Taking stock.

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I called the one number I have, the only one which seems to be answered, regarding a better number for the V.A. I was told that a group who works with veterans will be in town tomorrow, between 9:00 and 10:00. That would mean a 7:30 wakeup and a bit of hustle. I am doubtful, but I will try. I am not sure why it would be so difficult to reach anybody who could discuss these things. I guess I am on permanent hold. I have doubts the people who will be there tomorrow will be able to help either, to be honest. They are volunteers and I think their goal is signing more veterans up for benefits, not slogging through the bureaucracy in order to serve a vet. I may or may not find out.

I put on my boots and decided to check out the outbuildings. They are in excellent shape. I took a hammer to gauge strength of the wood and the structures themselves. These buildings only look tough, they are in very good condition. I had not looked at both sides of the hen house. One side already has a steel roof. The side that needs it measures 12 x 20 feet. I am not sure what size the steel panels are stock. I had thought to make a run into town tonight and check prices with delivery, along with 3 or 4 panels of plywood. Then I realized today would not be a good day to shop as payday will allow me a bit more latitude. Wait, is today already the first? Okies, in I go. Hmm, maybe I should call several places first. Which place I shop makes no difference, at this point, as 20 miles or 20.5 miles really does not matter. A $40 dollar price difference, however, would make a difference. I will include the more local hardware store as well.

I have noticed that as I get more time, do things more often, and begin expanding into some areas, my ability to focus, plan, and then carry out tasks increases much more than a bit. Initially, when everything was over my head and I was swamped, planning was really a matter of going to the first place that had what I needed and paying whatever was asked. The same goes for tasks, I would simply do them as fast and easily as possible. That is all fine if one has more money than time. For me, that is not the case. Slowly but eventually I am improving. I am even beginning to try and note when to buy things by season or sale. Who knows, I might even eventually become familiar with odd things like holidays, the seasons, and other data I have... forgotten. I think Christmas is the 23rd or 25th. The rest... *sigh* I have been gone a long time.

Hmm, after some calls, a trip, and maybe some purchases, I think I will find a decent place to eat tonight. Nothing fancy, nothing too expensive, but not a fast food joint either. I have been hitting grains and legumes, along with some meat, but whole meals have not been on the menu. It would be pleasant to have a real whole meal. After that, I need to do a bit of shopping. I have regular items and I think I will be looking for a few more items for my short term food pantry. Rather than seeing that as a complex issue I cannot seem to resolve, I see it more as game now. Hunt and peck, check and look, find and be thrilled. If too I had best watch going overboard. Once I have decent stock, and some certainty of replacing it as I use it, I will begin adding in those things. I suppose I should simply be using it now, the Lord knows I could use some spinach even if canned currently. Anyway...

After that, I am hoping to have enough gumption to do a couple hours of math studies. Along with some DVDs, I have algebra, geometry, and trigonometry books. The DVDs will set me up to begin doing loads of math problems from the books, reading areas that seem to trip me up. Algebra first, it really is primary. I wish I could get my hands on professor versions, so that I could have access to more of the answers. I would like such books for those three topics, a unified calculus tome or two, and several physics texts. I want to be heavy before school starts, if I can get it to start. Oh, right, it has been suggested that I enroll first, then apply for V.A. assistance. Something I must consider. Which means, if I am able to rise early tomorrow (or not), I ought to see if I can make an appointment with the engineering department. I would like to discuss some things with the professors there as well as, of course, admissions.

As for physical work, I think I have found my next bonanza. Cleaning out those sheds should keep me honest for a while. I was correct in suggesting a grain shovel might come in handy. Well, since I am going to one of the stores, I might as well add that to my list, along with a circular saw. Well, we will see when I get the totals. Next on the list, a multi-use ladder and maybe a chainsaw? When did simple living become so darned complicated and need so many things, and I do not even have livestock yet! Ah well, I think it actually has been very good for my health.

To your health. Cheers!