I did get a nap, then right back at it.

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Sometimes I work because I can.  It's a joy, truly.  So often I simply cannot work.  I sit.  I want to work, I want to play, I want to hike, swim, climb.  Anything.  But I just sit.  Nothing I can literally do about it.  So, when I can work, as I mentioned, it is a gift.  I am a bit beyond being able to work.  For some strange reason it feels as if I have to work.  I think that is my natural inclination, I just don't have the health for it.  This is newer territory for me, so I am not sure what to expect, why it happens, how to shut it down if need be, and such.  It's a little spooky.  I suppose if someone took speed it would be like this?  I simply don't have any experience with that.  Now, like I said, I used to push like this.  But that was so long ago, a lifetime ago.  Actually more than one lifetimes ago, if you count each death, much more so if you count the should-have-beens.

A short nap.  Good, restful, done.  I almost rolled in, closed the eyes, then they popped open and I was on to checking the pot, then doing some dishes, testing the socks... which finally seemed dry enough so I sorted and arranged those.  A bit of a sit, then back to this and that in the kitchen.  So many little things, not really a full job per, though together they could easily add up to several medium daily tasks.  I am still sore and a bit tired, I would almost prefer to back it down a bit.  And, yet, if it keeps up, I'll... step up to a degree.  I need to watch, just... to be on the safe side.  Though I think it's good, so far.  I am simply not used to going this far into tired and sore.  The deeper I go, the deeper I may be able to go next time.  I don't think I will ever quite fully be able to walk all the way out of it.  Age and health are realities.  And, really, just where I am at considering my health and deaths over that?  I am already well beyond a miracle.  Of course, who wishes to be a miserably pained miracle?  :p  Oh, I'll take it.  I was shown the worth.  Continuing isn't just a duty, it's a testament.  Maybe the only one those without eyes to see or ears to hear can understand.  If they only will.

I did taste some of the meat.  I had to, in order to decide if I would keep that meat.  There were several reasons to check it.  As it turns out, the meat will stay.  My seasoning of it, as with the chuck roast, is very mild, but enough.  Exactly what I wanted from it.  That will make a better stew meat.  That first batch was simply terrible without having had any salt or other spices at all.  It was simply no use.  It is a great pleasure to double use the meat.  Oh... I suppose I best begin cooling the pot and contents down.  I will be taking out the pork feet and pulling the beef meat out before too long.  I won't be using pig trotters again, in beef.  The bones and meat available will suffice.  One more thing... I am fasting, so wasn't sure about tasting the meat.  But I really felt the need to do it now.  Purely for culinary purposes, seriously.  Right or wrong, that was my honest assessment.  Anyway, this time, rather than wondering if I would go ravenous as I did last time, I decided I wouldn't.  And, after the tasting, if there was a mild urge to feast, I... steadied out.  Not sure I can do that every time.  But I have a better method than just hoping.  Being a fasting chef is tricky business fellow children.

I might even get that load of dishes washed, and set to rinse or another soapy soak.  Sometimes they just need extra time and care.  Especially if something really tacky *cough ~ balsamic reduction ~ cough* is left to dry.  Yeah, well... I'm a man.  M A N.  It's how we do dishes.  Or is it ogre?  Hey!  Pressure sprayer, that can handle hot sudsy!  You know...  I've always wanted one of those.  Later.