Saturday, October 1, 2022

The best pan-fried steak I have ever made.

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Not the best pan-fried steak I have ever eaten?  Maybe not, if... well in that category.  I didn't use the oven, still working on it.  I don't think I will use it, ever again, the oven that is.  A bit rare?  Maybe.  Mostly rare.  Warm, in the middle.  A crust on the outside.  Salted for an hour, with powdered garlic and fresh ground pepper, along with the salt.  

A bit of avocado oil, a bit of butter.  The pan allowed to heat well.  Then, in.  A few turns, in short order.  Probably no more than, say, five minutes per side, total, two minutes, flip, two minutes, then three minutes per each side after.  Beats, on the side, with butter.  A pinch of sea salt, on the plate.  Nice.  A glass of water on the side.

That is as perfect a meal as I have eaten in many moons.  I will say the steak, at the Texas Road House, was pretty good too.  Not too salty, this time.  That was a ribeye, this was a porterhouse.  To be honest, I have a much easier time cooking a ribeye than a porterhouse, so... I'm saying I did all right.  Not better, their steak was good.  But... solid.

I do like Maddox steaks best of any I have had, but can't always get over there, or afford it.  But, for a buy and make?  I haven't done that good in a long time, a porterhouse never, and a porterhouse pan fry... any steak pan fried... never this good.  This was... as perfect, given the steak, and available ingredients, as good as I could possibly have done.  Better than I thought possible.

Well... on to digesting, then working on the oven.  Have a good one.

The sun is out.

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Still cool, 58 out there.  Can hear the rustle of leaves.  Fall is fast upon us, well into really.  Still, it is a good fall.  A bit of dark weather is one of the little joys, if one is free to enjoy it.  I am, mostly.

I tried to get a meal on wheels going, but that isn't going to work.  Maybe a different program.  All good, I suppose.

Flies, many of them.  I'm killing them by the dozen.  Not sure what the deal is.  I've been keeping up on trash, and recycling.  And dishes.  So... why?  They don't have much time left, regardless.  Especially with me not turning on heat, or even needing it, into the 60s.  Maybe down into the 50s, if I can acclimate.  Well, killing them can be a hobby.  It's the buzzing attacks which annoy.  

Ahha!  I found where they hide.  Straight up, on the ceiling.  Holy carp.  There are a lot of them.  I'll... sort that out.

I think I'll grill something, if there is enough charcoal to actually do that.  If not, I'll have to finish the oven.  I have sprayed it, and worked on more of it.  It's getting there.  Hungry.  And, with the sun up and out, that somehow adds to hunger.  Or for me.  Some veggie and grilled meat should do just fine.  Later.

Yes, back up.

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So dark!  Still.  But, checking outdoors, it is better.  If only just at 63.  Going to be a cold spell.  Though, really, it isn't terrible.  I remember how, in the south, 60 degrees was considered cold.  Hahaha  Florida, though even in South Carolina, they... had weird ways.  Parkas at 48 F, couldn't drive in rain, would have been hilarious in snow.  I thought it was cute, really.  

I just came from a state, that in my junior year?  We had four or five months with a high of -20 F.  Highs.  Four months.  Yea, cattle died.  Crops failed.  But that it was even possible, in the lower 48?  Right.  I lived there.  As long as furnaces work, not so much a problem.  Especially for the young and healthy.

So, yes.  I have seen down to, I think, -40 with wind chill, here?  Colder?  Maybe, but it is rare.  Even -20 isn't very common, but it can happen.  Up in the mountains, I would guess it can drop a lot colder, in a storm, in the wind, at night.  You can easily freeze bits off higher up.  Elevation somehow makes the cold... worse?  It seems to do so.

But, 63 is NOT freezing.  For a health adult, wearing even simple clothes, it shouldn't even be a threat.  Probably not even if wet, so long as a fire can be lit, or otherwise warmed within reason.  And, as I dress more warmly for the season, I'm not needing heating.  Heck, I still use the fan, just not directly on me.  Move the air for some ease of breathing, with windows full open.  Just one fan, though.

Oh, I had stripped the bed this morning, in order to make it.  But, remembered it would be a good time to flip the mattresses, when I went back up.  So, everything was flipped and remade.  Now it's a bit of a mess, but evenly so.  I slept pretty much like a log.  I am liking my new way of things.  I had hoped to get the mattresses out, on the line, this weekend.  But, with clouds and the possibility of rain, I don't think I'll be putting it out.  Maybe this coming week.

I was told not to pour the last of the concrete, from my supply manager.  :p  Not sure why, yet.  Probably has to do with the tar, instructions, application volume, or such... as a semi-educated guess.  Wasn't planning on that, until Monday at the earliest, so all good.

Also pricing grills.  Flattops, Camp Chef and Blackstone are the two I am looking at.  I don't know.  Four burner, for certain.  The fewer burner ones, like the two and three, have... issues.  The two takes smaller propane bottles, which doesn't seem to crossover with larger propane tanks.  Or, at least I haven't found a good method.  Doesn't work.  And the three burner ones, they try to use one of the burners as two burners, and it doesn't work.  

Not terribly interested in ceramic, prefer rolled steel, and the thicker one on the Camp Chef.  Plus the Camp Chef has a grill under the griddle.  I think you can use half and half?  Or, maybe not.  If not, I don't see the point.  Mostly.  Though, I don't really like propane grilling.  I prefer cowboy charcoal.  Price is a part of the gig, just not all of it.  Ugh.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.  Well, and the price can change in a heartbeat.  Annoying.

I did get the stove sprayed, with the cleaner.  I'll hit it in about an half hour.  Waiting, too, on dairy.  Going back to that.  I did get out, to my bank, to pull money.  But they thing stole my money while I was trying to get the card back in it's stupid holder!  So, I don't have any cash this week.  And they better not think they get to keep my money.  I am so mad about that!  I tried to call, today.  They have a drive-through open, but aren't answering the phone.  Quite angry.

Anyway... Moving slowly.  Had a long nap.  But warm, just hitting fall blues, to a minor degree.  I'll try to get to, and keep at, things.  Later.

Sleepy.

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It's so dark out there.  Up so early.  Maybe that is why I don't wake early?  Though, too, I think it is cloudy out there?  Yes.  What had been a few light clouds in the path has turned into a major cloud cover.  Overcast as can be.  Not sure if the sun will find it's way out, but it is sure dark now.

Which also means it will stay cooler.  I may end up taking a bit of a nap shortly.  While daytime is my goal, and efforts are targeted, I don't mind taking a nap if needed, here or there.  Especially when it goes dark, as I attempt to work through the changes in weather and season.  But... to keep it at a nap, avoiding sleeping all day for a few days.  Then again, just because I did better, there is no guarantee I will be able to maintain control, or continue.  Especially when the weather goes dark and cold.  Will see.

Yes, on to a nap.  Crashing.  Eyes almost burning with the want of being shut.  I'll set the alarm, and rest for a bit.  Sleep probably.  Later.

Awake, and quite early.

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More of a restful day, yesterday.  I guess, well, my energy is returning at a pace I had become unfamiliar.  I am not waking at 6:30 because of want, or need.  My body suggests it is time, and my conscious mind agreed.  I am not overly tired, hurt, damaged, or otherwise needing to remain in bed.  In other words, council suggested getting up, and command had no mitigating factor against that decision.

I went to bed after midnight.  How much after, I can't remember.  I would guess half, or a little less, after.  Sleep came in a hurry.  Mind you, I was only awake in order to water the lawn, or I would have been in bed, probably an hour or two earlier.  Even then, I only got to three zones.  But was slipping, on getting them changed over.  I was... tired.  So, I called it at that point and went on to bed.

So, a late to bed, but early rise?  Yes.  But with little work yesterday, and given my recent pension for work?  There you go.

Today?  The stove is primary.  I hit it one last time.  And, it is better.  But, a bit more work should see the oven done and done.  Then I'll work on the exterior and top.  With hoses dealt with, all else I really want to work on is this front room.  Trash and recycling collected to the kitchen, then maybe out.  Empty boxes broken down, full boxes moved to where full boxes are being sorted or stored.  Possibly furniture out, if I can find a place for it, or stacked somewhere in the room.

I won't do heavier stuff today, like wood cutting or stacking.  Could, but I want my body to take it a bit easier, and slower.  I am still afraid of breaking something, or tearing things a bit too much.  On the other hand, I don't want to let the engine get too cold.  So, some work is good.  If I get to the stove, and get it done.  And I finish this room, and still have some go left, I'll begin working on the sewing areas.

I am becoming the living near-dead.  I'll use that to my advantage.  At least I know it's a not a bulletproof thing.  My right wrist is stiff, sore.  Why my whole body isn't stiff and sore, that's... the real question.  I have hammered it, given the givens, this week.  Beautiful.  I really do miss the days when I used it like a nail, every day, all day, for long hours.  It's a beautiful thing, this tool of flesh we were given, when it works as it should.  Machines really can't compete, for the money put in, in many places, on many projects.  Especially when the mind is also involved.

God gave us this gift.  We wrecked the deal, and our bodies.  He even offered a way back, to that initial state of grace.  I'm not sure though... will the sweat of the brow be the way even there, then?  Will it become a grace?  Or, will we simply be beyond sweat?  Or the concern of it.  As with death, a thing that while technically possible, in our new bodies, and with the will of God, won't be an actual concern?  I'm not even sure of that.  Though I think death, or Death, dies... or ends.  So too with sweat, but through which mechanism?

Oh, I do have some sweet tenderness.  My love handles have that twinge, when they have been worked.  But it isn't a terrible pain.  Just... that nearly ticklish twinge from having been used well and deeply.  My back is excellent, no pain there.  Legs were getting a bit rough, with light spasms.  But that has passed.  Biceps, and to a lessor degree triceps, are a bit spent, with occasional spasms and pretty constant slight cut pains.  All good things though.  Well, and little things in the middle of nowhere, anatomy-wise, which hurt, from doing things... I haven't done in years.

All very good things.  Now, to keep that up for a couple of months.

Oh, and cooler.  It was down to 63/65 upstairs, 64/68/68 down here, and 38 outdoors.  I am able to dress, longjohns and pants or heavy pj bottoms, a tshirt, housecoat as needed, socks and shoes, and that is easily enough to keep my warm and moving, going.  Though, from time to time, something warm to eat helps, or a long sleeved shirt if the housecoat is less preferred.  That I am not freezing is something.  Even that I haven't worked beyond my ability to stay physically warm, is something special.  Staying on medicine, too.  Very, very, good.

Still, it takes a while for me to get going, get started.  It might be until noon, if I'd like to start closer to nine or ten.  We'll see.  A fatted coffee, and some meat sticks, to start it off, out.  A bit of browsing the web.  I'll hold off feeding Sassy until nine or ten, though I could check her litter.  I've been keeping well up on that, again, lately.  Oh, I also have dishes soaking, and a pot from pasta the other day to clear then wash.  Perhaps a load of laundry?

Yea.  But not a heavy day.  May even skip some of that for today.  Just the stove, boxes and clearing this room, and maybe some sewing area solution sets solved for and derived?  Something like that.  Later.

Friday, September 30, 2022

Started and stopped.

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Watering and cleaning the oven.  Neither are finished, one for now, the other about to be moved to another zone.

I have hit the oven twice.  It really isn't... as bad as I had thought.  The glass was probably in the worst shape, but had nearly come clean.  The interior?  Well, some work was needed, and more work wouldn't hurt.  But, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  Getting there.  If I had started earlier, instead of trying to avoid, I may well have been done with it now.  Still, that I... didn't let my lack of interest, or will, or else, get in the way, means that it will get done.  Just probably not tonight.  

It is, what, eighty percent done?  Yes, I would say.  I still have to clean of the top, and maybe pull it out and clean it all around.  But, those are little things.  And, I think I can get her nearly to new looking inside and out, soon.  Maybe just finish it tomorrow.  I was going to work on hoses tomorrow, and got those done today.

Though, that won't be all.  Boxes, and this front room, as well as finishing the stove.  The spray cleaner is pretty nasty.  And, I'm not sure it is all that necessary?  I really don't think it helped all that much.  And it was hard on the lungs.  I'll use it up, but won't be using it again.  Nasty stuff.

Time to change zones.  It was down to 48, last I looked.  I'm hoping it doesn't drop too much more, but... yeah.  Four more zones, if I do everything.  Perhaps a skimp, down to three zones?  Don't know.  It really does need water, the whole yard.  My worry is it dropping into the freezing zone.  Probably won't, but that it was 58 at sunset makes me wonder, just a bit.  Later, or goodnight.  

No, not the oven yet.

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I did get out, and get the sprinklers arranged.  Technically, I could begin watering.  The sun is, for the most part, down.  Still, I will wait.  It is officially not allowed, last I heard, until 20:00.  So be it.  I don't need to cheat it.  I will skip zones, so that any extra from crossover is put out at a different time, giving it a better chance to be soaked in, used.  Or... that's my theory.  All set up.

I have... been stalling on the stove.  I found the stuff I will be using.  Read the instructions.  I stalled doing that, at first.  Just... because.  Then, after reading the instructions, I stalled because I didn't know where the gloves were.  Supposed to use long gloves.  I... thought... I probably knew where they were.  But that wasn't the point, damn it!  I didn't want to do it!

Still, a bit ago, I went looking and found them.  I have the oven heating, for an hour.  Then I'll turn it off and spray.  Possibly leaving it overnight.  Though, first, I'll use a scraper, see if I can't get some of the easier stuff off.  Not sure.  Though, if it cleans up really well, I may just get to it.  Oh, but I see, you can use this stuff for occasional cleaning.  No need to wait for a big mess.  I am thinking, maybe, of doing the oven once a month?  It's possible.

So, yes.  I'm getting to it.  Want to or not.  It's been a dark, cool, day.  It is to 58 now, already.  It didn't get higher than 66, that I saw.  Ian, the hurricane, is spreading cooler weather up this way already.  Remember how fast those wind speeds were.  Well, and it looks like it is back up to a hurricane, for the eastern coast, North and South Carolina look to be hit?  The Kennedy bullet trick seems to work.

I have been trying to call my mother for days now.  Since Monday?  At least Tuesday or Wednesday.  She just isn't answering her phone, or calling back.  Not sure what the problem is.  Something I wrote, did?  Or is she ill, or... worse?  I think they could call me, someone, if something happened.  But I can't be sure.  I am not positive her people are my people, or even that my family are my people.  I guess I just have to wait.

Well... I'll see what I can do for the oven, in a bit.  Later.

Gaming, then something.

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Not quite ready to hit the stove, and oven.  So, I did some gaming.  But, that... just... I wanted to do more.  And I like being outside.  A cooler day, just 65 today.  Ian is hitting here, tossing clouds and cool weather our way  Definitely.  Rain?  Who knows.  But, I will be watering the lawn tonight, unless I see a good bit of rain before I water.  This time the whole yard will get it.

Something easy to do outside?  On a list?  Ah.  hoses.  I tossed one the other day.  Today, I went through the ones remaining, not in use.  Three of them.  One was good, the other two were bad.  So, I attached the good one to the hose I am using for general purposes, so I have extra length on that now.  The other two went into the trash barrel.  Room enough, yet, for a couple bags easily.  Should only have one to go this weekend.

Of course, in a week or two, it'll be time to put the hoses and sprinklers up.  But, now it is down to a manageable number.  And I know which ones are good.  Only keepers left.  Plenty of length, both the hoses I am currently using for the sprinklers, and the general use, when put on two sprinklers, can hit every place I would want to water.  Extra sprinklers and hoses, if... when... needed, good.  Very good.

More just a bit weary today.  I did get bills paid.  Orders placed.  Milk and cream back into the queue.  I gassed up yesterday, though may get more gas soon.  Not a bad gig.  I think I'll put socks and shoes on.  Perhaps that'll help me get going?  The oven and stove are all I really want yet today.  Though, for my good deeds, I get the steak tonight.  And, some veggie or other.  Canned, as I haven't been to the store yet this month.

The driveway patch is looking good.  It will still take, probably, two more bags of cement.  Wow, that really was a bigger hole than anticipated.  Then I'll tar over that.  Not trying to be fancy, just trying to have the patch blend as much as possible.  As well, to keep the cement there, sealed a bit.

What a week.  And it isn't finished.  On to something?  And, then, soon, the oven.  Not looking forward to that, but... that's all okay.  I don't have to like it to do it.  Later.

Spending much less this month.

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But... still spending.  I have an order ready, for the first of the month.  Then, through the month, I buy other things.  Lately, I have been stocking up.  And, so, I am stocked up.  And broke.  Or, until this month.  This month I am spending far less at the start, and less through the month.

Even so, the order has been placed, and cheese and salami too is on the way.  Plus, I am going to start kefir again.  Which means milk.  I am going to try some cream, as well.  But, with the swelling completely controlled, I am just going with one quart of cream per week.  See if that is tolerable.  Why?  I... love cream.  Just a dab, in my coffee.  A bit in cheese sauces.  Even a bit in real or keto pasta dishes.  Life is good that way.

Bills, too.  Oh, utilities.  But, wait!  I am ahead by a month, on those.  So... everything needing to be manually paid is paid!  Yeah!  Though, one card has decided to be tricky.  I'll... fix that wagon.  Only paying a bit currently, will pay the rest later in the month.  They are being jerks.  Getting fees, cheating.  They all do that anymore.  And, they all get fixed.

A bit of coffee, some meat sticks, and a bit of time to wake up, now that orders and bills are mostly tended.  Shopping, groceries, soon.  I am nearly out of meat  and... everything, save stores.  But I only want to use those gently, and just at a slow replacement level.  I don't want to have to buy all new every third month.  Perhaps through a year, replace half of it?  Something like that.  It is stores, and to be used, but also to be held onto... a bit of a balance.

I can't believe how good I feel.  Oh, there is a kink, in my neck.  And my wrist is still a bit sore.  Muscles twinge, here and there.  But... this is as it was when I was in good shape.  Because, beside work, I would work out, swim, and else.  I used what I had, down to the bottom of my reserves, and kept myself tired.  And... pushed up and off from there.  I... loved being tired, spent, exhausted.  I... still do, it seems, when I can spend myself to the bottom.  Gorgeous.  Loving this.  Still expecting to die from it, but... I'd die happy.

I've called my mom.  Several times in the last few days.  She isn't answering.  Haven't heard any bad news.  Hoping she is just sleeping a bit extra.  Not worried, quite yet.  Silly bird.  But, yes, I... know how it goes, all too well.

Later.

Up?

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No, I think I'm pretty sure.  It isn't even a doubt.  A bit later than hoped.  But down a bit later than hoped.  Though, still, up and down earlier that the last few days.  Down at midnight, I think it ended up, and small change maybe.  Up at 09:30.  It was 66/68 upstairs, 68/68/68 down here, and 58 outside.  About as perfect a morning as I could request.

I went in pretty rough.  Wasn't... sure how this morning would turn out.  Or how well I'd sleep.  I really worried about tossing, turning, hurting, and such.  No need to have worried.  But... why?  I deserve pain, and a lot of it.  I have stressed every muscle group and joint to the point of exhaustion, then went and hit some other group(s), then came back when there was energy and flexibility back in what I had exhausted.  And, all week long.  Biceps, triceps, back in several flavors, legs, torso muscles, everything used, and reused, to exhaustion, over four days.

I... can't tell you what is happening.  I can only tell you this is... unusual.  Normally, I would be flat on my back, unless I could crawl to the computer for a few hours at a time, before crashing again.  I'm not even eating correctly.  Technically, I could go without eating for an extended period of times.  With the fat I have, all I really need is vitamins and water, which I take.  Though might up that without food.

But it's worse.  I had real pasta last night.  And?  Fasting blood sugar is 162?  Real spaghetti usually pushes my blood sugar from, say, the 100~150 range to the 300 to 400 range.  One meal of it.  Oh, I'll take it.  But... still.  Then again, the rest of food this week has been... righteous.  Well, except two fastfood meals.  I guess, burning enough calories?  Still, will buy right food this week, for the month.  Mostly meat, roasts, with some salad.  Veggies I have canned for now.  Though some fresh would be nice, too.  Bleh.  Oh, and a bit more cheese.  Yes.

Wow.  And I am not done.  I may not be doing hard or heavy work, but I will get the oven and stove cleaned, perhaps pulling it if possible, to get the sides.  And, boxes in this front room, plus some clearing.  A shower later, just body.  I try not to wash my hair every time, unless I have been sweating, working in dust and dirt, or otherwise have messed it up.  Actually, that has been every day this week, so far.  I have sweated for hours at a time, and actually through most of the work time, most of this week?  I honestly didn't ever realize I could still do that!  Until recently, if I could even break a sweat, I'd become exhausted to the point of illness.  Lose my balance, become dizzy, nauseous, and have to stop.  Wow.

I almost feel fully alive again.  Oh, and maybe, just to get out, clear a few hoses.  I'm not chasing exhaustion today though.  So, just slow, orderly minor efforts.  The stove first.  As I... don't like that job.  And, if I don't kick it out, it might... get left behind.  Wouldn't be the first time.

This is the second year on these medicines.  Could it just be, finally, doing what it does, and opening up?  This new set of pills?  Why would it have taken so long?  Perhaps because I didn't believe?  Or, perhaps, because it had thirty years of illness to work through?  I'll take it.  If I can get days and nights sorted?  More.

We'll see.  If I can get my house together, organized, cleaned, painted, reset?  We'll... we'll see.  If I can do that, and keep my schedule?  I know, I'm already slipping.  But this is one week.  I would expect that, after a thirty some year near coma.  A week isn't proof.  Even with this last spring as corroborating evidence.  The summer?  I need cooling.  There is that.  At least currently.  But, there is hope here.

Later. 

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Two hours before I could shower.

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Work pretty much took it out of me.  It has every day this week.  Which meant that getting a shower required two hours of sitting.  I am actually lucky it only took that long.  Some nights it has taken three, even four hours.  Which means I have been going to bed later and later.  I think it was after 01:30 last night, as late as 02:30.

Now, it is later than I had hoped.  But I got a few things done tonight, extra.  The chainsaw is ready, the concrete was evened out.  And, when it dries, will be ready for another bag or two.  Then I have plans for tar on top of even that.  Perfect?  Who knows.  But it's a start.  And, after over a decade here, some things are finally being attended.

I think it started with refreshing the water softener?  I think so, this time.  But... it was more than just doing it.  It was the idea behind doing it.  Then the success of it.  That opened something up.  But, too, somehow, I was able to get to it.  

It's not 23:00.  But may well be 23:30 before I get to bed.  So tired I can't quite focus on going to bed, or even standing.  Though, maybe, I'll get going before I think I would.  I got pills in, been doing pretty good with those.  Insulin is yet to be taken.  But... I... think it'll get in.

Wow.  What a gig.  I should be so ready for sleep, when I get up there.  The shower loosened things.  The pains, aches, pulls, bruises, scratches, and else, all just took a chill pill.  A lot of things are tired.  Some things are still feeling a bit of a sting.  But, really, the shower was like a massage.  Plus, I am clean.

I smelled of gas, oil, and other mechanical and else.  Nothing wrong with that, but... not good to sleep with.  I still smell a bit of gas, which I don't quite understand.  But, fine.  I know I am clean, so I'm not going to worry.  It may just be, as I get tired, my mind can't get the scent of gasoline out of my mind, not completely.  It used to happen, on subs, with oily smells.  Couldn't get clean enough, after a major effort, wrestling with devices, or machines, or sludge somewhere.

I took painpills Monday, and I think yesterday?  I'm going to take them today, too.  I just... need a bit more.  More my heart, this time.  Something in there is very tired.

Tomorrow?  If I didn't mention it, and since the concrete was purchased and used, I only have the stove to do.  Though, maybe, a bit of work in this front room.  The last of the boxes, plus the full boxes out.  An unused desk out.  Things out.  But no hurry or push.  And a steak.  I have one left.  Will enjoy it.  Other than that, will take it slower.  No more cement, that which was put down needs to dry.  Saturday at the earliest, but I am thinking more Monday, with that.  No more heavier work, until next week.  Then back to it.  I may, if I get bored with the slow pace, go out and manage one or two garden hoses, choosing to keep or toss, then tossing or storing.  Or do that Saturday, if I need some time off tomorrow.  Just... I want to clean the stove and oven.  Goodnight.

Show and tell.

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A visitor.  Helped level the cement.  Showed me how to check and set the chain on the chainsaw.  And, witnessed my efforts for the week.  Nothing he doesn't do.  In a day, and then some.  Three stop and fills, today?  Dug out by hand?  A twelve hour day, plus helping me?  Still.  He knows.  And, I think I did impress.

Wait until I get the house in order, in a month or so, if I can keep this up.  I'll never be able to do blue collar again.  Probably not even white collar.  While I have been doing well, my days have been slipping.  That, alone, would exclude me.  There, on the dot, or gone.  Or, that is how I remember things.

So, the chainsaw is ready.  I'll need more concrete in the hole, one or two more bags?  Plus, tar for on top.  He will be checking on that.  That and bar oil.  I'll keep some of it, but send him with most of it.  I don't use it all that much.  Though, I realize now, it does take a lot.  I am amazed I went through one and a quarter fills of that just with what I have been doing.  Still, that... is a bit of wood.

I won't be using it on the smaller branches, or twigs.  If I can't snap them, I'll use the sawzall.  Still, I have another... well... more to cut with the chainsaw.  Not until Monday though.

A shower, yet tonight.  Oh, he thought he might know where my shovels were.  And he was right.  I thought I checked out there?  I guess not.  Bleh.

He is thinking of getting a pig.  Not sure where to put it.  I... figured he was asking.  To my mind, sure.  For a trial run.  But, if going that way?  Get three.  He will have to pick up the food, create the fence (if I would help with the fence), and mostly take care.  But, if I can also have a pig, I would do the feeding and care one week out of three.  And, if one of us was sick or busy, there would be the other to take over.  Not sure that will fall through, but...  Oh, but I did say, if they get out?  That's... I can't really do that.  His plan, his responsibility.  On that score, I'd just be a rent seeker.  :p  Though, possibly, I could help with escaped pigs.  Just, not as the main antagonist.  Probably.

We'll see.  Two pigs?  Or just his one?  I have thought about pigs, myself, honestly.  I just can't do the fencing, and manage them.  And... there is some worry about neighbors.  Though, if well penned, and part of them being his, maybe they wouldn't be as much of a danger?  Dunno.

Yes, well.  A shower, then on to bed.  As soon as possible.  Still cooling off, and relaxing a bit, before getting things going.  Ugh.

Signs you have done enough?

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When the chainsaw blades comes off.  I got back out there, and did about half to two thirds? of the remaining pile of bigger logs.  I did have to add blade oil to the reservoir, it was nearing empty.  Still, it was a good go.  But... I am done.  For the week, at least for heavier work.

I still have the stove, grocery shopping, food, dishes, Sassy, and perhaps lighter indoor work.  But, the heavy stuff, and hitting it hard, no.  Done for the week.

It is sundown, or the clouds are making it so slightly early?  Too tired too look.  But the front door is open, and it sure looks like dusk.  Well, just for you, up and looked.  Not quite down, but it isn't the clouds.  It is just... nearly there.  Piercing light as it hits clouds or the mountains on that side.  But... getting very close.

Yea.  What a day, week.  Amazing.

Making supper.  Nothing fancy, a 'spaghetti dinner'.  Later.  Most likely goodnight.  I am going to get a shower in, after dinner, then try to get to bed a bit earlier.  Though, with someone possibly visiting, I may stay up to 22:30 if he hasn't shown.  But no later.  If he isn't here by then, he won't be.

Ah, I will see about how to get the chain back on the saw.  I have a lot more wood to go.  The sawzall would do some, most perhaps, of it.  But it would be slow as molasses in January.  Later, or more likely goodnight.

Well, got more.

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As I was going in to get the concrete, I realized I had boxes in the suv.  So, I went and dropped those off.  Extra work.  Often there is something(s) in the way, and... to keep going, you just have to work around it.  Tired, hot.  But... done.

Then to the store.  Eight bags, 60 pounds each, two trowels, a bigger and smaller one.  One may go back.  On the way home, the gas light came on.  I could have pushed it, but I didn't.  So, gasoline.

Then, on to home.  I checked the mail.  Not much.

At home, I unloaded five bags into the garage.  Put two into the wheelbarrow to be mixed, and left one in the hatch, for later, maybe, probably.  I brought the hose closer, turned it on, got the mix, and set the hose aside.  It all went right into the hole.  Not sure how that will work.  May just take longer to dry.  But moved it before even more water went in.

I just realized, I have no idea what I am doing.  So, I texted the neighbor.  Will... find out, what I find out, when I find that out.  A bit of a sit.  I'm tired.  Heat, out in town, on the road, in the stores, was rough.  But I did okay.

After a break, unless someone shows, I'll get to sawing more wood.  Not as much as I had hoped, but probably more than I should have expected.  Especially with the trip to town.  Still, I am shot.  I would have been pretty worn, with or without the trip to town, cement, and boxes.  But it was a good little work coup.  Nice.

Yea, more sawing.  Perhaps taking care of a few hoses.  The last steak?  Or maybe a 'pasta' dinner, with the leftover turkey crumble and some tomato sauce, or canned tomato?  Yea, that might be good.  And, possibly, a shower.  A very good week.  Hopefully a little milder Friday, and weekend.  Then another heavy week next week.

Next week?  The rest of the hoses, cutting shoots  from the trees, and small saplings that are popping up where they shouldn't be, the fences, because I won't get to them this week.  Maybe mowing, and keeping back up on watering.  Oh, and if I don't finish boxes, and clearing, this front room, to that.  Plus getting my sewing centers fully operational.

Those things, staying up on food and Sassy, doing some grocery shopping, and my monthly order.  Bleh.  Paying bills, laundry as needed, dishes.  But... wow.  I have done very well this week.  I think it was just this week, that I have been back to work?  I think so.  But what a week.  Awesome.

My right wrist really hurts.  All good.  Everything is tight.  Also very good.  My neck, back, and shoulders feel pretty good, to be honest.  Nothing actually hurts, save the wrist.  And that is more an ache than a pain?  Later.

No, I... am getting back to it.

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I wasn't absolutely sure.  Not tired, not hurting too bad, just... focus.  I didn't have focus.  Or... wasn't feeling a direction, pull, cause.  But, after an hour of naval-gazing, I got off my ass before I got stuck sitting on it.  OUT!  But what should I do?  OUT!  I don't care what you do, get out!

So... out I got.  I really wasn't feeling it.  But... I knew something easy.  The last of the pile of hay and other debris.  I got the wheelbarrow over, the pitchfork... yes, I have a pitchfork... and got to it.  Up, over, in, down, repeat.  I got it down to the nubs, as much as is possible with a pitchfork, which is... actually pretty good.

Then I got the hose, pulled it over, turned on the water, and... nothing.  Well, it was just that the hose wasn't connected.  A very quick easy fix.  Done.  Then I rinsed the sidewalks and back step down.  Nice.  It'll need another hit, soon.  May or may not get it before winter.  But, if things go well, I'll be back up on things in spring.  I should have taken the wheelbarrow out and emptied it.  Almost sprayed water into it.  Would have made that much into a ton-shitload.  But, made it, avoided that, and got it out and unloaded out there.  It disappears in a year or less.

Then I got to the logs.  I pulled out the sawhorses, so I had something higher to cut on.  Then I pulled the logs out, separating the much smaller ones from the actual log sized ones.  Then I further separated the oddballs, with two or three limbs, or already very short, out, for cutting first.

Good plan, as it turns out.  I ended up using some of the thinner branches, and a few of the thicker, to make another platform, upon which to stack the cut pieces.  And, I did get through the irregulars.  Pulling all of the lumber from out of weeds.  As a final set of small things, I pulled the last tpost, picked up the shovel, and grabbed a gardeners crook, for hanging potted plants, and put them in the outbuilding.  The tpost must have really been in there, as I broke the t off, underground.  Ugh.

But, that was it.  For a while.  I had hoped to get through all the wood, but while the chainsaw is a million cartoon times faster than the sawzall, it also weighs a shit-ton.  And, I am using it one handed.  So... yea.  The other option is to use my feet to hold, both hands on the saw, but to stoop.  No... I'll take the one handed sawing, please.  Thank you.

A bit of water.  As I sit and cool.  I'd like to get cement, but today?  Even tomorrow?  What a week!  I don't care if I didn't happen to do one more thing this week, what I have done is fantastic.  I don't even hurt all that much.  The wrist is getting worse.  And, yes, my torso muscles are... tightening to the tingling point.  And, sure, my legs are a little weary, biceps and triceps are like the midsection.  But, really, it's all pretty mild.  Oh, right, and cuts, scrapes, and bruises pretty much in the expected, but also most odd places imaginable.  But well deserved.  I have earned these things, and am enjoying the price for the payments.

Definitely need a break though.  I think I even need more chain oil.  It sure goes through that, as I filled it to overflowing in my clumsy go at it.  Yea.

Looks like a storm is definitely trying to brew.  Rather cloudy, but was up to 77 last I checked.  Still, a good day to be out working.  Yes, water!  Maybe some fruit, the mixed lot this time.  Later.

Not going fast.

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The chainsaw is oiled, has a fresh battery, and is ready in all other ways.  Sassy has been fed, and her litter boxes cleared.  I am finally getting to a bite and some coffee.  But, that is over a severe bloody nose that just won't stop.

It is just hitting 73 out there.  I have had the door open this morning.  It was 70/72 upstairs, but 68 everywhere down here.  Even now, it is just to 70 near the computer.  A very partly cloudy day.  I'm guessing the hurricane flushed any weather to the south and east of us up our way.  I strongly suspect we will get our share of that weather in a day or five.  Or sooner.  We had pretty hefty gusts last night, and I suspect it was from the hurricane.  As some things, and others go, this is a very small world.

I look at the clock, and wonder.  But, then, I did get up late.  And, even though I am getting to work lately, it always takes me two to four hours to get my butt in gear.  Given when I work, noon or thirteen hundred, wouldn't be that late of a start.  Though more so with this massive bleeder.  Though, when I back off working as hard this weekend, I am hoping to go to bed earlier, and hopefully wake up earlier.  I nearly woke at 7:38 this morning, just... couldn't quite get out of bed.  But I did wake, and enough to consider getting out of bed.

Oh, I set up sprouts, too.  With salad, even as a salad replacement, sprouts are fairly good.  Tasty?  Like any other salad.  Try it sometime.  Just add a little vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and maybe grated good parmesan, or a few sprinkles of cheddar, maybe sunflower seeds (if you can find non-Chinese) or other nuts.  Nothing fancy, but very economical, good nutritional density, as tasty as any other green thing, and you can grow it yourself in a few days.  In some ways, you can't beat it.  Go fancy?  Add red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, and any right oil (avocado, olive oil, or such).  perhaps a pinch of spice, hot or savory.  Or, add it to a tuna sandwich, or other sandwich, for some crunch.  Life rarely gives you a cheap, easy, diy food item.  Take it when you can get it.  Sure, the seeds cost a bit, especially by the pound.  But that pound will last a year, and make fifty pounds of sprouts.  At least it does me.

Vegetarian?  You know better.  Certainly not vegan.  Closer to carnivore, just not an absolutist.  I don't mind cheating on meat, from time to time.  Hippy?  What a larf.  You absolutely know better.  Had to laugh when I was telling a woman about sprouts, and she asked if I was a hippy.  She is far closer, doesn't even know it.  Thinks it's by food or even appearances.  Not liberal ideas, which her head was full of... what a silly gander.

Well... on to looking around the web.  Perhaps gaming for a bit.  Then to the wood pile.  And, maybe, after that... who knows.  Later.

Awake already.

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While it is 09:00, was when I woke, I didn't get to bed until between 01:30 and 02:30.  I was sore, too.  I didn't think I'd be up all that early, but wanted to be.  Given the givens, this is... rather early.

I'm not too terribly sore today.  The wrist thing is back, but mildly.  And there are other minor aches and pains, here and there, if mostly back in the corners.  They don't stand out until I go to use the muscle or joint or whatever.  No, I'm in pretty good shape.

A bit weary.  But given the week?  I am often this weary, or worse, having done nothing.  This isn't... anything special.

The bar oil was delivered.  I'll have to figure out how to get in into the saw now.  Oh, there might be a reservoir?  I've forgotten.

Today?  Cutting up logs into shorter logs, and stacking them... after sorting out the chainsaw.  Pulling the fencing out, and I found another tpost.  I had tried to arrange something, but it didn't work out and I never pulled that post.  Getting in to buy cement mix.  Since I am using three or four, and want to have four to six on hand?  I think eight, but would prefer ten.  But... money.  

Then again, I have used five or six bags recently.  It can be handy.  On the post for the hammock.  And the posts for the clothes lines.  Which are all very solid.  It is very handy for some odd things.

If I can, boxes in this front room.  Empties torn down, those with things moved out.  Oh, garden hoses sorted and properly disposed or stored.  Lots of things to do.  Just waking, so... groggy.  The listing is just to get things percolating, in the mind.  Hmm, and unless we get some water, I'll have to water the lawn again, but tonight.  Ah, raking, too.

A lot of that is hefty work.  Not sure I can get all of it.  Even wrangling hoses is... a lot more work than it sounds.  I did find, and put up, two extra sprinklers yesterday.  Always something else around, about, or in the way.

Breakfast would be nice.  Not sure what though.  A few meat sticks, some water, and a cup of fruit?  I have a choice of grapefruit and a mixed fruit.  Either that or a hot cereal.  A fatted coffee, first, as I try to figure out my morning, then day.

Tomorrow will be a lighter day.  Especially if I get the cement today, and get that down.  If I do that, then tomorrow will just be the stove and oven, cleaning those down to the shine.  If I get the cement, but don't get it mixed and poured, that will be done tomorrow.  And if I don't pick it up, it'll all be tomorrow... or Saturday.

I am feeling it.  But I should be.  While I wouldn't call that actual work.  No one would pay for the pace of work.  It is still daily, and slightly heavy, work.  Three days in a row so far.  And plans for one more, and lighter work for a fifth day.  Maybe even into a sixth. I'll... appreciate Sunday, for the gift it is, this week.  Later. 

Really slowed down.

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But, I did get the dishes dried, and set to finish air drying.  Then, finally, got a shower in finally, just now.

I am sore, cut, bruised, and feeling it in other ways, all over the place.  Even so, I am quite pleased.  Further, I think I'll be able to work tomorrow too.  Very strange.  But I will take as much of it as I can.  What a magical thing.

Another cup of grapefruit.  I really like that... bite?  Right.  They did well, and it doesn't have high carbs.  Well, nothing the fruit doesn't natively have.  And, in a four ounce pack, it's... keto affordable, from time to time.  Especially when I am actually able to work, and doing so.  Could become addictive though.  But... I have a way to fix that.  I run out, and can't afford more!  But, I am learning to back off, take it easy on consumption.

I am getting ready for bed.  I wanted to ease in, have the shower several hours ago, then air dry gently as I headed to bed.  But I just... I... worked hard.  I had to sit for a while.  All good.  On to bed now.  Almost magic.  Or... more magic than not?  I'm going to keep working.  Goodnight.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Who is out there?

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Someone is seeking, finding, showing, and telling.  Okay.

I don't mind.  I'm just... I do a few little things, and somebody gets... curious, interested, excited, and... a bit more.  All good.  Quite a show they put on.

I need more.

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I did get the bag I had mixed, and in, leveled to a degree.  But it needs more.  Like... two, three, more bags?  On payday, I'll pick up eight or ten bags.  Eight.  But it is a start.  Though I can't find my shovels, either.  I used one just yesterday, but it is even gone.  I had a square one, a long and short handled spade, and a few others.  I did find the deep short handled spade, but... the others?

I am pretty shot.  I'll try to get the dishes finished, and get a shower in.  With dinner out, I don't have to worry about that or dishes from cooking.  Tomorrow I get the last steak.  It's a good run.

My right wrist, for some reason, is really sore.  Legs are a bit achy.  Even my midsection is a bit pained, but from using muscles, not... just because.  All very good.  And, even so, I think I can do more work tomorrow.  With the chainsaw blade oil, I can cut the last of the wood down to size, and get it stacked.  As well, I can probably get the last of the pile of hay and debris scooped and out.  Possibly gather the garden hoses, and sort those as keepers and store them, or tossers and throw them.

I doubt if I will be working fast, tomorrow.  So, that might be it.  Friday is payday, so... yea.  I hope to do the stove and oven, clean to the shine.  But, I also need to pick up cement.  I suppose, if I use a bigger cart and the big box hardware, I can get that.  Easier to do it earlier.  It would be nice to do it tomorrow, but I just don't have the money.  Could put it on a card though?  Hmm... I do have the card of the better big box hardware?  Or... one of them.  Yes, might as well.  Then just pay it off.  A two day skip.  That might work.

So, Friday would be the oven, and the rest of the concrete if I don't do it tomorrow?  Something like that.  Wow.  What a week.  I am hoping to do lighter, interior, stuff this weekend.  I'd like to get my sewing stations set up, arranged, organized, and going.  Including putting up those pegboards.  But... I'm not sure if I want them upstairs, or if I am going to use the spare bedroom for cutting and pattern work?  Hmm... though... that is for thread, and the sewing machines are for upstairs?  I think so.  If required, I'll bring them down if upstairs doesn't work.  Ugh.

Next week?  Raking.  The whole yard.  Mowing, and watering, perhaps a bit more weed whipping.  But, more indoor work.  Oh, and one more treatment on the water softener.  Finding any last branches, leaves, or else.  And cutting the trees and tree sprouts.  Right.  With the chainsaw going, that should be far easier than with the hand pruners, sheers, or even the sawzall.

Dang it, people?  Why couldn't I do this before.  This... well it isn't all I want, but it is sure a reasonable start.  I don't mind busting my butt.  I like to sweat.  I even like to hurt.  Sore muscles are a gift!  Oddly, I don't even have much soreness.  Less than I usually do just sitting around doing nothing.  I guess I'll have to work harder next week!  *grins*  *rictus grins*

Later, or goodnight.

Often more than it seems.

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I thought one wheelbarrow load would clear the hay, dirt, and else.  How about three, and it isn't quite done.  But... that's... all I'm doing for that for now.  I then loaded the concrete into the wheelbarrow.  Initially taking it to the hose, but realizing, when wet, that'll weigh a brick ton.  So I moved it over to near where I will be pouring it.  Then I got the hose hooked up, and over.  I did find a prayer, but it's... not working well.

I will figure that out, when I can get back out.  Got a bit worn down.  Had to take a break before I could finish the project.  Oh, but I did get the weed whip going, and hit the area a bit.  If I could find the leaf blower, I would use that.  I just can't, so I won't.  I might have a broom out there.

But, yeah, I will get the cement mixed, and poured, today.  Sweating like a dog?  Pigs don't sweat.  Whatever.  But, yes.  And I am getting tired.  Nothing I didn't earn, don't deserve, even if I was a standard joe.  

Meat sticks, cups of grapefruit, and cold water.  All good.  I need to cool down before I can get to the cement.  But... other than cement, dishes, a shower, and food, I am pretty much done for the day.  I may see about a meal out, for being a good boy.  I just... don't want to cook.  Plus, with dishes all done, it will be good to take a bit of time off from cooking.

Hell of a day.  Hell of a week.  Work done inside and out.  Clothes, laundry, firewood, fallen branches, hay and dirt, cement too if I get to it.  I still have some cutting to do, but then all the bigger branches will be managed.  And I can begin working on the smaller sticks.  That and get the last of the fencing pulled, and both parts rolled and tucked away.  

I'm loving this.  The neck is getting cranky, right to the start of a headache.  But other than that, things are pretty good.  Muscles are just fine.  Legs muscles are cranky off and on, yeah.  Still, given what I have done, that everything isn't screaming, from internals to muscles, to joints and else?  I'm good.

Even if it hurts tomorrow, I'll just go a little slower, as needed.  If the wheelbarrow is dry, I'll get the last of the hay.  The fencing down and stowed.  Oh, I should have bar oil, so can begin, and maybe finish, cutting the wood down to size, and stacking it.  I think I will be able to get those things done.  Maybe boxes, in here, if I don't hit those later.  And clearing this room, by parts.  Yes, tomorrow, possible.  If I can stand.

I'd like more fruit, but it won't be cold.  Cool, from the basement, but... yea no.  Just a bit longer down, then on to the cement.  Later.

Slowing down fast.

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I did get the dishes washed, then reset.  I should be able to finish those yet tonight.  There aren't that many.  Then, I got out and got things cut from wire, or untied by rope.  I think the tarp is shot, though... I'll look at it when I'm in better shape.  I got one of the fences pulled loose from the weeds, the other one about half done.  

Then, I gathered all the cut lumber that was around here and there, and got that to the pile, and stacked.  The large rocks were left.  I had four to move, but... heavy.  Very, very, heavy.  Even the wheelbarrow struggled with them.  I got those out along my frontage, and placed them, stacking them neatly.

I'll tell you, untying rope which has been knotted for years, out in the weather, was... a trick.  It wasn't as heavy of work?  But it was harder, in some ways.  With the rocks, and logs, I had my arms, legs, back, and mass, to put into it.  But with rope, all I had was finger strength.  It was a work out, of it's own kind, in it's own way.  Still, I... like undoing knots.  I tie some damn fine knots, I'll say that.

I looked for the chainsaw bar oil, but couldn't find it.  I checked with the neighbor.  Nope, neither did he have it or know where mine was.  Had some ideas, but the places he suggested are the places I looked.  Not that they aren't there, only I couldn't find them there, or in a few other choice places.  I asked if he has some.  He does, but he won't be home until 22:00, give or take.

He offered that I go get it, from his place, but... I... don't think so.  I don't go... anywhere, without more than just permission, but in accompaniment with one of the residents.  Just... how I do.  Perhaps tomorrow, but it'll be a drop and fly, no time to chat.  Work.  All good.

Not sure how much heavy I can get done today.  I'd like to get the hay and grass and dirt from the sidewalk, that I cleared yesterday, into the wheelbarrow then out.  And I really want to get the cement set up and poured.  As well, I really am hoping to get the tarp and hammock set up.  Not sure about that, but... it's on the very short list.  

Other than that?  Dishes, dinner, and a shower later.  Hopefully earlier, well before bedtime, so I can cool and relax in the evening, as I dry, in short, a muscle shirt, and flipflops.  Already 17:00!?!  Ah, I was up late, for going to bed so late.  Right.  I best hit that cement, or it'll cool more than I would like, too soon.  Bleh.  Or should I wait until tomorrow?  No, I'll... get to it.  But, that means moving the dirt, hay, and weeds first.  Which shouldn't be a thing.  I... just had hoped for a little break.  Oh well.  Later.

On it.

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Three batteries refilled, two to go.  Well, and the one I am using down.  I will power them all up for now.

Next, I got every major twig into the outbuilding.  I'll... sort that when... when I sort that.  But for now, it is out of the rain.  Then I stacked all of the already cut-to-size logs on the platform I constructed.  That's... a bit of wood.  Half a cord?  Two thirds?  It's... a nice little pile.  Plus I have a quarter to half more, in wood to be cut down.

I went, next, for the tposts.  Okay.  Gloves... were all the tools I needed, external.  That was some ass puckering pulling though.  Damn, but that was some work.  Still, I got all but one out.  It is wired to the fencing, and to ta post near it.  I'll have to cut that out.  Which... is fine.  I was just done, at that point, for a bit.  I even moved the tposts over to lean against the building they will be put in.

Next I have the fence wire to roll and stow.  Then cut the last tpost loose, and add it to the others.  As well, there is an old tattered tarp, wired along the fence.  I'll get that down.  And, if it still has some use to it, will put it over the woodpile.  Either that or get rid of it.  I have two over the rabbit cages.  I can use one of those otherwise.

Then, if else is possible, concrete to be mixed and poured.  Nothing fancy.  It shouldn't be too tricky.  Everything needed is in the bag, except water.  Though, first, I may go around the yard, picking up wood, so the wheelbarrow isn't wet.  THEN hit the cement.  The wheelbarrow won't be good for else for a day or two of drying after the cement.  In my opinion.

Doing well.  Happy with how things are going.  Not moving as fast, or getting to as much, but doing much heavier work.  So, there is always an exchange.  I may hit the dishes.  I did get those in, to soak, last night after the shower.  So, yea, so there.  I'll bet you thought I'd fail on that.  I sure did.  But I didn't.  :)

Ugh, hoses, and fencing, and cement.  Cleaning the suv, or what I can get to with the boxes in the back.  Dishes, batteries, cutting logs down to size.  I wonder if the chainsaw has chain oil.  It drips out, over time.  Always have to fill that.  Batteries will be good, there is that.  But, yes, the chainsaw would get the wood cut down a million times faster, in cartoon world time.

A bit stiff, but not... dysfunction ally so.  A bit weary, but nothing that will stop me.  Thinking clearly, and with remaining coordination.  I... lose that, usually, when stamina has hit a wall.  But, no, I'm... going well.  But... why?  It's a bit hot out there, as I work, at least to me.  But, yea, I am still hitting it.

Yes, dishes, then batteries, then a bit more butt time.  Then... to it again.  I'm... excited, thrilled, overjoyed.  I would do all of this and more, every day, if I could.  I really do like this.  It isn't just working, though it is good seeing things done.  It is just doing things.  Using my hands, changing my world, improving things.  Perhaps not procreative, but creative, functional, useful.  I'd rather dig ditches than be stuck at home, though if I can dig ditches, I'd bet a small fortune I can do more.  Much more.

Just a bit more of a break until dishes, though.  I'm sipping some cool water.  Yea.  That's good.  With a fan going,  for seeming what little that helps.  Still, it'll have to do.  Later.

Well, started.

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The little things!  Batteries, for the sawzall.  Sure, could have gotten cords, and used that one.  But, that would have been at least as much work.  Besides, after tumbling through a few, I found one that was still full power, so slapped that one in.  Though, not wanting to waste an opportunity, I have started recharging batteries, as I do other work.  One is already fully charged, one of the tiny ones, and put in the flashlight unit.

Then, I got the sawzall out and got to it.  Branching the limbs, taking off the small twigs.  Then stacking the larger bare limbs.  I ended up with, say, eight smaller tree sized limbs.  Which, when cut and stacked correctly, make for a excellent platform to stack the cut to burn wood I have.  Yea.  I did use a few of the shorter lengths, for filler.  Very good.

Before that, I got the towels in.  Finally dry, so they were pulled, clothes pins gathered, towels folded, and even put away.  Have to take a break.  Then again, just the woodworking was more than I probably did, physically, the whole of yesterday.  That wood is dense.  Harder than walnut, I would wager.  Definitely harder than oak.  And it weighs it, even when bone dry.  So, lifting, cutting, tossing each to it's pile, then hauling, and restacking, almost nesting, ten foot limbs?  Yes, that... was some work.

Even so I don't feel horrible.  I just need a little sit time and some air, while I finish some coffee.  Or all of it.  Then, maybe, get some water.

I'll check the batteries before I go back out.  No laundry to do, or not enough for my tastes.  I want a load, of at least ten pounds, and an armful.  Hmm, wool doesn't weigh so much, but there might be enough, given how little there really is?  No.  I'll go through everything, and get woolens all in, for a large load, for the start of the cool season, perhaps gathering it this weekend?  When I'm doing lighter duty, sorting and such.

I think I can get the pile restacked.  Then begin cutting down the longer lengths.  Plus, at least getting the twigs into the outbuilding. to avoid them being rained on until I can get to them, next week perhaps.  I can do that.  As well, I am hoping to scoop up what I raked off the sidewalks, wheelbarrow that out back near the other outbuildings, though not too close.  Then pick up and make decision on garden hoses... which to keep, which to toss.  I will keep the ones I am currently using out there.  But, I have an extra sprinkler, and several good hoses, I'll put up for the year.

If I can do that, then most just beginning in this room.  Finishing the boxes, pulling sorted boxes and other keepers (and even tossers if there are some) out.  Sweeping, perhaps.  But, doing that mostly while sitting.  Though, if that gets dull, I may set up cement, and fill the hole, or give it a good shot.  And, if that isn't enough?  I'd like to get to branches and twigs coming up from trees or just trees growing where they shouldn't.

Who knows what I can get to today.  Though, too?  Today or tomorrow, I'd like to get the tarp and hammock up.  Yea.  I've been waiting to do that for... a year now?  Sheesh.  All things in their time?  Maybe.  But it does look like the time is coming.  I'll get to enjoying my down time, then get back out there.  Won't get anything done just sitting around!  Later.

Well, finally.

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My legs do hurt.  From stooping, bending, walk, lifting.  Muscles.  But no worries.  I'll keep at things.  I am pretty sure I am nearing the end though, for a while.  Or of the more intense work efforts.  I am hoping to get the wood pile sorted, the branches and twigs managed, and most of the garden hoses picked up, checked, and either disposed or stored.  All of it?  Most of it?  Wood pile is priority.

It was 67, I think, last time I checked, about an half hour ago.  The clouds are slowing the warming.  Checked the towels, not quite dry.  I'll keep checking them.  Closer.  As it warmed they sure got better, again.  Almost dry last night, just didn't get there.  Then night humidity, dew, crept in.

A fatted coffee and a few meat sticks.  Breakfast will be light.

A bit of browsing, then gaming, to wake.  I am trying a new part of the game, specially formulated master sections, redone, made much more difficult.  I'm... going to do a bit of reading on those.  Not sure they are practical for pleasure players.  More for the fan-boy zeroheads?  Dunno.  Will look.  Then again, the game seemed difficult to start.  And, at some levels of difficulty, are difficult.

Just trying to wake up, to get out and begin on the pile.  The big one first.  The branches, if need be, can just be put in the outbuilding, and dealt with there, as desired.  Oh, and I'd like to get the fencing down and stored.  Those three things, before my legs totally give out, it is hoped.

Then I can do things in here, seated.  Work on tearing down boxes, sort through boxes, even light clearing of this room if I will have to walk.  I won't have to stoop too much.  And can go at a slower pace.  And, clearing and cleaning upstairs, too, can be done mostly while seated.  Then again, the legs won't probably go totally.  Just... become a little less dependable, and won't want to be on them for hours, or even too many minutes at a time.

One more day of work, after this.  And, only one major project Friday... cleaning the stove and oven.  Cleaning it deeply, well, even pulling it and cleaning the sides.  Maybe under it.  A complete, inside and out, scrubbing, and of the floor used for it's base.  Yea.  That is Friday.  Until then, those things on my list, inside and out.  Two more days of more intense work, a day of focused work, and light work on the weekend.

With dishes and else being kept up, I can do light bathroom straightening and cleaning, and the kitchen getting a bit more organized, on the weekends.  But... light, slow, easy paced work.  Not killing it.  Just... doing it.  While I can, I will.  It's like something was unlocked.  The cage bars were flung open, and I could initially crawl, then sprint, out.

Well, on to the wood pile.  After I finish my coffee.  Later.

Eight hours down.

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I didn't get to bed until 01:39?  About that.  Up at 09:30.  Not bad.  Surprised, but up I got, am.  A bit worn, but not yet really feeling it.  Strange.  A lot of mucus to remove this morning, but it was a cool night.  It was 64/65 upstairs, 64/69/69 down here, and was only up to 55 outdoors.  But the sun had been being blocked by clouds.  Which is part of why I didn't wake earlier?  Possibly.  The sun is coming out though, and it is starting to warm.  Didn't see if the sun will make it out, fully, or for long.  But seems to be on that path.

I checked the towels, still a bit moist.  Possibly from dew.  I put dinner dishes away, as I fed Sassy and started the water for a coffee.  I don't hurt, pretty much, anywhere.  Not terribly, or even a bit?  Very strange.  A bit weary, down in my bones.  But nothing I don't often feel, regardless of what I do or don't do.  And, actually, my shoulder feels a LOT better.  The one that has been troubling me since spring?  When, too, I was working hard, if not quite this hard?  Strange.

I have been doing things, exercises, rotations, specific efforts and things, just to work on that.  But I have been doing those things all summer.  Strange that it would all of a sudden just... heal.  Or, at least abate, for a while.  There is still a stiffness to the joint?  No, but it still seems limited, a bit.  Not a stiffness, a lack of... a sense of freedom of movement, compared to the other shoulder.  But, it is vastly better than it has been all summer.

Dressed, in layers, and long sleeve tshirt, plus the house robe, socks, and shoes, this morning.  I don't want to fall to the cool.  I still have so very much to do!

Today?  As mentioned, resetting the pile, if first by developing the lower layer, maybe a second layer.  Then stacking the firewood on top of that.  Then cutting what is too long down to fit into that pile.  As well, possibly getting the twigs broken down into starter lengths, and storing those.

Oh, and cement filling the hole in the driveway.  As well, taking down the fencing, in two areas.  Getting the tposts out, and getting all that minimized and stored in the outbuilding.  Then, maybe, mowing with the riding lawnmower.  As well, there are trees and sprigs from trees to be cut, bundled, and moved to dry and then be managed from there... either thrown or put into the starter bundles.  Of course, it might not be at all possible to get all of that done today.  Plus, I would like to do some things in the house, when it gets too hot out there.

In the house?  The rest of the boxes, in this front room.  Broken down and put in the suv.  Then, begin emptying this room.  As well, work, generally, in the kitchen and bathroom.  And, finally, back to the sewing areas.  Cleaning, clearing, resetting.  I purchased pegboard, and 4" 'triceratops' pegs, upon which to sort thread cones.  I need to decide where to put that, get it up, and begin storing thread.  I may need to order a few more of those pegs, always something.

Of course, there is sorting through boxes, here, there, everywhere.  And getting them into the spare bedroom, if they are keepers, into the cleared out front room if they are to go.  Of course, after clearing out and cleaning the front room.

Oh, and to begin cleaning and clearing the Xterra.  Then working on it, by parts and bits over moments.  Yeah, I... have that to tinker with too.

As well, I need to keep up on myself, Sassy, and any other problems which could get in the way between now and then.  I've got more to do than a man can chew off in a moment.  But, thankfully, I have the rest of my life!  :)  I'll... surely... need it.  Well, time for some coffee, then to brush my teeth, wake a bit, then get going.

Good morning and day.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

A shower.

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And, yes, supper dishes  were put to a soak.  As I ease my way to bed, I do believe I will finish the dishes too.  What a day.  I'm not even zonked, conked out, zoned, or... anything.  A bit... off?  Yes, but normal for bedtime.  Not even always for a long day.

I did check the towels, before getting into the shower.  They are nearly there, but just not quite.  It was 52 then, might be down into the high 40s by now.

It's exciting to have worked as much as I did.  I did more than what even I wrote.  For every big thing, I did an half dozen small things, or a few.  Some listed, many not... just forgotten.  Things in the way, by the way, or just visible to do at a moment, then forgotten once completed.

Picking up, straightening some things, cleaning this or that.  I really didn't think I could work like this.  Not even during the spring did I ever do this much in probably even a week?  Just today.  But add today with yesterday and I have done a ton of work.  At this sort of pace, I could redo the house, to what I can do, in a month or two.  Windows, walls, floors, boxes sorted and stored or ready to toss.  Painting, fixing, organizing.  We'll see.

I even remembered medicine.  I'll check the litter boxes one last time, after I wash, rinse, dry, and set out supper dishes.  Hey?  Would you say a prayer?  I am afraid I might literally work so far past my limits that I end up dead.  I... don't mind dying, or living, just... say a little prayer that... things go according to God's plans, for me, would you?  I don't even mind pain, if that must come to pass.  Nothing fancy, just talk to Him as you would a favored male elder relative, and just say those exact words.  Goodnight.

I got a shower before I am in the shower!

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And it is getting chilly out there.  Down into the mid to upper 50s, but an hour ago.  Two?  Though I doubt if it has hit the 40s yet.  Still, getting hit with the sprinkler, full blast, several times?  Chilly.  Though it didn't make me cold.  Strangely, despite the output for the last few days, my body isn't cold, even cool.  Usually that much work would drag me down to where I couldn't stay warm, even in the 70s.

Something is happening, something different.  All good.

Twenty minutes left for watering, than an official shower.  A bit of time to watch that show.  Then on to bed after I feel dry enough.  I may put dinner dishes in to soapy soak after the shower.  And, may even get them finished up, rinsed, dried, and set out to air dry for the night.

Watering started.

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The towels won't be done tonight.  Which is fine, I still have one clean, to use.  It's about time, so water works is going.  I did adjust one of the sprinklers, as it was going to get some of the twigs wet.  Even if that doesn't bother them too much, it does make them much heavier, and more difficult to break.

The ground turkey turned out very good.  So, some of the fake rice, beef and mushroom sauce, and a side of beats, should do well.  I'm letting the last of the water from slight steaming of the 'rice' work out, reducing the liquids to more of a gravy.  All keto, tonight, save maybe the beats.  But I can live with that.

After dinner, and watering, I'll get a shower, air dry a bit myself, then head on to bed.  Today is... a miracle.  Yesterday was a miracle, this is direct divine intervention!  I can't believe I have done this.  It's... all I wanted to do.  It's been in the planning for... months.  Years, some of it.  It isn't over, but it sure has started.  Now, it might be done.  I don't know how things will be tomorrow.

If I can, I'll hit the wood pile, setting up the longer lengths to act as the platform, remove the ones that are too short for a full length base.  Then begin stacking the small logs.  Possibly, then, cutting the longer mid length stuff down, and stacking that.

As well, I'd like to get the fencing out, down.  Roll up the wire fencing, and put that in the outbuilding.  And, then, get the t-posts out and in there.  Plus, perhaps, concrete the hole in the driveway?  For outdoors.

I'll need to keep checking the towels, and get those in when they are dry.  Perhaps do a final load of dishes.  Tear the final boxes down, up here in this room, and begin stripping this room down.  Who knows what else.  Maybe some work in the bathroom and kitchen?  Little bits and pieces.  I even kept up on Sassy's needs, and fed my face too.  Not bad.  Really, a very solid day.  I didn't even know that was still possible.

Well, on to dinner... and that show I was watching.  I never got back to it, but it is still on?  Ha!  Too busy.  Later, or goodnight.

I'm not done after all.

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I  went to check on the towels.  If I checked, they weren't dry.  If I didn't, I don't think they are dry.  :p

But, while out there, I decided to set up watering, just for the front yard section.  I can't water in back, I'm working with the wood.  It would, everywhere I could water back there, or on the side yard, drench the wood, or some of it.  So, no.  But, I can hit the two zones on the front yard.

Not yet, but it is set up for it.  At least the first zone.  I'll have to moves things for the last zone.  It's getting a bit rough out there.  But, trimmed, and with water happening, perhaps it will improve.  Hopefully, the next time I go to do things, I'll have the wood out of the way.  And, maybe, will be able to mow some of it, for a last run.

After doing that, though, I saw that part of the back porch, to the west, was... rough.  So, I moved a bale of wood chips, then began raking.  And along the house.  Some of it was easy, some of it was  bit caked.  So, I got several different rakes, for various parts of it, and raked down to the sidewalk, on both sides of the 'L', which had gotten covered with hay, packed with dirt, and else.  

Quite a nice little deal.  A bit more work, work not even on my list.

Now to get to work on dinner.  I hope it works out.  If not, I go hungry tonight.  Not a bad thing.  While not planned, fasting... does a body good.  I'd much rather eat, but then, again, I haven't fasted in a while.  Save when I couldn't cook, or clean in order to cook, or get to the grocery store.  But those don't count. Neither would this evening.  Besides, I had breakfast.

Not bad.  Not bad at all.  I'll set watering to start at about 20:00, then let it run an half hour or so, in the two front zones.  Should do just fine.  I can still be to bed by 22:00, and maybe have the towels in, if they are dry.  And get a shower.  Hmm... best shower ahead of time, or plan to be up a bit later?  I'll get dinner going, and see where I get from there.

It is down to 70, and the sun is down now, at 19:06, though probably a bit earlier still?  It'll cool quickly, or usually does lately.  Could get down into the 40s, maybe 30s?  Maybe not, rather warm.  Though, you never can quite tell which way it will go.  The world is being altered.  This isn't natural.  Not warming.  Might be cooling, though I am not sure if it is significant yet.  Why would they push global warming?  To get you to let them do things which will kill many of you.  Oh, go get your vax update, and shut up.  No, you don't get it, but will.

On to dinner, I hope.  Later.

Almost done.

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The towels, the big ones, aren't dry yet.  The shirts, dishtowels, and else, were all ready.  So, after weed whipping a few areas up front, and along the driveway, I grabbed those in.  Taking them upstairs to fold and sort.  Bringing down all the towels from now and previous laundry.

I can hope the big towels will dry by bedtime.  I'll check them.  Other than those, which are beyond my control, I only have a shower to manage.  And, maybe, food to wrangle.  I'll try to turkey burger.  If it fries up well enough, doesn't taste too old, and such, I'll add some keto beef gravy and the miracle noodle rice, or the other rice.  Maybe a side of something.  Beats?  Maybe.  They go well with beefy type food.

Or, maybe not.  But a shower, after I have cooled down, nearing sundown.  Perhaps checking, and hopefully bringing in the bath sheets before.  Well, I still have to make the bed.  I tore it down this morning, as it was a mess even last night but I couldn't do a whole lot about it.  I meant to make the bed sometime during the day, but... I've been busy.  I have to do it tonight.  All good.  Sassy is enjoying being up there.  She loves my bed, at least when there are no blankets, just the sheet, on it.  Strange bird?  I suppose we are all strange birds.

What a day!  Sweating?  Yes, covered in it, slathered.

Tomorrow?  Fixing, or finishing, the wood pile, with what fits.  Possibly cutting things to fit, for the base.  As well, maybe cutting some of the rest, so as to fit the pile, and burn easily, if needed.  Plus, maybe getting the concrete mixed, and poured, in the drive... to fill the hole.  Might look for a tar to cover that, seal it maybe, for the winter?  Dunno.  Thinking on it.

Oh, and a personal thing?  Maybe put the hammock up out there, with a tarp over it?  Maybe.  Perhaps even sleeping out in it, tomorrow night, just for a lark.  Or several nights.  It should be cool enough.  I'll be in at least a tshirt and heavy pajama bottoms, probably too with longjohns, and maybe a housecoat... black or plaid.  What I often wear when doing things in the cooler part of the day.  Or minus the housecoat.  It's what I have been working in today.  I just never saw fit to getting properly dressed!  But, it is enough.

Still this week?  Other than getting the wood sorted and stored up, the cement fix to the drive, this room is still high on the list, as is getting some boxes everywhere sorted, stored, possibly ready to toss.  But, clearing this room down to the nubs, as much as possible, and cleaned floor to ceiling as needed, is the gig.  Then begin putting boxes to be tossed in here.  Stored neatly and ready for the dumpster.

I won't be able to tar the drive until next month, no money to work with.  Though, from here on, I am cutting spending, getting a few things managed otherwise, and just spending on things like the dumpster rental and pickup, and minor home improvement things.  Perhaps a few gallons of better pain, and equipment, but a slow build up... enough to paint a few rooms.  But, slowly, storing up and paying off.  I have been stuck on spend, for a while.  I have as much as I can have, for now.  Now to go back into ant mode.  Though the grasshopper mode was an expense of extreme ant mode.  Do you not remember the children's tale?  Perhaps they don't teach that anymore?  Why would they, they don't want you to think, or plan, just eat it all and hope for tomorrow.

Very nice.  I am so pleased.  I didn't think I'd be able to work, after yesterday.  Not sure how I am doing this... by the grace of God?  It certainly isn't from my graces, or form.  But I am loving it.  Even the pain is... a pleasure.  It is earned.  I can give that to God.  He's... used to getting that from me.  A cripple's form of a widow's mite, I suppose.  Not much, but all I have.  If, too, I try to give Him prayer, gratitude, spread His blessings to family, friends, and enemies.  I do what I can.

Well... on to a bit of a rest.  Then perhaps to the turkey and else if it makes a reasonable meat crumble.  Some in for dinner, should it work out.  Some for another meal.  Oh, I think I have a few more.  I should put those in the fridge-freezer before I forget them again.  Not as good as hamburger, but not bad.  And lower calorie, for what that's worth.

Good afternoon, evening, day.

Oh yea?

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Yea.

I... got back to it.  Okay, I didn't get as far as I thought I would be now.  But I got much farther than... I had any real hope to get.

Everything, off the line, from earlier, is in and upstairs.  Sorted, or actually in it's place.  As well as the folding contraption... dusted, washed, and ready.  Then, I tore through the woodpile, getting everything away from the building. removing dirt so it wasn't touching the building, pulled even down from the slope of the cement base for the building.

I then set up the cinder blocks, some two by fours, and some of the longer lengths of branches.  Not the full length ones, though perhaps those would have been better... cut to fit.  But, it is what it is, at the moment.  I may redo that, come to think of it, but tomorrow, or later.  Still, the stack table is roughly in.  Maybe a few changes in time, but good for right this moment.

No need to trim, pulling the logs out took the weeds with it, what little was there.  Mostly just creepers, on top.  Gone.  Besides, I used all the gasoline from the tank yesterday, so would need to refill that.  Not that the two are... necessarily connected, since there was no need for it in that area, just saying.

But, after getting that torn out, dug out, and rearranged, I needed a break.  Took a short one out there.  Then thought to fill the tank, but... thought laundry would be first.  So, I got the clothes off the line, all that remained, got them in and up and sorted.  Then put the whites out.  Big towels are a wrestle.  But, done.  Then I gassed the trimmer.

NOW I can take a... but, actually, I put the dishes from breakfast up!  And... a few other things.  Found a few boxes, back in the laundry room, and brought them up for future processing.  Ugh.  But, yes, now some cold water and a rest.

It doesn't look like I'll be getting rabbits, so I'm going to try to give the feed away.  It's rather fresh, from earlier this summer, and "official" feed.  So...  Otherwise, out it goes this week, or next.  Whenever I have room for it next.

If I can, later, I'll do some weed whipping up front.  And, I am hoping the towels will be dry by bedtime.  Not sure, those are massive towels.  It was up to 78, perhaps 80.  But is already down to 76.  Still, the towels and things from earlier got bone dry out there, fairly quickly, and while it was still earlier and cooler.  So there is a chance.  Hmm... though, if I get a shower in, I may see about putting a final round of dirty dishes to soak.  Not much left, but good to get it going.

What a day.  Other than trimming, I think that is it for the day.  Well, maybe a shower, a bit later.  What a day indeed.

A break now?

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I got to the bathroom.  I guess that was a break.

Then?  Then I washed the folding mechanism, and the dishes.  Rinsed and dried those, since they were ready, and put them on the freezer top.  Topped off the last of the water containers, so was able to run a last tank through, then filled the reservoir.

Next, laundry.  I put the load in the machine out, what goes out, and put the rest in the dryer.  I guess I already got the stuff in the dryer out, from earlier?  I... didn't even remember doing that.  While hanging the new load, I checked the previous loads.  One was definitely dry, was was brought in.  The other was iffy, so stayed.  I took everything dry upstairs.  I folded the towels, sorted the rest.  Bleh, forgot to bring the towels down.  Next time I am up, or tomorrow morning, I'll get them.  Finally, I collected whites, for a big old hot bleach wash.  A good splash of vinegar went in too.  Though, I must admit, the towels are smelling fresher.

I never did clean and sand, then paint, the drawers.  If that may still be a plan in progress.  If I can ever get that far down the list.  But, just from a good cleaning, airing out, deodorizing with a antibacterial and antifungal spray, then giving it a day or two to air out as well, then hitting the towels with bleach and vinegar, and washing twice, I... have mostly cleared the musty, dusty, dank odors.  Still, a bit more wouldn't be bad.  These drawers are... old.  At least from the early 70s, but probably came with the house, which is very much older... from when they built house walls out of slats and plaster.  And, yet, a mild bit of care seems to tend it well.

Other things, too, done.  Just small things, like collecting buckets, taking one out to be cleaned out, sorting a few things here and there.  I did everything planned, then another collection of projects either in the way or along the way, or which simply caught my eye.  Now, though, I really do need a rest.  A couple hours down, then I will see what else can be done.

Hey, if I can, I will.  That is the good and the bad of it.  Later.

Ugh.

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Not sure how much more?  But I did get that last bit.

Laundry out, drying, a second load put in.  I had to go up for a few final things for the wash.  The water jugs filled.  The litter boxes cleaned, and Sassy fed a second time.  All of the grains and beans brought to the front room, along with the mylar bags and else for that.  Plus everything else listed, and maybe four or five more items.  A good run, so far.

But, I may be hitting limits.  I'll know after another break.  Then again, breakfast is still making me feel full.  Perhaps, after a bit, when they gets processed down a bit, work won't seem impossible.  Still, quite a morning even so, or even day.  Even if I stop now, I've done more than I did  last week, just this morning!  Ugh.  Though I think I can get more.  Just not sure how much more.

Beginning to ache.  I think I will take some painpills.  I won't do that every day, but... today.  Yes.  Starting to hit the hills, and feeling it, from calves to wrists to biceps.  Though, heck, even so, I have been able to give Sassy a lot of attention.  She has been all over me this morning.  And I have been letting her, while I rest.  I like the little furball.

Very nice.  A break, then a shower?  Then another break.  Then, maybe, the wood pile and wherever that leads?  Hopefully clearing that, weeding that area then up front while at it, setting up the new stacking system.  Then?  Maybe cutting the branches down to easier moving size, then stacking those and moving the others on top.  I doubt if I can do all that and cut down those moving size logs into firewood today.

But, maybe, a bit of light work here in this front room.  Clearing the last of the boxes... taking them apart and getting them into the suv.  Maybe moving some boxes out, to the spare bedroom for now?  Finishing laundry... I have what is out drying, and would like to do one more load by midafternoon, to hopefully have it all dry and in by nightfall.  And, maybe folding some shirts with that plastic device.  I dusted it, but it needs more.  So I brought it down to be washed, when I finish up breakfast dishes.  Ugh.

Who knows.  A break first, then... we'll see.  Oh, not bragging.  Just... laying a trap for myself.  Or egging myself on.  Something like that.  Later.

Excellent.

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I write, to see if I can make what I write come true.  And, almost.  The only difference?  I also put my small pot and cooking utensil in for a soak.  And, when I finish breakfast, will put my bowl and spoon in too.  More, not less, this time.

Yes, litter managed, water jugs being filled, breakfast obviously made, laundry started, the pot and big spoon soaking, and breakfast nearly down so that I'll put that in to soak, and possibly get those washed and set to dry right away.  This is what I mean to do every day.  Often I just can't.

Though, then, a bit of a break, to digest breakfast.  Would like to shower, too.  Help the bones and muscles I have been taxing.  But, as well, to feel clean, look clean, feel like I'm all growed up, as they used to say.  Or is that just what they said to kids?  In mockery?  Or Jealousy?  Odd how the world is, and can be.

Not sure what work I wish to hit first.  Though I am thinking, the wood pile.  Pulling and restacking that.  So many other things depend upon it.  And, actually, after pulling the stack, and probably weed whipping under where it was better than was possible until that, then hitting the front yard with the device.  Probably a break after the weeding, then back to stacking the wood.  Then, either cutting down the bigger full branches, or cutting the smaller partially processed logs?  Or pulling the fencing?  

I don't know, I'll see when I get to that point.  The goal is to be as efficient as possible.  Which part of what project would advance more options for types of work at once.  So I have some choice, and options are available.  I don't want to get bottlenecked with a single job I don't quite feel up to doing.  That can hang me like the wrong letters in an infamous word game.  :p

Full, though, now.  It's... time to digest this.  But, I did get two work sessions in, and it's not even a full two hours since I rose.  Not bad for a mostly dead guy.  Oh... and while not complete, having the boxes gone in this front room really... makes me feel, and it look, better.  Hmm, before I sit for a while, I'll get the dishes to soak, then bring a pack or two of grains out here for eventual fast processing.  Ugh.  Later.