Up late, too late.

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And, of course, again. No problem, I am about to go to bed and earlier than the last three nights. I was afraid nights were going to become the norm, but with the medical promises, perhaps I will find a way to fend off the shift. And I did more than just see the doctor today. I have my kitchen nearly back in order. Further, I did some shopping, including fruits if not yet vegetables. Those are on the menu. A few meats, milk, and kitty food were needed as well. So it is time to begin again.

I have decided to swear off soda. I may still buy a stock of soda, but it will no longer be a daily thing, or multi-daily thing. I will use it much as soda of the more traditional nature should be used, as an occasional treat. Instead I am going to coffee, though not as much as the soda. I am constantly thirsty, probably a symptom of even the low level diabetes. Then again, I was always thirsty long before I had diabetes. I almost wonder if some of the medications they initially had me on, everything from anti-depressants to lithium changed certain things, anatomically. Such as somehow causing thirst? Who knows. If they do, they are not saying.

So, back to good home cooked, whole grain heavy, fruit added, food. I need that. Trying to figure out how to lower my liquid consumption as well, coffee, water, milk. Less in total is the goal. Continuing my setups and pushups. They are not coming along swimmingly, only coming along. I did have to stop for a bit as my gut tightened up and would not release for three days. It was not terribly painful, but it complicated sleep. Then again, that might have been the cornish game hen. I am pretty sure I cooked it done and then some though. I check the joints for blood... no blood... no foul? Heh... Well, at least I enjoy my puns. Well, not really, but it is something.

Bedtime. I will set my alarm though and work diligently to get up. A bit of waking up and then to finish the kitchen. I have some meats out, I need to make beans and rice in my usual batches, an apple and then grapefruit for breakfast I think. Maybe some eggs, as that is a bit raw of protein. I am terribly hungry, have not eaten right in... a while. But for now, bed time. I can dream of beans and rice? Yes, actually, I can. If that is not something you dream of, you have never eaten them the way I make them. Good night.

To the doctor I went.

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Today was the day to visit the Renal Clinic. I was afraid I would miss it. Nope, I put myself in order, arranged things as I could so that I could be awake and aware and on time. Further, I called to see if they wanted blood work. Sure enough, and they wished for me to do that an hour before the actual appointment. Well, all right. Done. I am driving a little slower, not out of need just to limit frustration. It mostly works. But with so many cell phones on the roads these days, and texting which I did see at least once today, on a 75 mph interstate I might add, trying to drive a steady pace is not really possible.

At the office, the doctor suggested my problem with blood pressure might be one of three things. Two were eliminated, after looking through the records. The last is a longshot. An even larger longshot is, if it is that last, then there is a chance surgery could fix that. The test that would suggest that takes longer and was not yet up. That is on the physical side. There is also a possibility that my traumas have lead to this.

She asked if I was interested in taking medication. I said no, but told her to shoot the recommendation. I had not heard of this particular medication, so I said I would try it. I also explained that most of these medicines totally wipe me out. She had answers for everything, but they always do. I told her and will tell you, I will give it another shot, let them poke, prod, and medicate, up to my ability to tolerate. Then we have to figure something else out if that does not work. Trust is earned, we will see if she can earn it. As well, I agreed to a consult to psychiatry. That, I believe, is all too much hooey. Still, I will go in and see if there is a plan I could abide and a therapist I can stomach. She suggested that some people who go through even one of the minor things I mentioned might have a problem with it that causes and maintains high blood pressure. I do know I am stuck on full throttle, even when I am not moving, down under the skin. I am always hot, always live, and always ready. Even if I do not know it consciously. That is why my stomach is still tight, and other forms of strengths remain to me. I have a consult before the end of the year and another appointment with renal shortly after the new year. Oh, and I stopped by and set my eye appointments up again, they got lost in the mail somewhere in one of my moves. I still need to get dental going, maybe next time. It is in another building and I was done today when I finished the clinic.

We will see. I do not wish, in particular, to die. At least if something can be done to help me back to function. Even a few more horsepower would be good. I doubt, seriously doubt. I cannot just give up either. So, that is the way of it. Oh, I lost a few more pounds they said. I lost a lot when I moved here and keep losing according to them. No, not trying. A little more active, eating better foods (usually), and just the climate? elevation? Whatever. I have lost a lot more than pounds though. My shoulders are too broad for a simple large and tall shirt, but my extra large and tall shirts just billow. Ah well, I like long shirttails.

Have a good day. If you want, pray a little prayer that this time works. I do not mind dying, but if I can become useful, or even more functional, that would be inefficient. Or, something like that.

To keep my mind off things...

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I got busy. Not in the real world, as that seems problematic at best. What I did do was to become very involved with my game. If you play World of Warcraft, you will know what I mean. I had three twentieth level characters I use to store "stuff" the others collect. I moved those on up to fourtieth level. I had two level forty toons (another term for character) which I moved to sixtieth level, I moved a fifty fifth level toon to seventieth level, and finally I had two seventy level toons I moved to the high seventieth levels. I added a few levels to my main (main character, highest level or favored to play, in this case both), but mostly left that toon to rest. When rested, they get more experience while playing, thus level faster. All that in the last week and a half or so. As well, I leveled their professions as much as possible.

Busy, yes. My home needs some tlc, Sam and Sassy are getting a bit snotty, and until I took a shower yesterday for the first time in... well, let us just say I was ripe for the bone harvester. Or, I smelled like it. On the up side, I did not think too much about a solo Christmas. Actually, I can become a bit melancholy whether alone or in good or other company. For the most part, this year, I survived unscathed. And, my game world is in top order. It takes quite a bit to organize ten toons, level them, get them trained, get them equipment and mounts, keep their professions up, and have it run rather seamlessly. Then again, I can only do that for short periods of time. I am about done with the game world. Although, with all the flying costs, I am down to 10k and change, give or take. I have not mastered the art of filthy game lucre.

I will still play, still level this or that toon, but I will not be playing nearly non-stop. I have to, now, find other things. Like setting up the reloading station and then putting the equipment together, on it, then using it. And, as I said, the cave could use a bit of spit and shine. A bit of the social would be good too, but with little money, that always feels odd. What if someone wants to not just sit there, but do something? Anyway... I did what had to be done. Then again, I am still a bit broke. It might take a month or two for me to catch up. So be it. I might just have to dig into the game for a while. It IS cheap entertainment, it IS far superior to television, and it seems to work.

Well, later.

Merry Christmas!

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I hope, in spite of all the ups and downs that come with Christmas (artificially imposed, I might add), that you are finding nice, good, and great moments in your own way, with family and friends, or wherever you are and whomever you happen to be with, or not.

I know that Christmas, with all the hubbub, can be an uncomfortable time. For me, when I was closer to home, being asked to go to this and that, having to be so and where at such a time, sometimes knowing few of the people in wherever I went, and of course never knowing just quite what the customs might be, often left me a bit overwhelmed. Still, as always, I found a way to enjoy myself. I do and do not miss that. Then again, I already had my Christmas company and that did work out well. Still, being alone on Christmas can be hard too. In the Navy, we were alone but together. Here and now, it is Sam, Sassy, and me. Then again, they do not mind shorts, no turkey, and waking up at 10:00 or such.

Just wanted to wish all a Merry Christmas in any case. I am curious about what people are eating, anything special? They say an army crawls on it's stomach. I find that to be true for me as well, and more. My curiosity crawls on my stomach. Or, is it the other way around? I will never figure all of these things out! So, tell me about your food. Hmm, a food therapist? Be one or need one. Now, look at the plate of spinach, what food does it make you think of? *grins*

A meal served, a bit of prep before that, and some rest after.

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I simply could not seem to get motivated to clean the kitchen, straighten my home, and get ready for the meal. Finally, the night before, I was able to start. It was slow going. There was not a lot of work, mind you, it was just... I simply could not stay focused and on track to finishing it. I started late, as is my want, and did not finish cleaning until 6:00. I was supposed to pick them up at 14:00 or 15:00! Ack, so I slept. I did not receive a call, so I was worried. Finally, at about 19:00, my friend called. I was a bit nervous, but took the call. I was expecting him to be angry at me for not having called him.

Nope. All he had to say was, "Are you ready for supper tomorrow night?". Tomorrow, I asked? Yes, today is Saturday, you had suggested we have supper on Sunday. Ah, super, then... YES! I am quite ready. The meat is thawed, he asked? Of course. I asked if his friend was to be in attendance. It seems not. His friend was off to see his ex-wife. That puzzled me, but later I learned he is trying to reconcile. I am pleased to see him trying so the loss of new company was a pleasant one. And so it was, dinner on Sunday.

The meat was a bit overdone. According to my recipe books, pork should have taken a certain amount of time. And, with the elevation, it should have taken even longer, about 10%. Either I figured something wrong or the bone made it cook faster or something else is just screwy (which it is, not all higher elevation cooking takes longer, here, oddly) the meat cooked a good thirty percent faster than what the recipe called for it to cook. Ah, maybe they are discussing pork, which was far fatter, from the olden days? Anyway, it was still quite good. The gravy was fantastic. And the potatoes were perfect. I did not add the turnips to cook as the meat was done and then some by the time I had planned to add them. Then again, my friend wanted to watch the end of Master and Commander, which made it so that I had to put the meat in the oven on low for a while. That did not help. Still, it was a good night.

I have been resting since. I am still keeping a day schedule, other than that lapse when I stayed up so late. That may bounce around and throw me off, we will see. But I am fighting for days. Well, that is that. Be well and good night.

A long day.

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Up at 7:00, give or take. It was a slow morning, or slower than usual. A little less than the usual less than qualifier could somehow be administered to the morning, if you follow my thought. And yet it all worked. Not ready today as yesterday, I did not arrive at my friend's place until nearly 14:00. A bit of food and a movie, "300". He had not seen it before. He did enjoy it, though he could not hear it well. Beside some of the British type accents, he keeps his volume down so as to not disturb the neighbors. If it was every day, I could understand, but once in a while I do not think they would mind. Still, his place, his choice.

I invited my friend to dinner Sunday. If nothing else, this is reason to get my kitchen squared away and keep my home kempt. As I was driving home, I remembered I had long ago suggested he invite his friend, a man I have not met, to dine with us. Though I warned him to advise his friend that they will be here the whole time the meal is cooking, but that there will be movies to watch. There is something about sharing food and company that pleases me. I think my friend will enjoy the time better with someone who is not busy cooking to keep him company. And I think I can make it so that he can hear the shows here.

Earlier, around noon, I called my mother. She is home from her visit to my brother. She is thinking about the future. Whether she was a good mother could be argued, but that her only two sons both invite her in says something. She has people where she is who depend on her greatly, for company, for her work, and for her time. In particular an elderly woman who is blind from diabetes, is on three times a week dialysis, and would otherwise not be attended properly. This woman also happens to have been a dear friend of my mothers long before she fell so low. As well, I know my mother's boyfriend plays on her mind. Though they will never marry, and I doubt if my mother will again in any case, it is more than just a contrivance or convenience. So until these things find their way to something other than the way they are now, she is where she will be.

I am glad to know she has a place, there, where she is needed and wanted. I am also pleased to know she has choices beyond that. I worry, as she ages, as does any child of an aging parent. She has time to consider the options, and I think she is considering splitting her time between here and what my brother is offering. It is certainly warmer there in the winter. I think, in the end, it will come down to the weather and where she feels most comfortable. She fears both, and with good reason. She cannot craft me and I will not budge, if too I do not push on most issues. When near my brother, she would have her own place. But that would be a bit lonely. It is difficult to make new friends at any age, but when mobility becomes an issue, that is compounded. Choices... We all face them. At least she has earned the right to make them, with both of her boys offering what we can and a world there where she is that still needs her.

I did start doing pushups and setups. I will leave off the details, mostly because they are embarrassing. I thought I would be able to get three sessions in a day and be able to do many each time. I was deluded. So I will start where I did and go on from there. No doubt, I still have some serious aspects of strength. A frigid, non-direct type. My grip strength, for whatever reason, is amazing. My stomach can take a punch that would kill most men. And I do angles with my lank like a tactician. Beyond that and I am done. I hope this brings change. One thing I will do, though, tomorrow and from then on, is do as many setups as I can at once. I tried to save off for later, but later was impossible. Pushups the same, though I can do those later. At least for now. When I am better off I will begin trying sets of setups later as well. *sigh*

Good night. Sleep well. Dream good dreams. And remember to send your love to someone else, even if in thought, before you rest your weary bones.

For all the griping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth...

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I actually think, to date, America is still whole and functioning, mostly. Read the news, pundits from both sides, and lamentations that America is "over" as a country... any generation we have existed. Oh, some people hope for it and always have and some people see it and it has not been true. We have gone through seriouser shit, to put it colloquially, a hundred times or more. FDR was more socialist, perhaps even directly communist, the Democrat party has been socialist since before even him I think, the powers have been garnered too heavily by one of the three federal sources of it from time to time, we have seen wars and heard rumors of war many times and even against ourselves, these are not new.

Sure, I would like to see a better balance and a more purely conservative bent to the government. Yes, I would love to see an end to politically correct choices of politicians. Of course, I would like to see an end to legal genocide. The list goes on, and will until I die even if I got my current wishlist filled. But this nation and how it works is not yet compromised. Though I will suggest that when that happens, and it will someday, we will not actually know it for some time. The people may not realize it for a hundred years, at least the meek among us. Though I suspect some will know far sooner than others. And I do see that we are on the brink. I hope we turn that corner, again, and return to the original experiment, abandoning the last half to three quarters of a century of failed even more progressive (on into regressive) policies and ways.

If we continue this original experiment, I do believe America might be more than just a fluke. Though I do not buy the going theories on evolution, I do believe there are forms of evolution. Some of those forms have nothing to do with physical characteristics but move on into the social, economic, and governmental. Until a basis of tenable sharing of power exists between the people as individuals and as a whole in parts and overall, occurs in a sustainable fashion, man cannot go forward. This nation, even in the current wounded state, is the best reasonable short term potential for that. All other governmental platforms for advancement are centuries, perhaps millenia away. Men may not have millenia, the earth could simply cease to exist at any moment from one of a thousand events, manmade or God devised. And, of course, this is a secular notion. If, and I do admit that, both God and men play a role in what will be, if too only God knows and what God has set in motion will trump the rest.

Just... some thoughts. The End is near! The End is... far? Could be. As Christ said, keep your socks packed and be ready. Just, do not worry about it. Individually or in sum total, it will happen eventually. Good (dooms) day!*

*Not my birthday

Goody Goody

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Awake earlier this morning. It is not too tight if sleep was short, at least at this time. I actually think I might make it back to a 6:00 wakeup. I feel something might have changed. Then again, the double amputee often feels he really could walk because he senses things below the cutoff points. It's more difficult, some days, to know for sure because I still have my legs, I simply lose the connection with the resources in my mind that allow most folks to simply function. Though I do not land flat on my face when trying, I often end up flat on my back. But... not today.

Sassy, for whatever reason, is sometimes a major pain in the mornings, among other places:) She wants me to be up and moving. It might be food, but not always. She had food left in her bowl from last night and did not even drink the bit of milk I put out for her. No, she just thought the big lug would be fun to terrorize. I still sometimes think I am just a giant mouse to them. I am at least an amusement for these high ladies of feline fashion, crime, and intrigue. With Sam, I just have to say "No!" sometimes, Sassy is easy (unless I am asleep). A wadded piece of paper, held aloft just long enough to get her attention then thrown, and her attention span is finished. She does not have BAMM (blond at any moment) Syndrome, she has more like BODS (blond on demand syndrome). Well, maybe she has a bit of both. I do not care what you think about blond jokes, have you met one? Seriously? Chipper indeed. I hear it might actually have to do with the flood of melatonin caused by the percentage increase of light brought to the eyes by the hair reflecting it to them rather than absorbing the light. Just in case you thought it was just a fiction... it has been studied, for what that is worth.

It is time to begin waking, and tinkering, touring the intertubz, news nodes, and such. I will be heading to town, again, around noon or 13:00 or whenever. What movie to take though? I do not want to rent. I will be thinking on it. Good day.

Up late, again, again? Yep.

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I was up and at it fairly reasonably this morning, and I did wake up, and I was ready before I had thought I would be. I called my friend at 12:30, ready to go. No answer. I did not want to go in and not be able to find him, so I kept tinkering. At 13:30 I called again. No answer, so I waited. At 15:00 I called again, and... no answer. So, I drove into town and knocked on his door. No answer. I suspected, that with as many appointments as he had today, one of the doctors saw a problem and put the fixing on him. Sure enough that is precisely what happened. He needed two more units of blood (along with two units of saline). Further, he has to go back in Friday for two more units (of each).

When he called, we talked a bit. I offered to come back in but he was pretty worn out. That process is mind dulling, I was in with him when they put in four units (of each). Plus, I think it wears him out beyond just the drag of the thing. New blood, and volume, does things. I suggested I visit tomorrow afternoon, a thing he thought would be swell. I will take a movie in. As well, I suggested I pick him up for Sunday dinner, pork roast, but cooked the old fashioned way. He thought that sounded great, if he does not like the idea of being here the whole time it takes to cook. Still, Sunday dinner is on.

How am I able to plan things with him and not make other appointments? The main thing is, he does not mind too terribly if I am one to three hours late. At the outer edges, he can become a bit testy. And, if I call and cancel, at least if it is timely (within that time frame), he is okay with it. That last makes him not so much testy as disappointed. It is easier to deal with people's anger than their disappointment, but sometimes I have no option.

I need to get to bed. So good night, sleep well. May the sands of time not dull the joys you knew in your youth. Remember them tonight. Want to meet at the old pond only kids could love in our dreams? Bring your dog, I will bring mine, and the other kids from my block. Someone's mom will make a picnic for after the swim! See ya there.

Up late, again.

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Bah, I need to get to bed earlier. I get caught up in the "just one... more... thing..."'ism. It makes getting up early tough, impossible to be up at 6:00 though I might make it by 8:00. Still, though I did little today, I have made plans to visit my friend tomorrow, so I have a reason to be up, showered, and about. Actually, beyond just getting out, for me to feel right and ready, I need to do some waking up. That requires some nettime, and that gives me incentive to get up and get what I can get done in the game before I need to head out. Like a little train, the engine moves, then the next car, and so on. Finally, I get my caboose in gear. Well, mostly. My friend is used to me being anywhere from one to three hours 'later than advertised'.

It seems he had eye surgery today, cataracts, the first of two planned surgeries as they do not do both eyes at once. Some sort of failsafe type deal, so people are sure to have two bad eyes at once, if not of the same varietal? Meh, I just like picking on doctors and this is just another opportunity. Anyway, since he is already running about tomorrow, with two early appointments and another run to another doctor for prescription fills, I suggested I just bring a McDonalds lunch and we call it even. And I suspect we will be having another roast soon, though this one will be done the old fashioned slow cooked way. I also asked if he would ask his sister if her son was successful hunting this year. If he got an elk, perhaps they have extra. She had once offered and I never took her up on the deal. Then again, I have been moving and settling so doing anything extra is just that. I will have to consider some kind of gift in return, of course. I may be a beggar and a lech, but... not really.

Anywhile, it is bedtime. Sleep is always sweet when I push it just a bit. It is the waking up that is a pain. Oh, the candle has being burned, rightly I believe, and I have been praying both when light and when putting out the twelve days of Christmas candle. I am not able to do much more, I am a bit confused. I hope it is pleasing to Whom it may matter. Simple thanks given in prayer form. Again, good night.

Plans.

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One of them I will share. While I am out of the running, in many ways, for much of life, I would like to improve some areas. Just staying awake during the day, on a regular schedule, paying bills, and keeping fed, clean, and ahead of dishes and other such is about it, I would like to begin a new little thing that might end up being what I need for when I need it.

While playing my computer game, two to three times a day I need to have a sub-program run which reads the auction house happenings, which leaves me waiting for eight to fifteen minutes. Now, rather than waste that time, or slow it down and try to do other things either online or in game and kill the fun of whatever else I might be trying to do, I have decided that would be a good time to begin doing setups and pushups. I will not get many done in that time, though as I improve, I can both do them faster and extend the time a bit. These are exercises which simply cannot really be overdone. Just something to add to the otherwise nothing of my current exercise regimen. It might see me in better shape when the time for getting out arrives again.

Oh, such little things. But it is what I have to work with. I will let you know, in time, how it works out. I just thought that if I shared one little possibility scratched from my ether world of seeming nothingness in the hopes of becoming more, even while I am not always sure I really exist or am alive... it might lead to others seeing where they might scratch out a little nothing time to try something. Little hopes which go forward and succeed, I think, are often greater than the greatest and failed aspirations. Right now, of course, all this is is a hope, and a little one at that. But it is better than my plans to dig a well, create a cistern, add solar energy as a primary source of energy, and get married and have children. Great all, but unlikely. This one might make it, sooner rather than a dubious later.

Good day.

Today is the day!

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Well, not a good thing if you remember a certain joke of which the title is a punchline, though for a different reason than in the joke. Never... mind... It was not that bad of a joke, it is not out of sorts, and all, but... I will leave it to my and maybe your memory in any case. Same with the juxtaposed conditional humor interplayed between the joke and the fact of the matter about today. I will just say that today is the day my game updates, so is unplayable until well into the afternoon. Bah! Laugh, damn you!

The weather here has been fine, fantastic actually, after a set of storms and a dark beginning of winter which seemed to portent weather mayhem. Most of the snow, down here in the valleys, is gone. The mountains, though, I assure you, are still snowed in and handsomely in the mountain snow way. I have not been watching the weather as, to me, it means nothing. I was amazed to have a week of fantastic weather while my lady friend visited, and I continue to be amazed. Then again, as I remember things, winters here are rather nice compared to Iowa. The sun does shine here, and often. Only the elevation keeps the snow around I think? Or is it the elevation that keeps it mild? Or is it that I am in a valley and surrounded by mountains, or the lack of moisture? Who knows, but I am keen on the winters hereabouts. I think these people, many who think winters here to be foul, would be horrified by Iowa winters. Let it be, I know, and that is good enough.

Sassy is coming along in her maturing. She has not torn through my skin, save by accident or incident relating to Sam, in quite some time. I no longer appear to have been mauled by a mini-lioness. I still bear the scar from the last attempt at bathing her though. Ah well, I will just add it to the numerous scars and battlemarks I will bear to death. At least I thought this one was funny, mostly.

Well, I have become a bit senile in some ways, to the way most tend to think, and being detached from flesh can make even being on fire something to chuckle at, should I be in a certain state of mind. Bah! I really ponder whether I could truly be called a death knight... of sorts. Or an actuated guru, minor (mortal) deity (by being impervious to environment or pain, not in a spiritual context), or like the accidental transcendentalist I have suggested before. If I could just get up, the world would be mine to do with as I please. If that is true, I am glad I cannot get up. Like the one ring and Gandolf, I... dare not. Not even should I set out to do good.

Sam is out, in this better weather, finding mice for the family. Of course, at this point and partly due to the scarcity of mice and the rarity of suitable times to hunt, all she shares is the regurgitated fur of the little beasts. ON MY JUST CLEANED RUG, TOO, I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW! Still, that I know she is having some fun is almost enough. I no longer chastise her for doing what she must, I now know better. Still, I do shut off the bedroom. I do like some places kept clean, safe, and vomit free.

I ought to go do something or other. I still, however, am not up to much. I did well with my lady friend. Between her ideas and mine, her ways and wants and my facilities, I was able to manage a week of care and attention, and without much effort as I have suggested. I did sleep in a few hours each day, but then I was up later doing some of the things I do after she had already gone to sleep. Blogging and minor game tasks which are to be done daily or up to thrice daily are solo tasks and I do not like impinging on the time I have with real people for these things. Mornings are a good time to let people... visitors... have their own personal time as well. Of course I am making this up as I go. But it seems to fit.

Later.

Something to keep in mind.

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While reading blogs.

Most of those who have the tech savvy, a computer, the ability to write, and the willingness to do so, on the internet (or anywhere officially published as well these days) is a liberal or an anarchist of some sort. No, go ahead, read. Just understand most writers want the world turned on the axis and want the sun to shine in blue... or something. Most want America to fail, many want the rich to die, Christians are often the target, and multi-culture is the "norm" for most of these people. Sure, there is a subsection of writers like myself, who believe in individualism (anti-collectivist), believe in this nation, and believe in God who, to some degree, actually both created and has upheld the nation and whose offering of free will makes the first a fact (if men have tried to, painfully, murderously, suspend all three).

Just understand that you are dealing with people who either through a lack of common sense or an outright admitted wish for the failure of liberties and or this nation (same same on this account to those types), write in just such a manner. While it is true, this nation and her people deserve punishment for sacrificing children on whatever alter you wish to name abortion as the "reason" for or what that "right" is based upon. While it is true, America is not heaven on earth. While imperfect people, bureaucrats, and politicians run the show, the truth is this was once and may survive to be again an exceptional nation.

Why is it exceptional, or have the potential to be exceptional again? Because, even now for the most part, setting aside the mass genocide against babies (a big thing to set aside as how can any right be guaranteed without the guarantee of life itself?), this nation is one of the only nations were men may actually rise or fall on their merits. No, that is not perfect. Yes, it is becoming less so, with regulations choking out pure hard work and true invention. But it is one of the best and has been for centuries. Pick your little commie European ditchweedalley which you might call utopia. How long has it been that good and how long will that last? There have been little commie-lands which pop up, call it good, and burn. European nations will soon be muslim. Nice call, Guido(s).

Anyway, just understand that cyberpunks write as they do as much for grandiose "stylin'" as to be in alignment with the rest of their anarchist idealism. Understand and do not be surprised. Then again, they have an administration that is "down with all dat". So, it goes to figure, you will see more of it, from both the left and the so-called right. There are some conservatives left. You will know them by their fruit.

Have a fine patriotic day. You may not be my comrades, but you are my fellow citizens and free men.

Oh, yeah? Right... Okay.

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Still getting up fairly well and early. Sleeping good, regularly, if dreaming a LOT. I do not always remember more than that I did dream in volume, but there is that. Nothing harsh lately, my jaw is back to feeling good. That is a hint, it was sore a week or three back. Not much else going on.

My lady friend keeps calling. I think she was surprised and impressed with what I have managed to do here. Making and keeping her like family, and cleanly, also trips her up a bit. She is used to everything costing something and nothing offered just because. She keeps looking for the cost. She may, in time, come to believe. That, actually, is all I am hoping to see. It profits me nothing but it may offer her something very special and quite good for her. Either that or I will throw her in a lake! Bah! :0 :) She was actually a very good guest. Some of my new life, and who I always have been, did not get her going, even when she was exposed full throttle. No, nothing weird, at least to those of us who believe in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Anathema to an Iowa Citian.

It is past time for bed. Good night!

Nice.

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I do need to get to bed earlier if I am going to try and keep a day schedule. I was able to wake up at 7:00, the time the alarm was set to go off anyway. But it is becoming tough to stay awake during the day. I know, as do you, that I will fall at some point. Nothing I do will change that. I can hope, I can try, I can pray, but I know I will fall off this schedule, any schedule, and sleep long hours, days, weeks, perhaps even months again. I will try, every day I have breath though, to maintain a day schedule. How odd that such a simple thing is so very difficult.

I am not doing much, just hanging onto my schedule. I have a few projects I need and want to attend, things that cost no money. Staying awake IS my chore, for the moment, however. I would like to get my reloading stand put together, assemble my reloader, organize the station, and begin churning out my own "roll your own" bullets. If nothing else it is something mechanical to do, something new, a project that requires a little bit of everything I like to do rolled into one large project but is really a number of puzzles and mechanical mind games. All new, all the way. I would also like to go through the last of my boxes, sort what to keep, discard a good deal of stuff, and organize the place a bit more. Well, we will see.

Grumpy, I say. That is what I am today. No, not grumblingly grumpy, just not cheerful. Well, when I say cheerful, I mean like being able to be chipper and jovial while going over a cliff waterfall. Telling jokes on the way down, maybe doing some flips and twirls while airborne as a last hurray for life. I am not ever really cheery about the world or the truth of our reality here, only I see no reason, generally, not to find what joy, mirth, and pleasantry which is here and in abundance. Today I just cannot wake enough to find my little mental nirvana. Maybe it will come in a bit, or tomorrow. The good thing is that I know it will return before long. It has replaced my once felt need for suicide, something I have not felt a need for since... 1993 I believe. My last great attempt at embracing death with a 12 gauge kiss. *click* So be it and good riddance to such a notion. Ha!

On to doing more staying awake. Hmmm, lunch almost sounds good enough to do something about. Not yet but I am getting there. Be well and have a blessed day. In the storm of life and the world, may that one streak of sunshine come into your day, your life, your heart. Do not reject it, God only offers. We must accept.

Stayed up too late.

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It happens. I am still a bit lost in how to get back to "normal". Of course, I do not want to return to a lackluster normal. Who knows what I can actually manage to arrange. I am going to face a very lean month, and next month as well. I didum booboo, as one might say, which does not help in sorting things out. Still, I will sort it or it will sort itself. That is how life works. Then there is death if all else fails.

Sassy is become a bit neurotic. Or, wildly neurotic. I think she is reaching maturity but holding on to being a kitty? Or is she going through interest in toms? She is quite aggressive and assertive. I have placed limits on that and they seem to work, for the most part. Sam is neurotic, but she has learned to keep that in a place and has gone beyond it, mostly. They are joys to me, whatever they do. Mostly.

It is bed time. I will enjoy the rest. Tomorrow I may begin figuring out what bills might not get paid, how much I have on hand and otherwise available, and what to do. But for now, sleep. Deep, rich, warm, probably dream filled sleep will be had. Good night.

Odd things happen.

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While my lady friend was visiting, in our travels we noticed homes lit like electrical 4th of July displays. I will not, myself, put up Christmas lights. I suppose I could be talked into doing such silliness should I marry and the little woman get a particular bee in her bonnet. I know my limitations and depriving a little lady of her bee'd bonnet is often among my limits. In any case, I did suggest that I would like to light a candle, or set of candles, for the twelve days of Christmas. She has not heard of such a thing. I assured her that this practice is old, probably ancient, and is both quite Christian and not just Catholic. However, I was not sure how such things worked.

Today, a fellow stopped by to visit and brought a gift. It just so happens Mormons also, to whatever degree, know of the twelve day of Christmas candle lighting situation. As the gift was just that, along with verses from the book of Mormon and the New Testament. Oh, and not only did I invite him in, the guest that is, but with the living room in much better order, I invited him in to have a seat. We talked just a little bit, but it was good. I am not dressed properly, wearing sweats and a t-shirt. My hair was slightly but not properly combed as well. Still, it was better than before.

Anyway, I just think that after having just been discussing this particular candle, to have it show up is one of those things, odd things, in life. Perhaps letting me know I am going the right way and offering me an incentive to keep going. If we had discussed this in my home, perhaps one could posit through a right proper paranoia that it was "overheard". We were in my vehicle and several states over, I think, so though of course it is possible that we were overheard there, it is less likely. And should one's paranoia be hearty enough, one could believe that even my clothes are bugged. Still, I like to think this was just a work of fate. Probably. Ha!

Well, on to other things. I hope your day is going well. That you find something to chuckle at, wonder about, and maybe something worth putting your mystery or paranoid hat on. Yeah, it is fun, life that is. Later.

Ouch, almost.

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I wanted to sleep yesterday, as soon as I returned home and most of the day. Instead I waited until 23:00 or so before climbing into bed. I slept well, dreamed I think, and woke a bit late. I set the alarm for 7:00, so I could sleep in a bit today. It was not until 7:43 or so until I actually woke. And I enjoyed a little extra sleep. I sort of feel a little strung out, but actually not all that badly. My lady friend was no hassle to deal with, if I enjoy even most of that now it can stretch me. I think it was simply all the driving, travel, a bit of financial concern, and such, which have stretched me. Still, I need to be stretched from time to time. So it is a good thing.

Now to figure out my finances, get my life back to normal order, and just figure it all out again. I need to sort out my refrigerator, too. I have a duck and several cornish game hens in the freezer, along with a few other meats, so I should be good for food, along with the short term food stocks. Milk, maybe more cat food, and maybe a few incidentals through to the end of the month will see me in fine shape, I think.

Sam and Sassy were quite pleased to have papa back home. I slept in a crowded bed last night and woke to furry tickles several times, as they wanted to see if I would feed them. Sometimes that annoys me, sometimes it just makes me smile, either way I usually just go back to sleep. I think they must know when I am close to waking, as in deeper sleep that does not work. Pests, but I enjoy them.

On to my day. Have a great day yourselves.

Back to normal.

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I took my lady friend to the airport this morning and more or less on time and in good shape. I can begin figuring out what to do now that I am running solo again. It has been a bit of a whirlwind, in spite of it not seeming like it while it was happening. Driving, shopping, cooking, planning, and even the cleaning beforehand. Even the drive home is more doings and at times I usually do not go forth.

We did end up driving the Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We stayed the night there. Then we tried to get to the south gate of Yellowstone. The road was officially closed before we got to the gates but I could see that the park rangers, I suspect, had been driving on up. Whether the path went all the way to the gates, which I suspect, I will never know. My lady friend got cold feet about the project at the road closed sign, so we turned around. I think I enjoyed her Christmas present almost as much as she did.

The driving was extensive. I drove, perhaps, five hours up. But on the way back we took a different path as I wanted her to see Bear Lake and Logan Canyon. Then we drove on to SLC for another overnight out. Her flight required her to be to the airport at 5:30, according to their recommendations, for checking in and having everything in order for her 7:10 flight... give or take. The drive from up there, then to as close to the south gate as we got, and then to the hotel in SLC, and then a bit more to find an In-n-Out ended up making for about twelve to fourteen hours on the road.

I did overspend, of course. I had planned to have a good meal or three and had provisioned for it. Little of which, as it turns out, did we eat. Still, I had planned on a more expensive meat and a Christmas present. Though I had hoped to get that next month. Ah well, it all works out in the end. Somehow? Yeah, probably. And, she was more than pleased with the trip. In spite of not having my printer working still, and having to take down direction notes, we made the trip with nary a hiccup. And we made it back and on time just swell.

But, the coming down. That will take a bit. At least I did not feel pushed or pulled, stretched or thin, hung out or strung out. She was even pleased with my home, and the cleanliness. Which surprises me. Other than vacuuming and a little straightening, this is pretty much how my home is generally kept. Now to keep it pretty much like it is, though. My next visitor, my mother, comes in the spring. I should be able to keep up appearances that long. Besides, I may have local visitors before too long as well. Now to just keep it like this from now on, I suppose.

Well, off to tinker, read, comment, and whatever. Have a great day.

Another good day.

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I was up late, around 7:30 or 8:00. She was already up and tinkering. She made some coffee and oatmeal. I think I fixed myself something and had a cup of joe as well. A slow but steady morning of doing this and that, based on plans for lunch out at my favorite local Mexican place, a movie, and some shopping. And, it all went off without a hitch.

My favorite place, where I may have mentioned the shrimp ceviche and generally splendid meals, served up a winner. I would have enjoyed the meal in any case, but to have my lady friend enjoy her meal and the ceviche was simply an additional bonus. Then a stop at the local organics store, where she bought nothing but looked around a bit. Then to the new Harry Potter movie. I know, it is secular at best. I know, it is for children. Still, I merely enjoyed it for what it was. She enjoys these things as if she were a child. It was good. Then a few things on here list. All the time talking about this or that. I grabbed a chuck roast and to home we went. I made the roast, as nothing else is really thawed. We could have had some other stuff, but... so be it. I added in mushrooms, onion, and turnips. I had purchased a lettuce mix for her already. So the meal, with a little cooking time, was another success. Toward the end of the evening, we were both getting a bit grumpy. Still, that is fine. We are comfortable, at this point, with each other's bad hair moments.

Rather than a big meal, or a Christmas present, she wanted to take a bit of a trip. We looked to Yellowstone, but they are all booked or closed. So we looked around for a lodging in or near the Grand Teton National Park. We found lodging nearby, for tomorrow, so we will be going up that way. I chose a place, for just a little more, with a kitchenette, a private balcony, and separate sleeping quarters, though she would have been fine sharing a room, even a bed. Yes, I am that trustworthy. Nice to know, and that it is not a difficulty is either a good thing or bad thing but is no chore even if I am attracted. Oh well, God does know.

So, instead of a big meal and a nicer gift, we travel. I am probably saving money on the deal but that is not the point. I think I will also, yet tonight, find lodging in SLC where we can sleep over so we do not have to get up so early and drive so far for her return flight. As well, we can then see Antelope State Park, I hope, and eat at the In-n-Out... something she wanted to do since we saw the sign on our "detour" south the night she arrived. It is something from her long past, something she wants. So, if things work as planned, she will eat there.

Well, she should have a fine vacation this year. As well, it has not been a burden to me, in any way. I also get to see more of the world around me and some of the places I would not have visited or want to see again. It is good to have visitors. I should try to find the muffin tin before I get to bed, then get into bed. It has been a number of long days, filled with talk and some activity, and there are a few more to go. Then I can sleep and rest and relax into my fine typical winter hibernation form? Maybe. Or just meh? Ha!

Good night.

Back and alive.

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We had a good day, actually. I shopped before she arrived and was at the airport in plenty of time. A bit of a wait is better than having my guest wait. She was pleased to see me at the arrival gate this time. I am learning. The ride home would have been uneventful, but in the excitement of the moment, the crush of traffic, and simply whatever other reason, I got on the wrong track and went 40 miles in the wrong direction. Still, she was rather pleasant about it. Though reminding me every 15 to 20 minutes for a couple hours is how she deals with things. I think she forgets she already reminded me. *laughs*

We stopped at one of the best restaurants in Logan and had dinner. I had hoped to stop at Maddox, which was closer to the airport since she was hungry when she arrived. It was closed, Mondays I suppose. She was not terribly pleased with her meal, but I enjoyed mine a great deal. We had thought to see a movie too, but she was all done in. Home and bed sounded really good, so the movie will wait. The rest of the drive was uneventful.

I cannot tell what she thinks of my home yet. She is tired, it is late, it is dark. At first she was going right to bed, then she thought ginger "tea" would be good. Then perhaps a game of backgammon, she thought. I won, of course. She does win sometimes, though. A little talk, some things about Iowa City, a bit about here, some things that are happening. She thinks my house is quite large, which it sort of is, if no mansion either. And she thought it was quite clean. We will see when she wakes and the sun shines in. But for now, I accept the compliment.

All in all, a good first day. We will argue later. :p

Good night.

Almost proud.

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The place, if not spotless, is a different world than what it has been. No, it would not pass any close scrutiny, though as much due to the age of the kitchen area as anything else. It is not meticulously clean, it is merely clean and neat, with a few givens (my bedroom, to a degree, and the computer area). Hmm, but my bed IS made. That is almost a first here. Sassy and Sam have enough food and water for two days or more, should my return be delayed. Everything is on schedule. I have showered and trimmed my face bush back to a more pleasing whiteifer (sort of like conifer, just mostly white). I even folded one more load of laundry and have another in a near dry set up.

I am ready to head out and should be in SLC early enough to do a little shopping on my own. I may do more when she arrives and we discuss some things, or not, depending on her mood. She worked last night so she is bound to be a little grumpy and disheveled. That, in my own odd way, I can understand. So, today is up to her. She has not called, which worries me just a bit. I tried to call her but there was no answer. I will go ahead as if all is on schedule and such unless I hear otherwise. Still, it is unusual that she not call.

I best get going. Have a great day.

Not much...

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I did not get much on the list done. Done last night that is. I was up late, so not sure if I would be able to rise at 6:00. Not quite but not bad, I did get out of bed at around 6:22 or 6:15 or something like that. A cup of coffee, some wake up time on the machine, and I was at it by 9:00 or so. The bathroom is ready, minus the fixtures. I have not had time to tinker with that, though I may see if bending a rod will fix the thing, at least for now. If not, I will have to drain it and measure everything, then buy replacements. Why tinker around. It might save a little money to just fix one problem, but if there is a problem, I would rather fix the whole thing than be tinkering with it endlessly as various other parts break. The dishes are done and put away, the floor is swept though the felines with their penchant for the litter box will dirty it before I can return. Several loads of laundry have been completed, with one in the wash and one in the dryer. Oh, and I finally VACUUMED! Plus it did not kill me. Still hate doing that, but it is done. Other little tasks have been seen to as well, including stocking her bathroom with towels and ensuring she has toilet paper. Further, I cleaned up this (the computer) room. It is not enclosed enough to actually be a room all by itself, it is a through room from the front door to the living room, without an interior door. My work station remains the cluttered mess that I use for organization, but that is just the tiny corner desk upon which the computer sits. People will simply have to deal with that.

I might do a few odds and ends yet though. But the main presentation of my home is as ready as it gets. A few boxes I tucked into my room may go upstairs. A few boxes in there should have gone upstairs long ago anyway. A shower and perhaps neatening my beard would be good. And maybe I can finish most of the laundry. My goal is to be out by noon, I have about an hour and a half. Wow, I can actually do some work. Sometimes I even calculate well. Then again, I have been tinkering at it. I knew, though, that getting things too ready too soon would simply not work as the place would be a mess again in no time.

It is snowing, or was a bit ago. Large flakes, huge flakes actually. I should be fine. Part of the reason I chose the Xterra was winter mobility. Ice is one thing, but this is not ice. They do a pretty good job of keeping the roads open here. Well, a bit more work, a shower, and...

Later!

As always, the work goes on.

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Slowly, as usual. The place will not be put together perfectly for the arrival. I have done much, and will do a few more things before I am finished. Her bed is made, clean sheets, pillowcases, and blankets were used. The kitchen has been swept a final time, the kitty litter boxes have been cleaned. I still need to finish a small pile of dishes, prepare her bathroom, finish a bit of laundry, and vacuum. Yes, vacuum indeed. If something gets skipped, it will be that. But I mean to not skip anything. Of course, it will still not pass muster. It should, though, be enough.

So many other things I would have liked to have done. I simply am not working at full capacity, or close to it. In time, perhaps, as money is less of an issue and some things I want done are completed which are all sort of dependent on money and to a degree knowledge and confidence, life will be smoother when visitors come in. For one thing, I will probably just pay a service to clean in preparation. I am a poor cleaner. So, if given the choice, I would rather offer money than effort for something I do poorly at any rate.

A few more things tonight, a few in the morning, and I should be ready. I do wish it was better, but what I have to offer will have to do. Good night.

Huh?

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I sleep in for the last two days after staying up not even all that late. Okay, I get that, a pattern thing, maybe worse a trend. So I stay up really outrageously late (comparatively), set my coffee to go off at 8:30 instead of 5:45 and... I wake up right at 6:00 with the alarm. I feel like I get beat up then allowed to rest, in front of a speeding Mack truck. I will improve, or nap later. Well, I will get to taste hot coffee. But not for a while.

You thought I had something more on my mind? I am surprised I had that on my mind let alone that I also had a notion to blog it. You did not hire me for talent or such. Oh? You fire me? You cannot fire me, I quit! Wait, my pay! Blah. Hmm, if you double my pay... nay, triple... I will stay. Goose eggs cubed, equal exactly the same as always. Good day.

Working late.

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I actually work better when nearing the end of my wake cycle. Which is not a good thing. It leads to staying up later and later until I ruin my schedule. There seems little I can do about it, but it is something new I realized. Perhaps I can figure something else out. Coffee does not seem to help get me started in the morning, or afternoon for that matter. It just seems easier to get to things about the time I should be going to bed.

I finished the dishes but created more. I cooked the beef tongue. I only added a bit of spice, as the pressure cooker enhances whatever you add. Until I get more practiced, I will be a bit careful. A quarter to a half a teaspoon of salt, about a teaspoon of garlic powder, and two bay leaves. I also cut 2 onions into slices for a base and used a beer for the liquid. The tongue was easy to skin, I also removed a small amount of odd tissue, but the rest of it was fine. I sliced about half of it, thinly. I had to have a sandwich using some of the meat, and tasted some by itself. It has a bit of a sweet and sour feel, oddly. It was good enough, and quite tender. It is a bit different of a meat. I plan on making gravy with the juices, storing that in a bowl near the already stored meats, and then going to bed.

I will make sandwiches, as I suggested, on my trip to SLC to pick up my lady friend. I do not know if she will be interested, but they will be there and I will eat my sandwich or two. If nothing else, I will have done something I said I was going to do. As well, we will have homemade cold cuts during her stay. I am curious how the gravy will turn out. If it has a simple beefy flavor and is not over salted, I will be quite pleased. Well, I best get too that then to bed. I am up way late.

Good night.

A few things at a time.

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I am running out of time. I cannot get things in gear. So be it. I have been working as I may, meaning little jobs, a few arranging tasks, and the dishes are about half way to being washed. I did make bacon, eggs, and toast. All I can say about that is... those eggs were FRESH. Fresh eggs have a special place in my pantheon of movers and shakers. These both moved and shaked and probably some other things. There are two doors between me and my bathroom and I am using them both. Enough about that.

I am close though, really. A few boxes to be reallocated. A few areas that could be cleaned. The bathroom fixture to be sorted out, if need be replaced tomorrow. I should open up what will be her room and air it out a bit, putting on clean sheets for a start. A little laundry so that her blankets and sheets are definitely clean. Yeah, that ought to be it. When I pick her up, I will be stopping at the bigger organic store there in SLC. There are some things that are simply not to my (old) and her current tastes sold locally. Perhaps, if she is well enough off, we will see a movie though we can do that locally. A day and a half, I think. She will be here and fussy as ever, to be sure. It is good, since I am not ready to travel, to have some of the old world come and visit during the Christmas season.

I had best get to goofing, as I am in a goof cycle, so that in an hour or so I can get to the work cycle again. I am definitely not AC/DC, definitely purely DC. On and off, off and on. Later.

Hmmm?

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In spite of going to bed early, I still overslept. I could not rise until after 7:30 a bit. Now, the furry beasts were on a tear, which did not help. Every time I rolled and came to a bit, one of them was right-cher ('nother word I sort of made up, though more just made up a way to spell). Usually they sleep around me, one on one side, the other on the other. Not last night. They tagged-teamed my face. I did not mind, and I am pretty sure they wanted food. I did not fill their bowls last night because they still had food. I want them hungry for the morning, and try to feed them just enough during the day. Sassy gets more, of course, as she is still growing. But at night I am starting to run them hungry. Well fed cats get too lazy. I want active, curious, resourceful beasties. Yes, I do the same with myself, if too sometimes I simply forget to eat. I do not forget to feed them though.

I dreamed, again, last night and this morning. I do not remember what I was dreaming. I can tell I have been dreaming as my jaw is sore and has been for some time. It feels like I have been in a fight, but that sore jaw cures in a few days. It is the same feeling. I must assume I am back to chewing my teeth again. Took me years to stop doing it while awake, but then I was having dreams while awake back then. A little therapy for the few rare things does help, and it helped with me on this due to that. Perhaps that is why I am needing more sleep. Bah! A good cup of coffee though, is worth waking up for. It would be nice to wake early enough that I could enjoy a truly hot cup of coffee.

Well, on to waking up then cleaning up. I only have days to get this world ready, or more ready, for the Q.o.D. Her dark highness will be here soon. *giggles* Meh, I will use my jedi mind tricks to keep her focus away from the exactitudes she so uses for her darkness. *ping* "What was that?"... "Surely, I would not know... (teehehehe)" *ping* "Your home is odd." "I know, little one." And, yes I can. Up to a point. Good day.

Oh well, it was a thought.

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Not much got done today. Actually, nothing did. I was pretty much shot. As little as I did in the last few days it was enough to trip me. I am hoping to get the place tidied back up tomorrow, and perhaps figure out the extra bathroom. I also need to do more straightening before the dread Queen of Darkness arrives. Who knows what will truly be done, though I think I can have the place comfortable enough.

Someone, again, did my drive. This time I caught them, and glanced at who it was. I do not recognize the man. I will have to ask around. I should have gone out and offered hot cocoa or coffee or even a glass of water. I simply was not groomed for company. Yes, I stand on that. Anyway...

Sassy is seeming a bit more normal. Not completely though. Something is going on in her tiny cat brain though. She finally tolerated being up in the crook of my arm though, tonight. The first time in days. Just for a little while, but enough. Screwy cats.

Sleep well. I am clocking out early. At 21:30, it is only early compared to what it has been. I think that is a better time for 6:00 rises. I have been pushing that a bit, too, lately. I am ready for sleep tonight. Coffee in the morning might be the way to go. The heavy stuff. It does not give me much of a kick, but it seems to do the job anyway. Then again, I am rather insensitive to almost any stimuli. That does not mean it is not working, it only means I am not aware of it. The only time I notice coffee is when it is too acidic. This stuff is not, smooth as... good scotch. Oh, forgot to try the alternative sweeteners this morning. Will try to remember tomorrow. Good night, friends. You too, foes, sort of.

Whatever I said before, this is NOW the truth.

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Not really. When writing about coffee, I could not remember how much coffee I used, now that I have made coffee twice in the last 10 hours, I remember. I use one scoop of raw bean per two cups of coffee. I am having a cup of the high-pro, as I like to call the good coffee with high caffeine, as we speak. I should also add that the two cups mentioned above is two measured cups. The "cup" I am drinking out of is a hondo cup ('nother made up word, based on a John Wayne character thus 'bigger than life' (I think, though some say mondo)). It holds two or three cups. On the up side, but depressing for me, it still looks dainty enough in my mitts.

Midnight is out for a bedtime, I slept until 8:30 this morning. The particular coffee machine I purchased not only grinds and is programmable, but the coffee goes into a thermos. I like it because the thermos is all stainless AND is shaped like the traditional coffee pot. A little old school meets new school... or engineering meets homemaking... or... well... something. The upside is my coffee is still good to go. I should have known I would not be able to sleep early. Company gets me riled up, doing a lot of cooking and cleaning and prepping before hand also will get me wired, and then drinking some coffee for dinner is probably out. But hey, if I can pull sleep back a few hours, I should be good. With several incentives to do so currently, I think I can.

Sam was pleasant to my company, but Sassy wanted nothing to do with him. Then again, she is going all weird even with me at this point. I think she is becoming a little young cat lady, and is not sure how to handle it. She knows, now, that I am a male and that she is a female, but is not sure what it means. Her instincts tell her I might be trouble but her training and experience tell her I am not. She will have to re-evaluate the situation. And, I am happy to let her. I, after hours of trying, finally gained hold of her. I did so by offering her milk, petting her while she was drinking, then gently picked her up, which she was fine with. Then I took her to him. He got to pet her just a bit, then she... climbed me. I had to get her by her scruff, over my back, and behind my head, somehow and in a manner that would make Houdini proud, to get the claws out of my various parts. I did so gently since I caused the deal. I then let her go. I figure, if she comes to know he is not a threat, she will be fine. And I was willing to put some skin, literally, in the game. She liked him when she was really small. Like I said, she is in cat/kitty teen years.

Well, today will be for cleaning. There is a lot to do, but not so much that it is daunting. I also need to figure out the plumbing issue in the extra bathroom, the toilet is a runner. I may be able, simply, to bend some stuff. Or it may take a gutting of the plumbing fittings and refitting. I know my lady friend will enjoy having a bath, and a bathroom, all to herself. Women are like that, and in this way to be sure, she is very much like most other women. Every woman is different the same. That is, there are huge similarities with striking rare dissimilarities. This woman, however, has more dissimilarities than not. She is a rare one. Though, too, overall, she is ruled by the same principles of any woman, she just reacts to that... strangely. I have known enough women to know.

Time to begin the wake up process. I had a cup of coffee, going onto my second, and finished the remnants of supper, the little I kept. It was good, if not great. I may just roast it next time, the old fashioned way. The problem is, roasting takes hours and I do not leave my house while cooking. So, if my friend wants dinner here, he has to be here the whole time. I will ask him if that is fine with him. Otherwise, back to the pressure cooker. Once I clean up, I may pressure cook the tongue tonight. As well, I will cook another batch of rice. I need to cook more beans too, but that will wait for tomorrow or the night after. Having a small stock of freshly cooked foods for quick meals when my lady friend arrives should help with the flow of things. If she is hungry NOW, I can make food right away. Along with some of the special meals, we should be in fine standing that way.

Good day.

Dinner was...

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Served. My first meal from the pressure cooker went off without a hitch, mostly. My one mistake was not to have the pork shoulder also be boned. That made carving a bit trickier if not a serious problem, as well it created a little too much of a gap between what was cooked well and some that was needing more time, despite the thermometer. More cooking, however, would not have been good either. The pressure cooker does indeed cook faster. It does not, however, cook as well. No, the meal was good. But the roast could have been juicier (I did sear it) and probably tastier if done the old fashioned way, in the oven. The gravy, however, came out perfect. That is the first gravy I remember making that was actually like what one might remember their grandmother or some of their mothers making. I did not salt it too much, it was not too thick or thin, it was not bland. Truly, a fine gravy. And the onions ending up being a very good part of the meal rather than just gravy makings, or moist filler for some mechanical use by the pressure cooker. The mashed potatoes, simple as that may seem, were very good as well.

I am going to try this again, soon, probably shortly after my lady friend leaves. I doubt she will have any interest in same old same old meat and potatoes of this sort. I have told my friend to invite his friend over for the next one. Who knows if the other guy will come. It is simply a shame to have such a fine meal turn into mere leftovers. Of which I sent most of it home with the friend who visited tonight. He said he has not had gravy like that in... so long he cannot remember. He likes meat, he loves mashed potatoes and gravy.

Oh, and the coffee was excellent. I made French double roasted tonight, as it has less caffeine. I also bought a high caffeine stuff for morning use. I set the coffee machine to begin brewing at 5:45, just slightly before my alarm goes off. I am hoping that coffee, during the weekdays, will give me that little extra boost. Oh, and five dosers of the good stuff for my ten cup pot should put some wood back in my... Well, you know. I have taken my friend back home and am just enjoying the last dregs of the coffee with a little milk and Splenda.

Ah, I did pick up some agave stuff today. I will be trying that soon, maybe tomorrow. I have stevia as well. Who knows, tomorrow may be a sampling day. My home is a lot closer to being ready for when my lady friend visits though now too, save for the kitchen again! That should not be a great deal of trouble. And, actually, I did what cleanup I could while working, but with two pots, silverware, dinner plates, serving plates, and such, one cannot really keep ahead on all of it. The cutting boards and knives used for all the chopping, dicing, and such are clean. Even the pan I seared the meat in is clean and put away. Tomorrow will, hopefully, see me coffinated and at it again, maybe with a bulls roar.

Good night.

Late to the party and moving slowly...

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Yet still somehow, within my paradigm I should say, moving at a loverly pace. The alarm, as usual, went off at 6:00. And I heard it. I thought I would just take a second more in bed. I dreamed large and cool, sort of like comic book type fights, action, and love scenarios. Finally though, the ringing got to me. Wow, I slept for more than an hour and a half with that thing ringing! I am talented! No worries, I was able to wake up and get going pretty well somewhere in the neighborhood of 7:46 or something anyway.

I have sorted out the kitty litter boxes, soaking what needs to be cleaned, with the new set up for their special packages and parcels. Sassy can easily use the higher walled box now, so that should cut down on litter on the floor. That along with special mats for them to shake the stuff off. They do not like kitty litter on the floor any more than I do. The few dishes I have created since the Big Clean of '10 are soaking. I have sliced the onions, tearful as that really was. I am planning to have just a few more things done and be ready to start cooking as soon as we return. I think I will peel and size chop the potatoes for a quicker cook. Of course, I have to get a shower in, sweep the floor again, again, again (bah! difficult to keep that thing swept, this will be the... fifth time in... two or three days!).

I had a little trouble finding a pork roast to my specs. I did finally find one, but that store only offered it as a whole roast. Still they (un)happily agreed to trim and remove the rind and cut the whole roast into a half roast. While she was checking to make sure they had a roast, I decided to just order the whole roast, but have them treat it and cut it in two to my specs. If this works, or does not, I will try it again similarly or change something. A couple of weeks from now and my friend will be back for dinner again. I also need to pick up coffee, the good stuff, some soda and tea, and bay leaves... I think that is it. At least for the moment. I found white honey last night, which is said to have the least honey flavor, so I bought that. If nothing else it might begin breaking me into using, maybe even liking, honey. I do not hate honey, it just tastes... funny. Then again, so does Splenda. Or it did at first. It was merely better than most sugar replacements available to me. I have to try agava stuff too though. Oh, yes, more Splenda too. Bah! Lists, and lists, and lists of lists? Probably.

The nice thing is that after my lady friend visits and then leaves, I can get busy shutting things down and just... coasting until spring. I might get some things done but I am hoping to keep costs down and just get by, saving for more doings in the spring. Money is not absolutely tight, at least when nothing is happening. But when people are coming, especially on my nickel, it gets very tight. Still, I would not want it any other way. Oh, and my lady friend is not a hold back or a hold on. I plan to have her out to visit, if she is interested, every few years even should I find a woman. Well, some of that would be up to the particular woman, but I have a way with words. And, most women who know there is no threat... well, okay, a few in a hundred women... can handle friends from the past. No, this one needs some love, the good kind.

Well, I best get busy relaxing for an hour before the next push and shove to get the last of the things done. Later.

Made it and back, alive even.

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It was misting, which was a little spooky to be out in. The roads were fine though, other than drivers on THEIR CELL PHONES. Sure, they drove like little old ladies, but continued to jabber as if going slow would make a difference if that mist iced. Still, I kept my cool and went to where I needed to go then got out.

I have decided, when shopping at several spots, my best bet is to go to the places where I will be getting small things, like tobacco or coffee, first, then go to the places where I will be filling a long list. If I do my big shopping first, I simply often feel overwhelmed and undone and quit before I get it all done. The coffee shops were closed, so no coffee. Tobacco is back in stock her on the homefront, should you need some. As well, I finally remembered to get another kitty litter box, and I picked up a coffee maker, with automatic grind. It is a nice feature, and makes it so if I want coffee now I do not need to hand grind a bit (I prefer to grind fresh if at all possible). I also purchased most of the items for dinner tomorrow, but could find a rind free shoulder pork roast at neither of the grocery stores I visited. Having everything else will make shopping for that easy though. I will call in and have it waiting, if I can find one.

I had thought I was leaving later than I was. As is, I was easily back online and will probably game for an hour or so to boot. Smooth. Oh, Sam braved the outside tonight, if only for a bit more than a half hour. It is rather warm out, for having nearly a foot of snow on the ground, though. Utah is a really different place. A desert with snow, in the mountains. The snow is fluffy, light, and deep yet can easily withstand mist and warmth without really disappearing. I do like it here.

Sleep well folks. My dreams have been interesting of late, perhaps we will meet up there and build something, or have a fine tea, or go boating, maybe even save the world! Depending on which one of you are in my dreams. Then again, friends and family usually are not in my dreams, oddly. Still, you are invited. :) Good night.

I have been doing SOME things.

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Not a lot, mind you, it would be a drama should I get a headache or break a sweat. :p But I am doing little bits and pieces. Boxes tended, if not yet removed to recycling. Dishes being kept up with, along with some eating. Straightening here, tidying there, and moving these and those things to someplace more appropriate (or at least out of sight). And yet I simply cannot get into it. I am pushing. I simply have little with which to push!

Still, tomorrow will be on for dinner. I am going into town tonight to see if I can get some, most, or all of my list for the meal and perhaps for a bit more. I need soda and a regular coffee pot. My lady friend would be as entertained with the vacuum coffee pot as she was with the French press... Something like, "Cute, but uhm, I want coffee". She can almost shave dry humor, no, she does. But only when she does not try. Her really good accidental humor reminds me of the twinge I would get in my jowels after sucking on those very sour jawbreakers. Oy vey! But I actually like it. Anyway.

I also want to get another kitty litter box, with another sifter. With only one sifter, I cannot quickly and easily clean it, which degrades the whole system or slows down the work a great deal. It might sound finicky, and it might be, but darn it, I hate having a stinky house. Messy? Sure, sort of. Needing a little repair here and there? S'kay, for now. But not stinky. I might also eat out again, so I do not have to do dishes. I like cooking, just not the dishes. The "chef" here is a bit of a Madonna when it comes to using pots, pans, cutlery, serving pieces, and utensils. Nothing but the best for his customers! Bah!

Well, I best get showered and get going. Yes, late. But so it goes. Have a good night. I may not log back in. I am becoming an early to sleep wienie, if that is okay too.

Looks to be snowing again.

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My kind of weather. I may just have to set the queen and princess out though. They need to figure this stuff out, get out and play, and that is that. They have both been refusing to go out and are both getting cabin fever. Sassy is the worst, but I can never tell if she has cabin fever or kitteh feva. Up at it, at 6:00 again. I am starting to think, with the fear of visitors catching me all unprepared, I might have a reason to be up early and ready now. That... might be enough... so long as I continue to get visitors.

I really need to keep my caffeine handy. I ran out of soda and my coffee pot is a bit of work. So, I may just get a normal coffee pot for daily use, saving the other two for special company (the vacuum and the French press). Oh, and I need better coffee. I know some people can drink almost anything slightly (and I do mean slightly) more tolerable than high grade motor oil. I have gotten spoiled on pretty good stuff and cannot quite choke down brown swill. So, while shopping today, I will grab some coffee. I have a hand (non-electric) coffee grinder now, so I can get beans. That helps all by itself. I used to think the darker coffees were the richest in caffeine, not so. I will still buy some of that, but I need to get the lighter types for days when caffeine is a need more than a want. Uhrm, like today, and yesterday too. Some days, pulling on the boots, gloves, or even pants can be a chore. Jammies are good, but not really company ready.

I suspect I will get the living room spiffified, manage some boxes, take some recycling in (simply because I am not sure I have enough room for that for this coming weekend in my container), do some shopping, and just have a fine old day. Well, that is what I keep telling myself. I only seem to be able to work a few hours of my own accord, no matter how much I want to do. If I were a train, I would guess my engine is a bit weak, or my drive train is slipping, or my caboose is a bit heavy, or bits of all three sometimes separately, sometimes combined. :p

Now that I have the snow blower going, I do not care if it snows three feet a day! So long as my home is good and no branches crash into it. I need to get a roof scoop device for my back porch. I can see where, when that was not done, the snow crumpled the steel roofing. Someone learned a hard lesson, though it looks like it was a one time deal. I would rather learn from their mistake than repeat it all on my own.

Well, on with life! Good day.

I am a terrible cleaner.

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Little bits and pieces have been taken care of though most of the work remains. I simply am not good at getting to this kind of work, or doing it well, for long, or anything. I am hoping, with an extra day thrown in, I might have the place up to par for, say, my mother. Well, at least on the surface. Or, perhaps more along the lines of a first glance approval. That will be as good as I ever get and it will be a rare shine.

The kitty and cat are enjoying life, though I know Sam would love to go out but for the snow and cold. She has become a fussy outdoor cat, choosing only to go when it absolutely suits her which it has not been true for some time. Sassy has gone out twice with Sam but does not stay long and has not gone out in a goodly bit. She is even fussier. So be it, but they are going a little stir crazy so I wish they would go out. I try to remember when the sun is really shining, as that would be the warmest, to offer them the door. I do try.

That was that. A meager day with mild successes. I am hoping for more tomorrow but I am not sure that will work out much better. Still, even a bit closer to my goal is better than no improvement at all. It is about bed time. Those early rises, even with the occasional nap, tend to slow my boat down about now. Actually an hour ago I was looking for the bed but thought to do a few more finishing touches. Uhrm, actually, beginning steps in the cleaning. I should be honest even if this is anonymous. Good night.

Control-Alt-Delete.

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I waited, in bed, for the call. I was about to make it when the phone rang. My friend calling to make sure I was still with the program, called and checked. I asked if he would mind if we put it off until tomorrow. He said Thursday would be more like it, that he had two doctor appointments tomorrow. Being half asleep I suggested we just do it after his last. Thursday, he suggested, again. Ah, right, he will be tired. Duh! Well, of course. Besides, if I am asking him to reschedule, let it be in line with his itinerary anyway, right? Yes, of course. So, I have this evening and tomorrow to get on into even finer cleaning... if I can get into even looser straightening. Bah! But I will work on it.

I then promptly took a two and a half hour nap. I actually feared not being able to wake, but I needed a little rest. For whatever reason I just could not keep my eyes shining. The nap was good, I had some interesting dreams. In one that I can still recall, it is loverly to punch at a bad guy, miss, hit a brick wall, and shatter the wall. I had several mildly entertaining dreams during the nap, if I only still remember this one. My jaw has been hurting lately, I was wondering why. My guess, harsher dreams (which I am not remembering). Fighting a bad guy in a fictional manner is never bad, more like a B movie, starring... me. Not terribly popcorn worthy from a viewing perspective, but if nothing else is happening it is not bad. I am, after all, merely sleeping otherwise so why not.

A bit of wake up and then I will see about straightening, sweeping, and updating the girls' powder rooms. My friend cannot smell, so would not know. Which is unfortunate. I am going to have to ask my neighbor lady, or one of them, to 'investigate my house' if I get to that. A woman's nose knows. Mine usually does too, if not as well, I just always fear that living with odors might make one insensitive to that. I fear become a stale cabbage smelling old guy. Just... saying. Anywhile.

Later.

Those rascally dishes.

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They are clean, washed to the last one. Not that there were that many, most were not all that dirty, and after soaking, they came clean in a hurry. Now, I took my time, washed in batches, doing a load, soaking the next, then... not doing dishes for a while. I suppose, all told, I could have knocked out several days of dishes in a little under an hour. Why I hate doing dishes, and at times much more than others, I do not know. I hate dishes and only wash them for practicality issues.

I will, eventually, get going on straightening the house. However, I do not think I can do dinner tonight. I am over my head and cannot get everything done to my satisfaction in time. So, when my friend calls or should he forget and I need to call him, I will inform my friend that today is off. Tomorrow should be fine. Some straightening, sweeping, vacuuming, and a few other functions to make the place tidy will be done yet today. But, as I said, not in time.

My nose has been dripping all day. I do not think I have a cold though. I think, with the snow sealing things, when the furnace runs I am getting nostrils full of sneezey stuff. Then again, while I was messing with the snow blower last night, after the sun went down, in my summer jacket and without gloves, I may have pushed it a bit far. I know my hands were hurting by the time I finished, put up the blower, and rushed into my home. Maybe I have something. It just does not feel or seem like it.

Bah! I hate failure, but sometimes rescheduling is best. Later.

No.

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I do not want to get going. I am not sure why, but I simply do not want to get going. Actually, I do and and I do not. Tired, feeling chill, a little hungry, and immobilized by some thing. I said I would, and I will. I will have to fight through to it though and it is not going to be easy. I have turned the heat up, both in this room and in the house. The thermometers say it is warm. But I cannot feel it. I think this may be another kind of cold. Something within. Chemical, psychological, even spiritual in nature, having nothing to do with ambient or core temperatures.

I did set the dishes to soak in a warm bath, again, and set a timer to let me know when I may put my hands in that water without being scalded. I have, as usual, fed the furbearing beasties. I have tried bits of this and that to enliven myself. I am simply dragging my feet, numb as they feel. Oh, I did shoot off that email. It does not sound like that will be investigated as I received a quick reply. I may have to see if I can find anything out. Maybe, if it is real, a link might light a fire that a mere dream will not. Or, given all that is going on, this type of thing would not be interesting enough of a story. Or more, perhaps such things are below the radar altogether in these times. Digging too deeply, people might be afraid to know just what is out there, or already know and just dismiss it. I must admit, considering everything that happens in the world and this current government, I could see an investigator being attacked by a federal prosecutor, ostensibly because of the connection with child porn but in fact to shut the investigation down. We have a very corrupt administration and "federal justice system" at this time.

Anyway, I will... try to get going on what needs to happen for a visit and meal this evening. For now, that is what I have and what I will do.

Did I mention???

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Dishes eluded me yesterday. For as immobile as they are, they are, to me, quite tricky. I try and I try but I just cannot get to them. Well, today, this morning some time, has to be the day. My friend will be here for dinner, and dirty dishes are unfashionable to serve meals upon. I think he might outright reject or sort of hold a grudge or something. Oh well, I suppose if I am going to offer food I might as well go the full monty? Yeah...

I had a terrible dream last night. No not frightening or thrilling or the things I like, nor even the bad old time dreams, but a dream that, if true, is despicable. I believe enough that it might be true that I am going to email someone who has a nose for these things, a family man so he will not be scared off or bought off, who loves to break major stories and runs with such. If my dream is true, you may read about it in the big news before long. Then again, with the political correctness as is, you might only hear about it on FOX news. As middle of the road as they are, at least they print it all, not just one side. If it is not true, fine. I will rest easier. I may leave a hint (girls) if it turns out to (Britain, I think) be true. I just do not want the attention, here or anywhere. Bah, probably just a bad dream.

It was 5:12 and all was well. I woke early so I just turned off the alarm. It will give me a little extra time to goof and wake up before I need to shower, do dishes, and get going with my meal plan. Anyway, have a great day.

Ah-ha!

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I got the snow blower to work. There was no gas in it to speak of, perhaps a little pool in the very bottom, but nothing a siphon could pull out. I think I ran it dry and left it that way the last time I used it (used it up on the neighbors, much to their delight as I recall). I tried to start it before I headed to town. I believe I flooded it, after trying a bit, so I decided to let it sit and rest while I got on with the rest of my schedule. I drove to the local store and purchased some items. I did not see any whole milk, so I asked if they regularly had that on hand. They do. So, I will be visiting them a time or two a week. I picked up various other goods, and will probably begin shopping there a bit more often. In time, if I am regular enough, I may ask for specific brands. If they see me in there often enough, I think they will oblige. I then stopped at the post office and said hello to the post lady. She is always pleasant and I am sure it gets lonely in there. Of course, when I stopped, someone else came in with a seemingly complicated set of tasks, so I let out of there and left them to their tasks. Into town I went. I dropped into the organic store, the local one, and bought what I needed and a few things I thought would add to the festive feasts to come. My grains, of course, and a few other things, including dried (semi-dried?) cherries, unsweetened I will have you know. Then I stopped to see my friend. He was not interested in going out, so we just sat and talked a bit. But he is interested in having that pork dinner I have been promising. So, tomorrow that is on. I forgot my shopping list, so I do not have those items, but I will remember it tomorrow when I go in to pick him up.

Yes, and for a treat, I went to my favorite Mexican eatery. I stuffed my gullet with good, bad, and ugly. The ugly was shrimp ceviche. It was ugly only in that trying ceviche at a new place for the first time is always a bit nerve-wracking. It was absolutely fantastic. Then I went safe and had the good. The good was a platter of meats and such with tortillas, otherwise known as fajitas. Then on to the bad... fried icecream. Delicious, but definitely not on my proper diet, so... bad... I am an ogre, I can do these things. Three glasses of tea, unsweetened and without anything else, topped off the deal. I think, if I can talk my lady friend into it, I will take her there. I want her to try the ceviche for sure!

Well, all is good. I am groomed, ready for more snow, doing a daytime schedule, prepping for several visits, and planning to begin getting around to see some of the folks kind enough to have visited. Darn it, I like this place more and more. It might not take a village to raise a kid (duh!), but it might take a village to turn an ogre into a man again. Who knows.

Later. I am going to tinker on my game. I, as much as I ever really have, have earned it today.

Amazed! (Not really.)

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This idiot admin is now angry with Wikileaks. They harmed the military, it's efforts, and all that was going on in the military, and that was simply sad to them, or something. As soon as WL dumps on them, personally, now they are out for blood. Really? Of course, my guess is the Russians or Israelis are going to do what needs to be done. What, if we did not have a pussy in chief, a coward, a military hater, in the office of president, we would have done or had done long ago. Yes, I do pine for Reagan sometimes. This punk would have been decommissioned and deep sixed so fast his gay little locks would not have time to fling if we still had Reagan. Just sayin'.

Still have not gotten to anything, but I am just about to. It takes time, sometimes, for me to wake up and get going. I have actually been really trying for a week or so. Well at least I am going to hit it today. It looks like someone plowed part of my drive! Super! Some one is trying to be nice, make friendly, or such, and it is working. Still, after dishes, I will try to get the snow blower functioning, then get the mail and stop at the store, and then make it to town. I need a meal, a good one, with no dishes, so I will be eating somewhere that feeds top food and lots of it. Mexican or steak, cannot make up my mind at the moment. That will be my treat when all is done. I did get a shower in, and the dishes to soak in hot sudsy, so I am... moving in that direction.

Take care or take off. :) :P

Nice!

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I stayed up late, if I got little done. Still, I set my darned alarm for 6:00 and, at 6:02 I turned the thing off and got up. A little rough, but a lesson if I can take it. And what with the recent Mormon invasion, I would like to keep my day "job". I like having folks visit. Still, I need to get to work on straightening, something I have yet to complete. The place is not horrible, but it is not something which would be keen for visitations. I must... push. Plus my lady friend will be here in a week. I have to get going.

I did make a partial list of ingredients for both a supper with my friend and my lady friend menu items. I am going general, for now, though I may call her and ask a question or two. I think rather than a big bird, I will go with cornish game hens, unless she asks for something else. That is, unless I can get off my duff, go to my neighbors house, and ask if she knows anyone who raises ducks and might have them available in the freezer, or goose. Those make fine fair. I am planning on apple and pumpkin pies, though I will try honey instead of sugar this year. Since honey is sweeter, it takes about four parts honey to 5 parts sugar as a conversion. My lady friend, as I mentioned, is on a "sugar free" diet, while using honey, due to her glycemic index rising and threatening her healthy insurance premium. Silly girl, she will never learn, food fads and women. Thank God I'm a country BOY! :p

Sassy went a bit nuts yesterday. She jumped and scratched, deeply. Yeah, okay, I was not exactly gentle. Digging in claws when I am not expecting it can make poppa a sore loser. Well, that and yesterday night, she attacked my legs while sleeping. At first it was just a tap, tap, tap, then the claws came out and she drew blood, twice. BAM... Do not mess with sleeping ogres! Both were reactionary, but I do not have any guilty conscience over the learning moments she just went through. She will lose the limp in a bit (joking, she is NOT limping). She gets all hyper hungry, or horny, or something, and just... animalifies. ('nother made up word, sue me).

Sam is Sam. She is absolutely blind during the day. Which can be fun. Moving my hand 12 feet from her and she cannot tell if it is close, threatening, the kitteh, or what. I tease her, then let her know by voice that it is good. I think they now know when I laugh, all is good (or they are about to die, heh). And I cannot tease them for too long without laughing. Then they get all surly and stuff. More and more they remind me of women. Ah well, I guess I do like women a lot too, if they are all just as strange as any cat I have ever known... Save maybe Precious and my current lady friend, both were outliers even in that world view. *Wrowrrrrh!* hehe

Well, I best get to work. I will spend a couple hours waking up, take a shower, get to the snowblower and see if the beast will start after a few ministrations, then go to the local store and see what they have, and then probably drive in to town to get some things I am sure the local store does not have. The local store just went through a change of management and a facelift, and in any case, I need to start supporting them. Yes, more money for product. But having a local store, so I do not have to drive to town all the time, would be nice. Plus, I bet if I start coming in regularly, I can get them to offer certain items I need and want.

Later.

Sunday.

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What a nice day. It is a bit chilly, a time when Sam loves to visit. She loves me being back to gaming, as I sit in one place more than a half an hour. Which makes me a prime target for a catrest. As well, since Sassy is more a shoulder sitter cat type girl, who does not really enjoy resting on me while computing, Sam gets the high ground and can be menacing to the intrudakitty AND comfortably comfortable on her man throne. Heh! They do think, yes they do. Little tacticians, with plans and notions. Much like the notion of real women, I do not catch all of it. It seems simple, but... I do not think it really is. Hissy sissy fits are not always what they seem. I am real estate, prime real estate, and a food source. Oh, and for Sam, I know the door open mojo magic.

Woke up without the alarm, at just about 5:00. Perfect. Now if I can get to some cleaning and keep this schedule, I will enjoy my visit much more. I need to look around and see where we might travel for some winter views, perhaps cross country skiing, and such. With the weather as it is, as I suspected, planning anything is difficult. So be it. We will enjoy a little of Utah, some good food, and a friendly face. That will be Christmas and Thanksgiving, for both of us. And not bad, really.

Well, time to go. The 6:00 alarm I set is going off and it is time to feed the furry furies. Later.