Oh, an early fast up and out.

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Down at almost noon.  It's the best I could do.  My brother called at around 14:00.  I wanted to answer, but my eyes and brain were... yea... it didn't work.  I will call him tomorrow.  Hahaha  Guess what day, some long time back, I had intended on calling him?  Tomorrow!  Funny how things work.  Not a done deal, just... funny how plans can work... assuming it does.  Sassy was up, several times.  Wanted attention.  Actually wanted to wake me to feed her.  Nope.  But she got a bit of itchy scratchy.  Not food, but... she went away happy.  Mostly.

Finally, at 15:00, the alarm.  But it was way too early.  I figured the next round, at 17:00, was pushing things.  So I reset that early alarm to a 16:00, said a little prayer that I might make it up in time, and went back to sleep.  Sleep was horrible, I kept consciously worrying about missing the pickup.  But, no, I woke... if after three snoozes, so right at 16:30.

Ducks and rabbits, cats, and a shower, amen!  As fast as I could.  Milk arrived as I was finishing.  All good.  He is always buying new toys... tools, that is.  Something I have been looking at.  And something I haven't been considering.  Still, I like to see what he is up to next!  Every once in a while I beat him to the draw on something useful, neat, or clever... if not so much lately.  Holding on by my toes as I am.  I do enjoy new tools.  Clever is okay, simple and sure is best, mix and match and you can do well.

In with a few groceries, I obtained a generic tylenol.  The brand stuff costs over $21.  The generic is about $3~$4?  Same dose, same number.  Yea... no.  Anacin, when I can find it, is the only thing I'll pay branded.  But, first, it isn't too high, second... there are no options.  No option I have seen.  I am trying the generic tylenol as I write.  Not sure if this will be an ibuprofen type or more an aspirin type.  For me, they do very different things, working on very different pains.  When one doesn't work, sometimes the other will.  Perhaps this will fit a different niche?  The thing is to learn which does what, so to have a better idea of when to use which.  Hunt and peck can be annoying.

For good or ill, things may... be changing.  For the darker, or lighter, none yet no.  I expect darker.  I have seen no evidence of light coming out of this.  And it may hit like a storm, attacking in the night, people disappearing or being shot in the streets by people with badges or else... some seeming authority.  Someone like myself could disappear without anyone knowing.  Or, the least likely, Trump will choose for American to remain free(ish).  It would have to be with the .mil and some of .intel?  He couldn't do it on his own, even with Trumpites.

Finally feeling better.

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It's bed time though.  Still, that isn't all bad.  Bedtime and morning are the worst times to feel bad.  It gimps my whole day, or sure can.  To sleep well, I need to feel somewhat good.  I do.

That soup... I finish it off.  What amazes me is how filling it is and how long it takes me through they day.  I have it a bit low on salt, which isn't bad.  As long as it has enough salt while cooking to not taste dead, the difference can be made up with table salt.  It is still a bit low salt, which is fine.  When I am more into, better on, keto, I need more salt.  But when I've not been doing that well, cutting salt is good.  Just be honest with things and life, and find whichever balance for wherever you find yourself.  Low salt is currently a good thing.  So it goes.

Rabbits and ducks have been tended.  Girls have been fed, and again, and treated plus had their water changed and litter tended.  It was exhausting today.  So tired.  And, yet... I just have to do it.  I best get on to bed.  Good night.

That soup will do me well.

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I think, from now on, however, I will make the base, add the meat, and stop right there.  THEN, as I go along, add whatever vegetables or else I wish.  Say I have a base chicken soup.  I end up with plenty of pulled pork?  Just add some for a variation, but maybe just enough for a bowl or two.  And, adding veggies as I wish, per day.  I can easily, now, keep in right keto food.

Boring?  All food gets boring.  But with a base soup, which can be dressed up or down, per day, as one wishes?  That cuts boredom.  Then, to make it thicker or thinner really helps.  I will have to figure out cold soup at some point, but not yet.  Tonight?  The vegetable chicken soup, but with raw spinach leaves and a can of stewed tomatoes.  Diced or even puree wouldn't be a bad add.

The thing is, I can't quite heat up just enough for one bowl.  I prefer to use the stove.  And my single quart pot still puts out well more than my bowl.  It's the smallest pan I have.  I suppose I could buy a smaller pan, or put less in.  But I... didn't get close to filling it, even adding a couple of cups of water?  And it was still well more than enough.  One bowl did me quite well, full to the gills, literally could not eat another bite.  And there is still at least half left?  Okay... I get soups and stews now.  Amazing tech, actually.

I may have another bowl shortly.  I must admit, while I am not seeing protein, the pieces are so small, and the veggies so thick, I am still feeling protein sated?  Very strange.  I didn't think that was possible.  I think the soups I have had in the past were mostly done wrong.  Oh, well, mother's soups and stews were almost always, to my memory, shockingly filling and comforting.  No joke.  But soup anywhere else I have tried?  Not so much.

Now, I have room for improvement.  One of the main has already been noted.  Making a base of stock, water, thickener, and whichever meat... or even mushroom.  Then, adding veggies as wanted, per small pot.  Other improvements?  Learning how to fatten, with cream or even sour cream.  Learning to thicken or thin, as desired... though... when rightly thickened initially, how much water added can set that easily.  But the final trick I will need to work up is making the soup so that it is edible while cold.  That... will be a touch of magic, luck, and practice.

I am quite pleased with this all.  Oh, and it is quite warming on top of being easy to dish out, even if on the run.  It would heat well enough in the time to take a shower, and could be drunk almost, or taken in a thermos.  If you have never gotten into soups, or better stews... I'm going to recommend that you do.  Especially if you live north of the cold line.  I love chili, just can't do beans and haven't really fallen for keto variants.

Ugh.  Back to a bit of gaming.  Can't do... much of anything... for long.  I just... get lost?  I stop knowing what I am doing.  Frustrating.  Some of it is this flu, some of it is winter, some is general health...  I'll do what I can.  Good evening, night, morning, and/or day.

Just a bit of shopping.

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Online, groceries.  Hmm, I forgot a few things... mushrooms and...  I may go back and order those.  If I can remember what the other was.  I... just... had it!  Ugh.  Very convenient to order online.  The fear, for me, is not making at the pickup time.  Ugh.  Hmm, could add tylenol to the list.  The nice thing, it is paid in advance.  All I, or anyone else, has to do is show up... with the number, or code, they send.

I will definitely be taking a shower before I go to bed.  Yea.  I may still take a shower tomorrow, but... having it out of the way means, if I am running too late I can just go.  Gah!  If I could only remember what else I had wanted on the list!  Not daikon radishes, that will be for next month.  There is tylenol, but it wasn't the item.  It was a food.

Not cheese, a vegetable?  I think?  Lemons would be nice, if available.  Drats!  This flu sucks, if age... life... isn't much better.  Later.

Not a good day.

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Ducks in, rabbits checked.  It was and remains somewhere between 22 and 24 F out.  Fresh water for the girls, their litter cleared, and a dinner.  I would really like to put out fresh waterers, but I am all but certain their will freeze solid... which is a risk too them.  Besides, the rabbits drank almost nothing of the fresh I put out after dark.  I think I will try to make it to dawn, and put water out for them, before going to bed.

My stomach really hurts.  Unlike when it has felt like I took a beating a week or two ago, this feels fresh.  It doesn't just hurt when I bend, or such, but all of the time.  I have done nothing to bring this on.

I'm not terribly hungry.  If I do get hungry, I will hit some of the chicken soup.  Hmm... no noodles.  Though, the truth is, I really don't like noodles anymore.  Still, I wonder if there is something I could add?  Julienned daikon radish or watercress's?  Something like that, if I spelled or wrote it quite right... crispy veggies often added to stirfry.  I do have some cans of watercress.  Hmm, might try it.

Oh, I keep forgetting to take painkillers.  I am thinking, this time, to try anacin.  Ibuprofen has been used almost exclusively, if the symptoms it was used for were flu related.  This pain is different.  Oh, sure, there are still sinus aches, but that isn't the main problem.  Yea, and just for a change.  I must admit, ibuprofen worked well, anacin did nothing.  I have to wonder about tylenol.  I think I will keep some of each on hand, so if one kind doesn't work, I can try another.  More vodka, because that does do well, especially in a fatted coffee.  Small bottles, nothing fancy, not much at any time... just a shot or two per quart, once or twice a day, as needed and to a degree wanted.

I was so sure it was Saturday.  I guess not.  I gave a friend a little... chirp... about missing.  And he chirped back.  Well, we ended up grinning and all, so it was good.  Hmm, I should call my brother tomorrow.  I meant to today, but... today wasn't even today, it is tomorrow, so... I'm... I... didn't miss!  *grins*  Yea, I'll call him tomorrow, see what is up.  Avoiding politics is best.  If hanging up isn't a part of it.  A gentle... reminder.  We aren't on the same sides of the Civil War.  Best to not discuss it.  No CW, doesn't like there will be one, or even a strong win.  It looks like he will just roll and everyone quits and goes home.  Can't do it solo.  I suppose that is how he sees it.  Whatevs.  

A harsh morning.

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A middling headache and a severe stomach ache.  Not sure why the belly hurts.  It, again, feels like I've been struck across the midsection with a 2 x 4.  It really hurts.  As well, sticky mucus is back.  I should have enough water pills left.  All I need is a normal, or lesser actually, dose.  I seem dry, just not quite dry enough.  One might do.  Usually I take three.  I fear if I took three now, it would cause other problems.  I haven't been able to drink enough lately, for that.

Ducks and rabbits have been tended.  The girls have received a treat, if Sam is yeowling for some reason.  I've chased her a bit, for that.  At least give me time to take ibuprofen... or anacin today? and get into some shape.  Her litter was cleared last night, she definitely has hard food, her water is very good, and she has been treated within minutes of waking.  DON'T YELL when I am trying to suffer to wake!  Grrrh!

I thought I checked the temp.  If so, I thought it was reading 22.  Still seems cool, cooler than it is oddly.  Then again, I'm not sure I did check, so...  I'll... check in a bit, again.  Next time I am out that way.  If I can remember what it reads.  In a bit, I will heat some of the chicken stew, adding spinach while at it.  I think that last really adds to the vegetal flavor.  And, yet, I'll take it.  I would like to start making a stew a week, or every other week.  Perhaps even figuring out cold sich for summer.  It is a good way to spread thinning provisions around.  I am living on air, almost, these days.  Not sure how much longer I can do that.

Later.

A bit sore, slightly fevered, but not bad.

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Oh, cough is back, lightly, from time to time.  And the chest hurts.  It is from a sore heart.  Oh well.

I kept the waterers clear.  It was 22 much of the night?  Right until the last check time.  It had dropped to about 4 F.  And, yes, the water froze.  There is a limit, at night, to what even warm water and plenty of drinking can do at that temp.  I couldn't tell it had gotten that chill until I checked the waterers.  Checking the thermometer, to see how cold it had gotten, and... yep.

The chicken soup is put away.  I wasn't sure I would get to that.  I had hoped to work.  Not possible.  I worried I would crash, and the soup would go bad.  Nope.  I wanted another bowl, but I was done.  I will portion it out, from now on, and just eat a bowl at a time.  If I really want to bowls?  So be it.  Most likely, the fuss of mussing with it, will keep me to one bowl.  It is quite good.

So tired.  I hurt.  Confused.  On to bed, at just more than a quarter before seven.  Good day and night.

Chicken vegetable soup.

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I did something I almost never do.  I impressed myself.  That soup was as good as I have ever had.  Everything from scratch.  Fresh vegetables to just cooked chicken, stripped from the bone.  The vegetables were not overcooked, the chicken was tender medium to small bits, the spices and herbs, to salt and pepper, were spot on.  This... is what I would expect from my mother.  Magic.

Now, there were some things I have learned.  A flavor I had always thought was a mistake?  It isn't.  I never quite knew what it is.  I do now.  It is a vegetal flavor, from having so many fresh vegetables.  Ah!  Now, knowing this, I can truly enjoy this flavor.  I don't need to be a vegetarian to do so.  It, just... makes sense, with soups and stews, now.  And is welcome rather than off-putting.  Live and learn.

I only put one container of beef stock in.  Which was enough.  I didn't try to thicken quite to a stew.  It was a chicken soup I was after, just... a bit thicker.  Obtained and as exactly as I had intended as possible.  I will absolutely have to do this more often.  Pork, from pulled pork, chicken as today... pieced, and beef as I did before, if without experimental spices and herbs.  

Perhaps, in time?  Though, with some dishes... why complicate or change?  A simple (if not that simple or easy as is) meat stew or soup... keep it classic, keep it simple.  Enjoy the seemingly humble.  What a gift.  Remember, the good in us is a gift from God.  At this point, we of our own accord are... wrong, left, sinful.  Even to cook a good meal is a grace.  And... I have been graced.  My mother played a hand in it.  I have done my part.  But... from above.  This is surely a grace.

The other good thing?  I'd bet you could almost eat the whole pot and not gain too much weight.  While it is oddly filling.  I had one and and half bowls (sixteen ounce max, but there is no way you put sixteen ounces in... probably twelve to fourteen ounces) and I am absolutely stuffed.  I feel pampered and happy.  As to potatoes?  I chopped them into medium pieces, and only had about three or four pieces.

The only things I might change in, out, or on top?  Mushrooms!  There are several varieties which would be perfect, of which I am aware and which are available to my knowledge... browner mushrooms are best, but white will do.  As well, chinese cabbage or kale would be a reasonable alternative to cabbage.  I think kale would be best, for lasting.  But if you just clear the veggies each time you eat, and put the meat and liquid up for next time, any veggie will do.  I suppose there are a few more options, but... julienned daikon radish, or water cresses...  Oh, and something definitely for next time... green or spring onions, sliced on the diagonal, sprinkled on top in large amounts!

It's as good as I can do.  

About time to check on the rabbits.  Actually I will just take them fresh water.  I checked earlier.  I had to free up a few of the waterers.  Now I will take them fresh, and pull the old.  I try to give them much more water, if I missed.  In the summer I will try to create a watering system based on five gallon pales, so they always have fresh water.  Dumping the main container a few times a day, especially on hot days.  Perhaps having frozen bottles enough for in the cages with them, and in the tanks to help keep it all cool for them.

As well, perhaps an animal 'tractor', so they can trim the grass.  I just don't think the ducks need one, though for brooding hens, it might be good?  Ugh.  I'm almost a farmer... type.  :p  Later.

Chicken stew, in the making.

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A few things.  When making a stew or soup?  Start out with very, very, basic herbs and spices.  The base needs to be, pretty much, limited to salt, pepper, onion, garlic.  I am a spice and herb lover, but varying just a bit, in the basics, can end with a very strange flavor.  As with  the beef stew, all I can say is... don't go there.  If you want celery, onion, carrot, or a ginger based start?  Fine.  Just... if you are a typical American, your taste buds just aren't going to like... strange.  Perhaps you can grown that flavor profile... to love it.  At the beginning, it just won't work.

I was careful when constructing the base.  Salted mildly, peppered enough though not so that the flavor comes through, garlic and onion flakes.  Very small amounts, time for it to disperse... then another tasting.  It took an half hour to get the base going, and up to taste.  If the flavors become too potent while simmering, I will add more water.

The chicken hindquarters are warming to room temperature.  I have added 16 ounces of beef stock.  I need to obtain chicken legs and pork hocks, for adding to the stew... gelatin is your friend.  I did add thickener, just going with guar gum... half a teaspoon in hot tap water.  I just chopped celery and added that.  I am dithering on whether to add the cabbage, but I think I have to add it.  I thought I might wait, then strain out the celery... but... why?  I do like celery.  Just... weird internal debates regarding food, I guess.  So I will add the cabbage as I go to check on the rabbits.

The chicken doesn't need cooked.  The other veggies do need to cook, but I would rather not have them mushy.  So, an half hour after the cabbage starts, I'll remove the chicken from the bone, then add the veggies while I start.  An half hour for those and perhaps fifteen minutes simmer time for the chicken meat?  I'll... live and learn.  Remember, elevation means longer cook times.  If... that can be your friend, once you understand and learn to use it.  Ugh.

It does look like quite a few vets get both ssd and va disability.  They are lying.  This is political.  I am not sure what that lawyer was on about, though he might have seen that my file has been flagged for attack.

Anyway... on to the rabbits and at least checking on the ducks.  The ducks don't mind staying out.  I don't mind, either, except for predators... which mostly attack at night.

Good and bad.

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A rough wake, if not as bad as it was, or even in the same way.  A headache, though easily fixed.  Kidneys are hurting, probably how much I ate?  Or... just that I actually ate?  However, most flu symptoms are gone.  Or... were.  I ended up taking water pills (and potassium) last night, as I was beginning to flood... my feet and ankles.  That cleared out the nasals!  I hadn't thought about that, but, yea, it works.

The headache was due to the nasals being closed up, plugged up, with dry mucus.  A bit of clearing and ibuprofen have helped that a great deal.  The kidneys?  Well, when you don't eat, then do, and your kidneys are on the blink anyway, it... throws those.  I am sure they will settle as I attempt to eat more regularly, and correctly.

I still haven't fed and watered critters.  Moving too slow.  but I have everything ready.  I will get to them shortly.  I will, as well, attempt to keep their waterers going, and I might leave the ducks out the night, so they can water and feed as they desire.  I'll be checking on the rabbits every few hours anyway, making sure their waterers are flowing and have enough water in them.  I do my best.

I'll put the chicken out, to warm to room temperature, while I prepare to feed and water critters.  In an hour or two, I'll pull the meat.  I may, before then, begin the soup, or stew, liquid base.  Using the fats from cooking, some of the veggies... carrots, celery, and onions... to add small flavor while I heat the water, fats, stock, and guar gum slurry... or should I try psyllium husk... I think I only have ground, which should do?

Yes, stew tonight.  I may add the last of the whole cream, if only to the first bowl of stew?  Or sour cream?  I'll think on it.  I best get to the critters.  Good evening and day.

Very good.

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I got the birds in and the waterers collected and in, plus a pale of water for refilling when they thaw.  The rabbits are getting extra long water times, and I am doing what it takes to give it to them.  The girls are being treated, again.  But I have to cut back on that.  Twice a day, that's it.  But with two wet food feedings, some times bits of my dinner, plus all the dry they can eat, I don't feel any guild, even when I miss once or twice a month.

Chicken, full hindquarters, roasted.  Perfect.  Or, as good as I can do.  I used the dutch oven.  I put six (halves) of bacon, thick cut, in and let the go for about an half hour.  It looked a bit overdone.  After letting it cool and lose oil on towels a bit... just in case... I tasted.  Oh... that was some seriously delicious bacon.  Then, into the oven four big hindquarters.

Roasted a fairly long time, in the bacon fat.  Flipped and flopped about every twenty to thirty minutes.

I had one, with a potato, for dinner.  Absolutely perfect, to my way of thinking.  I have three left, cooling.  I will strip the meat off the bones tonight or tomorrow.  Then add that in with broth, vegetables, and... Hmm, I need to buy more mushrooms.  I would love to find kale, too, but that seems strongly off the menu.  Just the wrong season, here or there.  Chinese cabbage would be good, too, for a change.

I need milk, for kefir.  I'm getting back into that.  So I need to get out, if possible.  Yea, we will see.  Not sure how possible it is, but a chicken soup, or stew, would be wonderful.  Beef wasn't bad, if not quite my gig.  Now for chicken.  Pork next?  Probably.  If I could get set up to make a soup or stew a week, then make other meals from time to time, or have meat crumble ready for keto tacos or salad, plus small cuts of various meats ready on standby?  Life could be a bit easier.

Why kefir?  I believe in it.  At least in homemade kefir.  It does something... right.  Further, it can be used as a living marinade.  It can really soften foods.  Mediterranean cooks and chefs know how to use it.  It can, probably, be used to bring... dated meats back into function.  If you don't have refrigeration, and hate to waste, figure it out.  They, often, use yogurt.  But this does as well.  Further, it is wonderful all on it's own.  Add just a touch of fruit, or vegetable, and blend it.  Or, and this took a while, eating it raw.  I do enjoy.  It gets rid of most of the carbs out of milk.  Makes it more useful.  Even offers whey, for fermenting other things, such as homemade sauerkraut and else.  A worthy food.

So... I probably should hit it.  A shower first would be good.  Good night, probably.  Maybe a bit more gaming, to begin cooling down... digesting dinner.  Maybe a trim before the shower.  Still, time is ticking.  Be well. 

A spooky night, and last day really.

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When snot can become cement, closing or threatening to close everything off, it does get a bit... frightening.  Tea doesn't help, not even by the gallon.  Vodka only helps slightly.  Sitting up, though especially laying down, sitting up only helps very marginally as the air flap back there seems gravity driven.  While that doesn't make a difference to the cement-like mucus, gravity does help every so slightly in some mild way, to keep the flap down... or up... or whatever.  Up, I think, if that also happens to be down... seen in the right way...

Getting to bed was made more difficult, and this was fear inducing.  Once in bed, sleeping soundly was difficult.  Between the clunky action of the snotted air passage flap, there was the fear it wouldn't open... or shut... and I'd have to fight for air.  Never did.  There were moments I had to try to swallow, blow, spit, or all in a succession of various options until it opened... or closed... worked as it was supposed to at that moment.

I am even struggling a bit this morning.  This, by far, has been the most trying part of this illness.  Now, I have some great doubt about a strain randomly generating out in the wild.  It can happen, it doesn't do so for the five o'clock news... as this seems to have.  No, this is a next gen virus, they had in stores in case the sheeple wouldn't buckle.  They have more serious ones in store.  Remember when Trump scrummed on coffvid?  Or some such?  Yes, they knew.

To get rid of the old, to tear down and rebuild various industries and possibly right to infrastructures.  They are doing much.  Good?  To day planners, who don't believe or have a need of God?  I suppose.  Those who have not faith, have fear.  Funny thing is, those who fear will always fear, no matter the need.  So much so that they will create a greater need for fear than they initially had a real reason to fear in the first place.  It will get interesting... if it isn't already.

The question isn't who will lead you, who will save you, who can help you.  The question is, what can you do, how can you do it, how quickly can you be ready to do it, and... will you do it alone, if that is required.  Do you feel lucky, Punk?  I have limits.  I am willing to push those.  Further, I would honestly rather be a free man than a safe, secure, monetized, unit of Babylon.  And, I will die to be so.  Remain so?  It... hasn't been tested... quite yet.

We will see.  A few ibuprofen to kick off the day.  Oh... I am even more certain this is china flu now.  The ladies (cats) have it.  The cutest damn little sneezes you ever heard.  If the accidental gas after is a bit heady.  :p  I worry about Sam, but she seems to be doing better with it than Sassy.  We'll see.  I think we will make it.  But, yes, that it jumped species has me more concerned... if more for the rabbits.  Ugh.  Ducks?  I... don't think so.  I sure hope not.  But these Virologists can be some nasty people, with no care or worry, if allowed by world governments and major corporations.  Hell, they put murdered baby bits in vaccines, and got this pope to sign off on it.  Hell, if you find yourself in it?  Don't stop.  You are in the wrong place.  This is looking more and more like hell every day.

Well...  Now to wake and get started?  Yea.  Too late to make a call.  But maybe I could do some cleaning?  Trim whiskers?  Shower?  Wash dishes, laundry?  I... must try.  I feel like hell this morning... morning to me... but... that isn't always a point.  Feelings, of emotion or body, can't be allowed to rule the day.  There are limits, but... there should be limits in all ways.  As mentioned, when in hell, keep going.  Good afternoon, and day.

It's been a good night.

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Well, symptoms are minimal and the waterers haven't frozen.  Well, one did, but it was nearly empty.  I simply replaced it.  I have let them drink hugely.  And, yes, they have been quite satisfied.  Feed is off, but that is expected.  It is about time I go bring in the last waterers.  this time I will reset them right away, as well as getting the feed bucket ready.  It just makes it all happen much more quickly and smoothly.

As I wake in the morning, sometimes each part of a chore can leave me too tired to keep going.  If I have to fill the feed bucket, then fill and clean the waterers, then this and that and the other thing... I... can just end up sitting down in confusion.  More when it's really cold, or I am sick.  I lost track and get lost and the chores don't get done.  I should have had food and water out by, say, ten?  noon?  I lost five or six hours somehow.

With everything ready, there is a chance I will see the clock, and even if I don't want to get up, if it's all ready, I can often get up and go do that.  Sometimes it can help me push my morning back, so I keep a bit of the day.  Sometimes not.  I do my absolute best.  I simply have limits.  I don't mind, or mind much less, if the animals are fed and watered.  Cats too.

It must be getting cool out there, or winter stretches.  The girls usually keep mice pretty much out of the house.  A few have been caught and consumed lately.  I found the ass end of one.  Surprising, they usually don't leave extras.  Though... I think they will share.  Perhaps they have had more than I noticed and are done with them, or were at that moment.  None noticed when I took the bit to the trash.  Often they will follow, and meow, asking what I think I am doing.  Not happy.  Or it might have been my share.  Still, it hurts their feelings when I toss a nice hind shank set.  :p

The flu is mostly gone.  Sticky nasals and being a lot out of it remain.  But most aches, pains, sniffles, sneezing, and even coughing are gone.  I still take ibuprofen morning and night.  And have a splash of vodka, morning and evening.  I am drinking more, if more slowly, and over a much greater time.  I do try to blow my nose to keep  things clear, and spit.  It just doesn't work all that well, even with the vodka, though worse without it.  The vodka doesn't help me manually remove the phlegm, but it does seem to simply dissolve some of it.  Not a lot, with a big sip, just... some, over time, in time... very marginal.  I find that a fatted coffee... using whole fresh cream... helps remove it the best.  I think the whole cream itself sticks to the phlegm, and the vodka more removes that... which then takes the other stuff with it.  Nasty.

Later or probably good night... and morning... and... whatever else.  Prayers, blessings, God speed, and such.  I don't have to like you to love you.  If I can kill you if I love you, if you go evil.  Amen.

Weird rather than rough day.

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I kept forgetting to feed and water the rabbits.  It wasn't until after the ducks were put in that I realized the problem.  Even then, when I came back in, I forgot for another hour or two.  It's the flu, it's doing something to my brain.  I can't remember... anything.  I can get up to pour tea, end up reseated fifteen minutes later... knowing not what I have done... the realizing the problem.

Eventually I get tea.  Or whatever.

I finished off the last of the meat in the stew.  I am going to dump the rest.  Some mushrooms remain, but not enough to dig through to get.  It was... okay.  The meat was quite good, a bit of chew to it, but a nice crust, and rightly cooked to a medium, medium rare.  Then again, nothing is tasting all that good?  Well, it just isn't interesting.  The flu stifles hunger, interest.

As too the nasals?  I'll bet the reason some have trouble breathing is because the mucus has been turning into glue.  Even with vodka, it doesn't release well or easily.  My nasals, for now, are big enough that they don't almost literally glue shut, as if I had swallowed varnish.  This would be dangerous, not just for the old, but for any with smaller diameter nasal passages.  Even I can't clear the stuff.  While I haven't lost my sense of taste, I have never had sticky gunk in my nose and in my throat like this before.  I am really wondering if this isn't china flu.

It is winding down.  It is looking like Trump is just going to go on home, not really worry about it all.  I'm not sure if he has made a deal, or just doesn't really care.  Shit happens.  I guess?  He and others seem to have absolutely no interest in... anything.  If something was going to happen, they'd be targeting or acting by now?  I think so.  Of all people, who talk a game to death, he is right up there.  And... not boo.  One can still hope, I suppose.  But... practically?  Yea, I don't think so.  A bad thing?  Even for those who wish it.  They just don't know it yet.  Trotskyites never do get it, until they get it.  The rest of us will... do what we must.  Living or dying isn't bad for those who know better.  *wink*

I'd love to go right on back to bed.  Instead, I will stay up to check on water in about two hours.  And again two hours later, and even change the water at that later time if needed.  Yea, the waterers will hard freeze, but the rabbits need water.  I will also try to get up early, to water them early and again.  It's cold out there, they need water.  A slight glitch can be survived, too many or too long, and there is a problem.

I so want to sleep though.  Gaming helps me stay awake, if I... can't remember, in my condition, what I have done.  Later.

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.

Beef stew.

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Beef soup, more like... or a cross between the two?  Well, maybe.  If that would still be a soup to most people's minds... including mine.  How was it?  Okay, just okay.  The spices were wrong.  The older veggies were mushy.  It wasn't as thick as hoped, if that part can be altered at any moment.  It truly wasn't horrible.  Some people, if they like that particular mix of herbs and spices, might have loved it.  The veggies weren't too over cooked, just a bit.

But the beef was excellent.  I parted bite sized pieces from a chuck roast myself.  The mushrooms were superior.  Hmm, I may have used to wrong fat.  I tried avocado oil.  It didn't smell or taste bad, but it is different.  I think I will fry with butter or bacon fat from now on.  Mostly, by parts, the soup was good and is worth eating.  As a whole, though, it just didn't come together... to my satisfaction.

No worries.  This is the first batch of soups and stews of many sorts to come.  I am just beginning my journey into this new, and to me terrifying, culinary field.  They young gent, who made the beef 'French term for beef and wine', after this try of mine, did much better than I even thought prior.  Yes, he did.  He was all but begging for acceptability... which... I wish he hadn't worried.  Not only classic, but right.  I know what it should taste like.  I have dined with... perhaps not kings, but men and women who... know the world and could afford the world... in it's oldest traditions.

Still, as mentioned, a start.  I will finish this soup.  I won't... regret the meals.  And, as mentioned, if this is a flavor profile one prefers, this would be a delight.  I simply won't waste a good meal.  I will add fresh veggies as needed, I even have fresh spinach to add to a bowl from time to time, and allow to wilt well.  No wine, but wine vinegar was used... a bit late to deglaze, but... with the pot as it was, I am not sure that was needed.

Not a bad thing, just not my preferred thing.  It should last a few days, perhaps a week.  Mushrooms and meat are my main goals.  The veggies will go downhill quickly, even being refreshed occasionally.

A late day.  I did get the waterers in, and ducks shut away.  The girls have been fed.  I need to get my vitamins and medicines reset.  Need to do a phone consult with the doc.  It's... all I can do for the moment.  Well, a call to the lawyer tomorrow too.  Just get it done!  So many things on my mind, politics one part.  To live in interesting times is not a grace.  But it is... a time.

Prayer, when waiting is all else left... or it is that time.  So... pray.  Amen.  

A long day.

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I didn't get the phone call made.  But I got much else done.  Some grocery shopping, if I forgot mushrooms.  A few other needed checks, on prices.  Not a lot of money, so I won't push.  I am trying to store up, even just a bit.  It goes so fast though!  I am done spending for the month, minus any bills incoming, and there are always bills.

I should be good on groceries, save maybe a few fresh veggies.  I pay the milk bill at least a month in advance.  Water... utilities... seems caught up.  Hmm, I may buy real feed, not wheat, soon.  Oh, I should have bought tylenol and more ibuprofen while out.  Next month, again, I will check for more waterers.  They simply may not stock them again until spring... the ones I use.

I also did a little practice, with towing a small trailer.  It's more a skill that could come in handy, for me or others, soon or late.  You would think you could just do it.  I can back my vehicle very well.  A trailer is just a bit more finicky.  Think the difference between the girlfriend and the wife... and should they meet.  :p

Mostly a passenger.  But I did some go fetch, and minor else.  Exhausted.  But my cold has, mostly, been under control.  Meh.  A few ibuprofen and a shot of vodka in something would be good.  I did check the waterers.  Two were out, one was frozen up.  So I replaced those.  The rest were still flowing and had enough that I didn't bother with them.

I fed the girls.  I'll hit their litter in a bit, as I grab a pail of water for their water bowl.  They seem to really enjoy the fresher water, and Sam doesn't pee as much?  Softened water, they had been drinking.  I just didn't think I had an easy alternative, until I began tending rabbits, it just seemed too much extra.  Still, I... do what I can for them.  And for it, Sam is doing her best to stay alive.  She worries about her ogre, as he worries for her.

It was a good day.  And well warm enough to be out and about without longjohns, a second top layer, or ever really warm socks.  I didn't even need a jacket.  Just my medium grade thermal top, nylon cargo pants... nylon?  I think so, synthetic socks, and boots.  Very warm.  It is about 22 F out there.  Perhaps, as my health improves in various ways, I can handle the cool a bit better again?  Maybe.

Later.

Down way too late, up way too early.

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That's what the body is saying.  So very... cranky, the body... it is today.  A bit of a headache, still with a few symptoms, and something with the nasals... they just will not be cleared.

I took a shower, and put up the stew veggies.  Not separately from the liquid, I just didn't have the space, or vessels.  As I was showering, I kept trying to clear the nasals.  Even last night, it just wasn't happening.  It's become a very thick mess in there, even for having some minor flow, it's mostly like tar.  Air simply won't push it out.  On the good side, most other symptoms are mostly gone.  Oh, they return, but even that is becoming less frequent.  Darn it, I meant to use vix rub.  I was just too tired to remember.

I may be awake just to feed and tend the animals.  All have been fed and watered.  I just wanted to get that out of the way.  It is 22 outside, and it was 54 upstairs.  I slept quite well.  I am sleeping very warmly, at night.  Usually I sleep better without longjohns or socks.  Though, sometimes, I need one, the other, or both of those.  I have a strange body.

I thought I'd at least give it a go, to get up and get going.  The go just hit a wall.  Back to bed.  I'll... be back... or... sometime.  So tired, I need to get back to bed.  Well, at least the critters are tended at a proper time.  You should seen all the happy furry and feathered critters.  Henry was cracking jokes, and the gals were sometimes laughing with him.  The rabbits just smiled, as they are able.  Sam and Sassy feel like second class citizens, getting fed early and right after the others.  It's a step up from lately?  My bad.  So tired, ill, getting it all done at once hasn't been possible.  But, then, their water doesn't freeze... or butts... and they have access to rather fresh water 24/7.  Plus they get food (canned, twice a day), have food (hard kibbles, constantly available), and usually get treats (usually twice to three times a day, if I am out... en route, of course) as well.  So, I'm not as worried about them.  If, to them, it seems... lame.  Children!

Anyway.  I tried to get down earlier, it just wasn't happening.  I think around 03:40?  Or was that when on I started on the food and shower?  Bleh.  I am just not really to be awake.  Later.

To bed!

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Right after a shower.

A bit fussy, today.  The body, illness.  A few tough boughts, of coughing, sneezing, sore throat.  Still, not bad.  I am more angry when these things pop back up.  And more that I am not a lot better, or... betterer?  Right.  I feel so much better much of the time, then one symptom or another comes back harshly.  It doesn't even last long.  Gah!

I just haven't been able to get to the chicken.  I used the mushrooms, yesterday, to make a mushroom only remake of the oyster stew.  Fantastic, and a lot less expensive.  I wonder if there is just oyster juices out there?  Whatever, it was excellent.  Tonight, not wanting to let the veggies go, I minimally processed the cabbage, or one small head of it.  Then added veggies for the stew and spices.

I am definitely not a vegetarian.  But that was quite awesome.  Well, and I did add butter.  But almost any good fat would do.  I finally had a hot, filling, meal.  Oh, I had to chop... they are like white carrots... not turnips, as I want to say, but... parsnips?  Long, carrot shaped, white to cream in color?  That.  Oh, those were delicious, mostly.  On the front end, they had a carrot like sweetness.  On the back edge, they had an onion pepper flavor... Well, onion.  Ripe onion.  They have pepper, when cooked, because... I added pepper!  Hotter pepper, if not the habanero or more.  The body just isn't in that mood.  Still, probably hotter than you could take.  Delicious.  I'd have more but I just can't.  I'd like to save the fluid, and the veggies, separately, if I can get to it.

I still have to take a shower, might as well try.  I'd like to pick up chicken tomorrow, fresh, and get that going to be boned after cooking.  Save the juices and fats, and have a splendid soup.  The beef broth is ready, and I now know how to make it thicker.  I guess a good soup really isn't bad, it's... just... I really like it thicker.  I don't usually eat bread these days, but... something... I need something for soppings.

Good night.  Sleep well.  See you in the morning, or heaven.  If you are going to hell, or if we both end up there... I... don't think they get visitors.  Ever.  So... don't go to hell.  Just sayin'.  Good night.

Doing well if doing poorly?

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Truly, not bad.  Continuing with light chills, a very mildly sore throat, slight fever, sniffles to very dry nasal passages, everything phasing in and out, coming and going, and sometimes all gone for bits of time.  There might be something better than ibuprofen... tylenonl I am told.  And there might be something better than vodka, for the cough and sore throat, but... these things work, and don't have as restrictive of shelf-lives?

I may add tylenol, though I will keep ibuprofen... for when aspirin isn't working on rare occasions.  I will actually stock up on a few bottles... smaller... of vodka.  Nothing fancy, it isn't for tippling.  And once opened, it probably goes fairly fast.  Cough medicine, which is out of date, is terrifying stuff.  I did that once, never again.  Oh, that made the flu seem pleasant, but I was too crippled by all to go to the hospital.  The VA won't come get me, and ambulances charge no matter, and would charge me personally.  I have no easy way to medical.

Oh, as to vodka?  Well?  That... did kick in, this time.  I finished it, but don't want to go that far.  A shot with morning coffee, and maybe a nightcap, but just one shot, for the throat, if it is sore.  Which, this morning, it is.  No need for three, and it did make me a bit fuzzy.  Not the goal, or even a want.  Still, it does work, so there is that.

I dreamed of a past love.  I was visiting her.  She had slimmed down, that I knew, but I didn't know the dimensions.  On the way, I stopped at a pseudo sexy clothes shop.  Japanese, modern, so... small.  I looked over their wares, and found several things I liked, for her.  A surprise.  The stuff almost looked plastic, but felt more like... velvet?  It was... different.  I asked about their sizing.  She spoke.  But I knew that women's 1x, 2x, and 3x was probably more like a women's US 6-8, 8-10, and 10 to 12?  She... knew nothing.

I knew.  Anyway... So I got this... interesting little bepop for the doe in question.  She wouldn't like it, until she was in it.  Then I wouldn't get her out of it, until I did.  *wink*  You... have no idea of... back in teh days.  Anyway.  I then asked about the panties.  Which is how I learned about the feel of the material.  I asked about that first.  It was a warm material, and, like I said, plush in spite of looking like plastic.

The sales girl sidled closer, after asking about the feel of the panties... thigh-high... french cut...  Sidled indeed.  My hands knew this gig.  Up the whositz.  I was... proper.  After all, I was in for things for a love, potential lover.  Not that I didn't get a handful, just not a... well... fresher handful.  She was a bit unhappy with my slim pickings, but not too sore.  Asked about size, looked them over, realized those would be on the line.  A no on those.  Never buy a woman panties too small.  Know your squeeze.  Tellin' ya.

So, I got my packages, and got going.  As expected, she didn't like the look.  I told her to shut up and put one of the outfits on.  She complied.  You just have to be nice with the cuckoo birds.  She came out, looked fantastic, and was quite happy with it.  Women love to look fuckable, especially if it's been a while.  I lifted the skirt part a bit.  Bah.  She was wearing Saturday after a week of work panties.  I told her to go get me a pair of her slimmer french-cuts.  She did.  I changed them, on her.

She, as usual, tossed the water out of a glass at me, which I easily dodged.  Then I made her wet.  I didn't dream that far, or remember, but I'll bet she fed me grapes, with my head resting in her lap after.  Perhaps dates and nuts and such as well.  Women can be funny that way.  At least the women I knew.

Yea... that's... how I dream.  And, believe me, things like that have happened.  And... worse.  Better?  Depends on your point of view.  As I see it these days, if such a thing happened, I would have to go to confession.  And I would.  But... it... isn't... impossible.  Just unlikely.  Probably.  Not my problem, just a dream.  A rather good one, whatever else.