.
.
Yep. I got in, of course as I mentioned, and got my tux. Even with losing my wallet I still had time in a three hour range to: grab a bite to eat on my way home; get home and get a shower and shave; get dressed; turn the water to my house off again then get re-dressed into the tux et. al.; make sure I had all my paperwork, cards, and money; make it to the Church; and finally fill out the final form to enter the 4th degree. That was from starting here at 9:38 (woke at 9:30, forgot to set the alarm last night!), with an hour or more worth of driving, and ending up at the Church at 13:00 (early, actually). All of this, from the tux rental to a half dozen other things, calls, and such, all coming to fruition between Thursday evening and today. That chainsaw put some pep in my step? No, it was there, that is how I got the saw.
As for today, I did much more than what I had thought would happen. I, of course, entered the 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus. But, in that path or along the path I: went to confession (luckily it was going on and I was 'notified', it was needed); joined the 4th; went to Mass; got a picture taken with me in a tux; and had a wonderful meal with a bunch of other Catholic KoC'ers and their lovely wives. Oh, did I mention (not with wives of course) I enjoyed some bit of flirtation with a number of (I think) single women throughout my last few days.
Why the KoC? Many reasons. One of them is that, though it is a family organization, it is a men's family organization. I miss the service, for that aspect. Especially those times I served on submarines. What is it, and it goes easily for women in general... How can I miss you if you are still here!? :) But it is for the potential for service, too. Sure, I have been falling down. But come on, it took me two years to find a house after four years of getting the gumption to move. I... take time. I will do what I may.
Glad it's over? Only the short notice part of it. Though, about something coming up very quickly? You never get the time to become jittery about it. You simply are moving on too many things to have time to worry. So, there was that. What I need to figure out, now, is how to make those oaths mean something. And to find my place in there. At least there isn't really any... competition. If you can, you do. If you can't, you don't. I need to figure out what I can and can't do. We will see with me feeling better.
I might even post my knighting picture. Oh, right, I need to find the site where the photographer works with that and get on the mailing list so that I can pull it down (and let my mother know so she can see). For you men out there, find a men's group. And if your church or other organizations don't have one, ask why not. Demand it. We need our time to be the men/boys we are without worry about competing for women's attention or worrying about their approval. Get on that. And, if you are a Christian, best to understand that you are slowly being outlawed. Best to have some connections within the Church. Just... saying.
I realize I am not a great Catholic. I am not a great KoC. I just am one. And where I can lend a hand, a thought, or some coin, I will do so. I am thinking, do to my many failings, of supplying the funds for a fundraiser in the fall, perhaps. Depends on some other things, of course. But "the fall" is a nice... vague... timeline. I would like to provide the food, or money for a raffle (cash actually makes a great raffle prize), to make up for my otherwise lackadaisical performance. Yeah, it does make a difference. It doesn't matter what you do (on the good side), just that you do something. Of course, now that I am doing better, I might want to also check out some of the things I have said I would do, too. Me and my stupid big mouth! :P But, I actually want to do those things. It's... just the idea.
Oh, I did tell the guys I am hoping to find a wife. I told them about dating a 25 year old. I got sideways glances and some notion of cradle-robbing and I just looked side-ways back and suggested... And? Most smiled, a few just seemed shocked. Oh yes, boys and girls. If I find even a 20 year old, maybe an 18 year old... I'll swing at that for the long haul. Even if I play nice about finding a 30-something, don't even think my alligator tears about the whole project mean a thing. The tales of great Ulysses indeed, my own version mind you.
Now, for some past life I am setting aside, as much as I can, as time goes by. I'll show you musically.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Tripping, flipping, and looking funny.
.
.
Nothing goes just right. As soon as one accident is dealt with or averted, another pops up. I used to think I merely had spells of bad luck. I think I am more of the school, these days, that after being down for weeks or months I simply lack some things that help keep things sane. On the other hand, I have some native abilities that makes learning to walk, talk, and do even possible. Not many people can lay around for weeks, months, even years, then pop up and get going at even the pace I go. I do this, and I do it often.
Anyway, after nearly missing a meeting at the tux shop to discuss a few things and get some verbal instructions due to having to figure out how to use the t-bar key to open the water valve (wasn't as easy as it looked and I didn't know which way, precisely, it was to turn). Yeah, yeah, righty tighty, lefty loosey, but that doesn't always work (and didn't seem to be working at first, either... it was just cranky and touchy... must be female). Of course, I had forgotten to turn my alarm on so I was sprinting out the door just in time to otherwise meet my contact, not including getting water on for a shower. Didn't know if the other water heater would be warm still, so... Never mind. But I have a flood to deal with tonight, again. C'est La Vie.
Too much to figure out and do on the fly, while already late, in preparation for a big event as well. Did it, though. See what I mean about coming back to life? Anyway. I called the fellow I was to meet. He thought he could divert to the post office first, making meeting just right without interfering with his plans. As was, I had just showed up and was getting things arranged when he walked in. Spot on. Even if I lost (track of) my wallet and spent a half hour chasing it down (tux pants pocket, from when trying it on, argh!).
Now I have to take a shower, turn off the house water, get in the tux, fill out the form, and be to Church (a half hour drive)... in about an hour. Fie! Still, when this is complete I will be ready for next week. No time hoops to leap through, no rush, but plenty to do. Hmm, and I thought women just made up drama. I guess some of it MIGHT be real. heh
Good day.
.
Nothing goes just right. As soon as one accident is dealt with or averted, another pops up. I used to think I merely had spells of bad luck. I think I am more of the school, these days, that after being down for weeks or months I simply lack some things that help keep things sane. On the other hand, I have some native abilities that makes learning to walk, talk, and do even possible. Not many people can lay around for weeks, months, even years, then pop up and get going at even the pace I go. I do this, and I do it often.
Anyway, after nearly missing a meeting at the tux shop to discuss a few things and get some verbal instructions due to having to figure out how to use the t-bar key to open the water valve (wasn't as easy as it looked and I didn't know which way, precisely, it was to turn). Yeah, yeah, righty tighty, lefty loosey, but that doesn't always work (and didn't seem to be working at first, either... it was just cranky and touchy... must be female). Of course, I had forgotten to turn my alarm on so I was sprinting out the door just in time to otherwise meet my contact, not including getting water on for a shower. Didn't know if the other water heater would be warm still, so... Never mind. But I have a flood to deal with tonight, again. C'est La Vie.
Too much to figure out and do on the fly, while already late, in preparation for a big event as well. Did it, though. See what I mean about coming back to life? Anyway. I called the fellow I was to meet. He thought he could divert to the post office first, making meeting just right without interfering with his plans. As was, I had just showed up and was getting things arranged when he walked in. Spot on. Even if I lost (track of) my wallet and spent a half hour chasing it down (tux pants pocket, from when trying it on, argh!).
Now I have to take a shower, turn off the house water, get in the tux, fill out the form, and be to Church (a half hour drive)... in about an hour. Fie! Still, when this is complete I will be ready for next week. No time hoops to leap through, no rush, but plenty to do. Hmm, and I thought women just made up drama. I guess some of it MIGHT be real. heh
Good day.
Friday, April 13, 2012
How is that for moving and shaking?
.
.
I did make it to my friend's place, with a movie. He enjoyed "Soldier" a great deal. I like it because it describes how I felt about my first five years out of the service, for whatever reason. I told him as much. I also told him I have to be careful with... people. I can hurt them, or kill them, very easily. Never mind. It's just there. Sometimes it hurts to watch that movie, but I like it anyway.
It's past bedtime though. I have things to do in the morning, and all day really. It might be a bit of a test. Let the testing begin. I am looking forward to this, though I wish I had been able to attend the last meeting too. The next one, pretty much for sure, if it kills me. Though I think I am in the season for success. Unless I just keel over and die. Rictus grins, in that case. Life is good, death will be good too, in it's due time.
Bah! I'll have women on my mind even when I die! Click on the picture if you... don't quite get it.
Good night.
.
I did make it to my friend's place, with a movie. He enjoyed "Soldier" a great deal. I like it because it describes how I felt about my first five years out of the service, for whatever reason. I told him as much. I also told him I have to be careful with... people. I can hurt them, or kill them, very easily. Never mind. It's just there. Sometimes it hurts to watch that movie, but I like it anyway.
It's past bedtime though. I have things to do in the morning, and all day really. It might be a bit of a test. Let the testing begin. I am looking forward to this, though I wish I had been able to attend the last meeting too. The next one, pretty much for sure, if it kills me. Though I think I am in the season for success. Unless I just keel over and die. Rictus grins, in that case. Life is good, death will be good too, in it's due time.
Bah! I'll have women on my mind even when I die! Click on the picture if you... don't quite get it.
Good night.
Trouble isn't always bad.
.
.
Thinking about what has happened these last few days I can easily see inconvenience. But I also saw a problem becoming a stumbling block leading into some decent work, a bit of research, the promise (need) of more work, and solutions. If this had happened at another time I am not sure I could have risen to it, either. Between timing coinciding with current ability, plus a number of problems about to be solved, I really can't complain. I am even doing other things I wanted and needed to do that don't pertain to the main "problem". Many on very short notice.
I am not even just "looking for the good side of things" here either. I simply am fine with what has happened and what is happening. Though perhaps this will... push me to be a bit more proactive in home repair. To be honest I was nervous, even afraid, to mess with the electrical, even to messing with the switches. I still am, a bit, but I see that, so far, nothing has exploded, caught fire, or such... yet?
Beside probably getting the tankless water heater in, if that isn't my preferred it is free and here and now, I have: Mopped the bathroom floor. Learned how to shut off that particular circuit (and the oven). Made contacts in town and working on more. Done a good deal of manual labor (my mop is ooc, so my mopping involved drenching then wringing out old (and some new I should be honest) towels. Going further, the water did soak into the carpeting in my bedroom. Which, to my mind, demands a wet-vac device. I will probably let it dry out some on it's own, and buy some carpet freshener while it does so. But that chore is sorely needed. While doing the bedroom I might as well do the living room too. And I think I am up to it next week. And, further along, I may even end up getting to redo the bathroom. At least a bit of it.
The shower will stay, as will the toilet (though maybe with a new wax ring since it will probably have to be removed for a bit). But the vanity will probably go, along with the old mirror in there. The sub-flooring and covering will probably go too. I can do those things, I was just twitchy about the hot water heater. Though from what I hear, that isn't so much of a problem as it might seem, as long as you know which switch to turn off. I should have a lot more room in the bathroom when I am finished. The current vanity runs the length of one wall save the space needed for a smaller water heater (short but just as large diameter as standard). It would be nice to have a dressing chair/bench in there and a more minor vanity. Money, money, money, but... probably much less than I had feared, especially if it do most of it myself. Oh, and I will be looking at adding a drain. Probably not hooked up to the actual plumbing, for now. Just somewhere for back-up water to go that doesn't include my bedroom carpeting. As well, the new floor material, if I can do so, will go up the wall just a bit, so that water isn't so much of an issue and actual real mopping is much easier. At least I know the bathroom floor is lower and has a deeper spot, useful for just what a floor drain would do.
I will probably be heading into town again today, to get some cash and to see my friend. Telling the tales of Great Ulysses is one of the benefits of "heroic" deeds. Well, if you know how to stretch the mundane nature of dealing with a minor household problem. And I do. At least in my mind. Tomorrow is just too busy for me to make it in and I told him I would try to make it in before week's end. A movie, "Soldier" I do believe, maybe I'll bring some things to eat, whatever.
Work is a gift, at least when you can. And that is simply and honestly how I see this mess. Hmm, somehow it reminds me of women. They have been on my mind a great deal as I am getting better. I've definitely got women on the brain... which makes everything seem like a... mess? Heh. Love you dolls. All good.
Good day.
.
Thinking about what has happened these last few days I can easily see inconvenience. But I also saw a problem becoming a stumbling block leading into some decent work, a bit of research, the promise (need) of more work, and solutions. If this had happened at another time I am not sure I could have risen to it, either. Between timing coinciding with current ability, plus a number of problems about to be solved, I really can't complain. I am even doing other things I wanted and needed to do that don't pertain to the main "problem". Many on very short notice.
I am not even just "looking for the good side of things" here either. I simply am fine with what has happened and what is happening. Though perhaps this will... push me to be a bit more proactive in home repair. To be honest I was nervous, even afraid, to mess with the electrical, even to messing with the switches. I still am, a bit, but I see that, so far, nothing has exploded, caught fire, or such... yet?
Beside probably getting the tankless water heater in, if that isn't my preferred it is free and here and now, I have: Mopped the bathroom floor. Learned how to shut off that particular circuit (and the oven). Made contacts in town and working on more. Done a good deal of manual labor (my mop is ooc, so my mopping involved drenching then wringing out old (and some new I should be honest) towels. Going further, the water did soak into the carpeting in my bedroom. Which, to my mind, demands a wet-vac device. I will probably let it dry out some on it's own, and buy some carpet freshener while it does so. But that chore is sorely needed. While doing the bedroom I might as well do the living room too. And I think I am up to it next week. And, further along, I may even end up getting to redo the bathroom. At least a bit of it.
The shower will stay, as will the toilet (though maybe with a new wax ring since it will probably have to be removed for a bit). But the vanity will probably go, along with the old mirror in there. The sub-flooring and covering will probably go too. I can do those things, I was just twitchy about the hot water heater. Though from what I hear, that isn't so much of a problem as it might seem, as long as you know which switch to turn off. I should have a lot more room in the bathroom when I am finished. The current vanity runs the length of one wall save the space needed for a smaller water heater (short but just as large diameter as standard). It would be nice to have a dressing chair/bench in there and a more minor vanity. Money, money, money, but... probably much less than I had feared, especially if it do most of it myself. Oh, and I will be looking at adding a drain. Probably not hooked up to the actual plumbing, for now. Just somewhere for back-up water to go that doesn't include my bedroom carpeting. As well, the new floor material, if I can do so, will go up the wall just a bit, so that water isn't so much of an issue and actual real mopping is much easier. At least I know the bathroom floor is lower and has a deeper spot, useful for just what a floor drain would do.
I will probably be heading into town again today, to get some cash and to see my friend. Telling the tales of Great Ulysses is one of the benefits of "heroic" deeds. Well, if you know how to stretch the mundane nature of dealing with a minor household problem. And I do. At least in my mind. Tomorrow is just too busy for me to make it in and I told him I would try to make it in before week's end. A movie, "Soldier" I do believe, maybe I'll bring some things to eat, whatever.
Work is a gift, at least when you can. And that is simply and honestly how I see this mess. Hmm, somehow it reminds me of women. They have been on my mind a great deal as I am getting better. I've definitely got women on the brain... which makes everything seem like a... mess? Heh. Love you dolls. All good.
Good day.
Well, things are happening, despite the day.
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.
Friday the 13th? Should have known. I got in and did some business with the city. I've been late paying them, so I think I got caught up, then gave them post-dated checks to keep me caught up for about six months. I asked about help with turning off the water (which ended up being quite simple, I was off by just one foot). Never mind. So the water, for now, is off. I found a plumber, a local one, and am waiting for a return call. Then I made it into town and reserved a tux. That didn't go quite as planned, either. They needed a credit card to officially hold it. I, of course, had my checkbook but not my wallet. Which meant I had to drive home to get the card in on time so I couldn't stop in and see my friend. Perhaps tomorrow after the ceremony, though it will be late. Ugh.
I am still a bit grumpy from lack of sleep. The thing woke me... whenever, what, 1:00 or so? Then I kept getting up to check on it. I have done tons of work getting the water up. Hmm, I might be able to pick some of the water up again, then try draining the heater again. Of course I will have to do more sopping and wringing after that, due to how leaky the draining technique is. But do I want to drain it knowing I will need to turn the water on for a shower tomorrow, meaning that the tank will refill? No, I suppose not. But a little more sopping after a bit of rest wouldn't be all bad.
*shrug* It happens.
Later.
.
Friday the 13th? Should have known. I got in and did some business with the city. I've been late paying them, so I think I got caught up, then gave them post-dated checks to keep me caught up for about six months. I asked about help with turning off the water (which ended up being quite simple, I was off by just one foot). Never mind. So the water, for now, is off. I found a plumber, a local one, and am waiting for a return call. Then I made it into town and reserved a tux. That didn't go quite as planned, either. They needed a credit card to officially hold it. I, of course, had my checkbook but not my wallet. Which meant I had to drive home to get the card in on time so I couldn't stop in and see my friend. Perhaps tomorrow after the ceremony, though it will be late. Ugh.
I am still a bit grumpy from lack of sleep. The thing woke me... whenever, what, 1:00 or so? Then I kept getting up to check on it. I have done tons of work getting the water up. Hmm, I might be able to pick some of the water up again, then try draining the heater again. Of course I will have to do more sopping and wringing after that, due to how leaky the draining technique is. But do I want to drain it knowing I will need to turn the water on for a shower tomorrow, meaning that the tank will refill? No, I suppose not. But a little more sopping after a bit of rest wouldn't be all bad.
*shrug* It happens.
Later.
Just about positive.
.
.
The water that is coming out is cold. I was able to get the tank to drain, unfortunately it is not emptying. Simply put the water valve must not close. I tried it both ways, just in case someone didn't know righty-tighty. Which means, after a run into town to attempt to set up for a tux, I might as well just call around for a plumber at this point. I Could shut off the water to the whole house. I know where that is. Then I Could actually empty the tank. But then I would be stuck with the water off. UNLESS I wanted to risk soldering in a new valve. All while suspecting that the tank has gone to appliance heaven, everything will have to be rearranged (so new is on the way anyway), and without any certainty of skill in these matters. No, I think I will call a plumber. I doubt if I will see him until Monday, Tuesday, perhaps even next Friday. It won't be a rush order, I have another bathroom.
I did sop up most of the water. Of course, while draining, more water came out. I don't know if the leak is continuing, but the drain hose was as leaky as any such device I could have imagined. Oh, no, it was on tight. It just didn't matter. Both the female to male connection leaked and the hose itself seems to have been shot through with shotgun pellets. But it is what I had and I was trying to get ahead of the game. Simply not catching any breaks on this, home-made or otherwise. Still, as far as a novice goes, I did give it a relatively reasonable go.
Now, to shower and get to town for a fitting so I can try and get that part of my life arranged, hopefully before noon. If all goes well I will at least stop in and visit with my friend. I need a nerve tonic, and that's what friends are. Or... can be. You know, that bottle of cask-strength Scotch I've been neglecting might share out some of it's delight this evening. Oh, I don't overdo, not when bottles cost at least $80, and that was a few years ago. A couple of shots, some filtered water, some crushed ice, my proper sipping glass, and my feet up. I think that should do the trick and ease me up for tomorrow's version of wind sprints, whatever they may be.
Later.
.
The water that is coming out is cold. I was able to get the tank to drain, unfortunately it is not emptying. Simply put the water valve must not close. I tried it both ways, just in case someone didn't know righty-tighty. Which means, after a run into town to attempt to set up for a tux, I might as well just call around for a plumber at this point. I Could shut off the water to the whole house. I know where that is. Then I Could actually empty the tank. But then I would be stuck with the water off. UNLESS I wanted to risk soldering in a new valve. All while suspecting that the tank has gone to appliance heaven, everything will have to be rearranged (so new is on the way anyway), and without any certainty of skill in these matters. No, I think I will call a plumber. I doubt if I will see him until Monday, Tuesday, perhaps even next Friday. It won't be a rush order, I have another bathroom.
I did sop up most of the water. Of course, while draining, more water came out. I don't know if the leak is continuing, but the drain hose was as leaky as any such device I could have imagined. Oh, no, it was on tight. It just didn't matter. Both the female to male connection leaked and the hose itself seems to have been shot through with shotgun pellets. But it is what I had and I was trying to get ahead of the game. Simply not catching any breaks on this, home-made or otherwise. Still, as far as a novice goes, I did give it a relatively reasonable go.
Now, to shower and get to town for a fitting so I can try and get that part of my life arranged, hopefully before noon. If all goes well I will at least stop in and visit with my friend. I need a nerve tonic, and that's what friends are. Or... can be. You know, that bottle of cask-strength Scotch I've been neglecting might share out some of it's delight this evening. Oh, I don't overdo, not when bottles cost at least $80, and that was a few years ago. A couple of shots, some filtered water, some crushed ice, my proper sipping glass, and my feet up. I think that should do the trick and ease me up for tomorrow's version of wind sprints, whatever they may be.
Later.
I think I got the right breaker.
.
.
This morning at about 7:00... something... I got up. Technically I had to go to the bathroom though really on most mornings I would roll back over for such a minor yearning. It was more that I wanted to check things. As to why I didn't try to run the hot water out last night? I didn't use the release valve because that almost looked like it was causing more water to somehow back up onto the floor, even though it is piped through the floor. I just didn't like that. Anyway, I ran the hot water out at 7:00ish and the hot water heater didn't seem to begin heating water back up, so I shut off the cold water inlet valve. I really thought about drilling a hole in the floor to let the water drain through. I'm just not sure what is under that floor. Electrical? Pipes? Metal would be fine (mostly), but the pvc could get chewed up. And if water is somehow, incredibly, up to the floor in there, it wouldn't help. Couldn't be, but I can't get the notion out of my head.
As I was turning off the water I got a call saying that I might still be able to join the fourth degree. I need to check the tuxedo rental store then call the actual guy who is performing the ceremony to let him know if we can move on or if I must wait. This is how life is for everyone else, I think. Juggling pickles, eggs, and maybe a family and job too. Every time I take half a step further into responsibility I am humbled by the notion of those who do it every day and have done it most of their lives. Money helps, but only just so far. It would be nice to be able to call a plumber or electrician at the first sign of trouble. But many can't do that. And even those who know how to do it might not be able to do so, needing to get to work. Yeah, and sometimes keeping your neck above water seems to be less proverbial than other times, nyet? Well, okay, it might take more than two inches of water to go under but you know what I mean.
I will have to see if I can drain the darned thing, if it will drain. If not I will have to work on getting it to drain first. Once drained, I could try to find more about what might be the problem. While the drain spout is dry, there is a gasket which could be the problem. I would like to check the rod(s). While I have it down and empty it would be good to tinker. I might even find a $20 gasket problem rather than having to pay $200 for an installation. I simply don't know. I already called the local tux shop, the phone number was provided in the call I received. They aren't open yet. I may hump it back to the sack for another hour of shut-eye. This up and down all night has got me a bit blurry eyed and grumpy...
Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Sad, but my cats have zero fear. Even when I try to sound scary, they just come over, walk on me, and look for treats. Unless I get the vet cat cage out, at which time I have an idea of what the deck of the Titanic might have resembled when there was a rumor an open life raft was available on the other side of the deck. How only two cats can suddenly resemble a clowder of them, both coming and seemingly going at the same time, I can't say for sure. But there it is. Later.
.
This morning at about 7:00... something... I got up. Technically I had to go to the bathroom though really on most mornings I would roll back over for such a minor yearning. It was more that I wanted to check things. As to why I didn't try to run the hot water out last night? I didn't use the release valve because that almost looked like it was causing more water to somehow back up onto the floor, even though it is piped through the floor. I just didn't like that. Anyway, I ran the hot water out at 7:00ish and the hot water heater didn't seem to begin heating water back up, so I shut off the cold water inlet valve. I really thought about drilling a hole in the floor to let the water drain through. I'm just not sure what is under that floor. Electrical? Pipes? Metal would be fine (mostly), but the pvc could get chewed up. And if water is somehow, incredibly, up to the floor in there, it wouldn't help. Couldn't be, but I can't get the notion out of my head.
As I was turning off the water I got a call saying that I might still be able to join the fourth degree. I need to check the tuxedo rental store then call the actual guy who is performing the ceremony to let him know if we can move on or if I must wait. This is how life is for everyone else, I think. Juggling pickles, eggs, and maybe a family and job too. Every time I take half a step further into responsibility I am humbled by the notion of those who do it every day and have done it most of their lives. Money helps, but only just so far. It would be nice to be able to call a plumber or electrician at the first sign of trouble. But many can't do that. And even those who know how to do it might not be able to do so, needing to get to work. Yeah, and sometimes keeping your neck above water seems to be less proverbial than other times, nyet? Well, okay, it might take more than two inches of water to go under but you know what I mean.
I will have to see if I can drain the darned thing, if it will drain. If not I will have to work on getting it to drain first. Once drained, I could try to find more about what might be the problem. While the drain spout is dry, there is a gasket which could be the problem. I would like to check the rod(s). While I have it down and empty it would be good to tinker. I might even find a $20 gasket problem rather than having to pay $200 for an installation. I simply don't know. I already called the local tux shop, the phone number was provided in the call I received. They aren't open yet. I may hump it back to the sack for another hour of shut-eye. This up and down all night has got me a bit blurry eyed and grumpy...
Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Sad, but my cats have zero fear. Even when I try to sound scary, they just come over, walk on me, and look for treats. Unless I get the vet cat cage out, at which time I have an idea of what the deck of the Titanic might have resembled when there was a rumor an open life raft was available on the other side of the deck. How only two cats can suddenly resemble a clowder of them, both coming and seemingly going at the same time, I can't say for sure. But there it is. Later.
Maybe?
.
.
After a half dozen more sites I found one that was more clear if still wrong. It suggested a double 40a or 50a switch for the water heater. Mine, in the on-suite bathroom, is a smaller heater. Further, I noted that I only have two double pulls in the switch box, both are double 30a switches. As well, the biggest switches I have, anywhere, are 30 amps. From the site I saw this on, the only other item that might take a double 30a switch is the stove. And, yep, one of the switches turned off the stove. Hopefully that means the other switch is for the problem water heater. It is off, at this point. Of course, the water heater keeps gurgling and hissing. Of course. And I don't trust it to be off, they might well have configured two 30a switches instead of using a doublepole switch. Perhaps it only even takes two 20a switches. I simply don't know. There is no written guide in the box. So I don't think it wise to turn off the water quite yet. Ugh!
After that, a bit more research lead me to believe the problem probably is the water heater itself, as the source of the leak and therefore needing replaced (pipes don't seem to be leaking and drain valve seems dry, though after turning the cold water inlet off, then back on when I rethought things, it started to leak so probably needs changed too). It is old, probably quite old from the looks of things and after having done minor research on it the last time it dumped water on the floor and coming up empty as to information on it. It may simply be easier to get a plumber/electrician in to look at the mess. While I don't like it, I may actually go ahead and, if replacement is the thing, have him put in the tankless water heater, for now. I don't think installation would be much more or less, it would save me buying a new water heater right now though. In time, perhaps, if it simply isn't up to the task, I could, when money has collected a bit again, change it out. Perhaps knowing a bit more from watching I might even consider doing it myself if it is needed.
Crap, but I hate this. It is a bit (way too!) wet to be crawling under the house, right now, too. But I may end up having to replace the bathroom flooring. Honestly though that was on the menu if I had hoped to merely be replacing the linoleum or whatever it is. The tankless water heater would make that much easier to do, as well. Since it will be wall mounted, making floor work much easier to work on/with. Problems sometimes bring more solutions than first considered. I can tell though that the floor has been flooded before, and several times, before I moved in. They knew that water heater was a problem, probably why they bought the tankless. Why they never installed it? Money. Always comes down to money. Or time? One of the two, often both.
I don't know that there is anything I can actually do more than what I have done tonight. I need to get some sleep, too. I didn't wake up easily, it seems being a homeowner doesn't allow one to rest well with problems going on is all. In the morning, if the hot water heater is truly off (which I will only be able to know, it seems, if I have no hot water), then I will turn off the cold water inlet and call around to see if anyone knows of a good guy to do these things. Simply it is too much for me for now. The other thing I may ask him to help me with is to get the fuse box figured out, at least roughly. As I said some time back I had planned to crawl under the house to check on plumbing and electrical this summer. But for now it is far too wet to be under there.
Good night, I hope.
.
After a half dozen more sites I found one that was more clear if still wrong. It suggested a double 40a or 50a switch for the water heater. Mine, in the on-suite bathroom, is a smaller heater. Further, I noted that I only have two double pulls in the switch box, both are double 30a switches. As well, the biggest switches I have, anywhere, are 30 amps. From the site I saw this on, the only other item that might take a double 30a switch is the stove. And, yep, one of the switches turned off the stove. Hopefully that means the other switch is for the problem water heater. It is off, at this point. Of course, the water heater keeps gurgling and hissing. Of course. And I don't trust it to be off, they might well have configured two 30a switches instead of using a doublepole switch. Perhaps it only even takes two 20a switches. I simply don't know. There is no written guide in the box. So I don't think it wise to turn off the water quite yet. Ugh!
After that, a bit more research lead me to believe the problem probably is the water heater itself, as the source of the leak and therefore needing replaced (pipes don't seem to be leaking and drain valve seems dry, though after turning the cold water inlet off, then back on when I rethought things, it started to leak so probably needs changed too). It is old, probably quite old from the looks of things and after having done minor research on it the last time it dumped water on the floor and coming up empty as to information on it. It may simply be easier to get a plumber/electrician in to look at the mess. While I don't like it, I may actually go ahead and, if replacement is the thing, have him put in the tankless water heater, for now. I don't think installation would be much more or less, it would save me buying a new water heater right now though. In time, perhaps, if it simply isn't up to the task, I could, when money has collected a bit again, change it out. Perhaps knowing a bit more from watching I might even consider doing it myself if it is needed.
Crap, but I hate this. It is a bit (way too!) wet to be crawling under the house, right now, too. But I may end up having to replace the bathroom flooring. Honestly though that was on the menu if I had hoped to merely be replacing the linoleum or whatever it is. The tankless water heater would make that much easier to do, as well. Since it will be wall mounted, making floor work much easier to work on/with. Problems sometimes bring more solutions than first considered. I can tell though that the floor has been flooded before, and several times, before I moved in. They knew that water heater was a problem, probably why they bought the tankless. Why they never installed it? Money. Always comes down to money. Or time? One of the two, often both.
I don't know that there is anything I can actually do more than what I have done tonight. I need to get some sleep, too. I didn't wake up easily, it seems being a homeowner doesn't allow one to rest well with problems going on is all. In the morning, if the hot water heater is truly off (which I will only be able to know, it seems, if I have no hot water), then I will turn off the cold water inlet and call around to see if anyone knows of a good guy to do these things. Simply it is too much for me for now. The other thing I may ask him to help me with is to get the fuse box figured out, at least roughly. As I said some time back I had planned to crawl under the house to check on plumbing and electrical this summer. But for now it is far too wet to be under there.
Good night, I hope.
Water heater problems.
.
.
I cleaned up the little mess from yesterday. Hoping the problem would go away as it has before. I did have plans to begin figuring out what to do but this time I have no time. It flooded the bathroom again. I woke for seemingly no reason at about 1:00, and for some reason checked the bathroom, to find water everywhere again. With the bathroom window and door closed, it was steamy in there. The water heater itself is gurgling and churning, possibly what woke me. The water on the floor is cold water, so... I'm just not sure.
I grabbed my flashlight and into the night I went, to look over the fuse panel. It is sprinkling outside, of course. At least it isn't a heavy rain. I came back in the house and opened the bathroom window in order that I might hear the hot water heater turn off, then I turned a few things off, to see if that would have any effect on the water heater. After switching a few of the breakers on and off I realized I would have no idea if the water heater turned off. Basically I have no idea what would tell me that the water heater was turned off. For all I know the thing will gurgle and spit for hours, regardless of whether the electricity is on or not. I also considered turning the water to the water heater off, but then reconsidered. If the things runs out of water with the elements on... not good.
A bit of research since then has yielded little of worth. Most likely, probably being 220, the heater is attached to a double pole or 30a switch (or both?). Much of the information out there is quite vague. I am continuing to look but I have no idea what to do, really. I can't even mop up since the flow seems to continue. Until I even figure out how to shut the damned thing off I have no idea what else to do. So, back to research. I'll... update later. Why always at night, on rainy nights, where you have to go outside? Bah!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Did I mention?
.
.
This morning, while waking up, I decided to fry some meat. I set the (thankfully) cast iron pan on the element, with lard, to heat up. I thought I turned my back just for a moment while tinkering with the bathroom. Usually I set an alarm, an overabundance of caution is usually my m.o. This time I didn't, and wouldn't have heard it probably anyway. Smoke! Thankfully no fire though. That white/clear lard turned into heavily used motor oil. Lard IS a spooky thing to work with, though I actually think it is safer than, say, canola or other oils. That lower smoke point the other oils have probably indicates a faster breakdown and a quicker flame temp. Still, I had better watch things a little closer. I keep a bunch of flour on hand, and I do have a couple of fire extinguishers... but those are really for... peace of mind. I don't want to ever have to use them!
While I did miss the KoC event, I realized something else is coming up. The fourth degree Knight ceremony is, I think, this weekend. Rather than wait, and have to travel to boot, plus to have it performed on home turf, I called one of the guys in charge to try and set that up. There is little time, but... maybe enough. What is fourth degree, you might ask? It is the patriotic section of the KoC. And, even with some lingering animosity towards the service, I am still quite happily American. Grump as I do, I still think this nation is the best option, if we need some serious changes. Even if it happens to be the titanic, it is better than a lifeboat, for now. Or... something along those lines. I still see hope if any fruition will be beyond my lifespan. Well, done.
Just little nagging things that had been escaping me. I am doing what I can, when I can. Even feeling a little low I am getting little bits and pieces tended. I can't know, but I have to believe that is all anyone, no matter how good they are, can do. No one just does the whole thing, all at once, without a thought or concern, without time seemingly passing them up. And everybody misses some of the things, even important ones. Some men end up with a perfect career and children who don't know them. Some end up with a great family and little else. Others have their own ways. Honestly, to end up with a family and nothing but grown children to show for it... I think is the ideal. You can't take anything to heaven, don't need it. But in time it would be nice to see family, lots of them. Or, if secular, you can't take anything to the grave, but you can leave something of yourself here, someone who remembers you (good or ill, as the saying goes, just get the name right!).
Bits and pieces. That is what it will take, that is the only way. This week has seen little and big bits and pieces. And I am not finished. Mass tomorrow, maybe some swimming, and paperwork (and tux rental if possible). Then Saturday the ceremony, then Mass, then off to see my friend. Perhaps in my tux, just to show him what a dressed up tank really looks like. Ha! Later.
.
This morning, while waking up, I decided to fry some meat. I set the (thankfully) cast iron pan on the element, with lard, to heat up. I thought I turned my back just for a moment while tinkering with the bathroom. Usually I set an alarm, an overabundance of caution is usually my m.o. This time I didn't, and wouldn't have heard it probably anyway. Smoke! Thankfully no fire though. That white/clear lard turned into heavily used motor oil. Lard IS a spooky thing to work with, though I actually think it is safer than, say, canola or other oils. That lower smoke point the other oils have probably indicates a faster breakdown and a quicker flame temp. Still, I had better watch things a little closer. I keep a bunch of flour on hand, and I do have a couple of fire extinguishers... but those are really for... peace of mind. I don't want to ever have to use them!
While I did miss the KoC event, I realized something else is coming up. The fourth degree Knight ceremony is, I think, this weekend. Rather than wait, and have to travel to boot, plus to have it performed on home turf, I called one of the guys in charge to try and set that up. There is little time, but... maybe enough. What is fourth degree, you might ask? It is the patriotic section of the KoC. And, even with some lingering animosity towards the service, I am still quite happily American. Grump as I do, I still think this nation is the best option, if we need some serious changes. Even if it happens to be the titanic, it is better than a lifeboat, for now. Or... something along those lines. I still see hope if any fruition will be beyond my lifespan. Well, done.
Just little nagging things that had been escaping me. I am doing what I can, when I can. Even feeling a little low I am getting little bits and pieces tended. I can't know, but I have to believe that is all anyone, no matter how good they are, can do. No one just does the whole thing, all at once, without a thought or concern, without time seemingly passing them up. And everybody misses some of the things, even important ones. Some men end up with a perfect career and children who don't know them. Some end up with a great family and little else. Others have their own ways. Honestly, to end up with a family and nothing but grown children to show for it... I think is the ideal. You can't take anything to heaven, don't need it. But in time it would be nice to see family, lots of them. Or, if secular, you can't take anything to the grave, but you can leave something of yourself here, someone who remembers you (good or ill, as the saying goes, just get the name right!).
Bits and pieces. That is what it will take, that is the only way. This week has seen little and big bits and pieces. And I am not finished. Mass tomorrow, maybe some swimming, and paperwork (and tux rental if possible). Then Saturday the ceremony, then Mass, then off to see my friend. Perhaps in my tux, just to show him what a dressed up tank really looks like. Ha! Later.
A few tasks.
.
.
I have been thinking about a number of things for a long time. Among them stocking up on plastic toothpicks (can't find them locally) and ordering caffeine so that I don't have to worry so much about (or drink as much) soda. Oh, I have looked, and looked, and ordered what I thought was the right thing, and such, for the toothpicks. I simply could not find the right ones. Well, finally, today, on a whim, I gave it another shot. And right there, I think nearly the first item in the search results, there the toothpicks where! They now have micro ones (or always have but I have never seen them before). The regular ones are excellent for all over and general use, but the micro ones might be much better for meat stuck in the back teeth. The regular sized ones sort of tear it up and get bent all up trying to loosen foods from my back teeth. If you really hate to floss (or simply don't remember to do so, me... I hate flossing), then these things really help. I haven't had them for a while and it shows when I go to the dentist. When I have them I just use them after meals or even when sitting at the computer or gaming (when I'm not using my ear cleaner). If you are still into American made (which I can be, if the quality really is still there and the price reasonable), these are that. It's like flossing off-and-on all day. Your dentist WILL notice.
As for the caffeine, I found their site (5150) but am having trouble ordering. Not sure what the problem is, but... I sent a query through their system. I remember D.C. had suggested Adralin. So I also went and looked. I might order some of that, too, as a trial. Actually, I put it in my cart and will be considering things (finances). Caffeine is very hit or miss with me, as are most medications/drugs. It seems even the stuff docs give me are very hit or miss. They might not work at all until some dosage is reached or something else happens, then they can cause extreme overload. Useful dosage is variable and of a very limited range. It has been like trying to pin the tail on a bucking donkey. Still, I keep trying. If nothing else the liquid caffeine could help me cover for when I run out of other caffeinated soda and can't make it to town.
CAVEAT: I can't tell you 5150 is a great product, yet, personally. All I can say is that it is the one I have decided to give a first chance.
I had to do something, I was falling asleep. Gaming wasn't working at keeping me awake today and it was too early for a nap. Research has worked for a bit. Plus I have toothpicks on the way and a few links set up with some ongoing stuff. Not that it matters too much, but I have stayed up just a little longer. I have run out of extra time though. Nap time. I will either choose it or fail at some point. A nap before I get too tired might keep the nap at just a few hours or less and make the nap functional at allowing rest rather than being just a dead-log, pain-inducing, collapse. So, in I go. Can I haz some milk and cookies first? Bleh. Maybe I have something, an empty stomach seems to make the upset stomach worse, oddly. Later.
.
I have been thinking about a number of things for a long time. Among them stocking up on plastic toothpicks (can't find them locally) and ordering caffeine so that I don't have to worry so much about (or drink as much) soda. Oh, I have looked, and looked, and ordered what I thought was the right thing, and such, for the toothpicks. I simply could not find the right ones. Well, finally, today, on a whim, I gave it another shot. And right there, I think nearly the first item in the search results, there the toothpicks where! They now have micro ones (or always have but I have never seen them before). The regular ones are excellent for all over and general use, but the micro ones might be much better for meat stuck in the back teeth. The regular sized ones sort of tear it up and get bent all up trying to loosen foods from my back teeth. If you really hate to floss (or simply don't remember to do so, me... I hate flossing), then these things really help. I haven't had them for a while and it shows when I go to the dentist. When I have them I just use them after meals or even when sitting at the computer or gaming (when I'm not using my ear cleaner). If you are still into American made (which I can be, if the quality really is still there and the price reasonable), these are that. It's like flossing off-and-on all day. Your dentist WILL notice.
As for the caffeine, I found their site (5150) but am having trouble ordering. Not sure what the problem is, but... I sent a query through their system. I remember D.C. had suggested Adralin. So I also went and looked. I might order some of that, too, as a trial. Actually, I put it in my cart and will be considering things (finances). Caffeine is very hit or miss with me, as are most medications/drugs. It seems even the stuff docs give me are very hit or miss. They might not work at all until some dosage is reached or something else happens, then they can cause extreme overload. Useful dosage is variable and of a very limited range. It has been like trying to pin the tail on a bucking donkey. Still, I keep trying. If nothing else the liquid caffeine could help me cover for when I run out of other caffeinated soda and can't make it to town.
CAVEAT: I can't tell you 5150 is a great product, yet, personally. All I can say is that it is the one I have decided to give a first chance.
I had to do something, I was falling asleep. Gaming wasn't working at keeping me awake today and it was too early for a nap. Research has worked for a bit. Plus I have toothpicks on the way and a few links set up with some ongoing stuff. Not that it matters too much, but I have stayed up just a little longer. I have run out of extra time though. Nap time. I will either choose it or fail at some point. A nap before I get too tired might keep the nap at just a few hours or less and make the nap functional at allowing rest rather than being just a dead-log, pain-inducing, collapse. So, in I go. Can I haz some milk and cookies first? Bleh. Maybe I have something, an empty stomach seems to make the upset stomach worse, oddly. Later.
Rough day.
.
.
I woke at about 9:00. I had to drag myself out of bed even then. It must have been twelve hours of sleep and still it didn't feel like it was enough. And sore. I thought I would get over the stiffness and pain, but it has dogged me all day. Upset stomach, an unusual form of it, has also been present. I don't think it's the flu or a cold though. Probably just my internals having fits, too little blood from the heart, diabetes, who knows, but something more like that. It feels like I've been run over but am on just enough pain killers that I don't feel most of it.
It's a rainy day so I doubt if field work I was going to watch will go forward. I realize I missed another KoC meeting last night. The crash saw to that. I didn't see the messages until well after I woke up from my crash. I don't even think this has anything to do with pushing too hard, at this point. It just happens. Today will just have to be an easy day. Then again, with rain and clouds, there isn't a lot else to do.
With little else to schedule, or do, with rain and such, I am going to try to get to Mass and swimming tomorrow. Nothing fancy, I might kick out a half dozen laps in an hour. That's very possibly all I can do, in the beginning. When I was swimming in Coralville it took a month, iirc, to get up to doing laps pretty much the whole time and then three months to get up to swimming a mile in an hour. I am almost positive my first swim saw only six laps, if too I only stayed an half hour. Actually, I liked the way that progression went and may try to emulate it. Of course, I didn't have music either. That will help. I suspect my limit will probably be swimming a two miles in an hour. Then again, who ever knows. Yes, stay for a half hour and do what I can do. Then, when I am able to swim that full half hour, other than occasional breaks, push it to an hour. Yep yep.
My bathroom floor was a minor pool this morning. I am not sure what the problem is. It is clean water, so not back-up. Thankfully that floor is lower than the bedroom floor so it stayed in the bathroom. I'm using towels to soak it up. This isn't the first time this has happened. I simply don't know what is causing it. I would guess the hot water heater in there is the culprit, if I have no idea why. I'll... have to do some research on it. I hope I don't have to replace it, but... that might be necessary. If it isn't one thing it will be another.
Still, it's all good. I'll figure out what I can, do what I must, and suffer for when I can't do either of those until I can do what is needed. Later.
.
I woke at about 9:00. I had to drag myself out of bed even then. It must have been twelve hours of sleep and still it didn't feel like it was enough. And sore. I thought I would get over the stiffness and pain, but it has dogged me all day. Upset stomach, an unusual form of it, has also been present. I don't think it's the flu or a cold though. Probably just my internals having fits, too little blood from the heart, diabetes, who knows, but something more like that. It feels like I've been run over but am on just enough pain killers that I don't feel most of it.
It's a rainy day so I doubt if field work I was going to watch will go forward. I realize I missed another KoC meeting last night. The crash saw to that. I didn't see the messages until well after I woke up from my crash. I don't even think this has anything to do with pushing too hard, at this point. It just happens. Today will just have to be an easy day. Then again, with rain and clouds, there isn't a lot else to do.
With little else to schedule, or do, with rain and such, I am going to try to get to Mass and swimming tomorrow. Nothing fancy, I might kick out a half dozen laps in an hour. That's very possibly all I can do, in the beginning. When I was swimming in Coralville it took a month, iirc, to get up to doing laps pretty much the whole time and then three months to get up to swimming a mile in an hour. I am almost positive my first swim saw only six laps, if too I only stayed an half hour. Actually, I liked the way that progression went and may try to emulate it. Of course, I didn't have music either. That will help. I suspect my limit will probably be swimming a two miles in an hour. Then again, who ever knows. Yes, stay for a half hour and do what I can do. Then, when I am able to swim that full half hour, other than occasional breaks, push it to an hour. Yep yep.
My bathroom floor was a minor pool this morning. I am not sure what the problem is. It is clean water, so not back-up. Thankfully that floor is lower than the bedroom floor so it stayed in the bathroom. I'm using towels to soak it up. This isn't the first time this has happened. I simply don't know what is causing it. I would guess the hot water heater in there is the culprit, if I have no idea why. I'll... have to do some research on it. I hope I don't have to replace it, but... that might be necessary. If it isn't one thing it will be another.
Still, it's all good. I'll figure out what I can, do what I must, and suffer for when I can't do either of those until I can do what is needed. Later.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Crash!
.
.
I got home, was unwinding, then hit the dirt. It has been partly to mostly cloudy most of the day, then the clouds came in hard. It looked like evening when I went down. Add to the fact that my home was cool and has been for days. Whether it was sun, cool, or just that I did too much, at some point I simply failed. A bit of a nap, though I can only say I just woke unsure of how long I was asleep, and I am doing a bit better. I turned the furnace back on, closed the windows and doors, as a last attempt to just stay awake. Too little too late. I didn't see it coming, mostly, until I was about to fall out of my chair, literally.
The nap helped though. I think I can stay up a few more hours. I didn't really want to get back up. I am trying to keep a schedule though, so I pushed a bit. I don't feel ill, my heart doesn't hurt, nothing like that. Just... *BAM*
I have heard that it will be raining for the next few days, through or until Sunday. No worries, just that I won't be able to do much rope work. I still haven't gotten my packs sorted out, so there will be plenty of time for that. Although I think I pretty much sorted my packs last summer, so I don't think there will be that much work to do. I want to get a better medical sub-pack going. I'm just not exactly sure what to take. I know I want blood clot stuff, I just seem to really get in it when I mess up. And ammonia salts. I could have used that two of my last three dingups. The rest is good, I think. I even have a couple of compressible canteens and bandanas to wet for cool or use for cover, or a dozen other things (including a sling, they are large enough).
It's been a while since I nearly blacked out like that. I don't feel physically tired. It must just have been the sudden disappearance of the sun. Yeah, I think for me, that might be it.
I did go out in the yard today, looked at the trees to see what is living and what is dead, making plans for what to cut and how. It will be tricky, some of it. But there really isn't as much dead, now, as before or as much as I thought. All good, really. It's the overhanging branches, overhanging the house and the power lines, that I will need the help with. I'm itching to do more, even if I go through other failures like today. Just as long as I can keep it going a bit at a time I will get there.
Later. Probably good night.
.
I got home, was unwinding, then hit the dirt. It has been partly to mostly cloudy most of the day, then the clouds came in hard. It looked like evening when I went down. Add to the fact that my home was cool and has been for days. Whether it was sun, cool, or just that I did too much, at some point I simply failed. A bit of a nap, though I can only say I just woke unsure of how long I was asleep, and I am doing a bit better. I turned the furnace back on, closed the windows and doors, as a last attempt to just stay awake. Too little too late. I didn't see it coming, mostly, until I was about to fall out of my chair, literally.
The nap helped though. I think I can stay up a few more hours. I didn't really want to get back up. I am trying to keep a schedule though, so I pushed a bit. I don't feel ill, my heart doesn't hurt, nothing like that. Just... *BAM*
I have heard that it will be raining for the next few days, through or until Sunday. No worries, just that I won't be able to do much rope work. I still haven't gotten my packs sorted out, so there will be plenty of time for that. Although I think I pretty much sorted my packs last summer, so I don't think there will be that much work to do. I want to get a better medical sub-pack going. I'm just not exactly sure what to take. I know I want blood clot stuff, I just seem to really get in it when I mess up. And ammonia salts. I could have used that two of my last three dingups. The rest is good, I think. I even have a couple of compressible canteens and bandanas to wet for cool or use for cover, or a dozen other things (including a sling, they are large enough).
It's been a while since I nearly blacked out like that. I don't feel physically tired. It must just have been the sudden disappearance of the sun. Yeah, I think for me, that might be it.
I did go out in the yard today, looked at the trees to see what is living and what is dead, making plans for what to cut and how. It will be tricky, some of it. But there really isn't as much dead, now, as before or as much as I thought. All good, really. It's the overhanging branches, overhanging the house and the power lines, that I will need the help with. I'm itching to do more, even if I go through other failures like today. Just as long as I can keep it going a bit at a time I will get there.
Later. Probably good night.
How do you know?
.
.
Lunch was interesting. The meal itself was, to be sure. I guess it has been a long time since I ordered sushimi. Between us we came up with four varieties either she liked or one of us was interested in trying. It was good, just not how I remembered it. I'd like to try it again sometime soon, explore a bit. It was good to be eating with a woman. And she did her part. I dropped the ball a few times, sometimes with intent, sometimes without intent. And, she got hung up on the cell fairly often.
How do you judge a date when the intent isn't to woo, necessarily. It is sort of like playing poker, or football, or something... with the intent to tie the game. I don't think I did all that well, in any case. Then again women are notoriously difficult to read. Perhaps she is used to guys just trying to get in her pants, and when that isn't the... drive... she doesn't know what is going on. It has been a long time since I have been on a date, or even with a woman.
Still, I held to my beliefs. I said what I thought, and pretty much thought what I said. I didn't make an attempt to dress things up, play nice if I was generally polite, or such. That just isn't how I am. It was good to see I hadn't sold my principles on this, and that I am actually how I perceive myself to be. And yet I will probably ask her out to dine from time to time. Whether she goes or not is quite up to her. Being that she makes so little money, even less than my friend, I will be picking up the tab. No skin off my nose, for a time or two a month. Who knows, might even make a meal here at home for her if things get a little tight. At least until she or I find someone we want to be... singular with.
I asked her to go hiking but it's not really her thing. Which is fine, I had intended on doing most of my hiking solo, on the easy trails. Even going solo on some of the more difficult trails when I get up to them. I suppose that isn't the safest, but the truth is we are now living in a solo world. The more phone, text, email, and internet interaction we have the more alone we seem to get/be. It's the truth. Well, and the smaller and more disconnected families become, too. We are evaporating into the digital world.
Hmm, a bit of digesting and gaming, then on to my packs. I just wasn't running fast this morning. Barely made it on time to lunch. I... probably should have mentioned that I am a poor keeper of 'xact times. If she gets to know me she will learn. She did dress up a bit, and looked nice. I didn't mention it, of course. Just for my own notes.
The good, the bad, and the ugly, but there it is. And, really, I'm good with it no matter. I hope she at least enjoyed the meal and maybe the company a bit. But, it's not my problem either way. Later.
.
Lunch was interesting. The meal itself was, to be sure. I guess it has been a long time since I ordered sushimi. Between us we came up with four varieties either she liked or one of us was interested in trying. It was good, just not how I remembered it. I'd like to try it again sometime soon, explore a bit. It was good to be eating with a woman. And she did her part. I dropped the ball a few times, sometimes with intent, sometimes without intent. And, she got hung up on the cell fairly often.
How do you judge a date when the intent isn't to woo, necessarily. It is sort of like playing poker, or football, or something... with the intent to tie the game. I don't think I did all that well, in any case. Then again women are notoriously difficult to read. Perhaps she is used to guys just trying to get in her pants, and when that isn't the... drive... she doesn't know what is going on. It has been a long time since I have been on a date, or even with a woman.
Still, I held to my beliefs. I said what I thought, and pretty much thought what I said. I didn't make an attempt to dress things up, play nice if I was generally polite, or such. That just isn't how I am. It was good to see I hadn't sold my principles on this, and that I am actually how I perceive myself to be. And yet I will probably ask her out to dine from time to time. Whether she goes or not is quite up to her. Being that she makes so little money, even less than my friend, I will be picking up the tab. No skin off my nose, for a time or two a month. Who knows, might even make a meal here at home for her if things get a little tight. At least until she or I find someone we want to be... singular with.
I asked her to go hiking but it's not really her thing. Which is fine, I had intended on doing most of my hiking solo, on the easy trails. Even going solo on some of the more difficult trails when I get up to them. I suppose that isn't the safest, but the truth is we are now living in a solo world. The more phone, text, email, and internet interaction we have the more alone we seem to get/be. It's the truth. Well, and the smaller and more disconnected families become, too. We are evaporating into the digital world.
Hmm, a bit of digesting and gaming, then on to my packs. I just wasn't running fast this morning. Barely made it on time to lunch. I... probably should have mentioned that I am a poor keeper of 'xact times. If she gets to know me she will learn. She did dress up a bit, and looked nice. I didn't mention it, of course. Just for my own notes.
The good, the bad, and the ugly, but there it is. And, really, I'm good with it no matter. I hope she at least enjoyed the meal and maybe the company a bit. But, it's not my problem either way. Later.
Breakfast was good.
.
.
With everything clean and meats thawed, I simply fried pork cutlets this morning. I suppose a bowl of cereal might be in the offing before too long, maybe. Now that I have a ready supply of milk. It seemed a bit chill this morning. I thought maybe it was just me. My thermostat, with the furnace off of course, and the windows open, ready 59 F. Oddly, for my first nearly hour up, shorts and a muscle shirt were good enough. Real shorts, not undershorts, though I had those too if it's any of YOUR business. :)
I finally broke down and put on sweat bottoms, and fed the girls. Sassy gets nearly cross-eyed mean if I don't feed her reasonably and often. Still, I've backed her away from the feed sack and she has trimmed just a bit. She is always on the near side of cross-eyed mean though, for now. I shouldn't do it, but when I am feeding them, I love playing the food bowl UFO game. The bowl gets close, then goes away, then twirls behind them. By the time they get their food, even Sam, they pounce. Sam can otherwise be a slight eater. When I do this, she gets that look like a kid getting their birthday cake.
What to do today? I have lunch out. I think I will begin tinkering with my pack gear this morning, maybe do a bit of cleaning on the side. Just picking up in the living room (maybe). Nothing big this morning. If I get that done today I might tinker with rope this afternoon when I get back. If I do finish, I will be ready for a day trip into the canyon. Just a little hike to crank over the hiker engine like mowing and sawing kicked over the work engine. I am sure things will be a bit sore and cranky after the first few hikes. Hmm, I might even have a way of roughly measuring how far I hike, if my phone's gps works on that trail. It would be nice... just to know.
Mullet? I have had my hairdo called a mullet. I still say it's not. What I need to do, I think, to help, is get bands for what of a tail I have going. Keep it as something of a feral top-knot tail. That might lessen the perception. Then again, maybe it is a mullet but my perception of such is different. I thought to qualify as a mullet it had to have a big front, high hair on top. I have a flat-top mixed with a high-and-tight. And a tail, but it's a slim tail, angled back with the cut. Neither is actually pretty, but... who wants or needs pretty. I'm going for cool (physically), easy to tend, and somewhat professional (in a feral way). Never mind.
Off to wake up a bit before I get prepped to head out. Oh, one other thing. I ought to stop at the stores having case-lot sales and look around. Some things I may not be interested in getting, other things would be just fine. I'm a bit picky about tuna brand, not so much about corn, beans, carrots, and such, for example. My mother, neighbors, and the wiser world in general, keeps notioning that frugality is often the better part of valor. And, quite often, that is true. It is best, for my cavalier attitude toward money (if owning a home helps on that), to pick my battles on that front. Much like dealing with women, children, or even other men to a lessor degree, picking battles is primary.
Dreams last night? I think I was having, mostly, a pleasant dream or series of dreams arguing with a women (or three or many different women). I can't say if these were women from my past or fiction, though the air of familiarity remains. In any case, I usually wasn't arguing about the big things, like the falseness of feminism. No, it was about mechanical things. Things I know. One was about a printer, and how to install the ink cartridges. Frustrating, but when you know you are right AND there isn't a real option (or perceived one), much easier to deal with. Still, it felt like dealing with mules. On the printer one, whatever woman just would not agree to put the cartridge in such-and-so (the only) way. And she argued with me for an hour on it but wouldn't let me just do it. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt. Still, it was rather pleasant dreaming anyway. Woke with a wolf's grin. Bah(hhhh). :)
Later.
.
With everything clean and meats thawed, I simply fried pork cutlets this morning. I suppose a bowl of cereal might be in the offing before too long, maybe. Now that I have a ready supply of milk. It seemed a bit chill this morning. I thought maybe it was just me. My thermostat, with the furnace off of course, and the windows open, ready 59 F. Oddly, for my first nearly hour up, shorts and a muscle shirt were good enough. Real shorts, not undershorts, though I had those too if it's any of YOUR business. :)
I finally broke down and put on sweat bottoms, and fed the girls. Sassy gets nearly cross-eyed mean if I don't feed her reasonably and often. Still, I've backed her away from the feed sack and she has trimmed just a bit. She is always on the near side of cross-eyed mean though, for now. I shouldn't do it, but when I am feeding them, I love playing the food bowl UFO game. The bowl gets close, then goes away, then twirls behind them. By the time they get their food, even Sam, they pounce. Sam can otherwise be a slight eater. When I do this, she gets that look like a kid getting their birthday cake.
What to do today? I have lunch out. I think I will begin tinkering with my pack gear this morning, maybe do a bit of cleaning on the side. Just picking up in the living room (maybe). Nothing big this morning. If I get that done today I might tinker with rope this afternoon when I get back. If I do finish, I will be ready for a day trip into the canyon. Just a little hike to crank over the hiker engine like mowing and sawing kicked over the work engine. I am sure things will be a bit sore and cranky after the first few hikes. Hmm, I might even have a way of roughly measuring how far I hike, if my phone's gps works on that trail. It would be nice... just to know.
Mullet? I have had my hairdo called a mullet. I still say it's not. What I need to do, I think, to help, is get bands for what of a tail I have going. Keep it as something of a feral top-knot tail. That might lessen the perception. Then again, maybe it is a mullet but my perception of such is different. I thought to qualify as a mullet it had to have a big front, high hair on top. I have a flat-top mixed with a high-and-tight. And a tail, but it's a slim tail, angled back with the cut. Neither is actually pretty, but... who wants or needs pretty. I'm going for cool (physically), easy to tend, and somewhat professional (in a feral way). Never mind.
Off to wake up a bit before I get prepped to head out. Oh, one other thing. I ought to stop at the stores having case-lot sales and look around. Some things I may not be interested in getting, other things would be just fine. I'm a bit picky about tuna brand, not so much about corn, beans, carrots, and such, for example. My mother, neighbors, and the wiser world in general, keeps notioning that frugality is often the better part of valor. And, quite often, that is true. It is best, for my cavalier attitude toward money (if owning a home helps on that), to pick my battles on that front. Much like dealing with women, children, or even other men to a lessor degree, picking battles is primary.
Dreams last night? I think I was having, mostly, a pleasant dream or series of dreams arguing with a women (or three or many different women). I can't say if these were women from my past or fiction, though the air of familiarity remains. In any case, I usually wasn't arguing about the big things, like the falseness of feminism. No, it was about mechanical things. Things I know. One was about a printer, and how to install the ink cartridges. Frustrating, but when you know you are right AND there isn't a real option (or perceived one), much easier to deal with. Still, it felt like dealing with mules. On the printer one, whatever woman just would not agree to put the cartridge in such-and-so (the only) way. And she argued with me for an hour on it but wouldn't let me just do it. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt. Still, it was rather pleasant dreaming anyway. Woke with a wolf's grin. Bah(hhhh). :)
Later.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
What a day!
.
.
I've been hedging toward better things. It is paying off. I still have much to do, I'm literarily running in water up to my waste through muddy sand, but I am moving again. Dishes and laundry were finished today. A haircut was obtained. Time with a friend was had. A meal with a woman type was arranged. And I thought that was good.
Then I got home and was slowly sinking into restfulness. Then one neighbor stopped by to bring dinner! Excellent too. Then another neighbor stopped by to let me know a case sale was happening, something they had mentioned before. A good way to stock up on provisions for the short to intermediate term. And to let me know he will be using his horses to do his field, something I want to see, soon. I was invited to go see. And I will.
I didn't have much more going on to do more than eat and rest. But that is fine, for now. I can only jump through just so many hoops before I must rest. I think I worked these last few days just right. Not too much, but with enough emphasis that I actually got things done and might possibly be able to keep on track doing so.
Tomorrow will probably be another slow day. I may, as I mentioned, go through my pack gear, sorting day and overnight packs and gear. I have lunch out, and maybe some minor gear shopping. And then perhaps just a bit of cleanup in my living room. I have added the toilette cleaning tablets to the toilette, so I may give that another flush tonight, and one per day for sure for a while to see if it is enough.
.
I've been hedging toward better things. It is paying off. I still have much to do, I'm literarily running in water up to my waste through muddy sand, but I am moving again. Dishes and laundry were finished today. A haircut was obtained. Time with a friend was had. A meal with a woman type was arranged. And I thought that was good.
Then I got home and was slowly sinking into restfulness. Then one neighbor stopped by to bring dinner! Excellent too. Then another neighbor stopped by to let me know a case sale was happening, something they had mentioned before. A good way to stock up on provisions for the short to intermediate term. And to let me know he will be using his horses to do his field, something I want to see, soon. I was invited to go see. And I will.
I didn't have much more going on to do more than eat and rest. But that is fine, for now. I can only jump through just so many hoops before I must rest. I think I worked these last few days just right. Not too much, but with enough emphasis that I actually got things done and might possibly be able to keep on track doing so.
Tomorrow will probably be another slow day. I may, as I mentioned, go through my pack gear, sorting day and overnight packs and gear. I have lunch out, and maybe some minor gear shopping. And then perhaps just a bit of cleanup in my living room. I have added the toilette cleaning tablets to the toilette, so I may give that another flush tonight, and one per day for sure for a while to see if it is enough.
Back, but looking toward an easy day today.
.
.
I got to town, picked up my friend a bit late, headed out to look for the shop. After a bit of searching I finally found it. At least you only need to hunt for something once. I suppose between us my friend and myself lost five pounds in hair. We both needed a cut. Since I missed the last appointment, and rather than give a heftier tip, I asked if the woman cutting my hair would rather go for sushimi. So, tomorrow we go.
Since my friend didn't need anything from the stores, rather than drag him along I decided a short drive up the canyon would be better. I had him point out the trailhead for the river path again. I need to start hitting that from time to time. It is, mostly, flat and easy. I hate just... walking around the town or city. It seems so pointless. While hiking on a trail is pointless too, it is a trail, and not a bunch of sidewalks intersected by road travel. It should be cooler on the path as well, being higher elevation and going on up and running beside a river and often through the trees.
After dropping my friend off I stopped for tobacco, then went to the store for milk, soda, and 2000 Flushes toilet bowl tablets. It is very odd. My least use toilette is absolutely nasty. It is far worse than the one I use most of the time. I cleaned it last time I was cleaning, so thought maybe some usage would help. So I try to use it three to four times a week, just for a quicky while I am in the kitchen cooking, mostly. No help, though I can't remember if it is any better or worse with use. It is very odd that my regular toilette stays so much cleaner. Hopefully these tablets will help. Weird.
I didn't want to stop and look for a line tossing weight today. It was hitting 80 in town (72 out where I live though). It's starting. At least it has been a much better spring and the transition from winter to spring to summer has been fantastic, unlike last year. So, no real complaints. I will be in town tomorrow, for lunch, I can shop around then. Or maybe this weekend. My goal is to be to Church Saturday evening, then stop by with a soldier movie to watch with my friend (I'm thinking, literally, the movie "Soldier"). It's a bit sci-fi, but not too off the mark in the human way, to many degrees. Just slightly beefed up weapons, space flight, and GMP (genetically modified people). The rest is just as it is today. Then again, who knows how far genetic profiling, or even manipulation, has occurred, even in my days and before. Hitler would have loved doing such things, Stalin too. If you trust the bible, and stretch things just a hair, you get an indication that Nephilim... were doing something to those ends even back when. Anyway...
I would like to get the rest of the laundry folded, it is all dry. And I will have something to eat, some time or other. But other than that, a restful day is what I have in mind. Tomorrow I have a dinner date. But anything else I might or might not do depends more on the weather than anything else, for the rest of the week. Next week I have promised my friend a trip to Ogden. Reloading shopping, and a top-notch meal at my personal favorite restaurant in the state (and beyond)(so far, if I do keep testing).
Perhaps, next week, if I stay on top of things, I will reset appointments with my many and various doctors, dentists, and other nosy sorts. Oh, and I suppose I could get my med-set set back up and get back on that. Even now, in the exuberance of spring, I still can't always just "do". Some things baffle me, I become befuddled by others, and yet others are out of my bounds in other ways. Oh well, I enjoy what I have been getting done anyway.
Good day.
.
I got to town, picked up my friend a bit late, headed out to look for the shop. After a bit of searching I finally found it. At least you only need to hunt for something once. I suppose between us my friend and myself lost five pounds in hair. We both needed a cut. Since I missed the last appointment, and rather than give a heftier tip, I asked if the woman cutting my hair would rather go for sushimi. So, tomorrow we go.
Since my friend didn't need anything from the stores, rather than drag him along I decided a short drive up the canyon would be better. I had him point out the trailhead for the river path again. I need to start hitting that from time to time. It is, mostly, flat and easy. I hate just... walking around the town or city. It seems so pointless. While hiking on a trail is pointless too, it is a trail, and not a bunch of sidewalks intersected by road travel. It should be cooler on the path as well, being higher elevation and going on up and running beside a river and often through the trees.
After dropping my friend off I stopped for tobacco, then went to the store for milk, soda, and 2000 Flushes toilet bowl tablets. It is very odd. My least use toilette is absolutely nasty. It is far worse than the one I use most of the time. I cleaned it last time I was cleaning, so thought maybe some usage would help. So I try to use it three to four times a week, just for a quicky while I am in the kitchen cooking, mostly. No help, though I can't remember if it is any better or worse with use. It is very odd that my regular toilette stays so much cleaner. Hopefully these tablets will help. Weird.
I didn't want to stop and look for a line tossing weight today. It was hitting 80 in town (72 out where I live though). It's starting. At least it has been a much better spring and the transition from winter to spring to summer has been fantastic, unlike last year. So, no real complaints. I will be in town tomorrow, for lunch, I can shop around then. Or maybe this weekend. My goal is to be to Church Saturday evening, then stop by with a soldier movie to watch with my friend (I'm thinking, literally, the movie "Soldier"). It's a bit sci-fi, but not too off the mark in the human way, to many degrees. Just slightly beefed up weapons, space flight, and GMP (genetically modified people). The rest is just as it is today. Then again, who knows how far genetic profiling, or even manipulation, has occurred, even in my days and before. Hitler would have loved doing such things, Stalin too. If you trust the bible, and stretch things just a hair, you get an indication that Nephilim... were doing something to those ends even back when. Anyway...
I would like to get the rest of the laundry folded, it is all dry. And I will have something to eat, some time or other. But other than that, a restful day is what I have in mind. Tomorrow I have a dinner date. But anything else I might or might not do depends more on the weather than anything else, for the rest of the week. Next week I have promised my friend a trip to Ogden. Reloading shopping, and a top-notch meal at my personal favorite restaurant in the state (and beyond)(so far, if I do keep testing).
Perhaps, next week, if I stay on top of things, I will reset appointments with my many and various doctors, dentists, and other nosy sorts. Oh, and I suppose I could get my med-set set back up and get back on that. Even now, in the exuberance of spring, I still can't always just "do". Some things baffle me, I become befuddled by others, and yet others are out of my bounds in other ways. Oh well, I enjoy what I have been getting done anyway.
Good day.
I wasn't sure I would do it.
.
.
Oh, sure, I wrote the list, and with surety. Truth told, I was moving slowly, not very attentive, and just... didn't know. But I did get to it. The last load of laundry is washing now, all of the dishes, including two big pots, have been washed and most put up. I cleaned the stove top a bit, and gave the counters a lick-and-spit touch up. No, my kitchen isn't up to specs, just better than what it was.
My friend called around 10:30, I think. I let him know I would be in between noon and 13:00. I maybe be running just a little late, waiting for the second to the last load to dry so that my last load doesn't sit wet in the machine. I'm a bit of stickler on that. It can make for some seriously nasty clothes to deal with if I forget. I haven't done that in this washing machine, or my last. But... it has happened. Yuck! Still, that will go forward, the haircut that is. I'll once again look like the brute squad, but it's how I like it. As for being late, well... not really my fault as to being slow, actually. It just always takes much longer to wash and dry than what I seem to know how to plan. The washer actually takes longer than the drier, up to an hour and a half commonly, to do one load. The dryer usually takes an hour, on fluff. So... that's just me bad thinking, not bad doing.
Yeah, I just had to give myself a public pat on the back. I deserve them so rarely that I need them when I can get them. Later.
.
Oh, sure, I wrote the list, and with surety. Truth told, I was moving slowly, not very attentive, and just... didn't know. But I did get to it. The last load of laundry is washing now, all of the dishes, including two big pots, have been washed and most put up. I cleaned the stove top a bit, and gave the counters a lick-and-spit touch up. No, my kitchen isn't up to specs, just better than what it was.
My friend called around 10:30, I think. I let him know I would be in between noon and 13:00. I maybe be running just a little late, waiting for the second to the last load to dry so that my last load doesn't sit wet in the machine. I'm a bit of stickler on that. It can make for some seriously nasty clothes to deal with if I forget. I haven't done that in this washing machine, or my last. But... it has happened. Yuck! Still, that will go forward, the haircut that is. I'll once again look like the brute squad, but it's how I like it. As for being late, well... not really my fault as to being slow, actually. It just always takes much longer to wash and dry than what I seem to know how to plan. The washer actually takes longer than the drier, up to an hour and a half commonly, to do one load. The dryer usually takes an hour, on fluff. So... that's just me bad thinking, not bad doing.
Yeah, I just had to give myself a public pat on the back. I deserve them so rarely that I need them when I can get them. Later.
Not too bad at all.
.
.
I didn't make it to bed until about midnight, what with laundry and beans still to sort out. I slept well. I didn't just crash, either. A minor bit of stiffness and very minor sore spots remain. Nothing that I need to consider over the counter pain killers for though. I set my alarm for 9:00, but woke on my own at about 8:20, give or take. Nice.
I'm not sure what is on the agenda today. Dishes, I suppose. While I finished the dishes yesterday, I made a few over the course of the day. Those things are never done. But they were soaking and I have hit them with a fresh soak to try and kick them out before I go to town today. Laundry could be finished too. I'll save the rest of the cutting for later in the week. Though I do need to get the gas/oil mix thing going for the saw. All of my other gas tools use regular gasoline, so I'll need to mark that container. I bought a 2.5 gallon container but it doesn't actually seem to hold 2.5 gallons. While filling it at the station, unless I wasn't doing something right (put it flat on the ground and fill? *laughs*), it didn't seem to hold 2.5 gallons, so... I just am not sure about additive. Why do things have to be so damned complicated, or seemingly so?
I had a bowl of beans, with the last two slices of pepperjack cheese and a couple of teaspoons of sour cream first thing this morning. I would have had it last night but the neighbors brought dinner, and it was pretty good. I must admit, it had such a mix that I was initially... nervous of it. Remember when your mom made 'casseroles'? New ones always... tested my nerve. At least in my home. This was like that. Pineapple, several raw vegetables, chinese (style?) sticks on top, chicken in white sauce, all over rice. Quite good, actually. Just a bit daunting to a beefeater. :) Anyway, that filled me way up. Usually I like to eat a bowl of fresh hot beans (or whatever I am cooking, as a chef's payment sort of thing). It is a strong tradition for me, so I had to get that in this morning. Good golly beans are good, love that gravy too.
So, laundry, dishes, a haircut, a bit of shopping (milk for sure), pick up mail, but... what else? It's a cool morning again. All good. I left the windows open last night and enjoyed. I may be finished with the furnace for the year. I suppose I could figure out the filter and get replacements... soon... I am sure. It might be fun to go through my gear, create some checklists, see where the tent, sleeping bag, various packs, and whatnot all are and arrange those. I might also check my rope gear. The only thing I might want for that is a throwing weight and minor pull line, though the tons of paracord I have should work for the line? A seven to ten pound weight is needed to launch the cord up over a (specific) branch, to pull the main line up. And I need practice getting my throw down, and setting the "limb/rope saver" in place, so the rope doesn't hurt the tree and vice versa. A frazzled rope is a quick descender of the type you don't want.
Well, off to think about things and wake a little more properly. I'll have dishes done and a load or two of laundry cleared before I ever hit town today. Not much, but enough, I suppose. The bowl of beans should do for breakfast, we can stop for a bite somewhere in town for lunch. We haven't stopped for a beef sandwich at a good shop in a while. All good.
Good day.
.
I didn't make it to bed until about midnight, what with laundry and beans still to sort out. I slept well. I didn't just crash, either. A minor bit of stiffness and very minor sore spots remain. Nothing that I need to consider over the counter pain killers for though. I set my alarm for 9:00, but woke on my own at about 8:20, give or take. Nice.
I'm not sure what is on the agenda today. Dishes, I suppose. While I finished the dishes yesterday, I made a few over the course of the day. Those things are never done. But they were soaking and I have hit them with a fresh soak to try and kick them out before I go to town today. Laundry could be finished too. I'll save the rest of the cutting for later in the week. Though I do need to get the gas/oil mix thing going for the saw. All of my other gas tools use regular gasoline, so I'll need to mark that container. I bought a 2.5 gallon container but it doesn't actually seem to hold 2.5 gallons. While filling it at the station, unless I wasn't doing something right (put it flat on the ground and fill? *laughs*), it didn't seem to hold 2.5 gallons, so... I just am not sure about additive. Why do things have to be so damned complicated, or seemingly so?
I had a bowl of beans, with the last two slices of pepperjack cheese and a couple of teaspoons of sour cream first thing this morning. I would have had it last night but the neighbors brought dinner, and it was pretty good. I must admit, it had such a mix that I was initially... nervous of it. Remember when your mom made 'casseroles'? New ones always... tested my nerve. At least in my home. This was like that. Pineapple, several raw vegetables, chinese (style?) sticks on top, chicken in white sauce, all over rice. Quite good, actually. Just a bit daunting to a beefeater. :) Anyway, that filled me way up. Usually I like to eat a bowl of fresh hot beans (or whatever I am cooking, as a chef's payment sort of thing). It is a strong tradition for me, so I had to get that in this morning. Good golly beans are good, love that gravy too.
So, laundry, dishes, a haircut, a bit of shopping (milk for sure), pick up mail, but... what else? It's a cool morning again. All good. I left the windows open last night and enjoyed. I may be finished with the furnace for the year. I suppose I could figure out the filter and get replacements... soon... I am sure. It might be fun to go through my gear, create some checklists, see where the tent, sleeping bag, various packs, and whatnot all are and arrange those. I might also check my rope gear. The only thing I might want for that is a throwing weight and minor pull line, though the tons of paracord I have should work for the line? A seven to ten pound weight is needed to launch the cord up over a (specific) branch, to pull the main line up. And I need practice getting my throw down, and setting the "limb/rope saver" in place, so the rope doesn't hurt the tree and vice versa. A frazzled rope is a quick descender of the type you don't want.
Well, off to think about things and wake a little more properly. I'll have dishes done and a load or two of laundry cleared before I ever hit town today. Not much, but enough, I suppose. The bowl of beans should do for breakfast, we can stop for a bite somewhere in town for lunch. We haven't stopped for a beef sandwich at a good shop in a while. All good.
Good day.
Monday, April 9, 2012
The come back kid.
.
.
I was dragging my feet about getting back out there to finish mowing. As rough as that first go was, I just wasn't sure about round two. Not a problem, as it turns out. Sure, I got a slightly bit winded. But it was easy this time. Perhaps my body just had to suffer to crank over and break some rust free. Mowing is done. I might get out the weed whip some time this week, to neaten the last bits, but the lawn is cut. A bit of a break and I will probably get to some cutting.
I did throw in some laundry, and in an hour or two or three I will begin cooking the beans. The meat might be thawed, so I will tend that right away too. An hour break will see it getting dark, so I best not take too long of a break. Hmm, might just go out and cut. Then take a longer break before cooking beans? Yeah, something like that. Oh, but I best start the beans, actually, if I want to be down by 22:00. And I do.
Never worry, I'm going about as fast as I can, or dare. Things are getting done. It's all good. I actually fantasized about getting everything done then pulling out my rope gear for a little active R&R. No way. I'll be doing good if I get that in this week, though it could happen. I will call my friend though, remind him that tomorrow is haircut day. I bet I can talk him into giving me a call tomorrow at 11:00, and 13:00 if I haven't picked him up yet. Yeah, it helps if it doesn't guarantee success.
Good night. I think I'm done with everything save maybe a load of laundry more, some cutting, and... a few odds and ends. Sleep well, I will.
.
I was dragging my feet about getting back out there to finish mowing. As rough as that first go was, I just wasn't sure about round two. Not a problem, as it turns out. Sure, I got a slightly bit winded. But it was easy this time. Perhaps my body just had to suffer to crank over and break some rust free. Mowing is done. I might get out the weed whip some time this week, to neaten the last bits, but the lawn is cut. A bit of a break and I will probably get to some cutting.
I did throw in some laundry, and in an hour or two or three I will begin cooking the beans. The meat might be thawed, so I will tend that right away too. An hour break will see it getting dark, so I best not take too long of a break. Hmm, might just go out and cut. Then take a longer break before cooking beans? Yeah, something like that. Oh, but I best start the beans, actually, if I want to be down by 22:00. And I do.
Never worry, I'm going about as fast as I can, or dare. Things are getting done. It's all good. I actually fantasized about getting everything done then pulling out my rope gear for a little active R&R. No way. I'll be doing good if I get that in this week, though it could happen. I will call my friend though, remind him that tomorrow is haircut day. I bet I can talk him into giving me a call tomorrow at 11:00, and 13:00 if I haven't picked him up yet. Yeah, it helps if it doesn't guarantee success.
Good night. I think I'm done with everything save maybe a load of laundry more, some cutting, and... a few odds and ends. Sleep well, I will.
Work goes on.
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.
Pretty old feeling, but I am digging in. I decided the meat would take too long to thaw and the beans too long to soak, so I made a mac and cheese variant, adding a can of cream of asparagus. Oh, and I grated about four cups of medium cheddar by hand. No milk, but I made do. Actually it came out really tasty. I had thought to put in a can of tuna. Tuna just didn't sound good today. A quick lunch, a little time to digest it, then out to the mowing. Wow am I out of shape.
I did what was left of the back of the lawn in one fell swoop. The side yard remains, and will remain for a bit. I need a breather. All good though. If my "helper" (quotes because he does most of the work) arrives once a week and does his portion, and I can keep up, I will be doing much better rather shortly. Oh, he has nothing to worry about as for job security though. My share is enough, might even be a bit of too large of a bite right at first. I hope to grow that little bit. After that, with extra energy I want to do things other than mowing, you see. So, the job will be there if he wants it.
I am a bit sore from using the chainsaw still. Thankfully that requires a different muscle configuration. Even so, the lawnmower shakes things up enough, as does the chainsaw I suppose, to get any sore muscles up to usage spec quickly. If I can, I still want to cut about half of the remaining limbs today. If I don't get to it, there is always another day. It's not like the lumber has grown legs.
My home is open, windows doors and curtains. It's a perfect day for it, too. While it is rather cool, after a bit of work that is no longer a hindrance. I'm looking at the Wellsville Range as I speak, thinking about what it will be like to be up there. Perhaps with some mowing, tree cutting, and maybe swimming if I can get to that, the hike won't be nearly as bad as the mowing makes me think it might be. Run on sentences anyone? Hush.
A bit of gaming to regain my composure and cool down, then we'll see. Hmm, forgot to put a load of laundry in. My belly was complaining louder than my thought train whistle. I'll add a load of laundry first, then game for an hour or two. Then check my engine for readiness. Later.
.
Pretty old feeling, but I am digging in. I decided the meat would take too long to thaw and the beans too long to soak, so I made a mac and cheese variant, adding a can of cream of asparagus. Oh, and I grated about four cups of medium cheddar by hand. No milk, but I made do. Actually it came out really tasty. I had thought to put in a can of tuna. Tuna just didn't sound good today. A quick lunch, a little time to digest it, then out to the mowing. Wow am I out of shape.
I did what was left of the back of the lawn in one fell swoop. The side yard remains, and will remain for a bit. I need a breather. All good though. If my "helper" (quotes because he does most of the work) arrives once a week and does his portion, and I can keep up, I will be doing much better rather shortly. Oh, he has nothing to worry about as for job security though. My share is enough, might even be a bit of too large of a bite right at first. I hope to grow that little bit. After that, with extra energy I want to do things other than mowing, you see. So, the job will be there if he wants it.
I am a bit sore from using the chainsaw still. Thankfully that requires a different muscle configuration. Even so, the lawnmower shakes things up enough, as does the chainsaw I suppose, to get any sore muscles up to usage spec quickly. If I can, I still want to cut about half of the remaining limbs today. If I don't get to it, there is always another day. It's not like the lumber has grown legs.
My home is open, windows doors and curtains. It's a perfect day for it, too. While it is rather cool, after a bit of work that is no longer a hindrance. I'm looking at the Wellsville Range as I speak, thinking about what it will be like to be up there. Perhaps with some mowing, tree cutting, and maybe swimming if I can get to that, the hike won't be nearly as bad as the mowing makes me think it might be. Run on sentences anyone? Hush.
A bit of gaming to regain my composure and cool down, then we'll see. Hmm, forgot to put a load of laundry in. My belly was complaining louder than my thought train whistle. I'll add a load of laundry first, then game for an hour or two. Then check my engine for readiness. Later.
Slower than anticipated.
.
.
I am just not getting my feet under me as quickly as I would have liked. Still, I got the dishes done, all of them pretty much. I set a pot of beans to soak. I gathered the trash from the kitchen, and a few other places, and took that out. I missed taking it to the curb today but this is the first sack in the pick-up bin, so no problems. I also policed recyclables and took a bag of that out. I'm about to put a load of laundry in and get dressed to mow. I don't have but a third of the yard to mow, everything from my rear doors back and technically the neighbor,s land from to the side of my driveway and garage out about ten feet.
It seems cool today. Perhaps that is just inside. I did turn the furnace off and opened windows, which might be why I'm moving a little more slowly than hoped. Oh, and I am thawing meat for dinner, or even a later lunch. I think I'll get some things done today, and probably more than I had guessed. Still, I don't want to push too hard too fast. I want to at least get out for a haircut tomorrow. After that I am not sure what is going on in my life.
I would, sorely, like to get out what rope I have, and ladder, and see just where that might take me in the trees. I would like to goof with it, for real, now that everything is coming together. I can't say that it will definitively get me going, but finally having all of the tools and creating expectation in others might help drive me to success on a few things. I would also, like I said, get to figuring out my day and overnight packs, and arrange them again, a bit. Some things can stay in my daypack unless I go on an overnighter and some things can just be kept in my overnight pack as it is just extra and useless weight for anything other than overnight stays.
My kitchen sink drains slowly. I suspect that it simply has no vent. The rest of my home is fine, save for my main toilet from time to time if that might have something to do with me becoming a little to less full of it than I was before attempting to flush. Anyway, I may look into venting options. I hear strong opinions, this way and that, on anything other than an actual, through the roof, vent. In this case that is not possible. Big Boxes seem to push AAVs (air admittance valves), but they are somewhat controversial in forums. Dunno, but I would like to get my sinks to drain licketysplit. Just... another, if very probably easily doable task on my list. A satisfying one, if I can get the drain to work though.
Hmm, well, I suppose I should get to it. Mowing awaits and laundry could go in, on my way. And I am getting very hungry. Later.
.
I am just not getting my feet under me as quickly as I would have liked. Still, I got the dishes done, all of them pretty much. I set a pot of beans to soak. I gathered the trash from the kitchen, and a few other places, and took that out. I missed taking it to the curb today but this is the first sack in the pick-up bin, so no problems. I also policed recyclables and took a bag of that out. I'm about to put a load of laundry in and get dressed to mow. I don't have but a third of the yard to mow, everything from my rear doors back and technically the neighbor,s land from to the side of my driveway and garage out about ten feet.
It seems cool today. Perhaps that is just inside. I did turn the furnace off and opened windows, which might be why I'm moving a little more slowly than hoped. Oh, and I am thawing meat for dinner, or even a later lunch. I think I'll get some things done today, and probably more than I had guessed. Still, I don't want to push too hard too fast. I want to at least get out for a haircut tomorrow. After that I am not sure what is going on in my life.
I would, sorely, like to get out what rope I have, and ladder, and see just where that might take me in the trees. I would like to goof with it, for real, now that everything is coming together. I can't say that it will definitively get me going, but finally having all of the tools and creating expectation in others might help drive me to success on a few things. I would also, like I said, get to figuring out my day and overnight packs, and arrange them again, a bit. Some things can stay in my daypack unless I go on an overnighter and some things can just be kept in my overnight pack as it is just extra and useless weight for anything other than overnight stays.
My kitchen sink drains slowly. I suspect that it simply has no vent. The rest of my home is fine, save for my main toilet from time to time if that might have something to do with me becoming a little to less full of it than I was before attempting to flush. Anyway, I may look into venting options. I hear strong opinions, this way and that, on anything other than an actual, through the roof, vent. In this case that is not possible. Big Boxes seem to push AAVs (air admittance valves), but they are somewhat controversial in forums. Dunno, but I would like to get my sinks to drain licketysplit. Just... another, if very probably easily doable task on my list. A satisfying one, if I can get the drain to work though.
Hmm, well, I suppose I should get to it. Mowing awaits and laundry could go in, on my way. And I am getting very hungry. Later.
Oh, right.
.
.
I'm not sure what time I went to bed last night. Easter dinner was quite good though. A neighbor family invited me to dine with them. Roast beef and pork, with all the fixings. Good conversation and some possible help on a few things. Perhaps even a hiking partner, one who knows the area I have as my pinnacle hike, the Wellsville hike. Given all considerations, he thinks maybe an overnight hike in the summer might be the best plan of attack for that, at least to see how I do. His son is considering things as he nears graduation, he still has another year but... He is considering mechanical engineering and possibly the military. I don't want to sway him, it has to be his choice. But I have those calculus (and other math) cd's I would gladly lend him if he decides to go that way and decides to take standard calc his senior year. As for the military, I just suggest that it's a tough road to hump but it will see him possibly on the way to a good career if he chooses his career path well. The military offers an excellent career path in or out, if you put your side of the equation in.
Anyway. As I said, when I got home I was pretty shot. Just a bit of gaming to come down then... BAM! Lights out. I woke at 6:00, on the dot, without the alarm clock or anything. Nice. Right where I want to be for waking up. Now to figure out how to keep it there for as long as I can. Being Monday I have chores. I would like to finish my part of the mowing, then later cut some lumber. I'll finish the dishes while I mess with my games this morning. That is all I am going to truly schedule, if I would like to get some laundry going too. And, when it warms a bit, I will open the windows. Spring is in the air, I would like to get some of that in my step.
Tomorrow I plan to get in for a haircut, taking my friend along as well. Other than that, I have no idea what is going to happen next. Oh, I would like to get my day pack sorted through, then make considerations for my overnight pack as I do it. I'm not sure. But most of my day pack will just go into the overnight pack, with a few extras including a sleeping bag and the tent. I'm not sure if there is room for a tent up on the ridge, though maybe there are better camp sites. Going with someone who knows helps a great deal. He actually knows a path that can get you to the top in about two hours, if you are fit. I would like to know where that starts and maybe explore it on my own, at a slower pace. He is about my age but seems rather fit. I would say he has a rangers type physique.
Anyway, I'm trying to get sorted out when my mom will be here so I can arrange to do some of the tree work with ground support. Through the summer I may try to scale up, one way or another, and do some of the cutting that can be done reasonably. That would leave the things that might be too technical to climb and do for that last bit. Just dead and overhanging cuts this year, new trees to be planted this fall, and when those get going enough, the rest of the trees will have to come down. Hurry up and wait, just like the Navy.
Of course, I do have trouble getting to things. But, maybe, with the right support and the right number of this and that party involved, things will be less tentative and more sure. I'll need to look around for the right trees, figure out their cost and what it takes to plant them and keep them alive. How long before the size I choose (can afford) will be functional shade trees (five years? at least? ugh?), and all that. At least having the branches over my home, and the power lines, gone will give me breathing room for the rest. Hurry and wait indeed.
The dishes are soaking. It is still a bit cool to get out working, or we will go with that. Besides, I am not quite fully awake anyway. After dishes, an hour cooldown, then to mowing. I want to kick that out first. Later in the day, perhaps I will get to a bit more sawing. Pacing seems key to my being able to get to things, in real terms. And I must plan for a slower pace or a much longer rest period after. Depending on how fast and hard I work, I end up taking hours, days, weeks, or months to recoup. Odd, it doesn't seem to affect my libido. God gifted me there, as I can love a woman even if I can't roll out of bed. I just have to get her to stay in bed long enough or approach to arms reach. :p No lie. Go figure... blessing a gimp with unwordly sexual ability. Meh, He MUST have a sense of humor.
There is the alarm for dishes. Later.
.
I'm not sure what time I went to bed last night. Easter dinner was quite good though. A neighbor family invited me to dine with them. Roast beef and pork, with all the fixings. Good conversation and some possible help on a few things. Perhaps even a hiking partner, one who knows the area I have as my pinnacle hike, the Wellsville hike. Given all considerations, he thinks maybe an overnight hike in the summer might be the best plan of attack for that, at least to see how I do. His son is considering things as he nears graduation, he still has another year but... He is considering mechanical engineering and possibly the military. I don't want to sway him, it has to be his choice. But I have those calculus (and other math) cd's I would gladly lend him if he decides to go that way and decides to take standard calc his senior year. As for the military, I just suggest that it's a tough road to hump but it will see him possibly on the way to a good career if he chooses his career path well. The military offers an excellent career path in or out, if you put your side of the equation in.
Anyway. As I said, when I got home I was pretty shot. Just a bit of gaming to come down then... BAM! Lights out. I woke at 6:00, on the dot, without the alarm clock or anything. Nice. Right where I want to be for waking up. Now to figure out how to keep it there for as long as I can. Being Monday I have chores. I would like to finish my part of the mowing, then later cut some lumber. I'll finish the dishes while I mess with my games this morning. That is all I am going to truly schedule, if I would like to get some laundry going too. And, when it warms a bit, I will open the windows. Spring is in the air, I would like to get some of that in my step.
Tomorrow I plan to get in for a haircut, taking my friend along as well. Other than that, I have no idea what is going to happen next. Oh, I would like to get my day pack sorted through, then make considerations for my overnight pack as I do it. I'm not sure. But most of my day pack will just go into the overnight pack, with a few extras including a sleeping bag and the tent. I'm not sure if there is room for a tent up on the ridge, though maybe there are better camp sites. Going with someone who knows helps a great deal. He actually knows a path that can get you to the top in about two hours, if you are fit. I would like to know where that starts and maybe explore it on my own, at a slower pace. He is about my age but seems rather fit. I would say he has a rangers type physique.
Anyway, I'm trying to get sorted out when my mom will be here so I can arrange to do some of the tree work with ground support. Through the summer I may try to scale up, one way or another, and do some of the cutting that can be done reasonably. That would leave the things that might be too technical to climb and do for that last bit. Just dead and overhanging cuts this year, new trees to be planted this fall, and when those get going enough, the rest of the trees will have to come down. Hurry up and wait, just like the Navy.
Of course, I do have trouble getting to things. But, maybe, with the right support and the right number of this and that party involved, things will be less tentative and more sure. I'll need to look around for the right trees, figure out their cost and what it takes to plant them and keep them alive. How long before the size I choose (can afford) will be functional shade trees (five years? at least? ugh?), and all that. At least having the branches over my home, and the power lines, gone will give me breathing room for the rest. Hurry and wait indeed.
The dishes are soaking. It is still a bit cool to get out working, or we will go with that. Besides, I am not quite fully awake anyway. After dishes, an hour cooldown, then to mowing. I want to kick that out first. Later in the day, perhaps I will get to a bit more sawing. Pacing seems key to my being able to get to things, in real terms. And I must plan for a slower pace or a much longer rest period after. Depending on how fast and hard I work, I end up taking hours, days, weeks, or months to recoup. Odd, it doesn't seem to affect my libido. God gifted me there, as I can love a woman even if I can't roll out of bed. I just have to get her to stay in bed long enough or approach to arms reach. :p No lie. Go figure... blessing a gimp with unwordly sexual ability. Meh, He MUST have a sense of humor.
There is the alarm for dishes. Later.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Easter?
.
.
I have always wondered about mixing "Happy" with "Easter". I realize it is a happy occasion, but it is more a joyous or even more holy occasion. Shouldn't it, like Christmas, be Merry Easter? Oh, I know, tradition and other rot. Getting people to switch over would be too much hassle, some might even quit being Christians for the frustration of having to be correct, or... something. Never mind. *sigh*
Easter is about God, Christ, life, and many other things. But it is very personal too. I can't say that I literally dug my way out of a grave. I can say I have risen from as close to death as men have known and more than once. I can't say what it means to me, I haven't earned perfected flesh, so I get the wash-and-rinse old skin, along with the flaws, limits, and such. But... I do realize more than most what coming back from death after three days means. I also realize how possible that is, even from my much more minor experiences. Though I must say, to my mind, Christ rose, I was risen. He acted, I was acted upon. By what or who I cannot say, perhaps just the forces God put in play, perhaps God Himself, for His own reasons.
Still, I know my betters. I will bow to a good father or mother, I will honor a good person, I will respect my elders, and I will always know God.
Have a Merry Easter!
.
I have always wondered about mixing "Happy" with "Easter". I realize it is a happy occasion, but it is more a joyous or even more holy occasion. Shouldn't it, like Christmas, be Merry Easter? Oh, I know, tradition and other rot. Getting people to switch over would be too much hassle, some might even quit being Christians for the frustration of having to be correct, or... something. Never mind. *sigh*
Easter is about God, Christ, life, and many other things. But it is very personal too. I can't say that I literally dug my way out of a grave. I can say I have risen from as close to death as men have known and more than once. I can't say what it means to me, I haven't earned perfected flesh, so I get the wash-and-rinse old skin, along with the flaws, limits, and such. But... I do realize more than most what coming back from death after three days means. I also realize how possible that is, even from my much more minor experiences. Though I must say, to my mind, Christ rose, I was risen. He acted, I was acted upon. By what or who I cannot say, perhaps just the forces God put in play, perhaps God Himself, for His own reasons.
Still, I know my betters. I will bow to a good father or mother, I will honor a good person, I will respect my elders, and I will always know God.
Have a Merry Easter!
Couldn't quite make it.
.
.
I almost made it to 21:00 then crashed like a sea gull on Alka-Seltzer (hint: they can't burp, urhm... or fart). Anyway. I woke at about 2:00 and tried to stay down a bit longer. Forty five minutes later I was up without any choice. I had the windows open and furnace off and it was about 62 F in here. I was still quite warm, at least while under a couple of blankets. Even so, I shut things up and turned up the heat a bit. No need to possibly suffer through the chills while waking. Now to stay up today like I did yesterday.
That chainsaw is exciting. It is also a bit frightening, even now. The work I have done with it has been minor and easy. There were no tricks, no odd spring, no serious amounts of mass coming to points along my cut. What I am hoping to do with the saw will bring me into serious contention with the laws of physics, great masses, all centered around a rather serious saw. I still haven't figured out how to make more use of the chainsaw, I just know that it might be a way for me to do more than what I am doing. Something physical. I can't really help others with home tree issues, I'm simply not good enough yet. And that will always involve risk, probably nearly requiring an "education paperwork trail" and insurance. But felling trees, limbing them, then cutting them down to travel size before finishing them for firewood or even lumber is possible.
The truth on that though is people in this valley, because of the burgeoning population and worsening air quality from autos (mostly) are starting to shy away from woodburning anything, save when they go camping and most can either afford a few small bundles or have wood from their own cuttings. There is no way a private cutter could compete with lumber companies, in any fashion, either. I am just not sure how make it work. Still, part time, if I can find a minor trailer, I might begin doing a bit here and there. Perhaps summer wood for summer cabins? Though I think competition is rather steep, with $120 to $150 a cord, sometimes delivered. That's a lot of cutting, chopping, transporting, and stacking for very little money. I'm not sure how they can really do it. Never mind, the saw seems to have excited something in me. If nothing else perhaps I could help others take wood they need, just to do it. I just feel called to work. Not sure how much I really can end up doing. But again, never mind.
If you have never used a chainsaw I am suggesting you are missing out. There are risks. But guiding a chain through what experience has shown you to be solid matter, cutting limbs down to size, feeling the heft, the noise, all of it, it just does something... something good. I have been eyeing those trees out back with a new belief that I can handle them, or at least pare them down and let a pro handle the biggest trunk (between four and a half and five feet in girth). Technically, even with a 25" bar, I could not take that big trunk. Stretching the chainsaw beyond recommendations for an already highly dangerous (even within the world of chainsaw usage) cutting technique is for other men. But if I could trim the trunk to a fifteen foot knob, I think I could conscientiously allow the rest of the work to be outsourced. The other trees will be quite tricky, too. I have two 30 to 40 foot pines five feet apart and ten feet from the house. Another similar sized pine is ten feet from the garage. The two big trees sit right between the house, one of the sheds, and the fence, no more than 20 feet from any of those and well tall enough to hit any and possibly all, depending on if they broke up during the cutting and with a little extra special bad luck. All of them, even some of the branches alone, could do serious harm to my home. Should be interesting. Now I really have to get practicing on some rope work, I have the tools, reason, purpose, and a little pep in my step. The upside? If I die, problem solved! All of them. Ha-yeah! Bleh, I'm never that lucky.
Oh, and while I might have a penchant for exaggeration, from rare occasion to rare moment... this isn't one of them. If I get done even the bits I propose I will have done a manly man's job. If, as usual, it will take me months, not days, to do. Not that I am a sixtieth of a man, only like Wesley from Prince's Bride, I am... mostly dead. *grins*
Well, on to... something or other, while I more fully wake. But, yeah, the saw has me coming to a new kind of wakefulness. *Va-room!*
.
I almost made it to 21:00 then crashed like a sea gull on Alka-Seltzer (hint: they can't burp, urhm... or fart). Anyway. I woke at about 2:00 and tried to stay down a bit longer. Forty five minutes later I was up without any choice. I had the windows open and furnace off and it was about 62 F in here. I was still quite warm, at least while under a couple of blankets. Even so, I shut things up and turned up the heat a bit. No need to possibly suffer through the chills while waking. Now to stay up today like I did yesterday.
That chainsaw is exciting. It is also a bit frightening, even now. The work I have done with it has been minor and easy. There were no tricks, no odd spring, no serious amounts of mass coming to points along my cut. What I am hoping to do with the saw will bring me into serious contention with the laws of physics, great masses, all centered around a rather serious saw. I still haven't figured out how to make more use of the chainsaw, I just know that it might be a way for me to do more than what I am doing. Something physical. I can't really help others with home tree issues, I'm simply not good enough yet. And that will always involve risk, probably nearly requiring an "education paperwork trail" and insurance. But felling trees, limbing them, then cutting them down to travel size before finishing them for firewood or even lumber is possible.
The truth on that though is people in this valley, because of the burgeoning population and worsening air quality from autos (mostly) are starting to shy away from woodburning anything, save when they go camping and most can either afford a few small bundles or have wood from their own cuttings. There is no way a private cutter could compete with lumber companies, in any fashion, either. I am just not sure how make it work. Still, part time, if I can find a minor trailer, I might begin doing a bit here and there. Perhaps summer wood for summer cabins? Though I think competition is rather steep, with $120 to $150 a cord, sometimes delivered. That's a lot of cutting, chopping, transporting, and stacking for very little money. I'm not sure how they can really do it. Never mind, the saw seems to have excited something in me. If nothing else perhaps I could help others take wood they need, just to do it. I just feel called to work. Not sure how much I really can end up doing. But again, never mind.
If you have never used a chainsaw I am suggesting you are missing out. There are risks. But guiding a chain through what experience has shown you to be solid matter, cutting limbs down to size, feeling the heft, the noise, all of it, it just does something... something good. I have been eyeing those trees out back with a new belief that I can handle them, or at least pare them down and let a pro handle the biggest trunk (between four and a half and five feet in girth). Technically, even with a 25" bar, I could not take that big trunk. Stretching the chainsaw beyond recommendations for an already highly dangerous (even within the world of chainsaw usage) cutting technique is for other men. But if I could trim the trunk to a fifteen foot knob, I think I could conscientiously allow the rest of the work to be outsourced. The other trees will be quite tricky, too. I have two 30 to 40 foot pines five feet apart and ten feet from the house. Another similar sized pine is ten feet from the garage. The two big trees sit right between the house, one of the sheds, and the fence, no more than 20 feet from any of those and well tall enough to hit any and possibly all, depending on if they broke up during the cutting and with a little extra special bad luck. All of them, even some of the branches alone, could do serious harm to my home. Should be interesting. Now I really have to get practicing on some rope work, I have the tools, reason, purpose, and a little pep in my step. The upside? If I die, problem solved! All of them. Ha-yeah! Bleh, I'm never that lucky.
Oh, and while I might have a penchant for exaggeration, from rare occasion to rare moment... this isn't one of them. If I get done even the bits I propose I will have done a manly man's job. If, as usual, it will take me months, not days, to do. Not that I am a sixtieth of a man, only like Wesley from Prince's Bride, I am... mostly dead. *grins*
Well, on to... something or other, while I more fully wake. But, yeah, the saw has me coming to a new kind of wakefulness. *Va-room!*
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