Not too bad.

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Speaking with the doctors, I knew they would try to argue me out of dropping as much as I wanted. And I let them. Of course, only on a temporary basis. If two weeks at their suggested intermediate step-down of dosage doesn't allow me to gain function, I will kick it down some more. My problem is that, as it cools, it is already going to be more difficult to step up, physically. Hikes are on my list of things to do, though, so the cool might be just fine. Actually, if I regain my weatherproof design, cold won't be a problem so long as there is no snow. The snow, here, when we get it, arrives in feet more than in inches. I don't currently have a means of being mobile in a deep snow. The only skis that are readily available for rental are either flat country cross country or downhill. One is boring as can be (or terrifying if you try downhill with them), the other doesn't seem like all that much exercise for the cost. Anyway, I will try their dosage for two weeks. Otherwise I will kick it down another notch and try, from their, to become more active again.

I found two restaurants I had wanted to sample. I had a meal at each. From what I can tell, so far, I would say they both stand up to their reputation. I had no problem finding them this time and I know why I couldn't find one of them last time I looked. Actually, both of them. One of them is on a side street, while the map sort of shows it on the main street nearby. You have to look up the side street (just a bit, but enough that it was by chance I saw it even this time and it's only visible coming one way (opposite of the way I came last time as well). The other place was not open to traffic across (over) the freeway the last time I was there. Both are now found and locked away. And, by the way, after I took all the time to write the instructions and draw my little map? I remembered it, in that I remembered where it was. I left it right where I wrote it. Maps, directions, and grocery lists all get remembered that way. But hey, without stopping to ask or fumbling at all, I found the places, and the book store.

Oh, finding the bookstore was not as difficult as it seemed. I thought, from the map, that it would be "right chere". Nope, it was in an outdoor sort of mall complex (sort of nifty, actually, like those ski resorts). Anyway, finding the bookstore once I got in wasn't the problem, it was figuring out where I could park that was sort of a pain. Done and done. I headed over to the mall map, figure out where I am, where the bookstore should me... nope... Ah, up. Two story affair. Right there, but now to figure out how to get to it. Stairs, escalator was closer though (if I disfavor those, I am running out of juice, so shorter trumps favoritism). On my way to the escalators though, I spot a chef store. NO! I have been avoiding such places. And it has been a long time since I spent a small fortune on anything. Ah well, my will was weak. I went in. Loverly place. Nothing I need, I kept reminding myself. But, maybe just a timer, so I can get in their system. I grab one. I just want to... look a little more. No! But, there it is, another specialty All-Clad piece, for braising meats more easily (domed lid, the whole thing in stainless, which is my kit). It is 40% off. NO! Ah well, it has been years since I shelled out on my hobby. So I grab it and head to the counter. Every woman in that store, and her children if she had them, thought the same thing and beat me to the punch. *grumble* *women* *grump* *kids* *grump* *luck* Bah! So, I get up there and the guy says, you know, we have a slightly larger one on sale for slight less. Oh? Yes, you have a 9", we have a 10", same domed, stainless, for $6 less. Alrighty then! So, I have a 10" skillet with a domed lid. *sigh* But, but, but...

I escaped with having not bought most of what I wanted, then headed to the book store. Barnes and Nobles it was. The place was huge. I tried to figure out this from that but had no clue. I tried to look lost but it took a while for the one floor lass to see me in distress and ask if I was as lost as I looked. Why yes, now that you mention it. I gave her a brief description of my need, of course, a book for dummies, solar power dummies to be specific. Ah, so she looked it up, and gave me a cue to follow. Not a difficult task, mind you. Just... sayin'. There it was, the only one in stock. The only book regarding solar power I could find. And, right beside it, "The Encyclopedia of Country Living". NO! How much have I spent on meals and at the cookery store? Letma see... There was, and, oh and the, plus tip, then the... Wait! I'm not a fucking accountant! What do I know. So I grabbed the book for dummies (I did notice a book for dummy accountants too... but... nah... then I couldn't do this stuff) and headed for the checkout. I paid and headed out. There I was with another All-Clad, a timer, the dummy book, and yes, the encyclopedia. *sigh* Hush. I'm not an accountant, not even a dummy one.

I thought about running back into town to deposit a check, get an oil change, and deposit my coins. I flipped a rigged coin, and of course, lost. I am bushed. Tomorrow, perhaps. If I wake similarly to how I woke today. Today I woke last night. Well, even close to that, say if I wake at 1:00, 3:00, even 5:00, I should be able to get into town and work on things. The missionaries are returning for a visit in the afternoon. I have read their pamphlet and have some questions. Something about a prophet to lead them, but... To my understanding, Christ was the last prophet. We may have individual prophecies, for us alone, but the prophetic age is over. Prophets will return, but it will not be new prophets, but Elijah and some of the others, near the end times, and then the greatest of prophets will return as King. Prophets, by the way, never lead. They were usually listened to in hard times, but when the threat was over, down a well, over a cliff, or death by stoning (or crucifixion for the greatest of them). Just some thoughts.

Well, it is probably about time for bed. A brief examination of the rest of your works and maybe some news. But, a stripping of all things hot, boots, socks, jeans, and turning on the fan in the bedroom to get the place chilling, then a read. Yeah! Oh yes. Be right back. Then later. Or, something like that. Again, hush!