.
.
A bright, hot, shiny day hereabouts. It was 86° out there last time I looked. I have a feeling it will end hotter by a few to a decade or two degrees. It is 73° in here, but that won't last. It may well hit 77°, depending on outside. Yes siree, summer is back on for the fourth, and fair enough.
I won't do any real work today. But I will wash dishes so as to have a meal, and cook... grill?, something simple. While checking the ducks, and showing them to a neighbor, I then set up the sprinkler to hit a quarter of the front and side yards. I only water at dusk or later, only for an hour or two... uhrm, usually.
The ducks are looking good. My senior ladies hadn't laid yesterday. No surprise. Both laid this morning, but not until later it seems. Hopefully they will settle down to laying first light by week's end. No one is leaving the pen until things are settled. Though, with food in with them, by needs of confinement, they may not settle as easily. Something about being hungry gets them to lay eggs so as to eat more? Or hurry to the feeder faster? *quack, wadddle, lay, quack, sprint* *quack quack!*
Oh, right. I knew it was Saturday, but being the fourth, not ending up sleeping until five... as it turned out, I didn't leave the door unlocked. But, getting farm fresh raw, they don't have holidays. I would guess they might, minimally, lose production, or even kill some animals, by not milking on a random day. Two milkings, like clockwork, or dire troubles. So, fresh is in.
While I won't do much work today, I will get out, maybe lightly pick up sticks... more to get used to the heat, and be able to enjoy the comparative interior cool. It sure seems to be darkening out there, if I hadn't seen any thick, or many, clouds? Strange. Maybe the trees are having more impact than I remember? All good.
Life is good. I'll try to enjoy this day. I hope you are able as well. Oh... I'll leave the flag out and up this weekend. But plan to take it in at night, putting it out during the day. I am, after all, proud to be an American. A real one. Make it a year in prison for burning the flag, permanently staying on their record... no federal or state work for them... no federal or state education or welfare assistance, not even subcontracting... and aliens, legal or not, deported, and a $10k fine, exempt the scotus from interfering, and allow citizen arrests. Cheers!
Later.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
A splendid evening.
.
.
A wonderful night. A quarter to one, 72° main and front rooms, but a cool feeling 72°, 60° outdoors, with everything open and fans going. It's as perfect a night as could be hoped. I haven't opened upstairs, which was 68° when I came down. I wasn't going to either, not making a special trip to open up.
However, a bit surprisingly, I may be going back to bed. I'm not exhausted, merely... ready. It is if I had a simple but full day, rather than the sort of mess that the last two days were regarding sleep, burning, not sleeping, and else. Strange, but if it allows me to keep to days, then so be it.
I wonder, if after stressing the last few days, pushing through heat, exhaustion, and what effort I could, that heat acclimatization is returning vastly quicker than usual. If only because I pushed hard the last time too? Tortuous, believe me. I worked beyond points were I thought I would pass out three or four times in the last few days, or vomit a few others, if some moments seemed they might go either way. I was... curious. I don't think making it through, or pushing through, is usual. I... didn't complain, or suggest the severity, if I requested ac loading a bit once or twice, of the five or seven incidents.
I feel almost deliriously good tonight. Fresh, if ready to rest, and mostly cool to almost cold... a zone of my greatest comfort. Yes, shortly, a good night of sleep. I took painpills to make sure nothing ruins this night. I can sense a host of pains attempting to sneak by my conscious pain firewall as my consciousness wanes. I... have pushed. But I won't face the consequences, or not tonight. Good night.
.
A wonderful night. A quarter to one, 72° main and front rooms, but a cool feeling 72°, 60° outdoors, with everything open and fans going. It's as perfect a night as could be hoped. I haven't opened upstairs, which was 68° when I came down. I wasn't going to either, not making a special trip to open up.
However, a bit surprisingly, I may be going back to bed. I'm not exhausted, merely... ready. It is if I had a simple but full day, rather than the sort of mess that the last two days were regarding sleep, burning, not sleeping, and else. Strange, but if it allows me to keep to days, then so be it.
I wonder, if after stressing the last few days, pushing through heat, exhaustion, and what effort I could, that heat acclimatization is returning vastly quicker than usual. If only because I pushed hard the last time too? Tortuous, believe me. I worked beyond points were I thought I would pass out three or four times in the last few days, or vomit a few others, if some moments seemed they might go either way. I was... curious. I don't think making it through, or pushing through, is usual. I... didn't complain, or suggest the severity, if I requested ac loading a bit once or twice, of the five or seven incidents.
I feel almost deliriously good tonight. Fresh, if ready to rest, and mostly cool to almost cold... a zone of my greatest comfort. Yes, shortly, a good night of sleep. I took painpills to make sure nothing ruins this night. I can sense a host of pains attempting to sneak by my conscious pain firewall as my consciousness wanes. I... have pushed. But I won't face the consequences, or not tonight. Good night.
Friday, July 3, 2020
What a ride!
.
.
Whether you collected or I wrote it, or directly enough, I wasn't able too cool enough, thus sleep, last night. The corona of fire stayed with me until around 6:30. But I had agreed to finish shopping this morning. So I just got ready. He arrived a bit later, but he was a zombie leaving last night, so, yea.
While doing a few final things, checking lists, and such, he remembered something else I had hoped to do but had stalled as I didn't think I had silicon to seal the outdoor screws, for the flag mount. He knew were some was, it was still good, and he grabbed it along with the flag and gear. Up! The flag and staff, before this fourth! I'd like to get a 25' to 40' pole up, adding a state flag perhaps. But, for now, for today, this will do. Boss will ask his boss what a flag pole would take. I just want a better estimate of hole depth, cement preference, and possible rebar notions, whether thos circular cement pour molds is needed, and such. Not for real soon, but a few years.
Then out to it. I was baking at 85°. I could make it in the first two stores. The last ones not so much. But we had things in the back of the truck, so I did "guard duty"... and prayed no dindu grabbed and ran. Thirty pounds of charcoal isn't as a thin screen tv, and implies work of some sort, so I was mostly safe.
I was absolutely fried by our return. Want to help with his chicken coop, was the cute, and meant to be cute, question of the day from his side. As I said, I'd love to help. There simply isn't a way! The groceries were brought in, the ducks checked... trying to check on them three or four times a day, cooled as possible, and crashed hard.
I woke at what I thought was nearing 19:00. So I called my mom. After dialing, I realized it was nearing 21:00 here, not 19:00! I let it ring through, 22:00 there. She picked up. No problem, she said. I told her about the progress with rabbits. Then about the ducks. I doubted if either would excite her, she really didn't like most critter food.
Muscovy, she asked... it is what her mother had raised. Different, better tasting. She loved the taste of muscovy. That was quite a surprise. If production gets going, I may have to figure a way to get her a bird... if she would want one. Though that might mean driving it there. States, big business, and the feds are dangerously greedy about taxes, commerce controls, taxes, with any real health and safety merely being background cover for power and greed. You know it, don't look at me funny.
The ducks were checked a final time. Their water was low. How to water without risk of escape? Spray from the lower inner fence! A bit messy, got the quackles stirred, but more effective and far less messy than initially imagined. I have two wash pales of water in with them, with triple the birds. Their food is barely touched, which is fine. The little ones are more like preteens than teens. Things are settling. It even looks like rather than fearing the new younglings, the elders are standing between the babies and me defensively. Usually the don't fear me, but it was too dark for them to know it was me. I had to use a flashlight myself. All good.
I am hoping to try to catch up a bit tonight. A few fireworks have been lit, perhaps practice and done, maybe more. I love the sights, sounds, and sometimes odors. So all good there too. Reminds me when everyone was an American and the vast majority loved our country. Now there are country stars and stations, catholic hysterics on the radio, and converged sports even to nascar which simply have to be dropped, turned off, and tuned out. They will have to hate America without me. Later.
.
Whether you collected or I wrote it, or directly enough, I wasn't able too cool enough, thus sleep, last night. The corona of fire stayed with me until around 6:30. But I had agreed to finish shopping this morning. So I just got ready. He arrived a bit later, but he was a zombie leaving last night, so, yea.
While doing a few final things, checking lists, and such, he remembered something else I had hoped to do but had stalled as I didn't think I had silicon to seal the outdoor screws, for the flag mount. He knew were some was, it was still good, and he grabbed it along with the flag and gear. Up! The flag and staff, before this fourth! I'd like to get a 25' to 40' pole up, adding a state flag perhaps. But, for now, for today, this will do. Boss will ask his boss what a flag pole would take. I just want a better estimate of hole depth, cement preference, and possible rebar notions, whether thos circular cement pour molds is needed, and such. Not for real soon, but a few years.
Then out to it. I was baking at 85°. I could make it in the first two stores. The last ones not so much. But we had things in the back of the truck, so I did "guard duty"... and prayed no dindu grabbed and ran. Thirty pounds of charcoal isn't as a thin screen tv, and implies work of some sort, so I was mostly safe.
I was absolutely fried by our return. Want to help with his chicken coop, was the cute, and meant to be cute, question of the day from his side. As I said, I'd love to help. There simply isn't a way! The groceries were brought in, the ducks checked... trying to check on them three or four times a day, cooled as possible, and crashed hard.
I woke at what I thought was nearing 19:00. So I called my mom. After dialing, I realized it was nearing 21:00 here, not 19:00! I let it ring through, 22:00 there. She picked up. No problem, she said. I told her about the progress with rabbits. Then about the ducks. I doubted if either would excite her, she really didn't like most critter food.
Muscovy, she asked... it is what her mother had raised. Different, better tasting. She loved the taste of muscovy. That was quite a surprise. If production gets going, I may have to figure a way to get her a bird... if she would want one. Though that might mean driving it there. States, big business, and the feds are dangerously greedy about taxes, commerce controls, taxes, with any real health and safety merely being background cover for power and greed. You know it, don't look at me funny.
The ducks were checked a final time. Their water was low. How to water without risk of escape? Spray from the lower inner fence! A bit messy, got the quackles stirred, but more effective and far less messy than initially imagined. I have two wash pales of water in with them, with triple the birds. Their food is barely touched, which is fine. The little ones are more like preteens than teens. Things are settling. It even looks like rather than fearing the new younglings, the elders are standing between the babies and me defensively. Usually the don't fear me, but it was too dark for them to know it was me. I had to use a flashlight myself. All good.
I am hoping to try to catch up a bit tonight. A few fireworks have been lit, perhaps practice and done, maybe more. I love the sights, sounds, and sometimes odors. So all good there too. Reminds me when everyone was an American and the vast majority loved our country. Now there are country stars and stations, catholic hysterics on the radio, and converged sports even to nascar which simply have to be dropped, turned off, and tuned out. They will have to hate America without me. Later.
Quite the day.
.
.
Not much at home. Cats, ducks, some food, and a shower.
Then out. To me it was blazing out there. It has heated far too fast. Still, in to town for shopping. A good setup of foods purchased. All but brots and a few other things bought, not available. Not a whine. I suspect our food supply is being... supplemented. They, neither party, is bragging, because they don't want us to panic buy. Although I give greater credit to one man, most likely. The others don't really see why pocket change (to them) should be squandered on "peasants". Yea, including repubs in my own state, definitely at the fed level. Anyway, the missed items will be bought soon.
As well, a bit of hardware store shopping beforehand. A bit of price checking, and lag bolts, is it?, for the clothesline post assembly. Those will test our cordless machines! We'll definitely have a contest with those... Makita versus Dewalt. With my flex 20v/60v 9ah batteries, I think I'll bury the competition, and lag bolts. We'll see. Hmm, best make sure the batteries are charged and fully operational before dealing with the rebels. :p
A bit late, but on to the rabbit lady. The gps system had us stopped in front of a message parlor? Seriously. I was so tired it didn't show, but I was tearring up, inside, with laughter. I texted. All she wrote back was "no". I then typed in the address. She texted back "yes". Still riotously laughing inside, I looked around for the address marker. It was pointing away from the road, towards the house, but was clear. Ah, two more country blocks. That worked.
I simply knocked and all was good, if I was melting in the heat. We looked over the rabbits. I do think 24" deep is enough, with 3' lengths, for the does. And 2' x 2' will work for the bucks. Now I just need to find the right materials for the cages... the best prices for the sizes wanted. I would like them 16" or 20" high, mostly to add a second story for more floor space when the kits get bigger.
I chose six rabbits... two known good but still young breeders of each sex, plus four kits. Oh, breeding? Ten minutes and two rides, then out. They even gave me mats and watering bowls... a large grouping of them! I paid half up front, happily. As well, I clarified that while I hope to have everything bought and set yet this month, it may run to September. She had no problem with that.
As we were leaving, she pointed out her muscovy ducklings. I was absolutely amazed. The perfect meat and egg "duck" (not related to any other duck, more closely related to geese). I... chatted about them, from what I had heard. I didn't think they were for sale. I have checked around to no luck. Ten per, to my surprise. Ready to go today. Hmm? Well? DEFINITELY!
I wanted four hens and two drakes. Still pretty young, so sexing was hit or miss. If too many end up male, I'll buy more females, or the opposite. So, I am a proud new papa of more quackles! Grandpa? All good. I let my original ducks in the hutch first, as I... figured the younglings would frighten them from going in. And would follow them.
Yep. Like following new gods. But, after realizing that running would just make them follow the more, the elders relaxed. And the little ones just collected together, if as close to their new idols as possible. Trajedy may ensue. Or it will all work out. The wheels are now in motion. The show will play out as it must.
I chill as I write. It's 69°, but seems 80° to me. A bit more cooling, then to bed. Maybe a shower if I can't cool a lot better, soon. Good night.
.
Not much at home. Cats, ducks, some food, and a shower.
Then out. To me it was blazing out there. It has heated far too fast. Still, in to town for shopping. A good setup of foods purchased. All but brots and a few other things bought, not available. Not a whine. I suspect our food supply is being... supplemented. They, neither party, is bragging, because they don't want us to panic buy. Although I give greater credit to one man, most likely. The others don't really see why pocket change (to them) should be squandered on "peasants". Yea, including repubs in my own state, definitely at the fed level. Anyway, the missed items will be bought soon.
As well, a bit of hardware store shopping beforehand. A bit of price checking, and lag bolts, is it?, for the clothesline post assembly. Those will test our cordless machines! We'll definitely have a contest with those... Makita versus Dewalt. With my flex 20v/60v 9ah batteries, I think I'll bury the competition, and lag bolts. We'll see. Hmm, best make sure the batteries are charged and fully operational before dealing with the rebels. :p
A bit late, but on to the rabbit lady. The gps system had us stopped in front of a message parlor? Seriously. I was so tired it didn't show, but I was tearring up, inside, with laughter. I texted. All she wrote back was "no". I then typed in the address. She texted back "yes". Still riotously laughing inside, I looked around for the address marker. It was pointing away from the road, towards the house, but was clear. Ah, two more country blocks. That worked.
I simply knocked and all was good, if I was melting in the heat. We looked over the rabbits. I do think 24" deep is enough, with 3' lengths, for the does. And 2' x 2' will work for the bucks. Now I just need to find the right materials for the cages... the best prices for the sizes wanted. I would like them 16" or 20" high, mostly to add a second story for more floor space when the kits get bigger.
I chose six rabbits... two known good but still young breeders of each sex, plus four kits. Oh, breeding? Ten minutes and two rides, then out. They even gave me mats and watering bowls... a large grouping of them! I paid half up front, happily. As well, I clarified that while I hope to have everything bought and set yet this month, it may run to September. She had no problem with that.
As we were leaving, she pointed out her muscovy ducklings. I was absolutely amazed. The perfect meat and egg "duck" (not related to any other duck, more closely related to geese). I... chatted about them, from what I had heard. I didn't think they were for sale. I have checked around to no luck. Ten per, to my surprise. Ready to go today. Hmm? Well? DEFINITELY!
I wanted four hens and two drakes. Still pretty young, so sexing was hit or miss. If too many end up male, I'll buy more females, or the opposite. So, I am a proud new papa of more quackles! Grandpa? All good. I let my original ducks in the hutch first, as I... figured the younglings would frighten them from going in. And would follow them.
Yep. Like following new gods. But, after realizing that running would just make them follow the more, the elders relaxed. And the little ones just collected together, if as close to their new idols as possible. Trajedy may ensue. Or it will all work out. The wheels are now in motion. The show will play out as it must.
I chill as I write. It's 69°, but seems 80° to me. A bit more cooling, then to bed. Maybe a shower if I can't cool a lot better, soon. Good night.
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Summer has returned.
.
.
Two days ago, the high was 50°. Yesterday it was 70°. Today it is nearly 80°. Shifting right along. With windows open and just a fan on slow, it was 68° upstairs. Downstairs it was 67°. That won't last. I closed the upstairs windows and turned on one ac. Nothing to be done downstairs, it was all shut up, as it has been for a long time.
The ducks were quite happy to be let out. When I leave their food outside, getting them out is easy. Though, now that they have a favorite hideway, deep in overgrown bush, they really like being out. Hmm, I may move their food and water closer. There is a nice giant pine which would offer sky cover.
The girls were fed next. Litter was, is, next, but that spot of heat hit me like a ton of bricks. I came back in, brushed the teeth, then was heading to the litter boxes when a wave of exhaustion hit. My body exploded into heat, as if a smoldering heap suddenly hit by gas and a match. A heatscope would expose a flaming corona around me... if true of color, it would be blue flames.
I will post, rest, and cool. Then hit the litter and take a cool shower then soak. The bubbles in the water won't be from beans! :p Oh, and today is the day! A date with delight, if all business. Rabbits. Looking them over. As well, a bit of shopping and looking. Pricing potential caging material in one last place.
And grocery shopping. Rather than eating out, from time to time, I figured out costs and am buying better for less. Compare three bigger fast food meals... a full entree, sides, and drink, plus an extra minor entree... and even a steak. But grilled brots, chicken, hamburger, hot dogs, hamburgers, and whatever is vastly less expensive. Any two of those, and trimmings, are vastly cheaper... except steaks. Throw in a side of baked beans, potato salad, or coleslaw, or even fries as you drive by, and... you save a bundle. Plus, it really is better. Even a few times a week and it really adds up. More for tools! Actually, It'll just keep me from zeroing every month. Probably.
I am really hoping to do the rabbits yet this month. If not, next. Beside the cages, together and up, I need double waterers, hay feeders and hay, feeders and feed, water bottles filled partly and frozen, nesting boxes (these can wait until September or October, no breeding until it cools), and cage dividers. At least.
I am probably going with the 6' x 16" shelving. Depending on how many unrelated lines of rabbits are available... I am sure of two? I will want two to... six or eight? cages, each cage holds two rabbits, each cage costs about $91... I have already purchased fasteners and tools, plus have wood stock for shelving and base legs. I, obviously, won't be building more than a few at a time, three or four max. I would really like four cages, and to expand one way or another, quickly. If I can go with 24" depth and 12" height, the price would be less than $70 per. The height is more the concern. But a mix and match wit 24" depth and 16" height would still be close to $70. Ugh.
Excited. Not just for food, or the processes, but the whole program. You know goats really are next. A few milk/meat mixes to start. Probably never more. In a year or two, if this works out. It is a different world with animals in it. A better world. Oh, I probably won't milk them. Just, I want that left open, as a potential. Or to allow others to access at their leisure and risk. Later.
.
Two days ago, the high was 50°. Yesterday it was 70°. Today it is nearly 80°. Shifting right along. With windows open and just a fan on slow, it was 68° upstairs. Downstairs it was 67°. That won't last. I closed the upstairs windows and turned on one ac. Nothing to be done downstairs, it was all shut up, as it has been for a long time.
The ducks were quite happy to be let out. When I leave their food outside, getting them out is easy. Though, now that they have a favorite hideway, deep in overgrown bush, they really like being out. Hmm, I may move their food and water closer. There is a nice giant pine which would offer sky cover.
The girls were fed next. Litter was, is, next, but that spot of heat hit me like a ton of bricks. I came back in, brushed the teeth, then was heading to the litter boxes when a wave of exhaustion hit. My body exploded into heat, as if a smoldering heap suddenly hit by gas and a match. A heatscope would expose a flaming corona around me... if true of color, it would be blue flames.
I will post, rest, and cool. Then hit the litter and take a cool shower then soak. The bubbles in the water won't be from beans! :p Oh, and today is the day! A date with delight, if all business. Rabbits. Looking them over. As well, a bit of shopping and looking. Pricing potential caging material in one last place.
And grocery shopping. Rather than eating out, from time to time, I figured out costs and am buying better for less. Compare three bigger fast food meals... a full entree, sides, and drink, plus an extra minor entree... and even a steak. But grilled brots, chicken, hamburger, hot dogs, hamburgers, and whatever is vastly less expensive. Any two of those, and trimmings, are vastly cheaper... except steaks. Throw in a side of baked beans, potato salad, or coleslaw, or even fries as you drive by, and... you save a bundle. Plus, it really is better. Even a few times a week and it really adds up. More for tools! Actually, It'll just keep me from zeroing every month. Probably.
I am really hoping to do the rabbits yet this month. If not, next. Beside the cages, together and up, I need double waterers, hay feeders and hay, feeders and feed, water bottles filled partly and frozen, nesting boxes (these can wait until September or October, no breeding until it cools), and cage dividers. At least.
I am probably going with the 6' x 16" shelving. Depending on how many unrelated lines of rabbits are available... I am sure of two? I will want two to... six or eight? cages, each cage holds two rabbits, each cage costs about $91... I have already purchased fasteners and tools, plus have wood stock for shelving and base legs. I, obviously, won't be building more than a few at a time, three or four max. I would really like four cages, and to expand one way or another, quickly. If I can go with 24" depth and 12" height, the price would be less than $70 per. The height is more the concern. But a mix and match wit 24" depth and 16" height would still be close to $70. Ugh.
Excited. Not just for food, or the processes, but the whole program. You know goats really are next. A few milk/meat mixes to start. Probably never more. In a year or two, if this works out. It is a different world with animals in it. A better world. Oh, I probably won't milk them. Just, I want that left open, as a potential. Or to allow others to access at their leisure and risk. Later.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Food storage notions.
.
.
I have to start by saying variety is absolutely required. I thought I had great variety in canned or pouched meats and fish. Actually I do. But... that's not enough. You really need fresh, from time to time, and varieties of that. I think my bad heart makes that even slightly more difficult, which is why I end up cheating more often.
I am working on raising meat. But, unless you have small fortunes, plenty of time, lots of tools, space, and luck, one doesn't just snap fingers and have one or several meat production operations up and running. Just getting cages or runs, safe enough for reasonable freedoms... but then add in feeders, watering, cleanup, the time needed for those, feed, extra care in extremes, not to mention potential grooming, breeding, and harvesting processes... it takes time to get it going. You begin to live to eat.
I keep asking myself if it is worth it. Regardless of the money, because that isn't what it seems, it is still... yes! And no. If the world went back to pre-Wuhan? Yes, and no. As is, the same. If it gets even a bit worse, then absolutely. It is an asset binding realworld hedge expense. For someone like me, it is probably an all around better bet. Even the work involved is of benefit, light as that actually is.
I am rethinking quantities and varieties this next round back into storage. I can't avoid some foods, like beans. I do need actual wheat berries. I don't need sugar, but it would be a good barter item. Honey, though? Yea. In a world only a bit worse, my insulin sparing sugar replacements simply won't exist. I can add some keto stuff to stores, and do. But shelf-life and expense are major, real, limits. Honey from Egyptian tombs has been found to be edible. For the price, not bad.
It is amazing how much variety is required to not up and stop short at the feedbag. Boredom leads to not eating, which leads to eating the really bad stuff. Fresh meats and vegetables are excellent, from time to time, if too much romaine salads is brutal too... a few times a week, a few weeks a month. I did well until I couldn't eat another, several weeks ago.
Choose wisely. Use your stored foods... except for honey or sugar in my case, unless all else is gone. After canned foods, canning meat, and additions, I'd like to figure out longer term spice and herb storage. Everybody keeps asking if I am back into food storage. Yea, yea I think I am back. Later.
.
I have to start by saying variety is absolutely required. I thought I had great variety in canned or pouched meats and fish. Actually I do. But... that's not enough. You really need fresh, from time to time, and varieties of that. I think my bad heart makes that even slightly more difficult, which is why I end up cheating more often.
I am working on raising meat. But, unless you have small fortunes, plenty of time, lots of tools, space, and luck, one doesn't just snap fingers and have one or several meat production operations up and running. Just getting cages or runs, safe enough for reasonable freedoms... but then add in feeders, watering, cleanup, the time needed for those, feed, extra care in extremes, not to mention potential grooming, breeding, and harvesting processes... it takes time to get it going. You begin to live to eat.
I keep asking myself if it is worth it. Regardless of the money, because that isn't what it seems, it is still... yes! And no. If the world went back to pre-Wuhan? Yes, and no. As is, the same. If it gets even a bit worse, then absolutely. It is an asset binding realworld hedge expense. For someone like me, it is probably an all around better bet. Even the work involved is of benefit, light as that actually is.
I am rethinking quantities and varieties this next round back into storage. I can't avoid some foods, like beans. I do need actual wheat berries. I don't need sugar, but it would be a good barter item. Honey, though? Yea. In a world only a bit worse, my insulin sparing sugar replacements simply won't exist. I can add some keto stuff to stores, and do. But shelf-life and expense are major, real, limits. Honey from Egyptian tombs has been found to be edible. For the price, not bad.
It is amazing how much variety is required to not up and stop short at the feedbag. Boredom leads to not eating, which leads to eating the really bad stuff. Fresh meats and vegetables are excellent, from time to time, if too much romaine salads is brutal too... a few times a week, a few weeks a month. I did well until I couldn't eat another, several weeks ago.
Choose wisely. Use your stored foods... except for honey or sugar in my case, unless all else is gone. After canned foods, canning meat, and additions, I'd like to figure out longer term spice and herb storage. Everybody keeps asking if I am back into food storage. Yea, yea I think I am back. Later.
Waking with migraines for a week.
.
.
It tends to create an owly grumpiness that can't be beat. Being the size of a grown black bear could be a problem. I have been trained and had experience through pain, in more feral states, so it's not actually a general problem. However, I would recommend against pushing too hard. Though, you would have to push. And the first thing encountered would be the equivalent of a roar or growl, and some gruffing. That has spared even the defensive team of Iowa State's football team more trouble than they at first thought.
The migraines pass, usually by now. Exertion, earlier in the day, can bring it back... along with the sweats... cold or hot depending on the environment, usually matching... so, cold sweats lately. Sometimes, to check, or like a kid with a fork and electrical outlet just being a stubborn kid... for the third time, I do it anyway.
Not today. Aspirin can help, sometimes. Twice a week, maybe three times if I haven't used it in a while. Almost out, again, through. So today is the first shot at it. But Doom, studies say nothing helps migraines!?! Well, first, stuff studies. How many applicants were merely hoping for free dope? How skewed were the studies for or against any process over the others? How poorly were the studies run, how badly were the statistics mangled by the incompetent, politically correct fops and their quota or alien hires? About the only thing you can be sure about studies is that all their main results are incorrect.
I think my migraines are caused by physical issues, and aspirin eases those. It's a slow chain reaction. Even with caffinated aspirin, it takes from an half hour to two hours, at 2,000 mg, to work. If it works. Additional doses do nothing for several days after. Yeah, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and nausea, plus weird other... oddities... swirls of purple to blue... not seen... sensed or visualized? Doesn't help with the nausea.
Getting better this morning. Perhaps a bite. Whether the nausea... hmm... soft right small portions of food help that. Though most foods help. Highly acidic or base are to be avoided, and greasy... though good fats are reasonable. There is a huge difference between fatty and greasy. I don't know what all they fry breakfasts with in most restaurants, but... that is both greasy and acidic? Frying in good butter, real lard or tallow, isn't a problem.
Oh, right. I went shopping, online, this morning. Bits for my router, and odds and end. As well, food. Case lots. I can sometimes get those locally, but I often miss the sales. I did email the group which handles online shopping. But there are so many things wrong, and it sounds like the pandemic may have stressfractured their system. Still. I may have to see if they can do larger lots. By phone if the system won't work, or for me.
I realized my stored food is both dated and scant. So I am restoring supplies as quickly as possible. Ordering 12 cans of something was making me feel better... until I stepped out of the day. I couldn't eat 12 cans of almost anything in one day. But... what about over a month? I would starve on what initially appears as a glut. And, over a year? That is one can a month! Scant!
So... fruits with no sugar added, tomatos of various sorts, corn, beats, peas, even various beans, in multiple case lots. It won't provide even a can a day for a year, but perhaps three cans a week, every other week? It is a start. I need to go through what else is down there, slowly replacing what is dated or consumed, adding a few things, changing out a few others. But it has started.
Right or wrong, true or false, real, imagined, political or even geopolitical, Wuhan virus is upon us, may be returning, and will probably keep returning. Just understand, if dems actually do destroy Trump with the charade aspect of this pandemic? After forcing the masks, they will force you back to work. They, like the Chinese, care nothing for people. Does Trump? He is a businessman. But considers all assets, including you, and risks to assets. I absolutely support his take, though not the leach of a doctor he seems saddled with. Most Republicans, however, might as well be democrats. Anyway, build at least a small stock. Maybe, if you can, with a small supply of extra. You aren't alone... or you are all alone. Your choice.
For the next few months, I will be building my supply. I may even try to make and freeze jerky, can various meats, and dehydrate veggies if I can find local growers later this summer. But it is a cold early summer... one can hope. And pray. Both of which allows more than simply living on bread alone. Highly recommended. If it is all you have, and I have been there, it... is enough.
.
It tends to create an owly grumpiness that can't be beat. Being the size of a grown black bear could be a problem. I have been trained and had experience through pain, in more feral states, so it's not actually a general problem. However, I would recommend against pushing too hard. Though, you would have to push. And the first thing encountered would be the equivalent of a roar or growl, and some gruffing. That has spared even the defensive team of Iowa State's football team more trouble than they at first thought.
The migraines pass, usually by now. Exertion, earlier in the day, can bring it back... along with the sweats... cold or hot depending on the environment, usually matching... so, cold sweats lately. Sometimes, to check, or like a kid with a fork and electrical outlet just being a stubborn kid... for the third time, I do it anyway.
Not today. Aspirin can help, sometimes. Twice a week, maybe three times if I haven't used it in a while. Almost out, again, through. So today is the first shot at it. But Doom, studies say nothing helps migraines!?! Well, first, stuff studies. How many applicants were merely hoping for free dope? How skewed were the studies for or against any process over the others? How poorly were the studies run, how badly were the statistics mangled by the incompetent, politically correct fops and their quota or alien hires? About the only thing you can be sure about studies is that all their main results are incorrect.
I think my migraines are caused by physical issues, and aspirin eases those. It's a slow chain reaction. Even with caffinated aspirin, it takes from an half hour to two hours, at 2,000 mg, to work. If it works. Additional doses do nothing for several days after. Yeah, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and nausea, plus weird other... oddities... swirls of purple to blue... not seen... sensed or visualized? Doesn't help with the nausea.
Getting better this morning. Perhaps a bite. Whether the nausea... hmm... soft right small portions of food help that. Though most foods help. Highly acidic or base are to be avoided, and greasy... though good fats are reasonable. There is a huge difference between fatty and greasy. I don't know what all they fry breakfasts with in most restaurants, but... that is both greasy and acidic? Frying in good butter, real lard or tallow, isn't a problem.
Oh, right. I went shopping, online, this morning. Bits for my router, and odds and end. As well, food. Case lots. I can sometimes get those locally, but I often miss the sales. I did email the group which handles online shopping. But there are so many things wrong, and it sounds like the pandemic may have stressfractured their system. Still. I may have to see if they can do larger lots. By phone if the system won't work, or for me.
I realized my stored food is both dated and scant. So I am restoring supplies as quickly as possible. Ordering 12 cans of something was making me feel better... until I stepped out of the day. I couldn't eat 12 cans of almost anything in one day. But... what about over a month? I would starve on what initially appears as a glut. And, over a year? That is one can a month! Scant!
So... fruits with no sugar added, tomatos of various sorts, corn, beats, peas, even various beans, in multiple case lots. It won't provide even a can a day for a year, but perhaps three cans a week, every other week? It is a start. I need to go through what else is down there, slowly replacing what is dated or consumed, adding a few things, changing out a few others. But it has started.
Right or wrong, true or false, real, imagined, political or even geopolitical, Wuhan virus is upon us, may be returning, and will probably keep returning. Just understand, if dems actually do destroy Trump with the charade aspect of this pandemic? After forcing the masks, they will force you back to work. They, like the Chinese, care nothing for people. Does Trump? He is a businessman. But considers all assets, including you, and risks to assets. I absolutely support his take, though not the leach of a doctor he seems saddled with. Most Republicans, however, might as well be democrats. Anyway, build at least a small stock. Maybe, if you can, with a small supply of extra. You aren't alone... or you are all alone. Your choice.
For the next few months, I will be building my supply. I may even try to make and freeze jerky, can various meats, and dehydrate veggies if I can find local growers later this summer. But it is a cold early summer... one can hope. And pray. Both of which allows more than simply living on bread alone. Highly recommended. If it is all you have, and I have been there, it... is enough.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Still cool and just rained.
.
.
It was 61° this morning, both areas upstairs, 64° downstairs. I didn't look outdoors until around noon, at which time it was 55°. I called my mother... sometime this afternoon. They have been in the 90's for some time now. We are still getting snow, if higher up. I can tell them. *grins* The thing is, in spite of her watching the news, she was still surprised.
Actually, she told me news I didn't... know. I mean, actually know. She said there are fires, nearby? I... guess... I don't... follow the news. I wonder if they are suspicious? Now, if I HAD started fires, a fire?, well... there is no way I could have created the wet, cold. Snow is quite the trick. *wink*
I had to contact my bank. The other night, when doing online banking, I noticed they were bowing to blm... they put a black man, extra stupidly with a medical mask, and in a suit and tie, on their online banking site. I raised a hell of a fuss. Then my password stopped working... almost as if they heard. But was it the Bank of Utah, or some agency with the power to attack even accounts? Our government bureaucracies are converged.
They have been charging my account, in spite of having said they wouldn't, and a number of other problems. I fixed what I could, and filed a complaint about their support of racial terrorists. Then tried to order checks. That is not through the bank anymore. So I was transferred.
The woman I spoke with was terse. I'll tell you, she was nearly threatening. Seriously. Free checks, 80 at a time. Any more cost ~$30, per 80 checks? Oh, do you want protection services on thos checks? It was ~$5, for six months, and then something after that. No. Do want them shipped safely? I think that was ~$15. No. Damn, I think I need a new bank.
So, I had placed an order earlier, online. It seems to have gone through. So I tried to order groceries online, for pickup, at Macey's, the store I have been with for a long while. Ordering online is new. I got signed up, an order for tomorrow set, and tried to pay. They said my bank was refusing my card.
Back to the bank. They said there were no problems on their side. I tried again, same problem. I tried using my phone. Wouldn't go through. So I signed out on my other device, then attempted to sign in on my phone. It wasn't accepting my password anymore. So... I tried again on my machine. Nope. Further, it asked me about security questions which were never set up.
I called the store. Try tomorrow, or you could email them. But they are really busy so it might be a long time. I asked if that was legitimately all he could do. Yep. The in-store expert on the system couldn't do anything. Apparently they outsource their whole online ordering system. My unasked question... why do they hire him? Bosses son?
China's credit score is alive and well in America. If you are conservative, expect these sorts of things. You are on their list for harassment. And? They somehow killed my wireless headset, right at the time they scrambled my banking password. Seriously. Later.
.
It was 61° this morning, both areas upstairs, 64° downstairs. I didn't look outdoors until around noon, at which time it was 55°. I called my mother... sometime this afternoon. They have been in the 90's for some time now. We are still getting snow, if higher up. I can tell them. *grins* The thing is, in spite of her watching the news, she was still surprised.
Actually, she told me news I didn't... know. I mean, actually know. She said there are fires, nearby? I... guess... I don't... follow the news. I wonder if they are suspicious? Now, if I HAD started fires, a fire?, well... there is no way I could have created the wet, cold. Snow is quite the trick. *wink*
I had to contact my bank. The other night, when doing online banking, I noticed they were bowing to blm... they put a black man, extra stupidly with a medical mask, and in a suit and tie, on their online banking site. I raised a hell of a fuss. Then my password stopped working... almost as if they heard. But was it the Bank of Utah, or some agency with the power to attack even accounts? Our government bureaucracies are converged.
They have been charging my account, in spite of having said they wouldn't, and a number of other problems. I fixed what I could, and filed a complaint about their support of racial terrorists. Then tried to order checks. That is not through the bank anymore. So I was transferred.
The woman I spoke with was terse. I'll tell you, she was nearly threatening. Seriously. Free checks, 80 at a time. Any more cost ~$30, per 80 checks? Oh, do you want protection services on thos checks? It was ~$5, for six months, and then something after that. No. Do want them shipped safely? I think that was ~$15. No. Damn, I think I need a new bank.
So, I had placed an order earlier, online. It seems to have gone through. So I tried to order groceries online, for pickup, at Macey's, the store I have been with for a long while. Ordering online is new. I got signed up, an order for tomorrow set, and tried to pay. They said my bank was refusing my card.
Back to the bank. They said there were no problems on their side. I tried again, same problem. I tried using my phone. Wouldn't go through. So I signed out on my other device, then attempted to sign in on my phone. It wasn't accepting my password anymore. So... I tried again on my machine. Nope. Further, it asked me about security questions which were never set up.
I called the store. Try tomorrow, or you could email them. But they are really busy so it might be a long time. I asked if that was legitimately all he could do. Yep. The in-store expert on the system couldn't do anything. Apparently they outsource their whole online ordering system. My unasked question... why do they hire him? Bosses son?
China's credit score is alive and well in America. If you are conservative, expect these sorts of things. You are on their list for harassment. And? They somehow killed my wireless headset, right at the time they scrambled my banking password. Seriously. Later.
Monday, June 29, 2020
Late, down and up.
.
.
I can't remember when I went to bed. I woke a bit after eleven, the final time. Still weary. I let Sam up, and she bothered me all night. Too, she reminded me to check and change a few settings upstairs. She won't be let up when I need sleep. I am not sure what her problem was, but she is looking chipper this morning. *sigh*
It was 66° in my nook, 64° generally upstairs, 67° downstairs, and 44° outdoors as I was just letting the quackles out. I am enjoying the cool, but it is crippling me. Then again the heat was fringing on that too. It doesn't take much, either way, to take me down. I'll keep trying. I would consider heating the place, but... I so love the cool. And if summer heat returns, it might leave me in double duty heat overload. Once the house heats, it's terribly difficult to cool.
Sam is back in good graces. I found her problem. She was out of dry food. If litter is in bad shape, hard food is out, or I haven't fed them canned enough, they get a huge relief for bad behavior. Up to a point. No drawing of blood is allowed. We have a pretty good arrangement that has worked for years now. Yes, you can both communicate with, and train, cats... and women, and women cats. You just have to be willing to listen, watch what they do, and do your part. But, yea. Just... don't think it is once and done, perfectly set, or quick or easy. But... yea.
Yes, still cloudy, with potential for rain out there. I am all but certain it rained last night. It is beautiful, if hard on farming, potentially.
No work yesterday. There is today, and hope. Later.
.
I can't remember when I went to bed. I woke a bit after eleven, the final time. Still weary. I let Sam up, and she bothered me all night. Too, she reminded me to check and change a few settings upstairs. She won't be let up when I need sleep. I am not sure what her problem was, but she is looking chipper this morning. *sigh*
It was 66° in my nook, 64° generally upstairs, 67° downstairs, and 44° outdoors as I was just letting the quackles out. I am enjoying the cool, but it is crippling me. Then again the heat was fringing on that too. It doesn't take much, either way, to take me down. I'll keep trying. I would consider heating the place, but... I so love the cool. And if summer heat returns, it might leave me in double duty heat overload. Once the house heats, it's terribly difficult to cool.
Sam is back in good graces. I found her problem. She was out of dry food. If litter is in bad shape, hard food is out, or I haven't fed them canned enough, they get a huge relief for bad behavior. Up to a point. No drawing of blood is allowed. We have a pretty good arrangement that has worked for years now. Yes, you can both communicate with, and train, cats... and women, and women cats. You just have to be willing to listen, watch what they do, and do your part. But, yea. Just... don't think it is once and done, perfectly set, or quick or easy. But... yea.
Yes, still cloudy, with potential for rain out there. I am all but certain it rained last night. It is beautiful, if hard on farming, potentially.
No work yesterday. There is today, and hope. Later.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
A bit more than a nap.
.
.
A bit less than a full sleep. I must be chucking out heat. My area was 68°, with a fan, on high, blowing at me, at the far south east of the upstairs studio, with a window open on the west and east of me wall. Two fans total, and heavy wind outside cross pulling the air going out... nothing being blown back in, save some from the west. Near the center of the room, it was 63°. I have put both thermometers together, in several different places. They read, or did, the same.
A primary thing you should know about science (engineering, no rocket scientist put a rocket on the moon, or developed household electricity, or even created commercial lightbulbs, etc) is that the results are only as good, and repeatable (if those aren't completely synonymous there is overlap of meaning through design) as your measuring devices. Mine may or may not be accurate, but those two, as a pair, are precise accordingly as a pair. Took three seconds to describe a simple understanding. Blah!
Anyway... The ducks received fresh water in their hutch. Food has been being left outside, but with heavy winds, heavier gusts, and rain, I put that in with them. They are really enjoying the clean hutch. And surprisingly, keeping it rather clean!?! Critters can... amaze. It really doesn't need a second cleaning. And, with them out most of their active day, they don't mess the place much. As well, they are rather regulated about even that.
I will clean their pen before it freezes and first thing after thaw. And let them out snow or shine, unless it gets really bad. I am trying to figure out a way to make their water last longer... A bigger pool inside with them, and big rocks boiled indoors? No... I think it is probably as good, sizewise, as it gets, without an electronic water heater. Though, boiling bigger rocks, and adding those to the water, might help? With the rabbits, boiled rocks in kiddie blankets on the coldest days. Iced water bottles on hot days, though the ducks don't really need, the rabbits will. Thinking...
I finally set the time to meet with the rabbit lady. Size, of the cage for the rabbits in this case, really matters. If it needs to be 40", 32", or 20" deep, really makes a significant difference in price of materials. From 40" to 32", the price nearly halves. From 32" to say 20", the price is trimmed by another third. It is the difference between. It goes from $350ish to $100ish, all give or take a bit, for enough for four cages with room for kits. Cages that are proving to last exceedingly well and long, and not damage the rabbits' feet.
Remember when I almost thought there might be more snow yet? Perhaps that was in a conversation. Anyway. While it is only raining, in the Valley, it is 42° outside. And it is blowing pretty hard, from the north. I agree, crazy. But... crazy happens. Not sure, but I wasn't. I just had... a sense... not a surety, a possibility. Crazy. Go on, laugh. Just, this time, not at me or snow... or fire. *wink*
I had to close everything, it had started plunging into cold. It is 69° down here, after bounces down then up. I left it open upstairs. I'll enjoy the cool when bedtime arrives. Work, I hope, tonight. Dishes, a shower, folding clothes, some cooking? I can hope. And, I think she winked back. I am almost certain. I'll acknowledge her wink. Later.
.
A bit less than a full sleep. I must be chucking out heat. My area was 68°, with a fan, on high, blowing at me, at the far south east of the upstairs studio, with a window open on the west and east of me wall. Two fans total, and heavy wind outside cross pulling the air going out... nothing being blown back in, save some from the west. Near the center of the room, it was 63°. I have put both thermometers together, in several different places. They read, or did, the same.
A primary thing you should know about science (engineering, no rocket scientist put a rocket on the moon, or developed household electricity, or even created commercial lightbulbs, etc) is that the results are only as good, and repeatable (if those aren't completely synonymous there is overlap of meaning through design) as your measuring devices. Mine may or may not be accurate, but those two, as a pair, are precise accordingly as a pair. Took three seconds to describe a simple understanding. Blah!
Anyway... The ducks received fresh water in their hutch. Food has been being left outside, but with heavy winds, heavier gusts, and rain, I put that in with them. They are really enjoying the clean hutch. And surprisingly, keeping it rather clean!?! Critters can... amaze. It really doesn't need a second cleaning. And, with them out most of their active day, they don't mess the place much. As well, they are rather regulated about even that.
I will clean their pen before it freezes and first thing after thaw. And let them out snow or shine, unless it gets really bad. I am trying to figure out a way to make their water last longer... A bigger pool inside with them, and big rocks boiled indoors? No... I think it is probably as good, sizewise, as it gets, without an electronic water heater. Though, boiling bigger rocks, and adding those to the water, might help? With the rabbits, boiled rocks in kiddie blankets on the coldest days. Iced water bottles on hot days, though the ducks don't really need, the rabbits will. Thinking...
I finally set the time to meet with the rabbit lady. Size, of the cage for the rabbits in this case, really matters. If it needs to be 40", 32", or 20" deep, really makes a significant difference in price of materials. From 40" to 32", the price nearly halves. From 32" to say 20", the price is trimmed by another third. It is the difference between. It goes from $350ish to $100ish, all give or take a bit, for enough for four cages with room for kits. Cages that are proving to last exceedingly well and long, and not damage the rabbits' feet.
Remember when I almost thought there might be more snow yet? Perhaps that was in a conversation. Anyway. While it is only raining, in the Valley, it is 42° outside. And it is blowing pretty hard, from the north. I agree, crazy. But... crazy happens. Not sure, but I wasn't. I just had... a sense... not a surety, a possibility. Crazy. Go on, laugh. Just, this time, not at me or snow... or fire. *wink*
I had to close everything, it had started plunging into cold. It is 69° down here, after bounces down then up. I left it open upstairs. I'll enjoy the cool when bedtime arrives. Work, I hope, tonight. Dishes, a shower, folding clothes, some cooking? I can hope. And, I think she winked back. I am almost certain. I'll acknowledge her wink. Later.
Good, yet bad in odd ways.
.
.
Remember that rain I... smelled the other day? It finally arrived, last night, I think. Early in the fresh dark. It is, or was, raining into the morning. A reasonable soaking. I... was it a physical scent, or site scent? I don't always know. I wonder if they still laugh when, by logic, they know it will not rain, or snow. And fire in the snow is way out? I do? Couldn't be, I say to myself. Yet, timidly, humbly as possible, I write.
Sleep was good. It just hasn't cooled off inside all that much. At 71° inside, only down to 69° last night. I had to use both ac's to get 68° upstairs at night, but opened it up this morning, just using fans. Outside is 64°. I am not sure if that is up or down. It was nearly 90° yesterday. I checked through the evening and morning, but short term memory is on the fritz.
Not a bad day, but short term memory to a few pains, a foggy mind, and a consuming exhaustion have me battling just to stay awake. Perhaps food will help. The ducks were fed and let out to play. One hen had not been laying. She gave one today. I am grateful for what they give. The girls have had little sorted and been fed. They, like me, seem extra sleepy today. The dark and sudden cool does that.
Food, a nap, then work? I hope. If church isn't open, get a few prayers said for all and sundry. If you get in, say a short prayer in my name? It'll do you as much good as me. But... what about the warnings, Doom? As with any war, it's when the times tough when the tough get going. It is on the cross you earn your bona fides, not by avoiding toils. Good day.
.
Remember that rain I... smelled the other day? It finally arrived, last night, I think. Early in the fresh dark. It is, or was, raining into the morning. A reasonable soaking. I... was it a physical scent, or site scent? I don't always know. I wonder if they still laugh when, by logic, they know it will not rain, or snow. And fire in the snow is way out? I do? Couldn't be, I say to myself. Yet, timidly, humbly as possible, I write.
Sleep was good. It just hasn't cooled off inside all that much. At 71° inside, only down to 69° last night. I had to use both ac's to get 68° upstairs at night, but opened it up this morning, just using fans. Outside is 64°. I am not sure if that is up or down. It was nearly 90° yesterday. I checked through the evening and morning, but short term memory is on the fritz.
Not a bad day, but short term memory to a few pains, a foggy mind, and a consuming exhaustion have me battling just to stay awake. Perhaps food will help. The ducks were fed and let out to play. One hen had not been laying. She gave one today. I am grateful for what they give. The girls have had little sorted and been fed. They, like me, seem extra sleepy today. The dark and sudden cool does that.
Food, a nap, then work? I hope. If church isn't open, get a few prayers said for all and sundry. If you get in, say a short prayer in my name? It'll do you as much good as me. But... what about the warnings, Doom? As with any war, it's when the times tough when the tough get going. It is on the cross you earn your bona fides, not by avoiding toils. Good day.
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