.
.
I don't know. That extra tiny dose of carvedilol (coreg is another name for it) may simply be too much. I can't believe how wiped out I am. Oh, I keep pushing to do things. That shove doesn't get me far. On very mild things, like changing the position of one set of hoses, I can push through. But that is it. Odd, I can stand up my usual fast way, but standing itself, after a fairly short time, will see me to dizziness. It isn't a loss of balance, more a loss of blood flow to the brainpan, as if under too many "g's" of force. I can walk, and be fine that way, but as with any physical exertion I wear out very quickly. A walk around my yard will see me weary. That is not even close to how things were right before I started the increased dose, even with a similarly low bp. I may have to cut it to an extra half pill every other day. It's simply too tight and I have things to do. This, however, is where Ritalin came in when it was used. Of course, I wasn't on the right medicines at the time, but they had a similar effect. Being on the right medicines, and having my own equipment to monitor my pulse while I exercise, I am hoping to get that going before long. Oh, and it looks like I have an appointment with that doc in a few weeks!
At least it seems cool today. Then again low bp probably makes one feel cooler. It has with me in the past. I looked over the garden while outside again. I don't know. Some of it will never produce, I think. As if I knew. The size, and lack of growth, though, seem very suspicious. Some of it might put a bit out. Though fertilizer, or just time, might prove me wrong. The beetles eating the leaves of the root vegetables are a golden metallic brown bug. I'll have to look those up. Although they are exactly the type of but that diatomaceous earth would work against. They burrow down into the soil, probably feeding at night. Not much else is going on, or will happen today, I suspect. Hmm, I might just get out the diatomaceous earth applicator and use that though... If I can get to it.
Oh, and I have been working on labels. I have worked my way back to January 1sth, well over 600 posts were checked. Only 3,100-3,200 to go? Ha. I won't say that wears me out, but it does test my ability to focus. Concentration is just as likely to fail in this condition as muscle. But I'll keep tinkering on that when I can.
I am playing games just to try and stay awake. Ugh, I hate this. Later.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Not so deeply in the cup.
.
.
Beer sounded delicious last night. I had a notion to sip a bit deeply. Two beers. I didn't wimp out or crash on it. It just so happened that two was... good. No, I don't even feel two beers. It was the flavor. I do like my beer. Might have another couple this afternoon or evening. I've been meaning to add more beer to my diet, in small doses like that. I've been too busy with too many other things to do, buy, or places to be. I can only juggle just so much.
Sleep was good. I was up until midnight, 1:00... no, 1:30-2:00 come to think of it... but not wanting to bust my pattern, and thinking I might be able to pull it off, I set the alarm for 8:00. I hit the snooze once, but got up and turned the ugly noise machine off before it sounded again. It is a good morning. Being cooler last evening I had opened everything up and put all the fans on tornado. The wake was perfect, temp wise. And I closed everything right away, to keep what of that cool I can. Even in my room I only used the fan part of the ac, along with my other fan. I need fresh air when I sleep or I wake to a stale swamp.
I am feeling okay. But my bp is rather low again today. Not sure what is going on with diabetes. It is staying elevated. I'll keep checking and dosing. I get bored when no progress seems to be made. Like the movie Groundhog day, but unable to change the situation. I didn't like the movie, if the notion could have been good with someone who could be believed as the lead. I don't like any of the old (or newer/new) SNL casts. The whole thing was created in, for, by, and of the "me" generation and hasn't ever gone beyond it. It probably can't. An icon of excess of self. Yeah, I go against a lot of grains, so be it.
Today? Like I said, at some point, a bit more work in the garden. I will reset the hoses for a different watering past in the garden for this evening, if I will only run it, perhaps, an half hour to hour. Things are really looking better out there. Weeds are exploding, but so are the good plants. Mostly. I really do have to plant things in, say, January or February, using an interior room to keep them warm enough and lamps on timers to give them the light they need. I'll have to replant several times, as well. A minor greenhouse would be nice, but so would a billion dollars, two assistants, a chef and prep cook, and some other things I don't have. With most of the kit set up all I really need is a few more lights and maybe some bigger pots for when the things grow, or a larger trough type planter?
Mostly today is an off day. Or more, a medicine adjustment day. That stuff is just plain nasty. And I did put a pretty heavy plug in this week. Daily daily and then some. A bit of straightening and sweeping would be good here at the man-cave though. Just a touch here as I go there, a bit there, just as the day flows, not really a concerted effort per se. Yeah. Later.
.
Beer sounded delicious last night. I had a notion to sip a bit deeply. Two beers. I didn't wimp out or crash on it. It just so happened that two was... good. No, I don't even feel two beers. It was the flavor. I do like my beer. Might have another couple this afternoon or evening. I've been meaning to add more beer to my diet, in small doses like that. I've been too busy with too many other things to do, buy, or places to be. I can only juggle just so much.
Sleep was good. I was up until midnight, 1:00... no, 1:30-2:00 come to think of it... but not wanting to bust my pattern, and thinking I might be able to pull it off, I set the alarm for 8:00. I hit the snooze once, but got up and turned the ugly noise machine off before it sounded again. It is a good morning. Being cooler last evening I had opened everything up and put all the fans on tornado. The wake was perfect, temp wise. And I closed everything right away, to keep what of that cool I can. Even in my room I only used the fan part of the ac, along with my other fan. I need fresh air when I sleep or I wake to a stale swamp.
I am feeling okay. But my bp is rather low again today. Not sure what is going on with diabetes. It is staying elevated. I'll keep checking and dosing. I get bored when no progress seems to be made. Like the movie Groundhog day, but unable to change the situation. I didn't like the movie, if the notion could have been good with someone who could be believed as the lead. I don't like any of the old (or newer/new) SNL casts. The whole thing was created in, for, by, and of the "me" generation and hasn't ever gone beyond it. It probably can't. An icon of excess of self. Yeah, I go against a lot of grains, so be it.
Today? Like I said, at some point, a bit more work in the garden. I will reset the hoses for a different watering past in the garden for this evening, if I will only run it, perhaps, an half hour to hour. Things are really looking better out there. Weeds are exploding, but so are the good plants. Mostly. I really do have to plant things in, say, January or February, using an interior room to keep them warm enough and lamps on timers to give them the light they need. I'll have to replant several times, as well. A minor greenhouse would be nice, but so would a billion dollars, two assistants, a chef and prep cook, and some other things I don't have. With most of the kit set up all I really need is a few more lights and maybe some bigger pots for when the things grow, or a larger trough type planter?
Mostly today is an off day. Or more, a medicine adjustment day. That stuff is just plain nasty. And I did put a pretty heavy plug in this week. Daily daily and then some. A bit of straightening and sweeping would be good here at the man-cave though. Just a touch here as I go there, a bit there, just as the day flows, not really a concerted effort per se. Yeah. Later.
Friday, July 12, 2013
The watering system seems okay, but will need to be checked often.
.
.
One of the sprinklers seems to stick when it gets to one side of it's sweep. Oddly, when I walk away and look at it from a distance it seems fine. It might simply be that I have too many sprinklers going at once. It is one of them that is last in line through a dual sprinkler link, and with six sprinklers going at once. And it is attached through smaller, non-contractor, hoses. Each hour I still want to move the side hoses. I plan to water every other day, skipping the grass when I can. With the odd even I don't have the option to water the lawn every third day or I would do that. Every fourth day is sort of pushing it, especially when temps get to 100. As for the garden, I think I will be hitting that a bit more, since I can, it's small, and it needs it. I can see right away that thinning the turnips, I think, has made them supersize in just the few days since I did that, and without a watering. I never did get to watering the garden the other day. Hmm, I still need to take the fertilizer device back in for exchange, I forgot that today.
So close though, to having the system just right. I may end up having to do the side watering at a different time though. Perhaps I will buy another timer, one with fittings for two hoses, and at least get one watering in the morning, very early, then move it for a later watering in the evening. I think I can get by with one move on those and still get everywhere I want, altering placements slightly each time. The grass, once watered well, seems to hold the water and stay green fairly well. So it isn't keeling over, even after my long delay. There are patches that are dry, but I'll be handling those this and next time. It's not much but it does make a difference.
That garden really is coming along. I am very pleased with it and my efforts so far. If I have the energy, tomorrow I would like to try to get out early and thin more of the other root vegetables, finish around the last plants, and then begin on general weeding. I am nearly passing out just from standing though, if after a long day. I hope it is just from the day. BP must be really low. I have concerns, and will be watching things closely. I won't be going out in too much heat until I have a better idea of things. If I pass out in heat, and stay down a bit, I could wake quite burned. I have been keeping up on water. I tried one of the water flavorings today and was pleased with it. I didn't sweat enough to mess with salt and electrolyte replacements though. Lots of water, lip balm, and showers. I ought to try that nose stuff. Dry, boy, as a bone up there.
Good night.
Later.
.
One of the sprinklers seems to stick when it gets to one side of it's sweep. Oddly, when I walk away and look at it from a distance it seems fine. It might simply be that I have too many sprinklers going at once. It is one of them that is last in line through a dual sprinkler link, and with six sprinklers going at once. And it is attached through smaller, non-contractor, hoses. Each hour I still want to move the side hoses. I plan to water every other day, skipping the grass when I can. With the odd even I don't have the option to water the lawn every third day or I would do that. Every fourth day is sort of pushing it, especially when temps get to 100. As for the garden, I think I will be hitting that a bit more, since I can, it's small, and it needs it. I can see right away that thinning the turnips, I think, has made them supersize in just the few days since I did that, and without a watering. I never did get to watering the garden the other day. Hmm, I still need to take the fertilizer device back in for exchange, I forgot that today.
So close though, to having the system just right. I may end up having to do the side watering at a different time though. Perhaps I will buy another timer, one with fittings for two hoses, and at least get one watering in the morning, very early, then move it for a later watering in the evening. I think I can get by with one move on those and still get everywhere I want, altering placements slightly each time. The grass, once watered well, seems to hold the water and stay green fairly well. So it isn't keeling over, even after my long delay. There are patches that are dry, but I'll be handling those this and next time. It's not much but it does make a difference.
That garden really is coming along. I am very pleased with it and my efforts so far. If I have the energy, tomorrow I would like to try to get out early and thin more of the other root vegetables, finish around the last plants, and then begin on general weeding. I am nearly passing out just from standing though, if after a long day. I hope it is just from the day. BP must be really low. I have concerns, and will be watching things closely. I won't be going out in too much heat until I have a better idea of things. If I pass out in heat, and stay down a bit, I could wake quite burned. I have been keeping up on water. I tried one of the water flavorings today and was pleased with it. I didn't sweat enough to mess with salt and electrolyte replacements though. Lots of water, lip balm, and showers. I ought to try that nose stuff. Dry, boy, as a bone up there.
Good night.
Later.
Brutal.
.
.
I did get out, closer to noon, or slightly after. It was supposed to only be 85 today. They are saying it only got to 87, with a dew point of 41 currently (probably lower earlier in the day?). And yet it was hot, to me. My friend wanted to stop at a pharmacy before going out, ear drops. While there I looked for, and found, the saline nose spray I have been scoping on Amazon, and eye drops. Not the bad stuff, just moisturizer/wetter. Saline with just a touch of stuff. Yeah, that might help. I don't need it regularly, but maybe on heavy garden days, even with the wrap sunglasses. Hot!
We headed up into the mountains. The first place we stopped simply had too many people/vehicles to consider shooting. Not his call but it is mine. I just won't do some things. The next place was well up, back, and away. Being partly cloudy helped. But when that sun came out it about killed me. Even at 11k-12k elevation where we were shooting, it was still rather warm at times. But when it would cool the breeze smelled of mountain air, trees, and little doses of this and that. He ran through two .22 pistols, his .380, and his .38 super. I just shot my .22 pistol and rifle. I am out of ammo as far as shooting. Until more comes in not another bullet will be shot. I'll take him, but not another bullet from my stocks.
I think I surprised him, and myself, with his .38 super. I couldn't miss with it. Actually I think I impressed him with the .380 bodyguard. I don't like that pistol much. It's a close up plug and pray, no... play to it. It has a huge trigger pull, now way to double the action since the hammer is mostly covered/hidden. And it has no real trigger break, you just have to learn where the trigger instigates the hammer and be able to hold it while you aim. I was able to do that after two bullets though, then didn't miss until the second to the last where I wasn't concentrating and the hammer landed before I was sighted in. Damn nuisance if you prefer to aim, if you ask me. Still, my shooting was impeccable today. Rifle, pistol after pistol, target after target... beautiful. I was even worn out, from the week, the medicine, the heat, even just what I had already done today. Mostly the medicine though. It is knocking the poop out of me, hard. I get winded fast and I don't recover quickly at all. I'll give it a month, that's it.
Yeah, even so, I was pleased to get out, to have my hoses set up, to get those loads of laundry through. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to pull it off, honestly. I may pay for it, though, too. Drinking lots of water, moving slower, sitting when I have to but pushing through when doing something to get it done... just slower... This is beastly after the success, and ease of that success, otherwise this week. Sandbagged.
Oh, I am adding labels to musical posts, so that they might be somewhat easier to find. Ones that are about my troubles also have "Doom's Consternations", haiku is it's own label, and Music is it's own label. I'll be going back and fixing any music or other links that need fixing and adding the labels. Meant to do that before, just never got to it. Got sidelined trying to label all the foolishness... Not worth it, just music or important ones. Some labels are probably going to go away. I might even figure out how to put labels up on the sidebar, just not right now. I need some R&R, and a breath of fresh nothing. Later.
--------------
By the way, I did get the labels up. I cleansed the list and will be adding the video posts to the various sorts, such as music, movies, and whatever else seems appropriate. It's... easier than I thought once I got started. But going back through years, fixing links (if I can find them), and enlarging so they fit the screen, are perfect tasks for my current condition. While I can't do as much physical work, certainly not as quickly, my mind still seems active and functional. There is that.
.
I did get out, closer to noon, or slightly after. It was supposed to only be 85 today. They are saying it only got to 87, with a dew point of 41 currently (probably lower earlier in the day?). And yet it was hot, to me. My friend wanted to stop at a pharmacy before going out, ear drops. While there I looked for, and found, the saline nose spray I have been scoping on Amazon, and eye drops. Not the bad stuff, just moisturizer/wetter. Saline with just a touch of stuff. Yeah, that might help. I don't need it regularly, but maybe on heavy garden days, even with the wrap sunglasses. Hot!
We headed up into the mountains. The first place we stopped simply had too many people/vehicles to consider shooting. Not his call but it is mine. I just won't do some things. The next place was well up, back, and away. Being partly cloudy helped. But when that sun came out it about killed me. Even at 11k-12k elevation where we were shooting, it was still rather warm at times. But when it would cool the breeze smelled of mountain air, trees, and little doses of this and that. He ran through two .22 pistols, his .380, and his .38 super. I just shot my .22 pistol and rifle. I am out of ammo as far as shooting. Until more comes in not another bullet will be shot. I'll take him, but not another bullet from my stocks.
I think I surprised him, and myself, with his .38 super. I couldn't miss with it. Actually I think I impressed him with the .380 bodyguard. I don't like that pistol much. It's a close up plug and pray, no... play to it. It has a huge trigger pull, now way to double the action since the hammer is mostly covered/hidden. And it has no real trigger break, you just have to learn where the trigger instigates the hammer and be able to hold it while you aim. I was able to do that after two bullets though, then didn't miss until the second to the last where I wasn't concentrating and the hammer landed before I was sighted in. Damn nuisance if you prefer to aim, if you ask me. Still, my shooting was impeccable today. Rifle, pistol after pistol, target after target... beautiful. I was even worn out, from the week, the medicine, the heat, even just what I had already done today. Mostly the medicine though. It is knocking the poop out of me, hard. I get winded fast and I don't recover quickly at all. I'll give it a month, that's it.
Yeah, even so, I was pleased to get out, to have my hoses set up, to get those loads of laundry through. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to pull it off, honestly. I may pay for it, though, too. Drinking lots of water, moving slower, sitting when I have to but pushing through when doing something to get it done... just slower... This is beastly after the success, and ease of that success, otherwise this week. Sandbagged.
Oh, I am adding labels to musical posts, so that they might be somewhat easier to find. Ones that are about my troubles also have "Doom's Consternations", haiku is it's own label, and Music is it's own label. I'll be going back and fixing any music or other links that need fixing and adding the labels. Meant to do that before, just never got to it. Got sidelined trying to label all the foolishness... Not worth it, just music or important ones. Some labels are probably going to go away. I might even figure out how to put labels up on the sidebar, just not right now. I need some R&R, and a breath of fresh nothing. Later.
--------------
By the way, I did get the labels up. I cleansed the list and will be adding the video posts to the various sorts, such as music, movies, and whatever else seems appropriate. It's... easier than I thought once I got started. But going back through years, fixing links (if I can find them), and enlarging so they fit the screen, are perfect tasks for my current condition. While I can't do as much physical work, certainly not as quickly, my mind still seems active and functional. There is that.
Yeah, well, new medicine load stinks.
.
.
Just an extra half tab of that stuff is beating me into the dirt. I am glad I started increasing at half a tab. Can't trust doctors. And, honestly, if that ends up shutting me down I will not only not dose up I will also drop that extra tab already added. Moving the hoses around beat me into the dirt. Well, sure, 75' and 100' rubber hoses are heavy but this was different. This wasn't tired or out of energy, this was nearly passing out. Oh, I'll keep taking them as is for a the week and a half or two remaining. And I might even give it another two weeks. But if at the end the medicine is keeping me from functioning I end them. That is how I roll. I won't be trucked down. From what I have seen I am still suspicious that my health is not as much of a concern for them as is shutting me down. Don't trust. Will use to my advantage. Period.
Yeah, that means swimming is out of contention. Oh, sure, it might just be that I have worked a bit too hard this week. It might be the sun being under cover. It might just be the beginning of a natural low. But I don't think so. We will see what we will see.
Hmm, best get a shower in, then look for the bits for the target. I did finish a couple of loads of laundry already as well. I do have to grin though. Even having the bottom fall out I have done more, just so far, than I have often done on "good days". Throw in the shooting, and perhaps an exchange on the fertilizer nozzle, and I will have done two days worth of work. Oh, best fill the canteen. I have empty smaller metal canteens in the vehicle. Too small for what I want in the way of metal canteens, plus they don't have carriers. I suppose I could fix the carrier thing, just not the size thing. Still, good for filling with some water and flavoring so I don't taint my canteen whole cloth.
Yeah, wow. I am sure hoping the medicine settles down. I always go through some adjustments with changes though. I guess I just haven't felt this rough that easily for a long time. Bleh. Yeah, a little angry. I was getting things done. They just sandbagged me again. We will see, yes we will... Precious. :p Later.
.
Just an extra half tab of that stuff is beating me into the dirt. I am glad I started increasing at half a tab. Can't trust doctors. And, honestly, if that ends up shutting me down I will not only not dose up I will also drop that extra tab already added. Moving the hoses around beat me into the dirt. Well, sure, 75' and 100' rubber hoses are heavy but this was different. This wasn't tired or out of energy, this was nearly passing out. Oh, I'll keep taking them as is for a the week and a half or two remaining. And I might even give it another two weeks. But if at the end the medicine is keeping me from functioning I end them. That is how I roll. I won't be trucked down. From what I have seen I am still suspicious that my health is not as much of a concern for them as is shutting me down. Don't trust. Will use to my advantage. Period.
Yeah, that means swimming is out of contention. Oh, sure, it might just be that I have worked a bit too hard this week. It might be the sun being under cover. It might just be the beginning of a natural low. But I don't think so. We will see what we will see.
Hmm, best get a shower in, then look for the bits for the target. I did finish a couple of loads of laundry already as well. I do have to grin though. Even having the bottom fall out I have done more, just so far, than I have often done on "good days". Throw in the shooting, and perhaps an exchange on the fertilizer nozzle, and I will have done two days worth of work. Oh, best fill the canteen. I have empty smaller metal canteens in the vehicle. Too small for what I want in the way of metal canteens, plus they don't have carriers. I suppose I could fix the carrier thing, just not the size thing. Still, good for filling with some water and flavoring so I don't taint my canteen whole cloth.
Yeah, wow. I am sure hoping the medicine settles down. I always go through some adjustments with changes though. I guess I just haven't felt this rough that easily for a long time. Bleh. Yeah, a little angry. I was getting things done. They just sandbagged me again. We will see, yes we will... Precious. :p Later.
That went better than hoped, if not what planned.
.
.
I wasn't sure about today, with the change in whether potentially being a factor that could muck things up, with the possibility I have been pushing a bit hard, and the notion that sometimes I still fall all sort of weighing in I wasn't sure what today was going to look like. When I have those fears, I also have to wonder if I create that problem even if it would not otherwise have occurred save that I thought it. I can't say about the other times, I can say my fears have nothing to do with reality, and what I had feared seems untrue. I am ready to role and much earlier this morning.
To bed by... I don't know, 22:30-23:30. Down hard, fast, deep, but clean and well. I think the little vagrants I allow to cohabit are waking me right around 4:00. Meh, I relieve my bladder and just go back to bed. It sure beats, when I was first on water pills, when everything was out of whack, using the facilities as often as five or six times a night. While it, and they, seemed to interrupt my sleep, for some reason that never really bothered me... usually. This morning I am sure of it. Sassy was right by my bedroom door when I came out. If it is Sam I can't always tell, because she will sneak away and won't ping (meow at my voice) her position when she wakes me (caught her), or really any time. Sam is guilt free, fancy free, and quite stealthy, Sassy is such a sneak nerd. They know they don't get fed for two hours after I wake, and that when I get up to go I never feed them, that isn't considered "up". Not sure why they wake me? Lonely? "Telling" on the other? Want out for Sam? Dunno. No advantage.
Sleep was really good. Down until 4:00, then back to bed. I had hoped to wake at 6:00, set the alarm for 8:00, finally woke at 6:30 or a bit before. Stats done, medicines taken, feeling a bit sore from yesterday. While I can stretch out, I can get down and up, three to four hours of it has be just a bit pinched. No problems there, I will have to push on all fronts, break the rust, push the muscles, and then climb. It's a deep hole I've been living in. I am just a bit worried about the carvedilol. My blood pressure is already down to 118/74 or something, and that's with half the extra dose they want to load. The pulse regulation won't matter if bp drops to that or below and doesn't spring back a bit. Still, like I said, feeling pretty good given everything. And that's why I am half-dosing the extra up front. I'm no longer theirs to command. I take their advice and check the results in steps and my way. It works.
Oh, right, I wanted to be awake a little earlier today so I have a chance to get a phone call or two and swimming in before heading out. It is partly to mostly cloudy again today. The sun is peaking out. But if today was anything like yesterday, and it is supposed to be, it should be cooler, darker, and with a reasonable chance of a very light rain. We don't get much from it, but some cooling. I went without ac last night for sleep. I thought about going without the fan, but with the door closed that didn't work.
Oh, I know why I hit it early and why I wanted to rise. I want to do a load of wash, and have it done by the time I go swimming. A load which will include my trunks. Yeah, I best get to that. It should be done by 9:00-9:30 if I start now. Actually I was hoping, if I got up at 8:00 as a worst case (of which I was only hopeful) that I would have the laundry done by 10:00 or 11:00. Yeah, I'm... ahead of that ball today. Plus, by the time I would be waking, assuming I remembered that, I might also get in some calls. Now I can make calls about the time I would have been waking and be putting the laundry in the dryer. I'll take it.
So, yeah, a few phone calls, on for optometry (is it?), one to reschedule the diabetes clinic, then on to swimming and then a shoot. I haven't put the target pieces together but that will happen in a bit. Then on to a shoot. I am hoping to be out by between 10:00 and 11:00. If I can find all the target bits I will suggest my friend bring the pistols he wants to aim in. I have sand filled hand rests as well. I don't allow shooting off or on my vehicle though. I'm not like that. I suspect I can figure something out though. Should be good.
I was worried about a misfire today. Really worried. Looks like that won't be a problem. Heck, I might even get the hoses together and functionally set for tonight. I have to take it down for mowing tomorrow though. Not a problem. The lawn has to be watered tonight, a good long watering. I've missed two cycles. I can only do what I can do.
Later.
.
I wasn't sure about today, with the change in whether potentially being a factor that could muck things up, with the possibility I have been pushing a bit hard, and the notion that sometimes I still fall all sort of weighing in I wasn't sure what today was going to look like. When I have those fears, I also have to wonder if I create that problem even if it would not otherwise have occurred save that I thought it. I can't say about the other times, I can say my fears have nothing to do with reality, and what I had feared seems untrue. I am ready to role and much earlier this morning.
To bed by... I don't know, 22:30-23:30. Down hard, fast, deep, but clean and well. I think the little vagrants I allow to cohabit are waking me right around 4:00. Meh, I relieve my bladder and just go back to bed. It sure beats, when I was first on water pills, when everything was out of whack, using the facilities as often as five or six times a night. While it, and they, seemed to interrupt my sleep, for some reason that never really bothered me... usually. This morning I am sure of it. Sassy was right by my bedroom door when I came out. If it is Sam I can't always tell, because she will sneak away and won't ping (meow at my voice) her position when she wakes me (caught her), or really any time. Sam is guilt free, fancy free, and quite stealthy, Sassy is such a sneak nerd. They know they don't get fed for two hours after I wake, and that when I get up to go I never feed them, that isn't considered "up". Not sure why they wake me? Lonely? "Telling" on the other? Want out for Sam? Dunno. No advantage.
Sleep was really good. Down until 4:00, then back to bed. I had hoped to wake at 6:00, set the alarm for 8:00, finally woke at 6:30 or a bit before. Stats done, medicines taken, feeling a bit sore from yesterday. While I can stretch out, I can get down and up, three to four hours of it has be just a bit pinched. No problems there, I will have to push on all fronts, break the rust, push the muscles, and then climb. It's a deep hole I've been living in. I am just a bit worried about the carvedilol. My blood pressure is already down to 118/74 or something, and that's with half the extra dose they want to load. The pulse regulation won't matter if bp drops to that or below and doesn't spring back a bit. Still, like I said, feeling pretty good given everything. And that's why I am half-dosing the extra up front. I'm no longer theirs to command. I take their advice and check the results in steps and my way. It works.
Oh, right, I wanted to be awake a little earlier today so I have a chance to get a phone call or two and swimming in before heading out. It is partly to mostly cloudy again today. The sun is peaking out. But if today was anything like yesterday, and it is supposed to be, it should be cooler, darker, and with a reasonable chance of a very light rain. We don't get much from it, but some cooling. I went without ac last night for sleep. I thought about going without the fan, but with the door closed that didn't work.
Oh, I know why I hit it early and why I wanted to rise. I want to do a load of wash, and have it done by the time I go swimming. A load which will include my trunks. Yeah, I best get to that. It should be done by 9:00-9:30 if I start now. Actually I was hoping, if I got up at 8:00 as a worst case (of which I was only hopeful) that I would have the laundry done by 10:00 or 11:00. Yeah, I'm... ahead of that ball today. Plus, by the time I would be waking, assuming I remembered that, I might also get in some calls. Now I can make calls about the time I would have been waking and be putting the laundry in the dryer. I'll take it.
So, yeah, a few phone calls, on for optometry (is it?), one to reschedule the diabetes clinic, then on to swimming and then a shoot. I haven't put the target pieces together but that will happen in a bit. Then on to a shoot. I am hoping to be out by between 10:00 and 11:00. If I can find all the target bits I will suggest my friend bring the pistols he wants to aim in. I have sand filled hand rests as well. I don't allow shooting off or on my vehicle though. I'm not like that. I suspect I can figure something out though. Should be good.
I was worried about a misfire today. Really worried. Looks like that won't be a problem. Heck, I might even get the hoses together and functionally set for tonight. I have to take it down for mowing tomorrow though. Not a problem. The lawn has to be watered tonight, a good long watering. I've missed two cycles. I can only do what I can do.
Later.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Ugh! I've pushed, perhaps the rest of the day off.
.
.
It is cloudy, thick and dark. It really might rain, though I am not holding my breath. I don't know if it is all the effort put out this week catching up to me or merely the sky going dark, but I am done for the day. A bit of reading, perhaps some gaming, another meal later on, nothing fancy but not bad. And I did get a couple of sessions in the garden earlier. By the way, after sitting, mostly, for decades, I am impressed with how limber I still am. Oh, I learned to kneel for Church, actually after some effort and discomfort. But kneeling in the garden is a full out sort. Having to figure out where to put the legs, and just being able to get up, should have been tricky. I do it as if I had been doing it my whole life. Yeah, I wear carpenter's knee pads while out there, but that doesn't alter that I shouldn't be that flexible. It doesn't ease the discomfort either, for all that long. Still, they are better than nothing.
I am a bit tired. It might be that extra carvedilol though, or the sun being hidden. But a restful day isn't unreasonable to ask. And I am planning on swimming, attempting to exchange the fertilizer sprayer tomorrow, then go shooting. A bit more restful than two in the garden, one working with hoses, and other such doings. I'll know tomorrow morning if I have pushed too hard. Oh, I'll still do what I am planning, I might just be slower at it. It's been a darned fine week though. I just won't complain about a few things not quite getting done, or needing an afternoon off.
I do wonder if, even with the light stuff I am doing, whether I will begin losing weight. I don't think most of you quite yet understand. I spend... 70% of my time in this chair, waking time. That's down from the high 90's though, of just even two years ago. Before that I was in bed, or mostly asleep, in the high 90's of all my time, for decades. Not from want, it was the last thing I wanted. Not even completely from need, though there was extreme exhaustion. Just as much from confusion. I couldn't think myself out of bed, or the chair, and to a degree that still exists. What I am doing is, to me, almost a miracle, like walking at all after breaking your back and given a grim prognosis. Only, for most of that time, I didn't know why. In truth, I still don't know all of it. But with the physical being tended, it seems, the will can focus and I can move again. Loverly. Now to keep it up, and increase it, and deal with the downs when they hit.
I tell you, if I wake up either the world will change or it won't matter. Depends on if I wish to get involved. Can't say which way that will go. It depends on you, mostly. Later.
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It is cloudy, thick and dark. It really might rain, though I am not holding my breath. I don't know if it is all the effort put out this week catching up to me or merely the sky going dark, but I am done for the day. A bit of reading, perhaps some gaming, another meal later on, nothing fancy but not bad. And I did get a couple of sessions in the garden earlier. By the way, after sitting, mostly, for decades, I am impressed with how limber I still am. Oh, I learned to kneel for Church, actually after some effort and discomfort. But kneeling in the garden is a full out sort. Having to figure out where to put the legs, and just being able to get up, should have been tricky. I do it as if I had been doing it my whole life. Yeah, I wear carpenter's knee pads while out there, but that doesn't alter that I shouldn't be that flexible. It doesn't ease the discomfort either, for all that long. Still, they are better than nothing.
I am a bit tired. It might be that extra carvedilol though, or the sun being hidden. But a restful day isn't unreasonable to ask. And I am planning on swimming, attempting to exchange the fertilizer sprayer tomorrow, then go shooting. A bit more restful than two in the garden, one working with hoses, and other such doings. I'll know tomorrow morning if I have pushed too hard. Oh, I'll still do what I am planning, I might just be slower at it. It's been a darned fine week though. I just won't complain about a few things not quite getting done, or needing an afternoon off.
I do wonder if, even with the light stuff I am doing, whether I will begin losing weight. I don't think most of you quite yet understand. I spend... 70% of my time in this chair, waking time. That's down from the high 90's though, of just even two years ago. Before that I was in bed, or mostly asleep, in the high 90's of all my time, for decades. Not from want, it was the last thing I wanted. Not even completely from need, though there was extreme exhaustion. Just as much from confusion. I couldn't think myself out of bed, or the chair, and to a degree that still exists. What I am doing is, to me, almost a miracle, like walking at all after breaking your back and given a grim prognosis. Only, for most of that time, I didn't know why. In truth, I still don't know all of it. But with the physical being tended, it seems, the will can focus and I can move again. Loverly. Now to keep it up, and increase it, and deal with the downs when they hit.
I tell you, if I wake up either the world will change or it won't matter. Depends on if I wish to get involved. Can't say which way that will go. It depends on you, mostly. Later.
Oh, right... Back to plumbing?
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.
I am getting there. That might actually go forward today, since it is cool and I have the time. Maybe. But as I consider it, I had some questions. One of the things, after the bathroom is completed, that I want to do is to change all of the water cutoff valves, begin considering installing a pre water softener extension 't' to begin creating another outdoor faucet, this one on the garage side... for washing the car, perhaps for watering, and just to have an extra source of water for outdoors. I just think it should be there.
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I am getting there. That might actually go forward today, since it is cool and I have the time. Maybe. But as I consider it, I had some questions. One of the things, after the bathroom is completed, that I want to do is to change all of the water cutoff valves, begin considering installing a pre water softener extension 't' to begin creating another outdoor faucet, this one on the garage side... for washing the car, perhaps for watering, and just to have an extra source of water for outdoors. I just think it should be there.
Is it really going to rain?
.
.
We could use it, so no complaints. I guess I am just a bit surprised. My mind is probably stuck on last year, a very dry year. Bad things stick in the mind, taint the picture, I suppose.
Of course, as I headed out to work on the garden? The sun came out in one spot on the sky and hit my like a laser beam. So, back in, sunglasses on, then back out. I only thinned the... hrmm... one of the half rows of root vegetables. The other aren't ready at all. I did a lot of minor weeding, too, while at it. Mostly piddly stuff, but it does get bigger quickly. I found the fertilizer and the nozzle attachment, but I have the wrong attachment, it is only for wet fertilizer. I have powdered... I am hoping the store will allow a simple exchange. Sam has been absolutely loving me being out there. Pest, but... I'll give her some time. She is owed. I may go back out later today to finish aerating the last of the plants and do extra weeding.
.
We could use it, so no complaints. I guess I am just a bit surprised. My mind is probably stuck on last year, a very dry year. Bad things stick in the mind, taint the picture, I suppose.
Of course, as I headed out to work on the garden? The sun came out in one spot on the sky and hit my like a laser beam. So, back in, sunglasses on, then back out. I only thinned the... hrmm... one of the half rows of root vegetables. The other aren't ready at all. I did a lot of minor weeding, too, while at it. Mostly piddly stuff, but it does get bigger quickly. I found the fertilizer and the nozzle attachment, but I have the wrong attachment, it is only for wet fertilizer. I have powdered... I am hoping the store will allow a simple exchange. Sam has been absolutely loving me being out there. Pest, but... I'll give her some time. She is owed. I may go back out later today to finish aerating the last of the plants and do extra weeding.
Oh, uhrm, math. A little thing but...
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SiteMeter must need a medication change. It suggests I average 70 visits a day but suggest I only get 500 visits a month. Really? One of us is lousy at math. On top of that, the stats for the last two months have disappeared, it shows zero visits for May and July. Something really weird is going on with them. Their daily readings are more in line with Blogger. As for G.A., I have pretty much given up on them. I have received more comments from different viewers than they suggest even visited on some days, especially during haiku contests. I would not call them accurate, or even close. On top of that they don't count foreign visitors. Up to a quarter of my visitors are foreign. Without receiving spam lately either. They are mostly Russian, with a smattering from Britain and a few other places commonly, along with some rare outliers.
But, come on. With 70 visits a day, how can they suggest I only receive 500 visits a month? It's not like I'm dumping on them, I'm merely wondering how an average, from their count, can produce a total like that. New math? Oh, I don't care. I don't write the blog for visitors. I've been adding a bit more music, since it seems popular, but that's about the extent of my involvement. I haven't even tried to monetize, with a 'gimme money bro' cup, advertising, or anything else. I don't want it to affect my writing, and it would. Don't feed wild animals! They become used to it, dependent on it, bitchy when they don't get their tips. I've seen folk seemingly sell their soul for what probably only amounts to a few dollars. Really? Well, okay, but not my gig.
Ranting? Like a raver! Well, not really. Just trying to figure out how 1.9k to 2.1k is reduced to 500, or less. And why my stats are disappearing. It isn't just the last few months. The monthly view only shows this last week with everything before it going to zero, in spite of the running average. SiteMeter must have some serious issues. Oh well. Another case of liberalism, government intrusion, something else?
.
SiteMeter must need a medication change. It suggests I average 70 visits a day but suggest I only get 500 visits a month. Really? One of us is lousy at math. On top of that, the stats for the last two months have disappeared, it shows zero visits for May and July. Something really weird is going on with them. Their daily readings are more in line with Blogger. As for G.A., I have pretty much given up on them. I have received more comments from different viewers than they suggest even visited on some days, especially during haiku contests. I would not call them accurate, or even close. On top of that they don't count foreign visitors. Up to a quarter of my visitors are foreign. Without receiving spam lately either. They are mostly Russian, with a smattering from Britain and a few other places commonly, along with some rare outliers.
But, come on. With 70 visits a day, how can they suggest I only receive 500 visits a month? It's not like I'm dumping on them, I'm merely wondering how an average, from their count, can produce a total like that. New math? Oh, I don't care. I don't write the blog for visitors. I've been adding a bit more music, since it seems popular, but that's about the extent of my involvement. I haven't even tried to monetize, with a 'gimme money bro' cup, advertising, or anything else. I don't want it to affect my writing, and it would. Don't feed wild animals! They become used to it, dependent on it, bitchy when they don't get their tips. I've seen folk seemingly sell their soul for what probably only amounts to a few dollars. Really? Well, okay, but not my gig.
Ranting? Like a raver! Well, not really. Just trying to figure out how 1.9k to 2.1k is reduced to 500, or less. And why my stats are disappearing. It isn't just the last few months. The monthly view only shows this last week with everything before it going to zero, in spite of the running average. SiteMeter must have some serious issues. Oh well. Another case of liberalism, government intrusion, something else?
Morning routines.
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I have started weight and blood sugar testing to the stats. Yeah, but having been off medication for the latter for a while, and with the new medicine on track, a minimum of daily checking is necessary. It takes a bit to get everything going. Stats are green across the board, the latter of the two new ones is coming into right ranges easily. Finally, everything is being tended. My first extra dose of carvedilol went down last night, and I think without too much fuss.
It is overcast this morning. Fine by me. I could use a cool morning in the garden. The goal is to be out there by 10:00. I would love to wake just a bit earlier and be out there by 8:00. Not impossible, just not a reasonable thing for today. An extra shower did probably help me get to bed last night, but not until midnight. So an 8:00 waking after, for me, a long hard hot day was... good, very good.
Yeah, turnips, kohlrabi need to be thinned, first thing, this morning. The other tubers aren't big enough to be thinned yet, they are slower growing. They might not make it this year, though I think they can handle hard frosts so might just be later. Time will tell. If that goes well enough I will then get to more weeding/aerating/troughing though only a few more plants need that. So, I may end up just weeding larger and larger areas around the plants which are being encroached. That, however, will become a full time job by itself I think. Next year I may buy mats which keep that down. Just enough for between rows and right outside the rows. They may make it easier/cleaner to kneel, walk, and otherwise work the plants, too. Hopefully they last a few years... if you buy the right type. Oh, I best set up the new water hoses and sprinklers.
I am impressed. While I haven't been staying exactly on everything, and am really just getting to it, nothing was really needed until recently. The weeds sort of popped really quickly. Oh, I do need to add fertilizer to the water, probably just the spray nozzle, adding that individually. I need to read the instructions. Yeah, I'll fertilize, if it ends up helping. It's simply not an issue hereabouts. Let those who wish for organics do as they wish, I will do as I will. I'm not a masochist or purite. Something is eating holes in the leaves of the root vegetables. I do believe an application of diatomaceous earth is in order, as a first option, but not last if it doesn't seem effective. I could use the coffee grounds I saved, but that is probably better suited to the bigger, more singular, plants if they are under attack, since it doesn't go on the plants, but around them... and as such preserves the blossoms for pollination. Yeah, something like that. As if I really knew. I'll learn, or... not?
Rest was good, if not quite as good as yesterday. I did push, and that is the price. That I still woke, and am ready to work again, is enough. And it really was a resting sleep. I just can't complain. I may be able, finally, to keep things going. To actually, again, after a bit of an interruption, start planning and doing, every day. Which means weekends will be "off", but only from work. I am hoping, if I get things going well enough, to use weekends to find hiking trails, go fishing, anything that keeps me active but changes the tempo of my activity. Oh, some work will have to continue, but not at the same pace or regularity. I might even be able to do laundry and cave tending more heavily on the weekends, to earn my pass to more enjoyable activities. I will see as time passes what works. I haven't really been to this kind of point in a while. Even my best times so far, in the more recent history, haven't ever quite seen me to short and medium term life planning that I can depend on. It's a new thing, if that is where I am actually at. A month will let me know, the summer will hammer it home, the nature and length of my next fall will adjust outlook up or down.
Yeah, well... tinkertime until 10:00... or 11:00. Bleh. Later.
.
I have started weight and blood sugar testing to the stats. Yeah, but having been off medication for the latter for a while, and with the new medicine on track, a minimum of daily checking is necessary. It takes a bit to get everything going. Stats are green across the board, the latter of the two new ones is coming into right ranges easily. Finally, everything is being tended. My first extra dose of carvedilol went down last night, and I think without too much fuss.
It is overcast this morning. Fine by me. I could use a cool morning in the garden. The goal is to be out there by 10:00. I would love to wake just a bit earlier and be out there by 8:00. Not impossible, just not a reasonable thing for today. An extra shower did probably help me get to bed last night, but not until midnight. So an 8:00 waking after, for me, a long hard hot day was... good, very good.
Yeah, turnips, kohlrabi need to be thinned, first thing, this morning. The other tubers aren't big enough to be thinned yet, they are slower growing. They might not make it this year, though I think they can handle hard frosts so might just be later. Time will tell. If that goes well enough I will then get to more weeding/aerating/troughing though only a few more plants need that. So, I may end up just weeding larger and larger areas around the plants which are being encroached. That, however, will become a full time job by itself I think. Next year I may buy mats which keep that down. Just enough for between rows and right outside the rows. They may make it easier/cleaner to kneel, walk, and otherwise work the plants, too. Hopefully they last a few years... if you buy the right type. Oh, I best set up the new water hoses and sprinklers.
I am impressed. While I haven't been staying exactly on everything, and am really just getting to it, nothing was really needed until recently. The weeds sort of popped really quickly. Oh, I do need to add fertilizer to the water, probably just the spray nozzle, adding that individually. I need to read the instructions. Yeah, I'll fertilize, if it ends up helping. It's simply not an issue hereabouts. Let those who wish for organics do as they wish, I will do as I will. I'm not a masochist or purite. Something is eating holes in the leaves of the root vegetables. I do believe an application of diatomaceous earth is in order, as a first option, but not last if it doesn't seem effective. I could use the coffee grounds I saved, but that is probably better suited to the bigger, more singular, plants if they are under attack, since it doesn't go on the plants, but around them... and as such preserves the blossoms for pollination. Yeah, something like that. As if I really knew. I'll learn, or... not?
Rest was good, if not quite as good as yesterday. I did push, and that is the price. That I still woke, and am ready to work again, is enough. And it really was a resting sleep. I just can't complain. I may be able, finally, to keep things going. To actually, again, after a bit of an interruption, start planning and doing, every day. Which means weekends will be "off", but only from work. I am hoping, if I get things going well enough, to use weekends to find hiking trails, go fishing, anything that keeps me active but changes the tempo of my activity. Oh, some work will have to continue, but not at the same pace or regularity. I might even be able to do laundry and cave tending more heavily on the weekends, to earn my pass to more enjoyable activities. I will see as time passes what works. I haven't really been to this kind of point in a while. Even my best times so far, in the more recent history, haven't ever quite seen me to short and medium term life planning that I can depend on. It's a new thing, if that is where I am actually at. A month will let me know, the summer will hammer it home, the nature and length of my next fall will adjust outlook up or down.
Yeah, well... tinkertime until 10:00... or 11:00. Bleh. Later.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Oh, that is that for that.
.
.
No, I won't get the second sprinkler system set up and going tonight. Too tired. I've pushed it. Up at 8:00, in the garden from 9:45 to noon. A trip to town. A bit of tinkering after I got back then another trip to town. It was 100 again today. Yeah, no. Headache. Should just push on but I don't want to overdo more than I have. Limits.
Sprinklers, plus an extra, milk, water additives of two sorts to try out. One type is just a flavoring, the other is an actual electrolyte/salt replacement. After my difficulties with carb loading/diabetes problems with dry mixes, I decided to go with something that just flavored the water. Had to be careful though to. Many of them are "energy" drink mixes. I just don't want that. Don't know what is in it, don't want to upset balances with an unknown. Oh, and a couple of pair of wrap sunglasses. One just dark, the other reddish... never tried that before, just curious.
Ouch, but I do have a good headache going. It's minor, so far, which is why I am stopping. A few aspirin, a little bit of a cool down, maybe a quick shower, then it's bedtime. I did forget to call for an eye doctor visit. And I haven't rescheduled the diabetes clinic yet. They have it set for about when I will be heading to, or at, Burning Man. If it isn't that important to them to have it sooner, then we can make it later. And, of course, I didn't set up the new hoses for watering, thus didn't water the grass, again. Hey kids, I'm licking through the layers for the bubble gum on the pop as fast as I can.
With shooting on Friday, I may just try to head in even earlier and swim. It all depends. Tomorrow? Back in the garden, readjusting hoses, setting up the new ones, and otherwise taking it easy. A phone call or two as well. Oh but what a splendid week so far. I'm thinking insulin is doing the trick. Perhaps it is putting the kidney function back in order as well. I had stopped all diabetes medicine but the syringes never came, so I was free floating in that regard. I just get stuck, sometimes, and... wait longer rather than call. Ugh. Surprised those waits haven't killed me yet. Oh, right, I finally filled the medicine set with the extra carvedilol, nights only. I have decided it will take more than a week to adjust. I will reconsider the next time I fill the thing, in about 12 days, 13 including today. Yeah, it's... all... coming along nicely. Not perfectly, not without bumps and hiccups, not cleanly or exactly as I want it, but about as good as can possibly be believed and then some. It's life, don't you know!
Later... No, probably good night. Sleep well, I know I will.
.
No, I won't get the second sprinkler system set up and going tonight. Too tired. I've pushed it. Up at 8:00, in the garden from 9:45 to noon. A trip to town. A bit of tinkering after I got back then another trip to town. It was 100 again today. Yeah, no. Headache. Should just push on but I don't want to overdo more than I have. Limits.
Sprinklers, plus an extra, milk, water additives of two sorts to try out. One type is just a flavoring, the other is an actual electrolyte/salt replacement. After my difficulties with carb loading/diabetes problems with dry mixes, I decided to go with something that just flavored the water. Had to be careful though to. Many of them are "energy" drink mixes. I just don't want that. Don't know what is in it, don't want to upset balances with an unknown. Oh, and a couple of pair of wrap sunglasses. One just dark, the other reddish... never tried that before, just curious.
Ouch, but I do have a good headache going. It's minor, so far, which is why I am stopping. A few aspirin, a little bit of a cool down, maybe a quick shower, then it's bedtime. I did forget to call for an eye doctor visit. And I haven't rescheduled the diabetes clinic yet. They have it set for about when I will be heading to, or at, Burning Man. If it isn't that important to them to have it sooner, then we can make it later. And, of course, I didn't set up the new hoses for watering, thus didn't water the grass, again. Hey kids, I'm licking through the layers for the bubble gum on the pop as fast as I can.
With shooting on Friday, I may just try to head in even earlier and swim. It all depends. Tomorrow? Back in the garden, readjusting hoses, setting up the new ones, and otherwise taking it easy. A phone call or two as well. Oh but what a splendid week so far. I'm thinking insulin is doing the trick. Perhaps it is putting the kidney function back in order as well. I had stopped all diabetes medicine but the syringes never came, so I was free floating in that regard. I just get stuck, sometimes, and... wait longer rather than call. Ugh. Surprised those waits haven't killed me yet. Oh, right, I finally filled the medicine set with the extra carvedilol, nights only. I have decided it will take more than a week to adjust. I will reconsider the next time I fill the thing, in about 12 days, 13 including today. Yeah, it's... all... coming along nicely. Not perfectly, not without bumps and hiccups, not cleanly or exactly as I want it, but about as good as can possibly be believed and then some. It's life, don't you know!
Later... No, probably good night. Sleep well, I know I will.
Just so much...
.
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I did make it to town. The exchange went well. Instead of another 75' hose, I found a 100' hose! The other store didn't have them, not that I saw. Oh I bet that is loverly to tow around. But! It is the red and black D.C. had mention. Same brand/style/class/material/fittings as the 50' and 75' hoses. I suppose they only do red/black on the 100' (and longer if they make them, I suspect). So, I am good for hoses. Now I need to see if the new timer works. Bleh. Then, if it does, set up the front watering system, then... Gah! I forgot the sprinklers! Gah! I may just go back into to town, after supper arrives, and get those. Hmm, that will give me time, in any case, to test the timer. I can take it back if need be. Three more sprinklers and my system will be complete.
I then went and picked up the soaps I wanted. No shopping because I planned to do that with my friend. I got to his place, called to see what he was doing. Unfortunately he was at the doctors, talking about the valve replacement. He asked me to call back in an hour, which was fine, but I was done. I couldn't wait for another hour, then try to get out. Too hot, too much, too long. So, back to the cave. Hmm, since I am going back out in a bit, I may have to call him and see if he wants to do a quick shopping trip, or even just go along for the express ride.
It's been a beautiful day! Work in the garden, tinkering with the waterworks, a little shopping and driving. Hmm, best hit the water up. A couple of sodas a day won't cut it. That's just for flavor. However, the next time I go shopping I will be looking for salt replacement dry powder that comes in straws, or at least discreet packages. One of those a day, when working through the heat, and maybe an extra one to add to the canteen, just for a touch of flavor. Portable, small, eminently giftable, actually healthful, and tasty.
Loverly, folks, I'm telling you. My friend called back himself. Filled me in on the details. I may have to go see him, as the surgery will be in SLC if he doesn't know when quite yet. It means something when a friend shows up in those places. Especially when that friend is allergic to f#%*)@% hospitals. Especially anywhere near the killing and dying sections. Still, that's what friends do, if they can. We will see. He suggests Friday would be the day to go, but early. I asked 8:00, 10:00, noon? Noon at the latest he says. So, okay. I need to get a haircut, a third way between now and the Burning Man 'do', a near mohawk. Thick though, three to four times as thick as 'usual'. And only with a high and tight, not skin bare right yet. I need time to... adjust. That and some shopping should fill out Friday.
.
I did make it to town. The exchange went well. Instead of another 75' hose, I found a 100' hose! The other store didn't have them, not that I saw. Oh I bet that is loverly to tow around. But! It is the red and black D.C. had mention. Same brand/style/class/material/fittings as the 50' and 75' hoses. I suppose they only do red/black on the 100' (and longer if they make them, I suspect). So, I am good for hoses. Now I need to see if the new timer works. Bleh. Then, if it does, set up the front watering system, then... Gah! I forgot the sprinklers! Gah! I may just go back into to town, after supper arrives, and get those. Hmm, that will give me time, in any case, to test the timer. I can take it back if need be. Three more sprinklers and my system will be complete.
I then went and picked up the soaps I wanted. No shopping because I planned to do that with my friend. I got to his place, called to see what he was doing. Unfortunately he was at the doctors, talking about the valve replacement. He asked me to call back in an hour, which was fine, but I was done. I couldn't wait for another hour, then try to get out. Too hot, too much, too long. So, back to the cave. Hmm, since I am going back out in a bit, I may have to call him and see if he wants to do a quick shopping trip, or even just go along for the express ride.
It's been a beautiful day! Work in the garden, tinkering with the waterworks, a little shopping and driving. Hmm, best hit the water up. A couple of sodas a day won't cut it. That's just for flavor. However, the next time I go shopping I will be looking for salt replacement dry powder that comes in straws, or at least discreet packages. One of those a day, when working through the heat, and maybe an extra one to add to the canteen, just for a touch of flavor. Portable, small, eminently giftable, actually healthful, and tasty.
Loverly, folks, I'm telling you. My friend called back himself. Filled me in on the details. I may have to go see him, as the surgery will be in SLC if he doesn't know when quite yet. It means something when a friend shows up in those places. Especially when that friend is allergic to f#%*)@% hospitals. Especially anywhere near the killing and dying sections. Still, that's what friends do, if they can. We will see. He suggests Friday would be the day to go, but early. I asked 8:00, 10:00, noon? Noon at the latest he says. So, okay. I need to get a haircut, a third way between now and the Burning Man 'do', a near mohawk. Thick though, three to four times as thick as 'usual'. And only with a high and tight, not skin bare right yet. I need time to... adjust. That and some shopping should fill out Friday.
It's taking the ipod forever to charge.
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Showered, dried, need to put a load of laundry over to the dryer, check the last timer, urhm... dress first I suppose... then head to town. My swim kit is geared and ready, save for the ipod. Yeah, working on it. Saw a neat little vid. Interesting so I thought to share it out.
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Showered, dried, need to put a load of laundry over to the dryer, check the last timer, urhm... dress first I suppose... then head to town. My swim kit is geared and ready, save for the ipod. Yeah, working on it. Saw a neat little vid. Interesting so I thought to share it out.
An hour becomes two, and with decent change.
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Aerating and weeding went as planned, mostly. I started on one, but found that mixing them would see what I needed weeded happen, make weeding easier, and get the aerating going right off. I also moved the hoses for a new watering position for tonight. Yeah, well, three days in the garden is, essentially, all of my experience. It takes time. Sure, you could tell me but it has to make sense to me. I went from hoeing (useless or quite close to it, unless you merely loosen the soil and come back for the weeds, and roots really), to trying to simply pull, to today using that little hand rake/claw to loosen then pull weeds, while aerating. That might be called... exponential growth through reason? Not bad for a dead guy.
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Aerating and weeding went as planned, mostly. I started on one, but found that mixing them would see what I needed weeded happen, make weeding easier, and get the aerating going right off. I also moved the hoses for a new watering position for tonight. Yeah, well, three days in the garden is, essentially, all of my experience. It takes time. Sure, you could tell me but it has to make sense to me. I went from hoeing (useless or quite close to it, unless you merely loosen the soil and come back for the weeds, and roots really), to trying to simply pull, to today using that little hand rake/claw to loosen then pull weeds, while aerating. That might be called... exponential growth through reason? Not bad for a dead guy.
One of the best nights of sleep I can remember, ever.
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I have no recall even if I dreamed (sure, they say you dream frequently and often, and every time you sleep, first I don't trust they and second so what/shut up). Slipping into sleep was like the notion of slipping into silk garments and the feel through the wear (if the reality is sadly much less than the notion in my option). I did wake at 4:00, and used the opportunity to empty my bladder. It wasn't a natural wake, noises which never registered or, after waking me, were repeated. It might even have been the cats. I was able to seemlessly return to bed and sleep. Waking almost exactly at 8:00, as I had hoped based on bedtime, though 6:00 and 7:00 would have been within the target range. I'm sort of easy that way, though I know my preferences aren't always possible. My body just doesn't always have it to give.
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I have no recall even if I dreamed (sure, they say you dream frequently and often, and every time you sleep, first I don't trust they and second so what/shut up). Slipping into sleep was like the notion of slipping into silk garments and the feel through the wear (if the reality is sadly much less than the notion in my option). I did wake at 4:00, and used the opportunity to empty my bladder. It wasn't a natural wake, noises which never registered or, after waking me, were repeated. It might even have been the cats. I was able to seemlessly return to bed and sleep. Waking almost exactly at 8:00, as I had hoped based on bedtime, though 6:00 and 7:00 would have been within the target range. I'm sort of easy that way, though I know my preferences aren't always possible. My body just doesn't always have it to give.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Not a marathon, not even up to a sports practice, but it was enough.
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Weeding is easy enough work, unless you have been sitting for decades. Don't even look at me like I made that kind of choice. Given the opportunity, I take it. Just as with gardening this year. I honestly wasn't sure I was quite up to the task. I'm still not convinced that I am. I suppose I will know as other problems crop up, or should I fail to water and get no crop. Actually, I should say, there is a decent chance that I will get no crop, or little, even if I do everything (else) correct. I planted seeds to late. So, okay, I've already messed up. Potentially fatally, as far as production value. Still, the hope is that I keep up as well as possible and produce whatever is possible.
Yes, that was a lot of work, for me. Five hours in the heat. No real serious physical aspect, other than bending at the waste, but that is my weak spot. I do fear my knees. But they are only weak with great distance at speed it seems. Though in truth they only hurt, should I be in shape to use them. They won't give out or in or fail some other way. Another reason to prefer swimming. The high was 94, dew point is currently 48. As for feel? It felt medium to high intensity. I won't say I liked working in it, only that I could and did.
I set the timer up, programmed everything, then hooked it in. It did not work. From the start it simply failed. One return. I'll try the other. If it fails I will take them back and look at another store. Oh well. I am manually timing the watering. It is about done for the night, as am I. I can't believe how painful my eyes are. Yeah, it's been a while since I've been in that kind of heat. Oh, right, in the morning tomorrow, before I go in if I am going in, I need to see up an appointment with the eye doctor. I'm glad I stopped and got the paperwork for that. I will see if he can offer a script for contacts as well, even if I have to kick in something.
Hmm, and for those of you who are dumping BSA? There is an option. They will be accepting former boy scouts as soon as September, I believe the article indicated. The king is dead, hail and long live the king. They did it to themselves. May those leaders rot in hell for trying to debauch children and destroying an organization I have fond childhood memories regarding. Seriously. Then again I don't have to hope. They might repent, but... hubris is one of the most difficult things to survive.
Good night.
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Weeding is easy enough work, unless you have been sitting for decades. Don't even look at me like I made that kind of choice. Given the opportunity, I take it. Just as with gardening this year. I honestly wasn't sure I was quite up to the task. I'm still not convinced that I am. I suppose I will know as other problems crop up, or should I fail to water and get no crop. Actually, I should say, there is a decent chance that I will get no crop, or little, even if I do everything (else) correct. I planted seeds to late. So, okay, I've already messed up. Potentially fatally, as far as production value. Still, the hope is that I keep up as well as possible and produce whatever is possible.
Yes, that was a lot of work, for me. Five hours in the heat. No real serious physical aspect, other than bending at the waste, but that is my weak spot. I do fear my knees. But they are only weak with great distance at speed it seems. Though in truth they only hurt, should I be in shape to use them. They won't give out or in or fail some other way. Another reason to prefer swimming. The high was 94, dew point is currently 48. As for feel? It felt medium to high intensity. I won't say I liked working in it, only that I could and did.
I set the timer up, programmed everything, then hooked it in. It did not work. From the start it simply failed. One return. I'll try the other. If it fails I will take them back and look at another store. Oh well. I am manually timing the watering. It is about done for the night, as am I. I can't believe how painful my eyes are. Yeah, it's been a while since I've been in that kind of heat. Oh, right, in the morning tomorrow, before I go in if I am going in, I need to see up an appointment with the eye doctor. I'm glad I stopped and got the paperwork for that. I will see if he can offer a script for contacts as well, even if I have to kick in something.
Hmm, and for those of you who are dumping BSA? There is an option. They will be accepting former boy scouts as soon as September, I believe the article indicated. The king is dead, hail and long live the king. They did it to themselves. May those leaders rot in hell for trying to debauch children and destroying an organization I have fond childhood memories regarding. Seriously. Then again I don't have to hope. They might repent, but... hubris is one of the most difficult things to survive.
Good night.
Yeah, long break but I did get to it.
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So much for plans. I needed, or took anyway, more of a rest than intended. So when I got back out I had slim choices. I could finish planting and doing more weeding, but all at once, or I needed to bring the plants back in. Another 45 minutes of weeding and then I went ahead and finished planting. I still have some of the green growies in with me, either not big enough, or extra. It should be good for a minor later planting or replanting though. I should say, my crops aren't overcome by weeds, I am merely hitting areas, mostly open areas. The weeds there were coming in thick. I had been just hitting the weeds near the crop plants. I don't, technically, need to do weeding where I am doing it. Or, didn't think so. I decided to plant in that area, though, so it actually worked out. Mostly I thought it would limit my watering area, where I planted. And besides, I had just spent two to three hours clearing the area! Might as well use it. If they cross pollinate, oh well. Live and learn. Oh, the water timer runs on 2 AA, not a good sign I think. It means it will eat batteries I think. If so, back it goes. Urhm, I best find the receipt.
I need to get to town tomorrow. But I am hoping to get out and do even more weeding Thursday. I got the bigger areas and the bigger weeds, it will just be cleanup, and probably a bit of aerating around the good plants, for better moisture absorption. I don't know that I will do it in the heat again, but I might. I seem to have done pretty well in it, if my eyes feel blistered. No, not the skin, the eyes themselves. I have been in that much sunlight in... decades. And, no, I didn't just sit and look at the sun. I avoid visual contact with it at all costs. We have a problem, the sun and I, one I can't win. Next time sunglasses.
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So much for plans. I needed, or took anyway, more of a rest than intended. So when I got back out I had slim choices. I could finish planting and doing more weeding, but all at once, or I needed to bring the plants back in. Another 45 minutes of weeding and then I went ahead and finished planting. I still have some of the green growies in with me, either not big enough, or extra. It should be good for a minor later planting or replanting though. I should say, my crops aren't overcome by weeds, I am merely hitting areas, mostly open areas. The weeds there were coming in thick. I had been just hitting the weeds near the crop plants. I don't, technically, need to do weeding where I am doing it. Or, didn't think so. I decided to plant in that area, though, so it actually worked out. Mostly I thought it would limit my watering area, where I planted. And besides, I had just spent two to three hours clearing the area! Might as well use it. If they cross pollinate, oh well. Live and learn. Oh, the water timer runs on 2 AA, not a good sign I think. It means it will eat batteries I think. If so, back it goes. Urhm, I best find the receipt.
I need to get to town tomorrow. But I am hoping to get out and do even more weeding Thursday. I got the bigger areas and the bigger weeds, it will just be cleanup, and probably a bit of aerating around the good plants, for better moisture absorption. I don't know that I will do it in the heat again, but I might. I seem to have done pretty well in it, if my eyes feel blistered. No, not the skin, the eyes themselves. I have been in that much sunlight in... decades. And, no, I didn't just sit and look at the sun. I avoid visual contact with it at all costs. We have a problem, the sun and I, one I can't win. Next time sunglasses.
Maybe not?
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Oh, I'll finish the garden. A trip to town, though, seems unlikely. An hour and a half, or closer to two, of weeding and other work, with more to go... after a cool down. Lots of water down the gullet, but with some care not to overdo it and get a side ache. I did get some of the hoses set up for a pure garden watering hose with one of the nozzle attachments. Ugh but those rubber hoses are monsters to haul around. Loverly though, they will last. I can't believe how long it takes to weed!
I do have the holes dug, and sprayed water into them ahead of time, for planting half of the things. I weeded for as long as I could, but wanted to push on. Spading a bunch of holes is a different process, and easier. It's the bending that gets to me. Not my knees, my middle. When I collect, I don't go small! Ho, ho, ho? Shush. After a bit of cooling I'll plant, then do more weeding, then dig for the next round of planting. At which time another break will be in order. Then planting and setting up for watering tonight as a last set of chores. Well, aside from watering itself.
The plants are looking good. And I have been keeping the weeds out of the good plants, so that isn't a problem. I wanted to work right in the heat of the day. I won't say I'll do that every time, but I would like to do it more often. Call it Burning Man prep. While I have an idea of what to expect I am not sure I have anything close to a full realization. Any prep is good, I suspect.
D.C. asked about an old small sofa. After thinking, I might consider one of mine. The thing is it is leather, black leather, and a bit overstuffed. It is old, but it is one of a pair, the smaller, that I actually use. I have been thinking, depending on room, and with the possibility of getting a cover for it, it might still work. I'll let him think on it, if I can find a cover of some sort. Black leather in 110 degree heat wouldn't be my idea of a joy. A white, or natural perhaps, cotton cover might help that, and ease my mind about taking it. Just... a thought. Oh, but it is quite light, which would be decent if it might need to be staked down itself. *whoosh*
As good as I have been recovering on heavier, even longer, days, I think I can plan on, and reasonably hope to make it happen, on a trip to town tomorrow. Amazing how much work even a small garden is. It is a beautiful thing, though, too. Watching things grow, protecting them, watering them, tending to their soil needs. A smaller notion of a family, like pets only with a bit more work involved and shorter term. Sam has been loving having me out with her. Being mine makes her queen of all she surveils with me present, and she knows it.
Ugh, though. That heat is a beast. You would know the sun would come out in blazing glory as soon as I even thought about going out to work. If that was part of the plan.
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Oh, I'll finish the garden. A trip to town, though, seems unlikely. An hour and a half, or closer to two, of weeding and other work, with more to go... after a cool down. Lots of water down the gullet, but with some care not to overdo it and get a side ache. I did get some of the hoses set up for a pure garden watering hose with one of the nozzle attachments. Ugh but those rubber hoses are monsters to haul around. Loverly though, they will last. I can't believe how long it takes to weed!
I do have the holes dug, and sprayed water into them ahead of time, for planting half of the things. I weeded for as long as I could, but wanted to push on. Spading a bunch of holes is a different process, and easier. It's the bending that gets to me. Not my knees, my middle. When I collect, I don't go small! Ho, ho, ho? Shush. After a bit of cooling I'll plant, then do more weeding, then dig for the next round of planting. At which time another break will be in order. Then planting and setting up for watering tonight as a last set of chores. Well, aside from watering itself.
The plants are looking good. And I have been keeping the weeds out of the good plants, so that isn't a problem. I wanted to work right in the heat of the day. I won't say I'll do that every time, but I would like to do it more often. Call it Burning Man prep. While I have an idea of what to expect I am not sure I have anything close to a full realization. Any prep is good, I suspect.
D.C. asked about an old small sofa. After thinking, I might consider one of mine. The thing is it is leather, black leather, and a bit overstuffed. It is old, but it is one of a pair, the smaller, that I actually use. I have been thinking, depending on room, and with the possibility of getting a cover for it, it might still work. I'll let him think on it, if I can find a cover of some sort. Black leather in 110 degree heat wouldn't be my idea of a joy. A white, or natural perhaps, cotton cover might help that, and ease my mind about taking it. Just... a thought. Oh, but it is quite light, which would be decent if it might need to be staked down itself. *whoosh*
As good as I have been recovering on heavier, even longer, days, I think I can plan on, and reasonably hope to make it happen, on a trip to town tomorrow. Amazing how much work even a small garden is. It is a beautiful thing, though, too. Watching things grow, protecting them, watering them, tending to their soil needs. A smaller notion of a family, like pets only with a bit more work involved and shorter term. Sam has been loving having me out with her. Being mine makes her queen of all she surveils with me present, and she knows it.
Ugh, though. That heat is a beast. You would know the sun would come out in blazing glory as soon as I even thought about going out to work. If that was part of the plan.
Today?
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A wonderful morning, but as heat starts cranking up again, I begin winding down. Never worry. I do believe that is exactly what is supposed to happen. Moving slower in heat and cold is simply natural and wise. I might even have a nap. Breakfast, the remnants of a second order from the BBQ joint, might help to ensure a nap. Yes, when the heat comes up it is best to at least lay low. There is the rest of the day though.
A trip to town in early afternoon. Beside forgetting to get the sprinklers, I got 3 x 50' and 1 x 75' hoses while I was charged for 2 x 50' and 75'. So an exhange and three sprinklers, plus some 9 volt batteries, once I check to make sure those are what is need and whether they came with the kits. I also learned that watering the garden on off days is acceptable. It is only the lawn that is restricted. Since I missed last night I may do so, and again tomorrow. Oh, and maybe a haircut today. I think I will go a bit toward what I am planning for BMan, if not the whole thing up front. Just... a teaser for now, maybe? I don't know. I'll see when I get to the shop.
But before showering and such, I am going to plant the last of the peppers and do some weeding. THEN a short nap, then a shower and to town. Well... that is the plan. Hmm, might as well set up the garden for watering. So when I get back from town I can simply start the things, only needing to program the automation device and plug that into the system. It is partly cloudy, a bit hazy, or something, so it should be a bit cooler for work. Oh, I'll set the ac to cool my room for my nap. A shower before I nap will make the ac even more effective, if I'll have to monkey with my hair when I wake. Naps are gnarly for hair. Then again, a baseball cap works well for that. Later.
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A wonderful morning, but as heat starts cranking up again, I begin winding down. Never worry. I do believe that is exactly what is supposed to happen. Moving slower in heat and cold is simply natural and wise. I might even have a nap. Breakfast, the remnants of a second order from the BBQ joint, might help to ensure a nap. Yes, when the heat comes up it is best to at least lay low. There is the rest of the day though.
A trip to town in early afternoon. Beside forgetting to get the sprinklers, I got 3 x 50' and 1 x 75' hoses while I was charged for 2 x 50' and 75'. So an exhange and three sprinklers, plus some 9 volt batteries, once I check to make sure those are what is need and whether they came with the kits. I also learned that watering the garden on off days is acceptable. It is only the lawn that is restricted. Since I missed last night I may do so, and again tomorrow. Oh, and maybe a haircut today. I think I will go a bit toward what I am planning for BMan, if not the whole thing up front. Just... a teaser for now, maybe? I don't know. I'll see when I get to the shop.
But before showering and such, I am going to plant the last of the peppers and do some weeding. THEN a short nap, then a shower and to town. Well... that is the plan. Hmm, might as well set up the garden for watering. So when I get back from town I can simply start the things, only needing to program the automation device and plug that into the system. It is partly cloudy, a bit hazy, or something, so it should be a bit cooler for work. Oh, I'll set the ac to cool my room for my nap. A shower before I nap will make the ac even more effective, if I'll have to monkey with my hair when I wake. Naps are gnarly for hair. Then again, a baseball cap works well for that. Later.
Haiku Monday - Fire
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Grins is holding the contest this week. His haiku rose to be the toast at what became of the the enormous conflagration Aunty lit. 'Tis good to see liberty burns well in the heart of folk still. So... get ready, take aim, and... You know. So it begins. Puns on the brain, hush.
Sometimes
...it is what we see...
...it is what we see...
...it is how we see... ...it is
all we see and how!
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Sleep was fantastic.
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I have no idea when I went to bed. No, I didn't stay awake long enough to get to watering. I know I heard the phone but there was no way to answer it. Of course, I didn't , at the time, know if that was a dream or real, as if it mattered. I would guess 18:00-19:00, give or take change. Lights out. As far as sleep goes, that was as close to perfect as I have ever known. Comfortable, resting, and the waking was a flawless blurry cool morning ascent into consciousness. Stats and weight, including blood sugar which was 168.
This, right now, is probably the one time in my life where recovering is possible. I have the potential to exercise, all of my illness are being treated, and I am in a situation in which I have the freedoms required to begin climbing out of the hole. I can't quite do it on my own, as is, though. That has become obvious. If there is a time for my doctor to consider tinkering, this is it. And, really, at my age, it is now or never. Though I have to tell you, if it goes forth, but I am still fail in a few years, I will... back down. Not quit, really. Simply I will sell out, move to a retirement community or such, and... retire. If I can't make it on my own it will be time to surrender to the realities of my illnesses. A thirty year fight to rise will have been enough. Of course, then I will have the freedom to ghost, if not the strength perhaps. Then again, a proper ghost doesn't use all that much strength. It's more a matter of traveling light, and smart by design, if invisibly.
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I have no idea when I went to bed. No, I didn't stay awake long enough to get to watering. I know I heard the phone but there was no way to answer it. Of course, I didn't , at the time, know if that was a dream or real, as if it mattered. I would guess 18:00-19:00, give or take change. Lights out. As far as sleep goes, that was as close to perfect as I have ever known. Comfortable, resting, and the waking was a flawless blurry cool morning ascent into consciousness. Stats and weight, including blood sugar which was 168.
This, right now, is probably the one time in my life where recovering is possible. I have the potential to exercise, all of my illness are being treated, and I am in a situation in which I have the freedoms required to begin climbing out of the hole. I can't quite do it on my own, as is, though. That has become obvious. If there is a time for my doctor to consider tinkering, this is it. And, really, at my age, it is now or never. Though I have to tell you, if it goes forth, but I am still fail in a few years, I will... back down. Not quit, really. Simply I will sell out, move to a retirement community or such, and... retire. If I can't make it on my own it will be time to surrender to the realities of my illnesses. A thirty year fight to rise will have been enough. Of course, then I will have the freedom to ghost, if not the strength perhaps. Then again, a proper ghost doesn't use all that much strength. It's more a matter of traveling light, and smart by design, if invisibly.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Hot, just plain hot!
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I made it, actually more than an hour early. Not sure how that happened but never mind. Blood lab first, then to the sign in. I was the second name on the page. Still, doctors, at the V.A. or elsewhere, are often a bit slow, or busy. I never mind that though. A P.A. or Nurse Physician first, then an intern, then the lead doctor. At least I didn't get bored. Everyone was rather pleasant today as well. Must have been my (mirror) dashing good looks? I actually enjoy going. They know just enough about me to just about trust me, but not completely. Which... is just about right. Or at least that is good enough for me.
Everything is looking and doing good. They were pleased with the labs and their testing. Another stress test, this time with a pulse rate check after one, then a second, round. My pulse jumped rather quickly, into the high 90's the first time (if I was psychologically revved), then into the low 90's on the next run as I tried to cool my jets and 'be air'. It worked a bit, but not enough. They have increased the carvedilol, but just a half a pill twice a day. I will start out slowly on that though. A half a pill in the evening for the first week. If I tolerate it, then I jump to prime time. They are, as I thought they would, leaving the decision about ritalin in the hands of my primary. He won't touch it with a ten foot pole. Though I can be... persuasive. Now that they are seeing I am basically honest, I might be able to talk him into it, with the provision that I closely monitor my pulse and bp. I think he might just let it fly. Though that may have been a delaying tactic to talk to him and get him to say no. No one likes to hand out a negative. However, they are going to put in a consult to attempt to get me some help regarding swimming. I can do a heavier, harder, work with swimming than I can with walking/hiking/biking. I am seriously hoping they can do something. If they could meet me half way I could cut into a lot of other stuff, and would. It'll hurt, but...
I stayed long enough to get all my medicines filled. Still feeling good, I decided to eat at a serious BBQ joint while in town, one I have been meaning to dine at for a very long time, years now. Yum! A pound of brisket! I know, we have a great BBQ joint locally, but I'm almost in SLC as often as Logan. Hmm, though the next time my friend wants to eat out I may have to talk him into it. With the promise of his choice the next time? I'm tricksy in the ways of words. Maybe.
Further, on the way home, I bought the hoses I need, and some timers. I asked about return, and they said 90 days. That's enough to see if they work. It's as good as I can do. I doubt they have batteries though. I think they require 9v batteries to, something I have a dearth of. And, though I need to cool off, I am hoping to set up the sprinklers for tonight. I might not be able to set up the timers, but I can plant the things and let them run manually. I should be able to do it all within a two to three hour window, and only have to move the side hoses a few times each. Bit by bit, automation is coming.
So how is that for hotdogging a double dip day, with no sleep last night? Yeah, I even brought the trash barrel back. I am pleased with my efforts. Sleep should be good tonight, but I better start jacking some water down. I started with two beers though, just to prime the pump. That's it for beer. *le sigh*
-----------
No! I forgot the sprinklers. Gah!
.
I made it, actually more than an hour early. Not sure how that happened but never mind. Blood lab first, then to the sign in. I was the second name on the page. Still, doctors, at the V.A. or elsewhere, are often a bit slow, or busy. I never mind that though. A P.A. or Nurse Physician first, then an intern, then the lead doctor. At least I didn't get bored. Everyone was rather pleasant today as well. Must have been my (mirror) dashing good looks? I actually enjoy going. They know just enough about me to just about trust me, but not completely. Which... is just about right. Or at least that is good enough for me.
Everything is looking and doing good. They were pleased with the labs and their testing. Another stress test, this time with a pulse rate check after one, then a second, round. My pulse jumped rather quickly, into the high 90's the first time (if I was psychologically revved), then into the low 90's on the next run as I tried to cool my jets and 'be air'. It worked a bit, but not enough. They have increased the carvedilol, but just a half a pill twice a day. I will start out slowly on that though. A half a pill in the evening for the first week. If I tolerate it, then I jump to prime time. They are, as I thought they would, leaving the decision about ritalin in the hands of my primary. He won't touch it with a ten foot pole. Though I can be... persuasive. Now that they are seeing I am basically honest, I might be able to talk him into it, with the provision that I closely monitor my pulse and bp. I think he might just let it fly. Though that may have been a delaying tactic to talk to him and get him to say no. No one likes to hand out a negative. However, they are going to put in a consult to attempt to get me some help regarding swimming. I can do a heavier, harder, work with swimming than I can with walking/hiking/biking. I am seriously hoping they can do something. If they could meet me half way I could cut into a lot of other stuff, and would. It'll hurt, but...
I stayed long enough to get all my medicines filled. Still feeling good, I decided to eat at a serious BBQ joint while in town, one I have been meaning to dine at for a very long time, years now. Yum! A pound of brisket! I know, we have a great BBQ joint locally, but I'm almost in SLC as often as Logan. Hmm, though the next time my friend wants to eat out I may have to talk him into it. With the promise of his choice the next time? I'm tricksy in the ways of words. Maybe.
Further, on the way home, I bought the hoses I need, and some timers. I asked about return, and they said 90 days. That's enough to see if they work. It's as good as I can do. I doubt they have batteries though. I think they require 9v batteries to, something I have a dearth of. And, though I need to cool off, I am hoping to set up the sprinklers for tonight. I might not be able to set up the timers, but I can plant the things and let them run manually. I should be able to do it all within a two to three hour window, and only have to move the side hoses a few times each. Bit by bit, automation is coming.
So how is that for hotdogging a double dip day, with no sleep last night? Yeah, I even brought the trash barrel back. I am pleased with my efforts. Sleep should be good tonight, but I better start jacking some water down. I started with two beers though, just to prime the pump. That's it for beer. *le sigh*
-----------
No! I forgot the sprinklers. Gah!
Shower, drying off then away.
.
.
Even knowing it is coming I never quite make my deadline. Or I head out way too early. I prefer to be early since traffic isn't a sure bet. I don't get my preference this morning. Of course, the pains of being awake are beginning to set in. And I am still tired, as usual lately. Always tired. Sleepy, tired, weary, just plain tired. I did finish setting up my medicine set, and I'll take my daily stats with me, for the last two weeks. I don't have weight on there but they are lucky to get what they will get. I doubt if I will do anything other than the appointments, perhaps see if I can get syringes, then drive straight home. I won't have much else, save picking up lunch on my way through somewhere, if I feel like it and think it won't exacerbate exhaustion.
A delayed good morning for your part and good night for mine.
.
Even knowing it is coming I never quite make my deadline. Or I head out way too early. I prefer to be early since traffic isn't a sure bet. I don't get my preference this morning. Of course, the pains of being awake are beginning to set in. And I am still tired, as usual lately. Always tired. Sleepy, tired, weary, just plain tired. I did finish setting up my medicine set, and I'll take my daily stats with me, for the last two weeks. I don't have weight on there but they are lucky to get what they will get. I doubt if I will do anything other than the appointments, perhaps see if I can get syringes, then drive straight home. I won't have much else, save picking up lunch on my way through somewhere, if I feel like it and think it won't exacerbate exhaustion.
A delayed good morning for your part and good night for mine.
So, why does it work when it would be best left alone?
.
.
I have an early rise tomorrow... or a long day. As I was thinking of turning in I realized trash and perhaps recycling needed to be collected and taken out. Moving slowly still that took a while. As I was doing that I noticed this and that else. So this and that and some other things got a touch. It started at, perhaps 22:00 or midnight. Time is adrift so I just don't know. Here it is 2:31 and I'm not quite done. Yeah, long day. No real worry. Since I am still neither awake or asleep it almost doesn't matter. You could possibly shoot me now and I might not feel it. I usually end up feeling it, but even that isn't guaranteed. I just hope I can get there and back before the ache of exhaustion hits.
So, a bit more of this and that, and I might even fix the sink... if I can remember. So hard to remember. I have six alarms for my appointment tomorrow. They started about a week ago. Because of the state of my mind I knew I would need them. Hmm, while I am thinking it I ought to put in more for the lead in, with a message when to shower and when to leave. I might not understand when the alarm goes off otherwise. I've never had heroine, I can only guess though that it's pain relieving qualities are not that dissimilar. I hate drugs. Then again it's not like I need them. Now, if you could make a pill that would keep things clear? Actually Ritalin helped with that as well as giving me a bit extra bang for my buck.
Whatever. I... have things to do. Later, or good night... for your part? Hmm, probably good morning.
.
I have an early rise tomorrow... or a long day. As I was thinking of turning in I realized trash and perhaps recycling needed to be collected and taken out. Moving slowly still that took a while. As I was doing that I noticed this and that else. So this and that and some other things got a touch. It started at, perhaps 22:00 or midnight. Time is adrift so I just don't know. Here it is 2:31 and I'm not quite done. Yeah, long day. No real worry. Since I am still neither awake or asleep it almost doesn't matter. You could possibly shoot me now and I might not feel it. I usually end up feeling it, but even that isn't guaranteed. I just hope I can get there and back before the ache of exhaustion hits.
So, a bit more of this and that, and I might even fix the sink... if I can remember. So hard to remember. I have six alarms for my appointment tomorrow. They started about a week ago. Because of the state of my mind I knew I would need them. Hmm, while I am thinking it I ought to put in more for the lead in, with a message when to shower and when to leave. I might not understand when the alarm goes off otherwise. I've never had heroine, I can only guess though that it's pain relieving qualities are not that dissimilar. I hate drugs. Then again it's not like I need them. Now, if you could make a pill that would keep things clear? Actually Ritalin helped with that as well as giving me a bit extra bang for my buck.
Whatever. I... have things to do. Later, or good night... for your part? Hmm, probably good morning.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
They caught the sensation.
.
.
I told you about being half asleep, or more. The sensation of drifting, even the notion of not being corporeal exists. Nothing has flavor, touches don't feel, time drifts...
.
I told you about being half asleep, or more. The sensation of drifting, even the notion of not being corporeal exists. Nothing has flavor, touches don't feel, time drifts...
A storm on the horizons.
.
.
Oh, thankfully, a literal one. I have some doubt we will get much rain from it. If it rains. But that isn't what is wanted. A little reprieve from the sun is the thing. With the sun blocked I escape the sense of heat. It's that radiation that seeps in even through my sleep. It has been getting cool in the evenings the last few nights, which has also offered an extra bit of easement. And, I suppose as the heat levels go down, I am able to get more cool in here at night. When it is hot like that it is as if the world has a fever and I am very sympathetic. Still, I can always hope for something crazy, like an inch of rain. You never know. Better if it rains where it will be collected but as a beggar I take what I can get.
Sleep was good but it was a bit of make-up sleep. It is somewhat difficult to drink a lot of water, as is really needed, in the heat. Simply the volumes you have to take in... your body isn't used to that much water. A Gatorade-type mix in some of it would help, but that can get messy. I think they make powder drink mix straws, that you can either dump into your mouth, or perhaps even drink through so as not to mix it with all your water? I'll be looking at those. I can try a few out in the runup. Look, the big things are vital, as are the little things. How great is vacation if you have to return home to recuperate?
I may not get to as much as I hope, then again I doubt if anyone will. My guess is those who try to get to everything they want will end up burned out husks, possibly even hating the event. Like a kid actually let loose in the candy store, they sour themselves on it. But I think I will be fine there. I really do.
I've been reviewing my health condition. Yeah, I really shouldn't even be able to live alone. You read prognosis suggestions, most don't discuss those in my condition. You'll hear bright cheery (if honestly just hopeful) things from doctors, then the caveat... for those with mild to moderate CHF (congestive heart failure). While my heart condition is responding to medicine, it isn't exactly out of the woods. I'm not even yet to "moderate". At the pace of healing it could be another three to six years before that occurs, assuming the pace continues unabated. I understand more, now that I am awake, why my doctors think I'm a freak. They do recommend exercise... for those in the lessor stages of the illness. They don't suggest or proscribe it for those at my level because... we usually can't exercise. My doctor has not only signed off on exercise, but even weight lifting for me. Lung problems are common with those in my condition while even when I had edema filling my lungs, the guy testing me (a typical city type lab tech, though to, mind you) was amazed that with my blockage in place (now gone, if only 15-20%), that still left me with more lung capacity than he has in health. The eye thing, in spite of diabetes on top of it all, baffles them. They simply don't understand. The numbers don't add up to what they are seeing in front of them. Oh, I'm not advocating ignoring, or slighting the condition. I'm just saying... I'm like an Olympian for my condition, given my condition.
Sure, the heat got to me. But for a week, other than in the confines of my bedroom, if I could still feel the heat seeping in, the coolest it got was probably 80 for a few hours. That will get to anyone. On top of, initially, not drinking enough water to cover for it or sleeping well. BMan won't be that severe, with nightly respites, consciously drinking more, and adding salt replacement into the regimen, which I have started working on and will continue and expand. I'll be more active, but it won't be heavy work. Still... I have some prep yet to do.
Actually, after re-reading some things and digging deeper, even I am a little taken aback by how well I am doing. I have literally met men with right between mild and moderate CHF who can barely function. I, like the doctors I have to guess, have difficulty putting the pieces together. They simply don't fit. It is part of why I have such flights of fancy... I am one. A living, breathing, actionable one. If in my little weaksauce way. Can't bench 550 anymore, can't swim three miles in an hour three times a week still. But just that I am breathing is a minor thing, and that I am living alone and gardening and some other things? It causes some worry, now as understanding seeps in. But I won't let that get in the way of doing what I can. Not now.
Later.
.
Oh, thankfully, a literal one. I have some doubt we will get much rain from it. If it rains. But that isn't what is wanted. A little reprieve from the sun is the thing. With the sun blocked I escape the sense of heat. It's that radiation that seeps in even through my sleep. It has been getting cool in the evenings the last few nights, which has also offered an extra bit of easement. And, I suppose as the heat levels go down, I am able to get more cool in here at night. When it is hot like that it is as if the world has a fever and I am very sympathetic. Still, I can always hope for something crazy, like an inch of rain. You never know. Better if it rains where it will be collected but as a beggar I take what I can get.
Sleep was good but it was a bit of make-up sleep. It is somewhat difficult to drink a lot of water, as is really needed, in the heat. Simply the volumes you have to take in... your body isn't used to that much water. A Gatorade-type mix in some of it would help, but that can get messy. I think they make powder drink mix straws, that you can either dump into your mouth, or perhaps even drink through so as not to mix it with all your water? I'll be looking at those. I can try a few out in the runup. Look, the big things are vital, as are the little things. How great is vacation if you have to return home to recuperate?
I may not get to as much as I hope, then again I doubt if anyone will. My guess is those who try to get to everything they want will end up burned out husks, possibly even hating the event. Like a kid actually let loose in the candy store, they sour themselves on it. But I think I will be fine there. I really do.
I've been reviewing my health condition. Yeah, I really shouldn't even be able to live alone. You read prognosis suggestions, most don't discuss those in my condition. You'll hear bright cheery (if honestly just hopeful) things from doctors, then the caveat... for those with mild to moderate CHF (congestive heart failure). While my heart condition is responding to medicine, it isn't exactly out of the woods. I'm not even yet to "moderate". At the pace of healing it could be another three to six years before that occurs, assuming the pace continues unabated. I understand more, now that I am awake, why my doctors think I'm a freak. They do recommend exercise... for those in the lessor stages of the illness. They don't suggest or proscribe it for those at my level because... we usually can't exercise. My doctor has not only signed off on exercise, but even weight lifting for me. Lung problems are common with those in my condition while even when I had edema filling my lungs, the guy testing me (a typical city type lab tech, though to, mind you) was amazed that with my blockage in place (now gone, if only 15-20%), that still left me with more lung capacity than he has in health. The eye thing, in spite of diabetes on top of it all, baffles them. They simply don't understand. The numbers don't add up to what they are seeing in front of them. Oh, I'm not advocating ignoring, or slighting the condition. I'm just saying... I'm like an Olympian for my condition, given my condition.
Sure, the heat got to me. But for a week, other than in the confines of my bedroom, if I could still feel the heat seeping in, the coolest it got was probably 80 for a few hours. That will get to anyone. On top of, initially, not drinking enough water to cover for it or sleeping well. BMan won't be that severe, with nightly respites, consciously drinking more, and adding salt replacement into the regimen, which I have started working on and will continue and expand. I'll be more active, but it won't be heavy work. Still... I have some prep yet to do.
Actually, after re-reading some things and digging deeper, even I am a little taken aback by how well I am doing. I have literally met men with right between mild and moderate CHF who can barely function. I, like the doctors I have to guess, have difficulty putting the pieces together. They simply don't fit. It is part of why I have such flights of fancy... I am one. A living, breathing, actionable one. If in my little weaksauce way. Can't bench 550 anymore, can't swim three miles in an hour three times a week still. But just that I am breathing is a minor thing, and that I am living alone and gardening and some other things? It causes some worry, now as understanding seeps in. But I won't let that get in the way of doing what I can. Not now.
Later.
Some do have it worse.
.
.
I was looking for something about my sleep and exhaustion. I saw the title to this, so decided to watch. Okay, mine isn't fatal, and I do get some relief from sleep, or even rest when that is all that is available. But the sense, to me, is as if I had not slept. It comes and goes now, but for the first 22 years of my illness it was as if I had gone to bed at 20:00 (8:00 pm) and waken at midnight, at best. Perpetually sleep deprived, I have wandered through life. I have had many lovers in that time, made it half way through engineering school, even worked up to benching over 300 pounds and swimming three times a week. None of it lasted, of course. Moving out here was... a bit of a chore, but obviously I did it.
.
I was looking for something about my sleep and exhaustion. I saw the title to this, so decided to watch. Okay, mine isn't fatal, and I do get some relief from sleep, or even rest when that is all that is available. But the sense, to me, is as if I had not slept. It comes and goes now, but for the first 22 years of my illness it was as if I had gone to bed at 20:00 (8:00 pm) and waken at midnight, at best. Perpetually sleep deprived, I have wandered through life. I have had many lovers in that time, made it half way through engineering school, even worked up to benching over 300 pounds and swimming three times a week. None of it lasted, of course. Moving out here was... a bit of a chore, but obviously I did it.
When Buddhists are killing mad...
.
.
You know there is a problem. And the problem isn't with the Buddhists. Hmm... I guess the West is just numb with dumb. I had a friend getting his ph. d. in something silly or other. We discussed this. He told me about his muslim friends and I laughed at him. I simply told him they weren't his friends. The first chance they get to create enough of a majority, or if he gets in their way, or if they want his spot for one of their own, or even if the opportunity simply presents itself or they feel like it, they would cut his throat, literally or figuratively. Even Buddhists know it. I made it perfectly clear that they are not welcome hereabouts. Called him an idiot too. He didn't take it well. *grins* If he survives he'll get over it. At least he finally did buy a shotgun, with a little pressure from an old friend. Stupid but not crazy I guess. I wonder if he bought slugs, as I also suggested? My favorite. Even works for bear, as well as any other firearm anyway, assuming you hit the blasted beast.
If you are too lazy to go over... no worries, I understand sometimes, lately especially. It is short, but the highlight was this little quote.
“You can be full of kindness and love, but you cannot sleep next to a mad dog,” Ashin Wirathu, a spiritual leader of the movement and very popular figure in Burma, said of the country’s Muslims, whom he called “the enemy.” He told the New York Times, “I am proud to be called a radical Buddhist.”
Personally? I would call him a realistic man who wishes for himself, his family, his faith, and his nation to live. Nothing radical there at all. Or even Buddhist. Still, I'll let him use his own words, in peace.
.
You know there is a problem. And the problem isn't with the Buddhists. Hmm... I guess the West is just numb with dumb. I had a friend getting his ph. d. in something silly or other. We discussed this. He told me about his muslim friends and I laughed at him. I simply told him they weren't his friends. The first chance they get to create enough of a majority, or if he gets in their way, or if they want his spot for one of their own, or even if the opportunity simply presents itself or they feel like it, they would cut his throat, literally or figuratively. Even Buddhists know it. I made it perfectly clear that they are not welcome hereabouts. Called him an idiot too. He didn't take it well. *grins* If he survives he'll get over it. At least he finally did buy a shotgun, with a little pressure from an old friend. Stupid but not crazy I guess. I wonder if he bought slugs, as I also suggested? My favorite. Even works for bear, as well as any other firearm anyway, assuming you hit the blasted beast.
If you are too lazy to go over... no worries, I understand sometimes, lately especially. It is short, but the highlight was this little quote.
“You can be full of kindness and love, but you cannot sleep next to a mad dog,” Ashin Wirathu, a spiritual leader of the movement and very popular figure in Burma, said of the country’s Muslims, whom he called “the enemy.” He told the New York Times, “I am proud to be called a radical Buddhist.”
Personally? I would call him a realistic man who wishes for himself, his family, his faith, and his nation to live. Nothing radical there at all. Or even Buddhist. Still, I'll let him use his own words, in peace.
Ah, that might be it.
.
.
The second to the last time I was at the eye doctor I was sent up to the actual clinic. I was told this was because I had diabetes. They tried to send me up last time but I refused. They wanted to look deeper so that they could make sure there were no changes. They looked in, then had me do a test. They had me do it again, and again. They wanted me to do it one more time, asked if I would I refused. Beyond seeing more of the flashes than they expected, even at the fastest flash rate with the greatest randomness, I now think there was something else. The speed of my pressing the button to let them know I had seen it.
It started out with one doctor. He called over an intern. I ended up having four medical types looking over the paperwork, test results, and in my eyes, in awe. Another doctor and intern I believe. Yes, I suspect, for an old dead guy, I'm a bit more than they anticipated. You just can't imagine having doctors look at you like... I don't know how to put it. In disbelief? Like comic geeks finding a first edition Super Man comic for a quarter at a garage sale or something. I won't let them send me upstairs anymore. Things like that bother me. I also refused to be a part of their DNA program to. Make no mistake, they will do what they want anyway. But if they get caught, people will go down hard. (The information, if found worthy, will be quietly stored then sent out to be studied at some future time, however, make no mistakes. The world has changed. Or... not... depending if you believe there was a truer time in America, or the world... a questionable proposition, but possible.)
.
The second to the last time I was at the eye doctor I was sent up to the actual clinic. I was told this was because I had diabetes. They tried to send me up last time but I refused. They wanted to look deeper so that they could make sure there were no changes. They looked in, then had me do a test. They had me do it again, and again. They wanted me to do it one more time, asked if I would I refused. Beyond seeing more of the flashes than they expected, even at the fastest flash rate with the greatest randomness, I now think there was something else. The speed of my pressing the button to let them know I had seen it.
It started out with one doctor. He called over an intern. I ended up having four medical types looking over the paperwork, test results, and in my eyes, in awe. Another doctor and intern I believe. Yes, I suspect, for an old dead guy, I'm a bit more than they anticipated. You just can't imagine having doctors look at you like... I don't know how to put it. In disbelief? Like comic geeks finding a first edition Super Man comic for a quarter at a garage sale or something. I won't let them send me upstairs anymore. Things like that bother me. I also refused to be a part of their DNA program to. Make no mistake, they will do what they want anyway. But if they get caught, people will go down hard. (The information, if found worthy, will be quietly stored then sent out to be studied at some future time, however, make no mistakes. The world has changed. Or... not... depending if you believe there was a truer time in America, or the world... a questionable proposition, but possible.)
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