a program about hospice workers when I was still in Iowa. They discussed what they did, but also the stages of dying. One of the stages was the insistence by the person dying that if they could just get up, they would be fine. I have to wonder if that does not also apply to the severely ill. Perhaps my belief that if I could just 'get up', or 'stay awake', or this or that is merely a coping mechanism.
Yes, dear readers, I have a pragmatic side. And yet, there is always hope. That even people on the death bed have it must mean something. And, to some degree, I have to wonder if some of them are right, if too most often they really cannot get up again. Life seems to be a knock down drag out fight in which most of us will not get out alive. I say most because the bible clearly indicates some will be and have been taken straight up. In the end, the Lord will judge the quick and the dead, or the living and the dead if you prefer. I prefer quick, and it gives a special meaning to quickening. It is a quickening that I am attempting to orchestrate before I begin decomposing. Ha!
I hope this one is short enough. My last few (?dozen?) blog posts have been outrageously long. I am surprised my reader base has not gone on strike! Of course, I would merely fire you and hire scags. :p Good night.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
A yes man.
.
.
I had not planned on leaving the cave today. Beside it being Sunday, I simply had not planned on going out the door other than to discuss issues of importance and high relevance with my neighbor. We would take over the world, control all details of life for our fellows, and trick them into doing the right things, we have so much power and all. Thankfully, for you probably, we are both a little on the lazy side. As well, we cannot exactly agree on the details. That, I suspect, is why we continue to talk. Sometimes the other guy has a few more details or a novel plan that we might be able to patent first.
However, my neighbor rang the doorbell at about 14:30. Could we go shooting? Well, I cannot find a reason not to do so, so, yes. Fine, lets go. No time for a morning shower. Something I so rarely go without that it is generally irrelevant statistically. I suppose there is a black moon somewhere, as no shower mornings are rarer than even blue moons (which happen to be real events, as are black moons if they call them something else). I did have to dress, grab my rifle, and grab a few other things. But most things are in the Xterra now. And it was time.
As usual, we had to stop at the hardware store. I seem to have lost the pvc glue. Another $4.00 but it was worth it. The last just must simply have rolled out of the vehicle or I hid it well when I brought it in. He always buys soda, though I do not think he keeps any at his place. It is a dessert for when he goes out. He also wanted to look at vices. He does his own gun smithing and a few other things.
After that, it was a short ride to the range. He has been working on his .45 a piece or two at a time. It is coming together nicely. So for, no boom! He has one more piece coming. One of the new pieces does not fit well. He had to buy a piece to make that piece fit rightly. It is fun to shoot, it is becoming more accurate, and he is getting other desired results. One piece at a time.
My .22 rifle is getting better too. I started off quite a bit off the target. With the target stand now standing more often than not, I am able to see. I had to adjust the scope quite a bit, up and to the left, several times. I was doing this at 70 yards and shooting at a 25 yard pistol target. But it the 70 yard mark was in the shade and I was already getting a bit to hot to search for the 100 yard small rifle targets and then make even another trip to the target stand. In any case, I was getting the rifle to shoot just about on, maybe a little high, by the time it came to go. I emptied several magazines at the stand at 25 yards, where obviously it will shoot a little high. We have to shoot 15 of 30 rounds into a 2 to 3 inch target to qualify for our hunter's permit. This rifle will do it, probably quite well once I finish sighting it in, but it is so heavy. I bet the thing weighs 10 to 12 pounds, even with the short barrel.
I am not sure, at this point, whether to get another .22 rifle. I would like a bolt action, but no place seems to have what I want in that. And, I cannot seem to find my purchase permit and I do not want a three week wait, or even to have them just neither accept nor reject and have to refile in a month. I will have to look through my boxes again, and see if I can find it. Perhaps it would be different here, but I just do not trust the federals anymore. They stick their paws in everything they think they can gum up.
On the way back, we had thought about fishing. I stopped and got the live bait. Everywhere we stopped there were dozens of cars, and more people than cars, all fishing. We did find a quieter place, but the fish were inactive anyway. So, after a brief look around and a short valley drive, we headed back. I bought some chicken tonight, then headed home. I was able to eat 4 pieces of chicken! But I had to fudge a bit. Two of the pieces were wings. I have lost my appetite. I am still full to bursting. I suppose it is a good thing, though once in a while I would like to eat a big steak.
Tomorrow, it seems, we will be going fishing. He has limits as to where he can go, so we will have to work around him. If I am still up later tonight, I may end up going to that little place we went to today. Fishing twice a day would bother me not in the least. Other than some more straightening of the cave, I think tonight will probably be a quiet one. We were out quite a while and I was rather active, walking to the target a dozen times, setting it up in the first place, and then not being ready for a long day. I am tired. Maybe no fishing tonight, unless I get an hour of nap or two hours of rest time in first. Maybe not then. But I want to go fishing. Reality trumps want all too often.
.
I had not planned on leaving the cave today. Beside it being Sunday, I simply had not planned on going out the door other than to discuss issues of importance and high relevance with my neighbor. We would take over the world, control all details of life for our fellows, and trick them into doing the right things, we have so much power and all. Thankfully, for you probably, we are both a little on the lazy side. As well, we cannot exactly agree on the details. That, I suspect, is why we continue to talk. Sometimes the other guy has a few more details or a novel plan that we might be able to patent first.
However, my neighbor rang the doorbell at about 14:30. Could we go shooting? Well, I cannot find a reason not to do so, so, yes. Fine, lets go. No time for a morning shower. Something I so rarely go without that it is generally irrelevant statistically. I suppose there is a black moon somewhere, as no shower mornings are rarer than even blue moons (which happen to be real events, as are black moons if they call them something else). I did have to dress, grab my rifle, and grab a few other things. But most things are in the Xterra now. And it was time.
As usual, we had to stop at the hardware store. I seem to have lost the pvc glue. Another $4.00 but it was worth it. The last just must simply have rolled out of the vehicle or I hid it well when I brought it in. He always buys soda, though I do not think he keeps any at his place. It is a dessert for when he goes out. He also wanted to look at vices. He does his own gun smithing and a few other things.
After that, it was a short ride to the range. He has been working on his .45 a piece or two at a time. It is coming together nicely. So for, no boom! He has one more piece coming. One of the new pieces does not fit well. He had to buy a piece to make that piece fit rightly. It is fun to shoot, it is becoming more accurate, and he is getting other desired results. One piece at a time.
My .22 rifle is getting better too. I started off quite a bit off the target. With the target stand now standing more often than not, I am able to see. I had to adjust the scope quite a bit, up and to the left, several times. I was doing this at 70 yards and shooting at a 25 yard pistol target. But it the 70 yard mark was in the shade and I was already getting a bit to hot to search for the 100 yard small rifle targets and then make even another trip to the target stand. In any case, I was getting the rifle to shoot just about on, maybe a little high, by the time it came to go. I emptied several magazines at the stand at 25 yards, where obviously it will shoot a little high. We have to shoot 15 of 30 rounds into a 2 to 3 inch target to qualify for our hunter's permit. This rifle will do it, probably quite well once I finish sighting it in, but it is so heavy. I bet the thing weighs 10 to 12 pounds, even with the short barrel.
I am not sure, at this point, whether to get another .22 rifle. I would like a bolt action, but no place seems to have what I want in that. And, I cannot seem to find my purchase permit and I do not want a three week wait, or even to have them just neither accept nor reject and have to refile in a month. I will have to look through my boxes again, and see if I can find it. Perhaps it would be different here, but I just do not trust the federals anymore. They stick their paws in everything they think they can gum up.
On the way back, we had thought about fishing. I stopped and got the live bait. Everywhere we stopped there were dozens of cars, and more people than cars, all fishing. We did find a quieter place, but the fish were inactive anyway. So, after a brief look around and a short valley drive, we headed back. I bought some chicken tonight, then headed home. I was able to eat 4 pieces of chicken! But I had to fudge a bit. Two of the pieces were wings. I have lost my appetite. I am still full to bursting. I suppose it is a good thing, though once in a while I would like to eat a big steak.
Tomorrow, it seems, we will be going fishing. He has limits as to where he can go, so we will have to work around him. If I am still up later tonight, I may end up going to that little place we went to today. Fishing twice a day would bother me not in the least. Other than some more straightening of the cave, I think tonight will probably be a quiet one. We were out quite a while and I was rather active, walking to the target a dozen times, setting it up in the first place, and then not being ready for a long day. I am tired. Maybe no fishing tonight, unless I get an hour of nap or two hours of rest time in first. Maybe not then. But I want to go fishing. Reality trumps want all too often.
A little better?
Thanks to D.C., I pulled a program down to see if there was a way to salvage what I have. The pictures here have been modified. I tried to get them as close to what I remember as possible, and perhaps a bit better if that is possible. I think I was able to pull it off, you be the judge. The program is called IrfanView, by the way. It worked far better than I had hoped. Take a look. Oh, I am sure I can do even better. Making the pictures the same size, working to more exacting color corrections, learning to manipulate the other variables a bit better. But that is talent that, when extended, becomes more of an art. Then it becomes a matter of taste, so. This is what I have today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)