Cold.

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I checked around 06:00~06:20.  It read 25.  While nip, not terrible.  Then, as I looked out around 07:30, it seemed light enough to get to chore.  There was a brim of clouds just on the eastern horizon, above even the mountains, keeping the sun from clearing, but with the rest of the sky open so that light bumped on past the clouds.

As I got to chores, it sure seemed a bit cooler, colder.  So, as I finished, I check again.  It was down to 20 F.  A five degree drop.  It often cools before sunrise, just one of those things.  I'd like to say five degrees is a bigger than usual drop, but... come to think of it, I really can't be sure.  All I know is that it was terribly cold this morning, compared to usual.  Well, not seasonally.  It could easily be 0, or even ten to twenty below, from time to time, this time of year.  Just, I guess, from recent norms?  Something.

Every waterer which still had water was frozen.  The rabbits did what they could, but there was a limit.  Still, they were all exceptionally happy with the waterers, with fresh water, warmed from being indoors.  Happy furry four footers, to be sure.  None of them were out of food, strangely.  But that is fine too.  Still, I added in extra.  To make sure it will last until tomorrow morning.

In an hour or two, I will test blood sugar, then begin prep for whatever I will eat.  I am really thinking a steak and salad.  If so, then I will have a cheese and deli meat dinner.  I just haven't had a steak in such a long time, that I really want one.  As well, I may fry burger, and keep that for throughout the week, for taco salad or even spaghetti.  Oh, no worries.  I have made purchase of various keto noodles.  They won't be great, but perhaps they will do?  I have four different kinds.  Will just have to find out.  I didn't remember to obtain spaghetti squash, but that is on the list, in time, as well.

I really am doing well, both with eating, medicine, and insulin.  I would really like to keep up on that.  Heaven knows, if I have to be here, I might as well make the most of it, as is possible.  Lord knows I have tried.  To be honest, I think the world has given up trying to kill me.  As did I a very long time ago.  I understand, as probably they finally do, death is a God thing.  Some of us are simply required to suffer life in all it's forms.  I have submitted to that, perhaps they have too?  Useless?  To the world, yes.  A burden?  Then again, who isn't?  Aye.

Anyway... so it is going.  I am excited for dinner.  I think I will bake the steak for an half hour, at 350, wrapped in foil.  Then fry both sides in hot oil, until there is a good crust.  I will vary times and degrees until I can get a medium, medium rare, right in there.  But actually generally cooked, not so raw as I am like to do otherwise.  Just... an odd way of things.  I may, if I get the kitchen cleaned, try the water bath method, to precook it.  Then fry to finish.  Oh, I suppose, I could even try the air fryer.  I'm looking for a perfect fit and finish, and the easiest, surest, and best end product.  Well, and of course, there is grilling.  *licking my chops*

Back to gaming.  Now that my fingers have thawed.  I need to find gloves, for when I go out in that.  Silly lad, forget the easiest of details at times.  Later.

So far, so good.

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The kits are still alive.  I have never seen mom in with them, but if she wasn't, they would be dead from the cold.  It is already down to 50 outside.  And it has been a day, and more, since they were born on top of it.  If she wasn't tending them, they would all be dead.  They just don't live long without serious care and some warmth.  I just wish she would stay in with them.  I have extra food and water for her, I don't know what else to do.

As well, my mother called.  As release date arrives, she is starting to get a little nervous.  She did say, if she needs me, she will call.  Though, at best, it will take two days for me to get there.  So I will begin, again, setting up my gear to go on short nortice.  I had ordered a few things for the trip, and was partly into packing.  So it should be easy.  Of course, that means, I need to pick up the pace on cleaning the house, too.

I made chicken, again.  I really hit it right.  So juicy, with skin just perfectly crisped.  Done through and through.  Amazing chicken.  I do have three pieces left, so will warm those shortly.  As well, I am warming the grill, again, in order to slow cook a pork roast for the week.

I will tamp the heat down to somewhere in the 280 to 320 range, about as accurate as my grill gets, then let it cook for... probably... three hours, then spike the heat for the last half hour to hour.  Then wrap it in foil and let it rest for half an hour, or until it is cool enough to pick apart.  Pork is one meat which holds smoke well, over time.  Beef can, say a brisket.  But a grilled/smoked steak, in my opinion, has to be eaten immediately after a three to five minute rest.  Chicken as well, has to be eaten as soon as it is cool enough to eat.  I'll see if reheating, from room temp, after smoking a bit earlier, is okay for chicken.

The ducks keep believing I will feed them again.  They have been fed twice, so... no.  I will check on momma one more time, before bedtime... in an hour or two.  She still looks rather traumatized.  Poor thing.  I suppose there is a reason for neurosis.  :p  Hopefully, as she improves, regains strength and else, life will get easier.  I have been doing extra interaction with her, lately.  So as, hopefully, to make any handling of her babies necessary not be a shock or trauma.  She has my scent on her, so them having it, hopefully, won't be an issue.  So far it seems to have worked out.  She hasn't killed them, or seeming abandoned them.  Yet.  Ugh.

Later, or good night.

Fifty three days?

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From the day my bunny got pregnant, to delivery?  Her first litter, but still?  She gave absolutely no clues.  I had removed the kit box, but it was still out there.  Thankfully, for once, I was late doing chores.  It happens.  In this case, it was a very good thing.  She just started having them.  There were three, out in the cage.  All were, at that point, still alive.

I put the box in, put the kits in the box, and only hope she will deliver the rest in the box.  And, that she will care for the litter.  Everything is unknown, at this point.  I will check every half hour.  In case she delivers outside the box.  Or every fifteen minutes?  Yes, that.  I can only hope it all works out.

But how on earth does it take so very long to deliver?  The woman I purchased these from suggested they usually take 34 days.  But, for whatever reason, they seem to take a very lot longer than that, here.  I have two more does, hopefully, pregnant.  But, I am not sure how long they will take.  Both are new mothers.  I thought I had the senior doe pregnant, but no.  Bleh.  Tricky, right up until it isn't.

All I have done, so far, is chores.  So tired, hurt, uncomfortable.  A storm is coming through, as well.  The winds before it have become heavy, with serious gusts.  I suppose I did get the cages better protected, putting heavier logs on top to hold down the tarp... and adjusting that a bit, as well.

I still hope to get some work done today.  And, I think I will.  Brats and sauerkraut earlier.  A cheese sandwich or two later.  I'd better check to see if I have more lunch mean in the freezer.  I try to stock up when it's on sale, and either way, try to keep extra on hand.  In case I can't make it to the store.  My apocalypse was thirty four years ago.  I am... living through what you, your children, or somewhere along your line, will live through.  I have to... gather what I can, when I can.  Store, save, ferret things away.  If it were more orderly, I think people would be amazed at what is hereabouts.  Nothing fancy, but from leatherworking kit to, darning needles, to...  I can't have it all, but I can have... some of the little things.

Anyway... I'll check on that, and pull meats out to thaw while at it.  Since I won't be traveling, I don't need to worry about meat going bad.  Or how much to pull.  Later.  Or... not.

A few things.

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Before meal blood sugar was high.  I hadn't used insulin today, and it was high fasting for whatever reason.  So... that was what it was, and was slightly expected.  There was hope it would drop on it's own, more than it did.  It started at 202.  I ate half the kielbasa, if I wanted the whole thing, and half the 'kraut... which I also could have eaten.

Two hours and change later, I was timing it, blood sugar has dropped to 187.  Not a large drop.  BUT... that was with sugar added sauerkraut and no insulin.  Okay, I take back my suggestion that I won't eat that food again.  But I do understand why I generally don't feel good about them adding sugar to everything!  Most things don't have probiotics which will render the sugar neutral.

Anyway.  Now to finish that, with kefir this time, and insulin.  Then check again in, say, three hours?  Just in time for another kefir and then bedtime.  I am going to keep trying to regain daytime.  I... prefer to be awake when it is hot, sleep when it is cool.  I love being awake in the cool, too, some of it.  If I could just wake at, say, 03:00 to 05:00, that would give me some cool time.

It is down to 67, maybe 66 already.  Outside.  Inside is reading 78, but that is right here near the computer, with the light on, in the front/hot/cold~prevailing room.  The rest of the house was about 72, until I opened things up and... well... initially that is warming things up, to 74.  But it will cool off before long.  Oh, I best get the windows open upstairs.  That will scoot out a decent amount of heat.

Something odd, today.  I found one of the waterers, from the rabbits, had been removed, then shoved around and to the back of the cages.  At first I thought it had been simply taken.  Not so much.  That rabbit must have been without water for some or most of at least the day.  They don't drink much at night, and a sixth of it was gone (it didn't seem to be leaking).  So... who knows.  I best at least check on them in the mornings, even if I do nothing else.  The bottle was quite dirty, though, as if it had been almost attacked, kicked around.  Very strange.

Maybe a shower yet tonight, and another shave.  Something I have been having trouble with is storing my razors... not the blades, the devices.  I am, currently, using safety razors.  I would prefer straight razors, but, for now, this is where I am at.

The thing is, I don't have a lot of space for them, where they are easy to reach, use.  I may have found a trick, if they work.  Bases, which hold them, hopefully, upright.  I have three I sometimes use.  Though one has fallen out of favor.  So, two would be good.  I ordered several types.  Hoping that sorts that clutter out a bit.  The next option would be a (hopefully) wall mounted quad holder, or such.  I need more space, and easy cleaning access without having to deconstruct the area.

Well, the 'kraut and sausage should be about ready.  Or at least I can get the kefir portioned out and ready.  I am calling this a keto post, because what is good for diabetes is generally pretty good for keto diets.  Good day... and night very possibly.

Down to 82 already.

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The sun isn't even close to going down.  And, yet, the temp has dropped four degrees.  All good.  I finally got out for chores.  Not too bad, when I didn't have to stand or walk in the sun.  When that was required, that was uncomfortable.  Still, I will do it.  That is half the reason I have the critters.  I would like to learn to use them for food, too.  But... one thing at a time.

A few stores were put up, away, and sorted.  A few arrived today.  Mostly more fizz water.  Blank, this time.  But I have peach, strawberry, and... some other flavor... coming soon.  If I am careful with consumption, between these and kefir, I should have enough water here or on the way to cover summer.  I may, also, begin drinking regular water, as able.

I am slowly improving.  Dying faster than improving, but... what of it.  Take what you can get, while the getting is good.  I will be happy to die when God calls.  Even if I have... things I am still trying to do.  Anything I do, that is good, useful, successful, right?  Is both for Him and from Him, anyway.  So... it is gladly His call.  I live for Him, I will live for Him here or there.  Amen.

Still four chicks.  Found a dead strange bird in the pool, so cleaned it out.  It wouldn't surprise me if the ducks kills birds.  I have found several dead, initially just broken.  Later, a cat or else got to them.  I tossed them, but they were brought back.  Likes to eat on nice lawn, not out in the weeds.  

Rabbits are doing good, but looking to begin to be heat stressed.  I need to redress the tarps.  Covering from overhead, and covering east and/or west, wherever the sun may get in.  As well, I may angle them to better deflect and resist the heat and sun.  But to keep as much open for airflow as possible.  Yes, I... am hoping to do that later this evening.

Kielbasa is simmering away.  After fully cooked to my liking, just needs warmed really but I like it warmed as if cooked, I will let it cool, then add the sauerkraut.  I don't want that over 115, remember?  Right.  While it has 2 carbs, I am finishing it off.  But I will never buy that kind again.  Never, ever, add sugar to good foods.  Then again, I should do a before and after blood sugar reading... perhaps the probiotics DO eat the sugars.  Still, it's a dumbass thing to do.  And they wonder why we hate them.

Oh, if I didn't mention, I have started a golden raisin vinegar.  I check it every day, or other.  Sampling just the sample of a sip, mixing, and if needed, adding more water.  It is... doing things.  I can never remember if it is ten or twenty days that the fruit stock stays in.  But, then, it is given, all told, twenty or thirty days to finish?  Or, if it was twenty days with fruit, then it is give ten days.  Anyway... I have started.  I need to look that up, again, and write it on the paper I have with it.  It has the starting date on it.  I just need to add the fruit removal day and the "finish" day.  But it will continue to improve.  Little things.  I... really enjoy the little things, when I can remember my name.  A bigger thing, but so it goes.  Later.

Not bad.

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Not bad at all.  I got out there and started on the cages.  I set up one of the empty ones close.  It had to have a feeder, waterer, and the vertical hay feeder set up.  Done?  Yes, and surprisingly quickly.  I learned how to use the rebar tie kit almost... intuitively.  Not that it is difficult, but some people... are... some people.  I... can't remember, always, if I am one of those some people.

I fixed all the rest of the hay feeders, with the latches a friend brought.  I set a few other things to rights, and then put one of the males into his own little cage.  I will probably be moving these guys out the outbuilding.  He is my tester.  I hope he does well, will tell the next few days.

Then I went out to the cages in the outbuilding.  Four were set up, if two may have been set wrongly... the feeder... too high.  It took a bit, using tin snips to cut through.  I would have fixed it then and there, but I started seeing stars.  Stars?  It isn't that hot.  Ah!  Diabetes?

I can't say it is too bad, yet.  But blood sugar is 90.  That is with 25 cc's of the slow acting last night, and 8 cc's twice, with two of my three meals.  Very light meals though.  I probably should put something else together to eat.  I am not up to a larger or cooked meal...  Oh, I have bratwursts left over, and eggs.  Oh, better, I think I have bacon!  I really do like bacon and eggs.  Even still.  Especially the gooder stuff, and cooked very well.  I... have improved, and it does improve taste, texture, and else.

Anyway.  So, yes.  After I sort out food, and if that allows me to feel better, then on to a shower and shave.  And, maybe, sorting out a cleaning solution.  Then, perhaps, some cleaning in the bathroom.  It won't be a lot.  But it is something.  It is... if nothing else... a start.  That is all I can every hope for, after stoppages and slow-downs.

I think things might pick up, or soon.  We did get the start of some weather.  Wind, and clouds.  Something is coming, or in a hurry to pass through.  Time will tell.  Medicine has all been taken, save nightly slow acting insulin.  No other insulin will be had.  Day medicine has been taken.  All good.  Later, or good night?

A new cool tool?

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I don't know how cool it is?  New, yes.  It... may be cool.  If it works.

When trying to get things attached to the rabbit cages, the effort hasn't been greatly successful.  The wire gets bound, or the needlenosed pliers catch and don't really get the solid tight grip hoped.  It looks good, or right, but I get the feeling that there is room for the rabbits to push out and get out.

This, however, I am hoping, will twist the wire ties down to a very solid grip.  Further, while I can use the ties that came with it, I am betting, with just a bit of work, I could use whatever gauge of whichever metal wire that might work.  I can craft little ties, if need be.  I am too tired to tinker today, but they arrived a bit ago.

Oh... I did find out what the attempted billing was.  It was for a game I stopped playing a very long time ago.  They were letting the Chinese, and other hackers, break in and use the game anyway.  I couldn't keep the game to myself, so stopped playing.  I am sure I never put it on autopay.  Thankfully my bank called it.  They must get enough complaints about that company.  Done and done.

As for work today?  I am still hoping so.  It isn't terribly warm, but at 50, calm, and mostly sunny, I did turn off the furnace and open windows and doors to a degree.  Plus I put a fan on up here in the front room.  It is 68 inside.  Well, at the moment.  I can't quite tell if it is still dropping, though maybe not.

I had turned the furnace up yesterday, and until I shut it off.  I had it at 74, because I needed warmth yesterday.  I had left it off for a few days, accidentally, and just not been able to be aware of the problem.  Which added to the misery index, as the house had dropped to 62.  Okay sleeping temp, not a good working or living temp.  So, it might still be dropping.  I don't mind down to 66, if I am not working... or... actually better if I am working.  If working, 66 feels like the 70's.

I did get the cat litter managed.  Two fresh boxes, and one with some of the best of the old litter.  All cleared, completely.  I also got that and much of the trash ready to go.  That which was in the can.  I need to finish getting trash from here and there.  If I can do that, and a shower, and a break, the hope is to start dishes, and maybe run a load of laundry... to be hung.  Maybe two if I think I can get them both out.

Who knows.  I have done a bit.  Still surrounded in a cocoon of pain, but... as that shell of warmth when swimming in cold water, there is an odd comfort from it.  I... don't always understand, though I think this is about the balance of it.  Nothing hurts too terribly if I don't think about it.  And with everything hurting, it all become a background noise-like thing.  Nothing stands out.  It is comforting because I am so... familiar with it.

I have heard that a saint suggested we should embrace suffering.  For, in heaven, there will not be a chance at it.  I... am... thinking that saint might be a bit dingy.  But... there... may be something to it.  I... go back and forth on that.  Still, I... have a place for it.  I do believe those, as with me when I was there, in purgatory, can use it.  And I send it.  As well, if accepted in a humbling way, it does bring me to Christ and a better understanding of His walk.  And His path, and contemplation of it, does make my path much easier.  Amen.

Rabbits.

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I guess, not happy with putting a female in with the guys, or being unhappy about that being pointed out, they released the bucks.  I had no idea if they would still be around.  It was well dark by the time I realized, as I went to feed them for the last of the day.  They have a latch, so it had to have been opened.  I spotted them.  I chased the youngest first, but... to no avail.  Even ol' Rusty was a bit fast.

I put the ducks up first.  It looks like the rabbits wanted to go in there, but were quite unceremoniously expelled.  They kept popping their heads in, but remembered.  The ducks are well bigger than the rabbits, and... there are many of them.  Still... I suppose they kept assessing their odds.  Even if they do recognize me, it would be in the day.  At night, I am just a light coming for them.  Had to shut the ducks.  I could have tried to chase them in, but then both the rabbit and myself would have been unwelcome guests, and some of the ducks might have flown out, into the night.  Bleh.  I get it, I understand, it's... just... why can't we all get along?

Then I remembered, she had used a fishing net, a big one, for her ducks.  I was pretty sure I had one, if I wasn't sure where it might be.  In the garage was my bet, and correctly.  So... I began... hunting rabbits.  Eventually I caught Rusty, put him back.  He was decidedly unhappy, if I think he will be happier fed, watered, and safe, than otherwise.  He is a city slicker now, has no real means of surviving out there.

The young one...  I chased him for another half hour.  Having to hold the flashlight made it nearly impossible with him.  No... it did make it impossible.  I set up a box, as a makeshift shelter, and put food in it.  I am certain he can survive without more food, and water, overnight.  I just hope he finds the food, sticks around, until I can get him.  It's a heck of a chore, chasing a rabbit at night, one-handed.  Surprised I caught even one.

I am so very worn.  Tired.  Still, I am hoping to yet take a shower.  Not much more.  Just a shower, when I catch my breath.  So as to be ready for... whatever happens tomorrow.  I need that extra buck.  I should have gotten another besides.  Oh well.  I'll... figure it out.  Good evening and night.

Not much.

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Actually?  Nothing.  I never did really wake.  I turned the heat up, ate.  As well, did chores.  I simply couldn't get going.  With nothing else working, I may have to try to get meds arranged again.  It seems the only way, once I get over the medicines themselves.  It might take a while just to get that set up and going.  Imagine if electric shocks helped you.  (Not the pshycobabel b.s., but in a mechanical way.)  How well would you tolerate that medicine?  While my meds do not shock me, they do hurt... especially to start.  Though, once I get on them, they seem to help.  It's, just, I can't stay on them while I am trying to do other things.  I can only juggle just so many eggs.

I had intended to get to the post office today.  No chance.  I sat, and gamed.  I got up, to do things.  I got a short way in, and exhaustion took control.  Back down.  I never did take a fistful of aspirin or else.  I forgot.  Could have used it.  Might still.  Though, if I'm going back to bed for a bit, why?  Only if I had a serious headache might that help.  Aches and pains melt with sleep, if it's possible.

I did check the birds and rabbits.  All was good, or good enough for a bit.  As to the rabbits?  I am going to put them on a diet.  They will eat themselves to death, I do believe, if I feed them as much as they will eat.  I am going to devise a way to measure out six ounces, or some other recommended amount, per larger rabbit... and lesser for the minis.  They will eat me to poverty.  I want them to maintain.  They are all full size.  The growers I will feed more, but not the adults.  Ugh.

I did look over the various rabbits.  It looks like someone has been petting them, or something.  One of the females is in with the males.  Not good, at all.  I guess I am going to have to get locks for the cages.  After figuring out which one is the female, and putting her on her own.  This presents a very large problem.  It means she is probably quite pregnant, but I have no idea when she was impregnated, so will have to begin watching for signs she is beginning to want to nest, and set things up for her.  Ugh...  Yes, someone wanted to pet the bunnies and just didn't know what they were doing.  If I can't tell her patterns, and it would be easy to miss as a noob, I may loose her first batch whole.  Rather angry about it.

On to sleep.  I'll feed them later, and change their water.  The ducks eat large amounts one day, or two, then go off their feed for several days.  I never can tell which way that will go.  Unlike the rabbits, and cats, which will all eat themselves to death if allowed.  Okay, Sam won't eat herself fat.  But she will eat so much she vomits.  Yes, she is a bulimic.  I think literally.  In part to feed kittens, and to maintain her body size to her minds notions while being able to feast like a wild hog.

Later, though not quite good night? 

Late waking.

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It's been a while I have been waking in the afternoon.  I was able to push it a few days.  As soon as that ended, my body just went back to sleeping days, up at afternoon to morning.  On the good side, when I do as the body requests, I sleep less... say eight to ten hours.  I keep trying to push, pull, or shove the schedule around.  I can, but the price is too high, generally.

I had the water bottles ready for the rabbits.  Then added feed to their feeders, filling them this time.  I'll see how quickly that goes.  Their other bottles are thawed.  From now on, I think I will try to have three rotations.  A smaller or larger one first or second, preferably during the day when it is warmer.  Then the smallest ones for overnight.  Keeping them full, and in a bucket, ready to go, makes it a lot easier.  Next I have to figure out hay, timothy hay, distributors.  Some of the cages have a sort of cage manger, but not all of the cages, with rabbits, have them.  I think there are enough to change the rabbits to those cages, or change the mangers to the rabbits... whichever seems... less of a hassle.

The ducks next.  One of the new ladies is doing just fine.  The new drake, and one of the hens, seems to be a bit... hesitant.  Fair enough, even Henry... the original drake, now dwarfed by the muscovy drakes, is... hesitant.  When I heal up a bit, I will get the other outbuilding set up for the muscovys, then create an inner door and replace the outer door, so I can keep them in.  Then put the muscovys out there for a month or two... to get them acclimated.  Or should I put the indian runners out there?  Maybe...  

The more distant building has more room, but no windows or else.  The muscovys like flying out and grazing earlier.  I like letting them.  Plus, there is a second level, in the closer outbuilding, which only the muscovys can use, since they can fly.  Ugh... decisions.  I do have to clean out the furthest outbuilding before it can be used, though.  Hmm... I bet I could craft a nesting area, if one of the ladies goes broody, right out there, for them.  It adds a bit more work, though.  Making sure each single area has food, hay, water, and gets cleaned... but it isn't forever, just until the quackles get large enough to survive group integration.

I gave the girls a snack before going out.  I will feed them, properly, shortly.  Otherwise they are all over my case.  A snack buys a sliver of time.  With me waking so late, they... get hissy fitty about it all.  I don't blame them.  Oh, best get there litter too.  I... don't think I got that yesterday.  Ribs and all.  And sleeping, the need for rest, and... else.

Ribs?  Well.  As long as I don't breath too deeply.  I have been pushing, today.  I... want to know limits, and what happens when I push those limits.  It hurts.  Even just sidling up to the limits feels like I freshly opened a wound in there.  Thrumming pulled muscles?  Further dislodging some disconnections in there?  It feels like a fresh cut, or maybe opening a fresh wound.  But... not quite that bad, or in that way, just similar.  Still, it is better.  I just can't completely leave it to just heal, it won't.  I have to go between ease and pushing, or it will never heal... I think.

Later.

In, mostly.

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Done?  Is it ever done?  Finishing is just a beginning.  Still, most arranged.  The rabbits, more than suspected, are home, fed, watered, and caged.  The new ducks are in.  Oh, my, but such a day.  Work was done, to get the cages we built set up.  Perhaps more arrangement tomorrow.  But it will be lighter work, mostly.  As well, tarps over the rabbits.

As for cages?  I was thinking it would be four.  And, well, technically, it was.  But four groups of cages.  The least had two cages, the most had four.  I think, sum total, there were twelve actual spaces, plus more to come.  One of the arriving cages is toast, but has bits for repair of the other cages, and could do in a pinch.  I would guess there are three to seven cage spaces which could be used for kitting.  And, the three we built, can be used for kitting.  So... yea...  I have plenty of space.

Not all of the cages can fit the buildings, but the critters can be outside.  Actually, all of them are outside tonight.  If with tarps over them.  Some of them had been as such where they came from.  And the few in the outbuilding had open doors, so only the wind was kept from them.  So very good.  This... gives me plenty of space.

As well, I picked up eight more rabbits.  Mini rexes.  Four male, four female.  And they dress out to about five pounds, if I wish them for food.  Oh, and I have asked for another male, full size rex, in case something happens to the untried buck.  If you guys think human females are... difficult... if a female rabbit doesn't get ridden right, or is ignored by the male, she might have his balls for lunch.  If he is too timid, she might end up riding him to his infertility.  Yea...  You have it easy.  *grins*

Anyway... everything is set up and stationed for the night.  A few rearrangements tomorrow.  I think I will put Hazel, my experienced doe, in the outbuilding.  As well as, several others and at least one of the new cage decks, possible two if they will fit.  I would rather have all the breeding sets out in the outbuilding, saving the cages closer to the house for feeders.

On another front, yesterday, something... popped... in my chest.  I thought, initially, it was a pulled muscle.  A few pops and... so...  I couldn't tell exactly what happened.  It didn't feel too bad, if I suspected something would become better defined, as to the problem.  And, finally, it did.  Thinking back, it was like a plastic case on something, roughly attached.  And you squeeze it, and something pops?  Right.  That... was my rib cage.  The right side.  I... don't think it was quite ready for what I was putting it through.

I tried to ignore.  I tried to cover.  Not sure I did well, if I'm pretty sure they just thought I was extra tired.  My ribs aren't fully attached, or something.  Breathing can be difficult and painful.  No worries, I have had worse, even just in the rib area.  But, I do need, after tomorrow, to take some down time.  And I do mean downtime.  Perhaps a week, where all I do is feed these, those, and self, and no more than lighter domestics and business calls.  Nerves, muscle, and bone in there feel rather loose, disjointed, bad.  I'll just get through the last of it.

But, it is finally done!  Or... set up to be done shortly.  Then to begin feeding and else.  Ugh!  A bit more blogging, then on to bed.  Good night.

So tired.

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Before long, after that last post, I crashed hard.  Sometime between 06:00 and 08:00, I went back to bed.  I did leave the door unlocked.  I barely heard the request from downstairs, to wake.  But I did hear, replied, and got going.  So very tired.  It was about 10:00 when I woke again.  So very very tired.  Even so, to work.  Uhrm, work?  Yes.

Two more cages were constructed.  The lids are yet to do.  If part of the day ended up as a shopping spree.  Drill bits, wood screws of various sorts... I meant to get wood glue, a new breaker, if I think the old one is good.  Bits and pieces, here and there.  So very, very, very tired.  Oh, and cleaned and mostly cleared the work area, then dragged magnets to remove metal.  I will sweep, soon, and run a magnet again.  It will be nice to have the garage back.

I will probably be building a few more cages, and maybe an outdoor run, or two... for rabbits and chicks.  Ugh.  That construction won't happen until I... get rest, get back on keto, get back on meds, and... again... rest... for a month or two.  So... very tired.  Did I mention how tired I am?  Sore, achy, filthy, ugly, very, tired.  But I'll... get it done.

The rabbits will be here, at their new home, in their cages, tomorrow.  Cages will have to be set up.  Two more lids on, plus shelving, as well as possibly a repair on the roof... from the tree damage.  Since I have to cut one of the 'tin' roof parts, to be used for repairs on the roof, I will use some of that to create excrement diversion panels, so cages can be stacked.  Otherwise bottom cage dwellers would catch all the... flak.

As for larger cages?  Okay.  I may simply create tables for those, and buy tarps to use as outdoor systems for the large healthier kits when it is time to ween them.  I don't know, but... at this point, it'll have to be made to work out.  Ugh.  It's about time to get the ducks in, or shortly.  Then cool down for an hour or two.  Then on to bed.  Not sure I will say good night later.  Will probably just realize it is closing time, and dive for the exit.  So... good night.  Sleep well.  Work hard.  And, if you can, die only once.  I'm hoping the fourth... or seventh... or tenth... whatever number is truly next... is the lucky number.  :o  :p  Seriously.  Good night bunny hoppers and all.

Yep.

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

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

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

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

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

Later, or good night.

At it.

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I was finally ready for the work.  I'm working okay.  What I wasn't prepared for is the dust!  Still, I have gotten the wood moved.  Some of it could come in handy.  Oh, and cow pies on the floor.  Actually, probably goat pies.  Dry, but then again, that makes them dusty.  I've thinking whether wearing a mast is possible, because it sure might help.

I've taken two breaks.  One more to get tools, a square shovel, two brooms, and a battery lantern.  I wouldn't trust a burning one out there with the dust as it is.  Who knows just how inflammable that stuff is.  My guess is rather.  This time, I am taking a break for reals.  I may have to work through the night, and tomorrow when I can get up.  I kept hoping to be able to be up earlier.  It just wasn't possible.  

Two loads of laundry, the last in the dryer.  I don't have time to hang that out, so... Options are good.  Plus, I put the dishes in for a soak.  I am hoping to finish those off tonight too.  A shower before work as well.  Yea, I know... mother.  Still, I feel better for it.  I'm... to it, officially, I guess one could say.  I have been pushing, and getting nowhere.  Until today.  It isn't just the deadline, I've already killed a couple of those.  I am working when I can stand.

I measured.  Good.  The shelves won't fit two full length hutches.  But it will fit a full size and a smaller one.  As well, I have another area that could be turned into a shelf for a smaller one, and one area that is big enough to put another six footer.  So, yea... they can all fit in one of the outhouses.  I will use the other one for the muscovys.  Plus, now?  they don't have away out.  I just worry a bit.  I will have to use some of the fencing to create a vestibule, of sorts... to lock them in.  Until they are used to it as their home.  I hope they can make the switch.  While herding ducks is easy, separating the herd is another thing.

But, yes, it is... at least starting.  An hour or two of work, and hour or two down.  If I can do three, or four, rounds of that, I'll... get there.  I'll be making noise at night, but I can shut the garage.  That will help some, with the pneumatic stapler and nailer.  Some.  It's what I can do.  It's why I tried to shove my days around before starting.  Bleh.  For the outbuilding, there is no electricity or possible range.  That will be hammer and nail, or cordless if I have enough screws and think they will work.

I'm stuck.  I have to go.  Night it is.  I did get a nice little piece of work done, plus the domestics.  When I go back, more shoveling, but the dust should have settled.  And shoveling won't bring up as much dust as moving stacks of plywood and beams covered in layers of dust.  I think I will see about a mask, as well.  It might not do a thing about Xi's virus, but it should help with the dust.  Later.

Double ugh!

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I did get to it, finally.  With all the tools and mats, but so late.  And... it always takes longer than one would imagine by vast amounts.  I got to work around 17:00, and was out of light by the time I constructed the two bases for the bigger cages.  I am running out of wood very quickly.  At least 2x2s and 2x4s.  I do have plywood, cage material, nails and else.  And, after reviewing the outbuildings, there are shelves.  How useful is another question.

Still, with the shelving, I have a good chance not needing to build legs.  And they seem, some of them, to be the right size.  I would like to have them all in one building.  Perhaps using the other building for other birds, in time.  Chickens?  Turkeys?  I don't think I save money, but I will say the quality will be much higher.  Plus, without being able to do real work?  This gives me a way to serve, and do, and almost earn a bit of my way.

The does are mostly sisters.  And are currently living together.  If I can get four cages, I could keep those together, keep the males in their own cage, plus have room for the seasoned doe... as she is probably used to having her own place.  Then, this coming month, figure out a few more cages.  Those can be smaller.  And, these cages should easily handle a kindle, perhaps more... if I want to keep a few aunts?  Depends on personalities?  Maybe that doesn't work, save with very young ones?  I have much to learn.

Boss showed.  Not needing the chainsaw for now.  Good thing, I was going to have to try to use the circular saw with a rather weak battery.  I did have the batteries charged though, and everything nearly ready to go.  I am hoping to get him to go with to pick up the rabbits and a few more muscovy hens.  I still don't have a phone, so... getting there would be a bit tricky.  Could look it up, and write instructions the old way, but my eyes are getting old and my writing is... well... about as bad these days.  Still, I've... found my way through all sorts of things.

Rather tired, sore, rough.  Aspirin as I go to bed.  I may have forgotten meds.  Too much to do, too little time, energy, focus.  I forgot much, actually.  Bleh.  I'll... get a few last things done, shower, then hit bed to try to be up early tomorrow... work on the cage a bit, off and on, and just doing what is possible elsewise.  I figure I'll head out to pick up the rabbits and birds sometime in the earlier afternoon.  It gets dark around here fast, these days, and I don't won't to try to find my way with a scribbled note in the dark.  Later.

Alright?

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Power cord arrived.  Got everything up and ready and... no sawhorses.  This time, however, I knew where they would be for certain.  No problem.  A short drive and back again, by.... Doom.  I had to empty the car.  Would have had to anyway.  Food, water dispensers, materials, and... timothy hay...  It had to be removed.  So, I have everything I can have, at the moment.  Probably.  Gah!

I set up the saw horses, and went to grab 2x4s.  But there were a bunch of 2x2s!  As well as the 2x4s.  That will... really help.  That doubles my functional board length.  It won't be as strong as 2x4s, but I don't need that.  I am really hoping to get six cages out of this.  I do believe I will build side by side cages, in pairs, as units.  So, six total cages, but in three double units.  And, I will build the gents cages last, as they are smaller and need much less room.  They won't have kits, and are smaller in any case.

I need a break though.  I am wearing out fast.  Harshly.  So tired.  Yet, work to do.  I'll... do what I can.  Oh, I best have my poor besotted Boss text about the address, and how much is left owed on the rabbits.  I have an idea of where we went, but it's been too long, and I still don't have a phone.  So... yea.  A messy long couple of months.  The hope is that it will pay off in the long run.  At least I am used to checking on critters at least twice a day.  A few more critters won't be all that bad.  Yea...

All good, but I do need a bit of a rest.  In part from fear.  Fear of what?  Of not getting done, of not having enough supplies, of missing something, or not missing a wrong thing, of... when I get tired, everything that could go wrong, or right and then wrong, or right then right then wrong, or...  It... all gangs up.  A rest, then to it.  Hopefully I can hit it hard.  Oh... best find tin snips before... gah!  Those should be hereabouts though.  Almost certain.  Later.