.
.
Somewhere between two and an half and three hours. My right hand held up really well, my left has raw patches. Not through the skin, just... rather close. I must have done well. Even with an four inch diameter eye at each end, I ended up with 46 feet of braided rope. I didn't measure the cords before I started, but they couldn't have been that much longer than advertised. Tight, very tight. I kept extreme pressure on the length, and pulled the braid very tight. Yes, I spliced the eyes in. It's the first time I have done that, too. That was a bit more work than I thought it would be. Keeping it taught as a whole, then twisting with as much pull as I could give. Plus hassling with the cords, especially at that length. Oh, I'm sure there are sailors who have worked longer ropes, and others. But for a beginner, that was a bit of work. No breaks in there, straight through, and that after I got the first eye in, and the first foot or so.
Now I am just a bit hungry. Fruit sounds good. Meat sounds better but I don't have any cooked. I could try some of the hamburger in with the last of the grain/seed mix. Well, and some fruit. Shredded cheese would be good on the mix, but I'm just all out of ambition. I am hoping to finish off dishes and laundry, but other than eating, and those as mere maybes, that will be it for tonight. Not bad, not bad at all though. I'll take it. Arms are becoming sore. Later.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
I've cycled everything.
.
.
New load in one end, a load over, a load out, for laundry. I decided to wash all dishes twice, after washing them the first time. Hit and reloaded. Then I read for an hour or more. I suppose I could cycle the last load of wash into the dryer, but I won't be fussing with the dishes right yet. I started another project, one I thought would go a little quicker. I am weaving a three-strand paracord ridgeline. The guy in the video used 25 foot strands, I am using 50 feet strands. It... does complicate it. Yeah, he used fast forward while doing much of the braiding, so it was difficult to tell how long it would take. Let me just say that it is going to take a while. I have a loop braided in and maybe a foot or so more. With the lengths I am using, and the complexity that adds on top of it, it'll... be a while. I just thought that while 25 feet is good, which turns out to be more like 18 feet, if you have a regular spot, 50 feet which might well turn into 35~38 feet, would be better. I also like having extra cord. I'm sort of heavy with cordage, have several types as well, as is, but like it that way.
I will be doing this and that, between this and that, and getting done what I can. The cord braiding isn't just for extra cord or a ridgeline. It is also for the skill. What I am doing can be used to make cordage out of natural fibers. I suppose, some investigation of what type of flora can be used for cordage in whatever area I might find myself might be a good way to go. Heck, for something to do in camp when nothing else seems interesting, if I watch and gather while hiking, I could end up making cordage just as a pastime. I'm not sure how long natural cordage lasts, but it might kill some dead time, might even come in handy. If it doesn't seem strong enough, braid three strands together, and so on. I am sure there is some limits, all around, but I doubt if I would be hitting those, other than perhaps time, mildew and rot, or such. I suppose extra rope could even be turned into baskets. Wait! I knew I should have taken basket weaving 101 and 201! Nah... when you are smart enough to take heavies, you can figure such things out for yourself. I doubt if the jocks and dames who took those course can even do what they were trained to do. Ha!
Yeah, it looks like I'm back to it. Doing fairly well. Doing too much for a weekend, but catch-up after being down, in a "job" that is on my time, where I am both the boss and the customer, means doing what you can, when you can. So... I just don't want to push the potential for hiking Monday out of the door. Balance. Always balance. I think I've put too much on the list. So, I either need to slow down, do things in smaller bites and let time handle the arrangement, or take some of the items off the list. And yet, it is so good to be at it again. Working the kinks out that are a remnant of falling down. Just, perhaps, I should go a little slower. We'll see. Later.
.
New load in one end, a load over, a load out, for laundry. I decided to wash all dishes twice, after washing them the first time. Hit and reloaded. Then I read for an hour or more. I suppose I could cycle the last load of wash into the dryer, but I won't be fussing with the dishes right yet. I started another project, one I thought would go a little quicker. I am weaving a three-strand paracord ridgeline. The guy in the video used 25 foot strands, I am using 50 feet strands. It... does complicate it. Yeah, he used fast forward while doing much of the braiding, so it was difficult to tell how long it would take. Let me just say that it is going to take a while. I have a loop braided in and maybe a foot or so more. With the lengths I am using, and the complexity that adds on top of it, it'll... be a while. I just thought that while 25 feet is good, which turns out to be more like 18 feet, if you have a regular spot, 50 feet which might well turn into 35~38 feet, would be better. I also like having extra cord. I'm sort of heavy with cordage, have several types as well, as is, but like it that way.
I will be doing this and that, between this and that, and getting done what I can. The cord braiding isn't just for extra cord or a ridgeline. It is also for the skill. What I am doing can be used to make cordage out of natural fibers. I suppose, some investigation of what type of flora can be used for cordage in whatever area I might find myself might be a good way to go. Heck, for something to do in camp when nothing else seems interesting, if I watch and gather while hiking, I could end up making cordage just as a pastime. I'm not sure how long natural cordage lasts, but it might kill some dead time, might even come in handy. If it doesn't seem strong enough, braid three strands together, and so on. I am sure there is some limits, all around, but I doubt if I would be hitting those, other than perhaps time, mildew and rot, or such. I suppose extra rope could even be turned into baskets. Wait! I knew I should have taken basket weaving 101 and 201! Nah... when you are smart enough to take heavies, you can figure such things out for yourself. I doubt if the jocks and dames who took those course can even do what they were trained to do. Ha!
Yeah, it looks like I'm back to it. Doing fairly well. Doing too much for a weekend, but catch-up after being down, in a "job" that is on my time, where I am both the boss and the customer, means doing what you can, when you can. So... I just don't want to push the potential for hiking Monday out of the door. Balance. Always balance. I think I've put too much on the list. So, I either need to slow down, do things in smaller bites and let time handle the arrangement, or take some of the items off the list. And yet, it is so good to be at it again. Working the kinks out that are a remnant of falling down. Just, perhaps, I should go a little slower. We'll see. Later.
Yes, it's going.
.
.
I had been sitting, pretty much like a lump, then it hit me. I didn't want to be a lump!
It started off at a slow roll. Checking the jerked burger. It felt dry enough and all, so I started to bag it. About a quarter pound, give or take, per baggy. Enough, to my mind, to fill out a reasonably entree. Added to mixed vegetables, or with rice or pasta, and that would be a tolerable meal. Want more? Use two bags. It is already salted and spiced, nearly up to my general preferences regarding heat. As good as I could do on a first run. Though how well that translates when rehydrated and spread over other ingredients is a whole other matter. As well, while I started out with leaner burger than recommended, I didn't render through cooking or wash out the fat. So this isn't long term. Freezing might help. Not sure I will really care for this, or the other rendered washed burger, but it isn't all about liking or not. It's about protein that will last for a while on the trail, in a compact form. Still, that is about five or six meals, if a single bag will do.
Then I put the dehydrator plates, and some of the other big items, to a soapy soak using my old tub in a tub washing system. They are simply too big for any of my kitchen or other sinks, even singly. The wire racks and cookie sheets, a large bowl, and some other things also needed to soak. It works. Then I went to check on laundry. I don't have enough for a cotton load, but there was enough for both a synthetic and wool/silk load. I separated and started with wool. I now have a hand washer, which I will normally be using for wools and synthetics. But the tub system is busy. And I wanted to get these things going. So... in they go. Nothing going in hasn't been maltreated by the system already, so... Hmm... I have several liner socks, but bought more. I may put those in as well. I suppose you can wear socks and other clothes right out of the package. If I have the option, I don't. They are white, most else is dark, but oh well. Socks, mind you. And liner socks on top. Don't care about color, just getting the manufacturing variable tended.
And, finally, I washed up the dishes that had been setting in soaks. Wow does wash water go bad fast. Never mind. They had been out of the way while messing with jerky, and for a couple of days for other purposes... forgotten out of the way. Out of sight, and nose, out of mind. Washed, then set to a new fresh soak. Yeah. Feeling better already. But I am done for a while. I'll just pile the clothes into one basket, not trying to keep up on it all, then hit that later. Dishes I am hoping to push through in a couple of hours, either washing and soaking if they don't pass the sniff test, or rinsing then drying pretty closely after. I'll hit the tub system last, as to dishes. What they get next will depend on how well the marinade soaks out on the first run. Pristine, no odor, required. I just don't want jerky flavored... anything... anything but meat that is.
So, yeah. I'm getting back in the saddle fairly well. This post, then reading, then... I don't know, probably check on the dishes and laundry. After those, some more reading during a rest, I may do some sorting in my pack. I don't mind yanking or adding a few pounds. If I can lose a solid ten, and be satisfied, all good. If I end up five or ten up, after all is said and done... sad by doable. Not sure five or ten will really make much of a difference either way... ten is only a thirtieth of my weight. *shrug* If I dig through it all? Then I'll do some sweeping, preparing to mop tomorrow... and tend the cat litter while I am at it. Cooking will just have to wait until tomorrow. I need to buy eggs anyway, so a trip to town... not a today thing. Later.
.
I had been sitting, pretty much like a lump, then it hit me. I didn't want to be a lump!
It started off at a slow roll. Checking the jerked burger. It felt dry enough and all, so I started to bag it. About a quarter pound, give or take, per baggy. Enough, to my mind, to fill out a reasonably entree. Added to mixed vegetables, or with rice or pasta, and that would be a tolerable meal. Want more? Use two bags. It is already salted and spiced, nearly up to my general preferences regarding heat. As good as I could do on a first run. Though how well that translates when rehydrated and spread over other ingredients is a whole other matter. As well, while I started out with leaner burger than recommended, I didn't render through cooking or wash out the fat. So this isn't long term. Freezing might help. Not sure I will really care for this, or the other rendered washed burger, but it isn't all about liking or not. It's about protein that will last for a while on the trail, in a compact form. Still, that is about five or six meals, if a single bag will do.
Then I put the dehydrator plates, and some of the other big items, to a soapy soak using my old tub in a tub washing system. They are simply too big for any of my kitchen or other sinks, even singly. The wire racks and cookie sheets, a large bowl, and some other things also needed to soak. It works. Then I went to check on laundry. I don't have enough for a cotton load, but there was enough for both a synthetic and wool/silk load. I separated and started with wool. I now have a hand washer, which I will normally be using for wools and synthetics. But the tub system is busy. And I wanted to get these things going. So... in they go. Nothing going in hasn't been maltreated by the system already, so... Hmm... I have several liner socks, but bought more. I may put those in as well. I suppose you can wear socks and other clothes right out of the package. If I have the option, I don't. They are white, most else is dark, but oh well. Socks, mind you. And liner socks on top. Don't care about color, just getting the manufacturing variable tended.
And, finally, I washed up the dishes that had been setting in soaks. Wow does wash water go bad fast. Never mind. They had been out of the way while messing with jerky, and for a couple of days for other purposes... forgotten out of the way. Out of sight, and nose, out of mind. Washed, then set to a new fresh soak. Yeah. Feeling better already. But I am done for a while. I'll just pile the clothes into one basket, not trying to keep up on it all, then hit that later. Dishes I am hoping to push through in a couple of hours, either washing and soaking if they don't pass the sniff test, or rinsing then drying pretty closely after. I'll hit the tub system last, as to dishes. What they get next will depend on how well the marinade soaks out on the first run. Pristine, no odor, required. I just don't want jerky flavored... anything... anything but meat that is.
So, yeah. I'm getting back in the saddle fairly well. This post, then reading, then... I don't know, probably check on the dishes and laundry. After those, some more reading during a rest, I may do some sorting in my pack. I don't mind yanking or adding a few pounds. If I can lose a solid ten, and be satisfied, all good. If I end up five or ten up, after all is said and done... sad by doable. Not sure five or ten will really make much of a difference either way... ten is only a thirtieth of my weight. *shrug* If I dig through it all? Then I'll do some sweeping, preparing to mop tomorrow... and tend the cat litter while I am at it. Cooking will just have to wait until tomorrow. I need to buy eggs anyway, so a trip to town... not a today thing. Later.
Yeah, well, I know what I say.
.
.
Don't tinker with sleep. And yet I had no real choice. The rest of the sliced beef jerky did finish, but the hamburger jerky did not. And I was beyond being able to stay awake. I cut the patties into strips, then filled them back in. If I ever use hamburger again, I will see if the patties can be sliced before putting them in. Though, honestly, I think burger jerky just isn't really the way to go... if you have a choice. And per pound, I think, given that it is 90% lean burger, the sliced bottom or top sirloin is the cheapest way. Still, I wanted to see. The rest of the burger I decide to save will be cooked into crumble, scraped to remove fat, rinsed, then dehydrated as crumble. No more messing with this method. But the slice was perfect. Live and learn. It was entertaining, I do have product, I will use the burger jerky too until it is gone, though most likely as crumbled addition to various stews I will be experimenting with before trying them on the trail.
I have messed with two sleep times in a row, and am a little haggard for it. That after coming off a week and change of twice daily migraines. I need the weekend, and will take it. I don't think I need to do a complete stop, as the migraines kept me marginally at ease... at least regarding the external world, for the most part. And jerky making wasn't exactly heavy lifting, just on my feet a lot, and hunched over quite a bit. So, laundry, dishes, sweeping, general pick up and maintenance, is the plan. Well, yes, the plan.
Monday I am hoping to get out really early, to be on the trail by an hour after the sun clears the mountains from here, give or take. A full pack, which I might filter over the weekend, probably removing one major item, adding a few minor items, but pretty much going with pretty close to a sixty pound pack. Then, when I get home, beginning on the bedroom. Back to some sort of exercise routine again. Lifting either Tuesday or Wednesday, then another hike Thursday or Friday. Every other exercise will be every other type. If only twice a week for now, all good. If I can hit it three times a week, super... four times a week, perfect. Just so long as it doesn't drive me so deep into the ground that I'm not keeping up on other things. Balance, or as good as I can keep it.
Next month I really need to get a couple of bucket humidifiers going. Nothing fancy, as cheap as I can do it, for the moment regular ac fans... if I will look over dc fans. I have filled five to ten gallon jugs with water, and some half gallon jugs, then frozen those. I actually did this with the humidifiers in mind, but also as a cold reserve in the freezer against a short electrical outage. Yes, actually, that may have saved my bacon already. The freezer became unplugged overnight once. My bad or the cats I can't say. And, yeah, I think that helped. Anyway... so, I am ready for those.
Yes, for a blind of thought at times, and certainly of body, gimp... I am finding my way. I know it seems like I am doing better, and all. But I live a very limited life. Health is improving, but both the illness and pushing through it, limit much. Well, and not having a partner, a woman, a wife. These 'other halves', with their own limits, truly fulfill life. Without them, even without health problems, and singles are gimped. Can live without that, but it's less than half of optimal. Yes, I know. I may be stubborn, a durned fool, and all, but I'm not stupid. I can count. Just so's you know.
Hmm... What? Saturday? Okay. Dishes are my first priority, after I wake a bit. Though, honestly, a load of laundry might be the first act other than what I have done with jerky already. After dishes, the kitchen. I have been keeping up on the bathroom, even making inroads. Though I think I will hit the tub with more vinegar and baking soda. I think I was right. While the other drains are nearly perfect now, the tub still... needs a bit of work. That's the plan, sweeping the areas, breaking down boxes and putting those in recycling, and changing cat litter out are sort of hopefuls on the chore list. If I get it all, mopping tomorrow. And then dealing with cat messes, vacuuming, and some spot steam vacuuming tomorrow. Oh, and some cooking tomorrow. Eggs, which I will have to go in and buy, hash, and some brots I bought last time I was in town.
Yeah, Doom is back in black, in the saddle, and giving her some juice. Hold on!
.
Don't tinker with sleep. And yet I had no real choice. The rest of the sliced beef jerky did finish, but the hamburger jerky did not. And I was beyond being able to stay awake. I cut the patties into strips, then filled them back in. If I ever use hamburger again, I will see if the patties can be sliced before putting them in. Though, honestly, I think burger jerky just isn't really the way to go... if you have a choice. And per pound, I think, given that it is 90% lean burger, the sliced bottom or top sirloin is the cheapest way. Still, I wanted to see. The rest of the burger I decide to save will be cooked into crumble, scraped to remove fat, rinsed, then dehydrated as crumble. No more messing with this method. But the slice was perfect. Live and learn. It was entertaining, I do have product, I will use the burger jerky too until it is gone, though most likely as crumbled addition to various stews I will be experimenting with before trying them on the trail.
I have messed with two sleep times in a row, and am a little haggard for it. That after coming off a week and change of twice daily migraines. I need the weekend, and will take it. I don't think I need to do a complete stop, as the migraines kept me marginally at ease... at least regarding the external world, for the most part. And jerky making wasn't exactly heavy lifting, just on my feet a lot, and hunched over quite a bit. So, laundry, dishes, sweeping, general pick up and maintenance, is the plan. Well, yes, the plan.
Monday I am hoping to get out really early, to be on the trail by an hour after the sun clears the mountains from here, give or take. A full pack, which I might filter over the weekend, probably removing one major item, adding a few minor items, but pretty much going with pretty close to a sixty pound pack. Then, when I get home, beginning on the bedroom. Back to some sort of exercise routine again. Lifting either Tuesday or Wednesday, then another hike Thursday or Friday. Every other exercise will be every other type. If only twice a week for now, all good. If I can hit it three times a week, super... four times a week, perfect. Just so long as it doesn't drive me so deep into the ground that I'm not keeping up on other things. Balance, or as good as I can keep it.
Next month I really need to get a couple of bucket humidifiers going. Nothing fancy, as cheap as I can do it, for the moment regular ac fans... if I will look over dc fans. I have filled five to ten gallon jugs with water, and some half gallon jugs, then frozen those. I actually did this with the humidifiers in mind, but also as a cold reserve in the freezer against a short electrical outage. Yes, actually, that may have saved my bacon already. The freezer became unplugged overnight once. My bad or the cats I can't say. And, yeah, I think that helped. Anyway... so, I am ready for those.
Yes, for a blind of thought at times, and certainly of body, gimp... I am finding my way. I know it seems like I am doing better, and all. But I live a very limited life. Health is improving, but both the illness and pushing through it, limit much. Well, and not having a partner, a woman, a wife. These 'other halves', with their own limits, truly fulfill life. Without them, even without health problems, and singles are gimped. Can live without that, but it's less than half of optimal. Yes, I know. I may be stubborn, a durned fool, and all, but I'm not stupid. I can count. Just so's you know.
Hmm... What? Saturday? Okay. Dishes are my first priority, after I wake a bit. Though, honestly, a load of laundry might be the first act other than what I have done with jerky already. After dishes, the kitchen. I have been keeping up on the bathroom, even making inroads. Though I think I will hit the tub with more vinegar and baking soda. I think I was right. While the other drains are nearly perfect now, the tub still... needs a bit of work. That's the plan, sweeping the areas, breaking down boxes and putting those in recycling, and changing cat litter out are sort of hopefuls on the chore list. If I get it all, mopping tomorrow. And then dealing with cat messes, vacuuming, and some spot steam vacuuming tomorrow. Oh, and some cooking tomorrow. Eggs, which I will have to go in and buy, hash, and some brots I bought last time I was in town.
Yeah, Doom is back in black, in the saddle, and giving her some juice. Hold on!
Friday, June 12, 2015
What a difference being awake makes.
.
.
The jerky I put in earlier finished in three hours. That was five trays, fairly tightly packed. I tried to leave a quarter inch between pieces, but really stacked it in this time. My guess about how long it took last night was based on not being awake, trying to wake up and missing the alarm, and such. I am not sure I really needed to put it back in for an hour this morning. Then again... I'll see in a bit. Three hours for five pretty full trays of jerky, unless after it sits it seems too moist.
I was then setting it up for a run with the very last bit of jerky and hamburger as jerky. The doorbell rang. Bleh. So I washed up as quickly as possible and went to see. Delivery, the extra trays. Just in time I thought. So I pulled them out and washed them. I thought I had ordered two, not two of two. All good though. That gives me nine trays. And after a more thorough check, it seems this device can handle twelve trays. Good for larger batches. Twelve trays would have meant one shot with five pounds of sliced jerky. Anyway, back to it. I thought I would need the trays. Not so much. I made the burger a bit thicker, so they will take longer. But with the sliced, nearly a full tray, the burger only took up two more trays. Might have to fuss with it if it isn't drying well enough though. The timer is set, I'll know in a few hours.
It is getting warm in here. Some of that is the dehydrator. It runs, for meat, at about 160 F. So... yeah. All good though. Definitely worth the hassle. I should be able to get enough food for a couple of weeks out dehydrated, treats to full meals set, and with the powdered milk and other odds and ends, be ready for camping on the trail. As I said as well, by the time I hit Alaska, I should be pretty much self-sufficient as to foods. Milk, like eating out, fresh eggs, and fresh fruit, will be luxuries to be enjoyed, if affordable, or simply gone without.
Some things I really didn't think I would be taking with me, either on the trail or on an longer adventure, are actually being considered. Flour, for one thing. And if I will be doing any fishing, corn meal. I don't know, but some sugar for special treats, and maybe other sweeteners, such as honey or that stuff Desert Cat seems to like so much. Not splenda... anyway. Got to have sweets, but I also have to limit it and choose among them wisely. Treats will be just that. Why flour on the trail? Frybread, one in a while... think chili. Perhaps pita bread, if I take some quickstart yeast... or even figure out sour dough. And there is more, such as thickening a soup into a stew (much preferred, at least by this ogre). And there is even more.
Looking forward, finding new tech, for some things, is fine. Looking sideways, at how to innovatively use what there is works. But looking back, too. Actually, the pool of useful tech, notions, ideas, principles, and ways is much deeper in the past. Just the way they thought, and sometimes exactly how they didn't think, is more prevalent, useful, and successful, in the wilds than any city slicker, book writer, or pretend wildman will ever be able to present. Some are trying though, such as the man above. Not only do I enjoy the history and cooking lesson, but that he is building a business on it, or has. So... I want to do business with just such a man, and share out what he has to offer. No business connection, I don't advertise, save if I find something useful myself, and without remunerations. Anyway...
Hmm... might turn on the ac and fan, crawl in and read a bit, take a nap, who knows. Might as well enjoy tech while I have it, when I have it, eh? Later.
.
The jerky I put in earlier finished in three hours. That was five trays, fairly tightly packed. I tried to leave a quarter inch between pieces, but really stacked it in this time. My guess about how long it took last night was based on not being awake, trying to wake up and missing the alarm, and such. I am not sure I really needed to put it back in for an hour this morning. Then again... I'll see in a bit. Three hours for five pretty full trays of jerky, unless after it sits it seems too moist.
I was then setting it up for a run with the very last bit of jerky and hamburger as jerky. The doorbell rang. Bleh. So I washed up as quickly as possible and went to see. Delivery, the extra trays. Just in time I thought. So I pulled them out and washed them. I thought I had ordered two, not two of two. All good though. That gives me nine trays. And after a more thorough check, it seems this device can handle twelve trays. Good for larger batches. Twelve trays would have meant one shot with five pounds of sliced jerky. Anyway, back to it. I thought I would need the trays. Not so much. I made the burger a bit thicker, so they will take longer. But with the sliced, nearly a full tray, the burger only took up two more trays. Might have to fuss with it if it isn't drying well enough though. The timer is set, I'll know in a few hours.
It is getting warm in here. Some of that is the dehydrator. It runs, for meat, at about 160 F. So... yeah. All good though. Definitely worth the hassle. I should be able to get enough food for a couple of weeks out dehydrated, treats to full meals set, and with the powdered milk and other odds and ends, be ready for camping on the trail. As I said as well, by the time I hit Alaska, I should be pretty much self-sufficient as to foods. Milk, like eating out, fresh eggs, and fresh fruit, will be luxuries to be enjoyed, if affordable, or simply gone without.
Some things I really didn't think I would be taking with me, either on the trail or on an longer adventure, are actually being considered. Flour, for one thing. And if I will be doing any fishing, corn meal. I don't know, but some sugar for special treats, and maybe other sweeteners, such as honey or that stuff Desert Cat seems to like so much. Not splenda... anyway. Got to have sweets, but I also have to limit it and choose among them wisely. Treats will be just that. Why flour on the trail? Frybread, one in a while... think chili. Perhaps pita bread, if I take some quickstart yeast... or even figure out sour dough. And there is more, such as thickening a soup into a stew (much preferred, at least by this ogre). And there is even more.
Looking forward, finding new tech, for some things, is fine. Looking sideways, at how to innovatively use what there is works. But looking back, too. Actually, the pool of useful tech, notions, ideas, principles, and ways is much deeper in the past. Just the way they thought, and sometimes exactly how they didn't think, is more prevalent, useful, and successful, in the wilds than any city slicker, book writer, or pretend wildman will ever be able to present. Some are trying though, such as the man above. Not only do I enjoy the history and cooking lesson, but that he is building a business on it, or has. So... I want to do business with just such a man, and share out what he has to offer. No business connection, I don't advertise, save if I find something useful myself, and without remunerations. Anyway...
Hmm... might turn on the ac and fan, crawl in and read a bit, take a nap, who knows. Might as well enjoy tech while I have it, when I have it, eh? Later.
Finally back at it.
.
.
Shouldn't mess with my sleep as I did. At least the migraines are done, it seems. Even teasing with sleep like that. It sure slowed my start, or seemed to. I was a bit grumpy about cutting and loading anyway. I simply cut all the meat. Which I should have done to begin the process, rather than as I was doing it. Live and learn. Actually, when I thaw the other half, I will just slice the meat to size before putting it in the marinade. I am out of worcestershire sauce, but I still have plenty of soy. I think I have apple cider vinegar, too. Some use just soy, or add vinegar to that. Since I am in experimental mode, I will probably try each type.
All save, perhaps, a quarter of a panel of meat fit. I am putting them much closer, now that I see what the dehydrator will do. It works very fast here. I turned it on and set the timer for three hours. I have two more plates arriving today, if tracking is accurate which it usually is. That will be really nice, especially since I am going to be doing the hamburger in the dehydrator. I'm not sure it will work out. If it doesn't do well, I may just cook it and see about that. The learning curve is what it is.
I am hoping to hit some cleaning today, if I can get to it. Catching back up, and keeping up on what I am doing. Jerky is sort of messy to work with, especially if you aren't the best at organization. Hmm? Right, as I said, messy. Still, it's cool. I truly love jerky, but it is so very expensive, often by the bit. And I can never tell, even with my favorite brand, if it will be soft or more brittle. It probably depends on what is most expensive to the maker on any given production run. No problem, but... I like to choose. Now I can. I am packing larger serving sizes in sandwich ziplocks, then putting those into a gallon ziplock. I just seems safer. If I get enough of it, I might even freeze some.
I suspect, with this, I can have my meals ready for the Alaska trip, for the whole summer, easily tucked away and ready. With an in-vehicle refrigerator, and a long term icebox, I can pretty much keep a decent supply, and do fairly well... eating out only once in a great while, as a luxury... Though, when I first get there, I will be looking for fresh seafood joints on the coast and eating my fill before moving on. I do miss that. Squid, red snapper, crab of various sorts, and whatever else they might have. Boiled, broiled, fried, sashimi too if they have a decent place I feel I can trust. Remember, survivors aren't the picky food wallflowers. If too, they aren't the early adopters. A middle ground will do you well. Further, just because someone else can eat or drink something, doesn't mean you can. I can't live on blubber, and too much raw fish might not serve me well. But a bite of each, in need, might well see me through to beef, venison, or such.
I had a difficult time finding frozen fruit. All they had, at the moment, was overpriced yogurt mix for kiddies and boomers. No trouble, I understand this is tourist season, and the upper middle class like to think fruit mush is stylish. Organic, too, I'm almost sure if I didn't look too closely. Yeah, I don't much care for what has become of the Animal House set. Saturday Night Live, liberalism, and wanting to change the world (especially without changing themselves) led them down a very dark path. Their money, for now, spends and pulls and pushes. For now. However, I was thinking maybe my Sam's card might find me to both plentiful fruits and vegetables in which to use for dehydrating... Mixing with apple sauce, or as berries and bits. Yeah, I'll check the next time I am in town. Just enough fruits to see me through some camping and hiking, not a whole lot of it with fresh just an half season away.
Well... Time to take a break. The hunkering is killing my back. Sure wish my counters were six inches higher. Not sure that is advisable, at this point. The future will tell on that. A woman or a sale mean no rise. She'd either kill me or hate me, or the next mr.'s mrs. would. I don't mind the hate, just don't like to actually cause extra pain. Later.
.
Shouldn't mess with my sleep as I did. At least the migraines are done, it seems. Even teasing with sleep like that. It sure slowed my start, or seemed to. I was a bit grumpy about cutting and loading anyway. I simply cut all the meat. Which I should have done to begin the process, rather than as I was doing it. Live and learn. Actually, when I thaw the other half, I will just slice the meat to size before putting it in the marinade. I am out of worcestershire sauce, but I still have plenty of soy. I think I have apple cider vinegar, too. Some use just soy, or add vinegar to that. Since I am in experimental mode, I will probably try each type.
All save, perhaps, a quarter of a panel of meat fit. I am putting them much closer, now that I see what the dehydrator will do. It works very fast here. I turned it on and set the timer for three hours. I have two more plates arriving today, if tracking is accurate which it usually is. That will be really nice, especially since I am going to be doing the hamburger in the dehydrator. I'm not sure it will work out. If it doesn't do well, I may just cook it and see about that. The learning curve is what it is.
I am hoping to hit some cleaning today, if I can get to it. Catching back up, and keeping up on what I am doing. Jerky is sort of messy to work with, especially if you aren't the best at organization. Hmm? Right, as I said, messy. Still, it's cool. I truly love jerky, but it is so very expensive, often by the bit. And I can never tell, even with my favorite brand, if it will be soft or more brittle. It probably depends on what is most expensive to the maker on any given production run. No problem, but... I like to choose. Now I can. I am packing larger serving sizes in sandwich ziplocks, then putting those into a gallon ziplock. I just seems safer. If I get enough of it, I might even freeze some.
I suspect, with this, I can have my meals ready for the Alaska trip, for the whole summer, easily tucked away and ready. With an in-vehicle refrigerator, and a long term icebox, I can pretty much keep a decent supply, and do fairly well... eating out only once in a great while, as a luxury... Though, when I first get there, I will be looking for fresh seafood joints on the coast and eating my fill before moving on. I do miss that. Squid, red snapper, crab of various sorts, and whatever else they might have. Boiled, broiled, fried, sashimi too if they have a decent place I feel I can trust. Remember, survivors aren't the picky food wallflowers. If too, they aren't the early adopters. A middle ground will do you well. Further, just because someone else can eat or drink something, doesn't mean you can. I can't live on blubber, and too much raw fish might not serve me well. But a bite of each, in need, might well see me through to beef, venison, or such.
I had a difficult time finding frozen fruit. All they had, at the moment, was overpriced yogurt mix for kiddies and boomers. No trouble, I understand this is tourist season, and the upper middle class like to think fruit mush is stylish. Organic, too, I'm almost sure if I didn't look too closely. Yeah, I don't much care for what has become of the Animal House set. Saturday Night Live, liberalism, and wanting to change the world (especially without changing themselves) led them down a very dark path. Their money, for now, spends and pulls and pushes. For now. However, I was thinking maybe my Sam's card might find me to both plentiful fruits and vegetables in which to use for dehydrating... Mixing with apple sauce, or as berries and bits. Yeah, I'll check the next time I am in town. Just enough fruits to see me through some camping and hiking, not a whole lot of it with fresh just an half season away.
Well... Time to take a break. The hunkering is killing my back. Sure wish my counters were six inches higher. Not sure that is advisable, at this point. The future will tell on that. A woman or a sale mean no rise. She'd either kill me or hate me, or the next mr.'s mrs. would. I don't mind the hate, just don't like to actually cause extra pain. Later.
A bit ugly and lopsided.
.
.
I could have gotten the jerky going earlier. I may, eventually, when I don't have such a large run at once, test whether marinading for 24 hours really makes a difference. For my money, what I have it quite good enough. Hmm... actually, some of may well still marinade for that long. The hamburger didn't come out well at all. It might be good enough as dehydrated burger crumble, but really isn't jerky. It might have been too wet, and I feared so closed the oven door half way through. I may pat that dry, try again in the oven, and try some in the dehydrator if it still fails. The sliced jerky was wonderful. I had to wake twice, and that was much more difficult than I thought it would be, to tend the jerky last night.
I let the stuff run for about three to four hours last night, then patted the sliced jerky. Leaving it all set out overnight, as I was quite done. This morning, I checked the sliced. While good, it seemed a bit moist. Which is fine for jerky I will be using right away. But for longer storage, I want it a bit drier. So, I put it back in for an hour or so. I am going to say that four to six hours is probably a maximum time for those, here. At least now. I'll be putting more in shortly. I'll just do slices first, not sure what I am going to do with the hamburger. And I'm too tired this morning to do two loads at once, quite this early. I think the burger needs to be thicker, and I might keep the door open this next time. Though... I'm just not confident about the burger.
When I finally was able to finally go, and stay, asleep, it was fantastic. But messing with sleep as I did made waking a bit awkward. I won't do that again. I just can't play with my sleep. I can't tinker in and out. Well, I can, I guess as is shown, but the price is steep. I will only do that if it is vital. I think I finally hit it at about 21:00~22:00... I think? Woke at 4:00. Woke well, but then started dragging. Put the jerky back in, have patted it dry and left it to finish in the paper towels. I'll put it in ziplocks, then get another load going... in just a bit. Ugh. More coffee, please!
I am absolutely pleased with the sliced meat jerky though. I know some folks going on a man's man hike soon. I'll send them a bit of this. Hmm... I think they have deer, maybe even elk. I should ask if they have enough extra that I could turn it to jerky. I'd ask a small share. I'd have to cut the roasts myself. But... Worth the trouble to my mind, maybe his. Especially if they have it in spades. Not sure, but maybe. His wife has berries. I know I want to get some of those, this summer, and cherries and peaches from over the pass too. Some to freeze, some to dry, some to can perhaps. Might be able to dry some, on minor commission of trade. Though simply buying some wouldn't be a bad deal at all either. Just trying to think plainly, you know. Uhrm... cheaply. *cough* *wink*
Later.
.
I could have gotten the jerky going earlier. I may, eventually, when I don't have such a large run at once, test whether marinading for 24 hours really makes a difference. For my money, what I have it quite good enough. Hmm... actually, some of may well still marinade for that long. The hamburger didn't come out well at all. It might be good enough as dehydrated burger crumble, but really isn't jerky. It might have been too wet, and I feared so closed the oven door half way through. I may pat that dry, try again in the oven, and try some in the dehydrator if it still fails. The sliced jerky was wonderful. I had to wake twice, and that was much more difficult than I thought it would be, to tend the jerky last night.
I let the stuff run for about three to four hours last night, then patted the sliced jerky. Leaving it all set out overnight, as I was quite done. This morning, I checked the sliced. While good, it seemed a bit moist. Which is fine for jerky I will be using right away. But for longer storage, I want it a bit drier. So, I put it back in for an hour or so. I am going to say that four to six hours is probably a maximum time for those, here. At least now. I'll be putting more in shortly. I'll just do slices first, not sure what I am going to do with the hamburger. And I'm too tired this morning to do two loads at once, quite this early. I think the burger needs to be thicker, and I might keep the door open this next time. Though... I'm just not confident about the burger.
When I finally was able to finally go, and stay, asleep, it was fantastic. But messing with sleep as I did made waking a bit awkward. I won't do that again. I just can't play with my sleep. I can't tinker in and out. Well, I can, I guess as is shown, but the price is steep. I will only do that if it is vital. I think I finally hit it at about 21:00~22:00... I think? Woke at 4:00. Woke well, but then started dragging. Put the jerky back in, have patted it dry and left it to finish in the paper towels. I'll put it in ziplocks, then get another load going... in just a bit. Ugh. More coffee, please!
I am absolutely pleased with the sliced meat jerky though. I know some folks going on a man's man hike soon. I'll send them a bit of this. Hmm... I think they have deer, maybe even elk. I should ask if they have enough extra that I could turn it to jerky. I'd ask a small share. I'd have to cut the roasts myself. But... Worth the trouble to my mind, maybe his. Especially if they have it in spades. Not sure, but maybe. His wife has berries. I know I want to get some of those, this summer, and cherries and peaches from over the pass too. Some to freeze, some to dry, some to can perhaps. Might be able to dry some, on minor commission of trade. Though simply buying some wouldn't be a bad deal at all either. Just trying to think plainly, you know. Uhrm... cheaply. *cough* *wink*
Later.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
The first batches are going.
.
.
Okay, right. I finally remembered what I was going to do, then did it. Research, really. How long does this or that take, will the oven go down to 170 F, some other things. As it turns out, the oven does go down to 170. I never figure in prep time. I'm almost as bad at that as I am driving time. Just doesn't figure in. Then again, when driving somewhere, there is usually a lot more hope than surety even when I do put the time in.
The burger is a little messier than how my guide did it. My burger is more moist. So there was some give and take on that. As well, I only have two racks. It'll... take a number of runs to get that through. As for the sliced beef, that... is going to take a while too. I knew there was still some cutting left. Basically what I have are whole roast shavings. All good, I expected no more, got the price I was hoping for, not a complaint, just a note to wood be makers. I suppose you could stack and cut, but I just cut each piece separately. I can more accurately gauge each piece.
As for volume, usable drying space, and all? I'm going to say it will take three, maybe four, full dehydrator runs. For burger? Many. I think I overdid. I'll keep the storage bags sealed, keep squishing it around to make sure the marinade flows, and hope. If it even feels off, or smells wrong either in the bag or while dehydrating, I'll toss what I am working on and what is left in the bag.
It ended up taking a good hour and an half to get it all set and going. Some sites suggest that it takes half a day to a full day. Some people suggest it takes as little as two to four hours (for the hamburger), and four to six hours for the sliced. I am guessing it depends upon where you live. Iowa, Georgia, Alabama, maybe even Alaska in the summer (depending where in the state), even some parts of Texas, etc... if humidity is high, it just takes a long time. Here, Arizona, Nevada (depending on season to a degree), it is just quicker. The air, here, often, is thirsty for water and will take what is so freely given. It has been a very wet spring, and until days ago. But it has also been hot the last few days.
I think I'll take a nap while those things go. A couple of hours, maybe four. I'm sort of in an odd place regarding schedule. Days and nights are working into order, but... not quite. So I am hoping I can squeeze a little irregularity into and out of my day. Up very late, but a nap earlier? Or was that yesterday... Yeah, no, yesterday. Bleh. I'll... it might be messy, but I'll figure it out. Might post if any of it finishes yet tonight and I am up to it. Hamburger should finish, not sure about the slices. Later.
.
Okay, right. I finally remembered what I was going to do, then did it. Research, really. How long does this or that take, will the oven go down to 170 F, some other things. As it turns out, the oven does go down to 170. I never figure in prep time. I'm almost as bad at that as I am driving time. Just doesn't figure in. Then again, when driving somewhere, there is usually a lot more hope than surety even when I do put the time in.
The burger is a little messier than how my guide did it. My burger is more moist. So there was some give and take on that. As well, I only have two racks. It'll... take a number of runs to get that through. As for the sliced beef, that... is going to take a while too. I knew there was still some cutting left. Basically what I have are whole roast shavings. All good, I expected no more, got the price I was hoping for, not a complaint, just a note to wood be makers. I suppose you could stack and cut, but I just cut each piece separately. I can more accurately gauge each piece.
As for volume, usable drying space, and all? I'm going to say it will take three, maybe four, full dehydrator runs. For burger? Many. I think I overdid. I'll keep the storage bags sealed, keep squishing it around to make sure the marinade flows, and hope. If it even feels off, or smells wrong either in the bag or while dehydrating, I'll toss what I am working on and what is left in the bag.
It ended up taking a good hour and an half to get it all set and going. Some sites suggest that it takes half a day to a full day. Some people suggest it takes as little as two to four hours (for the hamburger), and four to six hours for the sliced. I am guessing it depends upon where you live. Iowa, Georgia, Alabama, maybe even Alaska in the summer (depending where in the state), even some parts of Texas, etc... if humidity is high, it just takes a long time. Here, Arizona, Nevada (depending on season to a degree), it is just quicker. The air, here, often, is thirsty for water and will take what is so freely given. It has been a very wet spring, and until days ago. But it has also been hot the last few days.
I think I'll take a nap while those things go. A couple of hours, maybe four. I'm sort of in an odd place regarding schedule. Days and nights are working into order, but... not quite. So I am hoping I can squeeze a little irregularity into and out of my day. Up very late, but a nap earlier? Or was that yesterday... Yeah, no, yesterday. Bleh. I'll... it might be messy, but I'll figure it out. Might post if any of it finishes yet tonight and I am up to it. Hamburger should finish, not sure about the slices. Later.
Ah, good.
.
.
I received the dehydrator, extra sheets, and a surprise. The two extra plates (what you might set the sheets on) won't be in until tomorrow. Next month I will finish off the set. Since the plates, and various sheets that go in them, are sold in pairs, I'll end up with an extra of each. I washed what I have. Next I need to find out which sheet type most use for making jerky. Some will go one way, others another, and some will choose to not use a sheet, simply using the tray. Hopefully a few people have tried each way and can offer more than just an opinion based on nothing but an untested preference. You know? I have turned and worked the meat several times already, and will continue doing that throughout the day. Everything is ready for the first load this evening, otherwise. Might take a day or two to work. Hmm... I ought to see how low my oven will go. I wouldn't want to run that in the day, mind you. I ought to look over instructions for that too. Depending on how low my oven will go, perhaps there is a way to... cook the books on getting it done. But if faster, might start that... soon. *cough*
What arrived that was a bit of a surprise is something I have been hankering for many years. Let me see, the one I had before was broken with my second base woman, first long term if... for reasons other than choice. Let me see... I was with her... in the 90's. Early 90's. Okay, so I have been wanting this since at least '95, so twenty years. Imagine wanting something for so long, but between moves, and other priorities, poor health, and more moves, and confusion, and sickness, and moving, never getting it. (Yeah, repetitive, intentional... gives the flavor of the words to the sentence.) A stein. A perfect size, the right type, two handles, and... No, it isn't the old one. But it will do nicely. A two litter, two handed, German, stoneware, stein. It holds a six pack, plus tomato juice if I want that. At my standard pace, it doesn't get cold before I am done. Not even close, even in these days of weakness. Plus, on my second most wicked of nights of drought quenching, I can keep it to two... as per doctors' orders (recommendations). On my most thirsty of sippings, I can still keep it to four, at least of beer. Considering volumetric size, fifths don't count. Tis but a thimbleful. If I am a good boy the rest of the week, I just might have a beer this weekend, or two. I'd like to have another, just in case. I don't want to be without for another couple of decades. It's grinning at me, beside it's double sized sister, whispering... ain't I petite? Yes, baby, yes you are. *wink*
Funny... Packaging usually arrives in pristine condition. I knew, somehow, that ordering this would... be discouraged. And it was. The package, in spite of "FRAGILE" written all over, top to bottom and on the sides, looked like they had used it for punting practice. Oh, I knew. Luckily, at least this time, the folks who sent it knew where it would be going and packaged it for such. Oh, I don't hate. I understand. Just, if you live here or there, know what the score is, and take your chances. Sometimes you'll win, sometimes not. No hate, or even anger. Just... I know. *chuckles*
While waiting for shipments today, I hit the grip exercises. My right hand can now do four, and almost five, two hundred pound squeezes. The goal is to get to ten, in each hand. After I do the 200, I then hit the 250, then the 150, and then the 200 again. By the time I am done squishing each, then flipping, then moving on, I am pretty worn. It's not like I get tired, it's just that grip strength is gone. It'll be at least a month before I hit 250 as my primary focus. But it's moving along.
I also called the V.A. about my medicine. I did get into a minor snit. Something about: Me, I didn't receive enough medication. ; Her,Yes, but we sent enough. ; Me, Well, but... no. I have the only bottle of the stuff I have in my hand. I don't use extra, if anything I miss from time to time, probably once a week though less lately. ; Her Yes, but we sent enough. ; Me How did you send enough if I don't have enough? ; Her I don't know, but we sent enough. Was not going well. She said she would send a note to my primary, letting them know I was out, asking if they would refill "early". Problem is, my primary doesn't prescribe these meds. I didn't think of that at first, still a little focused on snit. I told her to go ahead with the note, but asked if I could talk to her supervisor. I was put on hold, then disconnected. I tried to call back in, had to wait, was talking to someone else about the situation, was put on hold, and just hung up.
To my surprise, I received a call back. It was the first woman I had been speaking with. Her supervisor was allowing her to send the medication, and she asked if I still wanted a note put in. I did. But by this time I had time to realize that my primary couldn't help. So I mentioned this. But she can't get a note to the heart transplant clinic, as that's a bit... off note grid. I just told her to do what she could, and thanked her for calling back and sorting this out. Snit happens. I have worked so hard to stay on medication. Water pills are a vital part of the program. No... I didn't "win"... I just attempted to keep my medication on track. Nothing personal, not a "win", no dig. And I don't mind if she has pride, and believes in her employer. That's good, especially if she does her level honest best. Which she did in this case. Just happens medicine is coming, but that isn't a loss to any.
I will say this though. I will keep going on medications and exercise, and the rest. I had hoped for some assistance, in the form of a specific medication. Then I was going to time down all medication. As it turns, I seem to be doing... at least partially, what that medicine would have helped me to do. If I continue as I am, in two years I will begin timing down medication. If I am not healthy enough, at that point, to survive without it, then I will simply have to die. *tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-????* Later.
--------
Okay... my (new?) primary doc called, to check on things. I explained exactly what I explained here. Their fault, my fault, the shipper's fault, nobody's fault? Doesn't matter. Running out of medication, right as I am hitting a major health stride, that matters. He was just checking. Cool. Appreciated. No blame needed, and I won't worry. I just want to keep doing what seems to be working. I don't need a scapegoat, a whipping boy, sympathy, or empathy. Been those, mistakenly created those, even done that as correctly as possible and rightly... never changed a thing. Who knows, maybe it was me, somehow. Fair. Just don't want to run out of medication. Not yet. Soon, but... not... today. Or in a week, really.
.
I received the dehydrator, extra sheets, and a surprise. The two extra plates (what you might set the sheets on) won't be in until tomorrow. Next month I will finish off the set. Since the plates, and various sheets that go in them, are sold in pairs, I'll end up with an extra of each. I washed what I have. Next I need to find out which sheet type most use for making jerky. Some will go one way, others another, and some will choose to not use a sheet, simply using the tray. Hopefully a few people have tried each way and can offer more than just an opinion based on nothing but an untested preference. You know? I have turned and worked the meat several times already, and will continue doing that throughout the day. Everything is ready for the first load this evening, otherwise. Might take a day or two to work. Hmm... I ought to see how low my oven will go. I wouldn't want to run that in the day, mind you. I ought to look over instructions for that too. Depending on how low my oven will go, perhaps there is a way to... cook the books on getting it done. But if faster, might start that... soon. *cough*
Funny... Packaging usually arrives in pristine condition. I knew, somehow, that ordering this would... be discouraged. And it was. The package, in spite of "FRAGILE" written all over, top to bottom and on the sides, looked like they had used it for punting practice. Oh, I knew. Luckily, at least this time, the folks who sent it knew where it would be going and packaged it for such. Oh, I don't hate. I understand. Just, if you live here or there, know what the score is, and take your chances. Sometimes you'll win, sometimes not. No hate, or even anger. Just... I know. *chuckles*
While waiting for shipments today, I hit the grip exercises. My right hand can now do four, and almost five, two hundred pound squeezes. The goal is to get to ten, in each hand. After I do the 200, I then hit the 250, then the 150, and then the 200 again. By the time I am done squishing each, then flipping, then moving on, I am pretty worn. It's not like I get tired, it's just that grip strength is gone. It'll be at least a month before I hit 250 as my primary focus. But it's moving along.
I also called the V.A. about my medicine. I did get into a minor snit. Something about: Me, I didn't receive enough medication. ; Her,Yes, but we sent enough. ; Me, Well, but... no. I have the only bottle of the stuff I have in my hand. I don't use extra, if anything I miss from time to time, probably once a week though less lately. ; Her Yes, but we sent enough. ; Me How did you send enough if I don't have enough? ; Her I don't know, but we sent enough. Was not going well. She said she would send a note to my primary, letting them know I was out, asking if they would refill "early". Problem is, my primary doesn't prescribe these meds. I didn't think of that at first, still a little focused on snit. I told her to go ahead with the note, but asked if I could talk to her supervisor. I was put on hold, then disconnected. I tried to call back in, had to wait, was talking to someone else about the situation, was put on hold, and just hung up.
To my surprise, I received a call back. It was the first woman I had been speaking with. Her supervisor was allowing her to send the medication, and she asked if I still wanted a note put in. I did. But by this time I had time to realize that my primary couldn't help. So I mentioned this. But she can't get a note to the heart transplant clinic, as that's a bit... off note grid. I just told her to do what she could, and thanked her for calling back and sorting this out. Snit happens. I have worked so hard to stay on medication. Water pills are a vital part of the program. No... I didn't "win"... I just attempted to keep my medication on track. Nothing personal, not a "win", no dig. And I don't mind if she has pride, and believes in her employer. That's good, especially if she does her level honest best. Which she did in this case. Just happens medicine is coming, but that isn't a loss to any.
I will say this though. I will keep going on medications and exercise, and the rest. I had hoped for some assistance, in the form of a specific medication. Then I was going to time down all medication. As it turns, I seem to be doing... at least partially, what that medicine would have helped me to do. If I continue as I am, in two years I will begin timing down medication. If I am not healthy enough, at that point, to survive without it, then I will simply have to die. *tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-????* Later.
--------
Okay... my (new?) primary doc called, to check on things. I explained exactly what I explained here. Their fault, my fault, the shipper's fault, nobody's fault? Doesn't matter. Running out of medication, right as I am hitting a major health stride, that matters. He was just checking. Cool. Appreciated. No blame needed, and I won't worry. I just want to keep doing what seems to be working. I don't need a scapegoat, a whipping boy, sympathy, or empathy. Been those, mistakenly created those, even done that as correctly as possible and rightly... never changed a thing. Who knows, maybe it was me, somehow. Fair. Just don't want to run out of medication. Not yet. Soon, but... not... today. Or in a week, really.
Marinade.
.
.
I really wasn't sure... what to expect. Ten pounds you say? A recipe, with amounts of soy and worcestershire? And other stuff? Sure, but... what does that all mean? Only one way to ever find out. As it turns out I had plenty of soy, bought a big bottle yesterday, and another kind. Worcestershire was on the short side, but just by 2/3 cup out of 6 cups needed, so.... more soy! Don't even look at me funny. You mom, and wife, have certainly fudged. Sometimes it's the only way. This and that, a few options I went without, one I added on my own (ground ginger). Though there are more recipes, I think, then there are makers of jerky! I prefer savory to sweet, so didn't add honey or maple syrup... or vanilla? Some do.
Oh, and if you consider this? Figure out how to get your butcher to cut it. Splendid notion. Thank you, Alton... or Mr. Brown. Good call. The slices where perfect, even, easy to work with, and no fuss up front. I put in several slices, over the liquid, pressed them down in, then put on another layer. In a larger glass bowl... and I do mean large, I was able to put two to four roast sized slices in before having to poke them down. Hamburger is way easy. Just dump and mix. The slices are a normal type, I aimed at making the hamburger mix hot. Some refiguring will have to happen, for taste, of course.
Oh, but beside the volume of liquids, the other thing is... ten pounds is a LOT of meat. I have great doubts that I can put in half of it on a single run. The unit comes with four to six trays, and can stack up to twelve. I ordered two extra trays, but it looks like I will be ordering more. Even so, I am guessing five pounds will push twelve trays! I ended up doing half the slices and a third of the hamburger. A third of the hamburger will be cooked and drained to simply create regular burger for the trail. Though... some of it will go into spaghetti sauce for dinner tonight. The rest will be strained, washed, and bagged, for when the dehydrator is free again. Which won't be until I work the marinading slices and hamburger through.
Cooking is, I remind you, a form of preservation. Especially when de-fatted and spiced just a bit. A little salt for sure, though some other spices are very good at preservation as well. Not all, just some spice... and herb... works that way. Yes, yes, I have done some homework. I just don't want to add limiting spices while cooking. Garlic, salt, and pepper are used in all meat dishes, or anything I'd be using hamburger in on the trail. I always make savory meat dishes, at least with beef. Pork, chicken (think orange glaze), and possibly lamb make better for sweet, or semi-sweet meals. To my mind, at least... with the exception of semi-sweet taco meat... just adding allspice, even when hot, makes it semi-sweet... again, to my mind.
Now I just need to wait for the dehydrator, and get it cleaned and ready. I probably won't go hiking. I am sure that would clear my schedule for the day, or well might. I have things to do. Tomorrow? I can hope. I did look up recipes for laundry soap, dry soap. And, yeah, I'm on the right track. Though I missed something anyway. I thought naptha and zote were two ingredients, not alternatives. It turns out that borax, one of those, and one or two other ingredients, is the actual recipe. On the good side, those work for wet or dry. So, I just need to pick up some sudsy stuff... (note to self, make a note of the actual name on shopping list)... and then grind and mix. I don't want liquid soap on the trail. I will try it at home, too. Why not? Ah, and another thing... white zote is fragrance free. There is blue, pink, and white. I didn't know so grabbed what was closest, pink as it ends up. I'm not against fragrance, but on the trail I would prefer no scent... probably. :p
Oh, now, maybe, I can get a bite to eat. I was in a real rush to get the marinade going. I would rather that marinade over night. Some of it will definitely be marinating over night, either way. Some of it is going to be put in, but not until just about bedtime. I want to give it SOME hours to marinate, while hoping the remainder doesn't go bad. I... may have made a mistake. The nose will know, for the most part. I can hope there is enough salt and such to keep the meat, along with refrigeration, for just a bit longer. Bleh. I froze the rest. So... if not in a linear way, you have the story of how to begin making your own jerky.
.
I really wasn't sure... what to expect. Ten pounds you say? A recipe, with amounts of soy and worcestershire? And other stuff? Sure, but... what does that all mean? Only one way to ever find out. As it turns out I had plenty of soy, bought a big bottle yesterday, and another kind. Worcestershire was on the short side, but just by 2/3 cup out of 6 cups needed, so.... more soy! Don't even look at me funny. You mom, and wife, have certainly fudged. Sometimes it's the only way. This and that, a few options I went without, one I added on my own (ground ginger). Though there are more recipes, I think, then there are makers of jerky! I prefer savory to sweet, so didn't add honey or maple syrup... or vanilla? Some do.
Oh, and if you consider this? Figure out how to get your butcher to cut it. Splendid notion. Thank you, Alton... or Mr. Brown. Good call. The slices where perfect, even, easy to work with, and no fuss up front. I put in several slices, over the liquid, pressed them down in, then put on another layer. In a larger glass bowl... and I do mean large, I was able to put two to four roast sized slices in before having to poke them down. Hamburger is way easy. Just dump and mix. The slices are a normal type, I aimed at making the hamburger mix hot. Some refiguring will have to happen, for taste, of course.
Oh, but beside the volume of liquids, the other thing is... ten pounds is a LOT of meat. I have great doubts that I can put in half of it on a single run. The unit comes with four to six trays, and can stack up to twelve. I ordered two extra trays, but it looks like I will be ordering more. Even so, I am guessing five pounds will push twelve trays! I ended up doing half the slices and a third of the hamburger. A third of the hamburger will be cooked and drained to simply create regular burger for the trail. Though... some of it will go into spaghetti sauce for dinner tonight. The rest will be strained, washed, and bagged, for when the dehydrator is free again. Which won't be until I work the marinading slices and hamburger through.
Cooking is, I remind you, a form of preservation. Especially when de-fatted and spiced just a bit. A little salt for sure, though some other spices are very good at preservation as well. Not all, just some spice... and herb... works that way. Yes, yes, I have done some homework. I just don't want to add limiting spices while cooking. Garlic, salt, and pepper are used in all meat dishes, or anything I'd be using hamburger in on the trail. I always make savory meat dishes, at least with beef. Pork, chicken (think orange glaze), and possibly lamb make better for sweet, or semi-sweet meals. To my mind, at least... with the exception of semi-sweet taco meat... just adding allspice, even when hot, makes it semi-sweet... again, to my mind.
Now I just need to wait for the dehydrator, and get it cleaned and ready. I probably won't go hiking. I am sure that would clear my schedule for the day, or well might. I have things to do. Tomorrow? I can hope. I did look up recipes for laundry soap, dry soap. And, yeah, I'm on the right track. Though I missed something anyway. I thought naptha and zote were two ingredients, not alternatives. It turns out that borax, one of those, and one or two other ingredients, is the actual recipe. On the good side, those work for wet or dry. So, I just need to pick up some sudsy stuff... (note to self, make a note of the actual name on shopping list)... and then grind and mix. I don't want liquid soap on the trail. I will try it at home, too. Why not? Ah, and another thing... white zote is fragrance free. There is blue, pink, and white. I didn't know so grabbed what was closest, pink as it ends up. I'm not against fragrance, but on the trail I would prefer no scent... probably. :p
Oh, now, maybe, I can get a bite to eat. I was in a real rush to get the marinade going. I would rather that marinade over night. Some of it will definitely be marinating over night, either way. Some of it is going to be put in, but not until just about bedtime. I want to give it SOME hours to marinate, while hoping the remainder doesn't go bad. I... may have made a mistake. The nose will know, for the most part. I can hope there is enough salt and such to keep the meat, along with refrigeration, for just a bit longer. Bleh. I froze the rest. So... if not in a linear way, you have the story of how to begin making your own jerky.
Something is right.
.
.
I went to bed just after 18:00. Now, yesterday, while I was at nothing else, I fixed/checked all of my clocks. The alarm is an half hour fast, precisely (for the moment) now. So, actually, I went down at an half past, nearly. Still, since the numbers suggested after x hour, I counted eight hours, added an hour, then set the alarm for 4:00. As rough as things have been, it wouldn't have surprised me to need the whole run and then some. The alarm was just a 'depth gauge', a sounder, not an actual limit. I woke about a quarter to the hour of alarm, and rose easily. I think the migraines are over. Just... trust me. Might still get one from time to time, but they are done as a cluster.
Sleep was fantastic. The run to town yesterday helped with the quickening. It wasn't much but it was enough. It was part of kicking back over. Today needs to be a milder day, most likely. Though who knows. I may try to get a hike in, but earlier. Since I won't be waiting on the store to open... actually, I didn't need to yesterday. And then didn't get out until much later even then... Never mind, take what you can get? Anyway, perhaps getting out much earlier today, if I am going, would be good. I probably ought to have a dollop of food shortly so as to be ready. Want that in post production before I work. Already had an orange to kick off the day. Love having fruit around.
The last time I owned an atomic clock here, it didn't seem to work. It wouldn't receive from the transmitter. So, this time, I arranged things slightly differently. It seems to be receiving now. Not just the time, but the temp. I didn't think it would really work, but it sure seems to be. Outside is 53.3 degrees, according to the devices, inside was 74. So... I opened the windows a bit and turned on the fans. The cooler I can get it in here, the better. Not sure how much cooler I can make it in this way. But now I can find out. The cave really is a repository for cool. I like that I can begin playing with that more accurately. Which reminds me, I never did build humidifiers. If I have been doing all sorts of crazy things. I'll get a plan going for next month. This month is already full of loon. :p
I did notice, with the pack... once you get it on, it's... okay. It's a bit of work, but the pack really was created so as to make the weight manageable. And it does. It will take some practice with balance. It will take some practice helping the pack help me with the weight. But it isn't just a mass center, it is a tool, a leverage device. It's been long since I understood this, or used it fully. The little pack I had been carrying was too light, and not the right size and type, to begin relearning this notion. This pack is right at where it should be. In time, double the weight I am carrying should be fine. A slightly shorter pace, a little more diligence in balance, practice with packing and weight distribution in the pack, and a better fitness level, should see me to some solid pack weight. For now this is... enough. If there is still a bit more I can, and will, add.
Hmm.... While getting breakfast, I need to make a marinade for the meat. I meant to do that last night but ran out of day. Soy, worcester, pepper maybe heavier for some, lemon and or ginger for some, who knows. Four bags of various brews. Nothing really fancy, just ideas from others and ideas I have of my own from past preferences. Who ever thinks they will ever begin making their own? Need, I suppose, is the mother of invention... and other things.
I also bought stuff to begin considering making my own laundry soap. Just curiosity for the moment. Borax 20 mule brand, zote, and naptha. Why? Tide works well enough. Yeah, but, for on the trail, it is a liquid. Could have just bought dry soap. Just... I don't know... curious. I ought to find the receipt, figure out if it is less expensive. But all of those things have many uses beside, all on their own. Tinkering, you know. Learning. ---- Oh... it does make a liquid. Oh well. Still, curios. I'll look for a recipe for a dry soap next.
I best get some breakfast. The inside temp has dropped two degree (F), since starting this post, so it is working. Later.
.
I went to bed just after 18:00. Now, yesterday, while I was at nothing else, I fixed/checked all of my clocks. The alarm is an half hour fast, precisely (for the moment) now. So, actually, I went down at an half past, nearly. Still, since the numbers suggested after x hour, I counted eight hours, added an hour, then set the alarm for 4:00. As rough as things have been, it wouldn't have surprised me to need the whole run and then some. The alarm was just a 'depth gauge', a sounder, not an actual limit. I woke about a quarter to the hour of alarm, and rose easily. I think the migraines are over. Just... trust me. Might still get one from time to time, but they are done as a cluster.
Sleep was fantastic. The run to town yesterday helped with the quickening. It wasn't much but it was enough. It was part of kicking back over. Today needs to be a milder day, most likely. Though who knows. I may try to get a hike in, but earlier. Since I won't be waiting on the store to open... actually, I didn't need to yesterday. And then didn't get out until much later even then... Never mind, take what you can get? Anyway, perhaps getting out much earlier today, if I am going, would be good. I probably ought to have a dollop of food shortly so as to be ready. Want that in post production before I work. Already had an orange to kick off the day. Love having fruit around.
The last time I owned an atomic clock here, it didn't seem to work. It wouldn't receive from the transmitter. So, this time, I arranged things slightly differently. It seems to be receiving now. Not just the time, but the temp. I didn't think it would really work, but it sure seems to be. Outside is 53.3 degrees, according to the devices, inside was 74. So... I opened the windows a bit and turned on the fans. The cooler I can get it in here, the better. Not sure how much cooler I can make it in this way. But now I can find out. The cave really is a repository for cool. I like that I can begin playing with that more accurately. Which reminds me, I never did build humidifiers. If I have been doing all sorts of crazy things. I'll get a plan going for next month. This month is already full of loon. :p
I did notice, with the pack... once you get it on, it's... okay. It's a bit of work, but the pack really was created so as to make the weight manageable. And it does. It will take some practice with balance. It will take some practice helping the pack help me with the weight. But it isn't just a mass center, it is a tool, a leverage device. It's been long since I understood this, or used it fully. The little pack I had been carrying was too light, and not the right size and type, to begin relearning this notion. This pack is right at where it should be. In time, double the weight I am carrying should be fine. A slightly shorter pace, a little more diligence in balance, practice with packing and weight distribution in the pack, and a better fitness level, should see me to some solid pack weight. For now this is... enough. If there is still a bit more I can, and will, add.
Hmm.... While getting breakfast, I need to make a marinade for the meat. I meant to do that last night but ran out of day. Soy, worcester, pepper maybe heavier for some, lemon and or ginger for some, who knows. Four bags of various brews. Nothing really fancy, just ideas from others and ideas I have of my own from past preferences. Who ever thinks they will ever begin making their own? Need, I suppose, is the mother of invention... and other things.
I also bought stuff to begin considering making my own laundry soap. Just curiosity for the moment. Borax 20 mule brand, zote, and naptha. Why? Tide works well enough. Yeah, but, for on the trail, it is a liquid. Could have just bought dry soap. Just... I don't know... curious. I ought to find the receipt, figure out if it is less expensive. But all of those things have many uses beside, all on their own. Tinkering, you know. Learning. ---- Oh... it does make a liquid. Oh well. Still, curios. I'll look for a recipe for a dry soap next.
I best get some breakfast. The inside temp has dropped two degree (F), since starting this post, so it is working. Later.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Yeah, what I could.
.
.
The pack is a bitch. No, I didn't hike. I did put it on to carry it out though. The waist buckle is broken. I was going to go anyway, but when I got to the trail, the lot was pretty much full. Twelve, maybe fifteen vehicles. The path just isn't really geared for that many people. No fuss. I thought of it as being conscientious. Allowing the people there what little space they had. I can go "any time". Still, that I got that close... surprised me. The next time I am in town I will look for a replacement for the nylon belt clip. Might have to get both sides, never can tell if one set will work with another brand. Then again, they probably sell as a pair.
With that out of play, I headed to pick up my delivery. They didn't have it in their machine for some reason. The woman, after checking this and that, decided to look manually. Not a great hump, but. Anyway, she found it and tussled it out. I have the ac/dc refrigerator/freezer that I discussed the other day. It's in the back of the Xt'er for now. The next time I have some energy, I'll get it washed out and ready, then set it up. I want to run it for a few days in the vehicle, but I want to have the battery charger charged and ready, and in there as well. Even if it starts, in town the battery might just give out. If it does well that way, then I'll bring it in and plug it in on ac. Once I find a place to put it. The basement sounds nice, but... that's a lot of steps, both to take the thing down, and to go for a shot of cream or glass of milk. I'll figure it out.
Then on to pick up a razor, one of those atomic wall clocks, and some other stuff from Walmart. Hey, it works. It was sure warming up. I didn't see the readings while in town, but thought I saw something somewhere suggesting that it was 81. To me, that's a big jump in temp. Maybe I didn't notice, from not being out. Maybe it has been warming up and I just didn't know. I let Sam out and back in all hours of the day though. Still, not always aware? Warm. Hot actually. All good, I have to learn to live in this too. It'll burn more fat anyway, tighten muscles through the strain. Just as good as cold, if not my preference. Feelings, you know... gotta set those aside or you won't get anywhere.
Finally, grocery shopping. Man, I really miss fruits when I don't have them now. They really help with the rest of my diet. They just fill a hunger niche. Two weeks and I am addicted. Fruit is great for a desert, or as a snack, filling in a hunger or something missing. Cherries, oranges, bananas, and pears this week. Plus milk, cream, and some other odds and ends. And, yes, I remembered the meat. Bottom sirloin, I think, for the more regulation jerky. I had to buy ten pounds or he wouldn't have been able to cut it as I requested for that price. I think that was my first negotiation! Seriously, I don't think I have ever figured a deal before. I'd love to buy more, not sure though. I'll see how well ten pounds holds up. I am only probably going to get about two to three pounds of jerky. But that goes a long way. Some for snack, but lightly. It's very salty. Most of it will be for soup/stew. And pretty much only on the trail. I bought as much hamburger, negotiated the leanness/price as well. Some of that will be for another form of jerky, some of it will be for simple dehydrated hamburger, for things like spaghetti and sauce, or chili.
I'm pretty beat, but no migraine... not yet. I may just turn on the ac and fan in the bedroom, take a quick shower and air dry just a bit, then hit it. If I can sneak under the bar, especially as well as I stretched today, I will. Hmm.... a glass of milk sounds really good. I've been out of that for a bit. Oh, and it has to be cold. Ah, and medicine.
Dang it! My water pill isn't in. I order that a while ago. They keep doing this to me. Too late to call today. That is the last time I will use their automated order system. Two fails for two tries just isn't getting it. And then I'll have to call in and check a few days after. They are really messing up. Then again, after that one post, I believe it has become intentional. They don't seem to mind criticism, but mention their doctors and they get nasty. Good night, most likely.
.
The pack is a bitch. No, I didn't hike. I did put it on to carry it out though. The waist buckle is broken. I was going to go anyway, but when I got to the trail, the lot was pretty much full. Twelve, maybe fifteen vehicles. The path just isn't really geared for that many people. No fuss. I thought of it as being conscientious. Allowing the people there what little space they had. I can go "any time". Still, that I got that close... surprised me. The next time I am in town I will look for a replacement for the nylon belt clip. Might have to get both sides, never can tell if one set will work with another brand. Then again, they probably sell as a pair.
With that out of play, I headed to pick up my delivery. They didn't have it in their machine for some reason. The woman, after checking this and that, decided to look manually. Not a great hump, but. Anyway, she found it and tussled it out. I have the ac/dc refrigerator/freezer that I discussed the other day. It's in the back of the Xt'er for now. The next time I have some energy, I'll get it washed out and ready, then set it up. I want to run it for a few days in the vehicle, but I want to have the battery charger charged and ready, and in there as well. Even if it starts, in town the battery might just give out. If it does well that way, then I'll bring it in and plug it in on ac. Once I find a place to put it. The basement sounds nice, but... that's a lot of steps, both to take the thing down, and to go for a shot of cream or glass of milk. I'll figure it out.
Then on to pick up a razor, one of those atomic wall clocks, and some other stuff from Walmart. Hey, it works. It was sure warming up. I didn't see the readings while in town, but thought I saw something somewhere suggesting that it was 81. To me, that's a big jump in temp. Maybe I didn't notice, from not being out. Maybe it has been warming up and I just didn't know. I let Sam out and back in all hours of the day though. Still, not always aware? Warm. Hot actually. All good, I have to learn to live in this too. It'll burn more fat anyway, tighten muscles through the strain. Just as good as cold, if not my preference. Feelings, you know... gotta set those aside or you won't get anywhere.
Finally, grocery shopping. Man, I really miss fruits when I don't have them now. They really help with the rest of my diet. They just fill a hunger niche. Two weeks and I am addicted. Fruit is great for a desert, or as a snack, filling in a hunger or something missing. Cherries, oranges, bananas, and pears this week. Plus milk, cream, and some other odds and ends. And, yes, I remembered the meat. Bottom sirloin, I think, for the more regulation jerky. I had to buy ten pounds or he wouldn't have been able to cut it as I requested for that price. I think that was my first negotiation! Seriously, I don't think I have ever figured a deal before. I'd love to buy more, not sure though. I'll see how well ten pounds holds up. I am only probably going to get about two to three pounds of jerky. But that goes a long way. Some for snack, but lightly. It's very salty. Most of it will be for soup/stew. And pretty much only on the trail. I bought as much hamburger, negotiated the leanness/price as well. Some of that will be for another form of jerky, some of it will be for simple dehydrated hamburger, for things like spaghetti and sauce, or chili.
I'm pretty beat, but no migraine... not yet. I may just turn on the ac and fan in the bedroom, take a quick shower and air dry just a bit, then hit it. If I can sneak under the bar, especially as well as I stretched today, I will. Hmm.... a glass of milk sounds really good. I've been out of that for a bit. Oh, and it has to be cold. Ah, and medicine.
Dang it! My water pill isn't in. I order that a while ago. They keep doing this to me. Too late to call today. That is the last time I will use their automated order system. Two fails for two tries just isn't getting it. And then I'll have to call in and check a few days after. They are really messing up. Then again, after that one post, I believe it has become intentional. They don't seem to mind criticism, but mention their doctors and they get nasty. Good night, most likely.
Worked, so far.
.
.
A little food and then sleep. I can't be sure how long I slept because I can't remember when I went in. I woke somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00. I have too many clocks that are off, and in different ways. That's a project for soon. I don't mind having the alarm an half hour early, if it has slid to 20~24 minutes off. Most of my other clocks are supposed to be 15 minutes off, but they have slid to... something else. Most of my three wrist watches are about where most of my clocks are, except the one I am wearing I see... It's an hour off to boot. Then the main clock in the living room is an hour and an half, to two hours, slow. Can't get a fix on time. Sometimes because my brain isn't working, sometimes because every clock is off, not in an easy to figure way.
A shower, a bit of air drying, then I'll see. Definitely in to town to shop. But I might make it to the trail. I might even take the longer cut. I just don't know right at this moment. I did check the pack weight. With all, save the clothes I'll be wearing, and boots, it tips at just over 57 pounds. I'll go with that for today. Though I may pull some gear out, see where I can lighten, and I may leave one item at home right now. A long trip will also require more food, though the dehydrator will help there. From what I have seen, with the dehydrator and some other things, a two week supply of food should hit in at about 15 pounds. I am guessing, with a little bit of finagling, I should be able to clear that much weight. Though there are other items I would also be taking on a longer journey.
Yeah, a shower, some music, and I'll see if I can hit the trail. This time I have water right in the system. But this is about double the weight I took last time. I'm not, if I can get out, expecting to be able to do the full run. Who knows though, maybe. Probably just back to the two mile round trip. Not sure I'll be able to shop after, either. We'll see. Later.
--------
Showered and half dressed. It's my feet I like to let air dry... and hair. I will definitely be going into town. And, if nothing else, I will at least be loading my pack. I'll see when I get to the cutoff whether a hike is in the cards or not. Looking plausible. An half hour to dry, then I'll finish dressing, pack up, and head out.
Another food item I am considering getting in on is fermented vegetables. I am simply trying to learn as many old tech food preps as possible. Tinkering with this and that, new and old, to sort out what is doable, the process really, so that I might be able to use whatever is on hand to stretch and preserve. When life is lean, you have to learn to live as fat off the lean as possible. So... Not this month, or next, probably not until winter, but I plan on buying a couple of crocks. Yeah, sure, you can do it without those. And you will need something to transfer that into anyway, when it is done... Hmm... might look around for more quart and half gallon glass jars while I'm looking for a razor... if shopping, or that shopping, gets done today. It's on the list, anyway.
As I said, it's not all about fitness. That is just one small part of it, if a crucial one. Food, eating, fitness, skills... a mix of needs and abilities that will make me valuable to anyone who might be able to teach me what they know, perhaps tolerating my presents for periods of time. If you have no gold, become worth more than gold. Minor medical training and an ham license are still in need. For now, this. Later.
.
A little food and then sleep. I can't be sure how long I slept because I can't remember when I went in. I woke somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00. I have too many clocks that are off, and in different ways. That's a project for soon. I don't mind having the alarm an half hour early, if it has slid to 20~24 minutes off. Most of my other clocks are supposed to be 15 minutes off, but they have slid to... something else. Most of my three wrist watches are about where most of my clocks are, except the one I am wearing I see... It's an hour off to boot. Then the main clock in the living room is an hour and an half, to two hours, slow. Can't get a fix on time. Sometimes because my brain isn't working, sometimes because every clock is off, not in an easy to figure way.
A shower, a bit of air drying, then I'll see. Definitely in to town to shop. But I might make it to the trail. I might even take the longer cut. I just don't know right at this moment. I did check the pack weight. With all, save the clothes I'll be wearing, and boots, it tips at just over 57 pounds. I'll go with that for today. Though I may pull some gear out, see where I can lighten, and I may leave one item at home right now. A long trip will also require more food, though the dehydrator will help there. From what I have seen, with the dehydrator and some other things, a two week supply of food should hit in at about 15 pounds. I am guessing, with a little bit of finagling, I should be able to clear that much weight. Though there are other items I would also be taking on a longer journey.
Yeah, a shower, some music, and I'll see if I can hit the trail. This time I have water right in the system. But this is about double the weight I took last time. I'm not, if I can get out, expecting to be able to do the full run. Who knows though, maybe. Probably just back to the two mile round trip. Not sure I'll be able to shop after, either. We'll see. Later.
--------
Showered and half dressed. It's my feet I like to let air dry... and hair. I will definitely be going into town. And, if nothing else, I will at least be loading my pack. I'll see when I get to the cutoff whether a hike is in the cards or not. Looking plausible. An half hour to dry, then I'll finish dressing, pack up, and head out.
Another food item I am considering getting in on is fermented vegetables. I am simply trying to learn as many old tech food preps as possible. Tinkering with this and that, new and old, to sort out what is doable, the process really, so that I might be able to use whatever is on hand to stretch and preserve. When life is lean, you have to learn to live as fat off the lean as possible. So... Not this month, or next, probably not until winter, but I plan on buying a couple of crocks. Yeah, sure, you can do it without those. And you will need something to transfer that into anyway, when it is done... Hmm... might look around for more quart and half gallon glass jars while I'm looking for a razor... if shopping, or that shopping, gets done today. It's on the list, anyway.
As I said, it's not all about fitness. That is just one small part of it, if a crucial one. Food, eating, fitness, skills... a mix of needs and abilities that will make me valuable to anyone who might be able to teach me what they know, perhaps tolerating my presents for periods of time. If you have no gold, become worth more than gold. Minor medical training and an ham license are still in need. For now, this. Later.
Hmm? Planning.
.
.
A bite to eat. Hungry. One of those hungers that makes your innards hard and mean. Sort of like heartburn, but without the burn... some type of it anyway. As if my chest plate had been solidified. Hungry. I just hope food digests. Then again, after, I am hoping to sleep. A little nap, to see if that can allow me to sneak enough time in for a trip to town, maybe a hike. I don't know if I will be able to sleep. I don't know if that will keep the migraine that is most likely on it's way in check, or in check long enough. Just testing my cage... yanking on the chains. Not pulling hard enough to hurt myself, yet. That will come, but right now I want to see if there is an obvious weak link or spot. Then figure out how to take advantage of it, but on the quiet. Shhhh...
Feeling okay, other than hungry. Too good to sleep, so I'll have to work that if I can. Who knows though. Body is stiff from contractions and contortions from the migraines. It might go down easier than I think. Remember, a lot of pain at times is just right under my skin. Rest, sleep, is something my body craves in those times. Yeah, but food first. There is no way I could sleep while this hungry. I am really hoping to get out, to hike. I want to attempt to put up my hammock out there, just to take a break, and play camper. If need be, maybe a little nap... if I can find a place to set it up that is far enough off the track. Tricky out there, but may be possible. If Nothing else, at least shopping. Going a bit stir crazy. Oh, yeah, and fruit.
Gotta have some fruit. Plus, with the dehydrator coming, I might just buy a ten block of burger and maybe some lean inexpensive cuts of beef. I'm going with the marinade of worcestershire, soy or fish sauce (whichever I have), and maybe liquid smoke... I just don't trust pre-made mixes. Who really knows what's in them. Who even knows what's in condiments, but... Yeah... Marinade. Hmm... yeah... ought to pick up frozen fruits and veggies to try as well, and a couple bottles of unsweetened apple sauce.
Later.
.
A bite to eat. Hungry. One of those hungers that makes your innards hard and mean. Sort of like heartburn, but without the burn... some type of it anyway. As if my chest plate had been solidified. Hungry. I just hope food digests. Then again, after, I am hoping to sleep. A little nap, to see if that can allow me to sneak enough time in for a trip to town, maybe a hike. I don't know if I will be able to sleep. I don't know if that will keep the migraine that is most likely on it's way in check, or in check long enough. Just testing my cage... yanking on the chains. Not pulling hard enough to hurt myself, yet. That will come, but right now I want to see if there is an obvious weak link or spot. Then figure out how to take advantage of it, but on the quiet. Shhhh...
Feeling okay, other than hungry. Too good to sleep, so I'll have to work that if I can. Who knows though. Body is stiff from contractions and contortions from the migraines. It might go down easier than I think. Remember, a lot of pain at times is just right under my skin. Rest, sleep, is something my body craves in those times. Yeah, but food first. There is no way I could sleep while this hungry. I am really hoping to get out, to hike. I want to attempt to put up my hammock out there, just to take a break, and play camper. If need be, maybe a little nap... if I can find a place to set it up that is far enough off the track. Tricky out there, but may be possible. If Nothing else, at least shopping. Going a bit stir crazy. Oh, yeah, and fruit.
Gotta have some fruit. Plus, with the dehydrator coming, I might just buy a ten block of burger and maybe some lean inexpensive cuts of beef. I'm going with the marinade of worcestershire, soy or fish sauce (whichever I have), and maybe liquid smoke... I just don't trust pre-made mixes. Who really knows what's in them. Who even knows what's in condiments, but... Yeah... Marinade. Hmm... yeah... ought to pick up frozen fruits and veggies to try as well, and a couple bottles of unsweetened apple sauce.
Later.
Sometimes...
.
.
It is knowing that in sleep will be the suffering. Can't stop it, can't avoid it. Can stall, for a heavier price. Can know it. Just gotta deal with it.
.
It is knowing that in sleep will be the suffering. Can't stop it, can't avoid it. Can stall, for a heavier price. Can know it. Just gotta deal with it.
At least I know what to expect.
.
.
Another message out, before I went down. Don't wake. Brutal. I wasn't able to do anything yesterday, save stay awake until about 14:00 and change. I was hoping for a window. I even tried to make one. Don't even think of it, my body said. I tried a little bit more and got bit. Not too badly, just enough to know and back off. Until things relax, I am sort of stuck. Funny thing is, if you saw me on the street, you wouldn't know how much pain is right under the skin. I'm not even sweating. Not on the outside. Trap me in a conversation and you'll see the whites of my eyes as I pan for an escape route. Moving helps, if I have to be out. Too long and it will hurt a lot.
I've not gone through something like this before. Not in this kind of burst, at this frequency. It's new and disturbing. I have gone through other things, great pains, limits, and such. I have learned patience. I have learned to code my behavior around the problem, learn it's limits, and find paths if necessary. And, for my life or another, I can bear much. That I am still alive is all the proof I need of that. You can believe as you wish. Since I have no requirement of action, I will just juggle this problem, looking for weaknesses in it, and my own strengths, then figure it out. Or it will pass and I can get back to things.
I am nearly into days again. I would be if not for the migraines, probably. I can tinker, and do, if minimally. Tonight I am hoping to braid three 50 foot strands of 550 parachord into a solid ridgeline. I am also hoping to hit the dishes and put at least one load of laundry through the machine. But... that's it. As day breaks I will see about a trip to town. A minimal trip. Groceries and an item pick-up. Maybe a "free" meal, for the effort. Efforts... rewards... That works. For now I am just coming down off the migraine that arrived with consciousness. If I hold my "mind" tight, if I wrap the cords, keep focus centered, and limit imaginative jaunts or intellectual seekings to the mundane I can keep the pain contained and limited. It works, and the thing should be passing shortly. It's already lasted longer this morning than usual... if there isn't an exact pattern to any of it.
Later.
.
Another message out, before I went down. Don't wake. Brutal. I wasn't able to do anything yesterday, save stay awake until about 14:00 and change. I was hoping for a window. I even tried to make one. Don't even think of it, my body said. I tried a little bit more and got bit. Not too badly, just enough to know and back off. Until things relax, I am sort of stuck. Funny thing is, if you saw me on the street, you wouldn't know how much pain is right under the skin. I'm not even sweating. Not on the outside. Trap me in a conversation and you'll see the whites of my eyes as I pan for an escape route. Moving helps, if I have to be out. Too long and it will hurt a lot.
I've not gone through something like this before. Not in this kind of burst, at this frequency. It's new and disturbing. I have gone through other things, great pains, limits, and such. I have learned patience. I have learned to code my behavior around the problem, learn it's limits, and find paths if necessary. And, for my life or another, I can bear much. That I am still alive is all the proof I need of that. You can believe as you wish. Since I have no requirement of action, I will just juggle this problem, looking for weaknesses in it, and my own strengths, then figure it out. Or it will pass and I can get back to things.
I am nearly into days again. I would be if not for the migraines, probably. I can tinker, and do, if minimally. Tonight I am hoping to braid three 50 foot strands of 550 parachord into a solid ridgeline. I am also hoping to hit the dishes and put at least one load of laundry through the machine. But... that's it. As day breaks I will see about a trip to town. A minimal trip. Groceries and an item pick-up. Maybe a "free" meal, for the effort. Efforts... rewards... That works. For now I am just coming down off the migraine that arrived with consciousness. If I hold my "mind" tight, if I wrap the cords, keep focus centered, and limit imaginative jaunts or intellectual seekings to the mundane I can keep the pain contained and limited. It works, and the thing should be passing shortly. It's already lasted longer this morning than usual... if there isn't an exact pattern to any of it.
Later.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Bothers and troubles.
.
.
I honestly don't know what is wrong. A headache already this morning. Forming in the left forward part of my brain. A typical area. So far it isn't actually a migraine, but light is a bit off. I suspect it may get there. Which means I am not going to head out hiking today. However, I am going to attempt to ease through the morning and at least get shopping out of the way. I might be able to do that. Groceries... just milk, one carton of cream, fruit, brots, nothing fancy and not much. Hmm, though perhaps something for treats on the trail. I went ahead and ordered the dehydrator. I want to make my own jerky, even just hamburger jerky. Though some of the other stuff too. And experiment with a few things.
I wish I understood why the headaches and migraines. I am eating better than ever, taking medication like clockwork, vitals are good... very good, coffee consumption is unchanged, and I haven't quit tobacco yet. A few weeks and I will be done with tobacco. The world is heating up, I did push pretty hard there for a bit. Perhaps even falling down after that kind of push? Between my natural pain tolerance and otc painkillers, I can handle the pain... sometimes anyway. But not the rest of the problems. That nausea, vertigo sometimes, and sound and light sensitivity when they come with the package, are unbeatable in taking me out. Yesterday it was some weird form of nausea. Nausea mixed with some really weird internal problems, as if digestive fluid had leaked into my abdomen and was messing with things, along with a bit of vertigo... though if from what was going on internally or from the migraine I just wasn't sure. Nasty mess. Odd, it didn't affect anything further down the line, then or since.
If I keep having problems, I'll stay closer to home, mostly. I can figure out how to set up the various devices in the back yard, and get them rigged for a fast setup and tear-down. Right now, for now, much of my gear is just for weight in the pack, though a readiness weight. I have enough in there to set up and handle a night out, or more. But I would have to figure it all out on the fly. Doable. It's just better to have an idea of how things work, and even set things up for ease later on. Some knots only need to be tied once. Some arrangements can stay in place. I do believe, with some practice, I can have these various camping configurations up in five minutes or less, rain, shine, snow, wind, all being irrelevant. Though snow might change how I might work with guylines.
Yeah, well... we'll see. I am hoping to just hang on well enough to get the shopping run done. Then, the next time I go out, I can just concentrate on hiking. Windows of opportunity are becoming slim and harsh. I'll keep pushing along.
.
I honestly don't know what is wrong. A headache already this morning. Forming in the left forward part of my brain. A typical area. So far it isn't actually a migraine, but light is a bit off. I suspect it may get there. Which means I am not going to head out hiking today. However, I am going to attempt to ease through the morning and at least get shopping out of the way. I might be able to do that. Groceries... just milk, one carton of cream, fruit, brots, nothing fancy and not much. Hmm, though perhaps something for treats on the trail. I went ahead and ordered the dehydrator. I want to make my own jerky, even just hamburger jerky. Though some of the other stuff too. And experiment with a few things.
I wish I understood why the headaches and migraines. I am eating better than ever, taking medication like clockwork, vitals are good... very good, coffee consumption is unchanged, and I haven't quit tobacco yet. A few weeks and I will be done with tobacco. The world is heating up, I did push pretty hard there for a bit. Perhaps even falling down after that kind of push? Between my natural pain tolerance and otc painkillers, I can handle the pain... sometimes anyway. But not the rest of the problems. That nausea, vertigo sometimes, and sound and light sensitivity when they come with the package, are unbeatable in taking me out. Yesterday it was some weird form of nausea. Nausea mixed with some really weird internal problems, as if digestive fluid had leaked into my abdomen and was messing with things, along with a bit of vertigo... though if from what was going on internally or from the migraine I just wasn't sure. Nasty mess. Odd, it didn't affect anything further down the line, then or since.
If I keep having problems, I'll stay closer to home, mostly. I can figure out how to set up the various devices in the back yard, and get them rigged for a fast setup and tear-down. Right now, for now, much of my gear is just for weight in the pack, though a readiness weight. I have enough in there to set up and handle a night out, or more. But I would have to figure it all out on the fly. Doable. It's just better to have an idea of how things work, and even set things up for ease later on. Some knots only need to be tied once. Some arrangements can stay in place. I do believe, with some practice, I can have these various camping configurations up in five minutes or less, rain, shine, snow, wind, all being irrelevant. Though snow might change how I might work with guylines.
Yeah, well... we'll see. I am hoping to just hang on well enough to get the shopping run done. Then, the next time I go out, I can just concentrate on hiking. Windows of opportunity are becoming slim and harsh. I'll keep pushing along.
Whoa, Nelly.
.
.
I went down pretty hard. I was wondering if I had eaten something bad. Nothing seemed right. And while there was no pain, I could tell it was just under a thin skin, waiting to jump out at me. I think I made it to about 14:00 and change, but mostly because I finished a few things before crashing. I wasn't trying to stay up that late. I let out a message that I was ill and would be down, then hit it. Hard. Brick wall sort of hard. Thankfully my body saw the wisdom of sleep and I was out pretty fast, all things considered. I woke at about 1:00, with the very tip of a migraine ice berg. The pain was gone before I had taken a few steps into the kitchen, a minor stroll from the bedroom. Mostly. Stilling blinking shards of it from time to time, but 99% gone.
A small pizza had been left for dinner. It just needed to be cooked. So, I did that, set coffee, and... some other stuff? I fiddle, a lot, anymore. Little things, between this and that. Oh, you probably do that often. It's a new gig for me. I actually have enough energy to tinker, at least more often. It used to irritate me, when people did that. Still does, but now I understand WHY people do it. Unspent energy, tasks to be done, not wanting to waste time, things like that. It helps keep my motor running, helps to start it up, and then to shut it down, and is good when I am too low on 'fuel' to do anything big. Which has been often lately. Still... tootling will get things done... the little things.
Today? I don't know. Coffee, shortly. A meal down. I'm still feeling a bit messy on the inside. I really pushed over some line. The hope is to go hiking, though I am not sure that is doable. Geared to go, though, whenever. If I can get a nap in around 4:00~5:00, and wake easily, that might set me up for a hike. If I can't do that, and am not ready for it, I might still make a shopping trip to town. Just to get out, going, resupply, pick up an order, and have a free shot at hiking when that does come around. I do need to start my hike earlier, while it is still cool enough. In that area, when it gets hot it stays hot until when the sun begins going down. I'd bet the canyon is just like the city... only a few degrees cooler due to altitude, but that isn't enough.
Well... I'll figure things out as I wake. Later.
.
I went down pretty hard. I was wondering if I had eaten something bad. Nothing seemed right. And while there was no pain, I could tell it was just under a thin skin, waiting to jump out at me. I think I made it to about 14:00 and change, but mostly because I finished a few things before crashing. I wasn't trying to stay up that late. I let out a message that I was ill and would be down, then hit it. Hard. Brick wall sort of hard. Thankfully my body saw the wisdom of sleep and I was out pretty fast, all things considered. I woke at about 1:00, with the very tip of a migraine ice berg. The pain was gone before I had taken a few steps into the kitchen, a minor stroll from the bedroom. Mostly. Stilling blinking shards of it from time to time, but 99% gone.
A small pizza had been left for dinner. It just needed to be cooked. So, I did that, set coffee, and... some other stuff? I fiddle, a lot, anymore. Little things, between this and that. Oh, you probably do that often. It's a new gig for me. I actually have enough energy to tinker, at least more often. It used to irritate me, when people did that. Still does, but now I understand WHY people do it. Unspent energy, tasks to be done, not wanting to waste time, things like that. It helps keep my motor running, helps to start it up, and then to shut it down, and is good when I am too low on 'fuel' to do anything big. Which has been often lately. Still... tootling will get things done... the little things.
Today? I don't know. Coffee, shortly. A meal down. I'm still feeling a bit messy on the inside. I really pushed over some line. The hope is to go hiking, though I am not sure that is doable. Geared to go, though, whenever. If I can get a nap in around 4:00~5:00, and wake easily, that might set me up for a hike. If I can't do that, and am not ready for it, I might still make a shopping trip to town. Just to get out, going, resupply, pick up an order, and have a free shot at hiking when that does come around. I do need to start my hike earlier, while it is still cool enough. In that area, when it gets hot it stays hot until when the sun begins going down. I'd bet the canyon is just like the city... only a few degrees cooler due to altitude, but that isn't enough.
Well... I'll figure things out as I wake. Later.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Did what I could.
.
.
The painkillers did beat the pain. I got to the post office and picked up... eight or nine packages. And a bunch of mail. It's been a while. Yes, the hammock was in. So... I reorganized my pack, to accommodate the things I had needed to put in, and the hammock. Then I remembered the water bladder. So, I filled that and... nope. It simply wouldn't fit. It fit the pack, but the drink tube wouldn't go through the hole for it. Hmm... did I mention it was full of water? If I used tap, that wouldn't be a problem, but when using r.o. water, I try to be careful. It's costlier, in several ways.
I worked on that for a good fifteen minutes. Fearing I would break something, wondering if I was doing it wrong, I hopped on the web to look. Youtube had nothing, not that I saw. Several query types, no answer. A few eliminations, still nothing. So I just went to the regular old regular. Even then it took a bit. A forum, somewhere... someone with my same situation... Run hot water on it, then pull the hose from the fitting? Hmm, so, I did. Yeah, it worked. But a lot of work.
While the pain is limited, non-existent really, light sensitivity, nausea, and a bit of feverishness exists and got worse. I tried to outrun or dodge, and really did, some of it. Actually most of it, for a while. In the end I just ran out of time. On the good side, I did a huge work pushing against it. I battled it quite well. Further, I set up my gear. It will be ready when I am... fully. I need to weight my gear again, now that it is complete. Mostly complete... a few more mre's, I think. I want it packed for a legit two day run. Two mre meals is not two days of food. Four would be sufficient, whole packs. I am not aiming, on the trail, to eat three squares, or even to eat what I am burning, only to eat enough to continue. Though two full mre's offer enough for even that, I doubt if I will eat two a day... one and an half max. Though I do need to add treats. For right now, a bit of bought jerky, something crunchy, and maybe a fruit... when I get back to the store. Gotta be non-sweet, mostly.
Anyway, I am crumbling. It's probably a good thing I didn't get out. If I can, I'll get out tomorrow, but earlier... much earlier. Bedtime. Better eat, something, then go to bed.
.
The painkillers did beat the pain. I got to the post office and picked up... eight or nine packages. And a bunch of mail. It's been a while. Yes, the hammock was in. So... I reorganized my pack, to accommodate the things I had needed to put in, and the hammock. Then I remembered the water bladder. So, I filled that and... nope. It simply wouldn't fit. It fit the pack, but the drink tube wouldn't go through the hole for it. Hmm... did I mention it was full of water? If I used tap, that wouldn't be a problem, but when using r.o. water, I try to be careful. It's costlier, in several ways.
I worked on that for a good fifteen minutes. Fearing I would break something, wondering if I was doing it wrong, I hopped on the web to look. Youtube had nothing, not that I saw. Several query types, no answer. A few eliminations, still nothing. So I just went to the regular old regular. Even then it took a bit. A forum, somewhere... someone with my same situation... Run hot water on it, then pull the hose from the fitting? Hmm, so, I did. Yeah, it worked. But a lot of work.
While the pain is limited, non-existent really, light sensitivity, nausea, and a bit of feverishness exists and got worse. I tried to outrun or dodge, and really did, some of it. Actually most of it, for a while. In the end I just ran out of time. On the good side, I did a huge work pushing against it. I battled it quite well. Further, I set up my gear. It will be ready when I am... fully. I need to weight my gear again, now that it is complete. Mostly complete... a few more mre's, I think. I want it packed for a legit two day run. Two mre meals is not two days of food. Four would be sufficient, whole packs. I am not aiming, on the trail, to eat three squares, or even to eat what I am burning, only to eat enough to continue. Though two full mre's offer enough for even that, I doubt if I will eat two a day... one and an half max. Though I do need to add treats. For right now, a bit of bought jerky, something crunchy, and maybe a fruit... when I get back to the store. Gotta be non-sweet, mostly.
Anyway, I am crumbling. It's probably a good thing I didn't get out. If I can, I'll get out tomorrow, but earlier... much earlier. Bedtime. Better eat, something, then go to bed.
Damn.
.
.
I got the shower in. As soon as I finished, as I was drying off, it hit. A migraine. It is milder, verging on a simple serious headache. Some of the side conditions are coming. Just to see how bad and how fast, I gathered trash. I won't bother taking it all to the curb, probably, but I have gathered it and will at least take it out. What time? I thought it must be hitting on noon. Then I reset the sleeping pad on my pack. Yeah, I had some cords. Now, though, I have an empty "rocket pack" on one side. Oh well. After all that tinkering, and worrying about the time, I checked... 10:30. Now to think.
I decided. Just have to... take a handful of anicin, fresh bottle!, and hit it anyway. I may or may not do any shopping. I will stop at the post, and at a store where an order is in. I don't know if the migraine will keep me from doing the whole length, though just the added weight of the bigger pack might have anyway. Yeah, I'll go. I'll get a lunch out as well, or dinner. I have no idea how long that will take me. A while. And, if I can, I will do some grocery shopping. Everything is up in the air, and I can't think through it all right now. Gotta hold my brain together so it doesn't hurt.
I did wear a layer and then thin wool sock this time. That's a bit of a hike. That's a decent amount of weight. And I'll still be adding water and a usual trinket. Five more pounds, at least. I'll be putting the hammock in, if it has arrived... so another fiver... with gear for it. We'll see. With my stats as good as they are, and having done lesser and fairly recently, I'm... okay... even to testing the migraine. Besides, if I happen to die? Your problem! *grins*
Later.
.
I got the shower in. As soon as I finished, as I was drying off, it hit. A migraine. It is milder, verging on a simple serious headache. Some of the side conditions are coming. Just to see how bad and how fast, I gathered trash. I won't bother taking it all to the curb, probably, but I have gathered it and will at least take it out. What time? I thought it must be hitting on noon. Then I reset the sleeping pad on my pack. Yeah, I had some cords. Now, though, I have an empty "rocket pack" on one side. Oh well. After all that tinkering, and worrying about the time, I checked... 10:30. Now to think.
I decided. Just have to... take a handful of anicin, fresh bottle!, and hit it anyway. I may or may not do any shopping. I will stop at the post, and at a store where an order is in. I don't know if the migraine will keep me from doing the whole length, though just the added weight of the bigger pack might have anyway. Yeah, I'll go. I'll get a lunch out as well, or dinner. I have no idea how long that will take me. A while. And, if I can, I will do some grocery shopping. Everything is up in the air, and I can't think through it all right now. Gotta hold my brain together so it doesn't hurt.
I did wear a layer and then thin wool sock this time. That's a bit of a hike. That's a decent amount of weight. And I'll still be adding water and a usual trinket. Five more pounds, at least. I'll be putting the hammock in, if it has arrived... so another fiver... with gear for it. We'll see. With my stats as good as they are, and having done lesser and fairly recently, I'm... okay... even to testing the migraine. Besides, if I happen to die? Your problem! *grins*
Later.
I think I have it.
.
.
Water, fire, food, shelter, small first aid kit, some overlap. There are still a few things missing, a few things I may be adding beyond what is missing that I haven't figured out yet, but... yeah. I have kit. Further, I have the kit loaded. I won't say it is perfect. Then again, it may never BE perfect. That, I think, in an odd, almost human way, is... why people do things. Me? Well, after looking around a bit, I saw the reason to it. Seeking perfection doesn't stop with church. It probably didn't start with church. It began, as younglings, when we tried to do something and couldn't. It might have been shoe laces. First, couldn't tie them. Hated having someone else do that so we got busy. Then couldn't keep them tied! Never ending. Probably started even before that, just trying to put the food in our mouths like everyone else... or use it to paint out of frustration? Yeah.
The bag is huge. All told, there is 7,100 cubic inches, I do believe. I don't have that completely full, but it isn't done and there are some things I yet need to arrange better. I have straps, for example, so need to empty one of the "rocket packs" on the side of the pack of the sleep pad, strap the sleep pad to the back of the pack, and probably put the cooking gear on that side... or food... or... something else. And I am not sure how well balanced it is. Can't really tell, so maybe it is good. Perhaps, on the trail or when I return, I will learn differently and reorganize there or here. As well as I have things set, a bit of shuffling shouldn't be a problem. Even right on the path. Oh, but I would like to get a ground cover sheet, maybe two tarps for that and other things, in. I'll pick them up today while shopping.
Okay, even not being completely full, this pack looks massive! I am big, but it looks big. It's black and it still looks extremely large and full. I was quite worried about weight. Now, water still has to go in. I'll move the bladder into it's pouch, after filling it. And I'll bring an empty canteen to fill along the way. The canteen will be my cooking water. Steel, with a bottom cup and a lid for that should I want to heat it. Still, that is pretty much a normal addition. Anyway, I worked the thing over to put it on the scale. Just at 43 pounds!?! I have been carrying 30 pounds, plus two canteens and a few other things. Much of which I won't need, since the pack has that and more. I thought it would be a lot more. All good. Still, that is a bit more to be swinging around on my back as I lumber along the path. We'll see. Yeah, I'm going in heavy today.
First I need to shower. I've eaten, and taken medicine. Then I need to get the trash out. Finally a trip to the post office to pick up... a bunch of packages. Then to town. Hiking first, then shopping, if I can. I did call my mother. After two failures to connect on my side and one on hers, I got through. She is working four days a week now, partial days. So, for me, it seems difficult to reach her. Especially since on the weekends she tends to stay busy. It's good. I'd rather have to hit and miss than to have her just sitting. She took a herd of kids fishing this weekend, nine of them. She doesn't know her age. But, that's good too. It's not all that important, less so for most things than some things anyway.
I best get to it. A shower, then a little air dry time, then out. I'll do what I can on the path. Two miles? Seven and change? I just don't know. I'd sure like to put seven down though. A major ego boost for a ghost! Later.
.
Water, fire, food, shelter, small first aid kit, some overlap. There are still a few things missing, a few things I may be adding beyond what is missing that I haven't figured out yet, but... yeah. I have kit. Further, I have the kit loaded. I won't say it is perfect. Then again, it may never BE perfect. That, I think, in an odd, almost human way, is... why people do things. Me? Well, after looking around a bit, I saw the reason to it. Seeking perfection doesn't stop with church. It probably didn't start with church. It began, as younglings, when we tried to do something and couldn't. It might have been shoe laces. First, couldn't tie them. Hated having someone else do that so we got busy. Then couldn't keep them tied! Never ending. Probably started even before that, just trying to put the food in our mouths like everyone else... or use it to paint out of frustration? Yeah.
The bag is huge. All told, there is 7,100 cubic inches, I do believe. I don't have that completely full, but it isn't done and there are some things I yet need to arrange better. I have straps, for example, so need to empty one of the "rocket packs" on the side of the pack of the sleep pad, strap the sleep pad to the back of the pack, and probably put the cooking gear on that side... or food... or... something else. And I am not sure how well balanced it is. Can't really tell, so maybe it is good. Perhaps, on the trail or when I return, I will learn differently and reorganize there or here. As well as I have things set, a bit of shuffling shouldn't be a problem. Even right on the path. Oh, but I would like to get a ground cover sheet, maybe two tarps for that and other things, in. I'll pick them up today while shopping.
Okay, even not being completely full, this pack looks massive! I am big, but it looks big. It's black and it still looks extremely large and full. I was quite worried about weight. Now, water still has to go in. I'll move the bladder into it's pouch, after filling it. And I'll bring an empty canteen to fill along the way. The canteen will be my cooking water. Steel, with a bottom cup and a lid for that should I want to heat it. Still, that is pretty much a normal addition. Anyway, I worked the thing over to put it on the scale. Just at 43 pounds!?! I have been carrying 30 pounds, plus two canteens and a few other things. Much of which I won't need, since the pack has that and more. I thought it would be a lot more. All good. Still, that is a bit more to be swinging around on my back as I lumber along the path. We'll see. Yeah, I'm going in heavy today.
First I need to shower. I've eaten, and taken medicine. Then I need to get the trash out. Finally a trip to the post office to pick up... a bunch of packages. Then to town. Hiking first, then shopping, if I can. I did call my mother. After two failures to connect on my side and one on hers, I got through. She is working four days a week now, partial days. So, for me, it seems difficult to reach her. Especially since on the weekends she tends to stay busy. It's good. I'd rather have to hit and miss than to have her just sitting. She took a herd of kids fishing this weekend, nine of them. She doesn't know her age. But, that's good too. It's not all that important, less so for most things than some things anyway.
I best get to it. A shower, then a little air dry time, then out. I'll do what I can on the path. Two miles? Seven and change? I just don't know. I'd sure like to put seven down though. A major ego boost for a ghost! Later.
Getting ready.
.
.
With both packs open, empty, and my gear ready... mostly... I decided to pack a full readiness pack. The goal, really, is to have two days worth of needs, at full speed. Water, fire, food, gear, clothing, plus backup and minor redundancy. It seems so easy, as a notion. The practical is something different. What do you really need and want for two days? Now, what of that will fit in a pack you can carry? More, where are you going? If in a desert, or where there is no easy potable water source, water will take up both a lot of space and your weight limit. I could do two days, as is, on two gallons of water. I would prefer three gallons, I could get by with a gallon and an half. Where I will be going, I can gather water on the way. A canteen and a larger bladder to start out, which I need to utilize. Drink every fifteen minutes, really. Just a sip. Altitude and the arid nature hereabouts, plus the effort. And, yes, I do.
Some things are easy to pack. Clothing is easy. For two days, I do want several shirts, several underwear, several socks, and extra pair of pants and a pair of shorts. As much of that synthetic, silk, or wool as possible. Synthetic shirts and shorts, and even wool, wash and dry fairly quickly. Still, a cotton shirt is fine for around camp. I can keep it dry, for now. Plus rain gear... a pancho, and even rain pants if it hits really hard. Very easy. I have too much, to be honest. It's really what I might take for even a four to ten day trek, since most of it is easily washed and dries overnight. One drybag for clean, another compacted in there for diry, clothes. That allows me to keep one set of clothes clean for when I come out of the bush. My first submarine shift taught me that, then burn events reminded me. Actually, on sub duty, I kept two sets of civvies clean, pressed, and in an airtight.
Food, fire, water and water treatment are easy, since I know where I am going and what to expect. I pretty much keep my cooking kit together, with most of my fire starting gear in that. I also have a secondary pack of fire starting gear separately, and in a place that is easier to retrieve. Food is not my first plan. A fire may be. And yet, this will always vary. Food has to vary, as it is eaten, at least to a degree. Water will vary. More or less depending on location. But there is a baseline. And the filter will go with in any situation, unless I am doing just a several hour hike on a path I absolutely know. I am looking forward to the dehydrator to open food options.
As to the rest? Well... even with the above, I am having to consider how, and where, to pack some items. What is needed, or could be needed, quickly? What, order do I need or want items? What might be required right on the trail, during the hike? Wet weather gear needs to be handy, water too one way or another, a few items for shelter if absolutely needed, snacks would be good, eventually a map and compass will be necessary. The pack I have is excellent for keeping a pretty solid variety of items at very easy readiness. But the pack is... well... stupid. It has easy access spots, I just have to figure out how to use them.
It isn't even as easy as that. Even if I don't need the stove ready, do I really want that in with the rest of the gear? Just how much of a pounding can it take? What about the fuel bottle(s), will they spill? So, even if I know what I want available, is that easy to keep at the ready, with what else that is fragile and needs to be separate? Oh... I'll figure it out. Some of it on the minor trail I am using, some of it just playing in the back yard, some of it from watching vids, reading, and speaking with other campers and hikers.
I have the tent, bag, a few adds for those, clothes, and weather gear sorted. Now I have to figure out food, water, and sundry. I am about half way through packing, as I see it. More like 70 to 80 percent by volume, but what remains will need tedious care and considered attention. Still, I am enjoying the process. And, in time, I will have it down to an art. Perhaps creating a list, cutting the list up by pack area, accounting for variables such as weather, season, water availability, and possibly altitude. Hmm... I'd like to have another minor pack arrangement.
The idea, or my notion, is to pack in like I am moving in... find a main camp and set that up... then explore around it with just a day pack, in as many directions as possible, with enough gear that I could overnight away from the main camp if all else failed. Spend three or four days in an area, learning what I can, then moving on. I am not even sure where, around here, that is completely possible. Don't want to trespass, don't want to be on official park grounds, looking more for simple public lands. Not even sure who to ask about it, perhaps rangers... if there is some distrust there. Not that you can trust a dusty trail tramp either. While I lack full trust in rangers, I am not... hmm... antagonistic either. Not bitter, just not fully trusting. I hold both sides at a bit of a distance. I'll figure it out.
I just wish I could get it all together, so as to weigh it all. Too much and I might back some things off. If really wanted/needed (as I see things), I might have to look for lighter options. Just sharing some outdoorsy thoughts, thinking things through, and... mind mapping. Later.
.
With both packs open, empty, and my gear ready... mostly... I decided to pack a full readiness pack. The goal, really, is to have two days worth of needs, at full speed. Water, fire, food, gear, clothing, plus backup and minor redundancy. It seems so easy, as a notion. The practical is something different. What do you really need and want for two days? Now, what of that will fit in a pack you can carry? More, where are you going? If in a desert, or where there is no easy potable water source, water will take up both a lot of space and your weight limit. I could do two days, as is, on two gallons of water. I would prefer three gallons, I could get by with a gallon and an half. Where I will be going, I can gather water on the way. A canteen and a larger bladder to start out, which I need to utilize. Drink every fifteen minutes, really. Just a sip. Altitude and the arid nature hereabouts, plus the effort. And, yes, I do.
Some things are easy to pack. Clothing is easy. For two days, I do want several shirts, several underwear, several socks, and extra pair of pants and a pair of shorts. As much of that synthetic, silk, or wool as possible. Synthetic shirts and shorts, and even wool, wash and dry fairly quickly. Still, a cotton shirt is fine for around camp. I can keep it dry, for now. Plus rain gear... a pancho, and even rain pants if it hits really hard. Very easy. I have too much, to be honest. It's really what I might take for even a four to ten day trek, since most of it is easily washed and dries overnight. One drybag for clean, another compacted in there for diry, clothes. That allows me to keep one set of clothes clean for when I come out of the bush. My first submarine shift taught me that, then burn events reminded me. Actually, on sub duty, I kept two sets of civvies clean, pressed, and in an airtight.
Food, fire, water and water treatment are easy, since I know where I am going and what to expect. I pretty much keep my cooking kit together, with most of my fire starting gear in that. I also have a secondary pack of fire starting gear separately, and in a place that is easier to retrieve. Food is not my first plan. A fire may be. And yet, this will always vary. Food has to vary, as it is eaten, at least to a degree. Water will vary. More or less depending on location. But there is a baseline. And the filter will go with in any situation, unless I am doing just a several hour hike on a path I absolutely know. I am looking forward to the dehydrator to open food options.
As to the rest? Well... even with the above, I am having to consider how, and where, to pack some items. What is needed, or could be needed, quickly? What, order do I need or want items? What might be required right on the trail, during the hike? Wet weather gear needs to be handy, water too one way or another, a few items for shelter if absolutely needed, snacks would be good, eventually a map and compass will be necessary. The pack I have is excellent for keeping a pretty solid variety of items at very easy readiness. But the pack is... well... stupid. It has easy access spots, I just have to figure out how to use them.
It isn't even as easy as that. Even if I don't need the stove ready, do I really want that in with the rest of the gear? Just how much of a pounding can it take? What about the fuel bottle(s), will they spill? So, even if I know what I want available, is that easy to keep at the ready, with what else that is fragile and needs to be separate? Oh... I'll figure it out. Some of it on the minor trail I am using, some of it just playing in the back yard, some of it from watching vids, reading, and speaking with other campers and hikers.
I have the tent, bag, a few adds for those, clothes, and weather gear sorted. Now I have to figure out food, water, and sundry. I am about half way through packing, as I see it. More like 70 to 80 percent by volume, but what remains will need tedious care and considered attention. Still, I am enjoying the process. And, in time, I will have it down to an art. Perhaps creating a list, cutting the list up by pack area, accounting for variables such as weather, season, water availability, and possibly altitude. Hmm... I'd like to have another minor pack arrangement.
The idea, or my notion, is to pack in like I am moving in... find a main camp and set that up... then explore around it with just a day pack, in as many directions as possible, with enough gear that I could overnight away from the main camp if all else failed. Spend three or four days in an area, learning what I can, then moving on. I am not even sure where, around here, that is completely possible. Don't want to trespass, don't want to be on official park grounds, looking more for simple public lands. Not even sure who to ask about it, perhaps rangers... if there is some distrust there. Not that you can trust a dusty trail tramp either. While I lack full trust in rangers, I am not... hmm... antagonistic either. Not bitter, just not fully trusting. I hold both sides at a bit of a distance. I'll figure it out.
I just wish I could get it all together, so as to weigh it all. Too much and I might back some things off. If really wanted/needed (as I see things), I might have to look for lighter options. Just sharing some outdoorsy thoughts, thinking things through, and... mind mapping. Later.
Perhaps.
.
.
I was up until 13:00, perhaps 14:00. So I am swinging back over into days. Can I keep it? One thing at a time. First I have to actually get there. My schedule is rather weak until it sort of gets there, then settles. It could just keep on kicking around, there might still be some odd bounce to it even if it does eventually settle. It is difficult to know. Right now. It may depend on weather becoming more static. It's just how that works. That I sleep, usually, eight hours a day... and can go weeks, sometimes months, on a regulated schedule, is a major success. Anything more is probably going to require even better health. Now, that might be on the way but it isn't something that will happen overnight. Healing slowly, while you age, is a tricky thing on top of it. Some like aged cheddar (not so much me, mind you). But old cheese is more fragile.
Dinner arrived. I thought I would be able to get up and eat. And while, after a bit, I did hear, and then was able to wake for it, I also woke with a medium migraine. So, until my schedule is a bit better, I believe I will call dinners off. I couldn't eat. Well... I snuck a bite. Good, but... I was in no condition to eat.
I am hoping to get out today. Shopping, a meal out, and perhaps a bit of looking for heavier wood for shelving in the bathroom. Since I don't have a planer or such, I need to find a source that will work the wood, if necessary. I doubt if I can get more than, say, 4x12's, perhaps only 2x12's. While I want 4" wood (if it probably won't be actually 4", and certainly not after planing), 2" might be good enough, is a negotiation point, and would be easier to work with and install, I do need at least 20" total width/depth, depending on how you term that, for the sink to sit on... 22" would be better. At least for the top shelf. The bottom shelf I would prefer a bit shy of that, two to four inches less. Allowing for more open floor space, perhaps a curtain to cover the shelf, or something else... even just space and shade, for the towel and sundry shelf below.
But, first, hiking. The full run, with a solid pack. The tent is in, and the tarp. I have a small sleeping bag, if not a preferred bag it will do for a pack item. I went through my packs last night, emptying them, finding some items I want, and I'll be repacking the bigger pack today (shortly... my morning/day, while you sleep). It gets a bit confusing sometimes, I like to try to keep it straight. Sort of like if you are falling through space... even if there isn't an up or down, literally... picking a direction so one isn't spinning, then going from there is preferable to having no system at all.
I have a minor list of what I want to take. Enough for two nights out, and a little extra, just in case. A bit of food, water management and containment, fire starter goods, a few cutting tools, cordage, sleeping and cover for that. I have heat bags, so mre's will work for now... should I get out and not wish to come back... or not be able to do the run back. Though, even at a 7.4 mile hike, I shouldn't have any trouble, eventually, making the run in one day. When the hammock arrives, it might be fun to set that up somewhere, just for a break from the hike and to experiment. I'll just be using the bivy as weight in the pack for now, perhaps as an emergency thing. Finding flat ground on this path would be a trick. Just getting far enough off the path would be a trick.
I am hoping, when the last of the gear is in, to begin practicing putting it up in the back yard, checking various configurations, even sleeping out back in various weather to see just how to do things, before I try out there, after a long hike, perhaps as it is getting dark, and all. You can really simplify the process with a little experience and some fussing. I want to be able to set up a covered camp in five minutes or less... start to stop, then get that down to an art. Then do it when I am tired... after a day of shopping and working or exercising, until it is perfected more. I won't wait on that, just something to do through time.
Now to wake up more fully, take a shower and bath, do some dishes, then get the bigger pack ready. Later.
.
I was up until 13:00, perhaps 14:00. So I am swinging back over into days. Can I keep it? One thing at a time. First I have to actually get there. My schedule is rather weak until it sort of gets there, then settles. It could just keep on kicking around, there might still be some odd bounce to it even if it does eventually settle. It is difficult to know. Right now. It may depend on weather becoming more static. It's just how that works. That I sleep, usually, eight hours a day... and can go weeks, sometimes months, on a regulated schedule, is a major success. Anything more is probably going to require even better health. Now, that might be on the way but it isn't something that will happen overnight. Healing slowly, while you age, is a tricky thing on top of it. Some like aged cheddar (not so much me, mind you). But old cheese is more fragile.
Dinner arrived. I thought I would be able to get up and eat. And while, after a bit, I did hear, and then was able to wake for it, I also woke with a medium migraine. So, until my schedule is a bit better, I believe I will call dinners off. I couldn't eat. Well... I snuck a bite. Good, but... I was in no condition to eat.
I am hoping to get out today. Shopping, a meal out, and perhaps a bit of looking for heavier wood for shelving in the bathroom. Since I don't have a planer or such, I need to find a source that will work the wood, if necessary. I doubt if I can get more than, say, 4x12's, perhaps only 2x12's. While I want 4" wood (if it probably won't be actually 4", and certainly not after planing), 2" might be good enough, is a negotiation point, and would be easier to work with and install, I do need at least 20" total width/depth, depending on how you term that, for the sink to sit on... 22" would be better. At least for the top shelf. The bottom shelf I would prefer a bit shy of that, two to four inches less. Allowing for more open floor space, perhaps a curtain to cover the shelf, or something else... even just space and shade, for the towel and sundry shelf below.
But, first, hiking. The full run, with a solid pack. The tent is in, and the tarp. I have a small sleeping bag, if not a preferred bag it will do for a pack item. I went through my packs last night, emptying them, finding some items I want, and I'll be repacking the bigger pack today (shortly... my morning/day, while you sleep). It gets a bit confusing sometimes, I like to try to keep it straight. Sort of like if you are falling through space... even if there isn't an up or down, literally... picking a direction so one isn't spinning, then going from there is preferable to having no system at all.
I have a minor list of what I want to take. Enough for two nights out, and a little extra, just in case. A bit of food, water management and containment, fire starter goods, a few cutting tools, cordage, sleeping and cover for that. I have heat bags, so mre's will work for now... should I get out and not wish to come back... or not be able to do the run back. Though, even at a 7.4 mile hike, I shouldn't have any trouble, eventually, making the run in one day. When the hammock arrives, it might be fun to set that up somewhere, just for a break from the hike and to experiment. I'll just be using the bivy as weight in the pack for now, perhaps as an emergency thing. Finding flat ground on this path would be a trick. Just getting far enough off the path would be a trick.
I am hoping, when the last of the gear is in, to begin practicing putting it up in the back yard, checking various configurations, even sleeping out back in various weather to see just how to do things, before I try out there, after a long hike, perhaps as it is getting dark, and all. You can really simplify the process with a little experience and some fussing. I want to be able to set up a covered camp in five minutes or less... start to stop, then get that down to an art. Then do it when I am tired... after a day of shopping and working or exercising, until it is perfected more. I won't wait on that, just something to do through time.
Now to wake up more fully, take a shower and bath, do some dishes, then get the bigger pack ready. Later.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Almost funny.
.
.
Doing well enough, if not doing much. Food, medicine, tending the girls. Not much else. I am considering trying to make a call. We'll see. I have to sprouts in the sun. On the third day, they say. Greens them up. Not sure, as I said, that bean sprouts gain anything from it. The alfalfa does. Not sure if greening is a good or bad thing, the way I see things. Might have to experiment, do some reading, figure it out.
Still, I was almost about to shower and get the pack ready for a hike. Not on Sunday, as a general rule. If I have been down a very long time, I might try to push some work through. But not other things, so much. Yeah, I have probably erred on that. Though often when I wasn't in a condition to know one day from another, not on a truly conscious level. Even when it seems like I'm firing on all eight... looks can be deceiving. Had to chuckle though. Tomorrow.
No headache so far. I am hoping to get further into the day, too. I have to get out for groceries, to pick up some items from the post and a store, so I might as well hit the trail. I'm honestly excited to attempt the full run with the pack, and then if that goes well, to pack and use the bigger pack next time. I'm not even going to weigh it, just pack what I currently consider a two to three day gear and food set. That is, if I can do the full run with the smaller pack. I will probably be moving the thirty pound pack weight up to fifty to seventy. I might not get the full distance the first time I use it. I would like to work up to eighty to a hundred pounds, maybe even push that in time. Good for the legs. Just those three hikes I have done so far, plus the other stuff, has tweaked leg to butt. A very good thing. I'm amazed how much just a few months, of this and that, have shaped and strengthened. Hmm... better use the best hiking boots for the heavier weight though. Might even have to consider even heavier boots still.
The sun is out, but it seem pretty cool. As things work out here, that cool, if the weather clears and stays clear, can turn harshly hot in a hurry. I hope tomorrow isn't too bad. Getting out early would help, a bit. At least for now. I can hope that I can acclimatize to heat, though that is particularly difficult with a steep shift. I'll... do what I can. Later.
.
Doing well enough, if not doing much. Food, medicine, tending the girls. Not much else. I am considering trying to make a call. We'll see. I have to sprouts in the sun. On the third day, they say. Greens them up. Not sure, as I said, that bean sprouts gain anything from it. The alfalfa does. Not sure if greening is a good or bad thing, the way I see things. Might have to experiment, do some reading, figure it out.
Still, I was almost about to shower and get the pack ready for a hike. Not on Sunday, as a general rule. If I have been down a very long time, I might try to push some work through. But not other things, so much. Yeah, I have probably erred on that. Though often when I wasn't in a condition to know one day from another, not on a truly conscious level. Even when it seems like I'm firing on all eight... looks can be deceiving. Had to chuckle though. Tomorrow.
No headache so far. I am hoping to get further into the day, too. I have to get out for groceries, to pick up some items from the post and a store, so I might as well hit the trail. I'm honestly excited to attempt the full run with the pack, and then if that goes well, to pack and use the bigger pack next time. I'm not even going to weigh it, just pack what I currently consider a two to three day gear and food set. That is, if I can do the full run with the smaller pack. I will probably be moving the thirty pound pack weight up to fifty to seventy. I might not get the full distance the first time I use it. I would like to work up to eighty to a hundred pounds, maybe even push that in time. Good for the legs. Just those three hikes I have done so far, plus the other stuff, has tweaked leg to butt. A very good thing. I'm amazed how much just a few months, of this and that, have shaped and strengthened. Hmm... better use the best hiking boots for the heavier weight though. Might even have to consider even heavier boots still.
The sun is out, but it seem pretty cool. As things work out here, that cool, if the weather clears and stays clear, can turn harshly hot in a hurry. I hope tomorrow isn't too bad. Getting out early would help, a bit. At least for now. I can hope that I can acclimatize to heat, though that is particularly difficult with a steep shift. I'll... do what I can. Later.
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