Saturday, April 8, 2017

While waking, some cooking ideas.

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Yeah, I... do that.  Sometimes I even get to such foods, or incorporate them into something else.  Sometimes it just never happens.  Then again, in life, from time to time, it really is the thought that counts.  Just don't try that on her birthday or anniversary.  Yeah, laugh.  I do.  She doesn't.  Wonderful.

So, what was this about?  Well, actually, it is something I have been considering for years and another possibility.  The first is clotted cream.  Something about it, and as easy as it is to make, caught my imagination.  Plus it is from the old country, if not mine in particular.  Even so, the idea that it is from long ago and far away... has a charm that is attractive to me.  Clotted cream, I think I have presented it here before.

More?  Yes, a strawberry jam that, while time intensive, has less sugar and... I don't know.  If I can source local fresh strawberries this year, I may give it a shot.  Though, if I do it, I would rather triple the recipe and have some on reserve.  Or to gift if it ends up, even still, being far too sweet.  Though... I may attempt several different batches, with varying amounts of sugar and replacements?  Maybe.  I sure like the idea.

Of course, you will need something to put those things on.  Could buy.  But... this is a cooking a baking post.  Good luck.

It is about time to get to things.  I'll set the dishes to a fresh hot soak, read or watch something for just a bit, then get in to that.  Hmm, as well, I may put cabbage, kale, and cauliflower to steam, with the intention of soft boiling eggs in the same pan afterward... setting foods up for a weak.  Later I may cook a number of meats, as well.  Having food set for several days could make life easier.  I keep plotting, not sure how much is working out but things are getting done.  Later.

Such sleep.

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I could have waken earlier.  I wanted more sleep.  It is rare that I can purposefully oversleep and get away with it.  Sometimes I have no choice, actually usually I have no choice, one way or the other.  This was willful, and so rare.  While it may seem that I enjoy sleeping, the truth is I despise it.  Which, I think, help leads me to troubles with sleep.  It's not just health, it's... attitude.  It's been that way since I was quite young.  Once every four to six months I get to choose though.  And, once in every four to six of those times I choose this way.

I know I have been dreaming.  I remember dreaming of family life in Greely, or speaking with various foster siblings when they were younger but as if I was an adult, flying around the globe was in there.  Nothing is sticking, more than general ideas.  When I sleep long and when I nap, it seems to be a season of dreams.  All have been pretty good, as I am able to recall.  Not that I mind nightmares, there simply haven't been any.

Tonight the goal is to hit the dishes, finish them, find any others available and do those.  Then hit the stove and the counters beside it.  With the dishes at rinse stage, this shouldn't be a problem.  There aren't that many remaining dishes, so that shouldn't be a problem either.  As to the counters, that won't be all that bad, might even be able to wrangle through all the counters, and table too if I can sort that quickly enough.

As well, I would like to do some work in the main bedroom.  I just want to start getting that back into the mix.  While the spare bedroom is fine, as the world heats up I will be needing the ac, and that is pretty much limited to the main bedroom.  I can use a couple of fans to swing cool air around the corner, but it's... not the best.  Plus, when that is done I hope to begin hitting the en suit.  Like her or not, always, mother is correct.  Plus, it would just be nice to have that done.  With the bedroom clean, if I need help I will feel more comfortable having someone in to do some of the work... if that might be incentive for me to figure it out on my own.

I am, possibly next month, going to begin ordering the last parts I want for that bathroom.  I still haven't figured out shelving.  I just know I would like plank-like shelves rather than a basin bureau.  I still haven't sourced such a thing.  Due to the weight of, say, a real 2 1/2 foot by 4 inch plank, it will most likely be a mock-up of some sort.  Well, weight and expense.  To mock up the wood to appear as a solid piece is the trick, using even plywood.  I intend to paint it a shiny black.  I just need it to be able to be made very smooth.  It will have to hold the weight of a sink, when full of water, plus faucet and normal toiletries... and the weight of me, should I lean on it.  But that shouldn't be a problem.  I suspect, the right brackets at each stud, with 3" wood screws, and the thing would allow me to nap on it.

Yes, yes, promises promises.  But what was holding me back, if a little thing, I may have sorted... a drain for the floor.  Actually, probably, just a larger shower type drain, fitted down into the flooring, sunk in somehow... two if I feel the need.  I will still want to go down below and connect that to the drain, properly, but that isn't too much of an issue.  Yes, that was nagging me... and yet I wouldn't investigate.  It's... a thing.  It happens.

What?  Oh, right.  I best be on to waking, then working.  Good day... and night.

Every once in a while...

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Just a memory, probably.  My last dalliance with the other side.  Then again, until one of us is dead, she may finalize things.  That was half of my temptation then and... almost remains such.  Hmph.  Such fruits I have tasted.

No trip to town.

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Not today.  Between the dishes, several changes and a solid wash which required a good bit of effort, and a lot of stooping, plus babying Sassy to get her to eat near the water device, and a few other odds and ends, along with my adventures out last night, I am finished.  It's a good sort of finish.  But I am done.

Tonight?  The goal is to finish the dishes, clean up the stove top and either side of it, maybe the oven too.  A bit of straightening in the kitchen besides. Then, perhaps, some work in the main bedroom.  For extras?  Blending some of the vegetable and fruit leftovers I have been saving, then freezing that, then if it freezes fast enough, putting a couple of cubes into the worm bin.  As well, I might make a stab and changing the drain in the bathroom sink... or clearing my way to it.  While I cleaned the bathroom, that is the one place I did not clear and clean.  It's not terribly dirty, it's just... I've been using it as a storage area since the drain on it sucks.  Next month I plan to order a mechanism that is supposed to keep the drain clear.  *sigh*  Always something.  Anyway, I will either clear and at least look at the drain, or clear and make a stab at replacing.  Yeah.

I didn't get to more shredding of junk mail.  I may, in time, but probably not tonight.  I really like the shredder.  It cuts into diamond sections.  Confetti, really.  And it's fast.  I don't spend too much time waiting.

I have been reading those books on gardening and composting.  Some of it, of course, I have my reservations.  And yet I take the author seriously, right until I don't.  But that is a part of the good read part, officer.  Of course, even the parts I am holding in reservation I will... review.  I will find other resources, compare, contrast, and all.  He is a bit of a pioneer, or seems to be.  I get the sense he has tried what he has suggested, if he doesn't do everything all the time.  What works, what he has time to do, what he thinks he can get away with, what is right for his situation.  Still, if I am going to read about something, I don't want to read from the perspective of the sheep, but that of the lion or the storm trooper.  I have enough timid and neurosis to suit me, I need... something to challenge my fear.  Sometimes I can do that, but sometimes I need a little help... from my friends.

Well... on to bed?  Maybe a show first?  I'll... think on it.  Dark, cool, wet, and wonderful for sleeping.  I just wish there was a bit of sun to help me crack the throttle a bit more, more often, deeply... if that isn't always... if it isn't quite right for that, for me.  Oh, I'll keep digging.  Good day and night.

Bits and more.

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I had forgotten the ice in the cooler.  I thought I would go out, drive out to put the checks in the box, then bring the ice in on the way back.  It was raining, cold, and I have used up most of the energy I have left.  So... no!  I did get the ice in.  Then I checked the dishes.  As suspected, the water was so nasty there was no reason to even fuss with the posts and pans.  I dumped the water and reset it.  I am hoping to give the lot one solid good wash yet tonight.  Being that most of the items are large, and there aren't that many, depending on how well they clean up, I might actually get them done yet tonight.  Perhaps work up the cast iron as well.

After that I decided food would be wonderful.  I sliced one of the cabbages into steaks, lined one of the 'cookie sheets', added water and have them steaming, baking, boiling... whatever.  Flipping every half hour and cooking for an hour and an half, perhaps, seems to work best.  A bit of butter, salt, and pepper, and any protein if that is on hand or even not, and it's good.  To think I never liked cabbage until my thirties... sad.  I'm making up for it.  I think with kale I will steam it.  It's such a strong leaf, it needs more.  Perhaps pressure cook it if that isn't enough for my tastes.  I do like it, just... it can have a bit too much bite.  Oh, and I love fresh cabbage heart.  Chef's treat and I am the chef.

Finally I checked on the worms.  They have split tail and dived.  None are left on the surface.  This is a good thing.  Of course, now, I need to start storing up some of my green leavings to be frozen until enough is on hand, processed into mush, refrozen in cubes, and then find out just how much these critters need.  I am going to go with two cubes to start... see how fast that goes.  There really seemed to be a good thousand worms, no joke on that.  So...  They will eat, a lot.  If not in the first few days.  Jetlag.

I may, through the night, go through more paper to be shredded.  I have been sleeping really well, the naps have been helping, and I continue to work after burning the body to the ground, or near enough.  Another nap, in a bit, after checking dishes in an hour and collecting and going through paper while waiting for that to be cool enough and giving myself a bit of a break...

The hope is to be ready, at some point, to get to town today, for compost center parts and a bit of looking around otherwise.  Shorter handheld trimmers, sucker goop, planters, more mulch, coir and peat moss, bits and pieces and this and that.  Won't be buying all, just getting an idea of costs for some of it.  Pruners the dirts, and mulch, probably certainly, on top of the compost center stuff.  Will I be able to begin working on the compost center?  Maybe.  Though being as rainy as it is, maybe that isn't an option right off the bat.

Quite a spring.  I'm finally almost feeling the notion of possibly beginning a small homestead, growing some foods, setting up longer term food items around the place.  It won't feed me completely.  It won't even help all that much all told.  It is just a start.  It is a learning process.  Fun?  You know?  Yes and no, successful or not.  It's... not all about fun.  Life is serious business.  The joy, sometimes, is doing it well, or rightly, or... being fruitful.  Still, yes, I think of it as fun... for now.  It's just not the point, or all of it.  Later.

Very good.

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Not just the list but more.  I really was racing.  Had to race.  First the pots and pans were scraped as well as possible.  One or two were extremely... awful.  I am not sure that is a good enough word, it will have to do.  With that done, the trash went out.  Then two loads of compost.  One from recent works and another from one of the pots.  I had been soaking beans and forgot them.  Yeah.  While nasty, that wasn't among the really bad ones.  Huh?  Thank God I'm a bachelor, on this day.  Then on to the worms.  I had to search the cave two, three, four times, maybe more, to find a lid which had already been cut out.  Racing, racing, racing, looking, racing.  I did find it.

Then to gather components... some potting soil, some enriched soil, shredded papers, crushed eggshells, and the worms of course.  Then to assemble.  I used about half the of shredded paper I gathered, which is only about half of my current stock, to wetten and mix with the potting and compost soil.  The soil was rather dry, so I didn't have to do more than simply drain the half of the shredded paper I had wet.  No water, but no need to squeeze it out, either.  Then I added the dirts and some of the eggshells, mixing once all of that was together.  Then I added the worms, and the earthy matter they arrived in.  A nice clump of wriggly.  Nice.  Then I covered those with the rest of the, and still dry, paper shreds.  The lid is on.  It is cut so that all is open save a two inch skirt of a brim.  I did that, dropped, and ran.

I had to, then, take a shower, get dressed, and put the dishes to a soak.  Oh, and I wrote checks for utilities.  I am far behind, too far to catch up in one month.  This first check will see some satisfaction, the next check will catch me up, post... pre(?)... dated, plus one or two more checks, until I can get all else arranged and send in another year or two worth of checks.  Always something coming up from behind.  Usually it's me!

On to town.  Just grocery shopping.  All good.  Extra salt, both for more 'canning' as well as some for the weedkiller recipe, along with vinegar and extra dish soap.  Plus, you know, food.  I had thought about stopping at Walmart, to check prices, maybe pick a few things up for sure, and just... because.  I simply ran out of steam.  Though on the way home I did stop to check the mail... just a notice of an oversized package.  Monday, I hope.  Oh, but I forgot to put in the packet of checks.  I'll actually go do that yet tonight, shortly.  I just got everything put up.  I need just a touch of a break.

Raining, dark, cool.  But wonderful.  I sure enjoyed the work and getting out.  I'd best remember to get to the place where I can pay the mortgage, then get one of the forms ready for auto-pay for several months out, and... yeah.  Doing okay if I'm stumbling in my forward rush.  I'll... figure it out.  Good evening, morning perhaps for you, and most likely... later.

Friday, April 7, 2017

A grand rest.

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Doing much better.  Technically I am awake early enough to get out a bit.  I am not sure I will.  I would have to shower first and that would really cut into time.  Though, perhaps, to the grocery store?  The one I go to, or my usual, is open until midnight?  Something like that.  It used to be 24 hour but it, and it's neighbor, and most grocery stores, cut the last shift.  I could still get in and get what I need, probably.  Minor stuff.  That would limit my shopping tripping when I go in for hardware.  Maybe.

While some of the heat comes and goes, I haven't been falling to chill.  Seeming temps have stabilized, mostly.  When the heat does turn up, it is a mild version and short lasting.  Muscles and the rest are becoming painless, less stiff, and ready to go.  Hmm...  Not sure what all I can get to yet tonight.

I think the simple goals are getting a shower then loading the really nasty pots and pans in for a hard hot long soak, probably just to be dumped and resoaked before being washed even for the first time.  They will need some work.  Getting trash out early, while messing with the pots, pans, and else.  Next setting up the worm bin.  Yeah, I know.  There might be a few other minor tasks in there as well.  If I can, getting to town for grocery shopping might be in the cards.  Actually, I am almost sure of it.  Though I want to get the pots and pans ready, and trash out, then set up the worm bin, first.  Which means I'll need to shove.  I'll then set the pots and pans, once cleared of all goop into the trash, to soak right after my shower.  If I wish to make it I will have to push.  Wish me luck?  Place a bet?  Later.

Well?

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Moving slowly, too slowly.  Which... I almost expected.  Sometimes I can shoot on through, some days, like today, not so much.  Being overcast and cool is not helping, if this time that is a mere... secondary, or even lower-tier issue.  I did finish off the dishes.  The tube is ready for me to get in and shower.  I'm just not up to it.  Another nap, or sleep, who knows, is what is about to happen.  There is a chance I will wake in time to get out.  If not I will finish a few projects here at home, nap again if possible through the night, and try to make it to town tomorrow?  Maybe.

I also heard back from the company I thought I had ordered items through.  If I hadn't mentioned it, the woman who contacted me suggested that no such order had gone through.  Perhaps I had second thoughts, or wanted to check something else, or it timed out when I made the attempt because I had gone off to do something else for a bit.  Anyway, rhubarb and asparagus are ordered.  Jerusalem artichoke and horseradish is also on the way.  I ordered some odd berry plants as well.  Since they seem to do better with multiple types, I ordered two of two sub-types.  Who knows.

The new sink plug is in.  I will put that in the bathroom, and get to it when I have the energy, time, and daring to give it a shot.  If nothing else, I am curious how this works.  I am hoping to figure out what the problem is.  Perhaps there really is something stuck deeper down.  Or, maybe, it's just slow... the drain on that sink.  Even little things, with home plumbing, mechanics, electic, etc, can be terrifying, after a few bad projects that got way out of hand very quickly.  Still... curiosity is what it is.

Nap time!  Later.

A pleasant morning.

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I have still been mostly resting.  Just enjoying waking, or... something.  The nap was more than a nap, less than a full sleep.  With my days and nights so off schedule I... can't tell what anything is.  Only how I am at some point.  At this point it would be something I would call good.

I consumed the last of the eggs I boiled.  More will be made soon.  They can be a bit dull.  And, yet, that isn't a bad thing.  Food isn't always meant to be exciting.  Food, sometimes, often, is just... something.  Sometimes it is worse.  Food, sometimes, really does taste like ass.  While it is good to sometimes enjoy food, that... isn't the point.  Much like feelings, about anything, that really isn't meant to be the sum, point, end, or goal.  I don't even like having to eat, so why should I enjoy every meal.  Just, sometimes, it is good to enjoy.  Yes, more eggs.  Though, this time, I may make two dozen eggs.  Several most mornings is good, but a few in salads, from time to time, because those too become boring.  A bit of a change, as in adding partly soft boiled eggs, helps.

I am also attempting to sprout alfalfa.  They don't seem to be doing much.  I opened them... some long time back.  Perhaps they have died.  I'll find out soon enough.  Maybe they just take a bit longer to sprout than I thought, or I soaked them too long before beginning the simple moistening and turning part.  These I am doing in the hopes of adding a few more vitamins and minerals to my salads, and again, to add a bit of a change to my diet.  The more, especially green, the merrier.

I have been looking over some things, regarding setting aside items in mason jars.  Some seem to think vacuum sealing the jars is better.  Some don't.  I really don't know.  I do have a vacuum sealer, if not the jar sealing portion (just a ~$10 fix).  For my money, it would be worth investing and doing that.  Though, too, I would like to go with non-metal lids... for both salts and sugars.  While I was reviewing these ideas, I also started thinking about tea and coffee.  No matter what they tell you, more people need those things than not.  Stop the production of soda and... they'll be wanting... nay needing... coffee or tea.

Tea is easy enough.  Much as with salt and sugar, especially with vacuum sealing jars and the loose leaf I prefer, that would last a goodly bit.  Coffee?  I have a video of options included.  I am thinking, as with the channel host, of going both ways.  Hedging bets, it's the real way.  Though I would like to find sources for coffee beans, compare prices, and "can" my own, in 2 1/2's... that's a lot of sourcing and such, and... right now, or in the short run, maybe beyond.  But these and tea would give me a short term, easy enough, two to four year supply of coffee.  And I could figure my tea for about the same, all on the cheap... or... cheap enough, for now.  There is a notion of growing tea.  Which is neat.  However, to grow and harvest enough tea plants to produce enough leaves... seems... unlikely.  I just don't see it.  Though, perhaps?  It is, in theory, possible.

Oh, something about glass jars?  In a potential earthquake zone?  Right.  Something to keep in mind.  I might consider making padded boxes/crates for them... or considering such.  Half of prepping isn't just storing "crap", it's understanding possible problems, then engineering a way around them.  Attempting to be frugal but ahead of the game.  How much, how deeply, how well, is one prepared for any eventuality?  It's... a bit of a game, though not.  Like what the Boy Scouts was meant to be about.  Only as an adult.  So... yeah... glass jars, in an earthquake zone.  Just how much padding would be needed, how long could those hold up?  Assuming the house didn't fall in on them.  Always something.  Though even that eventuality can be mitigated, to some point.  Probably.  :p

I best get to dishes.  They are all easy.  Just a rinse, really.  Then drying and putting away.  There aren't that many.  Perhaps, then, a trip to town.  Mostly looking for short pruners, sucker goop, peat moss and coir, compost center components, and just a price check on several things.  Though a quick run to the grocery store wouldn't be bad.  Milk, cream, cabbage, kale, romaine, and maybe a few fruits... and lemons.  I've heard that placing lemons in water will keep them fresh longer.  I am hoping, if the price is right, to grab enough up to attempt several methods of simple means of extending their useful life.  Lemons are good for me, and great for many foods and recipes.  It's their short standard shelf life that has me... missing them.

Oh, I best get something rigged up for the worms, after dishes but before a shower?  Yeah.  Right.  Later.  And good day.

Wonderful!

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That nap, and some time off work for good behavior... mostly... has helped a great deal.  My legs are no longer working like wooden blocks.  The pains have eased a good deal as well.  And, while I was sleeping, about two hours in, the burning left.  It left so greatly that I started to freeze enough that my toes hurt.  Yeah, well.  I gathered every blanket I had, plus the bedspread, created a pocket for my feet, bundled in, and that was enough that I could sleep through the freeze of seeming space.  I slept another three to four hours.

I just needed extra sleep.  The nap will help me push into tomorrow to get some things done.  A few phone calls, maybe some shopping.  Tonight I want to figure out a simple worm bin.  A single five gallon pail, with a lid in which I cut the center out, for air, but far enough in that the worms can't, if they can, crawl up the sides and out and up the air shaft.  With shredded paper, soil mix, and eggshells, I merely need to water the paper, then hand ring it, as a base, mixed with soil and eggshells, then have some dry shreds for on top.  I thought about doing a double, but this is really just a temporary home until I can find larger double bins, say 20~25 gallon double totes.  If I can get a better price on multiples, that would even be better.  I wouldn't mind having up to three systems going, if I can support it.  Though, in time, I may experiment with other worms, such as the red wriggler.  Why?  Because I can!  Well, and there are reasons for other worms.  red wrigglers are slightly more cold tolerant.  Though the difference is so slight that, if one can survive here, the other can too, probably.  Because. I. can.

Next month maybe, or the month following much more likely, I hope to get enough wood to put in a couple of raised beds, x 12" or 16" for 4'x4's.  Next month I will definitely be putting in a small section of x 6" 2'4"x6'~8' flower beds, and maybe a bit more around the side of the house.  Changes are coming.  As are growing things and things to grow.  Oh, I will be ordering, reordering, asparagus and rhubarb tomorrow.

It has been a blast lately.  I am hoping to keep it going.  I still have much to do.  The gutters I do have need cleaned.  Then I need to consider how and where I would like to add gutters for eventual water storage.  There are rock gardens, from the last owners, which need reset.  Glass, outside and in, to wash.  Weeds to attempt to kill with homemade goodies... or would those be called baddies?  Lots and lots to do and just one me.  I'll be continually burning my circuits and having to let them repair and then get back to it.  Better to work, at first, when it is still cool, hopefully to work up a tolerance so when the heat hits, I can... continue if at a lower pace.  I still have old tasks I never got to... the chicken coop roof project, for example.  Ugh.  Because, if the gardening and work goes ahead this year, and maybe next, I might really consider chickens.  The roof and cleaning out the hutch, perhaps setting up some things out there would be required too.

I hope to do more shredding tonight, off and on.  As well as washing the dishes that are in there, drying those and putting them up.  Then a shower.  And finally setting up the last of the worst of the dishes, as well as getting a couple of compost bags out.  Tomorrow, hopefully, I will find the parts for the compost center (30' of 1/2" grid wire, 8 t-posts, and bailing wire) and begin on that.  I may also buy a few bags of peat moss and coconut coir to mix in with the rest.  I'm just not sure I'll have enough carbons and hope these things will help.  Yeah, probably more than I need, and not always the greatest sources, but it's... a learning process.  I'll figure it out or bull through or not.

Anyway, as I woke, the fire returned.  Nothing like almost literally feeling as if something is burning on the surface of the skin.  It's as if it's not quite getting through the layer that is burning, but the heat is warming things up if not charring.  My skin is cool to the touch, save for my hands and face which are just the opposite, exacerbating the difference at a touch.  Well, first a bit of waking, another episode of Penny Dreadful.  Then dishes, compost, a shower, and setting up more dishes.  On my way.  Later.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The burning remains.

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As before, the burning seems to be from the outside in.  It is milder, though still potent.  If you have ever come in from the cold of winter, to have your ears seem to burn, that would be an aspect.  The aches and pains remain, perhaps lesser, difficult to say.

I loaded dishes up, just easy to wash ones, and they have been soaking.  I am probably going to take a nap right after posting this.  I don't know if I can sleep.  It would be worth a shot.  It would make being awake longer into the real day tomorrow more possible.  Oh, and some anacin before I try.  That might help in several ways.

Oh, while I don't have the worm bed together, I did get to a part of it.  I have been seeking and shredding mail, old mail.  Lots of it.  Much more to go, though I have shredded enough for, to my mind, the wormbed, or even two.  Now that composting and worm ranching is on the menu, all that stupid junk mail will finally have a use, excluding being a financial security threat.  I bought a better shredder.  While all things can be put together, this would make doing that, and having it be useful... in time... much less likely.  It takes sixteen sheets a time, which I don't generally feed.  Putting in, say, ten sheets at a time and this thing doesn't even cough.  In some ways it will, in time, pay for itself.  Though, from now on, raking and saving leaves will be my true main carbon grab.

Life is coming together.  There are so many things one needs to focus upon, with a home, with gardening, with this and that.  It is difficult to keep everything... impossible really... working right, in the correct direction, with the right tools, and all.  Some have thought the more the better.  That rarely proves true, save for twofers.  That seems about as much mutual annoyance that seems to work toward mutual success and successfully.  While that can be tight, too, it... has a really wonderful ring to it.

On to a nap.  Good... night?  Sort of.

Awake, another down day though.

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I must have worked more than I thought.  Thought working legs often results in that.  Leg muscles are the largest in the body.  It didn't stop with those, either.  Worked?  I think overworked is more like it.  Even so, with the worms in and other things going on, I can't just stop.  I need to create a bed for them, or two.  Initially it will just be a bucket with shredded moistened paper and soil.  Oh, and ground eggshells.  In time I am hoping to get some of those larger storage containers, nest two of them... the top one with holes drilled for drainage.  For now, simple, just to see what I am dealing with.  I need to do the simple one today.  I have heard these worms won't/can't climb out.  I trust nothing, so will proceed, at least initially, as if they could and will escape.

Sore.  Stiff.  But that has receded a bit.  Mostly just my arms, a bit of the core of my torso, and still my legs which seem to have it the worst.  Something I will be looking for is a non-sugar, unsweetened, electrolyte replacement drink.  I've found one but it seems rather expensive.  Maybe the good ones simply are?  I take vitamins and minerals, extra, in these categories, already, because of the water pill and my heart.  But if I am going to stress my body, I need to add even more.  That might help with the pains and stiffness, though some of that has to happen.  It's just, I would have thought I would be over it by now.

I did thaw meat for today.  I think I'll grill though.  I still have dirty dishes to work on.  I may attempt to get all of those last bits done.  Then grill for a while as well, until I have the kitchen in as good of shape as the bathroom.  The bathroom has become a jewel.  Some of it is old, it can be dusty, but compared to what it has been for a little too long, it is a jewel.

Mostly today is a day of rest.  It just has to be.  I burned out the week.  I did contact the place where I thought I ordered starters.  They say they don't have an order, so I will call them tomorrow.  As well, I will make several other calls.  Ugh.  It's tight when days and nights are tumbled.  And when one is so sore.  I'll... get to it.  Later.

Yeah, pushing it.

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I meant to get my shower in at around 7:30.  It took until nearly 9:30 to do that.  I did get right to the post office afterward.  Many packages, more on the way.  Ugh.  The worms were sent to my physical address, but came through.  I'll... have to talk to them about that.  Two large, wide brimmed hats, for working in the sun.  Other bits and pieces for this and that.

I had ordered rhubarb, asparagus, and a few other things.  The company doesn't send items until they can be safely sent and in time for the planting season.  They have that out as a sort of warning.  Which is fine.  However, my order wasn't confirmed, or listed on their web cite.  So I sent off an email in hopes of making sure my order was placed.  I'd hate to receive a double order.  I'm working in a bit of a budget.

I am so sore, stiff, and done though.  The shower knocked the fire down for a bit, but it seems to be coming back.  I'll turn on the fan.  The house has dropped to 68 and should drop to 66~65 when it finishes cooling off.  I won't open windows today though, too cool out there.  I just don't want to risk pipes or other such.

I can't believe how undone I seem to be.  I'm pleased to have gotten into this shape, I just wish I could have done more.  All told I count breaking my body as a win.  Now to find a way to get back up and do it again, more quickly up, longer up, and as good or better of a fall.  Good day, and night.

Burning.

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I turned the furnace down and went to shorts and a t-shirt.  Doesn't matter.  I've been too hot all night.  It's still 70 in here.  Perhaps a shower will help.  It's like a skin level fever.  Or at least it seems as if the heat is from the outside in.  Such a strange anatomy.  I'm not sure it works... like any other.

I did get the refrigerator and one of it's bins cleaned off, hitting the lower shelf one more time while at it.  I have been putting easier to wash items in the wash bin.  After a shower I'll put that, and a few other pots and pans, maybe, in for a hot soak.  I'll let it soak all day.  I'll be going to bed after I shower then get to the post office.

I don't know if I will wash the dishes even this evening/tomorrow.  I will, hopefully be ready enough to reset a soak.  It helps.  I will probably putt around, doing minor things, in prep for when energy and ability return.  Yeah, I did do most of the dishes.  Oh, I best get one or two bags of compost out while I am at it.  One from clearing the fridge yesterday, another of beans I set to soak then forgot.  Nasty.  The pots and pans, and beans, should be the last of the stink bombs in the cave.  I'll check the weather.  If the temps are going to be reasonable, I may open a window or three to let in fresh air.  That, and later, burning a candle or two, here and there, and maybe putting out a few ramekins of vinegar.  I know candles work, vinegar pots is a rumor I wish to experiment regarding.  If you plastic wrap vinegar in a cocotte, puncturing the top with toothpick sized holes, you can quickly kill fruit flies.  Which... I don't have at the moment.  Still... I do seem to have an odor problem.  I will work on it.  Hopefully it's not b.o.  ???  :p  I actually have been showering rather often.  Brushing teeth and working hard though, at least for me, might cause problems.  Especially on keto.

Well, I best get going.  I can't figure out why I am so very hot.  Burning, all but literally.  And, as I said, it seems as if it's from the outside in, as if I rolled in lineament of some strong sort, like that for horses when their muscles are well used. Perhaps it's just muscle formation and some other things.  A shower, the post office, and probably down for a good long count.  Good ni... day.

I am sure I can't be full human.

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I didn't post it, but four days ago I weighed myself.  Weighing in at 261 I was rather pleased with were that was going.  Since then I have been working to the bone, other than today.  While I have had a meal or two each of those days, they have been smaller meals.  On top of that, I have been working until I can barely walk.  So imagine my surprise, when I weigh in today to see I have gained twenty three pounds.

It isn't water weight.  My ankles would be massive.  It's not internal, I have been *cough* regular, then some.  Not to the point of medical concern but twice, even three times a day... soft though not liquid.  Keto seems to do that.  Something to keep in mind, at least for me and initially on keto, is... be suspicious of every fart.  They aren't all what the mind has been lead to believe before keto.  I get over it after two or three weeks, some people don't.  It's not showing up around my middle section either, I'm in the ~38 range, which is as good as I have ever been.  Still hoping for the 36 waist, but that just hasn't happened yet.  I do bounce up to a solid 40 from time to time, but trending lower, if slightly and slowly for now.

Anyway... so... how in the world did I gain that much weight?  Keto, along with intermittent fasting, can boost muscle gains.  But...  This is vexing.  And it isn't typically human.  Especially with it not showing up anywhere.  That my whole body still feels similar to nearly dried concrete... just a bit of wet in there so that I can move, if in a blocky fashion.  Very strange.  Hmm, that's five pounds of weight gain a day, day after day, for four days... plus.

Whatever.  Anyway, it looks like I have missed a nap.  So I'll stay awake, try to get that bit of spot cleaning done in the fridge, take a shower, then get to the post office today?  That's the plan.  I think I can.  Later.

Outsmarting a cat.

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Sassy is still reluctant to go near the water fountain.  I am happy to see her fuss.  It isn't a love-hate thing.  It is just that I know she will become... better for it.  It will hurt.  Learning can do that.  I know this.  She has lost a little weight, on top of it.  I don't let her eat what Sam leaves.  Meaning she HAS to go in there for food.  Not only is her food in there, so is the dry food.  As to water?  I don't there there are any other sources.  There is the toilet, but due to the depth of the water and the large size of the bowl, the chance of going swimming is too great.  Actually, I don't think she can reach the water without going in.  It is entertaining.

While I haven't been doing anything at great speed, I am doing little things here and there.  I pulled fish, thawed it in an enclosed water bath, then baked it most of the way done, frying it the last third of the way.  Keeping up on tea as well, brewing a fresh pot before I finish one of the half gallon jars completely.  The system works.  It is just that sometimes, when I am doing other heavier work, keeping up on everything else isn't possible.

A shower, probably, shortly.  Oh, and cleaning out a bit of spilled blood in one of the refrigerator bins and along one of the surfaces, and below the bins.  Ugh.  I saw it a bit ago but was doing too much else to get to it.  Oh, while the bloody bin soaks, I also got in and removed several groups of veggies.  Some of it was already chopped.  What wasn't got chopped.  Yeah, I think that works better.

After cleaning the refrigerator I hope to get a shower, dry off naturally, then go on to bed for a bit.  I'll set the alarm in an attempt to get to the post office.  Sprinkler heads, large brimmed straw hats, and... something else.  I might be running short on time on one of the packages.  I'll surely try to get in today.  A nap might be enough.  Later.

Even if I can't...

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Have you ever watched a cat watching birds through a window?  *meow*  Beyond the impossible number of tasks, chores, gardening, household, and general things to do, there are always more.  I can't even do what all I want, so doing the new stuff?  In time... in time I will get to some of it.

What else?  Just lately I have been thinking about several problems.  The sink drain, in the big bathroom, has always been a bit of a problem.  While I was ordering some things, I also ordered a new pop-up drain plug and reviewed how to change that out.  I am also thinking about doing some work on the tub.  I had thought about changing the plug, but the dimensions and ordering on line... not sure I want to go that way.  But a hair screen and a different sort of plug were appealing, so I went with that.  More?  The tub faucets are starting to get leaky.  I have the parts and tools to, probably, fix those.  I have been holding off until a freeze isn't a worry.  I will need to shut off the whole house water before doing that.  The sinks are fine, it's just the tub and shower faucets.  I'll be reviewing videos about that, every once in a while, as the time nears.

As I suggested, I also need to repair some of the wall in that main bathroom.  I wrote about another tool I would like, and more about that project before.  If I do that, however, I would like to, then, repaint that bathroom.  And I'll need to buy new floorboarding... or whatever the wood trim along the baseboards is called.  Baseboards?  I'm... never sure.  The thing with any job... ANY JOB... is that it can go from a simple, if technical, single process into a group of tasks of quite divergent nature.  Even if you have the energy, money, and time, to run and gun a project to it's end, you can still end up way over your head, over budget, out of time, and still not done... and worse maybe needing to call in a pro.

Still, all fun an games until someone pokes an eye out.  Then you go for broke, double down, and see if lightning really does strike twice?  Maybe that's just me.  Way too fun.  I'm trying to rest.  There are just so many pretty birds.  And I am so hungry.  Actually literally.  The eggs were okay.  The keto stuff was alright.  But I think I need a lot more.  Hmm?  Oh... I may water thaw some fish!  That would be okay.  I might even have lemon or lime juice.  I know I have butter.  Two different kinds?  Three?  I am hungry, don't have much for sides.  The veggies in the fridge are probably all gone.

Actually, while at it, I might chop the veggies for compost.  I don't know that I mentioned, but I have done some work.  I emptied some bins and put them in to wash, then got the salts and sugar I wanted to store, put those in quart jars and labeled them... six sugar, three kosher salt, and two and an half regular ionized table salt.  I need a couple more kosher and table salt packages to get those to five each.  That'll be next month, or the month after.  Then I begin buying three or four quarts of honey, for a few months.  Then I begin molasses and maple syrup.

I kept thinking, if I bought this stuff it would be the best way, and in bulk.  But every time  I thought of it, or did it, I realized... that doesn't work.  Smaller amounts, no more than a quart, is the way to go.  More so for me, but really for even a family.  It is expensive to buy it already stored, and probably no more sure.  Now, for some things, like molasses and maples syrup, buying by the lot might be the way to go.  It would be with honey, save that we have a local supplier.  Finally putting up some of the basics.  Though, next?  To figure out which dry spices and herbs I might like, which store well, how to store them in smaller batches, and getting on that.

Yeah...  I really am at it.  Maybe for no reason at all.  Maybe it will mean a world of difference, to me or someone else, or more.  Which reminds me, I have a lot of work to do in the basement.  Hmm... that'll be a good place to work in the high heat of summer though.  Yeah...  Later.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Still amazed.

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What surprises me is both how sore I am and how I was able to get that sore.  It takes a lot of work over capacity to burn the body down like this.  As I suggested, it wasn't just what I was doing it, but when.  Working while in a coma has greater costs per unit spent... sort of.  I really hurt in weird ways, as well as the regular old ways.  Legs, deep in my torso, of muscle and organ, ground down to empty then on to fumes and beyond that by far.  I was crawling to finish that last batch of dishes.  Almost literally.  Even then I had hoped to wake to help rake and do other things.  Of course, I was unable.  I almost fell, several times, from muscle pains, while going to the bathroom when I finally did wake.

I am feeling a bit better.  It's not as if my ability to do anything has improved.  I almost thought I might sneak out tonight.  And I might, though probably not.  It isn't that driving is a great energy drain, it's that even thinking about it, and maintaining focus, is a drain.  Or even that steering would be using energy I don't want to spend.  If I had to I would.  I don't, so I won't.

It might be that I am in ketosis, and I am not eating as I could or possibly should be... at least to maintain.  While my goal is to lose, my body isn't quite ready to wrestle with that.  And, yet, here I am.  The ketocana is probably what is allowing me to move forward.  But with my body only beginning to think about burning fat instead of carbs, and not switched over fully yet, work is painful.  I doubt if it is damaging.  It is just driving my cells to look for energy.  While there is fat, the cells are ready to burn that yet.  So?  So they cannibalize.  It will motivate my body to switch to fat burning, but in the moment I am cooked.

I... finally, think, I figured this out.  This will motivate me to do those projects and housecleaning I am listing.  I am even thinking of doing more soil turning at the side of the house.  The rhubarb is on the way.  It won't use all of that area.  But I would also like to try my hand at garlic.  And, in a few days or this weekend I will plant herb seeds, indoors for now.  As spring warms I may transplant some of those outside, and that would be a good place to attempt that.

Actually, if I were to plant an invasive sort of species?  That might be the area to attempt it.  It is hemmed in by sidewalk, a concrete patio, and the driveway.  Though, really, I am thinking, for now, I will keep invasive species in as strict of control as possible.  Yeah... I can't stop thinking and planning.  I am coming back to life, changing some ways, planning for living and success.  And I am able, even when I am not, it seems.  For now it is a terrible and beautiful thing.

Hmm, anacin, a few episodes, some reading, sudoku...  The problem?  When my mind is on the hunt, it is difficult to keep the body down, to make it rest.  It, too, wishes to hunt.  I'm not sure how to fix that.  Later.

OOOUCH.

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I went to bed somewhere between 4:00 and 7:00, I think.  I was a bit... distressed, maybe a bit after 8:00?  I can't be at all for sure.  Things hurt that I didn't know existed.  It isn't, I don't think, how much I did.  It is how much I did in the condition I am in.  I bulled my way over a rotten corpse, which happened to be mine.  Now, it is fine that I can do that.  I have literally not been able to do things like that for longer than people who just got their doctorate have been alive... assuming they do it straight through.

Finis.

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I finished the dishes.  But that's it.  I had to push to get them done, but I wanted at least that.  I had hoped to finish long ago, then to have gotten a shower in, and be heading to the post office, plus maybe putting in a last load of dishes.  I had hoped, actually, to have much of that done, plus a nap in, to be waking about now.  Not a chance.  I am fried.  I will have a few of those eggs then on to bed.  The chance that I will hear the phone is... much diminished.

My body hurts.  It's been pushed out of trim.  I know sleep will fix it.  That is what I'll be giving it.  Oh, best take medicine.  I'll finish an episode of something while I am eating and preparing to crash so very hard.  I had to have some of that carb replacement.  All good.

Good night.

It is difficult to keep pushing.

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Even just doing the dishes, hoping to finish in time to get a shower so as to take a nap in order to be able to help with the raking?  Cat meet tail.  Or so it seems.  I keep cheating, by adding more to the dishes though.  And yet, what is being washed has been in the queue for a while.  Quart jars from a pack that had been opened, a few used, and from an unopened pack... a manual puree twist device that has been on my shelf for months.  I didn't even do everything.  There are still a few items I would like to wash.  I finally put my foot down though.

I have washed most of the dishes.  Actually all of those I had in soak and some of the easier adds.  I didn't want to put really nasty pots and pans in, but "clean" new wouldn't mess up the water.  All of the jars, lids, and popper tops (they are canning jars) are washed, dried, and set to add several salts and sugar.  I'll put a label on each, masking tape with a date, anyway.  These are supposed to last well.  Time will tell.  I want them to be more than hand dry though, I want them air dry to boot.  Water is the one thing that could mess up these grains.  Hmm... might see about a desiccant, for dry foods.  I am sure I have small packs of those, air sealed, around somewhere.  Might not work, might be just what was needed.

The last part of the dishes are simply soaking.  I am resting.  I did get the compost veggies bagged and out.  For now they are just in with the weeds, in the wheelbarrow, from the other day.  I set up the small bin for going forward.  Oh, and I have decided, if at all possible, to dice any veggies I put compost.  Some will go into compost, some will be bagged and frozen, to later be processed down then frozen as worm food.  Well... it's all a theory.

My herb seeds arrived.  Much to my lament, almost all of the seeds suggest they grow better in full sun.  Hmm... that isn't easily doable for me.  I have several planting options.  A few rather small but self watering and easy to check planters is one easy way, but it would take a lot of space, somewhere, and might be a temptation for the girls (cats).  The other option is a wall hanging, multi-compartment rig.  It's smaller than it looked online... always seems to be one way or the other... even when I measure according to their stats.  Still, it would work for quite a number of plants, smaller ones.  Might be a starter method, for transplanting?

I finally found horseradish tubers.  I also found 'Jerusalem artichokes'.  I ordered both.  I also ordered inexpensive five gallon planters.  I won't put either into the ground... just too aggressive, invasive.  I won't build another monster, or group of them.  I think I can at least keep these alive, and they would be quite appreciated in a longer term grid down.  Well, much as manna, there are limits.  And, yet?  Shut up.

Yeah, I'm getting there.  While I rest I often do more research.  I have a lower portion of drywall in a room that is damaged.  It's a long bottom strip.  I have been trying to figure out how to cut it out.  I know how to fix drywall now.  But getting it off is another thing.  Some of it is in a narrow confine, so will be trickier yet.  An oscillating tool seems to be the trick.  I tried a dremel kit, but that didn't work well at all.  This tool would not only work well for that piece, but, in time, if I ever get to the bathroom, it would allow me to cut out a place for an inset medicine cabinet.  Yeah... I'm still going to go there.  Hmm, might also make for some other interesting projects on my blackbag list.

I am pushing.  Just by continuing to do.  And, yet, I will continue.  At least until the raking is done.  If I miss it, so be it.  If I do it, better yet.  Then another day down.  Maybe two days off.  And probably no work.  I mean none... if I can keep my hands idle.  When I'm in this mode, feeling it or not, some aspect of my body just want to work.  Later.  Or good night.

A few things.

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One piece of advice?  Don't bag compost and hope it will be okay for a few days while waiting for the compost bit and sacks.  Yeah, that... doesn't work.  Still, it'll go in, to a proper bag, or three, and out yet tonight.  Thankfully, for now, I am a bachelor.  My neighbor noticed though.  I thought it was the dishes, but, nope.  I'll fix that, and the dishes too though, yet tonight.

I soft boiled eggs tonight.  This time reserving the shells.  Mostly for worms at this point, but they will, in time, also go into compost.  Who knows how things work out.  I have a few other projects going forward regarding worms.  I have 1/4 mesh, but 1/8 mesh on the way.  With those I will create nesting sifters, so that I can keep the worms on top, the eggs next level, while letting the compost/peat go on through.  A single pass double sorter, for various needs and wants.  If I simply want to sort out worms, or worms and eggs, I can do that easily too.  It's not all tools, not all techniques, but a bit of both, coupled with experience.  Oh, instead of microwaving, I am baking the egg shells at 350 for an half hour.  I heard that in a different video, by a worm rancher.  I... don't trust microwaves to actually sterilize... or such.

Oh, right.  It seems my grass needs mowed.  Which is fine, if I can't do it.  There is someone willing to do it.  But I need to rake first, which as you'll note, is on my list.  Due to timing involvements, raking has been moved up to tomorrow.  I want to help though.  Fresh air and back to work is good.  The thing is, with my days off, it might be a difficult time.  I will keep the phone handy and keep the intention of getting up and out to help in the fore of my mind.  Sometimes it works, sometimes not.  I want to help because I want to keep as much "brown" as possible.  I have bags galore, of the right sort.  If I can get two or three bags of leaves and small branches, I'll... be good.  With the paper I need to get on shredding, I'll have enough 'brown' matter for a while.  Some say you don't need to mix it one to one.  And, of course, you don't.  If you would be willing to put up with the stench... or that's my theory.  I am not so interested in the stink.  Hmm... need to clean out my big trash and recycling bins, come to think of it.  Hate that smell.

A few things to do.  Dinner that I tried, eggs and burger, or... second dinner... was a flop.  I'll have a few of those eggs before long, and toss the burger mess.  Yeah.  Sometimes an idea or technique just doesn't work, shortly or ever.  I think I'll look for a low-carb meatloaf?  I do have some wonders.  If I used, say, a tablespoon of ketchup in a meatloaf, and the ketchup had sugar somewhere in the ingredient list of the ketchup, would it really have that much of an affect on my blood sugar or insulin?  I have doubts, about much of what I am told.  I have learned some things, like orange juice, store bought in any case, is brutal on my blood sugar, no matter how fresh or pure or... anything.  The trouble?  Have you noticed there is almost nothing made without sugar, or some sort or another?  They often call it something else, but it's... in there.

I did order asparagus and rhubarb.  I haven't been able to find horseradish roots yet.  I gave up on finding them in town.  As I said, seeds won't due.  On to dishes.  I really want to get those done, get a shower anyway (don't think I'm up for a bath), then get the rest of the dishes into a soak.  Hmm, actually I have to wash, rewash, then rinse the dishes currently soaking.  Bleh.  More work that is more than it seems.  I'll... get to it.  Then, hopefully, a nap, maybe a long one, in hopes of being able to wake and rake.  Later.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Solid work.

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It isn't just my legs.  As I am resting, not focusing on my next task so that my body eases, I am seeing other issues.  The main one is that my lungs are... stressed.  That is serious, in a good way.  If you were ever in football, and had summer camp in which you started slowly in preparation for the actual season, that first day of windsprints, then the next day?  Yeah.

I didn't think I was working that hard or doing that much.  Truth is, that is a bit of work, and it was pretty much on all the time.  I would rest for a bit, but even then seemed to be doing something small or planning something else.  It's a good thing.  I just wish I could keep at it more often.  The lungs burn, just a bit.  And seem wet, but not with as little fluid as I am drinking and with the water pills.  No... I just dug deep to use the very depths of my lungs, then used them hard.  All good.  Yeah, legs... if you work those, especially when they are a bit cranky and rusty, you'll burn through oxygen.  And kneeling and hunching over can both go anaerobic for a bit, forcing lung use too.

I am hoping to keep at it.  Maybe, by the time spring actually hits, I'll be ready for hiking.  As I said, I'd like to find the various trailheads for a particular mountain.  It is said there is a path that, with full vigor, can end up on top, in two hours.  My goal, this year or next, is to do that.  And do it so that eventually it isn't so much of killer as an ability.  We'll see.

Yeah, perhaps some pre-emergence, boiling water and/or vinegar and soap spot treatments, plus compost and good grass seed on the lawn this spring.  With better sprinklers, and hopefully a riding lawnmower, perhaps I could get that part of life in order.  Oh, and later, perhaps, borrow/renting/or buying a power washer and washing the siding... clearing gutters... and who knows.  I wonder if the lower setting would allow for washing windows?  I hate washing windows.  Anyway... plans and ideas.  Some are already in the works.  And you should see my bathroom.  Next, too, the kitchen... though later this week.  For today, just dishes.

Yes, beating the drums helps drive the one-man trireme.  Getting up to ramming speed in this old of a boat is a thing of wonder.  They have always wondered though.  Ha!  Later.

Awake, alive, relatively pain free.

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I'll admit it, I thought I was going to wake to a world of hurt.  Taking anacin before bed was probably a smooth move.  When I take medicine this "morning", I'll add another dose.  Stiff?  Yes.  Though not as bad as all day yesterday.  I do have more flexibility.  Probably because I worked off the rigor mortis.  All good, I am pleased with what was done, and easily for the price.  I'd do more if I could.

As is I am done for a bit.  Today might see the dishes I set up to be done.  Perhaps, just maybe, a small shopping trip to town later as well.  No more.  Oh, and last night?  It got down into the 20's, lower if I read and remember correctly.  It's... a bit early to be planting anyway.  Still, I could begin, today or tomorrow, calling around in an attempt to source starters.  I just won't do seeds, especially for some things.

Today, and very possibly tomorrow, are days of mostly rest.  Okay, a few things will go forward.  My compost bin arrives.  It's not exactly a great deal of work to put the filter on and add a bag.  Still, that is one thing.  What also arrived were a number of planting options, for in the house, and herb and spice seeds.  I will wait on setting those up until I have compost (store-bought, just a bit of starter for several things) and maybe a bit of standard, ongoing, plant food of some sort, until compost gets going.  But it is here, and ready.

So many plans.  I have jumped out of the gate well enough, but I burned out pretty fast.  No worries, what I did is a good start.  Of course, I keep adding to the pile.  I am very far behind.  Something I plan on working more regarding is my lawn, and weeds on my driveway and sidewalks.  As well, boiling water, or a vinegar and soap plus or minus salt (depending on if it's a grow areas) to get rid of weeds and even invasive grasses.  Plus some serious planting of grass, though I have heard mixing THAT with compost material will give it a super boost, even to help fighting out weeds and invasive grasses.

Maybe it's not always in our hands, not alone.  A little trust in the hands that help make it all possible.  Just... not sure about trust, always.  Still, here.

So many things.  Only so much time, energy, and money.  Well... all good.  I'll keep at it.  But, today, a bit more slowly.  Good day.

Done.

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Not a step further.  I tried to figure things out.  There isn't anything left.  Actually, there hasn't been anything since the second to the last job.  Momentum kept me moving forward on fumes that were already gone.  I'm going down hard, fast, and in a terror.  Good nig... whatever.

I wouldn't even know if it hurt.  I think I will take anacin on my way though.  It might allow sleep without twisting and writhing on the way or in slumber.  Wow.  I think I best take some time off.

Oh my word.

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Way more work than what it looked on paper.  I finished most of the tea jars, and the ten liter 'kraut container, lid, and ceramic weights.  There were still a bunch of quart jars.  I just added a bunch of other dirty dishes, pots, and such.  I really shouldn't have.  Oh well.  I'll give that another episode or two, then hit it again.  The goal, however, is to finish them off.  Then take a shower.  And then be ready to go to the post office.

I am fried.  My legs are doing okay, but I know I am working them even more.  Even with a chair in there, it's... I'm using my legs well beyond the rubbery stage.  No pain, just stiffness, if that is actually breaking up.  Is it like drinking yourself sober?  Oh my but this is turning into a fat lot of work.

Then again, walking into a very clean bathroom is a very nice plus.  And seeing piles of dishes shrink, and then be put where they go or a place found for them is great.  One pan has died.  It has teflon or some other such, but was flaking.  Time to go.  Better to go dirty!  :)  I am not sure I will be able to do much more for a bit.  In a few days I might get in for shopping, probably not all of it.

I have simply worked a bit too hard.  I don't have any reserves.  I don't have any more push.  Fried.  But in a good way.  At least until it becomes in a bad way.  Wow...  I need to chill a bit, as I brew tea and watch something.  Hmm, popcorn?  That might be good.  I don't have anything cold to drink though.  I'll skip food, for now, and snacks.  Later or good night, morning, day.

Yeah, way more work than how it looked.

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Lists are great.  They are also empty plans.  It's a one dimensional arrangement in a four dimensional world.  Some are better at understanding that, some of us simply have no real comprehension.  I can do some things at speeds that just don't make sense to others.  I hit sudoku at 5 seconds yesterday.  The 100% mark, for that level of game, is about 32 seconds.  Heck, I hit 16 seconds the other other day and it... was annoying.  Oh, I still hit 30 even 32 seconds from time to time.  But I don't always think about it.  Lists, and the time for work projects, and... such... not so much.

After clearing the bathroom, I swept as well as possible.  Then I got rubber gloves, cleaner, a mild scrubby, and a wash cloth.  I hit it, and hit it, on hands and knees.  Even with the knee pads it was hard on my knees.  It's just a weak spot for me.  I hit everything in and around the toilet for three to five feet twice, with continuously freshened soapy water, then rinsed probably twice.  CLEAN!  Then I cleaned the plunger and it's case, the holder for the toilet brush, and other bits and fidgets.  Finally I let it all dry for a bit then reassembled.  My new method should keep the bathroom in better order for longer.  And I am keeping up on the toilet much better as well.

After that, I set up the 'kraut crock, quart, and half gallon tea jars to a hot sudsy.  I hope one wash and one rinse, since these are mostly just new and/or slightly dusty.  The tea jars aren't that bad, just... needed slight tlc.  Quite a thing.  And, yes, my legs are getting hit again.  I am hoping to hit the dishes in an hour or two, then break while they rinse for another hour or two, then a shower while refilling the jars with tea.  I keep four half-gallon jugs of tea full, and in rotation at various levels.  All good.

I need to make a bite to eat.  I am thinking hamburger, eggs, and cheese.  Nothing fancy, but okay.  I would also like to boil a dozen and an half of eggs as well.  I am pretty sure I'll make burger mash, but I'm not as certain about eggs.  With eggs you have to boil, then cool, then peel (and pray), then store.  It's so much more than just "make hard or semi-soft boiled eggs" sounds.  Before I hit the next section, I may use some of the ketocana.  A friend has a brother who sells a competing product.  I've been meaning to look that over.  It's more expensive, but per use?  Even so, has he used it?  I'd like to sample it, to be honest.  Not sure if he has samples.  I sort of like the stuff I am using, or well enough.  And I like what it does, feeling wise.  Not sure if it really helps with ketosis, but that's not all.  Just making it so I don't choke on bile (?) from carb deficiency while working is worth it's weight in gold.  It means I don't have to just sit, or work more slowly.  I can rip and tear.  Hmm, yeah, I'll see if he has a sample, or even several.  Not looking for freebies, just like to see what I am getting if I can.  If not, I might just take a shot anyway.


After that?  I am hoping to get to the post office today, and make a few business calls.  If I don't crash.  I'll tell you, I'm... really hitting it.  Not quite back to stride, but getting there, maybe.  Oh?  And when I finish the quart jars, if I can find new sealing lids, I'll put up some salt and sugar in them.  Sugar isn't prime for me, but in a grid down simple or long emergency, calories and trade is where it is at.  Mind you, trade isn't always just this for that.  Sometimes it's this for help, or that for... it's not always simply like for like.  And, sometimes, it is purely a favor.  After I get, say, five quarts two kinds of salt and about  five of sugar, I'll begin adding honey and real maple syrup.  Not for use, really, just for storage.

Later.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Not fast enough.

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Which is fine.  Between this and that, time slipped through my fingers.  Though no small part of it was putting too much on my list.  I did get the trash collected and out, rebagging as I went.  The last of the dishes were washed.  Both of those were on track and fine.  It is when I went to clean the bathroom that I ran into a time crunch.  As I said, the toilet itself is very clean.  The tub is quite good too.  Everything else, however, needs serious work.  The floor, the sink, plus I have been using the bathroom as a pseudo storage area.  Mostly items to be washed, new items.  So I had to unpack the area.  It wasn't stock full, it, well... there was a goodly lot of stuff in it.  Plus, figuring out where to put things, even in the short run... organizing, while I am improving, is still a tangle for me.

No worries, I did get the bathroom uncluttered.  I put the plunger and it's case, the toilet scrubber and it's holder, and other things in to the bathtub.  Those all need cleaned as well.  I found my mop and caddie and they are in, after I swept.  I needed a little break, as I did all of that all in one fell swoop.  Might not be much to you, but it is for me, more so with upper leg muscles near cramping tight.  Oh, that they aren't cramping?  Means I am handling electrolytes and certain minerals well, in spite of the water pill!  Yes, it... all adds up.

Next, after I have rested enough, I'll find my knee pads.  Mopping is okay, but it really doesn't get into the nooks and crannies.  An old sponge, rag, and maybe an old toothbrush, soap of some sort and water, gloves, and elbow grease should see the place spiffy in no time.  Then I'll mop over it, twice, and rinse at least once.  My new bathroom ninja techniques should make life in there simpler.  I've used it before, to good(er) effect.  The thing is, when I fall?  I fall too hard, and can't keep up with even technique.  I feel good and hard this last time.

Yeah, I'll get to it.

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I'll finish the dishes that are soaking, then take a shower.  I sure thought about a bath, then I considered how I would possibly lower myself into the tub.  Sure, I could get it done.  But the chance of a slip is much greater since my legs don't easily, or quickly, react to strains.  No, I'll take a simple shower.  Then I hope to put a good load of dishes in to soak again.  After that, to town.

Having so many potential problems and projects can be overwhelming.  I have a list... or two.  Some of it is for checking, some of it is for buying, some for now, later, next month.  Grhhh!  Some things?  I want materials to create a compost center and a planter or two.  I need peat moss and sand.  I would like to grab a few more five gallon buckets, say four, plus lids.  As well, I want handheld shears and sucker goop.  I can forgo some of it.  If the composting center materials are too much, I might cut it to one or two portions.  If the planters are too much, perhaps just one, or even just go with the one I have and buy when my finances are more solid.  Remember, beside being just slightly on this edge of being financially sound, I... am hoping to have enough to buy a riding lawnmower, or half of one this coming month, plus a few extras.

There are other things I am considering.  I want another pump sprayer.  I have one, but it is for insects.  I really don't want to mix and match.  I want one for weeds.  I had thought about roundup, or such, but have heard there are other options.  And, being a sucker, I am going to give it a chance.  It is not even all that expensive.  I looked for recipes for 'killzall' and for something that just kills weeds/surface stuff (sort of).  I found that vinegar, soap, and salt, mixed and sprayed, will kill all (or so I am told).  That will be used for the driveway, cracks between the house and walk, and such.  Another recipe is that, without the salt.  Vinegar (some say regular, some say apple, most say 5% is good, 20% acidity is faster) and soap will work for just killing off a small area.  I might try that on the grass patches around the raspberry pits.  Along with the plastic cover that might get rid of the grass.  Or... not.  Life is an experiment.

Oh, I missed getting the trash out.  I fell too hard and fast.  No worries.  I will collect up the trash before showering, then spray for bugs around the house.  Take a shower and air dry while watching another episode of Penny Dreadful.  Then, probably, off to town.  Yes, medicine is down.  I have been doing much better.  I will be refilling the other med-set shortly, this time up to full dose.  My last one had double dose, up to full dose.  But I hadn't put that in, I didn't think.  Anyway, I saw the mistake and fixed it on the fly.  I wasn't ready for that much.  In two weeks, though, I will up my carvedilol to it's final dosage.  Along with the supplements, I have to hope that is enough.  Then again, who wants to, or even can, in this realm, live forever.

This week?  Too much to be sure about.  Of course, spraying for bugs, maybe spraying for weeds... and spot spraying on the lawn?  Adding cardboard to the bed if the spray and plastic isn't enough.  Building part or all of the compost center, including metal mesh on the bottom and top so as to keep critters out.  Raking and collecting those beautiful browns.  Seeking starters for several crops, plus shopping for other items and projects.  I will look over gutters tonight, get a more solid cost estimate.  I am thinking about fifty feet of gutters, six down spouts, with about ten foot down spout runs, along with elbows and legs.  For now I won't think about a full run to a water tank, but I might discuss it if a tech guy is on hand at the store.  Could go underground with that, and it will work if the heights are right.  Of course, if you lower it to fill you lose the height that would give you water pressure.  So... considerations.

Hmm?  Right, see?  I really am thinking, but about a bit much.  The world is at my door and it... tastes like an oyster.  :p  Later.

I can barely walk.

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It's much like walking on stilts.  There simply isn't much flex due to the stiffness, perhaps swelling?  It doesn't hurt all that bad, even when I go beyond and squat or bend.  However I can't do those things quickly.  That was quite a bit of leg work, as most pick, awl, and shovel of soil was gone through by hand, sometimes twice.  It didn't hurt at the time, it is just as if my legs have become concrete, more so the upper hind part of my legs, though the calves are a bit worked... they are just more used to it.

All good.  I won't complain.  And, if tomorrow or whenever, I can get starters and the parts and pieces I want, I will continue working.  Heck, tonight I might get out and do some of the shopping.  Breaking up convoluted tours of shopping sure makes it easier.  An all dayer in various businesses, driving hither and thither, is pretty draining.  Hmm, if I could get the parts for the compost bin, a planter or two, sheers and shooter killing sap, I could do a few things earlier tomorrow, then head out for more of it on Wednesday.

Perhaps make a few calls and inquire about where to source starters... if possible, tomorrow, as well.  I really don't want to muck around with seed for things like asparagus.  Yes, I understand the problems of bringing starters home.  I also understand how much it takes to grow... anything... from seed.  It takes a year, or two, or three, of dedication, depending on what it is.  That means planting, watering, feeding, getting it the right amount of light, and heat.  On and on and on.  I just don't have it.

I have been checking ketones.  I seem to be right between, by the color chart, 15 and 40... light to medium ketosis.  I did check my fasting blood sugar.  That is at 227.  Not good, but pretty regular, actually.  I think fasting is about the only way to bring my blood sugar down.  To fast I pretty much need to be into ketosis, and I am getting there.  It's more a matter of having enough food on hand to feast in a four to six hour period.  It also meant getting back in potassium levels I can live which, but will also mean more greens.  All of which is just about where I need it.  So?  So, on top of all else I am up to, I need to begin food planning.

Tonight I will boil a dozen and an half eggs.  More than that and it just... it's too much.  When I go to town, I may pick up more greens, and other vegetables.  Cauliflower is great, as is spinach, kale, and cabbage.  I also need more salads, and will begin checking out various dark greens to mix in, and some to cook, ones with which I am not terribly familiar.  I don't need sweets, and am very tolerant of bitters.  Plus eggs and homemade dressings help.  Ugh.  Currently I am eating to perceived needs, of meat and greens (mostly).  I am hoping, as I get back into it all, including work, I will slowly both decrease how much I eat, but again begin being able to fast.

It is coming.  My whole life is coming back around.  I think I will be able to get the riding mower this coming month.  I think, I say, I think, boy.  I just want to make sure it can handle a hauler, maybe an aerator, a snowblower, perhaps even a blade... and that it has the power to use those.  My lawn is a mess, perhaps a few years of solid work and it will be back in shape?  Who knows.  I sure like where things are going.  Good afternoon.

Yes, yes, a new day.

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It's the same day, really.  Sleep cycle days and mechanical days don't always line up.  Actually, on submarines, for most of us, that only happened every third day if even then imperfectly.  Between work, the sun being out or hidden, temperature fluctuations, medicine, and health, I'm spinning like a top.  I am mostly staying up a few to many hours more each day.  Some days I can maintain, some days just happen to cause me to gain back an hour, nothing is certain save for the general trend.  It'll even out before too long.  It always does.

I know there are dreams back in there too.  Not terrible ones, I don't think, lately.  I don't know about you, but I usually enjoy my dreams.  Even the ones about heartbreak.  If you have lived without pain you haven't lived.  Embrace that, I say, just don't let it own you, or be all of you.  And, for my part, that is how it is.  Though the same can be said of almost any intense sensation or feeling... enjoy it, but don't let it be the whole of you.  I... think I have tried that.  I have tried asceticism and stoicism as well, in and through time.  Which is worse?  Honestly, I think the latter groups.  I would much rather live too steeped in sensuality and emotion than to be already dead, again, and in those ways.

Ah, yes, there are dreams back in there.  Nothing too disturbing, though rich, deep, sometimes dark, sometimes brighter even to seeing the face of the Sun.  Not long ago I dreamed of Him, with a face that shone.  In the dream I knew that wasn't me, I knew it was Him.  I also knew, in time, it would be Me.  It was when I dreamed of my cousin who passed, and went along with me "hiding my face", which I wrote and which was in the song, and something I had told her while she yet lived.  While she had dreamed that my feet never touched the ground.  Yes, they... get complicated, involved, terrifying, and beautiful.  Oh, if I dream something I think is wrong, but it's in the dream, I leave it as it was in the dream.  I assume "mistakes" are there for a reason.  What reason?  I cannot know.

Well, without dreams I will just have to do something so as to have post fodder.  I didn't finish the dishes.  I crashed so very hard my ears started ringing.  No, not really.  *crossing eyes*  I did go down hard and fast.  On the good side, I was down to rinsing a few pot lids and cookie sheets.  That'll be easy to reset and do.  Then a shower, if not quite all that quickly.  Hmm... maybe I will clean the bathroom totally, then take a shower?  Yes.  Top to bottom, laundry to removing a few things, resetting and configuring.  Top, indeed, to bottom, the place will be good.  I keep the toilet rather clean, scrubbing a few times a week, and using housekeeping ninja tactics to make it mostly sparkle.  It's everything else that needs elbow grease.

Oh... I can't wait to feed the girls today.  I always wait a few hours after I wake, no matter when I wake.  This keeps the girls from climbing all over my back, trying to wake me early for earlier feeding.  And, yes, they do learn IF you choose to teach them.  Again, Sassy will be fed in near the water fountain.  Closer and closer at some speed.  She only ate half her food last night.  Fine.  She'll be hungrier today.  I know how to use all sorts of tools, but the mind is my favored.  I try to keep it... healthy.  I experimented with myself first, often without... just means.  So I... know the difference.  The intention, implementation, and results all count.  If one is not in line with, as I have it, God would want it, then I don't use it.  Cut corners?  Only for the right reasons, and not without... guilt and penalty too.  A choice in hard times, one no one wishes to make.

Oh, right, well... on with my day.  Good day, afternoon, whatnot.

It was a plan.

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I got the carb replacement down before starting the dishes.  It did help in that I didn't end up swallowing bile back down by the gulps and going through a rash of other very strange physical, mostly gastronomic, impleasantries.  And I mostly got through the dishes.  I am heating up the last of them, so they dry better.  Some, the plastics, will just be allowed to air dry.  I hate trying to dry plastic, at almost any temps.  Just... doesn't go well.

I will get that load of dishes finished, but I won't do much else.  I hit a wall.  Any other day, and minus the ketocana, I would guess I would be down, sulking somewhere in limbo though without thought.  I'd be unhappy about it later, or not.  Still, I am done.  I hope to figure out something tomorrow.  Just, today, not happening.  Not even a shower as I finish the dishes.  But the tub will be open for a bath or shower later on.

I fed the girls today, and put Sassy's food as close to the water bowl as I could.  It'll take time, but I think I can creep her closer.  Eventually she will lose track of the noise.  If you don't remember, the first two weeks to month she was here she was almost never seen.  Neither by Sam nor myself, actually.  She stayed hidden.  I tried to be patient with her, was patient.  That wore thing.  Finally I made it so she had to come close to be fed, and be held before being fed.  Eventually she got better.  Even now she can be a bit shy, but she is quite tame... other than when her and Sam get into it.  I'll... train her about this, too.

Good night... and day.

I still have things to do.

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While I haven't been to bed, so technically, or literally in my book, it is still Sunday... it... also isn't.  Yes, yes, I... do that, what, thing?, yes, thing, once in a while.  Trick me once, fie on me, trick me...  Never mind, I'll trick you, me, them, and us, as often as it takes to get the job done.  We'll argue about it over breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  On you, of course.  *grins*

Uhrm, right.  Things to do.  I'm going to check the rinsed dishes.  I am hoping they are still hot enough to dry and put up.  Yeah, that'll smart.  My legs and knees are still a bit sort.  Lower back snapped back to fully recovered the fastest this time.  Anyway, I'd like to do the dishes, get another shower in since I don't have time for a bath.  A bath tomorrow?  I sure hope so.  Though maybe this evening.  I won't be messing with dishes, more dishes, probably, until tomorrow.  So...

A bit of price checking and perhaps minor purchases.  I need a bit of sand, for the worms.  They need grit.  I want to check a couple of places for starters, at least find and price.  Hmm, I might take my telephone book in.  Since I still have my cellphone for now, I might as well use it.  I am sure I want to buy material to create at least one, but possibly the three outdoor compost space(s).  I have a list of things to review, price check, and perhaps buy.  I have some prices from Amazon with which to compare.

As well, a meal, a stop at the post office for some or a package, and perhaps just a small bit of grocery shopping.  But first, carb replacement.  That stuff really helps me not gag on bile, or some such, when trying to run on empty.  Plus, I can keep breakfast to just protein and fat... a few eggs, a chop or several sausages, and bacon?  Something like that.  I'll (try to) skip the potatoes and toast.  Hmm... A meaty omelet would be good though, with some sort of green veggie on the side?  Dunno, I'll find out when I get there.

I best get to it.  Later.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Small pieces of information at a time.

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I spoke with the neighbor.  Yes, grass is an issue.  If I have similar grass I might be having a problem as well.  He has tried many things and finally is on the ropes.  They are going for a knockout.  Oh, I'll have to write the name of the stuff they are going to use.  As well, he suggested a gardening center which focuses on local.  They have any seed, perhaps starters.  It's a beginning.  I will also give them more of a shot at other needs and wants, such as peat moss and such.  For some things, even if it costs a bit more, local is better... if it really is local.  Can openers?  Not so much.  Starters, mulch, and such?  Maybe.

I finally got the cat watering system cleaned and together.  I had to take the pump apart.  I may have... well I definitely didn't read the instructions.  I worried, initially, that I damaged the pump.  Nope.  Actually, it looks like this was a returned item.  And it looks like they top part had been tossed, as it was scraped.  Anyway... I took the pump apart, cleaned and watered, made sure the inlet was wide open, put the pump back together, then installed it all again.  This time I used just enough water and it worked like a charm.  I showed Sam.  But it was dinner time and she wasn't all that interested.  I couldn't get Sassy, so I'll show her in a bit.  I just like having a much better water source for them.  A ramekin is okay for one cat, if you stay up on it.  But for two it's just... not right.  This needs to just be kept full, then cleaned once every three to five weeks.  It has a filter which helps.

I think I will be able to finish the dishes tonight.  A bath?  Maybe.  But I won't do much more.  Though, whenever I wake tomorrow, I might take a bath then.  I'll still be mostly clean.  *grins*  I am going to try to wake much earlier tomorrow.  I have a lot to do and little time.  Or it seems like I have little time.  I want to get started.  Oh, and I have things at the post office.  *shrug*  Later, or maybe good night.

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Ruh-rho.  I can get Sam in, and maybe get her to drink?  She doesn't seem to fear the machine.  Sassy not so much.  I have carried her in twice.  She actually tries to scratch me, to get away, and howls and yowls at the device.  I don't know how this will work out.  I have moved the hard food near the machine.  If necessary, I will go all out and put her wet canned food near the device.  She will either get over it or go hungry for a bit.  Ugh.  We'll see.

Surprises.

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I did get to the dishes.  Some of them washed, rinsed, and up.  Though more of them just washed and put to a rinse.  As well, I finally got the cat watering system in for a wash.  I just don't use anything right out of packages... not for me, not for the critters.  Do not trust.  That's not even a bad thing, it is just the facts of mass production.  In time to be freshly washed for when dinner arrives.

The only other things I plan to do today are to eat something or other, finish the dishes in the rinse... well and the cat waterer, get the trash out, then take a good long soak bath.  I am sore pretty much everywhere.  It is wonderful, and yet I am hoping a salt soak will work things out.  I will be set to sprint this coming week.  Much to do.  Though, in truth, my goal is to begin working regularly, if lightly.  Can I get to ten solid hours of work, committed dedicated timed?  I don't know.  I think so.  I am finally doing well enough that I can not only think about it, but might be able to do it.  If I can, I suspect I might begin going beyond that.  Working twenty to thirty hours around the house and yard a week?  Maybe.

I am well pleased with the digging so far, and planning.  Some of the purchases have been made, just a few left for this month.  I did check the prices for various pvc gutter systems.  Sure, metal is much stronger, and would last a lot longer.  Hmm, I didn't actually price it though.  I believe I will be going with pvc for now.  If that fails too often or catastrophically, then I might go with metal.  If I go with metal, it will be with steel.  Oh, and there are mesh screens for over them now, so they aren't as difficult to keep clean.  They just snap on and off, so they aren't another layer of seemingly small but in truth large complications.  Life... you think you found a trick to keep it all together.  The trick turns into a curveball, but not for but against you.

Another job for this week?  Shredding mail.  I have... piles and piles of it.  I also have the new incentive of needing carbon sources.  Raking might bring some, but shredding will probably be the most abundant, if limited, sources to start the game.  To think I tossed... six or seven bags of "brown" a year or two ago.  Ugh.  Well, it's something to keep me in the game, I guess.

Oh, right.  Live and learn.  Not only are horseradish roots useful, the leaves are another green.  Actually, that might be a reason to grow more than one, or two.  The thing is, I really want them in planters.  At least until I figure out my growing areas and... it begins to take shape and make sense.  Invasive?  That... bothers me.  I'm already a local nuisance, I do not wish to complicate things further.

Later.

Later and sore.

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Nothing unexpected.  Actually better than anticipated on the soreness.  I didn't get dishes done last night so I really do have to do them today.  The goal is to do those, then take a shower, before dinner arrives.  No promises though.  Digging and weeding hit both my legs and lower back.  Not terribly, but it does slow me down.  Then again, I don't feel pain well, so it's probably worse than I suspect.  Moving more slowly is a way for my body to continue hiding pain.

I was thinking, if the plastic doesn't work as well as I would alike, or alone, I might add cardboard underneath.  And, with the raspberries, I may do more than the plots I have.  Perhaps dig out the whole area?  If not now, in time.  I would like those transplants to turn the area into a true hedge.  Though I may see how these do then go from there?

As for general purposes, I need to get some goop to put on shoots from around trees and scrubs I cut.  Otherwise every year I have to cut just as many as before.  I honestly thought eventually they would stop.  Nope.  So... yeah.  I am sure I will always have some, but not this many.  These mostly look like reshoots off old cuts.  I'll fix it.

Cleaning the gutters will be a chore for this week too.  While I am doing that I would like to get an idea about additional or new gutters.  While I do have two levels of roofs, the upper level simply drops directly to the lower level.  If I wanted to try to be tricky, and catch more, I might well Put a small section of gutter, without need of a drain... just let it pour out further in toward the middle of the lower roof.  But that might be a lot of work for very little.  Having a clean, unpainted, metal roof really helps in a lot of ways.  Oh, and beside my house, my garage.  I have some outhouses too, but the closest one has traditional roofing... and it's small.  Not sure it's worth the work.  Though maybe.  Actually, that one might be good to water the raspberry bushes.  Bushes?

This week?  Attempting to find local rhubarb, asparagus, and horseradish... perhaps another bigger planter pot or halfbarrel to plant a second horseradish root.  Finding shoot-goop and then trimming the shoots and scrub while applying the goop.  Keeping an eye on the opened beds, laying cardboard if necessary.  Raking the lawn, sweeping the sidewalks, and doing some general cleaning.  Calling about the fees for a dumpster, though that isn't quite in the books yet, I just want to think about when to schedule it.  Oh, and checking out materials for a compost center.  That's outside.

Inside I am hoping to finish all dishes, as well as that is possible.  Then getting laundry going again.  I would like to finish that and be up, then keep up.  Then hit the bathroom and kitchen, a bit or enough, along with restarting the bedroom.  Ugh.  But, that's... the deal.  Oh, I do have a few pieces of business to manage as well.  I best get these dishes washed, a shower in, then rinse them, and maybe, later, take a soak bath.  It'll help get me started for the week.

Later.