Aha! I figured out thickening.

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Not for tonight, but for the other soup.  Adding pigs feet, tripe, even chicken feet... plus of course homemade stock.  Those, in parts or combined, will release gelatin and else, plus fats, which thicken like nothing else can do.  Those will, probably, be best cooked first, then removed... or the fluid ladled out... then begin with the actual edibles.  Yes, I have been looking.  As well, I found an excellent recipe for keto sweet and sour soup.  Oh I love that.

Never did get to gaming.  I will game, just a bit, before bedtime.  Good night, sweet dreams, see you next year?  Aye... one way or another.  Cheers. 

Happy New Year!

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Well, as close, or nearly, as I am going to get.

I let the ducks in, and shut them down.  Had to chase the whole lot of them in.  Chase?  Hmm.  Slow walk them in.  Then waterers were pulled.  They hadn't frozen, and were mostly empty.  Very good.

I will play a game for a bit, then have oyster stew.  I do enjoy that, mostly.  Though it may more be the butter and tradition than actual flavor?  I'll know more in a bit.  I always think I am going to really enjoy, but rarely do.  Still, I will eat them every other or every third year, more often if I could keep my mind focused.  I have so few traditions that I need to keep the ones I have... when I can.  It was either that or chili.  And, chili, mostly, is off limits.  I suppose once a year... yea.  Next year, one for one eve, the other for the next eve.

So pleased to start with groceries on hand, and food for critters, plenty for the next few months.  The trick is to buy when it is about at half.  I'd like to do price checking, but... that's not how feed works.  Tomorrow I will begin working on a serious meat and vegetable stew, thickened with psyllium husk and/or gum of guar?  Some such.  An actual natural product, used for keto thickening.  The trick is to find out how much to use.  And it will be hot, though not sweet.  I wonder if there is a keto sweet and hot recipe.  That is about the only oriental food I miss.  The soup... minus tofu.  Hmm, might try some of that in the oyster soup... to try to make it more stewlike... since I won't be using soup crackers.  Worth a shot.

Anyway.  Happy New Year.  Enjoy.  Maybe we will see each other tomorrow.  Good evening and night.

Out!

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I... didn't know if I could.  I... wasn't sure there would be money.  Still, in spite of all my fears, doubts, and else, I got in my vehicle and headed into town.  Groceries.  I've been living on dirt for far too long.  No, I wanted food.  I had to check my account first.  You... never know.  All good.  It was in.  I had gassed up last time I was out, so all good that way.  I pulled just a few dollars, so I have something more than a five and some ones, if not much more.  Then to the store.

Groceries.  Sure, everyone (else) is masked up.  I just smile.  I don't think they are afraid of china flu, they believe Biden won.  They expect the crackdown.  Even those who would like to believe otherwise, nominally like me, don't believe Trump will carry through.  They wear masks out of dejection and a failure of leadership?  I have seen nothing indicating, historically or presentationally, that Trump will do it.  And, yet, I... actually have one last hope.

I know that if he fails to secure the US vote, that is that.  It means... bad things.  Worse things.  Either way, I won't wear the mask.  As was actually thanked for it... for not wearing the mask.  All I said was... "Any day"!  *grins*  I simply will not follow the herd.  Especially one which is cowed by fear.  Of this or that.  I looked upon them with... sympathy.  For I know no empathy for such.

Shopping!  There was no kale, but cabbage will do.  Mushrooms, mixed stew vegetables, celery stalks, and more.  It should make for a very pleasant stew.  I will just use the chipped pork butt meat.  I have sixteen ounces of beef stock ready.  Not much prep, really.  The vegetables are prepped, mostly.  Could be smaller?  Celery is by the stalk but needs sliced.  Meat is cooked.  Mushrooms are sliced.  I simply need to put it together.  And, actually, I will be using reverse osmosis water for this.

Not tonight.  A tradition, as much as we had one, was oyster on either Christmas even or New Year's Eve.  It's New Year's Eve this year.  As I was checking out, I realized I had no milk or cream.  While I have restarted that, it doesn't begin until next week.  I had enough that I could get back and grab milk and cream, being back just in time to add it to the last items.  What a rush.  So, that for tonight... sans soup crackers.  But... all good.

I have checked the rabbit waterers several times today.  It is warmer, but... not perfectly.  I was able to reset their water once, had to change it the next time, then reset it when returning home from the store.  Happy little critters.  As well, on the way home, I stopped and picked up four rabbit food bags, and five duck feed bags.  I am hoping to also buy three more metal cans, perhaps four.  As feed storage.  Plus, perhaps, a few more waterers.  Just a few a month, say four, until I have enough to change them out up to three times a day, for two days.  They will need the water in the summer, constantly.  Probably need it now, but the cold and my real limits only allow what I can offer... three to four chances at water per days, during the day... or whatever passes for my day.  They are helping me keep on track, for now.

Next month I may buy the duck pellets.  I bought the loose stuff, mostly meat feeder stuff, this month.  A few more cans, a few bags of that stuff, and then I feel more secure.  Just incase things, businesses, money, come to a screeching halt.  I want to have a month or two extra feed.  If it all goes to hell, I have time to butcher.  I don't want them to starve.

All good.  A very good day.  I am hoping to do a bit of work in the bathroom, and clean some counters.  Plus the last of the chores... putting ducks up and pulling waterers.  Later.

Late but at it.

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To bed past 01:15.  Perhaps as much as an half hour later.  Somewhere in there.  Still, fighting to get to bed earlier.  And... that is earlier.  Insomnia calls me, like a wisp in the forest, drawing me into a land where sleep and wakefulness are banished, only gray skies, muted sounds, shadows, and suspicion lives.  I resist, as I may.  Forcing myself to bed before I venture too far into to that forest to find my way out.  It takes care, when being drawn in so seemingly sweetly.

I woke, the first time, just before the eight alarm.  In time to shut it down before it went off.  I would have just disturbed, not awaken.  I was hoping for the ten alarm.  Then, the mower-plow was kicked over.  That... helped... somehow.  Then, finally, and about twenty to ten, I was able to kick out.  This is normally about when I start chores, so... I just got right into it.

Oh, but I started out dressing rightly first thing.  It does help one to feel human.  But it isn't feasible without a clean body.  Anyway, dressed, and down to it.  The neighbor was back, after I finished the ducks and while preparing for the rabbits.  So we spoke just a bit.  He had to be tested for covid, recently.  He had cold features, it was required to return to work.  Checked out, for whatever that means with their terrible testing.  Though, I didn't think covid had anything to do with cold symptoms?  Then again, I'm not sure there really is anything but the flu... being called covid.  Death rates are just lower... with covid.

I checked to temp, before going back to the chores.  It is 22!  Warm wave.  I mean it.  This is so much better.  It must have... warmed... sometime in the night.  As the duck pond, which I forgot to empty, only had a thinner sheet of ice... an inch perhaps, versus three to four inches of late.  Very nice.  Even the ducks are in a better mood for it.  The rabbits don't... emote a great deal.

Now, as to rabbits.  I finally have their feeding down.  Will they ask for more?  Always.  But I have their amounts pegged.  I do give an ounce more, per animal, but that's it.  Save for the mini does.  I probably give them a couple ounces extra.  They just... seem to need.  So be it.  Further, I have decided to clear some of the minis.  I would like to keep four, two bucks and two does, for breeding.  Which leaves two of each to be culled.  It's merely a matter of sorting out their dispatching.  Cleaning isn't so difficult.  Butchering them is probably easier than doing a chicken.  They are older, but not too much older.  Then again, I may wish to hold off until I am sure they can/do breed and produce.  At this point, this exact breed is irreplaceable, and I really don't want mixed breeds.  So... a while longer, if I best get started with husbandry.

As for ducks, I am waiting until they produce, or figuring out how to get them to produce.  No eggs, which leads me to suspect they are eating their own eggs... which means obtaining stone "eggs".  And, perhaps, creating nesting areas for the hens.  I can't cull until they are producing.  It's... akin to eating the seed corn, a survival dependent act of desperation.  At least with these, though, if there is a duckopalypse, I can get more.

Well.  Today?  Calls, dishes, counters, bathroom?  That is the idea... I need to wake, more, first.  Just because I was able to kick out chores first thing... which is a bit of luck anyway... doesn't mean I was at all ready for the day.  I need... to... wake, more fully.  Grasp the world, work my way out of bed in the mind rightly.  Then I'll get to it.  Later.

Cold just reached a new low.

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The thermometer says it is 14 F, or so.  Well, and that it is.  However, even with dry hands, touching metal right now causes the skin and metal to merge.  Something different about this cold.  And, it seemed to be snowing.  There may or may not be actual snow in there.  It may just be frozen air.  Seriously, there is something very different.  Humidity is reading 24%, indoors.  I am betting it is below that out there.  Which is why even the very mild dampness of skin sticks to metal.

Everything has a frost to it, that is outside.  I forgot the mostly empty feed bucket out there.  Even the feed had hoary frost on it!  Something unusual is happening.  I would not wish to find myself out in that for long at all, without serious preps.  Warm clothes, fire-starting equipment, and a strong penchant for prayer.  It is one of the spookiest cold events I have seen... at least here.  This is, pretty much, a warm spell in Iowa... or used to be.  Seriously.  A -40 in Iowa was pretty common, and I have been through a two month session where the highest in that period and a bit more was negative twenty.... as the highest temperature for over two months, perhaps closing on three months.  Still, this is different.  Iowa was never dry, not like this, unless it was much much colder.

The ducks and rabbits seem okay.  The ducks are keeping their water open, which probably means they have been swimming.  Other than that, all seems okay.  The rabbits, too, seem okay.  The littler ones have four to a cage, so can cuddle if all else fails.  I did try to get their waterers to work, but the freezing was just too strong, so I replaced their waterers.  I may do so again, as cold as it is.  So have reset the waterers I brought in... just letting them warm.  Oh, and I closed their tarps down, as if for night setting.  Hopefully to allow them to stay warmer.  Brutal out there.

I got a shower.  Finished chores.  Finished laundry.  I should set up dishes, and perhaps get ready to clear and clean more counter space and get trash and recycling ready.  Ugh.  So cold, so tired.  I do have the heat up, it just isn't mattering in this weird spell.  Hmm, perhaps something to eat would help.  What could I mix some of the pulled pork with?  I'll have to check.  I am sure there is something to go with it.  Doesn't have to be fancy.  Later.

Down late, up late.

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A sort of gravity thing.  Even so, I am up, proportionally earlier.  Down at 02:30, perhaps later... that was the last time I saw.  Up by 10:00, actually a bit earlier... fifteen to an half hour earlier.  So, only seven hours down.  Still, it's an uncomfortably wake.  I don't feel at all good, or about it.  But it is time.  I need to get feed and water going.

On the good side, that massive headache which has been a plague was tempered by aspirin last night.  It has been a suffering something awful, all by itself, for days.  The ibuprofen did nothing.  Ignoring it did nothing.  I took another handful today.  It isn't as bad, sleep was painless unlike since it started, but at waking it... is back... coming back.  It is lighter but I am so very tired of being that pained.  I will try aspirin again.  I try to go without, but sometimes the need is greater than the want.

Strange dreams, but they dissipated with the sun.  In part because I was too tired when I went to bed, and when I woke.  Other dreams, remembered, recently, but not important.  Not all that interesting either.  Sharing a cab with a worldly man, while trying to track down... where I used to be, where I lived for a while, given inheritance of a place I used to know, reside within.  I just couldn't remember, and he was just interested in business, so we had to take turns calling locations.  It... might mean something to some of you.  And I see some things in it.  But just... personal things.

A shower, first thing, this morning.  I did get the port shredded, bagged, and refrigerated last night!  It was the last thing done.  It was pleasing to watch as it was done and stowed.  Now, to craft a barbeque sauce for it.  As well, laundry was all done, and the last load put in the dryer, at least the first time.  I'll need to do a morning dose on it, to shake out any remaining moisture.

A trim before the shower.  A shave after?  Hopefully.  Then chores.  Gaming as a rest period thing, work as I am able, and keeping up on the waterers.  It's cold out there.  I'll bet it's just as cold as yesterday.  It was down to 50 upstairs?  Weird.  I haven't checked outdoors yet.  Chores, a few business calls, a familial call, and cleaning in the bathroom and kitchen to begin.  Yes.  That's the plan.

Ugh, but I feel so wretched.  Nausea... light, headache, a general worn feel, tossed in with a vague ill sense.  I'll figure it out and try to get to it anyway.  Good morning and day.

Way too late.

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So be it.  Some nights just... drag.  I can neither sleep nor work nor play.  So... I... get lost.

It must be a trick?  I don't know.  I just feel like... well...

No worries.  I'll do what I may, as I am able.  It'll work.  Good night... if I still have a bit to do.

A strange day.

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Bits done.  No business, today.  Tomorrow, I must.  Laundry was run through, two loads.  Chores, and keeping up on water.  I missed a bit, and it was all frozen, so new waterers.  These the bunnies used to completion, or close.  Food is all gone, save the little guys.  Sometimes they eat more, sometimes less.  Today it was much less.  I check, to make sure food hasn't gotten stuck in the chute.  So it isn't that.

I also grilled chops, then put a pork roast on for a low, slow, cook.  I understand why they use barbeque sauce, pork can sometimes be just a bit bitter.  I may work a sauce up tomorrow.  I have keto ketchup.  With a bit of work, some of that can be turned into a sauce.  Hot, vinegary or not, thicker or thinner, hotter or mild, etc... whichever way I want to go with it.  Then, try some keto buns, perhaps a fathead dough sort?  I've been wanting to try these things.  I am planning on shredding the pork.  This is the first time I dared leave it long enough that it is literally falling off the bone, and apart.  It is tasty, but as mentioned, slightly bitter.  I hope the sauce helps with that.

Funny thing is, I handled the cold quite well today.  I mean extremely well.  Before I was awake enough to realize what I was doing, I was out doing chores.  I had meant to take a shower first thing (which I still plan to do as well tonight).  But hadn't gotten to it.  So?  So I went out without any socks on.  Or even a second layer under my pj's.  Or third, as I often do.  And, yea, it was about 2 F out there this morning.  I never did, obviously, get to the shower, or put socks on.  Didn't need them?  Apparently not.  The several more times I was out for chores, and while setting up the grill then checking the food, I was out without socks.  Just flip-flops, if of the sideways band sort.  Hmm... imagine that.  I AM still an ogre, or bear, or giant of a milder size.  Not all dead, or too old, yet.

I thought that might be due to blood sugar?  I just checked... fifteen minutes after eating between half and a pound of grilled pork roast, it read 144.  So... no, I don't think so.  No... I... haven't been taking insulin, either.  Odd, that.  I... just... got lost in things.  Still, I actually should get back on my heart medicine.  That really is becoming... spooky.  Yes, I have a very strange anatomy.  I guess I really have been eating less.  I think a few hundred calories a day for... well... a while... and a while before the last bigger meal I had, even two or three of the last bigger meals I have had.  I'm not hungry, or thirsty, even when I am.  *shrug*

Well... I best get to some things.  Good evening and night.

The headache remains.

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Not so bad as last night.  And I am moving slowly to keep it that way.  I'll take a few aspirin this morning.  Actually, it was ibuprofen which was consumed last night.  I thought it might be due to inflammation, as the back of my neck was sore, and likely the source.  Didn't even touch it.  So, aspirin this morning.  Not  quite getting nauseous from it, but close.  Still, with meats thawed, I'm thinking breakfast before long... a pork chop and eggs, with a side of... nothing, actually.  Still, that should be good.

I went to fill the duck pond this morning.  Something got to the hose, chewed one end all to bits.  I am guessing it was a deer or cow looking for water.  They know hoses, apparently.  I had to find another hose.  While it was the shortest lightest one I could find, it is too heavy.  I will use it for now, replace it with a twenty five footer as soon as possible.

While it is cold out, just as cold as yesterday morning, with the sun up and out, it feels a lot better.  Or I'm just in better shape?  I had no trouble doing all of the chores, all at once, only going in once to grab rabbit food and waterers without spending any time warming.  The rabbits are doing well.  The mini does are the most skittish creatures I have.  The ducks, even the younglings, are less frightened of me.  I suppose size and other limits leave them no choice.

I have set up laundry, but am waiting to get a shower in to start those.  Then I'll set up dishes, perhaps making a pan of water to begin clearing the kitchen counters off and then cleaning those.  A few phone calls today?  Yea.  A bit of business, a bit of medicine...  I will.  I will get to it.  already started.  Further, I'm not getting back into pj's.  I'll dress proper, and feel like an adult.  Just for today?  I'd like to do it for a week, and begin taking some of my life back.

The week is back to getting my home in order for... well... you will see or you won't.  Never can tell exactly how things will work out.  Mysterious ways.  Good morning and day.

Massive headache.

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I am still awake for it.  Took aspirin a bit ago, to no good.  I'll just have to go to bed as is.

I finished with the rabbits and ducks just a bit ago.  I guess I lost track, while hoping the aspirin would work.  It's been hours.  Just lost time.  The rabbits ended up drinking most of the water, somehow.  It has gotten colder, again, in steps.  It is now at 5, down from 12, down from 17 as a high.  I emptied the duck pond, grabbed the waterers, and got in as quickly as possible.

I did have a dinner.  I am wondering if the headache is from not having eaten in a bit too long.  Well, not nearly enough.  A few hundred calories a day is bad for the carburater.  I haven't even been drinking much, down to as little as an half gallon, or even have that on leaner days.  Just no gumption to get it.  Not thirsty.  A very strange thing, for me to be off my feedbag.  Or the headache is a symptom of what might be causing me to be off my feed?

I have more meats thawing.  I should be back to food.  I found beef stock, which I am hoping to turn into a stew of some sort before too long.  It'll work with chicken thigh meat and veggies.  Though I would rather have a roast of some sort.  Which is something thawing, rather than thighs anyway.  I simply need to get fresh mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and maybe a few other things.  No potatoes... this time... perhaps a try at broccoli or cauliflower?  Maybe.  I want it very vegetal and yet very meaty too.  And thick.  Perhaps with some decent spice to it, hot spice.  I am getting closer to dipping my toes into soups and stews.  Why so afraid?  My efforts, to date, have been absolute failures.  I'll... find a solid recipe.  Go that way.

Good night. 

A last watering.

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I caught them just as, or just before, they froze up.  Shaking and just a bit else, and flow was returned... for a while.  They all seem to have fed well.  Drinking has been a bit shy, if there are limits to availability.  I opened the water for the ducks, and checked their food.  All good.  There is a light layer of freeze on top, nothing the ducks can't break through.  Still, I do it for them, then stir it all.  It keeps it more open for them.

As I finished, I checked the temperature.  It is back down to 12.  What of a sun we had today is going back down.  If it isn't dark out, it will be in half an hour at most.  We did get a very little bit of heat from it, I'll take what I can get.  I'll bet it is going to be another very cold night.  I best empty the duck pond while collecting the waterers.  I can't wait for summer, at least for the watering part.  I shouldn't have trouble with overheating, not with them mostly in the shade, and many bottles of frozen water to offer.  Enough bottles for two a day, per rabbit, if needs be.  A sprinkler on a timer might not be horrible either?

Oh, finally cleared the freezer, and pulled meat.  It has been a long time since I have had a passable meal.  I have several meats thawing, one on the faster track... hopefully for dinner in two hours.  One hour to thaw, one to absorb salt, then set the grill an half hour through the salting process.  It's how I do.  Well, and a can of veggies, with butter.  Peas, corn, green beans, beats?  Maybe a mix of two.  Yea.  I... could sure use a bite.

Later.  Maybe good night already.  Not sure.

Still quite chill out there.

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With it being so cold, I have been checking the waterers every few hours.  I changed the nipples, and shook them up, last time.  They drank happily after.  This time the whole bottles needed changing out.  They were pretty much frozen from the nipple to an half inch around the outer parts of the bottles.  Fresh, warm, waterers were put out.  I will check on those in a few hours.

It is up to 17 F.  Perhaps these will last longer.  I will check in a few hours again.  But that is that.  I may have to change the nipples, they freeze fairly quickly.  Though, being warmer, and with fresh warm water, they may be pretty good yet.  One last insurance of access to water, then I'll call it that.  Leave them too it until the ducks are to be put up, then just pull the waterers.

Oh, the mini does haven't been eating hay, they just pulled it out and threw it down.  Hmm?  I suppose, like real women, who do the same with toilet paper?  It's... a wiring issue in the female brain.  *sigh*  *laughs*  But they really do eat the most, per rabbit, per pound, of all my critters.  And they drink the most!  It... must be a perpetual bachelorette party?  Ha!  And it well might be.

Even dressed well, and with gloves, a hat, and handling warm waterers, it was a very hard cold out there.  I couldn't tell the difference between seventeen and zero.  If I think there is more of a breeze going currently.  The valley is breathing, and it's noticeable.  Still, I'd rather winter than summer, if spring and fall are becoming my more favored... when they behave as one should expect.

I really have to get to some things, but am so tired.  I'm not sure how to get to them!  I will try.  Later.

So very cold, and dark.

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I finished chores.  Had to come inside and take minor breaks.  It is zero, 0, F, again.  Time is my enemy in that.  I used to be able to handle zero fairly well, even as mentioned down to -20 F, even -40 on a good bad day.  Age wins the day, I guess.  That is with gloves and extra layers and winter boots!  How did I do that when I was even a few years younger?  Crazy.

The mini does have gone through a whole second batch of timothy hay, while the gents have only gone through about half a similar amount.  The other rabbits haven't finished a quarter of that.  Okay.  Most were thirstier than hungry.  I did minor adjustments, up or down, today.  I'll leave it at these amounts for the next week.  Then check and possibly adjust again.

Glad I tipped the duck pond last night.  It would have been frozen solid, as the level was down, and it was so cold.  The ducks really didn't want to leave this early.  Funny thing.  Still, I opened it up, and they... seemingly more by habit, came streaming out.  All were happy to see fresh water.  Even as cold as that water might seem, if it is above freezing?  It is warmer than the air.  It is also above 32 F, or it would be ice.  To them, that is warm.  Splash!  Quack!  I'll... bet their balls are on the inside!  :p

After that, I started failing.  Cloudy to near dark, that cold, and just because.  I went down at around 10:00.  It felt like I slept for hours and hours.  Waking just now, at 11:12, I am thinking of going back to bed?  Maybe not.  I will do a quick check on the waterers, make sure they are flowing.  And, perhaps, check the temp.  It may have risen, the sun seems be out or trying to get out.  It was 61 upstairs.  I suppose, with that branch gone, even modest sunlight really heats the place.  This summer will be brutal though.  That branch covered the length of my roof, and probably twenty to thirty feet of breadth, no more than five to ten feet above it.  Warmer in the winter, but absolutely brutal in the summer, more than ever before.  Ugh.

I'd best figure out something to eat.  The cold really uses juice.  Stay warm, dry, and fed, if possible.  If not, find some tune to whistle while you work if you must.  Auf Viederschreiben.

Better without improvement?

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Mostly.  I didn't make it down as early as hoped, but I did get down well before midnight.  I was in bed by between 21:30 and 22:30, more middling if I had to lay odds.  I woke, initially, at 04:00, exactly.  Turned off the fan, as that will keep me under, then went back to sleep.  It seemed like hours, but I woke at 05:00 exactly... for the second and final time.  I pretty much just got up then.

Not quite ready for the day, but I want to be up.  I want to keep my day schedule.  I have been doing very well, for a while now.  It helps me feed the critters on a more regular schedule, if more based on sunrise than an some random hour.  I am not sure if that is good enough, but it is the best I can do, when I am going to be able to do it.

Colder than usual, upstairs.  At 53 or 55, it just... usually it stays 57 to 59.  Then again, in the north downstairs bedroom, I often slept with the window open.  But that was before I found that a fan worked just as well... probably better... without making it nearly so cold.  It made waking easier.  I'm not sure why it was so cold tonight.  Usually, the fan makes it warmer, driving it as high as 61.  Oh well.

Same plans as before.  Nothing extra has been done.  If I could just shake exhaustion off my shoulders, wake, and do.  I'd do what I could.  Time and health have me by the balls, and winter is piling on.  Nothing unusual.  And, for as much as it pains me to be awake, being awake is mostly an improvement.  While I am awake, and aware enough, to suffer... I would rather suffer my life through, than sleep it off.  It's just how I would prefer.  Haven't always had the choice.

Well... about time to do my morning routines.  The cats have had a snack.  I will set the alarm for two hours, then... try something new.  Good morning and day.

Some days, checking on the critters is extra good.

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It is a pleasant day, for winter.  At about 28, it actually feels pretty good.  The sun was out, and made it warmer... or at least it seemed warmer.  I have checked on the furry and fowl twice now, as much to see the sun and to make sure all was well.  Feed is good.  Only the mini ladies needed more water.  All are good with food, if some are out.  

The ducks are having a meeting, and seem to enjoy being under the rabbits.  I'm always suspicious about things falling down.  But the ducks don't seem to mind, either knowing where to not be, or not caring?    So be it.  Their water is easily staying open, though I will drain it tonight.  It's been two days.  Refilling it in the morning.  All is well.

Oh, the mini girls went through their hay like it was cotton candy, yesterday.  And I think again today.  I just kept filling it.  This last batch has not been touched.  The mini bucks went through one batch over two days.  I refilled it, as well, but they haven't touched this second batch.  I added fodder in, lightly, to the rest of the cages.  They have eaten between half and three quarters of what was given.  I'd like to get the mangers on for them, but I'm just not doing well.

I'll pull the water when the ducks go in, and try to get to bed about that time as well.  I'll like to get them in around 18:00~18:30.  Might have to steer them in.  They might not go.  Will see.  So tired.  Doing well otherwise.  Gaming, mostly, today.  It's all good.  Hmm... maybe a phone call?  Later. 

Good morning!

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Just... a good morning.  For no good or bad reason.  I didn't get to bed until midnight, woke at 08:00 or very close one way or the... well... must have been an half hour after... looking at the clock.  Still, all good.  Got stuck waiting on the ducks to go in, had to herd to groups in, even then.  Then, being 21:00, I missed my window of bedtime, didn't see the problem, and almost killed my day schedule.  We will see.  I think I am going to be a bit more forceful with the ducks.  There are limits, but there... are limits both ways.  Be of good respair, I tell you.

I turned up the heat, first thing.  I have the alarm set for an hour, to begin with chores.  Wearing gloves and my slip-on winter boots makes tending the critters a bit easier even when it is very cold.  I save any wetwork for a final project.  As that just gets me, no matter what.  And the gloves can't be worn, and wouldn't help much, in the water.

I almost have a pattern...  Start the water in the duck pond, if that is happening.  Then feed and water the rabbits.  Then let the ducks out, and grab their pans.  I keep those in with them, as it could rain or snow overnight, and things tend to munch on their food if left out... a roaming cow, deer, and mice, are known thiefs.  Though other birds may munch?  Inside, the only thing that might get food is mice.  But if the muscovys find them, they will eat them.  If even the indian runners will kill them if they happen to notice.  Then, alive or dead, the muscovys would eat them.  I like muscovys.  Like both types, actually.

I've already snacked the girls... right in the face, I tell them.  They still seem hungry!  Or is Sam just wanting attention?  I didn't let them sleep with me last night.  I needed sleep, not face tickles, head butts, and body walks.  So, maybe it is just attention.  Sam is... nearing her end, soaking up as much of my time, love, and patience as she can gather.  I get that.  But, sometimes...  "Don't... touch me!"  Man, sometimes I just need some space.

Well, on to espying the web.  Good morning, day, and Sunday.  If you are going to church, say a little prayer for me.  Just to let God know He is always on my mind.  Literally.  Not like He doesn't know, just... He likes hearing it from second-hand sources.  It would be a favor to both of us, in His eyes, I do believe.  Have a great day.  Stay warm, dry, and fed... as possible.

Blustery and cold.

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Fine, we can do this.  I checked the waterers just in time.  Two had just started to freeze up.  A bit of shaking and they started flowing.  It looks like all have drunk, and well.  Further, when I shook them up, and put them back in place, it's as if the rabbits realized they were thirsty.  They lined of for a shot of the wet stuff.

Food looked good, for bunnies and ducks.  The water hadn't frozen on the ducks, and they seem to have bathed.  But, baby is it cold out there!  It had been doing micro-hail earlier.  Now it is snow.  Coming down in sheets, but not as heavily as the appearance would suggest.  I may need to plow later.  But for now, there isn't enough out there.  I did move the plow under what cover there is.  And checked the temperature.  It is still 18 F.  Same temperature, but seemingly much cooler?  With snow coming in?  Sometimes it'll do that.

A bit more... gaming.  Then, I hope, I can get to work.  The bathroom first, a shower and shave if possible, then setting up dishes.  A check on where laundry is, and maybe a start on that.  And, finally, hopefully, a bit of cleaning in the kitchen.  Clearing the freezer and stove top are the prime objectives.  I think I can, I think I can, I... I pray I can.

Feeling better.  Feeling hungry.  Ignoring the last.  The eggs, yesterday, two doses, caused a stout if short lived diarrhea.  Probably necessary.  It's been a bit since I've actually eaten.  Everything was just sitting in there, going moldy.  :p  It had to go.  At least it wasn't the constipated first type, mostly.  Bleh.  Yea, way to personal.  You are welcome!  My damned porch, all I'm saying.

Oh, I did get timothy hay in the manger sort of arrangements available.  After clearing the freezer top, I will have access to the bailing wire, and will set up the other metal mangers for the other rabbits, plus two more on the empty cages soon to house one of the bucks.  Then, perhaps... if as with some of the rest of the list, installing latches on the cages.  I am... beginning... again.  I hope.  Good afternoon and day.

A rough night and morning.

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Just one of those nights and mornings.  I did get to bed by 20:30.  By senses, I should have been to bed earlier, but the ducks weren't having any of going in earlier last night, and I still wanted the rabbits to have more time with the water, especially the bitty ladies... which had not sipped nearly anything earlier.  And, right I was.  They ended up nearly finishing the whole larger bottle I put out.  Paying attention could save your animal's lives.  I'm not good at that, and I don't always follow through... but this time, yes.

I did set the alarm.  Well, it has two times.  I have the first set for 08:00, the second for 10:00.  I almost slept through the eight alarm.  Finally waking, without a snooze buzzing, at 08:28.  And turning the stupid thing off before another one did sound.  I truly hate that sound.  If unfortunately that isn't enough to always wake me even so.  But it was rough.

Aches, pains, a generally sore body.  I don't know what the problem is.  A fistful of aspirin, to start things.  And I checked the temp outside first thing.  It was around 18 F.  While still chill, it's a lot better than zero or even 10.  I wonder if it will warm yet today?  It would be nice to hit thirty.  Never can tell until it happens or doesn't.

Now that I have the ducks and rabbits down, I need to begin doing more with them.  Including getting them to breed.  It isn't complicated.  But the young buck is yet to be tried.  As with three of the four does.  It's about time.  I also wish to check with folk, see if they will take rabbit, and if so, how many.  The requirement is help with butchering.  Though... to be honest, I can butcher as I go, so they are always fresh?  Maybe.  Still, having an half dozen to dozen feeder rabbits in the freezer is a good feeling.  I will send a few texts this morning.

In the mornings, I turn the heat up.  This helps make sure I heat the house enough to be operating at a better level, plus it warms their water for a longer useful time.  I know, they say warm water freezes faster.  Only if it has no flow.  The rabbits cause flow.  Further, warm water is probably easier for them to drink, and helps... as a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee does for us in the morning.  Doesn't need to be scalding, just warm.  As in the summer, I may well figure out how to keep their waterers refrigerated.  Does that actually matter to them?  I don't know.  Is it even good for them?  It is an attempt at added care, mia culpa or not.

I called my mother, this time getting ahold of her, yesterday afternoon.  I will attempt to call my brother soon, as well.  I sent out a few texts and an email, with Christmas wishes.  All before sundown Christmas day, or... mostly.  It's as good as I can do.  This year is a bit rough, in a lot of ways.  And, yet, I did more than usual.  All good.  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, or at least could put on a brave face and bear it, hopefully with a grin.  It's a tight season, usually I am immune to that.  Not this year.  It was... difficult.  Even an ogre has feelings... once in a great while.

Well, get to it people.  I'd best hike the thermostat, kick around the web, set an alarm for an hour or two, then game to wake up.  A shower and shave yet after chores?  The bathroom, dishes, and laundry later?  Working on the cages, putting the plow back in it's place, and more?  I can hope.  I will aim for such.  I love to work, when I can.  Be well, and good morning and day.  Now... get off my porch!

Late at it.

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Finally got out to check waterers.  One group, the smaller does, didn't drink much at all.  I felt that was a problem, or would have called it a night.  Perhaps there was something wrong with that one?  In any case, if I am watering one group, I might as well do the rest.  The ducks wouldn't go in yet, so I will have to go back out in an hour or two anyway.  I'll just grab them on my way back in.

A few tricks learned, about getting them out more quickly, and back in using the same method.  I checked their food.  Most are finished.  Only the mini bucks and the pregnant... probably... doe had much food left.  It almost looked like they hadn't eaten.  But they did, I watched them eat.  Just... not much.  Critters are strange, do their own things.

It is still cold out.  but it doesn't feel as bad.  I haven't checked.  It may have to do with moisture content, or... something else.  But this morning was sharply crisp.  The other two times I have been out haven't been nearly so bad.  The sun was out today, if it didn't provide any real warmth.  Still, it was good to see.  A sorely missed commodity at some points in the year.

I did call my mother.  Oh, best send out some other salutations.  I did a few online as well.  Any who might read?  Maybe.  I did my best, can't remember if I hit everybody.  The minimum goal is everyone in my friends list who seems open to such.  If they don't have a Christmas post, I don't sound off about it.  Some years are hard, even for usually Christmas believers.  Be glad you don't get to live thousands of years.

Anyway... I've got the alarm set.  I'll get the ducks in, waterers back, shut up the place, say a good long prayer... for you all one way or another as well... and then sleep well.  A final Merry Christmas, and good night.

It is absolutely frigid out there.

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I was able to do all the chores at once, a few hours ago.  Oh, but that was quite a test.  It was 14 to 15 F, or so it read.  But it sure felt crisper.  Even so, I open up things for the rabbits, give them light.  I cover them more fully at night.  The space under them is still open, needs to be for their berries to drop.  I should be careful though.  I worried I had hit frostbite levels of cold, in the fingers.  Cool, tap, water warmed them up.  If there is still a tingle from that sharp, harsh, cold.  I'll... start doing chores in part, from now on.  When it is this cold.  Part of the problem is that I have to work with cold water, put my hands in it.  But even without that... Hmm?  Gloves... at least for some of the work.

I took notes on which rabbits were begging for food.  It happens to be the two larger groups of does.  The ladies were right there, waiting for food.  Their little eyes looking at me with great anticipation.  I did give them a bit more.  Still, a few more days and I will check as I go.  The guys and possibly pregnant doe didn't have any interest in food, or not primarily.  They were right on the water though.  I will check their water in a few hours.  If it is frozen, or even the nipples, I'll pull them and put fresh.  But I am bringing it all in for overnight.  Even when put out fresh, they don't drink during the dark.  But the bottles with freeze absolutely solid.  No fun.

The ducks are doing well.  Cold just doesn't bother them, or the rabbits.  It's rather amazing.  They are feeding less.  I would guess, regardless, their metabolism dives in the cold.  They couldn't be finding any other food though.  So I check when I am out.  With the ducks, I will feed them more, upon demand.  They just haven't been eating.

I ought to get an omelet going, bacon first.  Hmm, sautéing fresh onion, for the mix, would be good too.   I am hungry.  Maybe a fatted coffee?  Not sure if the last of the cream is any good.  Only one way to find out.  Ah, and I best call my mother, and perhaps text a few folk.  It's a cold one, but a good Christmas.  Good day, and afternoon.

Down very late.

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Between 23:30 and 00:00.  I just couldn't go down.  Awake at 08:00.  I had the alarm set for then, but was already getting up when it went off.  Later, but up.  To bed earlier tonight, I hope.

I hadn't reset water for this morning.  I have alternative waterers.  I just prefer not to use those.  Well, until later.  I had thought I could just break or thaw the nipples, but that is too much work, and too cold of work on some afternoons.  So I will be using the smaller jugs for later watering.  I keep trying methods, to find one that works better.  A system is being sought.

Though, I think, with the vagaries of even small animal husbandry, the weather, and the limits of tools, bits, and pieces, there may not be a simple method.  At least I have feeding down.  Mostly.  The mini ladies seem to eat bogus amounts.  I'll have to add just a bit more.  I'll give it a few more days.  If they continue to eat at that pace, I'll need to add some.

Ducks are easy, easier.  Their water is a bit tricky in the winter.  Especially with it dipping well below freezing.  It is right at 0 F, again.  Glad I dumped their water.  Four inches of ice is a mess to work with.  I really need a smaller water tank and heater for it.  Yeah... I keep looking, but money, money, money!  A foot high by two by six?  Something like that.  Clean it once a week...  Yea.  I have also though about five gallon bucket watering systems for the rabbits.  Not sure that would work out, but having six to eight heated watering stations wouldn't be practical either.  Ugh.  In time, it will be sorted more amenably.

It's been a while since I have eaten good food.  I need to figure something out.  A few eggs, bacon if it's good, an omelet so I can add fresh onion and cheese?  We'll see.  I have to get to it to do it.  I'll give the waterers an hour to warm, after turning the furnace up.  Then get to the critters.  Two hours?  Maybe.  I slept cold last night, strangely.  I need to warm myself.

Oh.  Merry Christmas!  I... remembered!  I'll make a few calls later.  Be well, warm, fed, and in good company if possible.  It is a good day.  A holy one.  

Not much.

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A visitor though!  It's always good to see a... people.  If I have the bravery to check who is at my door.  If I am not expecting someone, I... have to consider what condition I am in.  Then... whether... I am feeling lucky.  I have showered frequently recently.  Clothes, if pj's, are clean.  Presentable... or... generally.  So, when the doorbell rang, after considering all and getting my pulse back in line plus releasing the frozen throat... I answered the door.

The most fearful is if it is a woman.  Oh, I... like women.  I just feel a little uncomfortable with my house in it's current state.  Well, and... when I meet women, I prefer to be in a proper, dapper, state.  As... close to such as I can get.  So, when one knocks or rings, especially a foreign body, I... get a bit nervous.  Not the case this time.  The neighbor, senior... of his pack.

He wanted to go over the SSA paperwork.  He asked about them sending him information.  The SSA has told me they won't.  So...  But, the details seem pretty much as presented recently... a... judicial review, in early February.  I need to call about some information, contact a lawyer, and... generally do a few things or get them going.  Monday, or Tuesday...  If possible.

With it being so cold, I have been checking on the critters a bit more than usual.  All well.  I did find, on the second check, that the water... while not totally frozen, was stopped at the nipples.  So I went through and got those open.  I'll bet a torch lighter would make that process much quicker... so long as it doesn't melt the plastic.  I will just be bringing the water in tonight.  It would freeze in short order after dark.  It got up to 16 or 17 F, that I saw, as maximum.

It's about time to close the ducks in, and bring the waterers in.  The food looked good, for all.  Not sure if the ducks don't like the food, or don't eat much?  Oh, I do believe I will empty the water for the ducks at night.  Otherwise the thickness of the ice will quickly destroy the plastic pool.  Just adding a bit each day.  I will have to replace it no matter what, every day it is this cold.  In warmer weather this isn't as much of a problem.

On to that, maybe the counters, or one.  A shower, some more gaming, and back to bed?  It's the plan.

Must be getting old.

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I did get the rabbits their feed and water.  I researched feeding last night.  It seems I have been double feeding, and more.  Not so good.  So, I am checking a daily, single, feeding, and cutting feed.  Will watch for aggression or other problems.  If they are agitated around feeding time, perhaps adding more, but not by much.  Increments.  Water, however, I will check that twice a day... at least in the winter.  In the warmer weather, I will simply hook them up with plenty, which means several waterers per pen, pulling them when they are dry.

I have started cleaning the waterers.  Not every day.  Every third or fourth day they get a bit of attention.  I am doing my best, but learning these things takes time.  Of course, the meat rabbits themselves will need to be fed more.  They are aimed at size at speed.  Though, even then, there has to be some measure.  Growing too big too fast is probably not the best.  There is some optimum volume of feed to growth... something that will come with time, practice, experiments, and such.

I need a scale for them.  Though, to be honest, I think a standard scale, good to the ounce, handling up to twenty pounds (if double what is probably need and some), a tare capacity (zeroing the scale while with some mass onboard), and a pet carrier weighing no more than a few pounds, would be the best deal.  They sell pet and livestock scales for a fortune.  I am not sure why people spend fortunes on things which really aren't needed?  People do like to spend, I guess?

Oh, but so frigid out there.  It was up to 8 F, for what it was worth.  I had hoped to do all the chores in one fell swoop.  I wasn't dressed for it.  I am still in just enough clothing, pjs and housecoat, to get to the shower with some dignity.  I don't have my usual triple layer on.  Though it was my hands that gave out the worst and fastest.  Way too cold.

I did get the duck pond ice cracked, after some serious effort.  It was four inches thick.  Ugh.  Then I drained the remaining water.  I couldn't fill it and then feed them, had to warm a bit first.  It'll take an half hour to get ready to go back out and face that chill.  On the good side, even the flying muscovys haven't left their enclosure.  I hope they are okay?  I... don't know how well they take to the cold, but I have heard they should be good?  Ugh.

Well, on to gaming for just a bit.  I'll set the alarm for an half hour, then get the rest of the chores.  You know... I might not be serving people.  And it is, to a degree, in theory, self-serving.  But serving animals is still serving.  It isn't much.  But, to be honest, in life?  Sometimes there isn't much.  It is a bone dry crawl from out of some, possibly hateful, woman's womb and then on into a world that seems to despise, be jealous and envious of, for this or that reason, which only wants to eat or kill you, that you might find some way to be of some use to someone other than your own miserable hide and bones.  It's... not much.  It's... what I have to offer.  It will do, until I die or find better.  *wink*

Good morning, and day.  Stay warm and dry.  Get at it if possible, enjoy the grooves if not... or rut.  Blah.  So be it.

Up, if late.

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Little I can do about it.  I have been going to bed around 18:30, give or take an hour... 18:00 nearly sharp last night.  And, yet, I sleep later.  This morning I was awake until 07:30.  Yesterday, I think, about 06:30.  Getting later.  I am fighting to keep days.  Found my way to it by accident, have kept it... by effort and happenstance.  Turning the furnace up during the day, down at night, might be helping?

I finished prepping the last of the rabbit waterers this morning.  Letting them warm to the furnace, as it makes the place warmer.  I'll get to them and the ducks shortly.  It seemed cold last night.  The upstairs was 55 F.  Which is fine for me.  Sometimes I'd actually prefer it cooler... if that may not be good for me, unless in hibernate mode... which I haven't been able to attain for years, since they started heart medicine.  I used to be able to sleep nearly a month, probably two or three with a few hungry wakes.  I almost wish I could get back to that.  Oh, but that is a bit cooler than usual, and there was no wind that I could tell last night, so I checked outdoors first thing.  It was 0 F, or -18 C for those on the left side of the world.

I used to do more in my sleep than a thousand men could do in a lifetime.  Many lives, flying, near teleporting, visiting alien stars and planets, swimming the depths of the oceans, learning science that isn't ever going to be understood by academics, finding making and performing wonderous music, and just having a ball.  Even swimming within Leviathan, fighting demons, seeing the first dawns of new stars and the deaths of old ones.  Even so, realizing this is just a clockwork, made by God.  Designed for us to learn... not what He learned... but to learn, or decided, what is right and good, in a shorter period of time than what it took Him.  

Within the constructs of time and space and some other things... the laws of physics as an example... the sorting could be done much more quickly, and much less painfully.  I tell you, I saw "where" He went through this thing, and it causes me horrid nightmares if I ponder upon it for too long.  Some things are far beyond our grasp.  Further... something of what God is not still abides there.  It is... Lucifer's siren song, what called that one away, to the dark.  Fervid sweaty dark nightmares of living dreams and dying and pain live there.  Real?  What of God is not real, even that which He discards is real.

Anyway...  I no longer do that, so now that I am... sort of... back... I try to make do, do better, do more.  Not always, even usually, successful.  Yet, I pray, and work, and try.  I have seen where He derived, and how, in extreme brevity.  It makes all my efforts seem as nothing.  Even when I successfully pull work past broken ribs.  I will keep trying, until I too have been relieved of the effort, and set to be judged.  I do not expect to be forgiven, I only submit to the need for it and the grace of it should it be offered.  Amen.

Well... a bit of tinkering.  To wake.  Then to game a bit.  I would like to put water out, but I want it to warm first.  Then chores and work, as possible.  With gratitude.  A smile even.  If too, maybe a cross word to later be laughed at.  Sam doesn't care, as long as she knows she was a proper pain in the... ask me later... she is happy.  Womenz!  Sassy too, if she's a scaredy cat all the way, usually.

I'll set the alarm, and get to it in a few hours.  Hmm... a shower right first though?  That would be good, after the net work anyway.  Sam is getting so very old.  I can feel her, snapping back.  Her neurons twitching.  She is staying alive as much for attention and love, to remain here with me for a bit.  She finds places where she can sit and just look at me, at my face.  Such love in those eyes.  It is difficult to stay angry at her, even when she is being a turd.  I know why, she just wants... a little more attention, even if it's anger.  Bleh... stupid critters.

Later.

Oh well.

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No go.  I did keep... looking around.  I did go out to get things going.  It just wasn't working.  I'd get lost on my way, or not even remember what I was up to.  I'll get the critters, as soon as it turns dark.  I will probably go to bed shortly after.  Gaming, I suppose, is mostly what is happening.  I'd really like to get the freezer cleared off, though.  Then pull meat for thawing.

I need food.  Haven't been eating well or correctly.  That would help.  Plus, having that clear, for drying dishes, would really be a leg up.  Rinsing dishes won't take long, it's getting a place for them that is required.  That is what will take the time.  I'll keep at it.  Hopefully have a Christmas meal, a more real one.  A reasonable meat, a roast or chicken... maybe a whole one if available... in the spirit of a turkey, but for one.  And, maybe, a keto dessert, say a alternatively sweetened chocolate lava cake?  Or even just a cake, perhaps with whipped cream, if I happen to have a bit more cream left... fresh enough.

Yeah, I will try to get the counter cleared, possibly several of them.  I can at least say I did something.  It did get up to 22 F, last I looked.  Not exactly warm, but a good bit warmer than 10.  Hmm, I won't be putting water out... unless it is all frozen.  I'll be ready, with extra water, just in case.  I meant to get out, check on them earlier, it just didn't happen.  Still, I'll do as I may.

Later.  Or good night?

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Oh, but one thing?  The skies were clear while I was out tonight.  I do believe I did get to see the convergence of the planets!  It sure seemed to be quite visible, and still quite close.  I wonder how long that continues?  I was amazed, and pleased.  Perhaps not on the 21st, when it was best, but... I did get to see it.  As well, I will continue to look for it in the sky, as I put the ducks in each night... when possible.

Failure doesn't have to be permanent?  Or... being a day late doesn't always mean walking empty handed?  I was quite pleased with a minor happenstance.  I do feel better.

Cold out there.

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I don't know if I mentioned, or knew, at the last post, but it's 10 F out there.  There was no wind, so it wasn't the absolute worst.  But it gets to ya.  Sam wouldn't go out with me.  I didn't blame her.

Strangely, the fresh water in the duck pond didn't freeze thickly.  Oh, it was this cold last night too, so... yea... strange.  I had worries I would need to get the ice out, whole, then refill.  I was almost certain it would be frozen solid.  I did break the ice open, then let out the non-fliers.  Feeding them after that.  On to rabbits.  All needed food.  So it was.  As well, water had to be refreshed.  They drink a lot less than they did initially.  Feed is give or take.  I am trying to feed them just once a day, now.  Though, if I check, and the food is all gone... for now... I am adding some more.  I need to sort out what I should be feeding them.  They are going through way too much food.  Or I need to find another source of less expensive feed.

The cold and minor efforts, plus the shower and trim before, took the wind out of me.  A bit of a rest, then I am hoping to add the latches.  As well, possibly, adding the hay feeders then filling them.  A break after that, then back to domestics.  A bit of laundry, starting up dishes... setting the remnants to a rinse, then cleaning counters and etc.  Flat surfaces.

So very tired.  The cold does that, I think.  Being out in it, even if otherwise mild, saps strength.  I slept twelve hours last night.  It was enough, but seems needed.  I may nap yet today as well.  Later.

There is a lot of month left.

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All good.  I missed the convergence of the two planets... Jupiter and Saturn?  I was hoping, perhaps, it might still be slightly visible last night, but not so much luck.  I'll... catch it next time.  *wink*  Some things to do?  Lots of things to do.  Not sure it's possible to do much though.  Still, I have a list and some hope.  I will push today.  I am feeling worse, but better for it.

Hmm?  Well, sometimes pain can motivate, if it isn't too severe.  It pushes me through the fog of my life.  Which seems especially potent during high or dark winter, and high summer.  Pain has it's place.  Especially a nice general everything ache.  A little bit of everything...  well balanced... mild but not exactly easily doable.  A strange thing, but so be it.

A shower, to start the day.  A trim of whiskers before that?  Yea, maybe.  Cat litter, then on to rabbit and duck feeding and watering as needed.  Then cat feeding.  I'll reset their water after I shower.  Then, to adding swivel padlock hardware to three, or all cages, if the little ones work as hoped.  Then to pull the suv out, and sweep the garage.

Then, cleaning off the drying area, for dishes, and probably the rest of the countertops, which will require... more work than that sounds, by a lot.  Still, doable?  Probably.  After that, setting up dishes which just need a rinse.  After those are done and put up, very few of them, then to set another load of actual dishes to be washed.  There aren't many, but they are rough.  As well, I would like to figure out laundry... pick up wherever is needed.

Then?  Cleaning the bathroom.  And, possibly, setting the oven to autoclean, then dealing with the remnants of that.  Plus, beginning picking up in spots and places, gathering any and all trash, and recycling...  Well... a beginning to the beginning...  Gaming when I need a rest.  I... think I might be back to it.  As well, medicine resets?  Yea...  Yes.

I may not get to much.  I might somehow do it all, crashing like a titan falling to earth later.  Who knows.  I don't mind trying to work myself to death.  It doesn't seem to matter either way, but it feels good when I can hit it.  Hmm, but eggs for breakfast?  If they are still good.  Eggs, cheese, and... something.  There needs... bacon?  If it's thawed, and good.  Yea.  Maybe.  Good morning and day.

Not much done.

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I checked on the critters a few more times, finally putting the ducks in.  Actually, that is no longer needed.  They are in quickly after dark.  More because it is warmer as a group?  All washed, fed, and watered.  It was a good day for them.  The rabbits are doing well also.  Their feed and water was still in good supply.  Not sure why they eat so much some days, not others.  Same with water.

The girls have received their second meal.  I ate a bite or two.  Need to make some calls tomorrow.  If possible.  I am not sure when things begin to close down.

A few weeks back, ssa called.  They wanted to begin operations with regards to my ssd.  I wasn't sure I believed it was who I thought it was, but... as it turns out... the paperwork did arrive.  It will be a teleconference.  Slated for early February.  Which means I have time to contact a lawyer.  As well, perhaps he can line up medical evidence, since the V.A. won't... can't?  They know I'm shot, have been for thirty years.  They don't care.  They are some creepy folks.  If, for whatever reason, they decide they hate you, they will screw with you every way they can.

Anyway.  I have begun lining up other witnesses.  Some people know some things.  I suspect some people wonder how I am still alive.  What would I do with a large chunk of back pay?  I'd arrange for a new furnace and ac.  I would get quotes on a new electrical panel.  And, maybe, begin getting my house cleaned.  Clean a room, per month, then keep that tidy as another room is hit.  That's sort of the idea.  If there was more?  I might well pay off the car.  Just... be done with that interest.  Not very sexy, but... not bad.  Depends on how much of it I might see, assuming the possibility of a win.

Well, if the vehicle was paid off, I would add that to the house payment.  As well, I might add some of the extra income against the house, just not the lump sum... that... will be eaten just in necessary housing expenses.  I am hoping to get payments going fast enough to pay the house off in less than ten years.  I have it at an advanced payment as it, but faster would be better.

So tired, in the heart.  Literally.  I don't know why, I haven't been pushing.  Very little work is taking my legs out from under me.  I should get back on meds.  A call to the doc tomorrow, to arrange for more medication and, if required, a telemedi.  I won't go in.  I'm not wearing a mask, I won't submit to a 'health inspection', and wouldn't allow a test which could lead to trouble.  Best to just avoid trouble.

I'll be up just a bit longer?  Or crash in five, after looking around the web for any news or anything new.  Good evening and night.  May God see you to the morning, or in the night.  Amen.

Getting breezy out there.

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I didn't have to check on the critters.  But I wanted to refresh the duck pond.  And... I... just wanted to check on them.  Glad I did.  While the thermometer suggests around 28 F, there is a stiff breeze, or really wind, from the north.  Constant, 8 to 12 knots I would guess.  And cold!  So, I put the tarps down, better, on the rabbits, added a few logs to keep it all down, may add more.

The rabbit feed all looks good, as does water.  And it's all still thawed.  The ducks are doing well.  I am refreshing the pond, should give them all time to bath.  Once or twice a week I try to give them a bit more time with fresh water.  I best turn the water off shortly.  Still, it's a rare treat for them.  I will check their food while at it, if I suspect their food will be quite good still.

I may take a nap.  I had hoped to get to town, it just wasn't possible.  Tired.  I am still hoping to get the new latches, or some of them, on.  A cordless drill, bit, and... two minutes per?  Maybe.  Unless something fails.  Hmm, I should drill a starter, so the wood doesn't split.  Yea, I could see that happening.  It adds time and complexity.  It saves major repairs.

First, though, a nap?  I don't quite know yet.  I might play the game for a bit, while I consider.  Later.

Oh, awake, and doing well?

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I do believe so.  Some aches and pains, but they are minor.  I went to bed around 20:30, though as much as an hour before.  No later, at most.  Waking at 05:30, I have been reviewing my daily blogs and feeds.  Things aren't looking good, but when do they?  Though some disappointments are grander than others.  It is what it is.  The world isn't a right thing.  The people who run it are worse.

The plan is a shower, soonish.  Then chores.  I fed the girls first thing.  As an apology.  I actually had not fed them in the morning.  So, they didn't get fed until I returned home from town.  I really felt bad.  And they had been so very patient with me.  I guess it has been a long time since I missed their feed that they gave me a break.

A bit of gaming next.  Then to a shower, air drying, and to chores.  A bit of a break after those things.  Oh, I'll get laundry started right first thing this morning, even before gaming.  Perhaps a bite to eat as I begin gaming.  I still can't game very long.  Still a bit tired.  The sun restored a bit, yesterday.  If it is sunny any time this week, I will get out and enjoy it.  Just sitting outside for a bit, a couple times a day, especially if it is warmer.

Come to think of it, it has been dark for a very long time.  Or so it seems.  And, if not truly winter level cold, at least near at or near freezing, without a break.  That does wear on the body.  All good though.  As mentioned, if I see sun, this week, I'll be out in it.  Oh, and I bet Sam, and maybe even Sassy, might go out for a bit.  They fear the ducks, a bit.  If I am out there, though, they are fine with the critters... running to me if the ducks start following them around.  I do laugh.

Good morning and day.

I got it!

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The rabbit is back in his cage, and life... is better.  I feel much better.  Still would like to obtain another buck.  Just in case.  Worst case, he gets et.  It's... a Scrabble(tm) word.  So I use it!  Anyway.  Afterwards, they were all fed and watered.  The trick with the elder rabbit was speed.  The trick with the younger rabbit was to let him decide, then catch him as he acts.

I needed to rush the elder gent, to get him to make a mistake.  I had to rush him, often, until he made the right mistake.  Should have heard him scream, grunt, guff, and waller.  I gave him points for letting me know what was on his mind!  The younger one, though, if I moved first, was always, somehow, a step ahead.  But if I got him to a position, where choices were slim, I could catch him in his choice.  It took several times, but got him I did.

Oh, best put the ducks in.  Not much else to do with them.  I will empty their pool, and fill it first thing tomorrow.  Life is back to being good on the smallest homestead.  A few more things to do, and... yea.

I am hoping I am well enough to put hay feeders on the cages which don't have them.  Then fill those.  As well as the regular chores.  As well, since I was too tired to do it today, put the latches on.  I did create a temporary rope based knot latch, for tonight.  Just in case it was they who somehow broke out (as unlikely as that is).  But it wouldn't last long, if nothing else the rabbits will probably chew through it eventually.

The day was excellent though.  The sun was out, it was nearly forty, maybe higher.  The sun was actually warm.  So much done.  Finances are... at least okay.  The phone is working, and it's not that pug flip.  I still have data to input.  And I'd like to get that food program on this phone and get it going again.  But, all in all, an excellent day.  Heck, even the Cruz is out, and parked well, so that it should be easy enough to get to a garage rental next month.

Now for some domestic work.  Tomorrow?  If possible.  This, that, and the other.  The sun was nice.  It might have been just the boost I needed.  Maybe a bit, or a lot, done tomorrow.  Sleep, shortly, now.

Quite a lot done today.  A bit more soon.  Perhaps back to things?  Yes, and medicine, started again, soon.  So tired though.  Shot.  Done.  Once the ducks are in, and I do a check on the rabbits, feed the girls, and check their litter, I'm going on to bed.  Have a great night, sleep well, and hope we all wake.  Good evening and night.

Not bad.

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The new phone was set up, and the account paid.  The old phone is gone.  I may see if it is still in messages, the message about it that is.  As well, I obtained devices for, eventually, locking the cages.  I also cut the cages, and moved the feeders out, for easy, more secure, access.  And cut a few of the hay feeder racks off, and am hoping to get those set up.  Along with the hardware, I purchased a small portion of 'bailing wire'.  It will help with a number of applications.

The younger buck is still around.  We chased him into the garage, not really on purpose.  It's... not a good place to try to get the rabbit.  Too many places, too many items, no really good way to corner him.  So, the garage is open, for him to get out.  I left food near where he likes to hide.  Next time I will try to chase him into the coop, duck hutch.  If that is possible, life will, probably, be easier as to reacquiring the youngling.

Oh, my neighbor weld fixed the lever for the plow.  And... we got the small car dug out and moved.  We?  He.  Then, opened up a place to park it.  I am hoping to get it garaged at the beginning of next month, and get that on autopay.  Ugh.  And, finally, the SUV is in the garage, so I don't have to work the snow every time.  Ugh, double ugh.  Triple.  But, some good things done today.

Finally, I called my mother.  It was good to speak with her.  She is staying out with her guy more.  Life... changes.  I am pleased they are huddling, and staying close.  Age is cruel.  It is a hard time to be alone.  I, myself, regret being alone.  But I don't trust, or know how to get past that.  Women are the most cruel of the species, more so if they love.  Even so... I would love to figure out a way.  If... I could.  Still, I am glad they have one another.  No begrudging, just a fine well meant jealousy even so.

Hmm... I'd best have something to eat.  Then feed the girls... actually I have that backwards.  The girls'd have my balls on a platter if I ate in front of them.  Then again, I think I did feed them this morning?  If so, I will still give them treats.  It soothes waters.  A bit of gaming, then on to bed a bit early, I think.  It was a successful day.  I don't deserve the friends and helpers I have, but I do thank them, and God for them.  Later.

Ah, right!

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I couldn't get the trash out last night.  So tired, after chasing rabbits for an half hour.  I... wouldn't call it an actual foot race, more a game of hide and net.  Hey, I hit 50%, so it wasn't all bad.  I had meant to feed then do the trash.  Wasn't possible.  I got to bed early though.  The little bunny games wore me right down.  I think it was right at 19:30?  Pretty close.

I wasn't sure I would wake in time.  I had also planned to take a shower last night.  Again, no dice.  So I was really hoping I would wake early enough.  And, so I did.  I woke at 04:30, or so.  I took the trash out immediately.  As well, I set up laundry, if that won't go until after a shower.  I will get the cats fed and else, shower, then set laundry.

I won't be letting the ducks out until after round two, if the buck is still out there.  This time, no light, so I can swing that net like a pro.  I'll do what I can, about catching him.  However that goes, in about an half hour after starting, I will go ahead and feed and water, letting the ducks out.  Hmm... I could fill their pool while doing the chase.  I just don't want ducks added to the equation.  However, if that fails?  Later on, with the hutch open, a second chase might get him trapped in there...  Ugh, but this can be a lot of work.

So, yeah, a shower, a small bite of something to eat, laundry started, and getting dressed... hopefully all by sunup.  So I get to huntin wabbit!  It's definitely not duck season.  :p  At least I am awake and going already.  It's a start.  Good morning and day.

Rabbits.

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I guess, not happy with putting a female in with the guys, or being unhappy about that being pointed out, they released the bucks.  I had no idea if they would still be around.  It was well dark by the time I realized, as I went to feed them for the last of the day.  They have a latch, so it had to have been opened.  I spotted them.  I chased the youngest first, but... to no avail.  Even ol' Rusty was a bit fast.

I put the ducks up first.  It looks like the rabbits wanted to go in there, but were quite unceremoniously expelled.  They kept popping their heads in, but remembered.  The ducks are well bigger than the rabbits, and... there are many of them.  Still... I suppose they kept assessing their odds.  Even if they do recognize me, it would be in the day.  At night, I am just a light coming for them.  Had to shut the ducks.  I could have tried to chase them in, but then both the rabbit and myself would have been unwelcome guests, and some of the ducks might have flown out, into the night.  Bleh.  I get it, I understand, it's... just... why can't we all get along?

Then I remembered, she had used a fishing net, a big one, for her ducks.  I was pretty sure I had one, if I wasn't sure where it might be.  In the garage was my bet, and correctly.  So... I began... hunting rabbits.  Eventually I caught Rusty, put him back.  He was decidedly unhappy, if I think he will be happier fed, watered, and safe, than otherwise.  He is a city slicker now, has no real means of surviving out there.

The young one...  I chased him for another half hour.  Having to hold the flashlight made it nearly impossible with him.  No... it did make it impossible.  I set up a box, as a makeshift shelter, and put food in it.  I am certain he can survive without more food, and water, overnight.  I just hope he finds the food, sticks around, until I can get him.  It's a heck of a chore, chasing a rabbit at night, one-handed.  Surprised I caught even one.

I am so very worn.  Tired.  Still, I am hoping to yet take a shower.  Not much more.  Just a shower, when I catch my breath.  So as to be ready for... whatever happens tomorrow.  I need that extra buck.  I should have gotten another besides.  Oh well.  I'll... figure it out.  Good evening and night.

A spooky world!

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I noticed some... strange... skin anomaly, on my thumb.  The inside (palm) side, up the trunk of the thumb, a... strange event occurring.  It looked to be becoming a circular welt, with a gravy dip... as one might create with mashed potatoes.  Now, nowhere near as high, just the idea.  I was worried it might be ringworms.  Ringworms?  Maybe.  But... the notion seemed horrific!

I let it go, until it definitely looked, at least, like what the term might mean.  Worms, in my skin?  Yuck!  I let it go, a few days, out of... a grossed out sense of being.  Yea?  Shut it.

Finally, I decided to look into what this was all about.  Had I been eating pork which was undercooked?  What... else could it be?  Nope!  It turns out it isn't really any kind of worm at all.  It is a fungal thing.  And, it doesn't arrive, derive?, from undercooked pork.  One of the major factors, is contact with someone or something with it, to whit rabbits, cats, other pets or livestock.  But... I... just don't know.

Relieved, to a degree, I began digging into possible cures.  It can be a similar fungus as that which causes jock itch and athletes foot, for example.  Hmm...  Okay.  I actually have that stuff on hand.  I use it any time I get more itch than I should be scratching, here or there.  So, I used it.  Two to three times a day, for a week or three.  If that fails, either try a slightly different active ingredient one, or go to the doc.

I sprayed it, first time, today.  Spraying it the second time, it looks like the circular welt has decreased in size by, say, quarter to half?  There is definitely some improvement.  I don't know if this will work, but with results like that, this quickly, I have some hope.  If nothing else, I should be able to telemedi the problem.  With indications that this stuff works, but isn't strong enough, a dose of something could be sent fairly securely.

I just won't go to the hospital at this point.  Beside them being a major risk vector, their testing is still absolutely untrustworthy.  I will show up hot, stressed, I always do.  And that will get me flagged.  What with testing seeming to be nearly 90% wrong, I won't bet on their care or diagnosis, or else.  I wonder how many healthy people, with comorbidities, they have put into the hospital, who then get it and die?  I'd bet a lot.  I don't even trust their treatments.  This is just another form of genocide... the actual treatment... and diagnosis actually.  On purpose or not confronts me not at all.  I won't go.

I need to reorder meds anyway.  But I need a phone working.  Monday, or... sometime this week.  Ugh.

At least I am less creeped out by the problem.  Especially since it seems to be in very fast recovery.  But my thumb?  Not really supposed to be there.  If, I think, it is because most people don't have enough flesh and else there for the fungi to take hold.  My thumb is... big.  *sprays*  Dang things.  I'll get em'.  

Ducks and all were fed and else early.  I am ready to put out more water and food for the rabbits soon.  The water isn't freezing, mostly.  Even when left out overnight.  Oh, and with regular feedings, they seem to be eating less.  On top of being given limited amounts of food, and less overall.  I also got the girl out of the cage with the boys.  Now to watch her.  I'll have to review what to look for when a doe is about to deliver.  Someone removed her, then put her one cage over.  *sigh*  Oh, she is breed.  Definitely on that.  Later.

A problem, and a temporary solution.

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I should have known.  He is working so very long hours, in the cold, really on two jobs, plus the demands of home and neighbor emperor.  *sigh*  Nothing like realizing one's place and living beyond it.  Still... the snow was moved tonight, at least most of it.  Even though a part of the device which controls the scoop broke, I was able to lift, as he maneuvered, the he was able to get the last bit out of the way, clearing a path to the road.  All very good.

A plan, for a few things, was also developed.  Everything, for someone who works seeming five jobs, two in the forty hour range, plus a lot of us side bosses who snipe time and energy from him...  There is a reason he is prominently mentioned in my will, however.  Not sure any of it will be worth anything by then, but... some of it certainly will have value.  Such a boon might... help him see himself to a wife, and honest to God one, sooner rather than later.  Not sure that works well these days, though it's... always been difficult, for one and a thousand reasons.  Women are pigheaded, and we are bullheaded.  *grins*

The rabbits have received their second feeding and watering.  The ducks have received a bite for in the morning, and I broke open their pond, as it will take it a while to freeze again.  The girls are about to receive their last meal, or a treat if they already got that.  I have eaten twice.  I would like to shower, but I can't do it.  Tomorrow.

I have enjoyed gaming.  Even so, I... almost fall asleep while playing.  Nodding off like a pro, right in the middle of all the action.  It does seem the patch has fixed the immediate game problems.  I was able to bring my first and most leveled toon out, and push it through.  I'm not sure I will do that with the other toon or not.  Though I would like a few other types of builds created, set up, and ready to go before long.  May never play them.  May play them before the month is out.  The only thing they can't fix is all the "minorities" in the game.  For that alone, I hope they end up going bankrupt.  I'd rather see them never make another game, than to see them make this sort of game again.  I thought Pols were reasonable people, not sell-out shills to the evils of the world.  My mistake.

So very tired.  It's on to bed.  Good night.

Ducks, cats, and rabbits, oh my.

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Fed, watered, and else.  I am not doing as much as I would like.  A day, or waking session, when things went well.  Then a fall.  Back to usual.  I am sleeping well.  I try to eat, do eat some.  Something is just very off.  It has been dark for a week, if that only is a minor part of the problem, I think.  Actually, it is warmer.  Overcast skies keep the warmth in, at least for those of us who don't live in the windier regions of the nation.

I have been doing laundry.  A load a day, or every other.  Dishes languish.  More worried about the critters.  But, doing well with them.  It is easier to keep their water available with slightly warmer weather.  It is staying closer to 32 F (0 C), most of the time, give or take a few degrees... enough for the icicles to melt.  I am hoping to get to work... in the bathroom and kitchen... if I could just... stand.  Just get up, going.  So tired, in every way.

They have patched the game.  So it is playable, at least to a point beyond where I had been trapped.  The first patch hadn't released me.  I was just in the middle of recreating a toon, fresh from after the patch, rather than trying to get my original character through.  I was just about ready to go through when they brought out the new patch.  Thankfully I had saved my original toon, as it was much higher level, in the various leveling formats.

So, with that part gotten beyond, the world is available.  Now for exploits!  :p  It's how I do.  I like breaking the game, figuring it out, removing various obstacles so as to know how to do what, when, at what real costs.  As much as possible.  Often you never really can tell what action(s) or word(s) really caused what outcome.  Especially since you have no idea how your answers are weighted.  And these devs have no clue what real world is about.  Between tech nerds and quota workers, they have no idea about real life.  Their whole morality system is based on a pimple faced ugly teen, who has never even spoken to a girl with any real thought to success, to his black and latino friends, to women who are clueless and think a career will make them happy, especially a career in a male field.  Yea, that... ain't every going to work.  Logic and actual morality completely escape any of their limited, driven, focused, but blind eyes.

Still, it keeps me from sleeping as often.  And, the idea of figuring a few things out helps me crawl out of bed in the mornings.  I believe it was an 18:30 sleep, and 03:30 wake?  Something like that... I may have written it earlier.  Sleep was good.  Waking was good.  Then the few chores I have done.

A bit peeved though.  I allow the use of my riding mower, with a plow attachment.  All I ask is if they use it, they do my drive.  It looks like they pretty much just used it enough on my driveway to get it out, then left to use it on their drives.  I will be contacting them shortly.  That... won't do.  I... understand.  Time, who has it.  I have time, actually, just... not functionally.  No one has what all they need.  Still, if you want to use such a major item, then return the favor.

I wasn't able to get to the phone store today.  I am hoping Monday.  With that planned, I recharged my mom's old phone.  Then turned it off.  Otherwise they just eat the battery.  It ate 1% just turning it on?  Stupid devices.  I charged my little phone too.  Just in order to put contacts over.  Bleh.  I may go through the smart (my mom's old) phone, and reset it to factory.  Keeping her pictures would be nice, but she has no means of dealing with them.  So... they, like much in life, will be lost.  I do feel bad, I just don't know how to otherwise manage them.  Hmm... perhaps... upload them to the computer?  Then put... it... gets a bit much.

She is beginning to understand.  I think many are.  Isolation?  She discussed depression caused from it.  I have become used to such.  Thirty years, the vast majority of it alone, I know.  Meds don't help.  My guess is they are designed to make people suicidal.  No, you... just have to... figure things out.  Sort things.  And live with the way the world is for you, whatever else is wrong.  I feel for some, who are just realizing just how alone they are.  More the elderly though, who are alone for fear.  Special prayers for them.

Anyway... another day.  I'll game a bit more, set the alarm, and attempt more later.  A bite to eat first?  I had a few brats for breakfast.  I'm thinking of a burger for late lunch/supper.  That'll be it, and a feast day to be honest.  All good.  Later.

So much better if not going much faster.

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I haven't hurt in a day or two, or not badly.  Oh, well, my arms ached, from playing games again.  Holding the controller for extended periods, after not having played in... nearing six months?  It'll do that.  All other aches and pains seem muted, as sound on a snowy day.  I ought to get back to medicine, it's... a matter of getting it all together, loading the daily dispensers, and starting.  I will go down, for a while, again.  Worse than I am.  It makes the prospect... difficult.  I am barely able to eat as is.

A shower, in an hour or two.  I gave the girls treats, set the water for the ducks, and have that warming.  I best turn the furnace up.  I went down around 18:30?  I think so.  I think the ducks, having played in the snow to their hearts content, are finally willing to go to bed at an earlier time.  And it gets darker, earlier, every night... for now.  It was around 03:30? when I woke.  An hour has already happened?  Ah, already did my internet rounds.

Ah, that special morning ache.

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Morning?  Almost.  Or... in some cases.  Yes it is.  At 02:30 hours, it is morning, if a very early one.  I didn't get to bed until 20:30, I think.  The ducks simply won't go in until it is far too dark to see.  I have learned to keep the back porch light off, or they refuse as well.  Once in, they do just fine, until sometime around dawn and a minute or several hours, depending on mood.

The rabbits got their afternoon feeding and watering.  I dumped the duck pools, and will refill those when I let them out.  They weren't completely frozen, didn't want them to become so.  I have the waterers set up for the rabbits.  And, may pull their waterers out there before dawn, and reset those.  It is good to have them ready.  It would be nice to have several more batches, so as to have a couple days worth of water ready for them at any time.  It really makes it easy.

A shower, more brushing of teeth... I am catching back up.  More laundry, setting dishes, cleaning the drying area.  I have various dish towels washed and ready.  As well, I may try to figure out the phone yet today.  Ugh.

Oh, and I am playing the game.  It's still a troubling thing.  I have gotten as far in the game as is practical.  I could try to squeeze out a few more levels, but that would be it.  It may be time to try a run through the first major main mission... some hotel run.  It's long, and hasn't been completable to this point.  Nothing has changed, save my toons level, so I have little hope of it working.  If not, I'll begin another sort of toon, or three.

A problem is that side quests and other forms of side quests are slow to level the toon.  But, at least, I now know how to do them, how to get around, where to get what, and such.  I am well versed in the game.  I am not really interested in the other player types, but... why waste money by not investigating, even fully enjoying, even less favored aspects of the game.

I'd best snack the girls, before they come looking for trinkets or skin.  Girls can be so MEAN!  Which... is half of why I cherish them.  I'll hit their litter up, while at it.  They sure are happy when it all works in their favor though.  They are amazing creatures, whether feline, homo sapien, duck, or rabbit.  Us guys are just... guys.  If we want color, we... find a woman type.  :p  Later.