Stayed up too late.

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It happens. I am still a bit lost in how to get back to "normal". Of course, I do not want to return to a lackluster normal. Who knows what I can actually manage to arrange. I am going to face a very lean month, and next month as well. I didum booboo, as one might say, which does not help in sorting things out. Still, I will sort it or it will sort itself. That is how life works. Then there is death if all else fails.

Sassy is become a bit neurotic. Or, wildly neurotic. I think she is reaching maturity but holding on to being a kitty? Or is she going through interest in toms? She is quite aggressive and assertive. I have placed limits on that and they seem to work, for the most part. Sam is neurotic, but she has learned to keep that in a place and has gone beyond it, mostly. They are joys to me, whatever they do. Mostly.

It is bed time. I will enjoy the rest. Tomorrow I may begin figuring out what bills might not get paid, how much I have on hand and otherwise available, and what to do. But for now, sleep. Deep, rich, warm, probably dream filled sleep will be had. Good night.

Odd things happen.

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While my lady friend was visiting, in our travels we noticed homes lit like electrical 4th of July displays. I will not, myself, put up Christmas lights. I suppose I could be talked into doing such silliness should I marry and the little woman get a particular bee in her bonnet. I know my limitations and depriving a little lady of her bee'd bonnet is often among my limits. In any case, I did suggest that I would like to light a candle, or set of candles, for the twelve days of Christmas. She has not heard of such a thing. I assured her that this practice is old, probably ancient, and is both quite Christian and not just Catholic. However, I was not sure how such things worked.

Today, a fellow stopped by to visit and brought a gift. It just so happens Mormons also, to whatever degree, know of the twelve day of Christmas candle lighting situation. As the gift was just that, along with verses from the book of Mormon and the New Testament. Oh, and not only did I invite him in, the guest that is, but with the living room in much better order, I invited him in to have a seat. We talked just a little bit, but it was good. I am not dressed properly, wearing sweats and a t-shirt. My hair was slightly but not properly combed as well. Still, it was better than before.

Anyway, I just think that after having just been discussing this particular candle, to have it show up is one of those things, odd things, in life. Perhaps letting me know I am going the right way and offering me an incentive to keep going. If we had discussed this in my home, perhaps one could posit through a right proper paranoia that it was "overheard". We were in my vehicle and several states over, I think, so though of course it is possible that we were overheard there, it is less likely. And should one's paranoia be hearty enough, one could believe that even my clothes are bugged. Still, I like to think this was just a work of fate. Probably. Ha!

Well, on to other things. I hope your day is going well. That you find something to chuckle at, wonder about, and maybe something worth putting your mystery or paranoid hat on. Yeah, it is fun, life that is. Later.

Ouch, almost.

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I wanted to sleep yesterday, as soon as I returned home and most of the day. Instead I waited until 23:00 or so before climbing into bed. I slept well, dreamed I think, and woke a bit late. I set the alarm for 7:00, so I could sleep in a bit today. It was not until 7:43 or so until I actually woke. And I enjoyed a little extra sleep. I sort of feel a little strung out, but actually not all that badly. My lady friend was no hassle to deal with, if I enjoy even most of that now it can stretch me. I think it was simply all the driving, travel, a bit of financial concern, and such, which have stretched me. Still, I need to be stretched from time to time. So it is a good thing.

Now to figure out my finances, get my life back to normal order, and just figure it all out again. I need to sort out my refrigerator, too. I have a duck and several cornish game hens in the freezer, along with a few other meats, so I should be good for food, along with the short term food stocks. Milk, maybe more cat food, and maybe a few incidentals through to the end of the month will see me in fine shape, I think.

Sam and Sassy were quite pleased to have papa back home. I slept in a crowded bed last night and woke to furry tickles several times, as they wanted to see if I would feed them. Sometimes that annoys me, sometimes it just makes me smile, either way I usually just go back to sleep. I think they must know when I am close to waking, as in deeper sleep that does not work. Pests, but I enjoy them.

On to my day. Have a great day yourselves.

Back to normal.

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I took my lady friend to the airport this morning and more or less on time and in good shape. I can begin figuring out what to do now that I am running solo again. It has been a bit of a whirlwind, in spite of it not seeming like it while it was happening. Driving, shopping, cooking, planning, and even the cleaning beforehand. Even the drive home is more doings and at times I usually do not go forth.

We did end up driving the Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We stayed the night there. Then we tried to get to the south gate of Yellowstone. The road was officially closed before we got to the gates but I could see that the park rangers, I suspect, had been driving on up. Whether the path went all the way to the gates, which I suspect, I will never know. My lady friend got cold feet about the project at the road closed sign, so we turned around. I think I enjoyed her Christmas present almost as much as she did.

The driving was extensive. I drove, perhaps, five hours up. But on the way back we took a different path as I wanted her to see Bear Lake and Logan Canyon. Then we drove on to SLC for another overnight out. Her flight required her to be to the airport at 5:30, according to their recommendations, for checking in and having everything in order for her 7:10 flight... give or take. The drive from up there, then to as close to the south gate as we got, and then to the hotel in SLC, and then a bit more to find an In-n-Out ended up making for about twelve to fourteen hours on the road.

I did overspend, of course. I had planned to have a good meal or three and had provisioned for it. Little of which, as it turns out, did we eat. Still, I had planned on a more expensive meat and a Christmas present. Though I had hoped to get that next month. Ah well, it all works out in the end. Somehow? Yeah, probably. And, she was more than pleased with the trip. In spite of not having my printer working still, and having to take down direction notes, we made the trip with nary a hiccup. And we made it back and on time just swell.

But, the coming down. That will take a bit. At least I did not feel pushed or pulled, stretched or thin, hung out or strung out. She was even pleased with my home, and the cleanliness. Which surprises me. Other than vacuuming and a little straightening, this is pretty much how my home is generally kept. Now to keep it pretty much like it is, though. My next visitor, my mother, comes in the spring. I should be able to keep up appearances that long. Besides, I may have local visitors before too long as well. Now to just keep it like this from now on, I suppose.

Well, off to tinker, read, comment, and whatever. Have a great day.

Another good day.

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I was up late, around 7:30 or 8:00. She was already up and tinkering. She made some coffee and oatmeal. I think I fixed myself something and had a cup of joe as well. A slow but steady morning of doing this and that, based on plans for lunch out at my favorite local Mexican place, a movie, and some shopping. And, it all went off without a hitch.

My favorite place, where I may have mentioned the shrimp ceviche and generally splendid meals, served up a winner. I would have enjoyed the meal in any case, but to have my lady friend enjoy her meal and the ceviche was simply an additional bonus. Then a stop at the local organics store, where she bought nothing but looked around a bit. Then to the new Harry Potter movie. I know, it is secular at best. I know, it is for children. Still, I merely enjoyed it for what it was. She enjoys these things as if she were a child. It was good. Then a few things on here list. All the time talking about this or that. I grabbed a chuck roast and to home we went. I made the roast, as nothing else is really thawed. We could have had some other stuff, but... so be it. I added in mushrooms, onion, and turnips. I had purchased a lettuce mix for her already. So the meal, with a little cooking time, was another success. Toward the end of the evening, we were both getting a bit grumpy. Still, that is fine. We are comfortable, at this point, with each other's bad hair moments.

Rather than a big meal, or a Christmas present, she wanted to take a bit of a trip. We looked to Yellowstone, but they are all booked or closed. So we looked around for a lodging in or near the Grand Teton National Park. We found lodging nearby, for tomorrow, so we will be going up that way. I chose a place, for just a little more, with a kitchenette, a private balcony, and separate sleeping quarters, though she would have been fine sharing a room, even a bed. Yes, I am that trustworthy. Nice to know, and that it is not a difficulty is either a good thing or bad thing but is no chore even if I am attracted. Oh well, God does know.

So, instead of a big meal and a nicer gift, we travel. I am probably saving money on the deal but that is not the point. I think I will also, yet tonight, find lodging in SLC where we can sleep over so we do not have to get up so early and drive so far for her return flight. As well, we can then see Antelope State Park, I hope, and eat at the In-n-Out... something she wanted to do since we saw the sign on our "detour" south the night she arrived. It is something from her long past, something she wants. So, if things work as planned, she will eat there.

Well, she should have a fine vacation this year. As well, it has not been a burden to me, in any way. I also get to see more of the world around me and some of the places I would not have visited or want to see again. It is good to have visitors. I should try to find the muffin tin before I get to bed, then get into bed. It has been a number of long days, filled with talk and some activity, and there are a few more to go. Then I can sleep and rest and relax into my fine typical winter hibernation form? Maybe. Or just meh? Ha!

Good night.

Back and alive.

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We had a good day, actually. I shopped before she arrived and was at the airport in plenty of time. A bit of a wait is better than having my guest wait. She was pleased to see me at the arrival gate this time. I am learning. The ride home would have been uneventful, but in the excitement of the moment, the crush of traffic, and simply whatever other reason, I got on the wrong track and went 40 miles in the wrong direction. Still, she was rather pleasant about it. Though reminding me every 15 to 20 minutes for a couple hours is how she deals with things. I think she forgets she already reminded me. *laughs*

We stopped at one of the best restaurants in Logan and had dinner. I had hoped to stop at Maddox, which was closer to the airport since she was hungry when she arrived. It was closed, Mondays I suppose. She was not terribly pleased with her meal, but I enjoyed mine a great deal. We had thought to see a movie too, but she was all done in. Home and bed sounded really good, so the movie will wait. The rest of the drive was uneventful.

I cannot tell what she thinks of my home yet. She is tired, it is late, it is dark. At first she was going right to bed, then she thought ginger "tea" would be good. Then perhaps a game of backgammon, she thought. I won, of course. She does win sometimes, though. A little talk, some things about Iowa City, a bit about here, some things that are happening. She thinks my house is quite large, which it sort of is, if no mansion either. And she thought it was quite clean. We will see when she wakes and the sun shines in. But for now, I accept the compliment.

All in all, a good first day. We will argue later. :p

Good night.

Almost proud.

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The place, if not spotless, is a different world than what it has been. No, it would not pass any close scrutiny, though as much due to the age of the kitchen area as anything else. It is not meticulously clean, it is merely clean and neat, with a few givens (my bedroom, to a degree, and the computer area). Hmm, but my bed IS made. That is almost a first here. Sassy and Sam have enough food and water for two days or more, should my return be delayed. Everything is on schedule. I have showered and trimmed my face bush back to a more pleasing whiteifer (sort of like conifer, just mostly white). I even folded one more load of laundry and have another in a near dry set up.

I am ready to head out and should be in SLC early enough to do a little shopping on my own. I may do more when she arrives and we discuss some things, or not, depending on her mood. She worked last night so she is bound to be a little grumpy and disheveled. That, in my own odd way, I can understand. So, today is up to her. She has not called, which worries me just a bit. I tried to call her but there was no answer. I will go ahead as if all is on schedule and such unless I hear otherwise. Still, it is unusual that she not call.

I best get going. Have a great day.

Not much...

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I did not get much on the list done. Done last night that is. I was up late, so not sure if I would be able to rise at 6:00. Not quite but not bad, I did get out of bed at around 6:22 or 6:15 or something like that. A cup of coffee, some wake up time on the machine, and I was at it by 9:00 or so. The bathroom is ready, minus the fixtures. I have not had time to tinker with that, though I may see if bending a rod will fix the thing, at least for now. If not, I will have to drain it and measure everything, then buy replacements. Why tinker around. It might save a little money to just fix one problem, but if there is a problem, I would rather fix the whole thing than be tinkering with it endlessly as various other parts break. The dishes are done and put away, the floor is swept though the felines with their penchant for the litter box will dirty it before I can return. Several loads of laundry have been completed, with one in the wash and one in the dryer. Oh, and I finally VACUUMED! Plus it did not kill me. Still hate doing that, but it is done. Other little tasks have been seen to as well, including stocking her bathroom with towels and ensuring she has toilet paper. Further, I cleaned up this (the computer) room. It is not enclosed enough to actually be a room all by itself, it is a through room from the front door to the living room, without an interior door. My work station remains the cluttered mess that I use for organization, but that is just the tiny corner desk upon which the computer sits. People will simply have to deal with that.

I might do a few odds and ends yet though. But the main presentation of my home is as ready as it gets. A few boxes I tucked into my room may go upstairs. A few boxes in there should have gone upstairs long ago anyway. A shower and perhaps neatening my beard would be good. And maybe I can finish most of the laundry. My goal is to be out by noon, I have about an hour and a half. Wow, I can actually do some work. Sometimes I even calculate well. Then again, I have been tinkering at it. I knew, though, that getting things too ready too soon would simply not work as the place would be a mess again in no time.

It is snowing, or was a bit ago. Large flakes, huge flakes actually. I should be fine. Part of the reason I chose the Xterra was winter mobility. Ice is one thing, but this is not ice. They do a pretty good job of keeping the roads open here. Well, a bit more work, a shower, and...

Later!

As always, the work goes on.

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Slowly, as usual. The place will not be put together perfectly for the arrival. I have done much, and will do a few more things before I am finished. Her bed is made, clean sheets, pillowcases, and blankets were used. The kitchen has been swept a final time, the kitty litter boxes have been cleaned. I still need to finish a small pile of dishes, prepare her bathroom, finish a bit of laundry, and vacuum. Yes, vacuum indeed. If something gets skipped, it will be that. But I mean to not skip anything. Of course, it will still not pass muster. It should, though, be enough.

So many other things I would have liked to have done. I simply am not working at full capacity, or close to it. In time, perhaps, as money is less of an issue and some things I want done are completed which are all sort of dependent on money and to a degree knowledge and confidence, life will be smoother when visitors come in. For one thing, I will probably just pay a service to clean in preparation. I am a poor cleaner. So, if given the choice, I would rather offer money than effort for something I do poorly at any rate.

A few more things tonight, a few in the morning, and I should be ready. I do wish it was better, but what I have to offer will have to do. Good night.

Huh?

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I sleep in for the last two days after staying up not even all that late. Okay, I get that, a pattern thing, maybe worse a trend. So I stay up really outrageously late (comparatively), set my coffee to go off at 8:30 instead of 5:45 and... I wake up right at 6:00 with the alarm. I feel like I get beat up then allowed to rest, in front of a speeding Mack truck. I will improve, or nap later. Well, I will get to taste hot coffee. But not for a while.

You thought I had something more on my mind? I am surprised I had that on my mind let alone that I also had a notion to blog it. You did not hire me for talent or such. Oh? You fire me? You cannot fire me, I quit! Wait, my pay! Blah. Hmm, if you double my pay... nay, triple... I will stay. Goose eggs cubed, equal exactly the same as always. Good day.

Working late.

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I actually work better when nearing the end of my wake cycle. Which is not a good thing. It leads to staying up later and later until I ruin my schedule. There seems little I can do about it, but it is something new I realized. Perhaps I can figure something else out. Coffee does not seem to help get me started in the morning, or afternoon for that matter. It just seems easier to get to things about the time I should be going to bed.

I finished the dishes but created more. I cooked the beef tongue. I only added a bit of spice, as the pressure cooker enhances whatever you add. Until I get more practiced, I will be a bit careful. A quarter to a half a teaspoon of salt, about a teaspoon of garlic powder, and two bay leaves. I also cut 2 onions into slices for a base and used a beer for the liquid. The tongue was easy to skin, I also removed a small amount of odd tissue, but the rest of it was fine. I sliced about half of it, thinly. I had to have a sandwich using some of the meat, and tasted some by itself. It has a bit of a sweet and sour feel, oddly. It was good enough, and quite tender. It is a bit different of a meat. I plan on making gravy with the juices, storing that in a bowl near the already stored meats, and then going to bed.

I will make sandwiches, as I suggested, on my trip to SLC to pick up my lady friend. I do not know if she will be interested, but they will be there and I will eat my sandwich or two. If nothing else, I will have done something I said I was going to do. As well, we will have homemade cold cuts during her stay. I am curious how the gravy will turn out. If it has a simple beefy flavor and is not over salted, I will be quite pleased. Well, I best get too that then to bed. I am up way late.

Good night.