Awake, for what it is worth.

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The ducks were let out, a pale of water fetched... for the cats.  Waterers were reset and food set, for the rabbits.  I turned the furnace up, to warm the water first before taking it out.  Oh, cleared litter too.  It's been a day or two.  Wow does that pile up.  At least they only go with bad for maybe a day, anymore.  Ugh.  I have THREE boxes!  You'd think that could take two days.  Nope.  A day and still be usable... at two days there... it's a total mess.  Fresh litter in too, today.  It helps keeping it fuller, but that comes with other problems.

Perhaps I should get a fourth litter box?  Maybe.  But for two cats!  Gah!

Sleep was good.  But I am losing days.  It was down by... very late... or very early if you think that way.  Sleep was very good, if also very long.  I dressed warmer today, but... it's not helping.  It's going to be an achy day, when I can't warm up.  The ice sheet in the pool was about two inches thick.  I cracked it carefully, so I could remove larger chunks... easier that way.  Then refilled well.  Oh the ducks absolutely love that pool, especially now that I can keep it fresh, clean, open, and available most of the time.

I am warming stew.  Actually have warmed it, am letting it cool.  Not supposed to, but I bought potato rolls while at the store, for with it.  I... needing something to sop the juice.  Call it a rare treat for doing a good deed.  Plus, it is a way to add more fats, in the form of butter.  I won't do that every time I have soup or stew, but I will do it from time to time.  I am pleased with my feeble, humble, effort.  It isn't super, but it is a good start.  Next time will be better, whether chicken, beef, or pork.  Actually, I made a simpler stew with some of the remaining pulled pork.  It was good as well, if still... lacking... something.

I am finally beginning to make soup.  And, I think that will end up being a very good friend to me, in the long run.  Soup is so much better in winter.  Though, if you can learn the tricks of cold soup, it can be a fantastic summer dish.  But... that... making summer cold soup... is tight.  Hot stew and soup can be technical, but cold soup has to be perfect to be readily consumable.  Think drinkable, savory, jello?  Smooth as glass, spiced well enough but not too much, and... I can't say it enough... smooth!  At least to my culinary and gourmet beliefs.  *wink*

Hey, about those...  Hmm, don't even care about sports anymore?  Never did, for me.  I see, though, more are in my boat than before.  So... what is it men are supposed to discus when trying to change the subject?

Oh... I know.  Later.