Problems?

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Checking.  May be back online.  Not sure what happened, perhaps a technical issue, or cleaning up their site, or ending access, thinking about it?  All I know, is posting was made to seem as if it was happening, then nothing went through.  I suspect, if a major political situation of some sort occurred, that might also happen.

Supper.  No work.  I only ate because I felt I should. Still not hungry.  The beef stew was so good, however, I cleaned it up.  Now I am far too full again.  Ducks are in, and the water I put out for the quad does was needed.  They drank everything.  No extra food, but I will keep them in water if possible.

The stew was excellent.  On top of just being superior, crafted of raw materials and homemade beef stock, fresh mushrooms added a lot.  Then, fresh celery added a huge boost.  As well, chopped green onions as it was being served over the top.  That is food people can't pay enough to get and done correctly.  The crazy thing, it's rather inexpensive.  Other than the time put into it.

Oh, while eating the celery, I remembered not liking that as a teen.  I remembered how, the flavors as I sensed them then, that caused me not to like partially or fully cooked celery.  I tasted it.  What a flashback.  I almost got stuck not liking it.  Remember those optical illusions which, when seen the new way, you sometimes can't go back and see it the old way?  Right, it was like that, but with flavor, from memory.

I... got over it.  Thankfully.  And got back to really enjoying the celery.  Doubly so, as I had lost my taste for it, then refound it.  Such a very strange happening.  Oh, but that stew was awesome.  How much would a truly good bowl of real, homemade, from raw, soup or stew cost?  Can you even buy it?  It might be illegal, so many laws, many of them keeping good food out of availability!  Modern fast food should be outlawed, actually.  Actually, most processed foods, and most fat substitutes as well, should be banned and the manufacturers arrested and tried for crimes against humanity... literally.

As is, I'll make my own.  Later.  Actually, good night.

Hungry.

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I just can't eat.

So strange.  While cooking the various ground meats, I was sure I was hungry.  I made a plate of taco salad.  A larger plate, albeit, but I often used to have two.  Ugh.  Not a chance.  If I ate half, I'd be surprised.  That was pushing it.  I just can't eat.  Even so, in my mind, something says I am hungry.

It... isn't of the body.  I don't think it is of the mind, the intellect.  I believe it is emotional?  A want, not a need or real desire.  Ugh...  I just looked.  I ate a quarter of the plate.  I am physically stuffed.  I thought, maybe, to deal with the want, I might have a small kefir.  There isn't room for it in my belly.  I doubt if I can eat supper.

What did I eat earlier?  Hmm...  Two cups of raw kefir, four eggs (medium to more like small... storebought are being used before I move to the good ones), and about three slices of bacon, but the leavings so not full slices.  An half gallon of tea through the day, though usually I would have two by now.  And...  And that was it.  I don't quite get it.  I am sure supper won't happen.

Work hasn't happened, either.  I am not sure any work will happen.  So tired.  Medicine?  It isn't the weather, though I am feeling cool for as warm as it is.  Odd.  Well, and I have worked a long time.  I probably am truly worn down, tired, and for being out of shape, it makes sense.  I need to get to bed earlier tonight.

I may push through, tear some boxes down, and hit the bathroom to some degree.  But... after this overfull feeling goes away.  No, just a standard plate.  Probably a quarter pound of fried ground meat, two to three cups of salad, two teaspoons of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream... I didn't even add cheese.  And, I only ate a third of that.  Strange.

I'll need to stay awake until the ducks can be put in.  The cage with four smaller rabbit does in it?  They are drinking like mad.  So I gave them extra water, and have another bottle out there.  I will change that out, or just add it, tonight... if they are down again.  Not sure why, but they drink and eat more than any other group.  If not fed and watered, they... tend to get violent with each other.

So tired, worn, and full.  So strange.  I will try to do some work.  Ugh.  Later.

Cooking.

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I am setting up burger... half beef, two third ground turkey, and a third ground pork (without additives, just meat).  This cuts calories, and changes the taste a bit.  I am frying it in the bit of lard which was used to confit the garlic, but which wouldn't fit in either of the containers for it.  It was too low of fat meats, anyway.  So... I... well... so much for calorie reduction.  Still, should have a nice garlic flavor!

I tasted the onion I pickled last night.  It... really was pretty good.  Now, for my dollar, I added a tablespoon of salt.  It's how my mother would have done it.  Well, she would have added sugar too.  I won't add sugar.  Still, splitting the difference.  The odd thing is, while it seemed full yesterday, it looks about a quarter full now.  Odd.  I will drain some of the liquid and add more onion.  I did add a couple dozen peppercorns as well.  No garlic, I like that separate?  Will see, in time.

I am hoping to craft creme fraiche yet today, or get it going.  Kefir whey and whole whipping cream, plus time.  Overnight, or two.  But, just a bit.  I can only use just so much of the stuff.  A dab on these veggies, perhaps on taco salad, but not by the cup, by the tablespoon.  So, a pint or half pint.  If I have a special meal, or some other reason to make more, sure.  But, for now, a cup or two at a time is plenty.

It is somewhere between 74~75 F out there.  There is a breeze which cuts that.  And it is partly to mostly cloudy.  So it doesn't have the hard feel.  That is twenty degrees or more than the recent averages.  Yet, as mentioned, if feels good.  I have the windows and at least one door open.

While a very nice day, I think medicine is getting to me.  It's just slowing me down.  I haven't done much, other than cooking.  Hope to do some things.  Will see before long.  Maybe food will help.  I did have eggs and bacon for breakfast, with kefir.  Good, it just didn't push me to much else.  Will keep trying.

The hamburger is done, and cooled enough to put in a container?  If so, I'll start on the turkey and pork.  Then have a taco salad.  Soup for tonight, beef.  Later.

Saturday already?

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I... actually had to check.  Time seems to fly, if sometimes very slowly.  I never know, with certainty, which day it is.  And, for the most part, for me, it doesn't matter.  Still, a good thing to know.  I do have an appointment soon.  So, good to stay aware.  It wasn't until 09:30 before I woke, give or take ten minutes.  It was 23:00 or after before bedtime.  Fair enough.

Ducks were let out.  The two muscovys drakes are fighting.  Henry, the indian runner, seems to be trying to officiate.  Well, when he isn't pecking at one or the other.  He hasn't seemed to make up his mind which side he should be on.  Oh, he fights them too.  And, actually, while he has no chance?  They also don't take him seriously.  So... it's... more Henry struggling against mountains than a real fight.  He falls in love with one of the muscovy hens from time to time, and that doesn't work.

Lungs are still a bit wonky.  Which doesn't make sense.  Today is day five of medicine.  I upped the water pills to two, even so fluid it starting to build in my feet again.  If I think it is leaving the lungs.  Perhaps the feet are a temporary placement until lungs are cleared?  I am considering going to three water pills, temporarily.  I haven't been drinking more, so it looks like mere displacement.  With more water pills, for a few days to a week, I might get that out, then begin cutting the water pills to one, again.  One just wasn't doing it initially.  Will have to see if one works longer term... but after I dry out a bit better.

Bratwursts, last night for supper.  I also sliced and pickled red onion, as well I set up and made garlic confit.  Well, and I chopped all of the green onions and then chopped celery, put those in containers, some for the freezer, some for the refrigerator.  Curious how well that works over time.  I really live having those on hand, can't really use all that much all at once, but hate wasting.  Will see if this works out.  If so, one bunch of celery and three or four bunches of green onions might well last two to three months, without waste... or much less.  I may try yellow and red onion that way too.  I like some fresh though, and it lasts fairly well.  Pickled red onion might be fine, but I wouldn't want pickled onion in everything either.

I have been brushing my teeth three times a week since I found some measure of health and began working here at home again.  I have been using my special salt, baking powder, and iodine based mouth wash daily during that time, plus a mouthwash which is better for the gums after.  I will be able to cut that special mouthwash to once or twice a week now.  It... clears out what ails me.  Everything should be down to maintenance levels... which means... once or twice a week.  The teeth feel so very different.  Still have tea stains, but... less.  Life is improving in odd little ways like that.

A shower today, I hope.  Dishes sometime, caught back up.  I only have... seven things to wash, ten?  The counters are clean, if the stove always seems to need cleaning!  Ugh.  Chores soon.  I gave the girls snacks, set out their food for after I feed the rabbits.  Windows, downstairs, were opened.  Being 55 outside at 09:30, I thought it a good plan.

Today?  I didn't get to boxes.  I will today.  As well, I will collect trash and recycling.  It isn't recycling week, but getting it out and set is still good.  If I find more foods to go to the basement, that will happen.  And I really need to hit upstairs.  The bathroom?  Yes, that too.  I think I might be able to get all of those pretty much done or very close.  I wont' be working fast, or hard.  In short, discreet, slow, groupings.

I am tired.  I am worn.  Medicine is taking a bit of a toll even if on the lessor stuff.  But I can... get some things done.  And, if it gets up to the 60's or 70's, I might even try to figure out how to do some work outside!  I found a couple of bunches of bailing wire, so doing work on the cages might be something... adding the cage hay feeders, and getting some of the feed bins on more securely.  As well, secondary feeders for when the girls start kitting.  As well, moving branches still around from last year, so as to get both hutches back up under in shade.  One is facing directly east, which would kill the rabbits as it gets direct sun most of the day.  So... moving branches... or even getting started on that... would be good.

All of it?  Doubtful.  If I could get he bathroom, pieces of the rest would be fine.  I want to be set up for when help returns, so only two-person work would mostly be left to do.  As much as possible.  I should make a list of projects I want done, so I can see what I can do solo, and get as much of that done as possible.

Uhrm... assuming I can lift my butt out of this chair any time soon.  Ugh.  It's the goal.  Hmm?  Right.  The want of breakfast might do that.  To be honest, I am not terribly hungry.  But, I really would like to see if I can get the bigger pan mastered, for breakfast.  Oh, and fresh green onions/chives on the eggs sounds good.  I also have fresh salsa.  More?  I did refresh my almond and coconut flours, so may try a mug bread... see if fresher ingredients help.

Chatter-bugging this morning!  Ah, but it's a good morning... if my lungs are a bit bent, body a bit worn and tired, and brain a bit groggy.  All good.  Later.

Just an easy afternoon.

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As mentioned, I am mostly finished for the day.  Perhaps a few things this evening, light work.  It isn't even that I am completely shot.  It is just that it is a Friday.  And I have worked, and been working, for weeks.  And... that is enough.  Food, of some sort, this evening.  I just don't know what.  Bratwursts?  Maybe.

I have hamburger to fry with other ground meats.  And lettuce, to make a salad.  But that is planned for tomorrow.  I could make soup, as well.  But I have had that several days in a row.  It is still good, but tonight I'd like a change.  I should have kefir ready.  As well, more to put in the fridge.  It has been fermenting since getting milk home yesterday.

Boxes, in a bit.  Some work upstairs, as I go to bed.  I don't have enough laundry for washing.  I don't really have enough dishes for washing, though hope to put supper dishes and what is there through they cycles and have them ready to put up in the morning... or maybe yet tonight.  Ducks up, then upstairs to work or sleep.

I called my mother, several times.  She called back just now.  Afternoon naps, she says.  All good.  She has lived a long busy life.  Naps are good, regardless.  Just... wanted to check on her.  Time passes so quickly.  I will enjoy my time here as possible, with family and friends in there as often as I am able.

Hmm, yes, I'll get something going for dinner.  The cave is still, mostly, open.  I shut the front door because second shift (?) traffic, and home traffic, picked up.  Too loud.  I may go upstairs, and open that up too.  Although I will probably close everything down before bedtime.  It... can get quite chill, even now.

Have a good evening, Friday, and holy days.  Yes, I know.  I just can't do a whole lot about it.  My good clothes aren't, probably, in condition to wear.  And I probably couldn't hit the right times to be to church.  Further, I still don't know what is going on with masks, and limits to admittance, and else.  Radio and prayers... I have been avoiding yt options, as those are so plagued by leftism they are unfit for right religious observance.  Anyway... be well, find holiness, and pray.  Amen.

A later rise.

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I was waking, before the alarms.  I turned them off, certain I would wake.  I just couldn't wake though.  It was about 09:13 when I finally got up?  Something like that.  Yesterday was a huge push though.  And I couldn't get to bed until 23:30.  I just couldn't sleep.  I had to relax into it, and cool off, and it took that long.

Thankfully, I did close the windows and put the furnace on 66.  It's pretty cold today again.

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Help arrived.  So... I had to close up my post and get going.  The goal had initially been to work on the hot water faucet in the tub, build a raised platform/table for the second rabbit hutch and put that up on it, then create and install separations in the outbuilding hutches, so I could start the breeding process.

He hurt his hand.  He... has talent that way!  And time was less available than would have allowed.  So, just the plumbing.  Which... was a monster.  It ate a lot more time than hoped, thought.  As... is often the case.  Two runs to town for parts, and a third, really, since a handle may be lost.  Still, hoping to find it before long.

But the leak was mostly, or all, closed.  Will find out shortly.  If nothing, it went from a fairly sustained leak to a rather slow drip.  Plus, I purchased enough parts to basically be able to service any of the valves, stems, flanges, etc.  So, if there is a problem, not only will I be able to swap something out, I will have the packages so as to be able to find replacement backups.  It's... how I try to do.

Chores, of course.  But, that one bit of work was a lot.  And I am tired, from yesterday.  And from the rest of the week... two weeks.  I haven't gotten medicine in today, but will, and there is enough time to get both doses in.  Lunch out, which isn't the best, but so be it.  Trying to get things done, and sometimes you just have to eat where, when, and how it's possible.

The cave is open, at least downstairs.  Furnace is off.  It is reading 65 in here, but I am hot.  Yeah, I have been pushing.  Eggs are on the way, the gooder eggs.  Two dozen this week.  Oh, but it is a beautiful day out there.  I'll get Sam food and fresh water, if she wants to go out.  Though inside isn't bad, with the air flowing through.

Today?  Beyond else?  Beef stew for tonight.  Boxes, perhaps.  Maybe some light work upstairs.  Not a lot.  Lungs were a bit wonky, again, this morning.  Surprised clots haven't broken loose as  the blood is broken out of the lungs.  Whatevs.  Not as bad as yesterday morning, it is improving.  Still, light work... today, tomorrow, until Monday.  Then I'll try to hit it a bit more.

Though, something I am considering, is taking a walk.  Today?  Tomorrow?  Soon.  A walk every other day, until perhaps I can get to dailies?  Ten minutes to start, maybe further, eventually a walk to the nearby damn... with a pick nick pack, and enough fluids to handle the jaunt... or once a week or every other week?  More, I want more... f... father.

Later. 

Not so much.

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The ducks are in.  An easy one.  

I am finishing the soup.  I didn't get it together enough to remember to add veggies.  However, I did slice green onions, and put some in.  Oh, that truly is fantastic.  With the mushrooms too.  As well, it has slices of the bratwursts.  Chicken meat, generally, of course.  And just that base bone broth.  Can't beat it.

No more work.  Well, mostly.  I will slice the rest of the green onions, putting a small container in the refrigerator, and a larger portion in the freezer, in smaller tupperware containers.  Doesn't need to be glass for these.  I may try it with celery, tomorrow.  Perhaps carrots too?  I don't know.  Maybe.  Tomorrow?  Or Saturday.  It depends on how things work out.

No boxes yet.  It is about bed time.  No other work, really.  I will finish that soup, and slice the green onions... putting those away.  But that is pretty much that.  Medicine is already in.  And I'll brush my teeth, trying to hit three times a day and doing that, mostly.  Oh, I'll miss one time every other or third day.  It happens.

Very tired, sleepy, weary, ready for sleep.  I still haven't turned the furnace up.  It is 66 in this room.  I did close the downstairs windows, and turn off the fan I left running while out and about.  I had two fans going, actually, when I returned home.  I shut one off while calling my mother, never turned it back on.  I'll leave the furnace off, and the windows upstairs open.  If it gets too cold, I will close things up.  

One more shot of soup, then the green onions, finally brushing my teeth, then on to bed.  I thank God for this wonderful, successful, day.  It isn't to my glory, but His.  Nothing we do, now, of our own, is good.  Goodness is His alone.  Even the suffering is a gift.  More so if it may be borne well.  Amen and good night.

Quite a day.

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Out.  To town and a spot on the way.  Rabbit feed.  Completely out, no choice.  Kept the receipt.  Then to return two packages.  Between amazon and gmail, almost didn't get it through.  I had just looked at the send codes yesterday.  They didn't want to work in their office.  Still, finally, got them returned.

Then to groceries.  I also purchased cleaning materials.  I compared with amazon.  Sometimes one or the other is terribly off or on.  Some things I bought for a song, others I left with a look of wonder.  You just never know, without looking.  I just can't look at every store and purchasing option.  Two, or three, will do.  They will change prices tomorrow.  It's a gambling thing they have going on.  The only way to even try to stay ahead is to price check right before you buy.

Gas in the car, on the way out, then one more stop.  Dairy.  Milk, I am already running... no already ran out.  I drank more milk than I should have.  Not much, still, it eats it faster.  And gave Sam some.  I am also trying their plain yogurt.  I will add berries to some, but mostly eat it plain, or maybe with chia seeds.  I keep thinking about adding yogurt to my menu, it just seems... a bit complicated?  To me.  As well, sour cream.

I feel it.  In and out, picking these up, checking those.  It was quite a task.  Everything is unloaded, the house is still airing, upstairs and down.  Besides everything in, everything is up.  Put away.  Frozen stuff in one of the freezers, refrigerated stuff there, dry goods and rabbit food where it goes.  Ugh.  So very tired.

Even so, after I cool a bit, I would like to tear more boxes down.  There are a lot, but... it goes fast.  It is amazing me how much room is... developing... from sorting and taking down boxes.  Soon I will hit the other side of the basement.  Lots and lots of boxes in there, though, really?  Probably no more than what I moved today, which is about a third to fifth of what was initially in this front room.  Ugh, but I had a lot of boxes here and there.

Other than boxes, soup in a bit.  I already split mushrooms for soup for supper, half that box in with the refrigerated chicken soup, and a whole other box in with the beef stock.  Now I have fresh veggies for in with the soup!  I am thinking thinly sliced cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.  With beef, tomorrow, cabbage and parsnips... both of course with mushrooms.  Oh, quite pleased with the day.  Supper will be a dessert.

I did spend more than intended, but not by much.  Between the rabbit feed and human feed, if I had to, I could make the month as is.  I should still have a couple hundred... oh, but the phone.  I'll... get that.  Oh, and I didn't get the local utilities paid.  Tomorrow.  I have enough, need to get it in.  It's already accounted.  Bleh.

I need to cool off.  It's still 55 out there, not bad.  It is supposed to be nice all week.  I hope so.  I'll use if, get out there, if so.  I have... things to do.  Parts of pieces of my chest hurt.  Lungs burn.  Little aches and pains in most muscle groups.  And tired as hell.  I must have done something right.  Later.

Well, getting to things.

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A grocery list arranged, finances seen to up to the point possible, a shower, shave, dressed for ready.  Plus dishes finished, all save the fork, knife, and cup for breakfast.  Blast it, always something.  Then the counters were hit.  The dishes weren't just hit, they were finished to being set to air dry.  They might get put up in a few minutes.

A few other things done.  But all focused on getting a specific set of other tasks completed.  Working on those.  Time to put up the dishes on the way?  Yes, I suppose so.  Not a fantastic day, even if I get what is planned.  But a reasonable day, given the givens.

At least I don't have to worry about double billing on that one bill.  Oh, and I should get local utilities out.  Catching up for what is owed, plus this month paid, I think.  If not, next month or when the stimulus arrives.  If they are paying vets.  They may be seeing who is spending it, who is saving it.  They don't care much for savers.  Or they mean to get sucker daytraders to blow it all on poor choices as an inverse stimulus?

I best get going... 15:08, or in laymans' terms, 3:08.  *grins*  Later.

Oh, not a perfect start.

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Eggs and bacon.  Frying them just right really does make them much better.  From bacon to egg, there is just... something to them.  It seems as if it should be very simple.  It just isn't.  Timing, but based on looks, and feel.  I dried the yolks out more than I prefer, but didn't completely ruin the eggs.  Actually, my mistake made it just another pleasant variable, as all else was done correctly.  I was using a bigger pan today.  Odd how I have to learn not just on each type of pan, by metal, but also by size within the metal types.

Chores before that, and cats fed too.  Oh, I need to hit their litter boxes.  It isn't as onerous as it might seem, at least if humility is a goal?  Even without, it's... just another task.  Mothers know far worse, far more often.  Their water was refreshed, as well as the waterers being refilled.  I pulled them, and set them in the sun while letting the ducks out (they were frozen solid).  When I went out to do those chores, they had thawed enough to clean and refill.  Odd.

It is 57~58 F out!  So, I opened the cave.  I checked, but it had been cold this morning.  I can't tell the exact temp, even with the single eye, up-close trick.  While at it, I cleared litter.  The girls were quite happy.  More work just checking on something that was just supposed to be a check?  Maybe I am getting back on track?  One can hope.  There is much to do!

Anyway, after breakfast and chores, I began on the back porch area.  Thankfully it was mostly boxes, half of them already broken down.  I moved those out to this, the front, computer, room.  Ugh...  The boxes needing to be broken down are really piling up again.  Tonight, as a last call effort?  Maybe.

After I cleared a lot of space, I was able to get things out of the bathroom.  For now, they fit there.  Everything.  Hopefully, over time, as space is created and less exists to get in the way, I will go over things again, at least one more time.  Finding permanent places for what I will keep and getting rid of anything else which needs to go.

Quite a morning, given my lungs.  Still a bit afire, and sloshy, if not nearly as bad as early this morning, a few hours before and after waking.  I am wearing out quickly, but not so bad as the last few days.  But I am weary.  I really have worked hard, for my state.  I am, if nothing else, very out of shape and without much muscle.  So, when I use certain muscles, I am using everything I have.  Thus, I will get rather worn out.

Can someone with a bad heart, class four kidney failure, and stout diabetes even get back into shape?  I... if things go as they have been, I guess I will find out.  Oh, I pulled chicken soup out, and put some in a pot for later.  I do need to do a few dishes, and clean off the counters, then hit a shower.  Shave?  Maybe.  Not terribly needed, but... wanted.  I used to love to be showered and shaved, even if going nowhere and seeing no one.  More so if those things were on the agenda.

Ah, a last thing.  I did count up what has been spent, what bills are coming due and how much if I have that, plus the cost of rabbit food.  It will be a very tight month.  I may be able to squeeze through.  Oh, but I haven't counted what is due, this month, for gas!  I'd best see what will be coming due, and when.  Since it is the 'next' month already, does this count for this and last month, on a new deal?  Or... do I have to pay again, this month.  I will... find out.

I might have three to four hundred, for food, gas, and all else.  Unless there are other bills.  Oh... phone...  Yea, make that two to three hundred, counting phone and other unknowns.  Unless gas was paid for this month, in that program set up.  Then I might have three to four hundred still.  Later.

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Ah, goody.  The next utility bill for them isn't due until next month.  As well, catching up on water and trash... local utilities... has already been counted in.  So... I'm... I can eat.  Lightly, cautiously.  Who knows what other bills might show.  I think that is all, but... I... just don't know.

Business and the start of chores.

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Late, was the payment.  Utilities, gas.  So, I called.  An arrangement has been made.  I paid half, this time.  The terms are harsher, but the plan is to pay it off if? when? the stimulus check arrives.  I wasn't sure about electric, so I called.  While I am behind, somehow, I am... on time with payments.  I'll... figure that out next month.

There were a few things I really needed, first thing, this month.  My phone is at risk, as is.  So, a case.  A few other items were ordered.  Very few, things I consider vital.  Tracking every dollar spent.  I need to be able to get by without the stimulus, since that can't be counted on.  Obviously.

Groceries are sorely needed, but I have to watch every penny.  Fifty a week, max, until money comes in, for food.  I should be able to get by.  I have some stored, frozen, canned.  Plus, I have stock.  A few veggies, a package of brats, burger, and chicken should do.  I was hoping to begin replacing the keto staples.  Everything I have is very old.  That will wait, or be done in small parts.  That may be why my keto foods aren't turning out so well?

Ducks are out, and watered lightly.  I'll get them more when I do the rabbits.  It is still rather cold out there.  Hard to get going.  And, yes, the rabbit waterers were frozen solid.  I am warming the waterers, or they will freeze very quickly.  An half hour and I'll get them tended.  Oh, I need more rabbit food.  I have enough bird feed for a bit, but rabbit food is out, somehow.  I am sure someone has been taking some, sometimes large batches of it.  This last time, half a bag went missing at once.  I keep it indoors, and the doors are locked, so I can't do a whole lot more.

I'll try to get food going.  Hungry?  No, but... I should eat.  Food, chores, a rest.  A shower, another call, as I am drying and taking a break.  Then?  The bathroom, I hope.  As well, parts of the kitchen.  Well, and the back porch, to get items stored there from out of the bathroom.  THEN, into the kitchen.  Though, a full cleaning of the bathroom might take the day?  Maybe, maybe not, depending on how quickly I can manage the back porch, get things sorted there, and...  It could take an hour, it might take four.  If it takes four, a lot more will be done, deeper than it seems.  If, too, it would be slower working.

Eggs and bacon, with kefir.  Nothing fancy, not a lot of food.  But it will work.

Stats.

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At 167 fasting blood sugar, that is down from 185, which was down from 199, which was down from much higher before I restarted things.  So... good.  And average had dropped to 160 for the week, a seven point drop from yesterday.  Good enough?  A good start.

BP is back up at 170/120 with a pulse of 100.  I suspect that is distress from the lungs breaking open.  While that is a good thing, probably.  In the short run, it will offer complications.  Coughing when taking a deep breath, and a bit of discomfort otherwise when doing so, there are other problems.  As memory serves, this improves within a few days to a week, sometimes faster.  For now, it distresses the pulmonary system... is it?  It stresses the heart, lungs, arteries to capillaries, and other stuff.  Worth it.

That may be what is tiring me so.  That and the cold.

I'm not ready to do even a bit of cooking this morning.  Or... complicated cooking.  Bacon and eggs will just have to do.  When I get to it.  I had to reload the waterers, I hadn't been keeping up.  And they are being warmed.  I am absolutely certain, that which is out there has been frozen, probably solid.  It'll have to thaw before I can refill.

Oddly, the muscovys were out.  On colder days, often, they don't leave early.  It must be the sun?  Strange, but fine.  I'll let the others out shortly.  No rush, at this temp.  I sure hope it warms a bit yet today.  Can't believe it is still so chill.  Meh, might as well let them out.  Ducks don't seem to mind the cold.

Later.  *cough, cough, cough*  Ugh.

Awake, anyway.

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I actually didn't get down until 22:30.  Which is fine.  Earlier is better, it just isn't happening.  I have the alarms set for 06:00 and 08:00, just for a little extra help, incentive, impetus.  I turned the first alarm of immediately.  Wasn't ready to wake or hear noises.  Still, it gave me an early warning.  

Between dreaming and fussing, waking wouldn't happen until 7:59!  Ah, but beating the alarm by one minute is good enough.  I really didn't want to get up.  The sun is out, but it doesn't feel like a nice day.  A quick check shows it to be 24~26 F out there.  April 1st!  No, the joke isn't on you, however, it's on me.

The medicine seems to be both holding me back, a bit, and doing it's job.  Sometime last night my lungs broke open?  I don't mean that, mostly, in a bad way.  Turning and tossing, and things broke loose in there.  NOW my lungs sound wet.  But really shouldn't.  I don't have swelling, from fluid buildup, in my legs or most of my feet... just the very tips of my feet have some fluid.

Perhaps it had just packed into my lungs.  It did make finding a comfortable way to sleep difficult, sides and even back just weren't comfortable.  Had to keep rolling to get better breathing.  Gurgling and gargling in there.  I am hoping, with meds on track, that it will get out now that it is broken up.  Though I may need to add more water pills.  Which means more potassium pills.  Well, and watching for dehydration.

With dehydration, I am finding, drinking better is superior to drinking more.  If I am too thirsty, from the water pills, then adding electrolytes, and assorted minerals, helps more than drinking vast volumes of tea.  There are limits, but...  Oh, and apple cider vinegar, mixed with lemon juice, sea salt, and water?  A couple literal shots of that actually replaces, say, a gallon of tea, maybe two.  That quart I made is still partially full, well a quarter anyway.  I drink it whenever I am feeling extremely thirsty.  Kills that craving immediately.

I... may double my water pill for the rest of the week.  The lungs really were wet, too wet.  Coughing up type of wet.  No red spray when I cough, but it's in there.

Today?  Pretty tired.  Medicine is actually taking some limiting effect.  More, the cold is having a dulling affect.  I could go back to sleep.  Chores, though, and a bit of business to arrange.  Plus, I am going to attempt more work today.  Looks like I'm back to fighting to work again.  Still, I've got such a solid headstart.  I don't want to surrender that, and think I can... make greater inroads.  Organizing along the way.  I want the bathroom cleared, cleaned, and then kept that way.  I'm almost there.

Later.

The end, for today.

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The ducks were in.  An easy task.  The last of the soup, with more meat this time.  Tea with it.  Not enough kefir to mess around, so I'll hold off on chia pudding.  It'll be good when it will happen.  It's been a while since I've done that.  I won't add flax, too high in phytoestrogens, not good for women, worse for men.  That probably increases the risk of prostate cancer, and enlargement in general.  Someday those soyboys are going to regret their diets.

I've fed the girls twice, plus treats twice... if later because of the mouse incident.  Really odd they wouldn't eat it.  Dead was good enough, it seems as though there are others which will eat mice.  I just wish I could have seen it.  I've never seen, live, a duck eat a mouse before.  Perhaps drakes are related to dragons?

All medicine in.  A quick check to be sure.  And, to bed before twenty two hundred hours?  All good, yes, if I go up now.  So weary.  I am hoping tomorrow will be a bit warmer.  It hasn't gotten to freezing yet, if I can't remember what the temp was... 36 still, 34?  I just... don't remember.  I doubt if I will remember even if I went and looked now.  Too tired.  It's been a lot of work.  I am winding down.  Perhaps warm weather might bring me back a bit?

Good night.  Sleep well.  See you in the morning.

Well, maybe not.

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I did get a lunch, late lunch, early dinner, really early supper, in.  Soup, if mostly just broth.  Quite good.  Warming.  I simply wasn't able to get going after.  I did just check laundry.  It was dry, ready to be brought in.  I hadn't taken the other laundry out.  Nor was I willing to at that point.  But it has to be dried, so into the dryer in went.

I simply couldn't get to the bathroom today.  Or the back porch, in order to clear space for things.  I am not worried.  It is on the list, it will be done and in a timely fashion.  I have been working hard.  It did turn cold.  I have started medicine.  All three things could be a problem.

I will, probably, have more soup tonight.  It is still light out, easily.  It will be a while before the ducks will go in.  I plan to be awake until then.  Besides, I need more food.  There isn't a lot in a soup, especially not a broth.  But it was good for lunch.  There was meat, I just chose to save it for this evening.  I will also add peas.

Further, I may go ahead and make a chocolate keto mug cake, with whipped cream.  I haven't had a dessert in a rather longish time.  It will go well after beef soup too, for some reason.  Ah, because it is like a winter or fall day?  Beef and chocolate make a reasonable pairing, to my tastes anyway.  And a cold day makes both even better.

Oh... some keto recipes for breakfast.  I really... would like to expand my menu a bit.  I haven't overdone eggs and bacons or such yet, but I would rather not.  I will also, tonight, probably make a batch of kefir chia pudding for in the morning.  Just mix it, perhaps with berries, and leave it in the fridge overnight.

Hungry?

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Not... no, not really.  Still, I knew I should eat.  A few ounces of mixed nuts and a berry kefir smoothie.  Not a lot.  Maybe not enough.  But, for now, something.  Actually, I do believe I will heat up what is left of the soup... adding some to it.  Yes, I am still... needing.  Not hungry, my body says it actually wants something, needs something.

A trick to tell?  Wait an half hour, hour.  If it still seems as if there is need, then eat more.  I have been trying to cut back.  And this trick is one of my best tricks.  In an hour, on to something else or not, if I can't get food off my mind, then it is time to eat.  Not a lot.  In this case, a cup of mostly broth.  Should do.

The temp is up to 48, last I looked.  But the wind is still going.  The clothes weren't dry, that is why I was out.  Big towels, though perhaps there is moisture in the air?  Inside my devices suggest 34% humidity, but that is inside?  Nah, if it was moist out there, it would be more so in here.  Usually?

I haven't gotten going on the bathroom yet.  I will.  Figuring out where to put some of the things will be a trick.  The stack of dish pans, and bigger tub?  Leave it in there?  I'd like to find a better place for those.  Hmm... maybe tearing into the back porch, moving a few things out, perhaps I could make room there.

I am sure I could make room in the basement.  I have boxes down there, I was keeping to have boxes on hand.  Those need to go.  And, some arranging, and a few other things out and up... but... I don't want to have things I used frequently down there.  It's more of a fuss than I prefer.  The back porch might do, but it will take some work.

So weary.  It is partly just the cold, and wind.  It gets to me.  Like hot days, the cold also rips something out of the will.  Soup will warm me, then work will help... in the warmer part of the house.  I may not get much more than the bathroom, perhaps boxes broken down after clearing the back porch a bit?  That may be that for the day.  Oh, I could check on what is in the washing machine next.  Hmm, that might go out on the line as well.  I have another line I could use.  Later.

She got it!

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Fine.  While she did let the mouse go, she also took care of the little monster.  Then?  brought it to me.  Sort of.  She was... afraid to bother me, with it.  So, imagine her surprise when I beamed and praised her, got her food right away, and have been beaming since.  Pleased, she knows it, grateful.

Sure, I was a bit peeved she wouldn't do the deed in either tub.  More so that she allowed the beasty loose.  But, yes, this... this will do.  Now, she wouldn't eat it.  Which... for me?  Is fine.  Sam wouldn't either.  Fine.  So?  I offered it to the ducks.  Initially they ignored it, and me.

I went on to check the laundry.  I had forgotten to see if more could be washed, if there was enough.  Sure enough, a load of synthetics, thanks to a few pet blankets to fill up the bulk.  I got that sorted, sorted the rest if not enough for another load of anything else, then got that started.

As I was returning, I thought to check the mouse.  The dead mouse.  The... gone mouse.  One of the ducks got a free snack.  Nothing left, so probably down whole.  I... love my critters.  I'll bet, with a little practice, I could get the rabbits to eat a mouse.  I just... don't want to alter their behavior that much.  And, it really isn't for them.  Tempting, all I'm saying.

Now I can rest.  Yes, I meant to rest, but then remembered... things... and with Sassy's success, I... yes, went on back to work.  Little joys, I thought I'd share.  Oh, I turned the furnace up because it is getting cool again.  Ugh.  So cool, out and even in... with the wind.  Getting tired, but... the heat will help.

The bathroom is next.  Perhaps a kefir after.  Then... other things.  Good day.

Frigid out there!

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Chores, the towels on the line.  The chores went well.  That is usually pretty quick, plus the ducks had already been released, fed, and watered.  So it was just the rabbits.  Plus, it seems, where I was with the chores, the winds or breezes depending on your definition could quite get me.

Putting the towels up was another thing entirely.  Two huge bath sheets, and a bunch of kitchen towels of various sorts were all hung out.  To say it was sharp would be a minimum.  The sun is out, mostly.  It just doesn't matter with those winds/breezes.  I had thought it warmer earlier.  After finishing, with chilled to the bones fingers... in part due to the towels still being a bit wet of course, I checked the thermometer.  It's dropped to more like 44 F, and with the winds... which are cold, if oddly from the south... say south east somehow?  Well, that made it quite cold out there.

After I warm, I'll refresh the waterers and get working on the bathroom.  Warm and take a break.  Not a lot of heavy work, but the cold takes it out of me just as if it was heavier work.  I should have plenty to get to more today.  The bathroom, to finish I hope.  More in the kitchen.  Boxes and supplies sorted, stored, and broken down.  And work upstairs.  

As for supper?  I may simply have more beef stew.  Even plain, it really isn't too bad... with enough seasoning.  Other spices cut the need for as much salt.  Trying to be careful with salt.  At some point, it really does maintain fluids.  But, with keto, I need more than average.  So... it's... a bit of a trick, a balance that has to... be cautiously watched.  A trick, when I can't always stay aware... or work myself to exhaustion then can't.  Ugh.

Ah, blood pressure?  After three doses of the non-heavy medicine, mostly, is 165/114 with a pulse of 89?  That is a massive dip.  Say -44/-16 and -15 pulse, after three doses, or a day and an half of medicine?  That's still high enough they might consider ER, for a human.  Still, look at where it is, from where it was.  Interesting.  From this, if I can't handle the hard stuff, I... might be able to cut back to this?  Even this is better, by far, than over 200's.  And it will improve.  I have it set for a week before I start the heavy stuff.  Curious what it will be next Tuesday... or Monday?  Yes, I think I start the heavy stuff Tuesday.  Ugh.

A bit of a rest.  Later.

Soup was fantastic.

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I hadn't spiced or otherwise flavored the beef broth much.  Just enough so that adding some on the table was good.  Which is fine.  While at warming it, dishes from yesterday were put up, and I found a place for my soup mugs.  A place not used.  Not vertical, nails in the upstairs pantry higher up.  So, I have those a place.  Yea, I was actually twitching about that.

I brought the mouse out, in a tub.  The girls just knocked it over and let the mouse out!  Useless.  I guess I'll just kill the mice from now on.  It actually looks like they let the mouse go on purpose.  Not... necessarily, I think, to be friendly... more for a real hunt.  Still, I'd rather make sure the mouse is dead.  I suppose I could paralyze it, but... no.  I'll just kill them.  Hmm... I wonder if the muscovys would eat them though!  I just hate wasting food, even if it isn't my type of food.

What was it I was going to do?  The bathroom.  Oh, and chores must be finished.  Chores first.  Moving a bit slow today.  But it is warmer out there, 46 last I looked.  I am hoping it warms just a bit more.  If it gets to a solid fifty, I'll cut the heat and open the place up for airing out again.

Ah, and laundry should be done.  I'll get that out and on the line, plus see if another load could go in.  Then a break.  Yes, chores, then laundry, and then to the bathroom.  I think I can do all three.  A break, and then I'll think about what next.  Work in the kitchen... cleaning a few areas which have been opened up... sweeping.  Finding more boxes and items for the front room or the pantry.  The counters are clean, so.  Oh, best feed the girls too.  Later, I'll take down what boxes I find.

I still don't know about supper.  What to eat.  I have some turkey and ground pork out, but would rather have burger to cook with it.  Still, it might do well enough as is.  I have keto tortillas I would like to try.  No lettuce, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream though.  It would be rather bland.  A bit of spice, as a meat rollup?  Maybe.

I'd best get too things.  Later.

Down late, up late.

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I couldn't sleep.  I just... kept... going on.  I did get to bed at around 23:00, but three nights that late or later in a row meant, finally, a late morning.  I had the alarms set, but they did no good.  Maybe.  They might have helped?  I finally woke around a quarter after nine.  Even then, it was a slow start.

I let the ducks out, and gave them food while refreshing their water.  On the way back in, I checked the light to the downstairs.  It... keeps being on when I am sure I turned it off.  So, I check when I am through.  It was off, though, out of curiosity, I decided to see if the traps had been successful.  No, no, no, no to the big one, and... what... what is that?

Was it just food, or a blur, in the last one?  Tube like tunnels, but darker colored, smoky, caramel, colored plastic.  I got out my flashlight.  Sure enough, it had one!  At first I thought it was a baby.  But, no.  Mice are just small.  Fat, or pregnant, though.

I brought it up.  Sam knew, just knew, what was in there.  My guess is she had heard it squeak and went down to check it out.  She knew what I was carrying, and what was in it.  I took it to the tub, plugged the drain, and let it go.  Sam went in, but... just... played with it.  Oh, right... no nails!  I clipped those because she has been... being mean, to both Sassy and me.  Without those, she doesn't have her primary... utensils for the harvest.  Ugh.

So, I brought Sassy in.  She was terrified of the tub.  I don't get that, but... she would not stay and play, at all.  Well, fine.  I am not treating of feeding until that mouse is gone.  They have one job, and one way or another, they had better do it.  If I have to kill it, then dispose of it, they are going on a diet.  A see food diet.

Ah.  But the rest of today?  Hmm...  It was 36 F out about fifteen minutes ago or so.  Still cool.  Anyway.  Beef soup this time.  Though for supper or instead of the earlier meals?  I did end up finishing off the chicken soup last night, ended up hungry.  But what else?  I just can't say.  Probably more eggs.  No more gribenes, but I have bacon... a large odds and ends pack.  I could fry a large batch of those up, much like making pork schmaltz.  The cracklings can be put on anything from salads to soups to sprinkled on eggs, and of course the fat can be set aside.

But, for work?  I really want to hit the bathroom.  But, when I am done, possibly attempt to steamvac the floor.  A bit of clutter in there needs to be sorted.  Oh, and I didn't get the laundry out last night.  I will run it through again, then put it out.  After that, sort to see if I have enough clothes for another batch or two.  Laundry first, and actually soup first.  I think I'll go with soup as a starter.

Then work in the kitchen.  It is slowly being dismantled, pieces and parts being added to one pantry or another, keto food stuffs being collected for easy ready access, and other things being figured out.  More of that, here and there, taking down bits and areas at a time.  A few small areas which have been mostly cleared could be finally cleared, then swept up after.

Every time I get things back in order, I begin pulling things apart.  It is in a form of reverse chaos, almost like reliving the past.  If a past I don't remember.  But seeing how it happened, in an odd way, is informative, uncomfortable, if interesting.  The process isn't exact, like removing boxes while leaving styrofoam containers.  It looks like I just received medicine and specialty foods all at once, but I know that wasn't the case.  Still, it... gives an idea.

As well, I want more clearing in here, the computer room.  Boxes, torn down, are stacking all in one spot, mostly.  And the middle(r) area has been left alone, so far.  It is about to be hit.  Today, I hope.  It does feel like I am floundering.  Floundering in the opposite direction from what got me here albeit.  Still, floundering, in any direction, is just that.

On the good side, when I get little areas cleared, cleaned, and organized... while walking through the rest of the cave can be daunting, I have those areas with which to mentally, spiritually, cling.  Little floats in a sea of madness, where I can latch on, catch my breath, before getting back to it.  The dent made in this room, with the boxes was the first oasis.  The counters are currently my largest and primary places.  But, as things expand, more places, larger and smaller, are coming into existing and spreading.

I want just a bit more space, here, near the computer.  And, probably, on top of the computer desk, as well as under and around it.  Yes, that... would be a thing.  How much of that can I do today?  More than yesterday.  Maybe back to it fully?  Maybe.  Something to eat first.  But... what?  Soup, and kefir?  That would do, so I don't have to think.  Best get to some food, medicine, and waking.  Later.

It is about bedtime.

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Not a bad day.  Not a heavy day.  Thankfully, to be honest, I was able to relax a bit today.  Oh, I still got work done.  Several trips downstairs, with items to be stored.  A bit of sorting while down there.  The boxes which took everything down back up and onto the breakdown pile.  Dishes, counters, and some cooking.  Everything, save the chicken stew pot, has been washed.  But it has stew in it.  That will be breakfast.

A few other things, more boxes broken down, if not all.  I wait until there are enough to bother with.  A few areas in the kitchen being cleared.  Items being sorted and put away as possible.  I even washed the small kitchen appliances which are out on the counters.  Amazing how splatters get everywhere, no matter how careful I am.

It was cooling off.  Last I looked, if it's been a while, it was already back down to 36.  My guess is it has gone down a bit to a lot.  The ducks and rabbits don't mind.  I do have the tarps partly covering, more to block wind.  Which is what might get to them.  Not the ducks so much, but the rabbits.

Little bits of everything.  Oh, and I best get in medicine tonight.  I take it twice a day, and insulin when... I do.  So many little things being done as well.  Well, not today, but a few.  Probably more than I remember.  When this tired, and cool, memory can really fail.  As I think back, though, a number of little things.

Tomorrow?  I am hoping to get to the bathroom.  Oh, and I could put towels out to dry tonight.  They might freeze, but... whatever.  They will eventually thaw and be just fine.  If not, they can be brought in and anything from being fluffed to a hotter drying process.  Maybe more washing tomorrow.  Another shower?  I won't need a shave for a day or three.  Probably.

I just wish it would warm, even for a day.  It'll work out.  Good night.

Not paying attention!

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An appointment?  Right.  I thought it was next week.  Today.  Well... it is figured out now.  I... thought yesterday was today, which... explains some of my confusion.  Yes, I have been working hard.  It has caught up.  No harm, no foul, so I was told.  And all has been sorted to a new appointment.  Ugh!  I do feel like a fool at times.

Ah, I best get to setting up soup.  Stew?  Something.  Nothing fancy.  Just chicken and bone broth.  But it will do just fine.  Hmm, I do have a few cans of vegetables.  And, while getting that going, I can do dishes and counters.  As well, clean the sinks a bit more.  They were hit well recently, but sinks always need cleaning!

It is hovering just below 40, or was last I looked.  In a way, it is a gorgeous day.  It's just... not really a spring day.  The air movement makes it just too cold for such, on top of the high 30's temp.  It's like a visual trap.  I want to go out, but it just catches me offguard every time.

It is a day of rest.  As much because weather is keeping me down as because I have burned through a couple months of energy in a week and change of days.  I'll... get back to it, if I can.  I think I can.  Just not today, maybe not tomorrow.  Then again, I won't just stop either... or haven't.  Surprised I haven't collapsed.

Cleaning counters and stovetop.  Then what?  Hmm... I could make a baking powder slurry, caking it around the oven, and steam that clean for a bit... see what I can do in there.  It's pretty messy.  I have checked the mousetraps downstairs, no luck so far.  I could check again.  I may have a few more boxes to break down ready, and maybe some work upstairs.  Just a bit more sorting and moving.

It is too cold to work outside, and has been for a bit.  If I have to, later this week, so be it.  I'll dress a bit warmer and go to it.  A few other little things I'd like to consider, but probably not until tomorrow... at least the technical one...

Oops, wandered off without posting.  Anyway...  Counters are clear and clean, or as much as the are supposed to be.  Dishes were finished.  A few groups of pantry items were taken downstairs (no mice yet).  Chicken soup is going, and I sliced the bratwursts into thing coins, putting the bulk of them into the storage container and some into the soup.  A few little things besides.  For a lame day, it's... okay.

One more batch of work later on.  Boxes, some more tidying in the kitchen, maybe some things down to the basement, and some work upstairs?  Who knows, really.  I'll do my best.  Another kefir would be good, but I'll have it with supper.  Oh, I meant to find canned veggies for in the soup.  I'll get that before too long.  Like... right now.  :p  Later.

The best shave I have had in twenty years.

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At least twenty years.  Focus.  I was able to focus, my skin seems stronger, everything required to shave as present, and utilized.  The last shave had to be corrected, but got closer.  This time was... perfect?  As good as I can do for now.  Right after the shower is the best time.  If I shave, it's then if possible.

The shower was good, but not terribly needed.  Still, enjoyed.  For those times I can't, won't, don't, shouldn't, couldn't.  Life is better when clean and trimmed as to one's preferences or allowances.  Since I can't keep up on barbers, long hair is just the better way.  A surrender?  A realization.  And it is cheaper.  The other choice is mission cuts.  No thank you.  I look rough enough.

It was just at 38~39 when I went in for the shower.  It is clouding over again.  I was right, while there isn't exactly a wind, the air is... full.  There is movement, but almost imperceptible flow.  That is why it is cold.  It is whatever that is, wherever it is from... the north to north west is where it derives.  Cold.  Still, I'll enjoy it.

The gribenes is toasting in the oven.  Eggs will join it.  Maybe just a touch of bacon, to use up a few thirds of slices left.  I believe a kefir smoothie is on the menu as well.  Of course, tea too.  I have been drinking a lot less, and it is really showing.  I am curious if a single water pill can, beyond my efforts, complete my efforts without upsetting the delicate balance.  The experiment has begun.

Buzzer went off, so I had to get in and do breakfast.  Done and eaten.  The exceptional part of gribenes is there is no sugar added, no ingredients which are questionable, the food isn't old (some bacon can be spooky), and it can be flavored however one likes, and as lightly or heavily as one desires.  I went with a light dusting of pepper, a pinch of sea salt, garlic and onion powder, and a touch of thyme?  I think I skipped ground coriander, but that would be good as well.  Fantastic.

Soon, after a bit of a rest, I will get to cleaning the counters, then dishes.  Who really knows after that.  Something about a full belly can cause my mind to drift.  Hmm, the equivalent of three whole pieces of bacon (given the actual and chicken bacon), three eggs, and a cup of kefir berry smoothie and I feel like I just ate a Thanksgiving feast!  Then again, I did.  Every meal, really.

The next time I am in for chicken feet, I will have to see if they happen to carry, or keep, chicken skin.  I have my doubts.  I doubt if any of the stores do.  Still, I... could ask around.  Then again, as I will be cooking chicken in the instapot, mostly, from now on, perhaps I could just save it?  How to freeze it flat though?  Then again, Jews just cook it like pork rind, not flat like I did.  Though, perhaps, when thawed it will go flat again without too much trouble?  I'll think on it.  Experiment.  The thing is, I would like several small containers of just schmaltz.  That stuff is pretty jiggy.

Blood pressure and blood sugar were both higher today.  Blood sugar not terribly, just a bit higher than is preferred.  At 150ish, I call it good.  Above that and I will work on it.  But below 200, I just... do what I can.  It's difficult to fix in that middling region.  Later.

Still so cool out there.

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With the sun on and shades (clouds) out of the way, it just isn't warming fast for it.  It is 32 F, just now, nearing 10:00.  More, it feels even colder.  Odd how 20 seemed fine but 32 feels cold.  Is there a subtle breeze happening now which was absent earlier?  I... I think so.  Not a wind, but maybe a rather steady air movement, barely perceptible.  I... think.

A bit of kefir.  For now.  The cold makes action difficult.  This time it is the weather.  Even so, I'll get some things done.  A shower and shave, shortly.  Then breakfast, then dishes, plus a helping of chicken soup put out and thinned a bit with water for meals later through the day.  Sausage went well with the chicken soup, last time.  And I have two bratwursts remaining.  I may just slice those and add them in.  Love that stuff.  Use what you have, and don't waste.

I have a few other hoped projects for today.  I have pushed for long, and the weather is against me.  Still, at a slow reasoned pace, I may get some things done.  Some I fear to do, for one reason or another.  One might be a bit of a reach, physically.  One may be a reach mechanically.  Others, I... just don't want to do.

Very slightly stiff, but no aches or pains coming through to consciousness.  It's back there.  But... it should be.  I have pushed my body, taxed it beyond it's fitness level... far beyond it's fitness level.  That I'm not sleeping, and for a week, surprises me.  It will happen eventually.  It has to happen.  Gravity... what goes up must come down.  Though medicine might cause that itself.

Yes, I am starting medicine today.  This time with just one water pill.  At least initially.  I have been draining so well recently, that my legs look human.  If I don't need the stuff, I won't take it.  Still, there is just a bit more that could be removed.  I have been training myself to go thirsty.  Not bone dry, just... back off the tea.  As well, the vinegar lime juice concoction takes the edge off thirst with just a double shot of the stuff.  Drinking smarter, as well as in a restrained manner.  Relearning to live within constraints.  Life is changing.

Well... I'll get the medicine in now, a shower soon, food shortly thereafter, and kitchen cleanup just a bit beyond that.  Oh, the bathroom.  I'd like to get going on that.  Mostly just the floor, sweeping, mopping, maybe steam cleaning if the steamvac has the bits for it.  Should, just a non-carpet floor attachment...  I'm sure it has that.  And just steam?  Or, with a touch of bleach?  Yes, maybe.

Good day, good luck, work hard, be well.  Amen.

About the same time as yesterday.

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Regardless of how long it took for me to actually rise, dress within social civility, and be downstairs... which varied, yesterday as today, I woke to a brightening sky at 7:12.  The previous bedtime was 23:30, last night it was 0:03 or 8?  I did get the ducks in, but was staying up to try to force a shower.  That... never works well.  And, no, I didn't get a shower.  This morning, I will get it this morning.

Sleep was fantastic.  I didn't start waking until... actually, until the alarm?  Maybe once before.  No, it wasn't a waking alarm.  It was an early alarm.  I had the two set for 06:00 and 08:00.  The first is a pre-wake up, one I can just shut down.  The other is an emergency alarm, meaning "get up now".  Will they work?  Worked this morning, but they will work until they don't.  If I do need to get to bed earlier.  I need more sleep.  Not sure how I have gotten lucky two nights in a row but I won't be pushing it.

Oh, but the sun is out!  It is starting as a bright shiny day.  Does that help?  More if it has been gloomy lately, or if it is mild enough.  When it hits 90 or higher, and stays that hot for a while?  No.  Not so much.  Then a dull, dark, damp day will get my jigglies wiggling.  But, for today, wonderful!

A shower, eggs, gribenes, and kefir, then dishes and a general kitchen cleanup.  Then, chores.  Ugh, it's only 20 F out there today, again!  Ugh.  But it doesn't feel as cold.  No wind?  Not that I accounted on my scouting excursion.  I don't think so, just doesn't have that... feel.  Perhaps the sun will do something more than spill light?  Time tells all, if you know how to see.

Oh, I forgot the flag out last night.  Gotta fix that, or get a light.  Or both.

Today?  I plan on getting chicken soup going.  I mean, it is made, just sitting in the fridge.  It simply needs to be added to a small pot, cut with a bit of water, and have vegetables added.  Fresh would be wonderful, but canned would do.  I may explore adding anchovy paste, before beginning to brew.  To bolster flavor (you really won't taste it if you do it correctly, if I wouldn't mind sometimes for my part).  

But also to add certain edible vitamins and minerals which aren't in a typical American diet.  Like pepper, add just enough to not taste, and it still really spikes flavor in some... odd... truly umami... ways.  Plus, if you aren't getting iodine from salt, where are you getting it?  I am surprised we haven't had a worse collapse of health due to dietary failures.  This is actually relatively cheap and easy, and unnoticeable to picky eaters.  Since most vitamins and minerals require either fat or water to be soluble in the body?  A fattier soup or stew is the absolute perfect delivery system.  Between being nearly addictive, it has the fat and liquid to make the nutrients available.  Not just for that meal, but perhaps for the rest of the food eaten that day?  Maybe.

Well... I should get to waking, then on to things.  Teeth already brushed, just waiting an half hour to get tea.  Gives the teeth time to harden back up?  Or... some such.  Not even sure I believe.  But, sometimes, Doom abides.  Back to three times a day, and hitting my special gargle tonic three times a day, for now.  Then will back that to once or twice a week.  The last cavity I had was 1993, and that with drinking a lot of soda, beer, and eating very carb heavy foods.  Genes?  Only go so far?

Later.

Supper has been canceled.

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Nothing fancy, or political, or snowflakery.  I'm simply not hungry enough.  Perhaps another kefir though.  I was looking forward to eggs and such, tomorrow.  Achy, weary, and the rest.  Anacin will do.  Little things, here and there.  But mostly a business and rest day.

I did just get two months of medicines put into the medicine dispensers.  That's quite a chore, actually.  Especially since I am starting out with one thing, then changing several things as I go.  I am hitting vitamins, plus certain extras, doubly hard to start out.  Then, I am backing those off to one and an half duty (since I take the water pill which washes a lot of stuff out).  As well, I am starting on the low dose heart medicine, then changing that to the full dose in a week.  So it gets confusing.  I know what I should take and look at the pills before they go in, so... that helps.

More boxes were done.  I am mostly keeping even with what is being brought in.  And, generally, I am keeping up on dishes.  Counters are beginning to sag, but I'll... get to those soon.  So very tired.  They will be the morning priority.  Just a crumb here, a smudge there, but that's how it starts.  I would do it tonight, but I am trying to stay up to get the ducks in and take a shower.  Everything else can hang.  I... just can't.  Not even sure about those things, but maybe.

The sun is still up, if just.  It is 32 out there.  Very cool, cold really with the wind going.  A strange weather system of late.  Still, we got some rain, needed it.  Probably need more.  So a bit cool and wet isn't all bad.  I should sleep pretty well tonight.  And, hopefully, wake early again.  Even with a weak sun, it seems to wake me up.  Later, or good night.

One or two?

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No promises.  I ended up having to call both lawyer offices.  I called one around 14:00.  Was asked if a return call would be good.  Not a choice, mind you.  Still, sure.  By 16:00 I had heard nothing, so I placed a second call.  The secretary had to ask if he was interested in the case.  He took the call.

Questions for which I don't have the answers.  I did find some of the paperwork, but whether it will offer what he requests or not is another question.  None of it makes sense to me.  As well, I have the files, if... that may or may not help.  Still, he is willing to do an interview.  So, it is time to get ready to drive, I suppose.

At least I have a general idea where his office is, and how to get there.  I have been right by the place a few times, to where I have had other appointments.  It isn't for a bit, but... fine.  We will see what happens there.  As to the other lawyers on my rolodex?  If one calls back, I will give the pair (a para and lawyer team) a shot as well.  And the one in Arizona, I will ask if they still want to look the case over.  Dibs goes to the first one who took the case.  If he doesn't want it, next to take the case gets it.  First come, first served.

I took down a few boxes while waiting for a call back, before I decided to place a second call.  Not much else.  And I don't think there will be much else beyond.  A shower, and maybe a shave?  The weather isn't helping.  While it has become sunny, the wind is at it something fierce, or was, and it was only 38 out there.  With the wind, it really is chilly.

Ah, for supper, I'll try the eggs and gribenes (baked or otherwise rendered chicken skin), perhaps a sausage too?  Nah, just not that hungry.  Though I will have kefir, plain, just a touch.  Oh, and I will wash up after, including the counters this time.  But before or... no, after the shower.

It'll still have been a good day.  I do need some down time though.  Tired.  Achy.  Weary.  Even a bit sleepy.  You would think those three would be synonymous, but there is enough difference that I call each for very different aspects of exhaustion.  All good though, I have earned them.  At least the sun is out.  I am hoping to stay up late enough to get the ducks in, but that will be it.

Chicken soup tomorrow, though hopefully with vegetables of some sort.  Kale or cabbage, carrots, some root veggie or two... other than potato, and mushrooms!  I love mushrooms in these things.  Oh, celery as well.  I meant to try an exotic (to me) root recently, but... lost track and it went bad.  Okay, fine, I... was afraid of it.  I may try again.  Half for a beef portion, half for a chicken soup.  Yea.  Fennel, I believe.  Oh, I love fennel, have toothpaste of it, one of my favorite flavors... akin to black liquorice, licorice, depends on... something or other.  Anyway, I just wasn't sure how it would go in a soup.  Yea, next time I'm in.

Later.

Always check.

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Barrels clear, so back.  Then soup.  Almost a stew, without thickener or veggies.  Reminded me of minestrone, minus the... minestrone.  It was always beef, as I remember it.  I... couldn't stop eating it!  I tried various masalas, and just salt and pepper.  Bone broth with even just bits of meat is fantastic.  Actually, sans meat is is pretty good, with some salt and pepper though.

I was about to call regarding a lawyer, but decided to check something.  I have some folk helping, just wanted to be sure I could pass their contact information on.  Mostly as local contacts, if also potentially as witnesses to my condition.  That seemed good to them, so I will now attempt to contact a lawyer, see if I can get one on the case.

I'm not moving fast, and I am worn out.  I am not sure what I want to do after the calls and possible email transfers.  A shower would be good.  I just... don't know after that.  I am definitely full.  About a quart of soup?  Nearly.  Still, it's mostly liquid.  It'll pass soon.

The flag is out.  The temp, last I saw, dropped to 32?  So odd, this late in March.  Not... unpossible, just more unlikely.  Then again, weather is changing, if it isn't mostly manmade.  It has more to do with global output dropping.  I don't think it changes the temp, it just changes where the temperature bands run.  Everybody is, in theory, trying to restart... except those idiots who are standing in the way.  Blocking the way for China to take back over, while they keep failing.  Eventually they will run out of workers and guinea pigs... the two being synonymous is disastrous.

Something something.  I best call, it should be a safe time for someone to be at the phone.  Probably.  Then a shower, and... something else.  Ugh.  Pain pills, I think, too.  They seem to be working.  I also seem to be getting the right ones.  Sometimes some work, sometimes others.  Lately, the anti-inflammatory types work the best, and tylenol best of all.  Like it or not, I go with what works.  Later.

Really wearing down.

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The struggle between needing rest and wanting to "finish" is horrible.  Aches increase every time I do things, but sitting seems so... uncomfortable.  As well, when I start some project, it often opens up new avenues.  Many times it opens up many other potential projects.

I got the cat food downstairs, unboxed, at least the boxes of 24 out of the boxes of boxes.  As I was doing that, the mousetrap was set up and baited, as well, food and water where placed in the basin.  None of the other traps have caught a mouse.  Plus, the deliver boxes were brought back up.  There seems to be one missing?  Or did I use that?  In any case, that was one set of tasks finished.

While I was doing that, I found larger cups... mugs really, I purchased for making larger mug cakes/breads, and for enjoying soup more pleasantly.  I won't feel required to put more in than I really want.  So, along with a popcorn bowl I found while... doing something else? I put those in for a wash.  Oh, I was gathering the month medicine organizers.  I am sure I have four, found three.  That may be all the medicine I have.  Still, would like to find them all.  So if one gets messy, I can wash it and put the other into the cycle.

Yes, today, medicine.  I will set it up.  I probably won't start it until tomorrow.  And, it will just be the easy stuff for a week, or two.  Then I will add in the hard stuff.  Pretty much full dose, right up, when I start.  It hurts the most, but I get over it the quickest.  Assuming I survive it.  So far so good.  Meh.  There is always hope!

More and more boxes into the computer room, to be broken down.  Still so far ahead it isn't a worry.  But now I have opened up more boxes of stuff to be sorted, plus boxes to be broken down adding to the pile.  Slowly but definitely opening up my once shrinking world.  Actually, sorting would be a really good, very easy, box churning, project.  I'll need some boxes for storing, a trash can for tossing, but most boxes will be emptied and brought out to eventually broken down... and probably yet today.

Oh!  Lawyers.  I'll call today.  I looked over some of the services which offer help regarding social security.  I think they are all for those with absolutely no income.  They won't help.  I think I did this before.  Still, I could call DAV.  I am a member, but I think they did what NRA did, they offered life-time membership which absolutely destroyed their income.  Still, they might be able to help, or offer resources for veterans.  Maybe.  It's not a good time to call though.  I have found with... almost any business or government agency, after 10:30 until about 13:30, give or take an half hour their time, is not a good time.  So... in a bit.

Yea, I'll have some soup.  Then begin sorting things on or near the couch for now.  Then make some calls.  Best set an alarm.  It is so easy to miss the call time, then just slip beyond, for days.  I lose track so easily.  Especially when I am actually able to work.  Oh... I think the trash and recycling have been picked up.  I'll bring the barrels back in... and put the flag out.  Windy, not rainy, dark, but they put us out in far worse.  *wink*  Later.

A very good start.

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Today is going to be a lighter day.  Still, there were things to do to create, or recreate, order.  Stock was separated into freezer containers.  One quart and two pints, labeled and dated, in the freezer.  A pan of beef meat and stock was set for meals today.  Then all dishes, pots, scoops, and else was taken in, washed, washed twice, rinsed, dried, and some of it has already been put away.  It was done in parts, so when I the second batch was finished, the first batch was ready to be put up, or... some such.

As well, I had a kefir breakfast.  I miss that when I am out.  It's been a day or two.  Later, I'll have the gribenes (the baked, in my case, chicken skin) and eggs.  I have heard it is the Jewish replacement for bacon.  As I mentioned, I... thought it was as good as bacon.  I will put it back in the oven for, say, ten at 350?  The goal will be to crisp it back up, perhaps more than it was.

It is amazing what little bits of savings can end up... proving itself out.  The skin would have been wasted on the chicken broth.  It already had enough fat and gel.  Oh... another way to collect schmaltz is to skim the fat off stock, while it is hot or cold.  I... keep it in, because I prefer the extra fat, being keto.  Still, if I ever make it down to, say, 220~240 pounds, and begin a maintenance diet, I may begin looking for ways to cut fat... or calories really... which... means fat, I may begin pulling the schmaltz that way, or more often.  Just not when using it to treat a cold, or prepare for one.

It is almost magic, the way things are going.  Aches and pains, this morning, as last evening.  I have been pushing.  Though weather moving in, as you age, can add to things.  Slower, but not a stop.  Business, when I can focus.  Breakfast, or brunch, in a bit.  Boxes to be broken down.  As I clear areas, before putting things back so as to open the areas back up, I sweep.

As well, cat food downstairs.  The trap set up down there.  Cleaning the bathroom.  And I may investigate just what my steam cleaner really is geared to be able to do.  Sure, the carpet needs solution, but other areas don't.  And, the nice thing about a steamvac, is it doesn't just lay the steam, it pulls it back in.  It is a much better system then using a steamer followed up by using a shop vac... if it has the right attachments... or if they are available.

I may, in time, if I can keep going, get down to cleaning walls, floors wood and carpet, windows, and nooks and crannies.  But, for now, it's a matter of opening up, reducing, sorting, storing, and disposing in an organized manner.  Cleaning as areas open.  Light cleaning first, just a broom.  Floors and cobwebs both, and perhaps more.

Blood sugar was 152 fasting.  BP was 199/123 with a pulse of 100 this morning, right as I sit.  I may try to do those two at the same time, right as I wake.  For today it will do.  I'll just report them every few days, regardless of how often I check.  I'll bet is was lower, until I exploded into work.  Maybe.

I'm not fully collected.  Tired, achy too.  Still, I'll get to some lighter duties and business.  It's a nice day to be more relaxed.  Dark, windy, cool, and just a bit damp around the edges.  The sun, it seems, is like speed.  Which, I presume, can also be a bit too much.  Later.

Up early enough, I think.

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Just at 08:00, now.  But I woke a few minutes after 07:00.  I had to work with the stock and else first.  Draining the stock was complicated, almost ran out of room.  Luckily I remember to pull out a smaller pot, for soup for today.  I turned my back for two seconds and Sam was into it.  And she got a swat for it.  Just a big plastic lid.  The look on her face, between guilty and angry.  I pulled back again and she gave right deference.  Good call.

Anyway... I was curious about the meat left on the bones.  Getting all the oxtail meat off was impossible last night.  I got off what was possible, the rest, I assumed, was waste.  Still, as the bones sat, draining, I... had to see how much meat was there and if it was tasty!  I... think with my stomach.

And?  And it was!  Oh, quite tasty.  Perhaps not ribeye tasty, but nearing chuck if without the better texture.  So... even if in a hurry to get the trash out, I took the time to debone that, and put it in with the rest of the meat.  I got another cup or two.  I am well pleased.

Then the bones in the trash, and that out.  It is 37 F out there, and windy.  Not breezes, though if gusts, those are just over the steady winds.  The trash can had been tipped.  It looks like someone bumped it with a vehicle.  And the recycling lid was open.  Very strange.  Wasn't the wind, my neighbors barrels weren't open or tipped.  No bags were opened, so it wasn't animals... or... non-human animals.

Still, it is all out, and ready to go.  I wasn't sure I would, or would be able, to wake.  I initially set an alarm for 06:00 and 08:00.  During the night, while dreaming of a major mountain combat expedition... damned cold, I'll tell you... were I almost died a time or thrice, and I helped a few of the other crew stay alive and not freeze... I woke, and decided the 06:00 alarm would be annoying and too early, and might mess up my waking.

I thought the sun would help.  While it did, it... wasn't in as grand a fashion as hoped.  The clouds are so think the sun can barely be noticed.  Clouds down to... ~1,500 off the valley floor?  How high they go is another question, if I suspect they are thick.  Still, a bit of light, like a candle behind a curtain, long away in the woods, at night... it was just enough to... get me to check the time and decide to get going.

Oh, and dishes are soaking.  I need to put some of the stock in freezer containers, and label them. then wash that bowl too.  A very good start.  When I finish that, I'll wash it all up quickly, get it out to dry, and take a shower.  Teeth are brushed, just waiting an half hour to begin on some tea, and probably kefir after my next excursion to the kitchen... or even just off my chair for a bit.

Quite a thing.   Today?  Business calls, perhaps shopping, maybe some package returns?  More boxes?  Definitely that bucket mousetrap.  And the bathroom.  Odd how, when you start doing things, and keeping on top of them, there seems a lot less to do.  Though, in a house this size, keeping up, when everything is caught up, will still be a bit of a grind.  Assuming it is to sociable levels.  Later.

I think on to bed.

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Dishes are nearly done, save what will be needed to fuss with fishing bones out and separating broth.  Mostly.  The dishes have even been fully washed, dried, and set out to air dry.  The meat has been put in the container.  The broth has... a long way to go, just to finish.  It will take several hours to cool.

No, I... will go on to bed.  The sun may wake me in time to get the bones separated and into the trash, and that out.  I will put the trash bin out right now, except for that one sack.  It is all dry, otherwise, so won't be a major problem.  Plus, it will go into the trash, one way or another, tomorrow.

I will wash the mug which needs washed, get the trash to the curb, and go on to bed.  I won't be doing any work upstairs.  Sleep, just sleep.  I still have the windows open and the furnace off.  It is 66 in the computer room, 68 in the main room.  Cooking has kept the place warm?  I... think I'd best, at least, close the place up.  It could easily drop to 20 F out there, maybe colder.  But I can leave the furnace off?  

Eh, maybe I'll set it to 66.  Just in case.  Good night.

I could go on to bed, but...

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I am so close.  The beef was cooked, then cooled enough to take as much meat off the bones as possible.  I had just a smidgen of beef and broth.  The bones and broth are back at it, filled though, as between the loss of meat, and not having it absolutely full to just cook the meat, there was quite a bit of room left.  And the bones were still so solid, I think it will easily do a full pot making superior broth.

Oh, so very tasty.  And, yes, the heart along with the meat from the bones will create a wonderful stew.  It wasn't even well salted, or otherwise spiced.  Oh, sure, some salt, but not enough to well season.  Just enough so that it wasn't completely unspiced.  It needs something or it will be too plain other than adding way too much salt at the table.  

I have washed the meal dishes.  And, of course, the container for the meat and broth when it comes out.  Snapped tight.  I did feed Sam beef.  Wasn't certain she would eat it.  Eat it she did.  She really likes my food, but it isn't good for her.  Still, at over twenty, if she wants some human food, so be it.  Just not all of it!  Wow has that girl, especially for being so skinny, got a hunger on her.  Sassy won't touch the stuff.  All good.

Quite a day.  I'll have to hope the sun wakes me, as getting up early will be a struggle.  Oh, blood sugar was 99 about midday, and 108 by later afternoon.  Blood pressure and heart rate were 209/130 by 104.  Not bad for not being on medicine.  But... not good.  Yeah, I know.  I know, right.  I'll get on it.  That's probably down, because I have been working.  It lowers things, everything.  Which... means... it's... pretty high.

What a day.  I thought today was supposed to be a rest day?  Oh well.  Oh, and my face is quite red.  Though I think it has been so for... a while.  When I work, it does that.  A light blood red.  Something about working, though on medicine or not.  I took a few painpills, because the aches and pains were getting to me.  It worked.  Should sleep well, with that out of the way.  Good night.

Well? Beef.

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The chicken is done, and stored.  The beef is going.  It'll be a later night.  I have to cook the meat, let it cool to depressurize, then cool enough to remove meat from bones.  THEN, I have to set the stock and bones to a two hour run.  Ducks are in, not happy about it but in.

Hmm... I may pull out enough stock to make a small pot of stew.  That might work.  Then I can just let the main stock run, and probably run it as long as the machine will go, while I sleep.  I won't be able to get the bones out, but... whatever.  I do what I can.

I thought to put the flag out today.  I'll probably begin putting it out as often as I remember.  Then, until or unless I get a light out there for it, bring it in at night.  Well, all in theory.  Or... the plan.  One day out, one night it.  That's the start of it.  I like this, I like the flag.  Later.

Parts, pieces, and bits.

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A shower, enjoyed.  Recycling all out, and that barrel to the curb.  Trash is waiting to see if I can get through the beef, and finish those bones.  If I can get that done, it'll all go.  If I can only get through the chicken then those bones will go and that will be it for tonight.  I am hoping to get the beef finished.

But...

The chicken stock is cooking in the sink.  It remains too hot to pour into the container, so I have it in the instapot pot, surrounded by ice, until it can cool down enough.  I could put it in a huge pyrex bowl, then I'd have to wash it?  I'm not sure one would do?  It will cool, soon enough.  On the good side?  I get to sample it from time to time.

Trash is just waiting on the bones.  I am a bit worn.  Have no doubt.  Still, if I go slowly enough, I should be able to get it sorted.  It's still rather brightly sunny, maybe an hour or a bit more before dusk?  I am hoping the ducks will either be in, or go in, easily.  Then again, if I am still working on beef, that... they will probably easily be in by the time I finish that.  Probably before, so I don't have to mess around as I am shutting down.

It is 60 out there, last I looked.  So I have opened the cave, and am letting the air go and do it's thing.  Ah... I should open the front door while at it.  Sam is enjoying the outdoors.  Off and on.  I took food and water out to her, while I was doing this and that.  She appreciates.  I even put it up in her little nook.  Next time I am out that way, I will either take more dry food out for her, or let her in.  Her choice.

Beside being weary, aches are returning.  All good, I have earned them.  The place is beginning to look almost as if someone might be thinking of living here, and is doing something about it.  A couple boxes here, a bunch of dishes there, trash and recycling, counters and else... it does add up, especially if you can keep on top of new stuff.

I sure hope to have everything cleaned off by bedtime.  Perhaps a pan of beef stew will be left out, if I can eat as much as anticipated.  Breakfast, and just fine with me.  Showered, trash and recycling out and the bins already bagged, dishes caught up for now... not bad at all.  Later.