Oh well.

 .

.

Another group of tricker or treaters.  Some fine young ladies again.  But that looks like it is all done.  Okies.  I feel bad about moving so slow, but... it's... what I could do.

I did get the last of the dishes a solid hit.  Then put them back in for a soak, after the shower.  I will be putting up the dry shortly, then doing a final wash, rinse, and setting the last of the dishes out for an overnight airdry.  Last of?  Well, last of that have been set up.  I will scrounge, tomorrow, for whatever else I can find.

The shower was good, felt good in many ways.  But I am absolutely exhausted.  My shoulders and muscles ache.  No headache, oddly.  Even my legs, though, are pretty tight, sore, and the muscles are spent.  A coupld of good nights sleep, a shower each morning, perhaps some of that balm my mother used.  Technically, it's for horses.  So, yeah, it's potent.  Well, and a few days down.  I will still call this day a down day.

Some days I wonder if this is it.  This isn't one of those days.  This is one of those days I feel so alive, in all the wrong ways, so I might wish it were the end.  Everything sort of hurts, everything seems burned, spent, exhausted, stretched, pulled.  I will do what I can.  Sleep, right after the dishes.  Good night.

Oh, a reminder?

.

.

I can't swear to it, but I have heard that changing your clocks may be required tomorrow?  After a, albeit quick, check, it seems true.  So, change your clocks tonight... or tomorrow if you have nothing you could miss.

I am not terribly good at regular feeding times.  But, I do my best.  I think... whether cats, dogs, ducks, or else... getting this attitude is not only fair, it's appropriate.  They need to end that stupid thing.

Oh, and that tree on my house?  I have figured out how to get a picture over to here...  Anyway...

That silver pipe is my power conduit.  It had been sitting right on that, though I think, by this time, it had slipped off.  It was about thirty feet to the conduit.  And went far enough to the other side, that there is a large pile of wood on the far side of the house.  It was an amazing thing.

Running late everywhere.

 .

.

There were a three trick or treaters by as I was leaving.  Young ladies, cute as bugs' eyes... ears?  Cute.  Almost to that age where they... start taking the world serious.  Too serious?  Well, that's... fair, honestly.  Still, at least one more year.  Two, full size candy bars, of their choice, from what I have, and a few for the parents, who showed up in the minivan.  Herding cats, might have been overheard.  Yes indeed.

A note, letting comers know I would be back.  Then to town.  Candy bars, after a stop at my bank to pull some cash.  Took forever.  Traffic is brutal, slow, and stupid tonight.  It... is the night.  Finally, after an hour of slow traffic and an half hour shopping, I was on my way.  It was growing dark.  I couldn't tell where I was, on the road.  I've only been there once, and that was in the day.  Things I didn't notice in the day, were easily seen at night, so distances and feel was all messed up.

After three or four wrong turns, and some distance on those roads, I finally hit the right one.  On in, and out, and to the door.  *sigh*  They are... out trick or treating.  Okies.  At least the inlaw was there, to tend their door.  I told him not to worry about calling.  I am taking it as another week.  I will... try to finish the cages.  Maybe, hopefully, before this weekend.  Ugh.

Well, I have enough candy for a bit, and one bowl refill.  Maybe too.  But... it looks like that was that.  Not a single knock since.  Bleh.  I try.  Too little, too late, always so off!  Ugh.  Double ugh.  I try, I do.

Later.

So very late to bed.

.

.

It was after 05:00, running on 06:00?  Pretty close as best as I can recall, if memory isn't exact.  Waking, just now, at 15:00.  Can't be sure, not exactly.  To that precision, yes.

Sore, exhausted, sprung, and twitching a bit.  I pushed well beyond any form of comfort zone, for what little it granted.  I learned more, about how to put cages together, what heights are reasonable, and such.  But I am about as far from having a completed cage as when I started.  What I have to do to fix things is as messy and new as when I started.  If a lot less than when I started.  And the base is in.

I am betting dollars to donuts, the ducks are old enough to be brought home.  So, that just means the rabbits, for up to two weeks.  If I still, somehow, can't get them... I have another deal for her.  Ugh.  But, this time, for certain.  I would also like to short the cages, but... maybe not?  I guess I just thought it would be too much more work to make them shorter.  But, not so much, even now... given the time.  So... maybe?  It is just that, pulling them, for any reason, might be very difficult for a normal sized person who was taking care of them.  Though, even as is, it can be a stretch for me.

I will not be permanently attaching the upper level.  Even at my height, and with a shortened width, the rabbits could hide in under and be nigh on impossible to remove with any width of a second story.  Because of the resizing of the total height, the preinstalled floor base, for the second story, had to be removed anyway.  Which is going to be a delicate procedure.  Or I may just leave them in.  It may be too risky, tearing the wire higher off the second floor will leave rabbits able to hurt themselves or each other.

Oh, my, but the world of construction is much more complicated than it seems.  Even with plans, which I didn't have, they aren't always correct.  You can quote me on that.  Every alteration is a risk, even if required.  Though, just because someone kicked out a plan, it doesn't mean they planned correctly.  Or, that you can follow those instructions.  The tools, knowledge, and skills, aren't necessarily common... or used correctly by the designer or builder.  It seems, even construction is... merely engineering, practicum, not theory, mind you.  I... hate philosophers.  Bleh.  *grins*

Oh?  I didn't do all the dishes last night.  But I did do the last of what had been on hold for so long.  Putting away what had been drying as well, and pulling meat to thaw, finally.  Ugh!  The new stuff, put in last night, was given one wash, and will get another this 'morning', then set out as I shower.  Putting some back to a soapy soak, some back to a rinse... and maybe drying that before I head out.  I will be shopping for candy bars, sometime today, but not wood.  Too tired by far.  Monday, I will get out and get wood, hinges, and latches.  I... just... don't have what it takes for more.  Just going to the farm, and getting candy for tonight, will beat me up.  I am a tired, sore, exhausted, twitching, burned out, husk of a man at the moment.  I gave it a whirl.  Probably.  If, after getting the candy, I think I can, I may.

A bit of waking, then to it.  Later.

Just because I am broken...

.

.

Down.  Hurt.  Crippled up.  Tired.  Cramping.  Exhausted and used up.  It doesn't mean I quit.

I am limping.  But got to the dishes.  I reset what has been washed to a fresh rinse, and set up another load to be washed.  I took laundry back, and... hopefully, tomorrow, will start another load.  Maybe two, since they will be smaller.  Ducks went in, or were closed up anyway.  The girls were given snacks, and will be fed again.

I will try to stay awake until 22:00 to 23:00.  Just... to keep some balance.  I will set up clothes to be brought down for wash tomorrow.  I will set the alarm for 08:00 and 10:00.  Hopefully, setting laundry up tomorrow.  Oh, I hope to finish the dishes that are rinsing tonight, give the dirty dishes a first wash and set them out... so I can shower again, first thing.  Showers help.  Then set those dishes back up.

Shopping, early, tomorrow.  More wood, a few more hardware pieces, and a few more candy bars.  I do enjoy the younglings, and their parents.  I usually offer parents candy too.  I don't get so many visitors that I can't gift the adults while at it.  Trying to herd cats... children... they need the energy!  All good.  But, as mentioned, full sized bars.  It's pricey, but such is life.

Yea, I am limping, moving like a vehicle with a twisted frame, sprung springs, and a nearly flat tire or two.  It sounds a bit rough, too.  Five of eight cylinders, at best, usually.  Exhaust is even off.  I've done what I can for now.  Will, keep trying little things, and... hoping.  Tomorrow, if not today, yesterday, or the day after.  The work will always be there.  And, in time, it is hoped, that I will be there for the work as well.

Good day, evening, and night.

Oh... just some notions.  Peace.  We get it, for a while, then live without it for a while.  When peace is in season, learn more.  When there are difficulties?  Learn even more.  Amen.

No, so much for that.

 .

.

I did what I could, for as long as I could.  No more, for a while.  I...  Cramping, exhausted, sleepy, sore everywhere, bruised, and battered... I finished with what I did this morning, and that is that for a while.

If she must, she will have to just keep the rabbits, or give me more time.  I can't get the cages done.  Too many mistakes, problems, miscalculations, work, and else for me to do.  I was still, really, recovering from bungling on the roof.  Still, I thought it was possible.  Old, ill, crippled, and wounded, really, was just too much for the work at hand.

In the future?  Maybe.  But because of what I have learned.  But this time I am in the middle of it and there isn't a way to restore and go back at it.  I am spent and so far down that I simply can't get up.  I tried a nap.  I am feeling worse, bodily, after it.  Rested, a bit, but with nothing left over.  Brutal.  I am done for several days.  I can get back to it next week, but after a few days down.

I had hoped, if I couldn't work, to at least be able to get to town to buy more wood.  I need it for the little cages anyway.  Plus need to get a few other things.  I am not able to get to town.  I did get a shower, but that was that.  I am so sprung, everywhere... my elbows and knees feel like they have their 'funny bones' sprung, and solidly.  Grip strength is minimal.  Joints all hurt.  Muscles are used up.  Bones from the lower back through the ribs, up to my shoulders and skull are all hollering.  Done, for a while.  Oh, and a solid pounding headache to add to it.

Clean though.  I may risk aspirin.  I still have my pillows wrapped in towels which can cover for blood, in case I have a major bleed from it again.  Still having bloody noses once or twice a day, but just little ones, and not at night.  I haven't even had time or energy to play games for... a while now.  Not a great loss, just... a strong indication of having gone over my limits.

All good.  I'll do what I can.  I will still get to her place tomorrow, and talk to her personally.  I'll take my licks, as needed.  I... understand.  I'll get our accounts paid up, and offer more for food.  And I'll explain I am way over my head on this project.  I thought it would be easier.  And I am still in recovery from some serious taxation and spills.  If she... wants to call the deal off, fair enough.  If she wishes to give me a couple more weeks, cool.  If, sometimes, women just need to be heard.  If she's right, just... hand over your ear.  We will see.  *wink*

Later.

Well? Problems.

 .

.

Too high, too long.  I... measured well, I simply didn't figure correctly.  Beside how out of trim the outbuilding is, I measured each piece as if it was the... outer section?  Yes.  Something like that.  Which means I have to cut, trim, refit, and try it again.  The base is in.  For one of them.  And, that is solid and good.  Oh, and the height?  Too much, for a top entry, and even close to the floor.

Which means, shortly, I have to get out and tear and rebuild.  I was thinking more new wood would be needed, but not so.  I don't think.  I do have to find a metal blade for one of the reciprocating saws... sawsall...  Cutting the nails, then using the angle grinder to cut the cage material.  About four inches off the length, and height... of the shorter cage sides.  More off the larger, of course.

Still, with the base in, life is... beginning.  I still have another base to put in, but that shouldn't be as difficult.  Mostly.  So tired though.

I didn't end up finishing all of the dishes.  I did get a bit more done, but... couldn't push through.  I realized, at about 01:30, that if I stayed up to finish the dishes, I would not get to sleep until four or five.  Moving too slow.  So, I just... called it a night.  I don't have much to do.  I will reset them to a rinse as I go out to work next time.

Muscles hurt, tired, exhausted, but staying warmer.  I'll have a bite shortly.  I tried one of the sausage patties cold.  Not... so much.  I'll heat the last two and have them with tea.  Then a bit more rest.  I can't work too hard or too fast or too frequently, but I can... probably... get the two cages today?  Maybe.  If so, I have tomorrow, early, to put in the last parts... perhaps the upper platform, and separation plates.  Ugh.

I really wanted to just get fresh wood.  But... that would take even more time, a lot more energy, and more money.  So... yeah.  Things I am either low on, nearly out of, or pushing one way or another.  Assuming I can find a metal cutting blade... have to cut the nails.  On to breakfast.  Later.

It is late, but...

 .

.

The ground pork was on the questionable.side.  Cooking it will definitely let you know if it is bad.  It wasn't.  So, I fried a few patties, had two topped with cheese, and put the rest in the fridge for breakfast.

I also got the dishes that had been drying put away.  Then hit half of the last load.  Which is now drying on the freezer.  I hope to put it up in the morning, and finish the last load.  For when I finish work.  So I can get a shower, and get into town.  I have a few things on a list.  Plus, just getting out!  I won't bother with a possible new phone until next week.

So much to do.  Time is running out.  I am pushing well beyond what I should.  I can't keep up on meds with all I am trying to do.  It's... a mess.  But... the  two main cages should be in tomorrow.  And the rabbits will be here the day after.  I won't be doing the smaller cages until Monday, either.  But I might be able to get more wood, for the smaller cages, tomorrow.  Perhaps a bit of hardware... more hinges.  Handles I can make with remnants, I think.  Hinges, latches... wood... I think that will be it.  Four 2x1's, five to be sure, should do it.

I still need hay, straw hay, and... I think that is it.  I am going to try to copy a wooden accordion sort of small manger out of remnants and old rope.  Yeah... I... think that should do.  It's half past midnight.  While early, for my recent schedule, it's brutal the way I have been playing.  So, I best get on to bed.  Setting the alarms for 08:00 and 10:00, waking when help arrives.  I'll get up, if possible, earlier.  But... no guarantees.  I may need the adrenaline from a visitor to wake me.  Hmm, though you know... I'd really like to finish the dishes in the tub tonight.  Not many, if mostly flatware, so... a lot of tedious work.  Yea, I think I will, then go to bed.  Good night.

Yep.

 .

.

Two more tops, and a bit more shoveling.  That doesn't sound like much.  Wrestling the 4' x 8', then the 36" x 39" cuts, with just two sawhorses, and two hands...  And that is heavy.  But, done.  Shoveling is a very difficult task for me already, add on the mask and it it quite the challenge.  I can only do bits at a time.  But a bit more was done.

Lungs are a bit weary, body is worn, but I'm not sleepy... now.  Too hot.  Oh, dishes?  Maybe.  I won't swear to it, but I am thinking on it.  I'd like a shower before going to bed.  I am hungry too.  I noticed a package of pork sausage, just plain, ground, in the reefer.  I... don't know when I thawed that.  I'd like to see if it is still good.  If so, fire up the grill and make a few patties.  Nothing fancy, but it's... food.  Hot food.  Meaty, hot, good, food.

Not a bad day.  Not a great day, except that it's the second day running and I am still doing something.

Tomorrow?  More wood, more work.  Perhaps a few more hinges, and a few latches.  No brackets needed, for the second floor in the hutches... using remnants.  I have enough 2x4s.  I'd like to get more, and several sheets of plywood, but not this month.  I'll have to order a few loads through the winter.  That stuff is handy.  And I go through it like nothing, on even smaller projects.

The only things I still might look for are timothy hay feeders.  Or, I might just use a few remnants, create a wooden device with some old rope, and... see how that works.  Never can tell.  It would be cheap, easy, probably.  Oh, I do have a jigsaw... that would open holes well enough for a rabbit to get at the hay.  Yea, maybe.  I'm telling you, money, money, money.  The hope is that it will pay.  Mostly.

Later, or good night.

Well, I did get going.

 .

.

Late.  Always my hour, one way or the other.  I forgot, I had a bunch of stapling on the front piece crafted today.  I put dishes in, first, then went out and realized that was left to do.  I did that.  This is not fast work, no matter how fast you try to go.  Still, that is done.  Then, to try to get the wood out from behind steel roofing and an half inch sheet of plywood.

No room to slide it past either end.  And, as it turned out, with the plywood in the way, as my garage was crafted, no way to bring it out and over.  So I had to move the plywood.  First shot at bringing it out, I got a powerful nutshot.  Usually, or once, those didn't bother me.  Then again, I didn't drop and give up emesis.  I didn't even drop.  I almost let it all crash down on me, but regained my... if uncomfortable... composure just in time to catch it all... then shift it back to safe.

I took a very slight breather, then back at it.  I then got two panels out and... had to figure out where... to put everything.  Juggling three 4' x 8' panels, of some weight, was a bit of a trick.  Still, got it done.  Then, to get one up on the sawhorses?  Yea, that was a trick too.  That was a lot harder than I thought.  I thought the cutting was going to be horrible, but it ended up being the easier of the work.  Not easy, just easier than all those in-between steps I didn't...  I knew getting them out would be difficult.  But some other things were far trickier and difficult than anticipated.

I do have one set of lids cut and ready.  I was... done for that for a bit.  I decided to go out, see what could be done in the outbuilding.  Actually, a lot.  None of the construction, but I got triple the poo out from last time, and scraped some more of the floor.  Much, much closer, if... the stuck hay is going to be a heck of a job.  Bit by bit, I guess.  Oh, and the mast was wonderful.  I cleared one whole section, under where one of the cages will go.  The other one will... take time.

Shot, though, for now.  I put the ducks in a bit early tonight.  I hope to do the last pair of tops yet tonight, and maybe a bit more work on the floor.  I won't get to the shelving.  Probably.  Though... maybe?  I am hoping to hit the dishes, rinse, then maybe get to them, or some of them, yet tonight.  So tired.  Now too hot.  That will change.

The bloody nose continues, but just one... the same... nostril.  Actually the usual one, the left.  I need to brew tea while resting as well.  One or two more work sessions and that will be it, if that is possible.  I'm getting there.  It is moving forward.  I expect the first cage in tomorrow, early.  Then picking up more supplies and putting in the other by evening.  The two smaller cages can probably be completed in the garage, as I mentioned, and carried out.  And installation should be much easier.  Later.  

Warmed, about ready.

 .

.

Still tired.  But, with one or maybe to problems, I can still work.  But three things, or even two heavies, and I'm down, or done.  Jackets helped, warm drinks.  Nothing can help a lack of sleep.  Couldn't sleep... right... in part because it was too warm.  Though, too, I am pushing.  I have, in two days... including today, shoved my schedule a full twelve hours around, plus... somehow.  So, I am going to be tired.

Back to it.  Oh, but I'll put dishes in to soak as well, before I go out.  Let me see... two lids... actually four... or four halves?  Yes.  Plus, pulling the shelving supports, and lowering those plus adding new ones where needed.  I might as well put them in at both spots.  Not sure, actually, what is needed in the other area...  Probably, as well, a lowering of one side, the installation of new on the other side.  Probably.  Then some shoveling.  So, best remember a mask.

It shouldn't take too long, really.  Not this time.  Hmm, may do some shoveling, first off.  Maybe make some measurements... for the leg and wooden bracket.  I have plenty of scrap and 2x4 if needed.  The hard part will be removing the panels of wood from behind all the rest.  That and shoveling.  Working in a mask is difficult.

When is a giant fallen and a dragon?  Good question?  For someone.  Anyway...  Later.

How can sadness be so... beautiful?

 .

.

Thoughts... just... come... some days.  Sad ones, to... some of us.

Problems.

 .

.

I had lunch.  Heated, so warm.  And carb heavy.  Should have been good to go.  I started getting cold, too cold.  So I turned the furnace up, put on my jackets, on top of warm doubled layers of regular closes plus while wearing boots.  As well, I had a cup of hot fatted coffee.  Freezing.  My bones hurt from it.  Weather moving in?  Has that last hurricane pushed through already, or... that which goes before it?  Or am I just failing.

I am crashing so hard and fast.  A nap?  I can't keep my eyes open.  But I need to work.  So tired, weak.  My left shin hurts, but it isn't a bruise, it seems related to the cold... cold to the bone... literally.  I... want to do more work first.  It's a matter of doing it.  As I was getting up to go, my nose burst.  Just one bloody nostril, if the other is seeming to wish to have a sympathy bleed.  

After treating that, while beginning then finishing the fatted coffee, it seemed like the other nostril was going to bleed.  Luckily, no, or not yet.  It just became runny.  I will go out and get a couple of lids set up.  The way I plan to cut the sheets, which are 8' x 4', is so as to create two separate toppers... per cage.  So I need to cut two of the sheets, widthwise.  As well, even if I can't do too much more, I would like to get out, remove the shelving that is out there, then maybe lower it and set up another bracket, or reverse 'L', then shovel a bit more of the manure.  I'll... put one of the disposables masks in my pocket so I don't have to grab one later.  So tired.

Then I'll have to lay down for a bit.  Assuming I can even get that much done.  Later.

Down very late, up rather early.

 .

.

I just could not sleep.  Then I realized why.  Warm.  I was warm.  Sleep requires cool.  So, I slimmed down the onboard wardrobe, took a shower as well, turned the thermostat down, and was able to begin cooling in prep for sleep.  Yea, nothing is easy hereabouts.  Still, I got to bed an hour after realizing the problem and beginning mending it, which was about four and change.

I set the alarms for 08:00, and 10:00, wasn't sure.  I figured I'd be able to blow one off, and was correct.  It was slightly before the 10:00 when the visitor arrived.  All good.  By having had the early alarm, I was... more primed for a wake and move.  I, mostly, expected a visit.  So... prep is your friend, my friend... if I do use the term "friend" lightly.  :)

I woke, with the help of a visitor.  And began working on the cages.  We got the last side finished, a front crafted, and wood supports for the second story done and on some of the cages parts.  I am having lunch and a break, but will then craft tops, lower the shelving, put in a support piece of wood along the back, and shovel more goat poop and hay out of the place.  Oh, I'll need to make splitters for the cages, for now.  Though, I suppose all the does could go in together?  That would be a last resort.  I think I can get dividers for the bigger cages crafted though.  I'll get them sooner or later, so...  As to the poop shoveling, with a mask this time.  The lungs hurt pretty badly, and that may have been the cause for the severe nosebleeds, or part of it.  Don't want to fool with that foolishness again.

Oh, as well, I'll set up dishes while on my lunch break.  The goal is to get through those during the day, on top of the rest.  It's... getting there.  Friday, tomorrow, I can buy wood for the last two, if very small, cages.  Those will only be 36" deep by 24" wide... or the other way? by 16" interior height... just buck dens.  We... don't need much.  I definitely have too much.  Those should be small enough to make whole, in the garage, and carry out.  Installation will also be rather easy.

No, doing... better.  It is taking a hand and a push, but... getting there.  I will get there.  Life isn't all that bad.  I best get some lunch down, then take a bit of a break.  Every few hours, a few hours of work.  And, I am learning how to do things by watching.  Mechanical stuff?  Some of it I can do.  But construction is... new to me, whole cloth.  There are tricks and methods that make life easier.  I learn a bit on my own, and a bit by watching, listening, asking.  Learning three different ways is a lot faster than any single method.  Not everyone can learn with the various methods.

Later.

Not the fastest.

 .

.

All sides are made, three of the four sides are caged with one left.  If I can finish that, and keep going, I would like to get one of the tops cut and/or lower the shelving out there and cut another section of shelving from 2x4 or salvage of else if I have it.  The caging material is very off.  It is coming off the roll diamond shaped.  Cutting it to size is... very difficult.  I think it shrinks up, sort of, as well, after being cut.

I am hoping, at least, to get the last screen end together.  I may be running out of steam.  Didn't have much to start.  Almost went to bed earlier.  Thought about it again, after realizing the stapler wasn't here.  So little work for the time put in though.  Although, a visitor suggested I used my angle grinder instead of the tin snips to cut the caging.  Yeah, after I had cut two by hand, and trimmed to fit.  Still, live, learn, be grateful, and go from there.

I sure am hungry.  I just haven't got anything left to cook.  And don't really want to scrounge.  Sardines?  No, just... no.  Not in the mood.  Nothing else sounds good, and no meat is thawed.  I'll... get some out tomorrow.  Or tonight, if I can get the dishes put up.  They are on top of the freezer.  Hmm... chicken, some ground turkey and other ground meats, and... a piece of beef of some sort.  Yea, that would work.

Good night.

Ah-ha!

 .

.

It had been borrowed back.  The pneumatic stapler.  It was used as needed, and is returned.  all good.  I hadn't gotten back to work, and won't for an hour more.  Legs are killing me, and lower back.  Didn't do much, but was on my feet for a bit long yesterday.  All good, I'll keep at it.  I am sure I can pull out at least two, maybe three, more sessions... plus possibly a shower and setting up dishes.

Hmm... maybe not setting up dishes.  I wouldn't be able to get to them tonight?  True, but I could soap them, wash them tomorrow, and soak them and finish tomorrow.  Yeah.  So... I'll do that.

All good.  I will get to it... shortly.  Later.

They have cut off internet access.

.

.

For the most part.

Beside having a heck of a time getting on and through to other sites, I just wrote a lengthy post about cage construction.  The internet ate it.  Not sure this will get through.

It looks like the tech giants are trying to close the internet, or for some of us.  I've been having trouble in all ways internet for the last few weeks.  Now it is impossible... nearly.  The whole post is completely gone, wiped.  Nothing left of it save the title.

Something is terribly wrong.

 .

.

There are three main possibilities.  Perhaps I am awake at a time that is too different from my recent usual, for the second day running.  Another option is that I overdid it yesterday.  I may be too cold, for any of a number of reasons.  I hurt, but I am afraid to take aspirin.  I think the increase in bloody noses may be due to a sudden local dryness.  Bone dry here, lately.  Aspirin would add to it.

I did pick up a package today.  I had to sign for it?  Thread, sewing thread, good sewing thread but not terribly expensive... I mean... mostly.  For thread, yes.  It is actual flax thread, two ply I do believe.  I intend to purchase three and maybe one ply, in several colors, if it is as advertised, hoped.  From the first look, it does look to be all that.  No, not poly core, poly, or poly coated... not cotton.  Flax linen, the really good stuff.  I would like several colors, and plys.  Two ply is good for my initial potential project.  Three ply is rather heavy duty, for certain types of repairs.  I doubt if I will get singly ply, that is for weaving lace, or a few other things... doily making, though possibly fine weaving... neither being even possibly my areas.

So cold.  I am wearing two layers of everything, plus two jackets.  I had a hot meal, and turned the furnace to 74.  I finally warmed, mostly, a short bit ago.  But I am still nodding off to the point where I can't... focus, think, remember.  Something to do, but I can't remember, or just do and figure out on the way.  Back to bed, no choice.  So very tired.

I tried coffee, too.  I will try one more.  Hot, and caffeinated.  I had hoped it would help.  Not so much.  One more round.  I have been trying to push, push, shove, crawl, or otherwise get beyond whatever the blockage is.  I am failing.  Tired, so very tired.  Warm, a bit, now, mostly, but still so horribly tired.  I will work when I wake.  I'm just not awake.  Later.  Or much later.

A few things.

 .

.

I was so trapped, still might be?  A visitor, the night before yesterday, helped.  Allowed for a call to my mother, and began a return on an item.  I... was stuck.  The return is not only considered back, but the correct item is on it's way.  Not in the mail, or whatnot, but, in the process.  The return sent, and accepted.  As well, a bit more.

I helped yesterday, someone else.  Should I have helped someone else when I need to do things here?  Well, I looked at it as an opportunity to break out.  And, so, I helped.  Nothing difficult., or fancy.  More like a fetcher, mostly.  Need a philips?  Sure.  Hold that so I can mark for a drill.  Okay.  I did help get a hitch attached to a truck, but that was much lighter work than it sounds.  Much of the day, if a quarter of it was a bit of shopping in town, for hardware parts.

My mistake was not having fluid on hand.  My throat is a mess this morning.  Vinegar with a dash of water has helped this morning.  But it's still very rough.  I am hydrating as well as I can beyond that.  Hmm, I'll bet hot fatted coffee might help even more?  It should be about ready to make.  Finished at about 19:00... was home by then.  Crashed pretty much immediately.  Woke several times through the night, but didn't actually get out of bed until 05:00 or so.

I may have the fatted coffee, and go back to bed.  A few more hours.  For as little as I did, I work out.  But, I think I can get to work today, on the cages.  Just, not quite yet.  It's cold, baby.  Very cold.  And a tired body plus the cold... I just need a bit more sleep.  It's not even 07:00, so... a two to three hour nap, if down by 08:00, and I could have a good solid... if still partial... day of work.  I could get a lot done, and still have tomorrow and Friday.  Yes, it... will get done.

I hear the ducks are flying around town.  I may have to clip their wings.  I didn't think they would leave, certainly not solo, but it seems so.  Later.

Her too?

.

.

Eh, tu, Bruta?  A she, yes.  Oh... she... wants me to believe other than how I know.

Sure got someone's ire up.

 .

.

A couple of music vid posts, left for my viewing.  Oh, yes, definitely a notice that I am not in good standing with someone.  Most likely a Catholic.  Why?  Because I am supposed to be tribally for the SC appointee.  All I have to say to that is, absolutely not.  There are Catholics.  There are good Catholics.  And there are Catholics who do whatever they want and still wish to call themselves Catholics but aren't.

I will not go along with anyone, just because they call themselves a Catholic, or I'd be on the pope, Pelosi, and the Kennedy's side.  More?  I was a Catholic quite young.  That is how my brother and I were raised.  We went to Catholic school.  Where, during break, probably because my mother was a divorcee, I nearly had my ribs broken on the playground... with one of those old heavy, high, swings, with thick wooden seats... aimed just right to catch me from the side.  Would have killed another.

I understand.  I always have.  And I have decided to never be tribal.  Whether it be a C, or R, breed, white, indian, or whatnot.  I've found that the more tribal, the worse the rot.  And this woman has all the signs of rot.  She looks like she is going to duck anything socially and morally conservative or honestly Catholic, like abortion, or do just the opposite, and enshrine gay marriage and adopting into law, if it hasn't been.

Trump did it.

 .

.

How, exactly, did he get Mitch and the others to go along?  Didn't even need Pence's vote.  Even got the cow ski to go along?  He didn't, publicly, push all that hard.  But he had to have done some back room brawling.  Absolutely no doubt about that.  Further, they believe he is going to win the election, or they simply wouldn't have switched sides.  Three or four republican senators are democrats in truth.  But, they... live in republican waters.  Easy access, but not often accessed.

No, it won't matter.  She, as stated, is a woman.  She isn't her own keeper, no woman is.  The question is, who is.  Her husband, her bishop, the pope?  How compromised is she, and to whom?  The third Trump installation, of four conservative judges installed of the last four.  And?  And very little change on the courts.  None of them are reliable.  Most of them are weakly constitutional, in truth.  I don't think it matters.

I hear she will be better than Ginsburg.  That's, really, a lot like saying Hitler was better than Stalin or Lenin even.  Yes, well... and it depends on whom.  Better for who?  If a Jew or gypsy or even Catholic, which was worse is dependent.  Hitler killed some Catholics, Lenin killed all of us he could find.  Both intended to murder all the Jews, but Stalin sold them at $10k a head, if many were just hardened criminals he wanted to be gone.  If you are a baby, will she matter?  With this pope, very possibly maybe not.

Something about excusing herself from decisions in which the pope has spoken?  Right.  Among other problems.  What hasn't this, or that, or some other, pope... specifically, religiously, or personally, expressed opinions regarding?  Well, and he just came out for gay civil unions.  What do you want to bet she won't be against those?

Better than Ginsburg?  Who to whom?

There is a chance, a hope.  If, usually, hope is for the forlorn.   So be it.  I am happy to see Trump got his nominee through.  I just wish he would have picked a good one.  Perhaps there are no good nominees at this point?  Then again, the liberal campaign against her was rather... pathetic.  I have some wonder that she is considered reasonable by them... not a good thing.  Or, they have her, one way or another.

Time will tell.  But this is just another judge Roberts, if I was to lay odds.  Her "kids" are the tell.

So late!

.

.

Ah, but it does make sense.  Feeding the ducks, I realize why.  All the water was frozen.  Yes, it's... that time of year.  The cold brings great sleep.  My resistance is limited.  I have, every year, or so, been able to fight it off, or for a bit.  But the cold is going to cause near hibernation... is causing a form of it.  Did, certainly, today.

I can't be sure, but I slept a lot of hours.  A lot.  I had the alarm set at a decent amount of sleep, plus another set for an extra amount of sleep, plus the girls were allowed up.  Here I am, three or four hours after the extra sleep, and cat troubles and toils all sleeping after my attempt to wake, just waking.  And I am still tired.  I would still be sleeping if I didn't have a great want to try to do some things today.

Working on the cages.  At least two sides, hopefully all four.  Then figuring out how to create a front with the wood that I have.  The back was going to be easy... just plywood.  Same with the top.  But the back isn't needed.  Still, there is the front.  And splitter panels.  So tired, can't really think well enough to actually check the wood left, lengths, what is needed, and compare.  I will just have to find out as I go.

I think payday is next Friday.  If so, I could get wood early, and hit any last bits?  Only because plywood isn't required.  I have no way to haul that.  But 1x2s, 2x2s, 2x4s, I can do those.  Though, I really hope to be done by then.  Still, there really may not be enough good wood.  So... sides today.  Plus lowering the shelving wood and fitting both sides to level... actually I have to create a shelf step, but to make them level is the trick.  Then, perhaps, create a topper for one.  Oh, and with the sides, put in remnants to hold the interior shelving, for a second layer.  

Well, those are sort of the goals.  After the bloody nose stops.  Or... if it stays mild.  I haven't been bleeding at night, but first thing this morning, it started again.  It seems light though.  Will see.  No... haven't touched the aspirin.  Would love some though.  But... no.  I... am just going to have to suffer through.  Oh well.

A few hours of waking, then to it.  Work in the outbuilding will be with hammer and nail, or cordless and screws if they will fit.  Even those are a lot of work, but about equal labor?  Just more secure and easy to dismantle?  Something like that.  If I have enough of the correct sized wood screws.  Always... maybe.  I'll get a shower in a bit.  Maybe make a bite to eat.  Dunno, will do what I can, when I can, but will do some of it tonight.

Good morning, afternoon, and day.

Nearing bedtime.

.

.

Nothing done.  But I had a restful day.  And an email conversation.  Needed that.

The doorbell, earlier, while I slept, was a visitor.  I... forgot it was Saturday.  Anyway.

Better?  I think so.  The goal is to be awake, to work on things tomorrow.  Cage construction, really.  Hopefully up around noon to 14:00 or 15:00.  It's... whatever I can do.  A few hours to wake.  Then at it.  It's... what I can do, for now.  Ugh.

Oh, I had found a dehydrated coffee I liked.  That simply became unavailable.  So... I went looking for other coffee.  Several failed efforts.  Too acidic, too nasty generally, to weak...  I found one that worked, but it was so mild!  Like a milky coffee.  I still had some that was too acidic by itself, so tried them combined.  Perfect!  One is dirt cheap, the other was a bit pricey.  The price of the pricey one has come down, and the mix made it relatively inexpensive as was.

As well, being dehydrated, I can make a cup or three a day... if my cup is a quart.  Add cream and artificial sweetener.  And there I go.  Or I can skip three days.  No waste.  I can still 'cook' it, then chill it.  Works well that way.  And, it is affordable, becoming more so.  It might seem a strange thing, but it really works.  And, this way, I could, probably, have coffee on hand for years.  If I ever get enough ahead, and the prices remain relatively similar, I will stock ten of each... where a pair, at a teaspoon each per quart, seems to last me months.  Since I mostly drink cold tea by the gallons.  Ugh...  But, yes, it... works.

Oh, and it is cheaper, even the expensive one by itself, than the other brand.  I love it when I am screwed out of being screwed!  :p  Good night.

Faster.

.

.

Rubik's cube.  I have been cutting the completion time, improving... reliability of outcome.  My averages are very close to my high and low speeds.  First I got to three and an half, then two, now I am running about a minute and an half for completion, average.  If... if I say... I don't make a mistake in the method... my variance is fifteen seconds or less, but both ways.  I have hit a minute and fifteen, give or take a few seconds.

The world may not be my pearl.  Is it a pearl?  To those who will be buried with it, I suppose, maybe.  Ah, but it is my rubik's cube.  I do figure, sort, store, and contemplate.  I act, when possible, build, enjoy, love, and laugh... well, and cry, hurt, break, and tear.  I'm... good with all of that.  This is a wonderful place.  I just know this isn't... right.  It has been, could have been, will be, better.  It will be perfect.  I will hold out for that.

For now, I... sort.  See.  Think.  Feel.  And whatever else I can make happen.  And I do try.

Yes, well, awake, finally.

 .

.

I slept hard, and well, when I could sleep.  It was after 03:30, but how much later I am not sure.  Possibly right then, maybe as late as 05:30.  My... memory... went black after that time.  Seeing that time was the last memory, and not much of a memory for an hour before it.  I was already shutting down.  Still, it... was as good as I could do.  I don't have much ability to navigate currently.  See what I did there? 

I pulled one nostril plug... or it fell out... sometime between when I went to bed and before 09:30.  More like 05:30?  The lesser bleeder.  When I realized it was gone, either way, it was dry so I didn't have to bother more with it.  The second one... I woke at 09:30 and pulled that one.  I had everything set up for a major bleed and splatter if necessary.  It, two, was dry.  So... all good, for now, with the nose bleeds.

I feel like hell though.  I want to take aspirin, but that just isn't going to happen.  As bad as the nose bleed was, I won't tempt even thinner blood, thinning blood on top of whatever else was wrong.  So I will just have to suffer.  I hadn't planned on working much today, though, anyway.  So suffering is... sufficient.  The hands, of all things, are finally feeling better.  Oh, a bit rough, swollen, with some joint pain.  But what I would expect from holding heavier tools, shifting larger beams, and shoveling shit for an hour or two... at my age.  But they aren't back to numb swollen balls of nothing, or the next step of pure agony as adrenalin and else wears off.

Trash, today.  Recycling?  And dishes.  Well, and a shower first.  I think I can.  Tomorrow is when I will start back in on the cages.  I believe I am going to cut the heights to two feet... interior heights.  That should still allow a second story.  It will also give me just a bit more breathing room on the wood stocks.  Yea, truth is, I am quite worried about having enough wood to actually finish two cages.  Even with this, and using some of the found wood.  It is going to be very tight.  Very tight.

The second story won't be going in immediately.  I will be arranging, with smaller otherwise useless remnants, to put in brackets, attached to the caging, upon with plywood may be placed.  And, if there are remnants of that for partials, I will add some.  But I don't think there will be enough for all of the levels in even two cages.  Though, the smaller cages will not receive two levels.  A couple of batch pads.  Less to clean, am I right, fellas?

First to wake.  I'll feed the girls shortly... oh, and let the ducks out.  Actually?  Negative on the ducks.  It's dark out, cloudy, overcast.  And with the troubles of late...  The muscovys can get out, and probably back in, without use of the door.  Not much I can do about that.  I can put fresh water in, though.  And fill their feed.  But... that's that, otherwise.  I'm leaving them in, on cloudy days, from now on.  And... probably on weekends too.  Later.

Ah, a small change with the bloody nose.

 .

.

It's doubled.  It had been just one nostril.  The right side became jealous, I guess.  I hadn't even been tinkering with it, or the other side.  It... just started dripping out.  I felt it before it dripped on any more clothing.  Bleh.  I have consumed more mass of my own blood than I have eaten today.  Not eating much, it all tastes like iron anyway.

On to bed.  Nothing can be done.  I tried doing dishes, the bleed... singular then, just broke through two plugs, in no time.  Doing almost anything increases the blood flow rate.  Hmm... not sure what I can do for the pillows.  New, and with new white pillow cases.  I might have an older towel, or two, to wrap them.  Might not be the most comfortable, but... it... might keep them clean.

I've really never bled quite like this that I can remember.  The whole day, now both nostrils.  I've wanted to take aspirin, for a few complaints, but no.  And I don't keep anything else, docs said others weren't preferred.  Oh well.  I've had much worse.  And I'm not working, so can just suffer.  I don't mind suffering if it doesn't get in the way of doing things.  Can't work, so it doesn't matter.

Good night.

Still bleeding like a stuck pig.

 .

.

Okay, gaming is out.  I play hard, to win, and tough games.  When I wasn't spitting or swallowing, I leaked through.  An half hour and had to change the plug three times, even then I leaked through.  And changing the nose plugs is a HUGE mess.  So... something else.  I would sleep, if I could.  No more shirts.  That's three for the day, I think that's the bag limit.

On the good side?  One of the shirts, if a synthetic, was white.  I thought to just throw it away.  It's not the newest thing, and worse is the brand.  Still, bought and paid for, want not waste not?  I put a dab of laundry detergent on it, and soaked it, as with the black and now greenish shirt.  I checked, and, to my absolute surprise?  It was clear of the blood.

From now on, if I spill something on a (newer or better) shirt, I will soap and cold soak it immediately.  Tomato sauce, blood, mustard, fats from cooking... anything.  Immediately.  It really works.  My last woman type used to keep my shirts spotless.  I often asked how.  She never said.  Why... didn't she admit that she worked hard for it?  She would never let me know what she was doing.  How can one be grateful without knowledge?  Anyway... it looks like I won't lose my shirts over it.

Yes, still bleeding.  Gushing without a plug.  Hmm... mother just started blood thinners.  Blood is thicker than water.  While adopted... she and I share... a very peculiar connection.  I'll... have to manually psychically amend this... particular... link?  Oh, laugh as you will.  We used to call, when phones were phones, and I'd pick up, or she would, and there would be no dial tone.  We usually called and answered without the need for the ringing.  Random calls, once to three times a month.  And... I always knew, even if at school or away, when I was going to be in trouble when I got home.  So... yeah... maybe.  I'll... concentrate on it.

A bit of late tech, then I'll try to sleep.  Good night, either way, probably.