.
.
No, I didn't make it to reconciliation. I thought I could cut through to big box, do an exchange, and pick up the parts I needed. Between cutting it a bit tight and having technical problems, the whole affair simply took too long. The goal is to be to Church a bit earlier next Saturday. As such, though we made it to Mass I did not partake of Eucharist. Ah, but if I remember rightly, we didn't even make it to Mass last time she was here. Perhaps we will make two this time.
After Church, a bit of shopping. Flowers, she wanted larger tomatoes, which... fine... but only heirloom. She doesn't get that and I don't care. My garden, my way. Then just a bunch of other stuff, some food, some garden, and... Tomorrow morning, so I hear, she wants the garden put in. She is getting bored, she says. Hmm... I thought she was working to much, or didn't want to work? What, precisely, does she think a vacation, without work, will be here? I'm not taking here driving all over the state. Gas and lodging is simply too expensive. She has to think about some things. Besides, we only spent three days cleaning, and it was more at my pace than hers. Bleh... I think she was just seeing if I would put my foot down, and I did. Do mothers do the shit-test thing? Wouldn't surprise me. Women are women, and some of their thinking doesn't require "romance", just a dominant male? Gotta test. Mother's probably beginning teaching that sort of thing, just through their natural inclinations from a young age?
Never mind. Things are ordered. I have put limits on what I will and will not help with. No more make-a-job crap, and other than a specific planter, no flowers. Not my thing, not right now for sure. If you can't eat it I really don't like mucking with it. Save for houseplants, if I have found that they won't make it in here. The places that get sun are too cold, and the other places are too dark. I suppose I could try to create a minor, indoor, heat-assisted green house. But that sort of destroys the notion of a houseplant. I may have to look for ideas on how, around here, to help houseplants in my sort of situation.
Best get to bed before too long. Good night.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
She caught me. She ALWAYS catches me.
.
.
I was just tinkering in the kitchen, setting up to fry sausage burgers for breakfast. I was being as sneaky as I could be, to surprise her. The smell would bring her around, I was sure of it. A few clinks, as I put away a pan or two, and... "Gare;ewlekr klajke". Huh? Would you cook some sausage? Gah! Although I think it makes her happy when I'm already doing what she wanted. Makes her girl mind smile or something. Oh, I've tried to be sneaky with her since I was very small. Other than being able to spook her by just standing there, and disappearing from time to time, she was often able to just know. Christmas, sometimes, just sucks with her. At least, unlike Luke, my parent couldn't sense all my presents. :p And I did learn to... keep secrets... mostly. She does have a nosy, busy, mind though.
Well... On to lunch. I sliced a few onions, will put some cheese to melt on half of them, and... toast at least my bread, perhaps with mayonnaise as well. Later.
.
I was just tinkering in the kitchen, setting up to fry sausage burgers for breakfast. I was being as sneaky as I could be, to surprise her. The smell would bring her around, I was sure of it. A few clinks, as I put away a pan or two, and... "Gare;ewlekr klajke". Huh? Would you cook some sausage? Gah! Although I think it makes her happy when I'm already doing what she wanted. Makes her girl mind smile or something. Oh, I've tried to be sneaky with her since I was very small. Other than being able to spook her by just standing there, and disappearing from time to time, she was often able to just know. Christmas, sometimes, just sucks with her. At least, unlike Luke, my parent couldn't sense all my presents. :p And I did learn to... keep secrets... mostly. She does have a nosy, busy, mind though.
Well... On to lunch. I sliced a few onions, will put some cheese to melt on half of them, and... toast at least my bread, perhaps with mayonnaise as well. Later.
A pleasant morning.
.
.
I had to make coffee this morning. Usually I have it set up at night. I just don't live such a life that anything is absolutely, or even mostly, regular. It is best to do it at night, in case I need to grind more coffee. Grinding coffee is a minor pain. In the morning, though, it feels like coffee is being held hostage by the annoyance. And everything sounds louder in the morning. No problems, there was enough coffee ground, and probably for tomorrow. Still, a bit of grinding will take place today. I was slow to make it though, not being sure when my mother would wake. She does sleep longer, or this time. Now that my health has improved, hard work, long day, doesn't matter. To bed early or late, usually not a problem. After seven to eight hours I wake. Of course, that means I get some screen time, my news, and quiet time to post. Today more so. She is tuckered, napping already this morning. While she never stops, when she gets started, she does eventually run out of steam. Today she is tuckered. Me and the bugs are having a ball. Actually, I think even the girls are rejoicing. Her 'busy mode' scares them too!
I did set up medicines when I ran out, so those are back online without a skip. I also figured out why the ac was taking so long to cool my room. The other window was open as widely as it goes. Behind the thick curtain, with no wind, and being pretty much at the end of my day, I didn't remember to check. Should be better with that closed. I might take a minor nap before long. I would normally play PS3, but she is snoozing to the tv. Trying to steal that for my use would wake her. Don't wake sleeping dragon women. Just trust me. She'll start looking around for work. After I get the h.w. heater in, the new toilet in, the garden planted, and cut the branches, there is a decent chance there will be time to help her do some of the odd things she wants done. Assuming I don't lop my fool head off with the chainsaw up in the tree. I actually think, with what remains, that if I can start tomorrow and keep her at bay, I can have my work done by Monday night. Tuesday at the latest. And right down to having the branches towed to where the city allows us to dump wood, branches, and sich.
Sure is a nice morning though. A shower before too long, and a limited air dry. With company present, mom included, my natural hesitancy to show too much skin will put some limits on my endeavor that way. I still keep wondering how far Google, Verizon, and the others, have gone. Have they merely been party to the domestic spy apparatus, or have they also participated in everything from hacking, to sabotaging blogs they don't like, to who knows. Did they open these things up for petty activists and bureaucrats? I've seen posts of mine all but ruined with typos and things, ones I have edited well. Looking back I see where old posts have been destroyed... grammar, word usage, even to some of them becoming totally nonsensical. I would easily see Google doing it, they pretty much hate America. Verizon, the others? Probably more neutral, but happy to go along if the money or corporate favors are in the offing. Hard to know. And we probably never will get to the bottom of it. Nobody in government or business wants us to know just how bad it is always, and how much worse it truly got. They share Zero's hubris, as well. They, if you ask them, do what they do for "our good".
A time for choices, top to bottom, side to side, whole and complete. Unfortunately, as I have suggested, people have chosen.
.
I had to make coffee this morning. Usually I have it set up at night. I just don't live such a life that anything is absolutely, or even mostly, regular. It is best to do it at night, in case I need to grind more coffee. Grinding coffee is a minor pain. In the morning, though, it feels like coffee is being held hostage by the annoyance. And everything sounds louder in the morning. No problems, there was enough coffee ground, and probably for tomorrow. Still, a bit of grinding will take place today. I was slow to make it though, not being sure when my mother would wake. She does sleep longer, or this time. Now that my health has improved, hard work, long day, doesn't matter. To bed early or late, usually not a problem. After seven to eight hours I wake. Of course, that means I get some screen time, my news, and quiet time to post. Today more so. She is tuckered, napping already this morning. While she never stops, when she gets started, she does eventually run out of steam. Today she is tuckered. Me and the bugs are having a ball. Actually, I think even the girls are rejoicing. Her 'busy mode' scares them too!
I did set up medicines when I ran out, so those are back online without a skip. I also figured out why the ac was taking so long to cool my room. The other window was open as widely as it goes. Behind the thick curtain, with no wind, and being pretty much at the end of my day, I didn't remember to check. Should be better with that closed. I might take a minor nap before long. I would normally play PS3, but she is snoozing to the tv. Trying to steal that for my use would wake her. Don't wake sleeping dragon women. Just trust me. She'll start looking around for work. After I get the h.w. heater in, the new toilet in, the garden planted, and cut the branches, there is a decent chance there will be time to help her do some of the odd things she wants done. Assuming I don't lop my fool head off with the chainsaw up in the tree. I actually think, with what remains, that if I can start tomorrow and keep her at bay, I can have my work done by Monday night. Tuesday at the latest. And right down to having the branches towed to where the city allows us to dump wood, branches, and sich.
Sure is a nice morning though. A shower before too long, and a limited air dry. With company present, mom included, my natural hesitancy to show too much skin will put some limits on my endeavor that way. I still keep wondering how far Google, Verizon, and the others, have gone. Have they merely been party to the domestic spy apparatus, or have they also participated in everything from hacking, to sabotaging blogs they don't like, to who knows. Did they open these things up for petty activists and bureaucrats? I've seen posts of mine all but ruined with typos and things, ones I have edited well. Looking back I see where old posts have been destroyed... grammar, word usage, even to some of them becoming totally nonsensical. I would easily see Google doing it, they pretty much hate America. Verizon, the others? Probably more neutral, but happy to go along if the money or corporate favors are in the offing. Hard to know. And we probably never will get to the bottom of it. Nobody in government or business wants us to know just how bad it is always, and how much worse it truly got. They share Zero's hubris, as well. They, if you ask them, do what they do for "our good".
A time for choices, top to bottom, side to side, whole and complete. Unfortunately, as I have suggested, people have chosen.
A bit of barking and some rule setting, but it is going fine.
.
.
You know, the difference between the easier and more difficult times? The weather. The hotter visits have been a bit more testing. And yet, even the testing visits are just fine. Little... quibbles. Arguments over somethings and nothings. But work is done, food is cooked, we get to catch up over morning coffee or on breaks. Little bits of what else is going on or planned beyond our time together. The ac may help, simply by giving me a time out, and if too warm, cooling the front room and her bedroom as well. For her, and generally for me, it isn't too hot. It is too hot for me to nap, and working harder, longer, and on little fiddly stuff... what I call 'stop and go traffic work' heats me up quickly. Showers don't cool me down, and I can't nap without it. I can quickly get a full grump on. The hotter she gets, the more jobs she finds. And she needs help with every single one of them. *laughs*
Today? Not much, as I suggested. She might want to do some planting, I can't tell. If the plants she had put outside survived. Not good planning on that one. I have extra, if smaller peppers, but those were my good tomato plants. Replacements are at least $4 a pop. Never mind. She pouts too though. Mostly rest today, then cleaning and dressing for Mass. Hmm... You know, I probably ought to fill a canteen and keep that with me. I would much prefer a metal canteen though. The taste of plastics is often... In higher heat, anything will do. But in this? I'll have to look through my kit, perhaps there is something. I know I will have to get used to more sipping, a lot more. Might as well start now.
Sunday, or Monday if I am still a bit too tired, I will be hitting the last water heater. While in town I am going to look for a different valve. This one does have a solder side, but it also has a shark bite side. After two for two failures, I want nothing more to do with those. I am hoping I can just exchange it. Cleaning and soldering I can do. What I won't do is mess with shark bites ever again, if at all possible. Two for two failures is a seriously bad start, wrong foot to begin on, and provides zero confidence. I'll have to remember to get it in.
I've been ignoring the news mostly. I see a new scandal has reared it's ugly head. I can be sure, due to my political leaning, and this blog, that my phone calls are stored, my email has been tapped, my blog is being reviewed daily and the material here is archived. I told you this long ago, roughly. I already knew it. I let others find the proof. They have. I'm not sure that it matters, the constitution was the first thing this admin threw under the bus. There is no law in this land at this time. From big banks to government, they do what they please. Heck, they aren't even, in liberal enclaves, enforcing their gun bans... except for upon lawful citizens. At least you get to see it clearly, up front, and in your face. Libs don't believe/care/know/understand. They will keep pulling "D", as if that will win them the game they can't win at this point. Vegas, baby. At this point, pulling "R", for the most part and in most venues, is only a slower smaller version of pulling "D". Same fiscal cliff, 20%-50% slower drive over it, if that in places. Same government intrusion, same amnesty, same foreign wars, same EPA, Education, IRS, and other anonymous bureaucratic arms. Get out.
Oh, on another score... I suspected my mother read here. No, she doesn't believe a thing written here, mind you. Not because it isn't true, necessarily, but because she doesn't want to believe. She ferrets through for news on the homefront and bits that happen to entertain her. I was certain of it, despite her denials, if I still always look for... little bits of evidence. I showed her my most recent poems, before the newest edition. I offered to show her the second musical bit. She jumped and whinnied and proffered an immediate and powerful, frightened, "No thank you!", as if I was offering her a plate of fresh live insects. I am not sure which of my music did that to her, though... given her penchant for the mundane, probably my most mundane, to me, of pieces could have upset her delicate system. *grins* Oh yes, she reads here. There is other evidence, of course... when she, like the others, remembers something written here that I did not tell her, for example. And still I collect every little... proof. It's a hobby. Some people have learned how to... keep their tracks hidden. She isn't one of them, but her guy is. While he seems an atheist and political completely neutral, I suspect he just knew what I know... possibly before I was born. And his education and intent is such that he could be considered a modern mage. With machinery, electronics, and software, he has some serious understanding and technical skill. Cloaked, he, and now she, is... methinks. He is one even my probing can't see into. But I can see a slight trace of... something. Always could. Never knew what to take away there. Took things on face value, knowing better, then did some 'math' in the background. Most of it adds up. What doesn't is... leaves many questions. I really can see into most. Not all, but most.
.
You know, the difference between the easier and more difficult times? The weather. The hotter visits have been a bit more testing. And yet, even the testing visits are just fine. Little... quibbles. Arguments over somethings and nothings. But work is done, food is cooked, we get to catch up over morning coffee or on breaks. Little bits of what else is going on or planned beyond our time together. The ac may help, simply by giving me a time out, and if too warm, cooling the front room and her bedroom as well. For her, and generally for me, it isn't too hot. It is too hot for me to nap, and working harder, longer, and on little fiddly stuff... what I call 'stop and go traffic work' heats me up quickly. Showers don't cool me down, and I can't nap without it. I can quickly get a full grump on. The hotter she gets, the more jobs she finds. And she needs help with every single one of them. *laughs*
Today? Not much, as I suggested. She might want to do some planting, I can't tell. If the plants she had put outside survived. Not good planning on that one. I have extra, if smaller peppers, but those were my good tomato plants. Replacements are at least $4 a pop. Never mind. She pouts too though. Mostly rest today, then cleaning and dressing for Mass. Hmm... You know, I probably ought to fill a canteen and keep that with me. I would much prefer a metal canteen though. The taste of plastics is often... In higher heat, anything will do. But in this? I'll have to look through my kit, perhaps there is something. I know I will have to get used to more sipping, a lot more. Might as well start now.
Sunday, or Monday if I am still a bit too tired, I will be hitting the last water heater. While in town I am going to look for a different valve. This one does have a solder side, but it also has a shark bite side. After two for two failures, I want nothing more to do with those. I am hoping I can just exchange it. Cleaning and soldering I can do. What I won't do is mess with shark bites ever again, if at all possible. Two for two failures is a seriously bad start, wrong foot to begin on, and provides zero confidence. I'll have to remember to get it in.
I've been ignoring the news mostly. I see a new scandal has reared it's ugly head. I can be sure, due to my political leaning, and this blog, that my phone calls are stored, my email has been tapped, my blog is being reviewed daily and the material here is archived. I told you this long ago, roughly. I already knew it. I let others find the proof. They have. I'm not sure that it matters, the constitution was the first thing this admin threw under the bus. There is no law in this land at this time. From big banks to government, they do what they please. Heck, they aren't even, in liberal enclaves, enforcing their gun bans... except for upon lawful citizens. At least you get to see it clearly, up front, and in your face. Libs don't believe/care/know/understand. They will keep pulling "D", as if that will win them the game they can't win at this point. Vegas, baby. At this point, pulling "R", for the most part and in most venues, is only a slower smaller version of pulling "D". Same fiscal cliff, 20%-50% slower drive over it, if that in places. Same government intrusion, same amnesty, same foreign wars, same EPA, Education, IRS, and other anonymous bureaucratic arms. Get out.
Oh, on another score... I suspected my mother read here. No, she doesn't believe a thing written here, mind you. Not because it isn't true, necessarily, but because she doesn't want to believe. She ferrets through for news on the homefront and bits that happen to entertain her. I was certain of it, despite her denials, if I still always look for... little bits of evidence. I showed her my most recent poems, before the newest edition. I offered to show her the second musical bit. She jumped and whinnied and proffered an immediate and powerful, frightened, "No thank you!", as if I was offering her a plate of fresh live insects. I am not sure which of my music did that to her, though... given her penchant for the mundane, probably my most mundane, to me, of pieces could have upset her delicate system. *grins* Oh yes, she reads here. There is other evidence, of course... when she, like the others, remembers something written here that I did not tell her, for example. And still I collect every little... proof. It's a hobby. Some people have learned how to... keep their tracks hidden. She isn't one of them, but her guy is. While he seems an atheist and political completely neutral, I suspect he just knew what I know... possibly before I was born. And his education and intent is such that he could be considered a modern mage. With machinery, electronics, and software, he has some serious understanding and technical skill. Cloaked, he, and now she, is... methinks. He is one even my probing can't see into. But I can see a slight trace of... something. Always could. Never knew what to take away there. Took things on face value, knowing better, then did some 'math' in the background. Most of it adds up. What doesn't is... leaves many questions. I really can see into most. Not all, but most.
Friday, June 7, 2013
It does get ugly when the echoes reverberate.
.
.
To a hidden angel. Yeah, I know. You still don't believe, but I do see in the dark.
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To a hidden angel. Yeah, I know. You still don't believe, but I do see in the dark.
One more time, and, yes, seriously. NO!
.
.
Okay, our little chat went fairly well. I have been working on getting the ac in. I cut the insulation. I looked for screws for one of the parts but could not find them so found others that sort of work. Between this, that, and the other thing, the heat, and being tired, I was stumbling more than sprinting through the task. Mom made dinner. She isn't used to the speed of my grill, so the roast was a little dry. Still, it was good enough. Corn and a glass of milk, or three, on the side, for me. Then, before I finished eating, she was already planning what I would be doing after dinner. Then, when dinner was finished for sure, and we were sitting on the patio, she restated her list of tasks and then started adding to it. No! I've still got the ac to put in and I am done on the side. Today is over. That's it. I didn't get bent about it, if I think she did. I looked her square in the eyes and said, one more time, "No".
I don't care if that hurt her feelings this time. I don't care if she didn't like that. I've told her three times and I won't negotiate. Further, I let her know, that Sunday, Monday, and maybe Tuesday, depending on when I can get back to it, is the next time I might work. And when I work I will be doing the spare bathroom and at my normal pace. I will not be able to help her. The only exception is for the garden. No rose bushes will be moved, no weird plants that aren't even edible will be planted or replanted, and I'd rather we not cook as I don't want to lose time with dishes. No. With the ac in, if it works, a midafternoon nap might help me get back to my feet for doing my stuff quicker, but I am not going to waste my time doing... fucking rose bushes, or some job she sees or creates that wasn't on the list, or just to cater to her. Need a soda? That's what feet are for. I don't ask, I don't serve, unless I happen to be going that way. She begs as well as Sassy, but Sassy has learned too. No!
No fuss but there it is.
Tomorrow we are going to Mass. I am hoping to be ready and going in time to make it to confession first. I always twitch before these, but they are so worth it. Something like a cold shower that turns warm? Something like that. We might go in for a bit of shopping, she wants flowers and this or that. I have a few things on my list. But mostly tomorrow is a day off. And I mean it, NO.
Oh, right. I received a letter from the V.A. saying optometry... or such... was too busy to see me. So they are giving me leeway to go to a pre-approved local doc, for the checkup and for new glasses since I am over 10%. I always thought we had to be 100% to see optometry. Or at least 50%. I think it is 50% for dentistry. At a 100% I don't even have a co-pay. If anything improves, I have three things that would be 70% or more by themselves now. Service connected for what that really matters anymore. I've become suspicious that, like the IRS, politics plays a part in who, how, when, where. No, I don't trust them. And, really? Why should I? Never mind. I tried to call in today but they weren't open, not until Monday I believe. I'll... get on that.
Well... to cool down for the night... To check the ac... Perhaps a shower before bedtime... But not much else. Yeah, I'm cooked. Good night.
.
Okay, our little chat went fairly well. I have been working on getting the ac in. I cut the insulation. I looked for screws for one of the parts but could not find them so found others that sort of work. Between this, that, and the other thing, the heat, and being tired, I was stumbling more than sprinting through the task. Mom made dinner. She isn't used to the speed of my grill, so the roast was a little dry. Still, it was good enough. Corn and a glass of milk, or three, on the side, for me. Then, before I finished eating, she was already planning what I would be doing after dinner. Then, when dinner was finished for sure, and we were sitting on the patio, she restated her list of tasks and then started adding to it. No! I've still got the ac to put in and I am done on the side. Today is over. That's it. I didn't get bent about it, if I think she did. I looked her square in the eyes and said, one more time, "No".
I don't care if that hurt her feelings this time. I don't care if she didn't like that. I've told her three times and I won't negotiate. Further, I let her know, that Sunday, Monday, and maybe Tuesday, depending on when I can get back to it, is the next time I might work. And when I work I will be doing the spare bathroom and at my normal pace. I will not be able to help her. The only exception is for the garden. No rose bushes will be moved, no weird plants that aren't even edible will be planted or replanted, and I'd rather we not cook as I don't want to lose time with dishes. No. With the ac in, if it works, a midafternoon nap might help me get back to my feet for doing my stuff quicker, but I am not going to waste my time doing... fucking rose bushes, or some job she sees or creates that wasn't on the list, or just to cater to her. Need a soda? That's what feet are for. I don't ask, I don't serve, unless I happen to be going that way. She begs as well as Sassy, but Sassy has learned too. No!
No fuss but there it is.
Tomorrow we are going to Mass. I am hoping to be ready and going in time to make it to confession first. I always twitch before these, but they are so worth it. Something like a cold shower that turns warm? Something like that. We might go in for a bit of shopping, she wants flowers and this or that. I have a few things on my list. But mostly tomorrow is a day off. And I mean it, NO.
Oh, right. I received a letter from the V.A. saying optometry... or such... was too busy to see me. So they are giving me leeway to go to a pre-approved local doc, for the checkup and for new glasses since I am over 10%. I always thought we had to be 100% to see optometry. Or at least 50%. I think it is 50% for dentistry. At a 100% I don't even have a co-pay. If anything improves, I have three things that would be 70% or more by themselves now. Service connected for what that really matters anymore. I've become suspicious that, like the IRS, politics plays a part in who, how, when, where. No, I don't trust them. And, really? Why should I? Never mind. I tried to call in today but they weren't open, not until Monday I believe. I'll... get on that.
Well... to cool down for the night... To check the ac... Perhaps a shower before bedtime... But not much else. Yeah, I'm cooked. Good night.
No!
.
.
I did some things, and some more, and tried some other things then I have been finding places to hide. The old water heater in the basement is too much to bring up alone, and the box failed, it is a good deal heavier than the new water heater. I beat my bullocks on that rock for a good half an hour before throwing in the towel and a potential hernia. Finally we talked. The heat is too much, I have been pushing for a month, and I don't mean to sound bitchy but pulling obscure weeds, cutting tiddly unnecessary to bother with branches, and moving rose plants was, none of it, on the menu. I won't help you work to make work. I have a very few things I want done. The planting of the garden, the spare bathroom set back up, food in my face from time to time, and a nap when it gets too hot or I've pushed too hard. Plus, I need to work on my schedule, not yours. It's not a request, it's not a demand, it's just the way it is. Oh, and ac in. Between doing those things I need to rest, not be jumping at ever little new thing you want or think could be done. Don't go there or you I will go on strike until new management arrives. This isn't a queendom and I ain't a serf or even a knight, perhaps a black knight but that's another issue.
She loves the sun, she loves bossing people around (playing boss), she loves tinkering with this and that. Here and I had heard she was tired of helping out here! Make up your mind, but... I made it perfectly clear that I am not helping with make-a-job tasks she just makes up as we go along. Oh, I'll help with a project or two, say putting soil into the old toilet and planting flowers, but when it is cool. Sure. Preferably annuals or whatever, but... sure. But don't do a dozen things, then think I am going to keep up on my yard like she does. Not Going To Happen. I'll be doing very good to keep up on my garden and remember to water the toilet. No more, possibly less. It is what I have. Hr-Umph!
No, no fight. And I think she... understood. She didn't go all aghast at me this time. And, she knows, I have work still to do, on the water heater, the toilet, cutting dead branches, cutting a path for an RV. That is a week of work for me. Other than the garden, I don't have the energy to tinker, dink around, or play man-servant. Too damned hot out there anyway. Did I mention I need to get the ac put in? Right! Get that in, get it blowing and going, then a nap. *snap* Tha... tha... that's all... zipper head! :p
.
I did some things, and some more, and tried some other things then I have been finding places to hide. The old water heater in the basement is too much to bring up alone, and the box failed, it is a good deal heavier than the new water heater. I beat my bullocks on that rock for a good half an hour before throwing in the towel and a potential hernia. Finally we talked. The heat is too much, I have been pushing for a month, and I don't mean to sound bitchy but pulling obscure weeds, cutting tiddly unnecessary to bother with branches, and moving rose plants was, none of it, on the menu. I won't help you work to make work. I have a very few things I want done. The planting of the garden, the spare bathroom set back up, food in my face from time to time, and a nap when it gets too hot or I've pushed too hard. Plus, I need to work on my schedule, not yours. It's not a request, it's not a demand, it's just the way it is. Oh, and ac in. Between doing those things I need to rest, not be jumping at ever little new thing you want or think could be done. Don't go there or you I will go on strike until new management arrives. This isn't a queendom and I ain't a serf or even a knight, perhaps a black knight but that's another issue.
She loves the sun, she loves bossing people around (playing boss), she loves tinkering with this and that. Here and I had heard she was tired of helping out here! Make up your mind, but... I made it perfectly clear that I am not helping with make-a-job tasks she just makes up as we go along. Oh, I'll help with a project or two, say putting soil into the old toilet and planting flowers, but when it is cool. Sure. Preferably annuals or whatever, but... sure. But don't do a dozen things, then think I am going to keep up on my yard like she does. Not Going To Happen. I'll be doing very good to keep up on my garden and remember to water the toilet. No more, possibly less. It is what I have. Hr-Umph!
No, no fight. And I think she... understood. She didn't go all aghast at me this time. And, she knows, I have work still to do, on the water heater, the toilet, cutting dead branches, cutting a path for an RV. That is a week of work for me. Other than the garden, I don't have the energy to tinker, dink around, or play man-servant. Too damned hot out there anyway. Did I mention I need to get the ac put in? Right! Get that in, get it blowing and going, then a nap. *snap* Tha... tha... that's all... zipper head! :p
How to be endearing?
.
.
My mother had washed and folded some clothes. She set them on the table. She asked me to put away my clothes on the table. Me? But they ARE on the table, isn't that were you told me to put them away? Thankfully she was out of ear-shot or that would have been one more blackmark on Doom's bad list methinks. Never mind, I'll wait until she can hear me. *blink blink* Endearing as a rattlesnake, she thinks, to be sure. Just, letting you know. And charting my path from this life to the next. Later.
.
My mother had washed and folded some clothes. She set them on the table. She asked me to put away my clothes on the table. Me? But they ARE on the table, isn't that were you told me to put them away? Thankfully she was out of ear-shot or that would have been one more blackmark on Doom's bad list methinks. Never mind, I'll wait until she can hear me. *blink blink* Endearing as a rattlesnake, she thinks, to be sure. Just, letting you know. And charting my path from this life to the next. Later.
When did I get to bed?
.
.
I can't be sure, but I did crash pretty hard. I do need to get the ac up though. It isn't just work, but the heat. I can't nap in it, and a nap midday would really keep my stress levels in check. It's just too warm. It isn't quite hot, really, yet. It is just warm enough that I can't chill in order to catch a few zzz's. I'll fix that today. Then again, sleep was great when I finally got to it. The fan along with the natural cooling of night, plus the work of late, put me down fairly well.
The garden is probably what is happening today. I will have to take charge of this. Some of the plants aren't ready and I won't negotiate. I will pot some things though, but keep them inside until they get more size. The habanero are only a few inches up. I want them a goodly bit higher. Jalapeno and Serrano, I believe, are quite ready, as are some of the tomato plants. Six should do, of those. And, by the way, I think those will definitely go into the planters earlier next year. Not January, but perhaps March 1st. Another month or two, and a half, should do. I'll simply have to get the growth lights up and going for sure. But from what I have seen, that light will be enough. All I need to see is how to plant these things, get an idea of how she uses fertilizer and preen, and a few other things. I don't need it all done right today. Dang woman. I may start putting the little plants out in the sun and wind, to see how they do, but back in at night. I may or may not get a thing off them as things turn out, but I will have learned a few things. That is what this year is about anyway.
Today I should also be able to get the water heaters out. And this room will be cleaned as well, probably. But this room is cake compared to the other rooms, none of which took a day themselves. Then she can rest until she goes. I may insist. Then I get can back to the water heater and remaining toilet. As I said, I found solder on mips and exchanged the flexible fip x s flex hoses for fip x fip hoses. I will be attempting to 'solder' the brass valve, after gutting it first upon instruction so as not to damage the goodies inside with the heat. I'm hoping that is all that is needed there. The toilet is easy with running water to work with, and to make sure there are no leaks. Then she can have her own bathroom. Life is a lot easier that way. I am hoping to have her part of things done today so I can either hit the rest of my things tomorrow, or the day after, then throughout the week.
After the en suite is up and running, then I need to get the chainsaw, ladder, climbing harness, and tie-offs out, and cut some dead limbs and get a rough idea about tree limbs removal for Ginger. She will get some midday shade this way, and it helps. The sun is brutal here, and I hate loading and working in that... until there will be no choice that is. When I have choice, I choose. When not, I simply deal. Women, my mother, is crosseyed on these things. Just leave it out front, run the ac on it, why fuss with that. But if she had to live in it while here, she would demand shade. Oh yes she would. Or complain about not having gotten it.
I sure love the new toilet, if I hadn't mentioned that a dozen times. No more nighttime 'dark carrier landings', no more scrunching to make sure everything sort of hits the target mostly, and it flushes even my heaviest loads like a champ. Reading is comfortable, with no chance of my legs falling asleep, or getting a circle cut into my butt. I don't even have to ride the flush handle. One simple push and a second longer for 'just in case' scenarios, and gone. If you want to follow the doctor's suggestions and squat, be my guest, just... not here.
Awake at 4:00, or a bit before really. I tried to stay down longer but just couldn't get back to sleep. All good. I am sure I got in seven or more like eight hours. And I feel pretty good. Medicines have gone down... Oh, right, blood sugars need to be tested. I hate doing that, but that isn't the reason I forgot. I'm trying to be sneaky quiet so Momma de Doom doesn't wake. *sneak, sneak, QUIET!* *grins* Just a wee little alone time...
.
I can't be sure, but I did crash pretty hard. I do need to get the ac up though. It isn't just work, but the heat. I can't nap in it, and a nap midday would really keep my stress levels in check. It's just too warm. It isn't quite hot, really, yet. It is just warm enough that I can't chill in order to catch a few zzz's. I'll fix that today. Then again, sleep was great when I finally got to it. The fan along with the natural cooling of night, plus the work of late, put me down fairly well.
The garden is probably what is happening today. I will have to take charge of this. Some of the plants aren't ready and I won't negotiate. I will pot some things though, but keep them inside until they get more size. The habanero are only a few inches up. I want them a goodly bit higher. Jalapeno and Serrano, I believe, are quite ready, as are some of the tomato plants. Six should do, of those. And, by the way, I think those will definitely go into the planters earlier next year. Not January, but perhaps March 1st. Another month or two, and a half, should do. I'll simply have to get the growth lights up and going for sure. But from what I have seen, that light will be enough. All I need to see is how to plant these things, get an idea of how she uses fertilizer and preen, and a few other things. I don't need it all done right today. Dang woman. I may start putting the little plants out in the sun and wind, to see how they do, but back in at night. I may or may not get a thing off them as things turn out, but I will have learned a few things. That is what this year is about anyway.
Today I should also be able to get the water heaters out. And this room will be cleaned as well, probably. But this room is cake compared to the other rooms, none of which took a day themselves. Then she can rest until she goes. I may insist. Then I get can back to the water heater and remaining toilet. As I said, I found solder on mips and exchanged the flexible fip x s flex hoses for fip x fip hoses. I will be attempting to 'solder' the brass valve, after gutting it first upon instruction so as not to damage the goodies inside with the heat. I'm hoping that is all that is needed there. The toilet is easy with running water to work with, and to make sure there are no leaks. Then she can have her own bathroom. Life is a lot easier that way. I am hoping to have her part of things done today so I can either hit the rest of my things tomorrow, or the day after, then throughout the week.
After the en suite is up and running, then I need to get the chainsaw, ladder, climbing harness, and tie-offs out, and cut some dead limbs and get a rough idea about tree limbs removal for Ginger. She will get some midday shade this way, and it helps. The sun is brutal here, and I hate loading and working in that... until there will be no choice that is. When I have choice, I choose. When not, I simply deal. Women, my mother, is crosseyed on these things. Just leave it out front, run the ac on it, why fuss with that. But if she had to live in it while here, she would demand shade. Oh yes she would. Or complain about not having gotten it.
I sure love the new toilet, if I hadn't mentioned that a dozen times. No more nighttime 'dark carrier landings', no more scrunching to make sure everything sort of hits the target mostly, and it flushes even my heaviest loads like a champ. Reading is comfortable, with no chance of my legs falling asleep, or getting a circle cut into my butt. I don't even have to ride the flush handle. One simple push and a second longer for 'just in case' scenarios, and gone. If you want to follow the doctor's suggestions and squat, be my guest, just... not here.
Awake at 4:00, or a bit before really. I tried to stay down longer but just couldn't get back to sleep. All good. I am sure I got in seven or more like eight hours. And I feel pretty good. Medicines have gone down... Oh, right, blood sugars need to be tested. I hate doing that, but that isn't the reason I forgot. I'm trying to be sneaky quiet so Momma de Doom doesn't wake. *sneak, sneak, QUIET!* *grins* Just a wee little alone time...
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The woman does not understand.
.
.
After some rest and relax time, after being home, we started hitting it again. Just a little of this and a little of that. One last thing, I am told. Boxes. They are broken down but need to go into the local, in town, community bin. Sure. So I bust those down even more, to fit into the vehicle. Get them in. Then wait. She finally comes out and we head out. She wants to hold half of the bin lid open just a bit. I open up one side completely, scoot her aside nicely and open that side, then unload in two seconds rather than five minutes. She isn't happy, but that's tough. I'm not being mean, I just want to get this done... not my way, the fast right way. Then she wants me to get out and get her a paper. I give her the money and suggest if she wants it, she can get it. She does so she does. Fine. Home.
You are going to load the old water heaters, tonight, right? Huh? No. Not even. Don't even think about it. And, once again, no. I am done, and more. The drive, the various work, the bits and pieces, the heat. I am done. She didn't like it but I will not negotiate. I do what I can, no more, mostly. I have pushed today. She didn't have to drive. Next time I am going to have her drive. Should settle her down a bit. I have limits and I've been bending those all to heck. No. And I refuse to even feel bad about it.
A shower, before too long. But I would like to stay up a few more hours. As the day cools, sleep will be much easier to slip into as well. Lord knows I love my showers like never before. Tired, sore, pains where they shouldn't be, I'm done. She is really pushing and bitchy this time. I'm not sure what her deal is. Although I am suspicious of most women. They'll kill you if they can. Push push shove push. I'm not going into my grave lightly, that's for sure. Another week and a half? We'll see. If I have to, I'll pick up and go to a hotel for a night or two. I will. I'll leave my cell phone here, too!
Well... on to relaxing. Later.
.
After some rest and relax time, after being home, we started hitting it again. Just a little of this and a little of that. One last thing, I am told. Boxes. They are broken down but need to go into the local, in town, community bin. Sure. So I bust those down even more, to fit into the vehicle. Get them in. Then wait. She finally comes out and we head out. She wants to hold half of the bin lid open just a bit. I open up one side completely, scoot her aside nicely and open that side, then unload in two seconds rather than five minutes. She isn't happy, but that's tough. I'm not being mean, I just want to get this done... not my way, the fast right way. Then she wants me to get out and get her a paper. I give her the money and suggest if she wants it, she can get it. She does so she does. Fine. Home.
You are going to load the old water heaters, tonight, right? Huh? No. Not even. Don't even think about it. And, once again, no. I am done, and more. The drive, the various work, the bits and pieces, the heat. I am done. She didn't like it but I will not negotiate. I do what I can, no more, mostly. I have pushed today. She didn't have to drive. Next time I am going to have her drive. Should settle her down a bit. I have limits and I've been bending those all to heck. No. And I refuse to even feel bad about it.
A shower, before too long. But I would like to stay up a few more hours. As the day cools, sleep will be much easier to slip into as well. Lord knows I love my showers like never before. Tired, sore, pains where they shouldn't be, I'm done. She is really pushing and bitchy this time. I'm not sure what her deal is. Although I am suspicious of most women. They'll kill you if they can. Push push shove push. I'm not going into my grave lightly, that's for sure. Another week and a half? We'll see. If I have to, I'll pick up and go to a hotel for a night or two. I will. I'll leave my cell phone here, too!
Well... on to relaxing. Later.
A good day, mostly.
.
.
Up and at it in plenty of time. A little morning goofing, if it didn't turn out all that well I still enjoyed it. She knew what I meant, she just isn't as twitchy as she used to be, or perhaps is a little more aware? On the good side, it brought back memories of when I was younger. It started out innocently enough, I was just a quiet child... at one time. And I had a way of just 'being there' that unnerved folk. I simply learned to enjoy 'being there' as a surprise. Travel was good, not too much grumping on my part, and pleasant conversation. Plus a bit of relaxation, viewing the mountains, going over the pass. I'm learning to put it on 'relax' while city and freeway driving which makes life easier.
The appointment was a dud. I did not know the only thing they wanted was my blood sugar readings. They did take my A1C, and will otherwise reschedule. I know I am supposed to be taking them regularly, but I've been busy. Things get shuffled to the side. Besides, I am not sure how much I trust them on their take regarding diabetes from what I have seen on my side. Sugar free raises my reading to 200-300 and nothing takes it down. If I add sugar three to five times a week, the readings drop to about 100. That goes against everything they say. And I wasn't able to take the double dose of medicine they tried to put me on. It wiped me out. Now, if they want to cut some of the heart medicine in exchange, I suppose we could try it. But that is what it would take. I'm at my medicine tolerance limits. Like it, don't like, it, fix it or lump it.
After that though, I did get to the big box. They did have the fittings I wanted, but they were all in as bad or worse of shape. I gave up on soldering directly and found fip x fip flex pipes and mip x s fittings (which I checked thoroughly!). Now I just have to get that going, either this weekend or next week, depending on how much work remains and how long the garden takes. I am secure that this will fix the problem nicely though. A bit of other shopping my mother wanted done, even something I was able to help her out regarding. Doom knew some health lore that should help the mom-o this time.
The last thing, while in town, we hit a restaurant I had looked up. I was a bit afraid it would be too expensive, or even not open until later in the day. I was wrong, on both counts. Plus the food truly was excellent. She a brisket sandwich, me a brisket platter and a peach cobbler. The price is decent enough that I could take my friend without any issues. It is no more expensive than our normal restaurant, but smoked meats? Yeah... I didn't try their baked beans, but I do know my friend likes those smoked, a lot. I like exploring for potential new places to eat.
A bit of relaxing, then maybe a nap, and probably getting the cardboard to recycling later. When it cools, I suggested. It is getting hot out there. It isn't blistering, but it is putting out notice that summer is here. It is nice, but on a still full stomach, it is a bit much. Yes, a bit of blogging, a sip of something cool, a nap, then a bit of cleanup this evening. A perfect day, really. Later.
.
Up and at it in plenty of time. A little morning goofing, if it didn't turn out all that well I still enjoyed it. She knew what I meant, she just isn't as twitchy as she used to be, or perhaps is a little more aware? On the good side, it brought back memories of when I was younger. It started out innocently enough, I was just a quiet child... at one time. And I had a way of just 'being there' that unnerved folk. I simply learned to enjoy 'being there' as a surprise. Travel was good, not too much grumping on my part, and pleasant conversation. Plus a bit of relaxation, viewing the mountains, going over the pass. I'm learning to put it on 'relax' while city and freeway driving which makes life easier.
The appointment was a dud. I did not know the only thing they wanted was my blood sugar readings. They did take my A1C, and will otherwise reschedule. I know I am supposed to be taking them regularly, but I've been busy. Things get shuffled to the side. Besides, I am not sure how much I trust them on their take regarding diabetes from what I have seen on my side. Sugar free raises my reading to 200-300 and nothing takes it down. If I add sugar three to five times a week, the readings drop to about 100. That goes against everything they say. And I wasn't able to take the double dose of medicine they tried to put me on. It wiped me out. Now, if they want to cut some of the heart medicine in exchange, I suppose we could try it. But that is what it would take. I'm at my medicine tolerance limits. Like it, don't like, it, fix it or lump it.
After that though, I did get to the big box. They did have the fittings I wanted, but they were all in as bad or worse of shape. I gave up on soldering directly and found fip x fip flex pipes and mip x s fittings (which I checked thoroughly!). Now I just have to get that going, either this weekend or next week, depending on how much work remains and how long the garden takes. I am secure that this will fix the problem nicely though. A bit of other shopping my mother wanted done, even something I was able to help her out regarding. Doom knew some health lore that should help the mom-o this time.
The last thing, while in town, we hit a restaurant I had looked up. I was a bit afraid it would be too expensive, or even not open until later in the day. I was wrong, on both counts. Plus the food truly was excellent. She a brisket sandwich, me a brisket platter and a peach cobbler. The price is decent enough that I could take my friend without any issues. It is no more expensive than our normal restaurant, but smoked meats? Yeah... I didn't try their baked beans, but I do know my friend likes those smoked, a lot. I like exploring for potential new places to eat.
A bit of relaxing, then maybe a nap, and probably getting the cardboard to recycling later. When it cools, I suggested. It is getting hot out there. It isn't blistering, but it is putting out notice that summer is here. It is nice, but on a still full stomach, it is a bit much. Yes, a bit of blogging, a sip of something cool, a nap, then a bit of cleanup this evening. A perfect day, really. Later.
War is not who I present.
.
.
[Just bumping as I am still... pondering these things.]
[Bump le seconde - Yeah... I'm... having to work some things here.]
[One more time]
While I discuss the second Horseman as if he is a warrior, I ought to reconcile the idea. War will be a warrior. The power allotted will allow that not to be the case though. A store clerk from Pittsburgh could do the task, technically. He need never have laid hands to steel, nor would the need be present in the fulfillment of the task associated with the position upon the back of the red horse. No, unnecessary to the task. The only thing he need is the ability to whisper. His task will be to loose men of their natural tastes, ingrained by good or evil, or failings which have lead to or produced their designs toward peace.
.
[Just bumping as I am still... pondering these things.]
[Bump le seconde - Yeah... I'm... having to work some things here.]
[One more time]
While I discuss the second Horseman as if he is a warrior, I ought to reconcile the idea. War will be a warrior. The power allotted will allow that not to be the case though. A store clerk from Pittsburgh could do the task, technically. He need never have laid hands to steel, nor would the need be present in the fulfillment of the task associated with the position upon the back of the red horse. No, unnecessary to the task. The only thing he need is the ability to whisper. His task will be to loose men of their natural tastes, ingrained by good or evil, or failings which have lead to or produced their designs toward peace.
Much better.
.
.
Completely back to normal, plus rested up a bit. I simply can't complain about this morning... well... there was that one thing. Well, and that other thing. I set my mother and my own alarm clocks to 7:00. However, I knew that my alarm clock goes off just a hair before hers. When I heard the alarm, I at first thought to put it on snooze, then roll for a "second" more. Then I thought, no... I will get up before SHE gets up. *sneaky grins* So, off with the alarm, down with the feet, and out the door I went... feeling mighty cocky about the whole thing, I assure you. *beaming* Damnit! She was already up, out on the patio having coffee! Just as I got in the kitchen, I heard her messing with the door, so I thought I would... I dunno... just freeze stand there? That would get her, always used to when I was a kid. *smile* Nope. "I thought I had an inkling of a sense you were up.", She said. BooYeah. Suckage morning or what? Hey, just because you can't win one doesn't mean you give up. *blink blink*
Oh, but I'm in fine spirits and she sounds almost bent back into shape. Who knew all I had to do was play with death a bit and it made it all good. Still, on the whole, I would... rather not. Isn't there a way that just looks good but without all the physical suffering? And I should be able to completely get my wind back today, if I really hadn't quite done so. Driving, compared to what else is going on, is easy smeazy. We will be back in time to do a bit of planting, too, perhaps. Or a bit of cleaning actually. I just don't want to plant as the sun is getting ready to set. I want them out all day for that, so they can acclimate with a full day of sun, first.
Blood pressure was a little high this morning, oddly. I tried it three times. Not extremely high, just a bit. And yes, perhaps unwisely or not, I did take my medicine last night, but just the normal single nightly dose. I'll take my morning dose, alone, this morning and that might help. Now, I always, here at home, check my b.p. before medicines. It might just be a bounce, a revers reaction to an extreme low? Dunno... Bastard! I hate when it does that. Hmm, might be that my mom is here. She... does have a way with my b.p., at times. Gah!
Later. Good day. Get busy, dang it! :p
.
Completely back to normal, plus rested up a bit. I simply can't complain about this morning... well... there was that one thing. Well, and that other thing. I set my mother and my own alarm clocks to 7:00. However, I knew that my alarm clock goes off just a hair before hers. When I heard the alarm, I at first thought to put it on snooze, then roll for a "second" more. Then I thought, no... I will get up before SHE gets up. *sneaky grins* So, off with the alarm, down with the feet, and out the door I went... feeling mighty cocky about the whole thing, I assure you. *beaming* Damnit! She was already up, out on the patio having coffee! Just as I got in the kitchen, I heard her messing with the door, so I thought I would... I dunno... just freeze stand there? That would get her, always used to when I was a kid. *smile* Nope. "I thought I had an inkling of a sense you were up.", She said. BooYeah. Suckage morning or what? Hey, just because you can't win one doesn't mean you give up. *blink blink*
Oh, but I'm in fine spirits and she sounds almost bent back into shape. Who knew all I had to do was play with death a bit and it made it all good. Still, on the whole, I would... rather not. Isn't there a way that just looks good but without all the physical suffering? And I should be able to completely get my wind back today, if I really hadn't quite done so. Driving, compared to what else is going on, is easy smeazy. We will be back in time to do a bit of planting, too, perhaps. Or a bit of cleaning actually. I just don't want to plant as the sun is getting ready to set. I want them out all day for that, so they can acclimate with a full day of sun, first.
Blood pressure was a little high this morning, oddly. I tried it three times. Not extremely high, just a bit. And yes, perhaps unwisely or not, I did take my medicine last night, but just the normal single nightly dose. I'll take my morning dose, alone, this morning and that might help. Now, I always, here at home, check my b.p. before medicines. It might just be a bounce, a revers reaction to an extreme low? Dunno... Bastard! I hate when it does that. Hmm, might be that my mom is here. She... does have a way with my b.p., at times. Gah!
Later. Good day. Get busy, dang it! :p
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Oh, so that's what happens when...
.
.
That's right boys and girls, even Doom can o.d. Oh, you know better than to think I did it on anything... untoward. I don't even consider smoking anything but an occasional cigarette. And then I'm not exactly... overwhelmed with joy about it. Yeah, sure, sometimes a fifth or a case has been known to slip down my gullet, but this is different. While up and early, I think I took my medicines. With an appointment with the doc tomorrow so a push to make sure, with my medicine set being off on days due to hits and misses in taking it, then with the disturbance of my mother here so that when she took her medicine it triggered me to take my medicine (again as it turns out), I doubled my dose. Worse? I took yesterday evenings dose, then duplicated that as well. I took two full days of medicine in one fell two hour period.
Wouch. I don't know that I would call myself graceful, unless you consider that I am overweight. But with the weight I do have on my thick bones, I keep a pretty soft touch to the ground. I lost that. Having three hundred pounds of stumbling bull rumbling around frightened even my mother. I think she feared more for herself and the furniture, she knows that I won't get hurt, mostly. It is what I feared. To top it off, I was nearing stall angle. My eyes kept trying to roll back into my head. I've only passed out a few times in my life legitimately. I know that feeling though. And I felt like warmed over death. It's a brotherly thing. SHE told me to go lay down. I meekly complied.
Four hours later I'm back up but still feeling rough. I may have a fever going on. I definitely have a weird headache thing. I'm almost afraid to take it, but I think some aspirin is required. I don't know if it will help the feverishness but, something has to be taken. Ugh... And, no, I wasn't trying to escape the "broom". And if I were, I wouldn't do it this way. Besides, we are almost done. Just this room remains. And tomorrow we make a run to the doctor, so I knew I had some time off coming. And more, I wanted to be done and to help. Oh, this is wretched. Don't do this at home, kiddies. Just don't.
.
That's right boys and girls, even Doom can o.d. Oh, you know better than to think I did it on anything... untoward. I don't even consider smoking anything but an occasional cigarette. And then I'm not exactly... overwhelmed with joy about it. Yeah, sure, sometimes a fifth or a case has been known to slip down my gullet, but this is different. While up and early, I think I took my medicines. With an appointment with the doc tomorrow so a push to make sure, with my medicine set being off on days due to hits and misses in taking it, then with the disturbance of my mother here so that when she took her medicine it triggered me to take my medicine (again as it turns out), I doubled my dose. Worse? I took yesterday evenings dose, then duplicated that as well. I took two full days of medicine in one fell two hour period.
Wouch. I don't know that I would call myself graceful, unless you consider that I am overweight. But with the weight I do have on my thick bones, I keep a pretty soft touch to the ground. I lost that. Having three hundred pounds of stumbling bull rumbling around frightened even my mother. I think she feared more for herself and the furniture, she knows that I won't get hurt, mostly. It is what I feared. To top it off, I was nearing stall angle. My eyes kept trying to roll back into my head. I've only passed out a few times in my life legitimately. I know that feeling though. And I felt like warmed over death. It's a brotherly thing. SHE told me to go lay down. I meekly complied.
Four hours later I'm back up but still feeling rough. I may have a fever going on. I definitely have a weird headache thing. I'm almost afraid to take it, but I think some aspirin is required. I don't know if it will help the feverishness but, something has to be taken. Ugh... And, no, I wasn't trying to escape the "broom". And if I were, I wouldn't do it this way. Besides, we are almost done. Just this room remains. And tomorrow we make a run to the doctor, so I knew I had some time off coming. And more, I wanted to be done and to help. Oh, this is wretched. Don't do this at home, kiddies. Just don't.
Questions many.
.
.
Some gifts are so difficult to understand they are confused with curses. The joy in the gift cannot be known up front, and it is not a gift for all. A question asked thrice, and answered in various ways.
.
Some gifts are so difficult to understand they are confused with curses. The joy in the gift cannot be known up front, and it is not a gift for all. A question asked thrice, and answered in various ways.
Sleep, long, hard.
.
.
I am always a bit... rough... after a long sleep. Hmm, actually it wasn't so long. It was after 21:00, perhaps pushing 22:00, and I woke at 5:00. If you can't do 9:00 to 5:00 one way do it the other? I have been pushing things for a bit though now. And I keep losing track of my medication. I still can't juggle too many things at once, if I am beginning to be able to juggle several things and bigger things. As I have suggested, I do the best that I can. If you know about electrical, with the x, y, and z axis? I can now use two of those, but not quite the third. Most people aren't aware of the z axis in personal function, that little something that isn't of work or thought, perhaps just the weight of life itself? I see it clearly, due to extreme limits at times. Another year of medication, perhaps. But in my mid-40's, that's... not ever going to improve much at this point. I'm waking just in time for somewhere on the geriatric decline. If I come out of it fully even then. Having stayed on medications, this time, so far, mostly, since my last echocardiogram, I am curious to see if there is more improvement. Viral infections of the heart, or so it has been suggested, do not improve as well or as much. This may be as good as it gets. It is an improvement though. Sometimes the medicines help with function, sometimes not so much though... or is it just that the level of health is still extremely cyclical? Maybe a bit of both.
The bathroom is clean, the kitchen is clean, we had dinner last night and I bought chicken for a spare easy meal, plus she had leftovers. I'm used to a meal a day or less, she is not. She is still in bed and I will let her sleep until she is ready to wake. I am curious if she will do as I do... know I am up so sleep a little extra long. When you aren't the first out of bed... it always feels odd getting up. Well, and you hate intruding, a bit. I would start... well, why not. I'll start the coffee. It's too weak for my tastes, two scoops or such. Bleckh... Is that tea or is that coffee. If tea, bring me coffee. If coffee, bring me tea. She can't handle my coffee, and she does receive catering.
Sassy is keeping her distance. With another person in the house, and lots of activity, she has become very shy. My mother usually wins her over fairly quickly with food. Sas-o-bot is an easy girl. Feed her often, feed her well, and love is in the air. Hey, no complaints here. It's 'xactly my score. Mostly. Or at least I share some of her sentiments. Sam has been outside as often as she can be. She is a summer and sun girl. If she could, she would probably go canoeing, hiking, work in the garden, and the works... were she a woman type. Even before Sassy invaded her home, but that is an extra incentive to be out. She doesn't go far from home, as a general rule.
As for today? More cleaning. The living room, really. Then a bit in here. But most of the cleaning is done. It looked worse than it was, mostly. She wants the house and garden done by the weekend. I don't think that is impossible. Then I can get back to the spare bathroom. I should get some meats out to thaw... Hmm, after consultation. I plan to make corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, have either pork chops or ribs, and get some bacon out. She is considering making a potato-tot casserole and perhaps something else. That should see us to plenty of food for her visit, along with a grill out with my friend, and a more general meal with him over here perhaps. I suppose we can. Oh, right, best get that coffee going.
Oh, she is thinking of using one of the extra toilets as a front yard planter. Something about flowers. I asked about perennials, being... how my interest in flowers runs. She thinks not. Bleh. But whatever. I have enough beginner potting soil, and that other big (huge) planter out there. I just don't like tending things you can't eat. Especially when you have to do extra to tend the soil. It goes bad from overuse quickly. Hmm, maybe I could get a really nice picture of her and frame it in one of the old toilet seats? Hushutup... Just... being... artsy? Would target circles be too much?
Oh, just a morning chuckle, on my side of the screen. Or *cough* another? I do remember being referred to as a potential Nice Pete. Now, there are some odd... parallels, but pretty much a systemic failure of connection. While I can discuss past violence, even if it happened to be of a most recent nature, I do not initiate. While I am probably a bit more emotional, I have long ago detached my emotions from violence. Any anger I have is dealt with personally, privately, and civilly if it involves others. My brutality remains purely professional, not for personal use I mean. Since I am no longer in that field, it is just something on the back shelf, mostly. Or it is called for by another, someone bringing it to me. Speak of the Devil, as the saying goes, if merely speaking is not enough... a blood sacrifice or the threat of one would be in order in this case... but the idea is sound. There are some other problems, but that is probably the main one. Oh, but the idea is a gas.
Later.
.
I am always a bit... rough... after a long sleep. Hmm, actually it wasn't so long. It was after 21:00, perhaps pushing 22:00, and I woke at 5:00. If you can't do 9:00 to 5:00 one way do it the other? I have been pushing things for a bit though now. And I keep losing track of my medication. I still can't juggle too many things at once, if I am beginning to be able to juggle several things and bigger things. As I have suggested, I do the best that I can. If you know about electrical, with the x, y, and z axis? I can now use two of those, but not quite the third. Most people aren't aware of the z axis in personal function, that little something that isn't of work or thought, perhaps just the weight of life itself? I see it clearly, due to extreme limits at times. Another year of medication, perhaps. But in my mid-40's, that's... not ever going to improve much at this point. I'm waking just in time for somewhere on the geriatric decline. If I come out of it fully even then. Having stayed on medications, this time, so far, mostly, since my last echocardiogram, I am curious to see if there is more improvement. Viral infections of the heart, or so it has been suggested, do not improve as well or as much. This may be as good as it gets. It is an improvement though. Sometimes the medicines help with function, sometimes not so much though... or is it just that the level of health is still extremely cyclical? Maybe a bit of both.
The bathroom is clean, the kitchen is clean, we had dinner last night and I bought chicken for a spare easy meal, plus she had leftovers. I'm used to a meal a day or less, she is not. She is still in bed and I will let her sleep until she is ready to wake. I am curious if she will do as I do... know I am up so sleep a little extra long. When you aren't the first out of bed... it always feels odd getting up. Well, and you hate intruding, a bit. I would start... well, why not. I'll start the coffee. It's too weak for my tastes, two scoops or such. Bleckh... Is that tea or is that coffee. If tea, bring me coffee. If coffee, bring me tea. She can't handle my coffee, and she does receive catering.
Sassy is keeping her distance. With another person in the house, and lots of activity, she has become very shy. My mother usually wins her over fairly quickly with food. Sas-o-bot is an easy girl. Feed her often, feed her well, and love is in the air. Hey, no complaints here. It's 'xactly my score. Mostly. Or at least I share some of her sentiments. Sam has been outside as often as she can be. She is a summer and sun girl. If she could, she would probably go canoeing, hiking, work in the garden, and the works... were she a woman type. Even before Sassy invaded her home, but that is an extra incentive to be out. She doesn't go far from home, as a general rule.
As for today? More cleaning. The living room, really. Then a bit in here. But most of the cleaning is done. It looked worse than it was, mostly. She wants the house and garden done by the weekend. I don't think that is impossible. Then I can get back to the spare bathroom. I should get some meats out to thaw... Hmm, after consultation. I plan to make corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, have either pork chops or ribs, and get some bacon out. She is considering making a potato-tot casserole and perhaps something else. That should see us to plenty of food for her visit, along with a grill out with my friend, and a more general meal with him over here perhaps. I suppose we can. Oh, right, best get that coffee going.
Oh, she is thinking of using one of the extra toilets as a front yard planter. Something about flowers. I asked about perennials, being... how my interest in flowers runs. She thinks not. Bleh. But whatever. I have enough beginner potting soil, and that other big (huge) planter out there. I just don't like tending things you can't eat. Especially when you have to do extra to tend the soil. It goes bad from overuse quickly. Hmm, maybe I could get a really nice picture of her and frame it in one of the old toilet seats? Hushutup... Just... being... artsy? Would target circles be too much?
Oh, just a morning chuckle, on my side of the screen. Or *cough* another? I do remember being referred to as a potential Nice Pete. Now, there are some odd... parallels, but pretty much a systemic failure of connection. While I can discuss past violence, even if it happened to be of a most recent nature, I do not initiate. While I am probably a bit more emotional, I have long ago detached my emotions from violence. Any anger I have is dealt with personally, privately, and civilly if it involves others. My brutality remains purely professional, not for personal use I mean. Since I am no longer in that field, it is just something on the back shelf, mostly. Or it is called for by another, someone bringing it to me. Speak of the Devil, as the saying goes, if merely speaking is not enough... a blood sacrifice or the threat of one would be in order in this case... but the idea is sound. There are some other problems, but that is probably the main one. Oh, but the idea is a gas.
Later.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Cleaning.
.
.
Bit by bit the cave is being cleaned. She doesn't seem to understand that not having hot water until recently put me at a severe disadvantage, and trying to fix things takes whatever time it takes. She has indicated that if she comes out again to this kind of mess she will stay in a motel. I have news. She won't be back. If I can afford it, from now on, I will drive to visit her. It is more expensive to drive but I don't have to mess with airport "security", and won't. I will stay a few days then head back. That will fix that. I have neither the money for a housekeeper, nor a wife. Done.
The dishes are done, I am in the process of cleaning the bathroom. She has decided to hit the kitchen. She wants things just so before cooking. Okay. The plot for the garden is too big, unless once we get out there it is too small. No problems. I didn't do it for her. I should be able to get what I want in and be just fine. The plants are looking good, most are ready to go. Some I will keep in the planters a little longer and do myself when they are ready. She wants to just dump them all. My garden, my way. Period. We will get around to butting heads on that shortly. For now it's just... waiting.
She is a bit hot. So am I. Best to just cool heels and do what I am doing. Now is not the time for... discussions. And, perhaps, some discussions won't happen. I will just leave things... unsaid. She will figure it out in time. She's a smart girl. :p Well, time to check the floor. A rinse if it looks good, then to silicone seal that toilet. But the shower and tub area will be cleaned first, I suppose. Food sometime today... who knows what, but I have a bit.
I won't restart the water heater project until probably the 7th. I think I can return the parts to a store in Ogden, and look for fittings that aren't all dented to heck. I don't even think they will fit on a pipe. I know they won't solder. I'm not even sure how copper fittings could have been bent and folded and dinged like that! I'll... get to it. But first, the cave... Later.
.
Bit by bit the cave is being cleaned. She doesn't seem to understand that not having hot water until recently put me at a severe disadvantage, and trying to fix things takes whatever time it takes. She has indicated that if she comes out again to this kind of mess she will stay in a motel. I have news. She won't be back. If I can afford it, from now on, I will drive to visit her. It is more expensive to drive but I don't have to mess with airport "security", and won't. I will stay a few days then head back. That will fix that. I have neither the money for a housekeeper, nor a wife. Done.
The dishes are done, I am in the process of cleaning the bathroom. She has decided to hit the kitchen. She wants things just so before cooking. Okay. The plot for the garden is too big, unless once we get out there it is too small. No problems. I didn't do it for her. I should be able to get what I want in and be just fine. The plants are looking good, most are ready to go. Some I will keep in the planters a little longer and do myself when they are ready. She wants to just dump them all. My garden, my way. Period. We will get around to butting heads on that shortly. For now it's just... waiting.
She is a bit hot. So am I. Best to just cool heels and do what I am doing. Now is not the time for... discussions. And, perhaps, some discussions won't happen. I will just leave things... unsaid. She will figure it out in time. She's a smart girl. :p Well, time to check the floor. A rinse if it looks good, then to silicone seal that toilet. But the shower and tub area will be cleaned first, I suppose. Food sometime today... who knows what, but I have a bit.
I won't restart the water heater project until probably the 7th. I think I can return the parts to a store in Ogden, and look for fittings that aren't all dented to heck. I don't even think they will fit on a pipe. I know they won't solder. I'm not even sure how copper fittings could have been bent and folded and dinged like that! I'll... get to it. But first, the cave... Later.
Haiku - Monday - Humor, and etc.
.
.
She is up. It looks like foam scooped me. I meant to go over and razz her, being that at 1:30 it was technically Friday and she had said she would be up by Friday. No jazzing allowed. It looks like fun. I've got a few percolating, from the time I knew the theme actually. Just... still... a bit slow. Here is where you may go for the contest.
.
She is up. It looks like foam scooped me. I meant to go over and razz her, being that at 1:30 it was technically Friday and she had said she would be up by Friday. No jazzing allowed. It looks like fun. I've got a few percolating, from the time I knew the theme actually. Just... still... a bit slow. Here is where you may go for the contest.
----------update interrupt----------
For whom the bell... yada yada...
It was time, his Doom.
It was time, his Doom.
He tried to sweep me aside.
Instead, he ate broom.
----------------
Clitter, clatter, clash,
sing. Love is in the midnight-
Did not see that coming.
----------------
Home. Time for a bit more rest.
.
.
She is not used to being up this late. While not shrinking flower or dainty morsel, my mother has limits. When they are reached havoc could ensue. In this case, however, she was in the (mean) Denver airport. That just isn't a nice place, and they aren't nice or kindly, for the most part. Or, that has been how her luck has been there. Fair enough. She is usually pretty kindly, so if she says people aren't friendly, then they aren't. Between being up far too late, having a long day, and such, she was getting nauseous and beginning to cry a bit. Oh, not much I could do but sooth... and promise that if they roll a mid-afternoon flight to late night again, we will simply change the day. That's why I buy insurance.
Now, when I told her that I had not been able to complete all, and that is why little else had been don in the way of cleaning, she suggested I bit off too much. *steams* I said nothing though. Biding time, mind you. Bit my lip. But when she was in the auto, we were on the way, she had a soda and I offered food, we started talking. She had much cheered and was feeling better. She suggested how rough it had been. I asked if she could have napped. No, she suggested. She had to pack, run to the bank, do this, do that... I just... suggested... she should have done those things Friday and Sunday. This time she *steamed*, for about two seconds, then... we chuckled a bit. Yes, we still... bicker. It's just much more understated, even mutually entertaining now. One move per, at a time, some eating of crow, then passing around of crow pie, all over various quirky little bits of time... or as opportunity presents itself. *grins* Oh, she plays this game quite well. There really aren't winners and losers, either. It's like verbal badminton between equal players over time. If too, I don't play to win.
I did stop and get cleaner, Pine-Sol. That stuff just works. For cleaning, for scent, for the sense of it, I can't beat it, to my mind. A quick in and out, and with her onboard I can park in the handicap spaces, so in a hurry I can scoot. Usually I park somewhere near the parking lot stratosphere. Tomorrow? As I suggested, I will be taking the day off from plumbing and hitting the bathroom, dishes, and the last of the laundry. As well I will be moving a few things around for her comfort and leisure. I want her to just take the day off. If she wants, and she will, cooking a meal will give her something useful to do. Laundry and dishes first, then.
She already went to bed and I doubt if she remembers falling asleep. I always have to come down a bit after driving that far. But I am ready for bed, again, sort of, myself. Good night.
.
She is not used to being up this late. While not shrinking flower or dainty morsel, my mother has limits. When they are reached havoc could ensue. In this case, however, she was in the (mean) Denver airport. That just isn't a nice place, and they aren't nice or kindly, for the most part. Or, that has been how her luck has been there. Fair enough. She is usually pretty kindly, so if she says people aren't friendly, then they aren't. Between being up far too late, having a long day, and such, she was getting nauseous and beginning to cry a bit. Oh, not much I could do but sooth... and promise that if they roll a mid-afternoon flight to late night again, we will simply change the day. That's why I buy insurance.
Now, when I told her that I had not been able to complete all, and that is why little else had been don in the way of cleaning, she suggested I bit off too much. *steams* I said nothing though. Biding time, mind you. Bit my lip. But when she was in the auto, we were on the way, she had a soda and I offered food, we started talking. She had much cheered and was feeling better. She suggested how rough it had been. I asked if she could have napped. No, she suggested. She had to pack, run to the bank, do this, do that... I just... suggested... she should have done those things Friday and Sunday. This time she *steamed*, for about two seconds, then... we chuckled a bit. Yes, we still... bicker. It's just much more understated, even mutually entertaining now. One move per, at a time, some eating of crow, then passing around of crow pie, all over various quirky little bits of time... or as opportunity presents itself. *grins* Oh, she plays this game quite well. There really aren't winners and losers, either. It's like verbal badminton between equal players over time. If too, I don't play to win.
I did stop and get cleaner, Pine-Sol. That stuff just works. For cleaning, for scent, for the sense of it, I can't beat it, to my mind. A quick in and out, and with her onboard I can park in the handicap spaces, so in a hurry I can scoot. Usually I park somewhere near the parking lot stratosphere. Tomorrow? As I suggested, I will be taking the day off from plumbing and hitting the bathroom, dishes, and the last of the laundry. As well I will be moving a few things around for her comfort and leisure. I want her to just take the day off. If she wants, and she will, cooking a meal will give her something useful to do. Laundry and dishes first, then.
She already went to bed and I doubt if she remembers falling asleep. I always have to come down a bit after driving that far. But I am ready for bed, again, sort of, myself. Good night.
Monday, June 3, 2013
I best get on the way.
.
.
Supper arrived, late, perfect. I was sleeping a bit late. No supper yesterday, they had a full day. An apology. None needed, I was sacked out hard, probably, by the time they returned or even at the regular time. Luck favors hard work? A shower and a run to the airport. A long run. Tomorrow not much, I am told. All good I say. I might do a day or two of helping to get things... urhm, turned around here, first. Then hope a resupply of functional parts is in. Or maybe I can find other, more reliable, sources of parts. All good. At least she isn't in a foot/leg brace this time. Though... that means I have to watch her a little closer. She doesn't always "remember" she has had two back surgeries, two knee replacements, a half dozen foot surgeries to each foot, and maybe a hip replacement? Dang woman anyway. She really needs to wait on me to lift much, but doesn't always. Even when I am doing what she wanted me to do, but over there. *sigh* Just call, says I. Or take a break. "Okay." Liar.
Never the mind. A shower, and figuring out how to keep at least one eye on her, especially now that she can move even faster!
Later.
.
Supper arrived, late, perfect. I was sleeping a bit late. No supper yesterday, they had a full day. An apology. None needed, I was sacked out hard, probably, by the time they returned or even at the regular time. Luck favors hard work? A shower and a run to the airport. A long run. Tomorrow not much, I am told. All good I say. I might do a day or two of helping to get things... urhm, turned around here, first. Then hope a resupply of functional parts is in. Or maybe I can find other, more reliable, sources of parts. All good. At least she isn't in a foot/leg brace this time. Though... that means I have to watch her a little closer. She doesn't always "remember" she has had two back surgeries, two knee replacements, a half dozen foot surgeries to each foot, and maybe a hip replacement? Dang woman anyway. She really needs to wait on me to lift much, but doesn't always. Even when I am doing what she wanted me to do, but over there. *sigh* Just call, says I. Or take a break. "Okay." Liar.
Never the mind. A shower, and figuring out how to keep at least one eye on her, especially now that she can move even faster!
Later.
Should have napped first.
.
.
I was way too tired, but... since awake I wanted to try. First, I forgot anything to clean with! I'll see what I have that might work. I couldn't make it to town and back at this point. Actually, before that, I should have run another load of laundry through. Not now. Then, I returned those connections and grabbed brass flex hoses and some other things. The solder side of the flex hoses, I just noticed, are battered beyond use. I will simply be taking those back and seeing if they have more back somewhere or when a new shipment will arrive, and check at the other store. Work is at a standstill. And I am at a standstill... Now to back it down to try to rest a bit before showering and dressing and going for the source of Doom. Hmm, best call to make sure she... remembers, is set up. Damn kids anyway. I wish I could get up there early enough to hit the big boxes in that direction, but... the timing would be really questionable, either making me late or very early. I don't want to mess with that. Some shopping at Walmart, though, on the way home, if I have to do it solo... Cleaning fluids of my mother's choice and whatever else she might want.
I did get extra fittings, that I wanted. But I am going to check it all over. I was too tired to be shopping. I did fill the tank, get the trash and recycling out, wash the X'ter, and... I tried. Just shot, done, beat. Can't say I didn't try. And, I'm not done. I'm just done for this time, for a while, for today. Damn but I wanted to surprise her, impress her a bit. *shrug*
On the good side of an odd thing? I have been having issues with my past. Working hard has... overshadowed that. It's only when I can't work, which until medicine was most of the time, that those things can creep up and reek havoc on my mind. When I get really tired I can feel that stuff oozing out of me, now. But it hasn't been able to follow me into sleep and ruin that. Nor can it stay with me until I wake and attack me there. Whatever it is, it's in there deep, hard, mean. I hope it's gone before I crash for a while. I prefer to sleep without ghosts as bedfellows, if you don't mind. Though I don't like them much in the day or when I'm otherwise awake either.
Good night.
.
I was way too tired, but... since awake I wanted to try. First, I forgot anything to clean with! I'll see what I have that might work. I couldn't make it to town and back at this point. Actually, before that, I should have run another load of laundry through. Not now. Then, I returned those connections and grabbed brass flex hoses and some other things. The solder side of the flex hoses, I just noticed, are battered beyond use. I will simply be taking those back and seeing if they have more back somewhere or when a new shipment will arrive, and check at the other store. Work is at a standstill. And I am at a standstill... Now to back it down to try to rest a bit before showering and dressing and going for the source of Doom. Hmm, best call to make sure she... remembers, is set up. Damn kids anyway. I wish I could get up there early enough to hit the big boxes in that direction, but... the timing would be really questionable, either making me late or very early. I don't want to mess with that. Some shopping at Walmart, though, on the way home, if I have to do it solo... Cleaning fluids of my mother's choice and whatever else she might want.
I did get extra fittings, that I wanted. But I am going to check it all over. I was too tired to be shopping. I did fill the tank, get the trash and recycling out, wash the X'ter, and... I tried. Just shot, done, beat. Can't say I didn't try. And, I'm not done. I'm just done for this time, for a while, for today. Damn but I wanted to surprise her, impress her a bit. *shrug*
On the good side of an odd thing? I have been having issues with my past. Working hard has... overshadowed that. It's only when I can't work, which until medicine was most of the time, that those things can creep up and reek havoc on my mind. When I get really tired I can feel that stuff oozing out of me, now. But it hasn't been able to follow me into sleep and ruin that. Nor can it stay with me until I wake and attack me there. Whatever it is, it's in there deep, hard, mean. I hope it's gone before I crash for a while. I prefer to sleep without ghosts as bedfellows, if you don't mind. Though I don't like them much in the day or when I'm otherwise awake either.
Good night.
Where there is a will, someone probably made the wheel so only a combination of the two is required.
.
.
While coming back in from taking the recycling out and to the curb, I noticed one of the flexible copper couplings, like the ones in the basement. Now, it had fip x fip fittings, but after a bit of checking, they also make a fip x s hose. F.I.P. officially stands for something I don't know, but means it screws on, as a female fitting I think. S, however, stands for solder. Since my soldering is fine, if not pretty always, all I need to do is buy two of those, then I have some flexibility regarding placement and replacement of the water heaters. It makes it so much easier, since finding the exact size of replacement heater can mean hundreds more or some hope and prayer sweating. Of course, you know, I would have to have an extra on hand that would require soldering three rather than one more times? I consider it a basement w.h. spare, anyway.
With recycling done, trash next. Then what is in the dryer should be ready to tend. Then a nap, a trip to town, a bit more sweating, and then a trip to the big city later. Oh, I sure hope the fittings work. I am buying a few extra pieces, just in case I need to resweat a few things. I know a 1/2 to 3/4 straight and elbow would be nice, another 3/4 union would be good, and maybe... No, that should be enough. I would like to get concrete board (or some such... fireproof, good for sweating lengths on a table without worrying about a housefire. But since I am pretty much done... Nah. Unless it is really inexpensive. Hmm, 5x3x1/2 for $10? I would actually like that to finish anyway. Just setting it behind where I am working. The fireproof(ish) panel I have is about potholder size, and I am brazing in a corner, so I have been sweating in more ways than one, as carefully as possible. I know that mapp torch works a LOT better, especially for decoupling, but even for just plain sweating. Technology is truly sometimes worth the extra costs.
Oh, right, laundry, trash, crash. Later.
.
While coming back in from taking the recycling out and to the curb, I noticed one of the flexible copper couplings, like the ones in the basement. Now, it had fip x fip fittings, but after a bit of checking, they also make a fip x s hose. F.I.P. officially stands for something I don't know, but means it screws on, as a female fitting I think. S, however, stands for solder. Since my soldering is fine, if not pretty always, all I need to do is buy two of those, then I have some flexibility regarding placement and replacement of the water heaters. It makes it so much easier, since finding the exact size of replacement heater can mean hundreds more or some hope and prayer sweating. Of course, you know, I would have to have an extra on hand that would require soldering three rather than one more times? I consider it a basement w.h. spare, anyway.
With recycling done, trash next. Then what is in the dryer should be ready to tend. Then a nap, a trip to town, a bit more sweating, and then a trip to the big city later. Oh, I sure hope the fittings work. I am buying a few extra pieces, just in case I need to resweat a few things. I know a 1/2 to 3/4 straight and elbow would be nice, another 3/4 union would be good, and maybe... No, that should be enough. I would like to get concrete board (or some such... fireproof, good for sweating lengths on a table without worrying about a housefire. But since I am pretty much done... Nah. Unless it is really inexpensive. Hmm, 5x3x1/2 for $10? I would actually like that to finish anyway. Just setting it behind where I am working. The fireproof(ish) panel I have is about potholder size, and I am brazing in a corner, so I have been sweating in more ways than one, as carefully as possible. I know that mapp torch works a LOT better, especially for decoupling, but even for just plain sweating. Technology is truly sometimes worth the extra costs.
Oh, right, laundry, trash, crash. Later.
Nope, again.
.
.
I am moving slow. Go figure. I have the laundry about ready to shut down. And I tried the last sharkbite, it failed as well. I did review everything I could, I did everything I was supposed to do, it didn't matter. I just can't trust these items. Perhaps some work, perhaps there is some trick I don't have, I know there is a tool that is supposed to set the depth gauge exactly which I don't have, but I know I cleaned inside and out of the pipe, I pushed it down until it "popped" and then just a bit more, there isn't much else two it. Two failures in a row is bad. I have heard that open bin ones are frequently bad. Dirt, dust, grease, and whatever else can get in there. And it wouldn't surprise me if gremlins (plumbers who don't want people diy'ing) messing them up as they pass through. Yeah, it happens. There are places to buy them bagged. But... of course... only plumbers can shop there.
Never mind. I best get the recycling collected and out, then trash after. Recycling will be coming very soon though. Then another nap. Then a trip to town for kit, ice, and cleaning solution. At least the stuff I have soldered is fine, I just need a bit more and w.h. connections. I want to call my mother today, to make sure she is in good order, packed, and planning on seeing me basically later today. But it will be a bit messy when she arrives. There is nothing I can do about that. Later.
.
I am moving slow. Go figure. I have the laundry about ready to shut down. And I tried the last sharkbite, it failed as well. I did review everything I could, I did everything I was supposed to do, it didn't matter. I just can't trust these items. Perhaps some work, perhaps there is some trick I don't have, I know there is a tool that is supposed to set the depth gauge exactly which I don't have, but I know I cleaned inside and out of the pipe, I pushed it down until it "popped" and then just a bit more, there isn't much else two it. Two failures in a row is bad. I have heard that open bin ones are frequently bad. Dirt, dust, grease, and whatever else can get in there. And it wouldn't surprise me if gremlins (plumbers who don't want people diy'ing) messing them up as they pass through. Yeah, it happens. There are places to buy them bagged. But... of course... only plumbers can shop there.
Never mind. I best get the recycling collected and out, then trash after. Recycling will be coming very soon though. Then another nap. Then a trip to town for kit, ice, and cleaning solution. At least the stuff I have soldered is fine, I just need a bit more and w.h. connections. I want to call my mother today, to make sure she is in good order, packed, and planning on seeing me basically later today. But it will be a bit messy when she arrives. There is nothing I can do about that. Later.
Good news mixed with WTF!
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Alright, I did a few things, then got in and soldered a cap on the cold water inlet. All good. It held. No leaks anywhere. Then the hot water out (from the water heater perspective) spouted! WTF!?! How is that even possible? I felt like I was doing a "Who's on second" Routine, by myself, alone! Well, I cut the cap off then tried once again, just to make sure I had... I don't know... to make sure during my nap someone or something hadn't screwed with my memories. This time the water did come out of the "correct" plumbing. WTH!?! Oh, but it looks like both sides, other than the shark bite, are brazed just fine. And if I want a fountain in my bath, I think I can do that. :p
Okay, so now all I have to do is sweat a few pipes over to... well, okay, I think I actually forgot one other thing... things. I need copper connecters to connect to the water heater. Check that. I didn't forget them, the shark bite was supposed to fill that need. Hmm... I still have one left that is unused. Should I just try it? Look, if it doesn't work, I will take both of them in tomorrow and exchange them for fittings. If it does, I have a flexible connector so I can move the water heater without having to undo everything. And replacement of the w.h. is so much easier. Let me review fitting shark bites first. Maybe I didn't do something correctly. I know I cleaned the heck out of the copper pipe it was to wed. I even made sure to go slow in cutting the pipe, so as not to deform it in any way. Maybe there is a trick to it though? What's odd? In the basement, when replacing a copper-type snake bite? I didn't know to clean the copper pipe first and it fit like a glove with no leaks at all! Gah! Beginner's luck or something?
Oh, right, before I forget, I best get laundry started. At least enough to stop for the night... A tumble for whatever is in the dryer, then out and the washer emptied and dried itself, and that put into the dryer for a final run. I don't have cleaning solution, so I may simply make a run to town just for that, and tonight, to get the bathroom cleaned before I go to bed. Shutting down the laundry cycle, trying the last shark fitting, collecting and removing trash and recycling, then a run to town and finishing with a cleaning of the bathroom. I don't need another shower, in my opinion.
Tomorrow? Doing what it takes to get the last water heater in place, then installing the toilet if that is successful (or at least getting those huge boxes into my room at least), then a bit more cleaning... dishes! Gah! I don't want my mom to show up to those, but... And finishing the laundry if I can. Plus, a bit of a nap early to mid afternoon for a late night rendezvous with the mother of Doom herself. *grins*
Oh, right, best scat. Oh, and some food in town. Hungry. No, no, this... HUNGRY! Later.
.
Alright, I did a few things, then got in and soldered a cap on the cold water inlet. All good. It held. No leaks anywhere. Then the hot water out (from the water heater perspective) spouted! WTF!?! How is that even possible? I felt like I was doing a "Who's on second" Routine, by myself, alone! Well, I cut the cap off then tried once again, just to make sure I had... I don't know... to make sure during my nap someone or something hadn't screwed with my memories. This time the water did come out of the "correct" plumbing. WTH!?! Oh, but it looks like both sides, other than the shark bite, are brazed just fine. And if I want a fountain in my bath, I think I can do that. :p
Okay, so now all I have to do is sweat a few pipes over to... well, okay, I think I actually forgot one other thing... things. I need copper connecters to connect to the water heater. Check that. I didn't forget them, the shark bite was supposed to fill that need. Hmm... I still have one left that is unused. Should I just try it? Look, if it doesn't work, I will take both of them in tomorrow and exchange them for fittings. If it does, I have a flexible connector so I can move the water heater without having to undo everything. And replacement of the w.h. is so much easier. Let me review fitting shark bites first. Maybe I didn't do something correctly. I know I cleaned the heck out of the copper pipe it was to wed. I even made sure to go slow in cutting the pipe, so as not to deform it in any way. Maybe there is a trick to it though? What's odd? In the basement, when replacing a copper-type snake bite? I didn't know to clean the copper pipe first and it fit like a glove with no leaks at all! Gah! Beginner's luck or something?
Oh, right, before I forget, I best get laundry started. At least enough to stop for the night... A tumble for whatever is in the dryer, then out and the washer emptied and dried itself, and that put into the dryer for a final run. I don't have cleaning solution, so I may simply make a run to town just for that, and tonight, to get the bathroom cleaned before I go to bed. Shutting down the laundry cycle, trying the last shark fitting, collecting and removing trash and recycling, then a run to town and finishing with a cleaning of the bathroom. I don't need another shower, in my opinion.
Tomorrow? Doing what it takes to get the last water heater in place, then installing the toilet if that is successful (or at least getting those huge boxes into my room at least), then a bit more cleaning... dishes! Gah! I don't want my mom to show up to those, but... And finishing the laundry if I can. Plus, a bit of a nap early to mid afternoon for a late night rendezvous with the mother of Doom herself. *grins*
Oh, right, best scat. Oh, and some food in town. Hungry. No, no, this... HUNGRY! Later.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Long gul-dang nap, if you ask me.
.
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I don't think I hit it until a little after 16:00. It was warm enough that I couldn't shift into more than a trance like state until... sometime later. Several hours, really, passed before I could see stars in the day. When it hit though, lights out on the whole rig. *Bam* I took a shower first. What with a clean bed and all that mucking about in the plumber's goo-land. But life she has returned, a bit. And hope is refreshed.
I need to figure out when I need to be where. My mother doesn't mind waiting. Two seconds does her soul good, she says. Three seconds could land someone a clout. More than that she might cry at you. Just knowing the odds and stakes makes it... No, I'll be there on time, with bells and whistles. Crazy woman type. I wish they didn't let them call on the run in. I don't like getting a call saying she is almost in, she is almost-er in, she is in but not off, she is off but waiting for a runner, then nothing for an hour while she is waiting or being brought up slowly. *sigh* Hmm... she calls like I blog! I hope I don't have to pay patent rights?
Yet tonight? For sure I have to clean the bathroom, pick up "sticks" and get them ready for the garbage man "bonfire". I need to move what boxes I can move back into the laundry area. If that all goes well and fast, then maybe an attempt at checking the rest of the system for leaks with a cap. If it is fit, then sweating the bronze valve. D.C. has offered a bit o' advice on that. If the rest of it is solid, that is. A big if, but there it is. Oh, and a quick run to town. I need to buy floor/bathroom cleaner, fill the tank and wash the X'ter, and another thing or two. Oh, ice. I have her kind of diet soda and have found that bringing some, on ice, with a small bite or three to choose from to eat, wins Doom points with momma Doom. By the bye, I'm going to have to introduce her to her new handle. I think she is going to love it! Hush you naysayers... Doom isn't just dark, he has the charm of a rattlesnake... or something cuddly like that. Hush!
.
I don't think I hit it until a little after 16:00. It was warm enough that I couldn't shift into more than a trance like state until... sometime later. Several hours, really, passed before I could see stars in the day. When it hit though, lights out on the whole rig. *Bam* I took a shower first. What with a clean bed and all that mucking about in the plumber's goo-land. But life she has returned, a bit. And hope is refreshed.
I need to figure out when I need to be where. My mother doesn't mind waiting. Two seconds does her soul good, she says. Three seconds could land someone a clout. More than that she might cry at you. Just knowing the odds and stakes makes it... No, I'll be there on time, with bells and whistles. Crazy woman type. I wish they didn't let them call on the run in. I don't like getting a call saying she is almost in, she is almost-er in, she is in but not off, she is off but waiting for a runner, then nothing for an hour while she is waiting or being brought up slowly. *sigh* Hmm... she calls like I blog! I hope I don't have to pay patent rights?
Yet tonight? For sure I have to clean the bathroom, pick up "sticks" and get them ready for the garbage man "bonfire". I need to move what boxes I can move back into the laundry area. If that all goes well and fast, then maybe an attempt at checking the rest of the system for leaks with a cap. If it is fit, then sweating the bronze valve. D.C. has offered a bit o' advice on that. If the rest of it is solid, that is. A big if, but there it is. Oh, and a quick run to town. I need to buy floor/bathroom cleaner, fill the tank and wash the X'ter, and another thing or two. Oh, ice. I have her kind of diet soda and have found that bringing some, on ice, with a small bite or three to choose from to eat, wins Doom points with momma Doom. By the bye, I'm going to have to introduce her to her new handle. I think she is going to love it! Hush you naysayers... Doom isn't just dark, he has the charm of a rattlesnake... or something cuddly like that. Hush!
Momma Doom?
Frail, aging, tired, sore.
Mom arrives to her new name.
Momma de Doom, EEK!
Just a thought.
Oh, here is a funny! I was re-reading my comment to foam recently, about something not being astrology. And that me, my cats, and my bugs were having a laugh on this side of of the screen about it. Then that the girls had pulled lame on my notion of humor, but that me and the bugs were having a ball. Sam was in my lap. So, I looked at her and started laughing hard. She knew I was, sort of, laughing at her. She got a little bent! She really did. A dirty little look and off she went. Oh, me and the bugs are at it again!
Oh, here is a funny! I was re-reading my comment to foam recently, about something not being astrology. And that me, my cats, and my bugs were having a laugh on this side of of the screen about it. Then that the girls had pulled lame on my notion of humor, but that me and the bugs were having a ball. Sam was in my lap. So, I looked at her and started laughing hard. She knew I was, sort of, laughing at her. She got a little bent! She really did. A dirty little look and off she went. Oh, me and the bugs are at it again!
She doesn't think so.
I laugh, she meowed.
I laugh, she meowed.
I grinned, she stewed. Gone.
She'll be back, claws out.
I'd best get to it. Later, or maybe good night.
------------------
Woot! If it sucks a bit too. I had originally set the flight for midday. They have bumped the flight to late tomorrow evening! The "Woot!" is because that means I have, essentially, another day to rig the system in my favor! Trash and recycling and all the little things for sure, as expected, plus maybe, just maybe... the plumbing. Before I do one more thing, then, I need to check on plumbing I have installed, to see if it is secure other than the shark. That will... save me a lot of time and a few shekels if so.Nope.
.
.
Where, all, the cold water inlet line is leaking I can't tell. It took a bit, after turning the water on, to see the leak. I had the snake over a pale since I didn't want to connect it all up until I knew there was no leak. I started to see water collecting near the bottom, but I couldn't really see where the leak was. That is actually difficult I think. I am sure there is a better way than just by trying to use the naked eye. Then I looked a little higher, then a little higher. The snake bite failed. I don't know if there are other places, but it was just rushing out of the snake bite. These were bought within the last few weeks, they aren't years old. They have been sitting on the table since I brought them home, and I was careful with them. Dunno. But the water heater is off for now. Oh, not to worry. The chances that this would work today was somewhere between slim and none. Ah well. I will just get on to the other projects. Laundry is coming along well. The beds are made.
I did get a lunch kicked out between this, that, and the other things. I was, indeed, hungry. And supper will be coming tonight. I will need it. Hmm... maybe I can get to dishes then, instead... Well... after a nap. I need a little... cooldown time. I am not sure if I am outraged or more likely simply disappointed. I've been running so hot and hard that I can't make sense of things. In another sense, it's just another setback among many, only the timing is more problematic.
I may just start over with brand new, sure, parts. Buying what I need tomorrow on the way back. I think I will skip snake bites. That is a lot of money, and, as usual, I don't have the receipt. Well... one sec... I think I will cut off the snake bite, add a cap, and see if the thing is leaking anywhere else. If not... No snake bites, but... What a pain. The other thing? I hadn't added an extra valve. Oh, I have one. The problem? It is brass. Sure, you can solder it. High content silver solder and another choice... some sort of brazing rod... blue not red I have heard tell. Probably not silver... that was $45 for 10 feet back years ago in some thread. I would hate to even know the price now. If it is even available. Price really does affect choice, hard. I had planned to just cut the pipe later, and install it when I got the rod. I guess I can get on that right away.
Not bad, really. I've been working since... 9:00 or 10:00 I would guess. I've done a lot, if only some of it has panned out. Bedrooms are pretty much set, lunch was had, and what of the soldering is good is yet to be figured. Bleh... tired. But so much more to do... after a nap? Yeah. Nap. Later.
.
Where, all, the cold water inlet line is leaking I can't tell. It took a bit, after turning the water on, to see the leak. I had the snake over a pale since I didn't want to connect it all up until I knew there was no leak. I started to see water collecting near the bottom, but I couldn't really see where the leak was. That is actually difficult I think. I am sure there is a better way than just by trying to use the naked eye. Then I looked a little higher, then a little higher. The snake bite failed. I don't know if there are other places, but it was just rushing out of the snake bite. These were bought within the last few weeks, they aren't years old. They have been sitting on the table since I brought them home, and I was careful with them. Dunno. But the water heater is off for now. Oh, not to worry. The chances that this would work today was somewhere between slim and none. Ah well. I will just get on to the other projects. Laundry is coming along well. The beds are made.
I did get a lunch kicked out between this, that, and the other things. I was, indeed, hungry. And supper will be coming tonight. I will need it. Hmm... maybe I can get to dishes then, instead... Well... after a nap. I need a little... cooldown time. I am not sure if I am outraged or more likely simply disappointed. I've been running so hot and hard that I can't make sense of things. In another sense, it's just another setback among many, only the timing is more problematic.
I may just start over with brand new, sure, parts. Buying what I need tomorrow on the way back. I think I will skip snake bites. That is a lot of money, and, as usual, I don't have the receipt. Well... one sec... I think I will cut off the snake bite, add a cap, and see if the thing is leaking anywhere else. If not... No snake bites, but... What a pain. The other thing? I hadn't added an extra valve. Oh, I have one. The problem? It is brass. Sure, you can solder it. High content silver solder and another choice... some sort of brazing rod... blue not red I have heard tell. Probably not silver... that was $45 for 10 feet back years ago in some thread. I would hate to even know the price now. If it is even available. Price really does affect choice, hard. I had planned to just cut the pipe later, and install it when I got the rod. I guess I can get on that right away.
Not bad, really. I've been working since... 9:00 or 10:00 I would guess. I've done a lot, if only some of it has panned out. Bedrooms are pretty much set, lunch was had, and what of the soldering is good is yet to be figured. Bleh... tired. But so much more to do... after a nap? Yeah. Nap. Later.
*cough*
.
.
Nothing like swallowing flame and soot and whatever the heck else comes off pipes. I have, with the mapp torch, been able to part the parts as I've been dismantling the old piping. *cough* I did set the fire alarm in the bedroom off. But it seems to know what's what, and just let me know to shut the en suite door. One peep of that was enough. Getting the dryfit together, for the inlet side, was a... the first four or five connections were fine. The last one was an absolute monster. I have finally busted a knuckle. I know, innit? Who would have thought a faucet, a water heater, and a toilet would all have gone in without busting a knuckle so far? All those bolts and nuts and screws and tight places already. Ah well, it had to happen. At least it waited until near the end.
One load of laundry was still in the dryer. I gave it a whirl while I put the sheets into the wash. Before long, when I needed a little break, I took those out and folded and put them away. I have since put a washed load into the dryer and am about to do another switch, putting the clean sheets right on the various beds, and right away. Hmm... best wash my hands before messing with those. I'm trying to keep going, but I do have to take breaks once in a while. At least my back isn't hurting from standing, as it did the other day. Why one day and not the other I have no clue. Perhaps I broke the rust free? Bleh.
Well... back to the races. And they are off!
That stung just a bit. I doubt if I am actually fireproof. But I do seem a bit resistant to burns. By the way, those pipes get a bit warm to the touch. Doing what I shouldn't, all in the process of doing what I should, and without exception mostly the only way to do things, I had just finished soldering a joint and laid the pipe right across my arm. Still stings, actually. But I can't find the exact area, or I'd... hmm, cold water might help. But for as much as that hurt specifically, and burns now, you would think there would be a hole, a blister, or at least a red mark. It takes a bit between joints. At least, I am finding that to be true. I guess I had this idea that you could just solder, add, braze, add, and so forth. But when the pipes get hot they don't fit together. I suppose you could flux, fit, and then go on? I am just not sure I trust the flux not to burn off? I don't know, I'm just a pup! I won't slap a wet rag right on them. I want to give them about five minutes to generally cool off a bit on their own before adding the cool of wet. I have heard shocking them can break the seal, one I'm not even sure I am producing as is. I want to eliminate as many of the unknowns as possible.
Before I got back to it last time, the laundry was ready, I got the sheets on the beds, changed a load over, put away the towels that were folded, and took the comforter in to be washed. It is too big to be spun dry, so it will go out and air dry. As it warms, my guess is I can put that up for the year, to be taken to Burning Man is my guess. I didn't think, at first, that 40 was all that bad. After a little thinking though, yeah... 40 is pretty darned cool. I don't know what I'm thinking sometimes. Now, 60, that's not too bad. But even that would slow me down until I could get some blood pumping again. Good sleeping temp though. Oh, a trick I am going to start doing with laundry? Smaller, more varied, loads. I can put a lot in, but I burn out folding so much. Two pair of jeans, six to eight shirts, half a dozen unders, you know, mix and match too. Some t's, which I fold, some hanger bound shirts. That way I don't burn out too much on any one thing, or too much in general. I'm not healthy, I need smaller loads of this sort of thing. It's not weight, it's... something else. A lack of patience with some things, I think, is the issue.
I'm going to have to look over my list. I'm trying to fit bits and pieces between bits and pieces. Luckily, today, I can work. I truly feared pulling up lame this day. It happens, it isn't a choice, and I am done. Not like this week-long job that has turned into more like three weeks hasn't seen me lame, or too tired. And, by rights, my body has every right to be quite unhappy with the pace. It hasn't run this kind of race since my mother was here last, and before that since the Navy. At least under it's own steam.
Back to the mines. Later.
.
Nothing like swallowing flame and soot and whatever the heck else comes off pipes. I have, with the mapp torch, been able to part the parts as I've been dismantling the old piping. *cough* I did set the fire alarm in the bedroom off. But it seems to know what's what, and just let me know to shut the en suite door. One peep of that was enough. Getting the dryfit together, for the inlet side, was a... the first four or five connections were fine. The last one was an absolute monster. I have finally busted a knuckle. I know, innit? Who would have thought a faucet, a water heater, and a toilet would all have gone in without busting a knuckle so far? All those bolts and nuts and screws and tight places already. Ah well, it had to happen. At least it waited until near the end.
One load of laundry was still in the dryer. I gave it a whirl while I put the sheets into the wash. Before long, when I needed a little break, I took those out and folded and put them away. I have since put a washed load into the dryer and am about to do another switch, putting the clean sheets right on the various beds, and right away. Hmm... best wash my hands before messing with those. I'm trying to keep going, but I do have to take breaks once in a while. At least my back isn't hurting from standing, as it did the other day. Why one day and not the other I have no clue. Perhaps I broke the rust free? Bleh.
Well... back to the races. And they are off!
---------------------
That stung just a bit. I doubt if I am actually fireproof. But I do seem a bit resistant to burns. By the way, those pipes get a bit warm to the touch. Doing what I shouldn't, all in the process of doing what I should, and without exception mostly the only way to do things, I had just finished soldering a joint and laid the pipe right across my arm. Still stings, actually. But I can't find the exact area, or I'd... hmm, cold water might help. But for as much as that hurt specifically, and burns now, you would think there would be a hole, a blister, or at least a red mark. It takes a bit between joints. At least, I am finding that to be true. I guess I had this idea that you could just solder, add, braze, add, and so forth. But when the pipes get hot they don't fit together. I suppose you could flux, fit, and then go on? I am just not sure I trust the flux not to burn off? I don't know, I'm just a pup! I won't slap a wet rag right on them. I want to give them about five minutes to generally cool off a bit on their own before adding the cool of wet. I have heard shocking them can break the seal, one I'm not even sure I am producing as is. I want to eliminate as many of the unknowns as possible.
Before I got back to it last time, the laundry was ready, I got the sheets on the beds, changed a load over, put away the towels that were folded, and took the comforter in to be washed. It is too big to be spun dry, so it will go out and air dry. As it warms, my guess is I can put that up for the year, to be taken to Burning Man is my guess. I didn't think, at first, that 40 was all that bad. After a little thinking though, yeah... 40 is pretty darned cool. I don't know what I'm thinking sometimes. Now, 60, that's not too bad. But even that would slow me down until I could get some blood pumping again. Good sleeping temp though. Oh, a trick I am going to start doing with laundry? Smaller, more varied, loads. I can put a lot in, but I burn out folding so much. Two pair of jeans, six to eight shirts, half a dozen unders, you know, mix and match too. Some t's, which I fold, some hanger bound shirts. That way I don't burn out too much on any one thing, or too much in general. I'm not healthy, I need smaller loads of this sort of thing. It's not weight, it's... something else. A lack of patience with some things, I think, is the issue.
I'm going to have to look over my list. I'm trying to fit bits and pieces between bits and pieces. Luckily, today, I can work. I truly feared pulling up lame this day. It happens, it isn't a choice, and I am done. Not like this week-long job that has turned into more like three weeks hasn't seen me lame, or too tired. And, by rights, my body has every right to be quite unhappy with the pace. It hasn't run this kind of race since my mother was here last, and before that since the Navy. At least under it's own steam.
Back to the mines. Later.
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There is almost a pattern to it. Braze the cold water inlet side, sweat the hot outlet side, wait or check the laundry, a cycle or two then sit for a bit. The first set of blankets has been put on the beds, a new load cycled through, the piping is slowing being built to a place where it can be useful. One new fitting was bent beyond repair. Lucky for me, I hope, that one of the fittings I de-soldered fits perfectly and seemed in good enough repair to use. What do you do with deformed bits? Finding the receipt would be a bear, I bought this particular part a very long time ago. Turn it into an impromptu baseball? As long as I'm not the catcher or receiver. This is when I wish I had a son... "Go long"... and "This is going to hurt!".
The news cycle seems to have gone with the economy. Oh, people still write stuff, they just avoid the truth, so as not to offend their principles, owners, political affiliates, or... whoever. So we get tons of coverage of things that can usually be summed up in moments. All the scandals are being convoluted into toss-worthy stuff, while they truly aren't. All the real headlines are stricken before written. It doesn't matter where you get the news. The word is out, no news is all that is allowed. And we are getting it. I'd be happier if I thought that was the calm before the storm. It isn't. It's the calm of the caving in. Oh, I understand to a degree. For people who still think it 'can be saved', the notion of just how thin it is has them all holding on with their toes, and being good little boys and girls, hoping that by clenching their feet the Titanic will not sink. There aren't enough lifeboats, fewer than the Titanic had. The extreme upper-crusty gents, since they can do so invisibly, have taken the boats. Little did they know, the lifeboats were developed by their boards, built by unions or in China (same-same), and every nickle was spared in their production, thus they are less safe than the ship itself. Hubris and greed, all around. Still, I can scan. You never know when someone will send a signal through all the smoke.
I am hungry. Like a bear. I just don't have any way to get to cooking, let alone cleaning in order to cook in the first place! I might... figure out some pasta and a cheese sauce anyway, somehow. Toss in some tuna and call her done. A little heat to top it off. Yeah. Hungry... And I still have some break time coming, enough to get it started before hitting another round of sweating. Hungry, boy, I say boy.
A few notions as I prepare to work.
.
.
What is on for today? God, truly, only knows. I know what I have planned if that is good enough for you? The first thing I am going to do is pull bedding and begin washing that. I am most certain, if I have to pull my teeth, that my spare bedroom, and to the extent of my bedding, my bedroom, will be in good order by bedtime. I will get as much laundry done, on top of that, as possible. Next I will begin sweating pipe. Some cleaning of pipe, some hope that the old pipe is cleaned well enough (I hit it hard yesterday and will hit it hard again today, before trying to use it). Next in that project line will be to fill the tank and check for leaks. I dread that part because a leak means taking it all apart, drying it, and trying again. Really, the goal has to be to hit it right, first time. Then I have to figure out the electrical. There may be a way to do it without power on, though I am not holding my breath. Once switched on, there are two possible ways to check it. Then to hook that up. Then comes the toilet installation. That is much less fraught with serious set backs, and I bought an extra hose in case that is needed. Once those things are done, then I need to clean the main bathroom to five-star levels. It's a smaller area, I think I can do that. Assuming all goes well with the en suite, I will be vacating my stuff from the main/guest bathroom in the cleaning process. Then I need to collect trash and recycling and put out what I can, not just to the bins but the bins to the curb. My mother, no doubt, will have those full by Tuesday. *le sigh* The woman and her ways are incredible. No complaints, just, domestically, she wears out even my mind! And, finally, I need to put the bedrooms back together.
Can I actually do all that? I CAN write it! :p Shush... let's not go there. That IS the plan.
I actually have a few projects left for further in the week, or, next. The first will be to get the ac installed. I have all that I need for that, proof positive. It has just been, first, waiting out the rain, then higher priority projects taking their due precedence. I am not quite sure we are there yet, with dry weather, but... in it will go, hell or high water. Next? The new faucet is running slow already. I have NO IDEA what that is. I will do the stupid, and check the screen. But I am telling you right now that is not the problem. And, no, it isn't water pressure. When it was first installed, and for several days, just like the last one, it ran heavy and hard. Then, after a few days, the flow has weakened. There is no leak, the screen is not blocked, it just is not running. I doubt if it is the faucet itself. There might be bigger chunks of sediment that have somehow gotten into the far side, but are too big to make it to the screen. But why am I having problems only with the kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and nothing else? Gah! Those are my two next projects. I may have to check on an inline filter and do a bit more brazing. I can easily get to the pipes in the basement, so a quick-change/clean filter might work, if such exist. Hopefully those will keep me out of my mother's hair while... she does her stuff. It's odd, but she doesn't mind me not cleaning if I am... otherwise indisposed. Or... I'm running with that theory based on history and with a bit o' hope that it's still true! Oh, I'll still be helping her. No doubts. "Hey, when you get done carrying that tree... or better yet, could you put that down and help me now?" *grins*
Actually, I have another project or three that will delight her notion of a working man earning his keep. I have some branches that need to be cut on one of my evergreens. From low to rather high. It is, at least, a forty footer. There was a year of very heavy snow a bit before I arrived, or a freeze perhaps, that ended up killing a number of branches on one side. I need to clear those out. Do evergreens repair such damage when cleared? I suppose I will find out. This project requires my recently acquired, so still relatively new to me, chain saw and my similarly relatively newly acquired extension ladder, and some of my climbing gear and very old, unused for decades, skills at climbing. Safety first... give or take... and as men see things. I just need her close enough to check that I haven't broken my neck or cut off a leg, or at least get some help if I have. Why do women love it when men try to kill ourselves? Maybe because we like it even more? :p And, while doing that, I should ask D.C. how much clearance he needs for the RV. I could trim, if reasonable, some branches, so that he can park it in the drive, under shade. It sure beats parking longside to a busy street, and in the sun. Oh, and I am... almost sure... I could find other mostly non-cleaning projects, plus the garden.
Ducking cleaning? Who, me?
Well... on to laundry. Good day!
.
What is on for today? God, truly, only knows. I know what I have planned if that is good enough for you? The first thing I am going to do is pull bedding and begin washing that. I am most certain, if I have to pull my teeth, that my spare bedroom, and to the extent of my bedding, my bedroom, will be in good order by bedtime. I will get as much laundry done, on top of that, as possible. Next I will begin sweating pipe. Some cleaning of pipe, some hope that the old pipe is cleaned well enough (I hit it hard yesterday and will hit it hard again today, before trying to use it). Next in that project line will be to fill the tank and check for leaks. I dread that part because a leak means taking it all apart, drying it, and trying again. Really, the goal has to be to hit it right, first time. Then I have to figure out the electrical. There may be a way to do it without power on, though I am not holding my breath. Once switched on, there are two possible ways to check it. Then to hook that up. Then comes the toilet installation. That is much less fraught with serious set backs, and I bought an extra hose in case that is needed. Once those things are done, then I need to clean the main bathroom to five-star levels. It's a smaller area, I think I can do that. Assuming all goes well with the en suite, I will be vacating my stuff from the main/guest bathroom in the cleaning process. Then I need to collect trash and recycling and put out what I can, not just to the bins but the bins to the curb. My mother, no doubt, will have those full by Tuesday. *le sigh* The woman and her ways are incredible. No complaints, just, domestically, she wears out even my mind! And, finally, I need to put the bedrooms back together.
Can I actually do all that? I CAN write it! :p Shush... let's not go there. That IS the plan.
I actually have a few projects left for further in the week, or, next. The first will be to get the ac installed. I have all that I need for that, proof positive. It has just been, first, waiting out the rain, then higher priority projects taking their due precedence. I am not quite sure we are there yet, with dry weather, but... in it will go, hell or high water. Next? The new faucet is running slow already. I have NO IDEA what that is. I will do the stupid, and check the screen. But I am telling you right now that is not the problem. And, no, it isn't water pressure. When it was first installed, and for several days, just like the last one, it ran heavy and hard. Then, after a few days, the flow has weakened. There is no leak, the screen is not blocked, it just is not running. I doubt if it is the faucet itself. There might be bigger chunks of sediment that have somehow gotten into the far side, but are too big to make it to the screen. But why am I having problems only with the kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and nothing else? Gah! Those are my two next projects. I may have to check on an inline filter and do a bit more brazing. I can easily get to the pipes in the basement, so a quick-change/clean filter might work, if such exist. Hopefully those will keep me out of my mother's hair while... she does her stuff. It's odd, but she doesn't mind me not cleaning if I am... otherwise indisposed. Or... I'm running with that theory based on history and with a bit o' hope that it's still true! Oh, I'll still be helping her. No doubts. "Hey, when you get done carrying that tree... or better yet, could you put that down and help me now?" *grins*
Actually, I have another project or three that will delight her notion of a working man earning his keep. I have some branches that need to be cut on one of my evergreens. From low to rather high. It is, at least, a forty footer. There was a year of very heavy snow a bit before I arrived, or a freeze perhaps, that ended up killing a number of branches on one side. I need to clear those out. Do evergreens repair such damage when cleared? I suppose I will find out. This project requires my recently acquired, so still relatively new to me, chain saw and my similarly relatively newly acquired extension ladder, and some of my climbing gear and very old, unused for decades, skills at climbing. Safety first... give or take... and as men see things. I just need her close enough to check that I haven't broken my neck or cut off a leg, or at least get some help if I have. Why do women love it when men try to kill ourselves? Maybe because we like it even more? :p And, while doing that, I should ask D.C. how much clearance he needs for the RV. I could trim, if reasonable, some branches, so that he can park it in the drive, under shade. It sure beats parking longside to a busy street, and in the sun. Oh, and I am... almost sure... I could find other mostly non-cleaning projects, plus the garden.
Ducking cleaning? Who, me?
Well... on to laundry. Good day!
I tried, I did.
.
.
I bought a mapp brazer. I hope it takes less time than the other. Standing, at this point, for an half hour on each sweat, is killing my back. I have pushed my body beyond it's limits and kept going. Through exhaustion, through pain, and then on still. I am seeing the price, with little things ripping me up or wiping me out. Still, I have more to do. And... I'm loving it... if limits are... pushing in on me.
I got the new brazer together, and tested the flame while figuring out the controls. I truly hate manuals. I think I did a few other minor things after shopping as well. But I was falling down drunk tired when I returned. I slept the rest of the day and a good part of the night. Which is fine. I'll get done what I get done. It is all I can do. Yeah, I'm way behind schedule, but is that a huge surprise? Every step of the way there has been something new, some missing supplies, some technical problem to figure out or bypass. Little, all of them little, mostly. But true. And I haven't quit, ever, anywhere. I've trudged through, carried the load, learned the solution, and applied it. But time is what it is.
Today? Okies... Today is all about brazing and figuring out electrical, with a side of laundry and bathroom cleaning, and some trash and recycling gathering and tending. Tomorrow is the day. I want the bathroom done and her primaries clean so she doesn't have to fuss right up front, more than... she will. If it looks like too much, she should at least have a place to hide away for a little bit while I... focus on a bit more cleaning as she sleeps off jet lag and culture shock. It ain't perfect, but...
I have a doctor's appointment the 6th, so that will be a bit of a day off. But there is still the drive. Compared to what I have and will be doing, a day of driving is easy though. We can do a bit of shopping on our way back, for foods and supplies she might want. And while the cave is a mess, it's not... too bad, overall. There is less to do this time, save that there is gardening to tend as well. At least she loves to garden. She is a girl of the sun.
Oh, for all the rain we have gotten this spring, they are saying water levels are quite low? The reservoir is down to 52%? There may not be water for late summer? *sigh* The Western drought is finally hitting here too. Last summer was worse than most thought, and it hasn't yet improved. We are on odd/even watering, as is. I think I am the evens, though I will sort of watch my neighbors to... know for sure.
Morning blathering... A bit of "stuff" to wake, then on to brazing. Good day!
.
I bought a mapp brazer. I hope it takes less time than the other. Standing, at this point, for an half hour on each sweat, is killing my back. I have pushed my body beyond it's limits and kept going. Through exhaustion, through pain, and then on still. I am seeing the price, with little things ripping me up or wiping me out. Still, I have more to do. And... I'm loving it... if limits are... pushing in on me.
I got the new brazer together, and tested the flame while figuring out the controls. I truly hate manuals. I think I did a few other minor things after shopping as well. But I was falling down drunk tired when I returned. I slept the rest of the day and a good part of the night. Which is fine. I'll get done what I get done. It is all I can do. Yeah, I'm way behind schedule, but is that a huge surprise? Every step of the way there has been something new, some missing supplies, some technical problem to figure out or bypass. Little, all of them little, mostly. But true. And I haven't quit, ever, anywhere. I've trudged through, carried the load, learned the solution, and applied it. But time is what it is.
Today? Okies... Today is all about brazing and figuring out electrical, with a side of laundry and bathroom cleaning, and some trash and recycling gathering and tending. Tomorrow is the day. I want the bathroom done and her primaries clean so she doesn't have to fuss right up front, more than... she will. If it looks like too much, she should at least have a place to hide away for a little bit while I... focus on a bit more cleaning as she sleeps off jet lag and culture shock. It ain't perfect, but...
I have a doctor's appointment the 6th, so that will be a bit of a day off. But there is still the drive. Compared to what I have and will be doing, a day of driving is easy though. We can do a bit of shopping on our way back, for foods and supplies she might want. And while the cave is a mess, it's not... too bad, overall. There is less to do this time, save that there is gardening to tend as well. At least she loves to garden. She is a girl of the sun.
Oh, for all the rain we have gotten this spring, they are saying water levels are quite low? The reservoir is down to 52%? There may not be water for late summer? *sigh* The Western drought is finally hitting here too. Last summer was worse than most thought, and it hasn't yet improved. We are on odd/even watering, as is. I think I am the evens, though I will sort of watch my neighbors to... know for sure.
Morning blathering... A bit of "stuff" to wake, then on to brazing. Good day!
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Something I see now, personally, that didn't make as much sense before? As D.C. works his projects, he usually has many on tap. He might be doing the evap cooler, brakes on this or that, some electrical project or three, etc. He has many tasks he can put his hands to at once. If he hits a block, runs out of parts for what he is immediately doing, doesn't have the money for a specific part(s) or tool(s), or the time-frame is wrong for completion on a task, he can simply choose another task or spend time wrapping things up for a bit. Oh, don't think I didn't see this before now. It is just that, for me, that wasn't practical. Why? Because, until recently? Actually just finishing, just seeing one project through to completion, was often nearly impossible.
I have been getting better. If I am still gimped, more sometimes, less other times, I am finally... waking, quickening. As can be seen with the project list I have actually completed, and the projects I still have on tap, I can, sometimes, actually push things through. Several projects at a time, perhaps. So, now... in the future really... when I start a project, one that has multiples of tasks? Now I will be using the notion of having several open projects at once. Work each to some closing point, then move on. Creating a parts and tools list as I go. This will greatly, if not completely, cut down on runs to town. That really adds to delays and expense. Actually, it reminds me of project planning, employing multiple teams, that I was exposed to in engineering school. A jobs list, with deadlines; expectations; possibly parts, tools, skill lists; quality checks at various points; and other things. Only, being a single man "team", I am running, doing, checking, and pushing. A little trickier, but... a good formula.
The thing is, on many projects, there will always be... more than what one thinks. You can never completely be prepared. Sometimes you have to engineer something from scratch. As well, it is easy to overlook some little thing. I knew I would be running pipe upwards, but didn't consider needing to brace the pipe. Inexperience played a part, but too, thinking the pipe would be shorter so not considering the need for bracing was a part of overlooking the need. I might be able to get by with 'plumber's tape' though, at least in the short run. It is more an accidental positive, or more just using what is available... a new skill all it's own. I am learning.
While I would love to have everything I do and use be exactly to spec, the cost and complexity of reality doesn't always allow that. I have to... come off my idyllic cloud a bit, I think. Yeah. Something like that. Experience helps with this, too. Gah! Just... I'm... improving. Things are coming together. Actually, it is extremely pleasing. Frustrating, but very satisfying. Later.
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