That's that.

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I did get everything in and put away.  I couldn't get back to it, even now.  Another problem, anyway, is that there was no bulb with the lamp I pulled out.  It says it is included. It wasn't.  I have several others. Not hopeful.  Simply to tired to do that now.  As fast as I was able to work, if I can get to it tomorrow, I will.  I might paint.  Sunday and all.  In my condition, if I can work I have to work.  My next opportunity is a great unknown.  I won't promise anything, just saying.

I finished to putting up two loads of laundry.  One more load is dry, another drying, then I'll handle those.  Then, maybe, dishes.  A shave, shower, and cleaning in the bathroom tonight yet?  Maybe.  Trash and recycling at least set to go tomorrow.  Yeah, maybe.  With a cooler day perhaps a cooler night, or cooler quicker?  One can hope.

I even called my mother for her new address.  She had that, but not her p.o. box.  A bit of phone tag, an easy short one this time.  Didn't work, but I know why.

Blood sugar was a few points over 200 earlier, even fasting today.  It is down to 144.  Fasting again tomorrow.  Out of most meats.  Don't want to replace until I get home.  Steaks are disappearing.  Might have to lock the freezer.  Drug zombies everywhere, if that might not be all.  I really don't want to, but spaghetti and meat sauce will do.  Not good for diabetes, but cheap and easy in the short run.  Well, I do have plenty of eggs.  If there is a limit on any one thing.  I am not close to it, with them, but could overdo in a hurry.

Later.

Two out of three.

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Windows, sanded, so far.  Tonight?  Maybe.  I am all set up for it.  Moving the ladder, alone, is a bear.  But holding onto the ladder with one hand, while using the grinder, stretched well out is pretty testing.  I thought about painting in place, as I finished grinding.  I didn't end up liking the idea for several reasons.

That was some nap.

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I don't think ten and an half hours count as a nap, actually.  I did set the alarm for two different times.  I knew I was going down hard, hoped I could manage.  Nope.  A beautiful sleep though.  I must have needed it... heat build up.  If I have a good idea about why else I couldn't wake.  A weak front moved in, it is overcast.

That last means it is cooler today.  It is 82, for now.  A good temp to work in, especially with the sun partly blocked.  I just hope it holds, so I have time to wake, and find my painting shirts.  I can't, always, usually, just pop out of bed and hit it.  I suppose I could more often, even today, but until wires are attached correctly I have a high probability of little and or big mistakes which lead to more work or injury.

I... am not sure.  Painting or paint removal first?  Hmm...  I think paint removal.  Why?  I can paint almost any time, to later in the night than removal anyway.  It isn't loud.  Paint removal is extremely noisesome, and needs better light.  I have three windows left to strip, all high up, each requiring two different ladder placements.  That doesn't sound too bad, until you count in all involved, two different tools up and down, and balancing while working.  I really ought to consider scaffolding... nah.  Putting those up is a lot of work.  If I was going to work on the stone walls, maybe, but they have been done recently.  Although, for painting the interior... if that is a while off.

I am thinking of saving several $k, after a new furnace and central air, and getting cleaning done, then figure out maintenance costs after that.  My mother may or may not want a part of that?  I want to be as hands off as possible.  Gotta keep a bit of an eye on things though.  Women don't think right sometimes.  We'll see.

Fasting starts today.  Just today and tomorrow this time, as I want to work.  With blood sugar good, and last week in the immediate rearview, I don't mind a short one.  I'll make my rounds, find what I need, and get to it before too long.  Later.

A nap?

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Will try.  Not getting anything done.  A meal in, at least.  Blood sugar is averaging 137 this week, 147 last.  Lower would be good.  Oh, it's time to fast.  When I wake.  I will have milk before bed, perhaps fruit and cottage cheese as well.

Just not clicking.

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I had the plans set.  It did take longer to cool off.  I had a light ready to go, didn't worry.  Then, when I got ready, I realized the light was three prong.  I have (had) a longer three-prong.  Either it is misplaced or, as with many things, has been permanently "borrowed".  I know where I put it, where it should be.  Haven't used it since my last Christmas light adventure.

Now, I stewed about it for a bit, then could have kicked myself... if there was a point to that.  I realize I could have opened a window or two, and probably had as many lights up there as I have or want.  Learning takes time.  The heat doesn't help.  Slowly I will have arrangements and preps.  I will have that done and saplings, and tree shoots cut, before I go.

I should be able to do work in the morning.  Painting.  I don't want to run powertools too early.  Though, to some degree, it will have to be one or the other, early or late.  The last time I worked when it was nearly 90 it looked like I had bobbed for apples in boiling oil, plus been bit by bees in several places, and that was in the shade... if I had failed to drink enough tea.  I... am little shy of working in that high of a heat, especially with no place to truly cool off.

Dishes and more laundry, if to be honest, doing anything while it is still 80 in here is difficult.  I would sleep if I could.  Bah.  High summer antics.  I'll survive, and get to things.  Later.

Hot.

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Awaken earlier.  Annoyed at first, but it was for a good cause.  Boys will be boys, more so on their way to becoming men.  Hopefully after.  Back to sleep even so, after arming the younger one with special items for his trials.  A bit more sleep and it was time to rise.  Dreams, if I only remember knowing.  I usually know I am dreaming.  Dreams, native ones, are fragile to my conscious mind so I tread gently there.  I think we need to dream, so crushing them with too focused of awareness, or will to alter, will dispel the needed psychic cool, or hard, waters.  These dreams were cool waters, if I have learned to cherish each.

Can I pout yet?

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Planning to sleeping, even with the best intention, can, did, mean nothing.  I couldn't sleep.  To warm.  No.  Hungry?  Yes but not that hungry.  I gave up and grilled a cornish game hen.  I think I'll get six more of those... a great light meal for a giant sort, ogre perhaps.  Add a potato and veggies and it works as a feast.  They are either 20 or 24 ounces, if after considered, if not qualified quantitative, analysis, I'd guess a third of the relevance of the bird is bone or otherwise inedible.  Still, a joyous little meal.

Some things going.

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It didn't cool of fast enough for me to work outside.  It didn't seem like it to me anyway. Even with a spotlight, I don't want to be fussing past 22:00.  It is annoying, potentially, to neighbors.  And they already endure my strange ways, words, and writings.  So...  I may sleep, hoping to get up early enough to paint while cool.

Blood sugar got back down to 128.  I have had food since, peanuts.  I am hungry for more but not up to cooking.  Bp was good if not superior.  I have caught up on medicine, but keep slipping near the edge of missing.  Sleep is wonky and heat is heavy.  Things slip.

I just don't have enough cross breeze through the cave, especially west to east.  There needs to be a breeze, fans don't do it.  Ac only works in the room it is in.  At least the place stays fifteen degrees, often, cooler than the outside high.  It's getting it to cool later that's the sticking point.

I have started research on ducks.  Not a lot of luck so far.  A major concern is water in the winter.  Though knowing how long they live, the right feed, and many other things, remain unknown.  The breed is a type of runner.  Their eggs are actually prized for baking, though great just cooked.  Bits and pieces, nothing coherent.  If I do meat, I may just buy those chicks, and raise them separately.  I have three buildings which would work.  I may just try different breeds, culling all, so I don't have two safes (landlocked group of ducks) always.  I may even try meat chickens to compare, once I get the first safe figured.  If it works.  Yes, excited... and apprehensive.

If ducks are on the water they are called a raft, bunch, paddling, team... and some others.

I'd best nap if I want to try to work in the morning.

Ducks.

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I don't think I mentioned?  My source of chicken eggs, and occasional duck eggs, has a... problem.  One of his duck hens went broody.  Sixteen little surprises have hatched.  These aren't meat ducks, however.  Eggs it seems.  He was looking to sell a few.  I... have doubts, fears.  I asked a lot of questions.

In one way I was a very hard sell.  A lot of rather direct questions.  I was already almost sold, on the other hand.  An easy sale, after more information.  I won't be taking possession until my return.  I need to clear and clean one of the outhouses, perhaps build nesting boxes, cut an opening and put in at least one window, get a kiddie pool and feed...  I am not sure if leaves work, or if hay is required for bedding.  I will, eventually, build an automatic feeding system and develop a watering system, heated for the winter.

Six to eight ducks.  A starter kit.  I would sure like meat ducks too, if I am not sure... interbreeding might become a major snafu.  Unless I replace the layer breed drake with a meat drake and added meat hens... hoping any replacement hens born of any mix could still put out good eggs, with the meat breeds putting out dinners?  Unless they breed to their own?  It'll be a learning process until it isn't.  On the good side, I have the previous owners for advice.  We may end up learning from each other.  Hmm... if I wanted defense?  Geese.  Not sure, might need fencing with them.  Might end up needing yard fencing as is?  Learning.

It is already down to 82, was an hour ago.  Hasn't changed yet.  I have started going out for short strolls, to give Sam some appreciated attention, look over my humble kingdom, and... just be alive in and enjoy the summer.  Another hour or two and it could be time to open up the cave and go to work.  It got down to 48 last night.  A duplication would be wonderful.  Though, I suppose, extra cool nights are more of a luxury... to be enjoyed as much for their rarity as simple pleasure.

There are the eggs, but also just having critters.  Perhaps they will get me out even more.  If I have to fence, I may look at meat geese, meat chickens, and a milk/meat goat/kid.  If you go country, go all in?  I wonder if a goat can bed in with ducks?  Research material, if experience will tell the real story.  Well, then, I'd almost have to get a dog.  I'd... better relax, and just see how I do with ducks, innit.  Later.

A bit of a lazy day. So far.

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With yesterday I am okay with that.  I even watered the lawn last night, manually.  It's a lot of work.  Moving, switching things, but easier than before adding quick change fittings.  And they don't leak, at least when treated right, on lighter duty, and so far.  I can't believe how well the grass is finally doing.  Now to fill a few areas.  Grass is pushing into to more barren or weedy areas, seed will just help.  I would like to pen in the areas.  As much to keep mowing out as to be able to track growth.

I didn't get to more work last night, other than that... well, and putting one of my minor work/spot lights together.  I have been sleeping as I can, in odd shifts.  I don't have a day or night.  I don't sleep a set amount.  I attempt to sleep more in the cool and dark, but take what I can when I must.  Summer is wearing on me, but I... after work yesterday... am getting into it.  As long as I work some, go outside from time to time, sit and sleep enough, and cool off when needed, it'll work out.  I may not have a square day, but it is deep summer.  Gear, plan, and live for it.

Eggs for breakfast.  Blood sugar was a bit high this morning.  I took the Boss for pizza last night.  Once, even twice, a month is fine.  And it isn't that high.  I should make mushroom and burger pizzas again.  I really love pizza type foods.  With the lower carb tomato sauces, purees, and such, it's good with diabetes.  I'll check blood sugar again in a bit.  If I don't nap soon.  I'd like to paint tonight as it cools, a nap might make that more likely.  Still hungry... popcorn!

I have a cornish game hen thawed for supper.  I don't know, something about eating a whole bird, my own bird, makes me feel like a king.  Split, flattened, then grilled.  Basted, with butter this time.  That, green beans, a potato or half, and milk will be my desert for painting.  If I can, I might paint the one raw window and the four already painted windows.  Which leaves four more windows to be scraped and painted.  Actually, I might be able to get a first coat on one of those?  Maybe.  Some haven't needed prep.  If I get half way, or more, through, I'll have dinner.  I'll save the easier ones for later.  I'll put a load going in the washer and reset dishes.  Bleh.

Later.

Fantastic nap, even better shower.

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I should have showered before going down.  Couldn't.  I was glad to finally drag my sorry but to bed.  Besides, bedding and laundry are on the very short list.  So down I went, if I had to cool off then get up to go down first.  I have learned a few tricks about showering... or come full circle back to some things.  I don't know what behaviors I lost or had to surrender to health decline.  As health is upgraded, if marginally, I am taking full advantage, and then some.

I seem to have been correct about blood sugar.  A gallon down, a nap, cooling, and a shower, blood sugar is down to 129, or less.  Food was not an issue, just heat and hydration or lack of it.

Ah, the moisturizer?  Don't use it on your face.  Probably nowhere sensitive!  I do use the soap there, when I want to clean down to the shine.  But I have... I like brisk risks.  Some of them.  Lesson learned.  I'll... have to think about the face.  Hmm, maybe I have some after shave stuff... but is that good for the whole face.  After peppermint... I'll try it.  It won't be as bad.

Perhaps driving tonight. If I am back in time, the plan is to do the three dormer windows over the roof tonight, then bedding and laundry plus dishes.  Tomorrow, if up early enough, back to sanding windows.  Early and cool, or much later.  That and back to wherever in domestics I left off.

I might be back to it.  I want to get back into some kind of shape before visiting my mother.  I going am there to work.  I want to throw myself into it as deeply and heavily as I can.  For it, I will request a few days down, food, and a favor... help seeing me somewhere at a righteous time.  For that, or either way, I will do what I can.

Nice.  More fridge cold tea.  Minted.  Fresh.  Later.

Painting.

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It was 88 or so, and, yet... with help on hand we got to it.  Up the ladder.  First the angle grinder with steel brush treatment, then to painting.  Prep is no small part of it.  Getting the ladder configured and in place, mixing paint, setting up the sander and angle grinder, plus the power cord.  Lots of little and big things, here and there.  And nearing 90 F, everything is felt.

One upper and lower window trim was stripped and painted as needed.  On the good side, there were two of us, so while one was working, the second could hand things up or whatever else needed on the ground, if mostly allowed time to cool off.  It's  a good way to work, if you can.  Most of the world... frowns on such effort however.  Me?  I like being the limit.  I push as I may, if I don't think it affects the boss, not much.

We worked two to three hours.  Probably should have driven in the heat, worked in the cool.  Next time.  Oh, the hoses were fixed, checked, and mostly put up as well.  I got several sets of fittings from different companies because China.  They don't do non-metric, or even metric, well.  I was proven correct.  Even then it isn't optimal.

I... really need to remember to drink out there.  With company, and while working outside, it is easy for me to forget.  My face was beat red, and blood sugar spiked to over 200, I think from a sort of dehydration.  Definitely need to drink, even while driving... the right drink.  Yeah, I'll see about a canteen of tea for this afternoon.

I have ordered more of the right repair kits, a few more inline shut-offs, and several quick connect kits, some to be gifted.  Good work is worth pay and outright bribery.

Now, a refrigerated nap, then a shower.  Of course, after we finish it gets partly clouds and goes down to 82.  ;p  Later.

Will probably be sleeping more.

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Too warm, the cave isn't cooling as much lately, so retreating to the air conditioned bedroom, for now, is the only way to get cool.  I am not sure when I went down, perhaps 3:00, give or take.  Running the ac for just a bit at night almost guarantees a morning wake... the heat from the rising sun does it.

Fasting blood sugar is 118.  I won't do bp until later, at least several hours after medicine.

After watering last night, I moved the hoses for mowing.  I had hoped to be up to that today, but not.  And I have an appointment anyway.  Still, having the watering systems out of the way helps.  With the rider, moving the sprinklers and hose is the hardest part, if not the most time consuming. I will probably need a nap before heading in.  And a shower and shave.

It looks like the summer doldrums are upon us.  The mid 90's F, at least, mostly, until possibly a few cooler days in August, but really either September or October before some real cool returns.  I still prefer having deep winters and summers.  The hard changes mean preparation and time-outs.  At least for me.  Mostly.  Even so, central air would help a great deal.

For now it is what it is.  It is cooling enough, outside, with enough light to work, for me to get to painting, and sanding.  Well, calking to, up on the roof in a few places.  Which reminds me... while in town, some of the heavier silicon, and a gun if I can't find one before I go.  As well as sidewalk calk, if that is different.  Plus cat food and litter.  Twice daily litter cleaning sure makes litter last longer.  Adding a bit more from time to time helps quite a bit.  Don't need it immediately but am completely out.

It would be good to clear the car, then get it cleaned.  Probably just a wash today.  Oil change soon as well.  Perhaps a complete clean before I head out?  Yeah.  It's good to be up on all that.  Long trips are spooky as vehicles age.  Rambling?  Aye.  Later.

Strange how music finds me.

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I was pondering... something... someone... the other day.  Pulled to this unlikely song.  It tested my patience.  I stuck with it.  I think so, it is right.

Getting started.

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One of the packages was a multivariable sprinkler, for the gardening sideyard area.  I figured it wouldn't be variable enough, if I had already probably solved the issue.  Needing two hoses t get to the area, I purchased inline ball valves so I had a shut off closer than the hydrant.  Well, a ball valve doesn't have to be shut completely.  Even so, absolute perfection can't be had, if my rig gets very close.  Done.  And the sideyard is getting watered. Now I can hook up the timer and have it mostly automated.  I will have to turn the hydrant on, then turn it off, as it leaks no matter my efforts to curtail that, but I am satisfied with that.

I have the cave opened and fans going, for as little as that is seeming to help.  I did find one of the windows still open, a worse west facing one.  It is cooling out there, at night, but that isn't helping much in here.  Yeah, central air, with the new furnace, next spring.  I won't needlessly suffer this damnable heat another year.  Window ac's don't cut it, and cost a comparative fortune to run.  Still, I will be buying another and bringing the one upstairs down.  It does nothing for me up there.

Heck of a world and way.  I have a potato baking.  When the timer for the sideyard indicates shutoff time, I will light the grill and put veggies on.  When it is going, I'll put a steak on.  The second, non-fasting, aftermeal blood sugar is 126.  BP is 119/90, p. 96.  Good enough.  Small steak, half a potato, and half the veggies.  If I am still hungry, or become hungry, I'll have a light snack later.  Trying to keep feeding to a six hour window.

Later.

Up and down all day.

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No choice, if I am surprised I could do it.  I was sick, fried, when I crashed.  While tunnel vision had backed off some, stars were still on the extended periphery.  Actually, that remains unchanged.  Still, I had packages incoming.  And with the heat I didn't want things to cook out there.  I set my small portable kitchen time for two hours, and hoped.

I honestly didn't think it would, could, wake me.  It turns off after some time as well.  Oddly, it woke me, each time.  There were three delivery services, all arriving at different times.  Three resets, at two hours per, and everything was in... I could just sleep from then on.  Running the ac actually ended up hurting my leg.

It is the cold, I now realize, that had my leg hurting this spring.  I had wondered if it was the cold or a lack of minerals.  Being on daily vitamins and extra occasional minerals now, I am sure it was the cold.  When I first went in, it was hot.  I turned the ac on full blast and slept without blankets but couldn't stir until the alarm.  By then my leg had the severe ache.  I'll have it for several days.

I was hungry first thing.  I reheated the uneaten half of the steak.  I thought about a potato, or can of veggies.  No, hungry.  Now.  I did manage to do a blood sugar check before diving in.  Barely.  It was 99.  Wow.  I thought my feast would have ruined the numbers.  BP is 127/95, p. 98.  I pushed things, and it is really hot in here.  Still, that isn't bad.  Oh, and... medicine.  I'll check in a couple hours after taking it, missed this morning too, if I might be able to make it all up.  Still?  Wow.  Not bad for being on the verge of passing out for four hours, probably on the cusp of death.  Woot!  Love me some risk.  Frisky!

Black, at the speed of light.

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Wow!

I haven't been that close to passing out in... ever?  I saw stars last time I stretched fasting.  This time my entire peripheral vision was stars, tunnel vision came and was narrowing to a pinpoint.  And as mentioned, darkness was coming at me so very fast.  I got food in me as quickly as possible.  While it took several meals and snacks and four hours when passing out was imminent, I made it.  As soon as I was safe, I began checking things.  Blood sugar was fine, at 114.  But bp had crashed.  I'll bet it had been lower.  At the time I read it, it was 103/68, pulse 80.  I am guessing it really dipped.

I really would rather stop.

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I am really hungry.  I think it is mostly mental.  I simply want food.  Plus it hasn't cooled off outside, so isn't cooling off inside.  I am being chewed up by two annoyances.  Yeah. I'll keep to my fast anyway.  At least for tonight.

I hit the dishes, watered the front yard for a bit, did some work on my feet and legs, and will finish the dishes soaking.  I will also set up the last dishes, get trash and recycling out... at least out of the door, and get laundry back to be ready tomorrow.  A shave?  Maybe, and shower, after the trash is out.  Will need the ac and door shut.

Blood sugar is 111.  I only check bp a few random times a day now.  If the reads are good enough, I don't bother checking the other arm.

I'd love to make an egg casserole for whenever I start eating.  But with the heat staying I won't.  If I am going to cook, it's better to do it during the day heat, where it really isn't noticed.  I wonder about chocolate pudding?  If it is stove top prep, that wouldn't be a problem.  Perhaps jello as well, with fruit, pears.  Or... just refuse out, a nap, then see from there?  Yes.

I noticed vids, from long ago, being stirred.  Some of laments, some of possible realizations.  Strange.  Someone(s) went digging, and fairly deep.  There is either a mismatch of when those were viewed and when that became apparent, or the viewer(s) aren't showing up as having visited.  I suspect they are running invisible, by the nature of what was viewed.

Later.

It is getting hot in here.

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Even though I cooled the place off last night, the sun is really hammering the place today.  Last I looked, it was 94 F or so outside.  Inside it is up to 78.  I don't mind that so long as I can cool the place down, even to 72, at night.  It should be cooling enough, or almost, to open things back up.  If the final trick I figured out last night works as it did, it won't take long to shove the heat out again.

Blood sugar spiked to 152, then has dropped back to 124.  BP is at 118/82, pulse 79.  Good.  Great, really.  Now to get food intake to maintain it.  It is both volume and variety, not just how that seems.  Too much or too little, other than true fasting, can be a problem.  True fasting has serious limits.  As well, some carbs are very good, with a neutral effect on blood sugar.  Red meat is excellent, the fatter the better.  Beside not liking lean, it actually turns to sugar drastically quicker and more of it.  From what I have seen, cholesterol problems seem to be an age, not food, thing.  And they don't have a way to fix it.  Their idea of a fix is akin to doing facelifts as a cure for old bodies.

As soon as it is cooler outside, and I open things up, I may take a nap.  Well, after dishes.  If that all works out, on to bedding and laundry.  Later.

A great day.

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I reversed my wake-up time by three hours.  In hangover mode for it.  No, no alcohol involved.  Changing sleep patterns that quickly will do just the same.  In spite of it, actually in part because of it, is why the day is good.  I love beating the odds.  Of course, now I have to continue the process.  Grueling.  But... I love the gruelling.  Wish I could do more of the useful sort of it.

I was able to break my troubled sleep cycle by figuring how to cool the cave.  It was getting and staying about 75 F or more.  Day after day and, as a low, it was too warm.  Last night, with just fans and a few particular arrangements, I was able to cool the place to about 70.  That I can live with.  I am wondering if being too hot too long exacerbates diabetes.

Speaking of which, my blood sugar got to 100 last night.  After that first jump, the rest was a slow decline.  Odd how it works.  When my blood sugar is high, my fasting blood sugar is often the highest read for the day.  If it is below 200 or 150 or such, the resting blood sugar is the second highest read (at least while fasting).  My second read then becomes the highest.  When it is near 100, the... it loses any pattern.  Usually.  There are no absolutes, just rules of thumb that can be upended for some or no reason.  Fasting blood sugar was 118.  Waking fasting blood sugar is 154.  BP is 124/91, p. 78.  See?  Good day, very good day.

Today?  A few domestics, as I can.  Fasting is taking it's toll.  And it is a holy day.  I'll get some ketonic down before long.  Gotta watch, remember... sharts... all I'm saying the more.  It's twu.  Today and tomorrow left of fasting.  It's going well.  Later.