.
.
So, finally, to the garden. The idea was to set up then install the garden system. Late getting started, despite the early rise. I guess I drag my feet when I am pretty sure I don't want to know the answer. Worst case, the garden would be a wash. All weeds, no producers, just stop the watering, or at least focus on the bit that looks like it might produce. Fair enough. Best case? The fittings go together like they were meant to, plants exist in numbers ensuring value to continue with watering, weeding looks manageable, fertilizing, and whatever else will go forward.
The news was a mix. There are weeds, many, as tall as my chest. There are also many plants. Somehow, just weeding the circles around the plants and doing that hard and heavy for a while made it so those areas remained relatively weed free. Oh, I am sure I lost a few plants. But from what I could find, nowhere near what I thought might be gone after first seeing how horrid the weed situation is. Further, just out of curiosity, I pulled on some of the weeds. Most of them came up with just a minor tug. I went on to clear up, if not completely free, one corner of weeds, opening a half dozen peppers to the sun. Fair enough. I ran out of steam at that point. Break time.
After a little review, I think the garden is salvageable. It will take a ton of work though. The bad news? Until the weeds are gone for the large part, there is no way to put in a drip watering system. It is simply not doable. I have to at least clear enough that I can FIND the plants. That will take... a bit of work. Between being burned out by that point, and running into time constraints from Burning Man and prep, I just don't know that there even would be time for what I wanted to do.
Good, bad, ugly. Plenty of plants still growing, even fruiting. Weeds coming on like an army. Can't see all of the one through the other and will have to do some serious work to save what I can for any chance at some kind of harvest. Oh, and either the timer dumbed out or someone changed the time. It was watering at noon. Now, I know it didn't do that when I set it up, if that has been a bit. I checked to ensure it was watering at night and was out there in the days for weeks after, at the time it was sprinkling today. Not cool. It also looks like someone stopped my front lawn watering. Yeah, sabotage. Two items at the same times means it wasn't an accident. Don't know which it was. I suppose I simply have to check it more regularly. Bleh. Should have been anyway, but falling into holes doesn't leave much for more than trying to get psychic air.
Later.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
One more project.
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.
This one has been on my list for quite a while. I like having these items around for a thousand and one reasons, now I can add my cooker to the... pot. Hmm, though I am pretty sure I don't want paraffin all over, so I will probably find a little fire tolerant bowl or such for this thing. I have lint aplenty, and egg cartons beyond my need. What I lack is paraffin. You can use regular was easily as well, but I think it's more expensive and probably rarer to find as chunks. If you have to buy and melt down candles I am quite sure it would be much more expensive. As well, you would want to make sure you don't have stinky (perfumed) candles... At least if you have any notion to cook with the fires started by them. Lavender steak just doesn't sound good to me.
A couple dozen of those should do nicely, though really I will use the stocks I ready. Some go overboard, turning the things into full sized, essentially, votive candles. That's much more than is needed from my experience. And I have seen people then put two or three into a fire. If it's a huge bonfire, and you want it lit quickly and evenly, sure. Otherwise you are just being a firebug. Oh, fine, just a waste of resources. Despite what some might think, I am very... conservative. Especially this way. The least amount of force, energy, resources... But when you have to spend it, then just do it. A rare and preferably avoided situation.
Yeah. I found videos, but one was a guy who I think though votive candles were the goal and a woman who suggested if you have everything then it is free. One more look and I did find a vid that works. Oh, her method is different. I will be using a tin can in a pan of boiling water. Paraffin, if you don't know, is simply nasty stuff. Do NOT pour it down your drain, do NOT melt it in a good or otherwise useful pan. Play with it, though, as you like and depending on your heat tolerances. Neato stuff, easier to work with as it starts to solidify. Why the vid? Just because. Well, and some people would rather watch then read?
No, I am not moving fast today. Still, I'll get to things. Never worry. Later.
.
This one has been on my list for quite a while. I like having these items around for a thousand and one reasons, now I can add my cooker to the... pot. Hmm, though I am pretty sure I don't want paraffin all over, so I will probably find a little fire tolerant bowl or such for this thing. I have lint aplenty, and egg cartons beyond my need. What I lack is paraffin. You can use regular was easily as well, but I think it's more expensive and probably rarer to find as chunks. If you have to buy and melt down candles I am quite sure it would be much more expensive. As well, you would want to make sure you don't have stinky (perfumed) candles... At least if you have any notion to cook with the fires started by them. Lavender steak just doesn't sound good to me.
A couple dozen of those should do nicely, though really I will use the stocks I ready. Some go overboard, turning the things into full sized, essentially, votive candles. That's much more than is needed from my experience. And I have seen people then put two or three into a fire. If it's a huge bonfire, and you want it lit quickly and evenly, sure. Otherwise you are just being a firebug. Oh, fine, just a waste of resources. Despite what some might think, I am very... conservative. Especially this way. The least amount of force, energy, resources... But when you have to spend it, then just do it. A rare and preferably avoided situation.
Yeah. I found videos, but one was a guy who I think though votive candles were the goal and a woman who suggested if you have everything then it is free. One more look and I did find a vid that works. Oh, her method is different. I will be using a tin can in a pan of boiling water. Paraffin, if you don't know, is simply nasty stuff. Do NOT pour it down your drain, do NOT melt it in a good or otherwise useful pan. Play with it, though, as you like and depending on your heat tolerances. Neato stuff, easier to work with as it starts to solidify. Why the vid? Just because. Well, and some people would rather watch then read?
No, I am not moving fast today. Still, I'll get to things. Never worry. Later.
To bed late but actually up early.
.
.
I think it was near enough to half past 22:30 when I went to bed. No trouble getting to sleep though. I was in Zzzland before I thought to realize how comfortable bed was. Waking and, roughly, 6:30, easily. My shoulder hurts like the devil. I must have slept on it wrong. You would think that would wake you, but noooo! Those types of complaints usually work themselves out fairly quickly. The nice thing about getting up early is that I have time to tinker and goof before I get serious, without worrying about killing the day. Mostly. That fear is always there, though I suspect some days aren't really killed by it so much is that is used as an excuse, or even the scapegoat for simply being unable. Even if I can't, I sometimes like to push and believe I can get to things. That just isn't always true.
Deliciously cool. A treat after yesterday, playing in the heat. My head feels funny, with that new cut. The sides are bare, only the back and top have fur. Now I know what a damned poodle feels like! :) Still, I got to choose the look, poodles simply have to abide the freakish nature of their owners. I might be a freak but my 'mom' didn't dress me. Ha!
Today, you ask? To the garden. First the drip line installation. I honestly don't think that will be a huge project. The only reason I hadn't started, and finished that, was the fittings weren't working as they were supposed to work and I couldn't think myself through to the solution. Plus everything else happening just kept bumping that. If that takes two hours I would be hugely surprised. Tinkering with things to get specific results might be a different thing. Dunno.
After that I may want to go to ground just a bit, to cool down. A little break, then maybe attending to some packing. Just light stuff really. I did order some ziplock, clothes sized, for dust free packets of close through the week, and some dust free stuff for on the road home. Well, and it is relatively water tight as well. I may also try to get the front tire off, or figure that out with it on, set up the tent (might as well set up the cot and matching kit to look that over as well, plus setting up the shower. I haven't bought rebar, but that may change if the shower is really flimsy. And I do suspect it is. In the afternoon, or early evening, if I still have some dregs of energy and initiative left to me, on to weeding.
The next week will be weeding and packing, packing and weeding, ad nauseam. The garden is probably mostly dead, but... That isn't the point. Beyond packing, I want to be testing little bits of gear, I still need to get fuel for and check my camp stove as I don't want to simply depend on the grill for everything... Lots to do, lots to think about, lots to pack. Later.
.
I think it was near enough to half past 22:30 when I went to bed. No trouble getting to sleep though. I was in Zzzland before I thought to realize how comfortable bed was. Waking and, roughly, 6:30, easily. My shoulder hurts like the devil. I must have slept on it wrong. You would think that would wake you, but noooo! Those types of complaints usually work themselves out fairly quickly. The nice thing about getting up early is that I have time to tinker and goof before I get serious, without worrying about killing the day. Mostly. That fear is always there, though I suspect some days aren't really killed by it so much is that is used as an excuse, or even the scapegoat for simply being unable. Even if I can't, I sometimes like to push and believe I can get to things. That just isn't always true.
Deliciously cool. A treat after yesterday, playing in the heat. My head feels funny, with that new cut. The sides are bare, only the back and top have fur. Now I know what a damned poodle feels like! :) Still, I got to choose the look, poodles simply have to abide the freakish nature of their owners. I might be a freak but my 'mom' didn't dress me. Ha!
The next week will be weeding and packing, packing and weeding, ad nauseam. The garden is probably mostly dead, but... That isn't the point. Beyond packing, I want to be testing little bits of gear, I still need to get fuel for and check my camp stove as I don't want to simply depend on the grill for everything... Lots to do, lots to think about, lots to pack. Later.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Mighty fine chicken.
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.
I've got to tell you, I was amazed at that chicken. I have had chicken several times on the other grill. It's propane and infrared. It also doesn't do well with chicken. Beef, fine. Pork, okay. Chicken not so much. This grill made perfect chicken. There is simply a flavor profile problem with the infrared grill. It's not as bad as microwaving, but along those lines. I don't think it is the propane, either. I've hand standard propane grills that did fine. I am guessing something about the infrared and chicken don't mix, or I never learned the trick?
After I pulled the chicken off I put the skillet back in and let it run at high heat. Then I ate. I checked it a bit after finishing dinner. The pan looked good to me, so I pulled it out and am letting it cool. I then just shut the vents, which is supposed to kill the hot coals. Ugh, full. If I can more than waddle to bed in a bit, I might check the grill in a bit... Big if. Long hot busy day and a fine filling dinner. Huge if. :)
Later, perhaps good night.
.
I've got to tell you, I was amazed at that chicken. I have had chicken several times on the other grill. It's propane and infrared. It also doesn't do well with chicken. Beef, fine. Pork, okay. Chicken not so much. This grill made perfect chicken. There is simply a flavor profile problem with the infrared grill. It's not as bad as microwaving, but along those lines. I don't think it is the propane, either. I've hand standard propane grills that did fine. I am guessing something about the infrared and chicken don't mix, or I never learned the trick?
After I pulled the chicken off I put the skillet back in and let it run at high heat. Then I ate. I checked it a bit after finishing dinner. The pan looked good to me, so I pulled it out and am letting it cool. I then just shut the vents, which is supposed to kill the hot coals. Ugh, full. If I can more than waddle to bed in a bit, I might check the grill in a bit... Big if. Long hot busy day and a fine filling dinner. Huge if. :)
Later, perhaps good night.
A bit of relaxation.
.
.
A successful day, if not over, nor did I take a complete break. As soon as I put everything up I continued, washing the cast iron I wanted to season. I didn't like the idea of putting it all in at once. I would have had to stack everything. Instead I put the dutch oven and lid in, with the lid at an angle. I gave that an hour, after letting the heat rise for an half hour in the smoker. I took that out at the hour mark after it went in. I'm not sure that is enough, so it might go back in. However, I did put the skillet and a placket in. I just turned those. I will check them in a half hour. I may put the dutch oven back in for a bit when they are done. Whatever. When I feel satisfied with those I am going to cook some food. Chicken drumsticks, I think, first off. Ugh. I may be taking the skillet, so eggs and other odd things are possible and much easier to fix.
The goal is to repackage the hamburger and steaks so as to have that which is going to be frozen, arranged in bags, and set, and that which I am going to practice with ready to go as well. I want what meat is going to be flattened and hard frozen before I ever mess with adding dry ice. I think a bit of styrofoam from packing should be good enough for the sides if I put the dry ice on top, which I am going to do for the hard frozen stuff. For the ice mix I am not sure. Simply, I want to see how well dry ice works with regular ice for sodas and such. It seems a wee risky to me. If the ice melts faster than the dry ice sublimates I can end up with a lot of frozen soda. Sometimes, especially if they freeze at speed, cans can burst. Possibly explosively, as they do in heat. *pop, pop, pop, bang* Messy.
My kit to create a kilt is in. The material, ten or eleven yards by the yard, the sporran, and a large copper pennanular. Hmm. Still haven't found my engineering boots. I'm not wearing fay shoes, not with this. At least I have one outfit. Maybe next year I will have two. And it is mostly traditional, mostly. Even with a few accessories. Hehehe I just realized, I am about to find out whether... they wear anything under there. Hehehe I was always curious. Now I will know but I'm telling nary a soul. I just hope the wind doesn't... give me away. *grins*
The alarm went off so I checked out there. The skillet and placket looked good. I did go ahead and put the dutch oven back in, upside down. That should fix any issues. Hmm. I'll give it another half hour, then check the other items. A bit of a rub with paper towels, if they are cool enough, and in they go. The dutch oven will be set out to cool. If the coals look good I'll simply put a the chicken in and see how it does, rolling it every 10 minutes or... something. Bleh... Maybe I better watch it a bit more closely. Later.
.
A successful day, if not over, nor did I take a complete break. As soon as I put everything up I continued, washing the cast iron I wanted to season. I didn't like the idea of putting it all in at once. I would have had to stack everything. Instead I put the dutch oven and lid in, with the lid at an angle. I gave that an hour, after letting the heat rise for an half hour in the smoker. I took that out at the hour mark after it went in. I'm not sure that is enough, so it might go back in. However, I did put the skillet and a placket in. I just turned those. I will check them in a half hour. I may put the dutch oven back in for a bit when they are done. Whatever. When I feel satisfied with those I am going to cook some food. Chicken drumsticks, I think, first off. Ugh. I may be taking the skillet, so eggs and other odd things are possible and much easier to fix.
The goal is to repackage the hamburger and steaks so as to have that which is going to be frozen, arranged in bags, and set, and that which I am going to practice with ready to go as well. I want what meat is going to be flattened and hard frozen before I ever mess with adding dry ice. I think a bit of styrofoam from packing should be good enough for the sides if I put the dry ice on top, which I am going to do for the hard frozen stuff. For the ice mix I am not sure. Simply, I want to see how well dry ice works with regular ice for sodas and such. It seems a wee risky to me. If the ice melts faster than the dry ice sublimates I can end up with a lot of frozen soda. Sometimes, especially if they freeze at speed, cans can burst. Possibly explosively, as they do in heat. *pop, pop, pop, bang* Messy.
My kit to create a kilt is in. The material, ten or eleven yards by the yard, the sporran, and a large copper pennanular. Hmm. Still haven't found my engineering boots. I'm not wearing fay shoes, not with this. At least I have one outfit. Maybe next year I will have two. And it is mostly traditional, mostly. Even with a few accessories. Hehehe I just realized, I am about to find out whether... they wear anything under there. Hehehe I was always curious. Now I will know but I'm telling nary a soul. I just hope the wind doesn't... give me away. *grins*
The alarm went off so I checked out there. The skillet and placket looked good. I did go ahead and put the dutch oven back in, upside down. That should fix any issues. Hmm. I'll give it another half hour, then check the other items. A bit of a rub with paper towels, if they are cool enough, and in they go. The dutch oven will be set out to cool. If the coals look good I'll simply put a the chicken in and see how it does, rolling it every 10 minutes or... something. Bleh... Maybe I better watch it a bit more closely. Later.
Woot!
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.
It may not seem much to you. But for me today was almost as glorifying as a main battle charge, or sneaking around and catching the enemy with the wrong knickers on and those down. That's when sharps get the attention much more surely, by the way. Anywhile...
I was late getting started, and I decided not to dicker too much with anything else lest I lose the imperative. I did measure the area of the grate, but that... was tricky. All I could say was "I think it is right". On into town. The grill was exchanged first and hassle free, with the receipt. Then on to the other store to try to find a fitting that would work. Not a single one of the filters had both a male and female. Further, none of the bits and pieces would cover for that save one, another type of pressure regulator. I didn't want to but went ahead and got it. I also grabbed a few more dummies (plugs) and got the barbs that allow for smaller pipe for those areas that won't fit in lines. Yeah, yeah, I am getting there.
Finally I headed to the store. I was torn as whether to attempt to get an oil change and have the tires rotated. And I still needed to check into a haircut. Well, and dry ice. But I was quickly running out of steam. *chug-a-chug- zzzz * No, just groceries I thought. Heading to my store I saw a shop that looked like it might do, for a haircut. But... walk-in? And... am I ready, do I really want a deathhawk? Really? Oh, I thought to just check. I mumbled and hee-hawed until she suggested they could get me later, or even, she quietly suggested, right now. Hmm. Now! Yeah, I went ahead and got the cut as I suggested. I rather thick mohawk with most of the back kept in place, plus a trim. There was a point or two in the op where I asked for her opinion. She backed my position. Don't know what I would have done otherwise, I don't always follow advice mind you. So, that is done. I didn't have my camera, so I set up another appointment with her a bit before I leave. I'll have her take a photo or two, and get her picture if she is willing. Cataloging my first BMan experience, you see. Well, and she is a beautiful lass. That... doesn't ever hurt.
Finally to the store. I bought all I had intended. I just have to package it up, get it flat and freezing save what I am going to practice with. Yeah... But I need a little rest. Oh, best at least put it in the reefer. Yeah... I don't know what else I will get to. I do know I need to cool down. And yet I want to get the grill going on curing, as much to have that done as to eat something sooner rather than later. Yum. It was a pork roast I bought. A big one but reasonably priced. I'll look over dry rubs and see what I can put together on this side of things, perhaps tomorrow or the day after that will go on for a long slow cook. Later!
.
It may not seem much to you. But for me today was almost as glorifying as a main battle charge, or sneaking around and catching the enemy with the wrong knickers on and those down. That's when sharps get the attention much more surely, by the way. Anywhile...
I was late getting started, and I decided not to dicker too much with anything else lest I lose the imperative. I did measure the area of the grate, but that... was tricky. All I could say was "I think it is right". On into town. The grill was exchanged first and hassle free, with the receipt. Then on to the other store to try to find a fitting that would work. Not a single one of the filters had both a male and female. Further, none of the bits and pieces would cover for that save one, another type of pressure regulator. I didn't want to but went ahead and got it. I also grabbed a few more dummies (plugs) and got the barbs that allow for smaller pipe for those areas that won't fit in lines. Yeah, yeah, I am getting there.
Finally I headed to the store. I was torn as whether to attempt to get an oil change and have the tires rotated. And I still needed to check into a haircut. Well, and dry ice. But I was quickly running out of steam. *chug-a-chug- zzzz * No, just groceries I thought. Heading to my store I saw a shop that looked like it might do, for a haircut. But... walk-in? And... am I ready, do I really want a deathhawk? Really? Oh, I thought to just check. I mumbled and hee-hawed until she suggested they could get me later, or even, she quietly suggested, right now. Hmm. Now! Yeah, I went ahead and got the cut as I suggested. I rather thick mohawk with most of the back kept in place, plus a trim. There was a point or two in the op where I asked for her opinion. She backed my position. Don't know what I would have done otherwise, I don't always follow advice mind you. So, that is done. I didn't have my camera, so I set up another appointment with her a bit before I leave. I'll have her take a photo or two, and get her picture if she is willing. Cataloging my first BMan experience, you see. Well, and she is a beautiful lass. That... doesn't ever hurt.
Finally to the store. I bought all I had intended. I just have to package it up, get it flat and freezing save what I am going to practice with. Yeah... But I need a little rest. Oh, best at least put it in the reefer. Yeah... I don't know what else I will get to. I do know I need to cool down. And yet I want to get the grill going on curing, as much to have that done as to eat something sooner rather than later. Yum. It was a pork roast I bought. A big one but reasonably priced. I'll look over dry rubs and see what I can put together on this side of things, perhaps tomorrow or the day after that will go on for a long slow cook. Later!
Late to bed, somehow, late to rise, but... doable.
.
.
Odd how little things can throw my world off so greatly. Never to worry, it was a quirk that won't happen again I do believe.
Oh, in case you were curious about the modern world of economics. It seems most Western or Westernized nations are in a pitched contest to get to the bottom. I think they realize pure democracy, feminism, multiculturalism, and the other follies that have been or are about to be imposed don't work and the only way to get rid of them is in the flea bath of economic ruin? Well, and the left still thinks if they bankrupt enough people, and create hordes of hungry and tired, there will be a perfect socialism or communism from the mix. Just look at Japan's debt. They have no more intent, let alone means, to ever pay that than subprime mortgage holders did. Using debt in questionable markets to lift yourself out of poverty, for free, well... Good luck with that. Wealth can be created or stored, it can't be purely invented, save on paper, and that only works so long as the paper is believed. Which isn't long when reality hits. Sparing the rod has lead to our own banking system. Bankruptcy would have... fixed much of that. Whatevs.
I have a few things I want to get done. I listed them yesterday. I never did get the last few dishes soaking so I will do that after a shower. I have also decided that after the shower I will set up the grill to season the grate. I might as well season my cast frying pan and cast dutch oven while I am at it. That can be going while I go into town. The thing is, I have to recall all I am doing.
Let me see, take the secondary grill I purchased back for a return, measuring the lower lips so as to purchase the correct size grill for that. I am not going to worry about a metal piece for a shelf, as tin foil will do fine for that, both to hold coals higher and to keep one side cooler while using lower coals. That lower grate might be an excellent place to put potatoes or such as well? It just offers another place in the cooker in which to smoke or cook. I have the receipt and item ready to go back. I then need to return the water filter for the drip line. After that I need to shop for meats, milk for this week, and dry ice. I will check with the stores as I am in them about dry ice. There may be only one place that sells it, or possibly more stores sell but seasonally? I'll find out. Dry ice next. While in town, and near the shops, I will check first on a tire rotation, then if there is time on an oil change and plate inspection for this year. Two different places, and depending on if I get lucky and can get right in.
Now, if I can get most of that done I will head on home and begin working on that drip line. Hopefully, tomorrow, I can simply begin working on the weeds while finishing whatever of the cast still needs seasoning, or begin testing the grill on various meats. While I am at it, maybe I can pitch the tent and measure that. I also want to set up the shower. It is very weak seeming, so it may need extra support? I just don't know. I haven't set those up before. I have two in case one is shy on parts. It is supposed to have a five gallon bladder with it, so it is a complete shower, in theory.
I never got to removing the tire from the bike. I guess after as much trouble putting the bike, unsuccessfully on my part if too because the bike wasn't workable as sent it turns out, I... dither about going back there. I might yet... at least look over that project after a shower and before heading to town. Hmm, yeah, I best wait on firing up the grill until I get back though. With a tire rotation and/or oil change/inspection in there, I can't be sure how long it will be. I don't want to run the grill that hot for that long (given maximum time in town) without someone here.
Now, it sounds confusing. And it is, on paper. In real life my doings are quite simple, just sometimes intricate, involved, and time length, and which to do first or in what order, are the complicating circumstances. Easy as pie, but easy to miss something. At least for me. I best get the shower in and then measure for the grill. Hmm, best feed the girls first, and take my medicine as well. Ugh. Always more, isn't there? Later.
.
Odd how little things can throw my world off so greatly. Never to worry, it was a quirk that won't happen again I do believe.
 |
| Keynesian Fruits |
 |
| Yea, yea. |
Let me see, take the secondary grill I purchased back for a return, measuring the lower lips so as to purchase the correct size grill for that. I am not going to worry about a metal piece for a shelf, as tin foil will do fine for that, both to hold coals higher and to keep one side cooler while using lower coals. That lower grate might be an excellent place to put potatoes or such as well? It just offers another place in the cooker in which to smoke or cook. I have the receipt and item ready to go back. I then need to return the water filter for the drip line. After that I need to shop for meats, milk for this week, and dry ice. I will check with the stores as I am in them about dry ice. There may be only one place that sells it, or possibly more stores sell but seasonally? I'll find out. Dry ice next. While in town, and near the shops, I will check first on a tire rotation, then if there is time on an oil change and plate inspection for this year. Two different places, and depending on if I get lucky and can get right in.
Now, if I can get most of that done I will head on home and begin working on that drip line. Hopefully, tomorrow, I can simply begin working on the weeds while finishing whatever of the cast still needs seasoning, or begin testing the grill on various meats. While I am at it, maybe I can pitch the tent and measure that. I also want to set up the shower. It is very weak seeming, so it may need extra support? I just don't know. I haven't set those up before. I have two in case one is shy on parts. It is supposed to have a five gallon bladder with it, so it is a complete shower, in theory.
I never got to removing the tire from the bike. I guess after as much trouble putting the bike, unsuccessfully on my part if too because the bike wasn't workable as sent it turns out, I... dither about going back there. I might yet... at least look over that project after a shower and before heading to town. Hmm, yeah, I best wait on firing up the grill until I get back though. With a tire rotation and/or oil change/inspection in there, I can't be sure how long it will be. I don't want to run the grill that hot for that long (given maximum time in town) without someone here.
Now, it sounds confusing. And it is, on paper. In real life my doings are quite simple, just sometimes intricate, involved, and time length, and which to do first or in what order, are the complicating circumstances. Easy as pie, but easy to miss something. At least for me. I best get the shower in and then measure for the grill. Hmm, best feed the girls first, and take my medicine as well. Ugh. Always more, isn't there? Later.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
I am trying.
.
.
Maybe not perfectly or, sometimes at all, successfully. The plan is still good, the implementation simply needs some work. Oh, well, I did get caught up in something else, a private concern, or two actually. Though one I shared, that of waiting on medication to arrive. However, all other plans simply remain on the books. I actually worked myself up to end up doing nothing. I think waiting on the medicine ended up killing the day though. Yeah. I just can't get to things too late in my day. While 19:00, or 20:00 really, sound like reasonable hours, when you get up at 4:00 or 6:00, they aren't very good. Not for me anyway. It's a minor miracle that I can pull 16 to 18 hour days. That I can get things done in them more so.
Never worry. I will keep the plans, just shift the day, and push to try to get to it tomorrow. Hmm, I did get to the cans, and some research, and something else, but I never did set the last load of dishes to soak. Only five items, but too bulky to add to the last set of dishes. At least I got that first set completed, finally. There is that. And the medicine I was waiting for is in. Plus I did a bit of neatening and a bunch of plan straightening, plus some trip related and non-trip related research. I may even have found a or the source of dry ice in Logan. I feel more like I swam a marathon. Wrung out, but... good.
I'll keep plugging away. Bit by bit it continues to come together. It is bed time though. Tomorrow... Right on it. Yes sir, ma'am. I'm... I'm right on... that... *zzz*
.
 |
| Dead Duck |
Never worry. I will keep the plans, just shift the day, and push to try to get to it tomorrow. Hmm, I did get to the cans, and some research, and something else, but I never did set the last load of dishes to soak. Only five items, but too bulky to add to the last set of dishes. At least I got that first set completed, finally. There is that. And the medicine I was waiting for is in. Plus I did a bit of neatening and a bunch of plan straightening, plus some trip related and non-trip related research. I may even have found a or the source of dry ice in Logan. I feel more like I swam a marathon. Wrung out, but... good.
I'll keep plugging away. Bit by bit it continues to come together. It is bed time though. Tomorrow... Right on it. Yes sir, ma'am. I'm... I'm right on... that... *zzz*
I am finally free to go.
.
.
Still, I think I will wait for the sun to go down. Might as well, late as it already is. I kept checking for the package, until I finally just gave up. Sam wanted out though, a bit ago, and there it was. The 10'x20' ground cloth also arrived and is with the tent, extra stakes, mobile shower, and the rest of that sort of thing.
I finished rinsing dishes. As I was collecting the last, looks like about five items to wash, I decided to take care of cans. I got most of them managed, then sat to check out how to manage the dry ice. I got lost in that and am finally going to take care of the last can, then collect the rest of the dishes and put them in the tub that I have been using in the shower/regular tub, but get a shower in first, then set those last items to soak in sudsy water. In that water I will wash the cast iron grill, removing the rust inhibitor. That I will coat in lard, sometime after returning, to cure. After it is set, I may do my first meat on the thing. Hamburgers and chicken drumsticks, I believe tonight, a brisket tomorrow or the next day, then a steak sometime soon.
Yeah, something like that. Hmm... What all in town again? I need to take the grate back. I need to measure for the lower grate first. At least I know the other size grill they have in town, at least at that store... 17". I will be buying meats for the trip, and a bit for trial on the grill, milk, and looking for dry ice. Oh, and I also have to take the water filter in for exchange. Ah, I did find a video regarding dry ice that seemed more reasonable that a bunch of people guessing or just saying what they did. And, yeah, it makes more sense and directs how I will be trying and actually doing things.
I suppose, after the shower, I could attempt to remove the front tire from the bike. I won't be driving in with that today, I just don't want to mess with it. But with the tire off I will have an easier time trying to talk myself into messing with it the next time I am in town. Unfortunately, there is no way for the bike, or rack, to lock down. Meaning I will have to watch it all closely when going into a station, and probably taking the bike with me when checking into my hotel on the way. While not a huge economic loss, though there is that too, it would be the complexity and expense of buying another bike, if possible, on the way. Sometimes it just doesn't work out and I don't want to be there bikeless.
All that, assuming I can drag myself off my butt. That has been and remains a bit tricky today. The weather channel says it is 90, what is supposed to be today's high. I ought to check my own thermometer. Still, 90? And that is the best temp it will be for a while? Bleh. Later.
.
Still, I think I will wait for the sun to go down. Might as well, late as it already is. I kept checking for the package, until I finally just gave up. Sam wanted out though, a bit ago, and there it was. The 10'x20' ground cloth also arrived and is with the tent, extra stakes, mobile shower, and the rest of that sort of thing.
I finished rinsing dishes. As I was collecting the last, looks like about five items to wash, I decided to take care of cans. I got most of them managed, then sat to check out how to manage the dry ice. I got lost in that and am finally going to take care of the last can, then collect the rest of the dishes and put them in the tub that I have been using in the shower/regular tub, but get a shower in first, then set those last items to soak in sudsy water. In that water I will wash the cast iron grill, removing the rust inhibitor. That I will coat in lard, sometime after returning, to cure. After it is set, I may do my first meat on the thing. Hamburgers and chicken drumsticks, I believe tonight, a brisket tomorrow or the next day, then a steak sometime soon.
Yeah, something like that. Hmm... What all in town again? I need to take the grate back. I need to measure for the lower grate first. At least I know the other size grill they have in town, at least at that store... 17". I will be buying meats for the trip, and a bit for trial on the grill, milk, and looking for dry ice. Oh, and I also have to take the water filter in for exchange. Ah, I did find a video regarding dry ice that seemed more reasonable that a bunch of people guessing or just saying what they did. And, yeah, it makes more sense and directs how I will be trying and actually doing things.
I suppose, after the shower, I could attempt to remove the front tire from the bike. I won't be driving in with that today, I just don't want to mess with it. But with the tire off I will have an easier time trying to talk myself into messing with it the next time I am in town. Unfortunately, there is no way for the bike, or rack, to lock down. Meaning I will have to watch it all closely when going into a station, and probably taking the bike with me when checking into my hotel on the way. While not a huge economic loss, though there is that too, it would be the complexity and expense of buying another bike, if possible, on the way. Sometimes it just doesn't work out and I don't want to be there bikeless.
All that, assuming I can drag myself off my butt. That has been and remains a bit tricky today. The weather channel says it is 90, what is supposed to be today's high. I ought to check my own thermometer. Still, 90? And that is the best temp it will be for a while? Bleh. Later.
Oh, well, yeah.
.
.
I meant to get going, and was, if haltingly. Then I realized I have a package arriving, one I may be required to sign for. So, the trip is off until the package arrives OR time passes for deliveries. A later visit to town is no real issue. Ever place I will be shopping should be open till much later. As well, traffic may tame down a bit. Since delayed, I might as well relax and go as the sun is going down.
I suppose I could work on my bike tire, or at least take a look at it. I noted that the tires are flat. I am not sure if they need to be reset somehow, or if merely inflating them again will work. I do have a foot pump, but I've got to admit, those pumps generally suck. Oh well. I had thought about using a gas station device, but that... is just plain risky, on several fronts. I would love to research and buy a truly good pump of some sort but money, well, I am done with purchases, other than what else is planned. There is a little room for a bit of this and that, but I am holding onto that for any "oh horror" forgotten items. There is emergency money for the trip, but that shrinks, seemingly daily. Bleh.
Hmm, well, I'll... get started with a few things, late as it is.
.
I meant to get going, and was, if haltingly. Then I realized I have a package arriving, one I may be required to sign for. So, the trip is off until the package arrives OR time passes for deliveries. A later visit to town is no real issue. Ever place I will be shopping should be open till much later. As well, traffic may tame down a bit. Since delayed, I might as well relax and go as the sun is going down.
I suppose I could work on my bike tire, or at least take a look at it. I noted that the tires are flat. I am not sure if they need to be reset somehow, or if merely inflating them again will work. I do have a foot pump, but I've got to admit, those pumps generally suck. Oh well. I had thought about using a gas station device, but that... is just plain risky, on several fronts. I would love to research and buy a truly good pump of some sort but money, well, I am done with purchases, other than what else is planned. There is a little room for a bit of this and that, but I am holding onto that for any "oh horror" forgotten items. There is emergency money for the trip, but that shrinks, seemingly daily. Bleh.
Hmm, well, I'll... get started with a few things, late as it is.
Moving slowly.
.
.
I am getting some things ready and keeping the plans on the table. I will get to some of my plans. How much is another thing altogether. If I had been a little faster I would have tried to get an oil change and tire rotation today while in town. As is I may be lucky to even check on those. Then again, those take a bit. I'm not sure they would have fit in there either. Something for later this week or early next week. With time ticking away though, better sooner than later.
This weekend I am hoping to get started on packing. I don't know if I will actually store things. I will probably want to wash the clothes I am taking shortly before going, for example. But if I can have things sorted to where they are going, do a dry fit, perhaps have some of it actually packed, that will simply make life easier in those last days. The goal is to have everything done so that the things I hadn't planned on won't be such a hassle. There is always something more, something forgotten, something that comes up, always.
The other thing is I have to start remembering my medication. That has been slipping hugely lately. I've been doing okay over it, but it simply isn't a good long term plan. In the hustle and bustle with planning and doing, it is really easy to lose track. Further, since my main work station isn't in one place while I am on the move, leaving my medications where I can easily see them has become tricky. Still, it's something I will need to figure out. On the trip I will not be taking all of my medications. I will be taking two medicine sets though, my primary, a two week medicine cabinet, stored in an open easy to find location, such as in my cot organizer. The other, week, set will be put in my storage pack, near the bottom so that it won't get lost in the shuffle. I think both insulin vials will have to go in coolers, though I will put them in separate coolers for a bit of security. The trick will be to keep them from freezing. Ugh... Lots of tricks, but I need to learn these things. It will be easier, should I take up hiking, as though I won't have ice, I certainly won't be hiking in 100 degree heat, either. While my first goal is physically more demanding, it is much more straight forward as to getting in and out. Oh, I could still get lost. It's just much less likely.
Hmm, this could be the beginning of many fine, if more local, adventures. With the sewing machine now working, I can begin considering somethings I have had a mind to create, such as an elevated, shaded, bug netted, and even winterized, hammock. Yeah, I have odd notions. They require more work up front and perhaps on the trail, but they also open vistas and create forms of safety otherwise unknowable. Simply put I don't care to share my skin or meat or even food with the wild or feral, two or four legged, varietal of critters. As well, I can create custom gear for my size and methods. BMan is just a bootcamp style kindling of my old flame with the wilderness. Actually, while thinking on it, I finally looked up the trail heads. Having lived here a while I know where to go to get to the trail heads, all I have to do is look for the exact numbers and such. Yum!
I know someone who might wish to go with. I just wish to go on my own, first, to get into shape so as to not be too much of a drag. Or to see, honestly, if I can actually do the hike at all. Lots of water will go with. But the rest of my gear is in order. I might even explore a bit when I get back. Next year for sure. Maybe. I am improving, if my home, from the look of things, isn't... well... I am a bachelor. As I get better, that becomes more pronounced? Yeah, I think so. No time for... that stuff.
Hmm, a bit more and the dishes should be ready to deal with, then a shower. Slow, I say, slow... But I have the time and little choice, so... there I go.
.
I am getting some things ready and keeping the plans on the table. I will get to some of my plans. How much is another thing altogether. If I had been a little faster I would have tried to get an oil change and tire rotation today while in town. As is I may be lucky to even check on those. Then again, those take a bit. I'm not sure they would have fit in there either. Something for later this week or early next week. With time ticking away though, better sooner than later.
 |
| off medication = drowsy |
 |
| 1st up - Wellsville Mountains |
Hmm, this could be the beginning of many fine, if more local, adventures. With the sewing machine now working, I can begin considering somethings I have had a mind to create, such as an elevated, shaded, bug netted, and even winterized, hammock. Yeah, I have odd notions. They require more work up front and perhaps on the trail, but they also open vistas and create forms of safety otherwise unknowable. Simply put I don't care to share my skin or meat or even food with the wild or feral, two or four legged, varietal of critters. As well, I can create custom gear for my size and methods. BMan is just a bootcamp style kindling of my old flame with the wilderness. Actually, while thinking on it, I finally looked up the trail heads. Having lived here a while I know where to go to get to the trail heads, all I have to do is look for the exact numbers and such. Yum!
I know someone who might wish to go with. I just wish to go on my own, first, to get into shape so as to not be too much of a drag. Or to see, honestly, if I can actually do the hike at all. Lots of water will go with. But the rest of my gear is in order. I might even explore a bit when I get back. Next year for sure. Maybe. I am improving, if my home, from the look of things, isn't... well... I am a bachelor. As I get better, that becomes more pronounced? Yeah, I think so. No time for... that stuff.
Hmm, a bit more and the dishes should be ready to deal with, then a shower. Slow, I say, slow... But I have the time and little choice, so... there I go.
Sleep was quite good.
.
.
I finally got more than six to eight hours in. I think I needed more sleep. I simply wasn't able to stay down for it. The other trick is to try to tack sleep to right at 20:00 for as long as I can. Waking will tend itself based on that. I feel rested today. Which makes it a super day to get some things done.
First thing this morning is taking care of the last of the dishes. I didn't care for all of it last time, so a fresh rinse then to dry those. Get a shower in. Then finally pre-wash soak the last bit. While I am doing that I can clean off the grill and get it ready for seasoning it later in the day. While getting the grill plate, I will also measure the bottom shelf to make sure I get the correct sized grill this time, which will be returned when I go to town. While in town I need to get an inline drip filter, this time one with a female connection for the system. Bleh... I have decided against a 'extended' metal screen. Beside not seeing anything like it when in town last time, I think aluminum foil will work just fine at holding coals on the upper plate for immediate high heat applications if wanted, and limiting heat to one side for deeper coals. I also will be reviewing materials to use in the coolers to protect them from the dry ice. Thinner is better, for various reasons. But I don't want to compromise the coolers, either.
After the hardware stuff, I will be looking for a few steaks and hamburger, plus either a butt/shoulder roast or a brisket. Of course I need milk. And I will be buying a couple of pounds of coffee for the trip. That should have me set, save for the final purchase of dry ice, hopefully as I head out of town on my way, with everything else packed. Which means those things have to be packed for easy access. Then again, only one or two chests will get dry ice, the rest will simply get regular ice for drinks and such. And I may not buy some of that ice until I near, or as we are leaving, D.C.'s place, probably while getting gas somewhere. Well, that is the plan.
Once I get home, I am hoping to have enough energy to get the drip feed going. The dam is down to 6%. Yeah, best get on that. Later.
.
I finally got more than six to eight hours in. I think I needed more sleep. I simply wasn't able to stay down for it. The other trick is to try to tack sleep to right at 20:00 for as long as I can. Waking will tend itself based on that. I feel rested today. Which makes it a super day to get some things done.
First thing this morning is taking care of the last of the dishes. I didn't care for all of it last time, so a fresh rinse then to dry those. Get a shower in. Then finally pre-wash soak the last bit. While I am doing that I can clean off the grill and get it ready for seasoning it later in the day. While getting the grill plate, I will also measure the bottom shelf to make sure I get the correct sized grill this time, which will be returned when I go to town. While in town I need to get an inline drip filter, this time one with a female connection for the system. Bleh... I have decided against a 'extended' metal screen. Beside not seeing anything like it when in town last time, I think aluminum foil will work just fine at holding coals on the upper plate for immediate high heat applications if wanted, and limiting heat to one side for deeper coals. I also will be reviewing materials to use in the coolers to protect them from the dry ice. Thinner is better, for various reasons. But I don't want to compromise the coolers, either.
After the hardware stuff, I will be looking for a few steaks and hamburger, plus either a butt/shoulder roast or a brisket. Of course I need milk. And I will be buying a couple of pounds of coffee for the trip. That should have me set, save for the final purchase of dry ice, hopefully as I head out of town on my way, with everything else packed. Which means those things have to be packed for easy access. Then again, only one or two chests will get dry ice, the rest will simply get regular ice for drinks and such. And I may not buy some of that ice until I near, or as we are leaving, D.C.'s place, probably while getting gas somewhere. Well, that is the plan.
Once I get home, I am hoping to have enough energy to get the drip feed going. The dam is down to 6%. Yeah, best get on that. Later.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Just wanted to clarify.
.
.
Supper arrived at 18:30 or so. The lady, and I remember her name, brought a fine meal, apologizing and worrying about a few things. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't, remember a name, at least for a while. I think it's a function of the heart to brain. Well, and probably a bit of male pattern brain balding? Anyway. We talked a little bit. She has a brother with a heart like mine, but he is unable to get on the heart transplant list for a number of reasons. So she knows a bit about my condition. Oh, well, and she is a nurse, so has dealt with such cases.
I tried to explain, as is obvious, that I don't look as bad as I am. Well, and I do have more capacity than most in my condition, but that isn't much sometimes. What I forgot to explain was that her meal, and the others, are golden. I don't know if she has ever dealt with someone who, even when hungry, can't figure out to eat. Either can't get to it or can't think to get to food. I just want to explain that even if food became very regular, which it hasn't but if... it would be miles superior to going without food for days, weeks, even a month or more, then trying to feast that horror of pain away and creating just the opposite problem, when I finally am able to cook or otherwise get out.
People have no idea. And while I have improved, I will say the grounds for much of my improvement is having regular meals often enough that I can fill in the blanks or even go without for a while without ever quite getting to starvation mode. That is harsh. And while I learned to become numb to it, and even when the physical pains of it diminished, I always used to hurt for it. A little taste of death for my spirit. That food, her food, her gift, is more valuable to me than a gold coin, a diamond, a Mercedes... I really do have priorities squared through drought. Doesn't always help me always choose the right path, but... it doesn't hurt and it will usually help me find my way back to wisdom should I stray.
Just... wanted to put that out there. Never have to apologize. I write this full and hale, and improving. Something I would not be able to do if food was either not there so that I had to feast on the upside, like a drowning man sucking for air any time his head got enough above water. No panic, no horror, no pain, no stuffing. I really am amazed what I know a living creature has, have, even is surviving.
Thank you. Just, thank you, very much.
Oh, now goodnight. It took me a while to get the post out, so I accidentally made it past 20:00. Yeah, it's sort of how things go for me often enough. Reaching for one thing I end up with two birds in the hand. Good night.
.
Supper arrived at 18:30 or so. The lady, and I remember her name, brought a fine meal, apologizing and worrying about a few things. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't, remember a name, at least for a while. I think it's a function of the heart to brain. Well, and probably a bit of male pattern brain balding? Anyway. We talked a little bit. She has a brother with a heart like mine, but he is unable to get on the heart transplant list for a number of reasons. So she knows a bit about my condition. Oh, well, and she is a nurse, so has dealt with such cases.
I tried to explain, as is obvious, that I don't look as bad as I am. Well, and I do have more capacity than most in my condition, but that isn't much sometimes. What I forgot to explain was that her meal, and the others, are golden. I don't know if she has ever dealt with someone who, even when hungry, can't figure out to eat. Either can't get to it or can't think to get to food. I just want to explain that even if food became very regular, which it hasn't but if... it would be miles superior to going without food for days, weeks, even a month or more, then trying to feast that horror of pain away and creating just the opposite problem, when I finally am able to cook or otherwise get out.
People have no idea. And while I have improved, I will say the grounds for much of my improvement is having regular meals often enough that I can fill in the blanks or even go without for a while without ever quite getting to starvation mode. That is harsh. And while I learned to become numb to it, and even when the physical pains of it diminished, I always used to hurt for it. A little taste of death for my spirit. That food, her food, her gift, is more valuable to me than a gold coin, a diamond, a Mercedes... I really do have priorities squared through drought. Doesn't always help me always choose the right path, but... it doesn't hurt and it will usually help me find my way back to wisdom should I stray.
Just... wanted to put that out there. Never have to apologize. I write this full and hale, and improving. Something I would not be able to do if food was either not there so that I had to feast on the upside, like a drowning man sucking for air any time his head got enough above water. No panic, no horror, no pain, no stuffing. I really am amazed what I know a living creature has, have, even is surviving.
Thank you. Just, thank you, very much.
Oh, now goodnight. It took me a while to get the post out, so I accidentally made it past 20:00. Yeah, it's sort of how things go for me often enough. Reaching for one thing I end up with two birds in the hand. Good night.
Haiku Monday - Reflection
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Serendipity has triumphed and so has taken the mantle. While she won't be present, she wishes that we go on without her. Fair enough. Her rules, and post, are here.
Yes, yes, I put a few up off the cuff. Never elegant. I am a blue collar poet, if at all. Perhaps darkly, albeit. Hush, puppy.
[Lyrics]
Yes and No Are True
exact twin or ghost
what is seen is and isn't
horror or magic
--------------------------
 |
| Reflections of a Broken Soul |
Less the Eye
what is revealed
is often the lesser of what
is realized
--------------------------
Awakening
crystallized memory
beauty, darkness, love, pain- aggregate-
caeteris paribus
--------------------------
When I was a Child
recall of recall
thoughts before knowledge- gentle
gift of innocence
--------------------------
Lost in a Different Mirror
revelation ideation
alpha and omega, sumtotal-
but can't see one's self?
Not a thing done, but...
.
.
I didn't crash. I'm not sure that was a goal, at all. Actually, with me being as tired as I was and am, I had hoped to take a nap. I was simply attempting to get to a couple of tasks before I went in for a rest. Each task ended up presenting minor to major obstacles and I couldn't work or think my way around them. Unusual, but I am very tired today for no good reason. Each task I would go to do, I would check and find beyond my means, go sit and think, then hit upon another plan. Each failed before I could get going, then I would be lost for a bit. I don't understand this thing that happens. Though, in one sense, I am quite pleased. Even with the fog, and failure, that I was able to keep looking for another task... well... it is important. It means I didn't simply drift into 'nowhere'. It is where I am, but I continued to attempt to be in the physical world. A failure can be a huge success if you understand that even trying is nearly impossible. I didn't lose focus when I ghosted. Perhaps you have had to have been there.
I will wait up for supper. But there is little else I will or can do yet today. I feel both crushed by exhaustion, free of flesh, and as the Pink Floyd song implies when he suggested that his hands felt just like balloons, meaning numb. I'm in a very odd place. What amazes me is that for as often as I used to be there, almost perpetually, and even when I am there now, that I can focus to write. It won't always translate, or make sense, to most others. Not fully. But I have worked very hard to simplify my language and slow down my thinking and thought processes enough so that there is some coherence in these writings. Too many, myself included if I am not careful, thought associate so quickly that much is missed. I can go back and read my own stuff and, even when I have forgotten, it usually makes sense.
Anyway, that is that for today. Two trips in two days, ongoing packing and sorting, and a few other things, quickly after a fall. I suppose I have accidentally overdone. But I got a number of things done. I am still planning to get to things tomorrow. A trip to town, as early as possible, to do the last bits of shopping. Then, when I have a complete system, to actually install the drip line. If I get to that, I might fire up the grill and season the grate. I should have the extra grill plate as well, if I won't be using it. Yeah, I'll keep going.
Later. Perhaps good night. I don't know if I will be able to make it back to blog again. Drifting too... oddly.
.
I didn't crash. I'm not sure that was a goal, at all. Actually, with me being as tired as I was and am, I had hoped to take a nap. I was simply attempting to get to a couple of tasks before I went in for a rest. Each task ended up presenting minor to major obstacles and I couldn't work or think my way around them. Unusual, but I am very tired today for no good reason. Each task I would go to do, I would check and find beyond my means, go sit and think, then hit upon another plan. Each failed before I could get going, then I would be lost for a bit. I don't understand this thing that happens. Though, in one sense, I am quite pleased. Even with the fog, and failure, that I was able to keep looking for another task... well... it is important. It means I didn't simply drift into 'nowhere'. It is where I am, but I continued to attempt to be in the physical world. A failure can be a huge success if you understand that even trying is nearly impossible. I didn't lose focus when I ghosted. Perhaps you have had to have been there.
I will wait up for supper. But there is little else I will or can do yet today. I feel both crushed by exhaustion, free of flesh, and as the Pink Floyd song implies when he suggested that his hands felt just like balloons, meaning numb. I'm in a very odd place. What amazes me is that for as often as I used to be there, almost perpetually, and even when I am there now, that I can focus to write. It won't always translate, or make sense, to most others. Not fully. But I have worked very hard to simplify my language and slow down my thinking and thought processes enough so that there is some coherence in these writings. Too many, myself included if I am not careful, thought associate so quickly that much is missed. I can go back and read my own stuff and, even when I have forgotten, it usually makes sense.
Anyway, that is that for today. Two trips in two days, ongoing packing and sorting, and a few other things, quickly after a fall. I suppose I have accidentally overdone. But I got a number of things done. I am still planning to get to things tomorrow. A trip to town, as early as possible, to do the last bits of shopping. Then, when I have a complete system, to actually install the drip line. If I get to that, I might fire up the grill and season the grate. I should have the extra grill plate as well, if I won't be using it. Yeah, I'll keep going.
Later. Perhaps good night. I don't know if I will be able to make it back to blog again. Drifting too... oddly.
Stupid life.
.
.
It is only just after 10:00 and I am about to crash. Oh, I'm going to try to do a few things in an attempt to escape failing. It might work, for a while. It hit me, a few minutes ago, like a ton of bricks. A nap will do, I think, but I am trying to get to somethings today. Hmm, might just take the gear out and begin hooking it up, for the drip lines. I also want to tinker on the grill. I have chicken drumsticks thawed. Well, can't use those quite yet. I have to season the cast iron grate. Actually, I have to wash it well with soap and water first. Bleh... But I think I can get those two things done.
I was just... going along this morning. I wasn't getting to anything. But I didn't see the problem until it got worse. Later.
---------------------
Yeah, okay, I figured out the problem with the system. The water filter has no female coupling. When I was at the store I checked several. They all seemed the same. It seems there are thieves or they don't check their kit when it arrives. Being my first time, I just thought it would work out somehow. Nope, so I have to run that back in. While in town I might as well exchange the grill deck, do some meat and milk shopping, and see if I can find out where dry ice might be sold. Hmm, and look for a haircut. Or not. I really am tired. Perhaps a nap first. Bleh. Dinner is coming this evening so I can't go far until it arrives.
Hmm, I can clean the packing gunk off the grill and light the coals to season the grill for use. There are probably a few other little things to tinker with while I get ready for a nap. Hmm... Might look at the front tire, see how to remove it. Maybe put up the tent and take measurements... Not sure if that is a little job or not.
---------------------
.
It is only just after 10:00 and I am about to crash. Oh, I'm going to try to do a few things in an attempt to escape failing. It might work, for a while. It hit me, a few minutes ago, like a ton of bricks. A nap will do, I think, but I am trying to get to somethings today. Hmm, might just take the gear out and begin hooking it up, for the drip lines. I also want to tinker on the grill. I have chicken drumsticks thawed. Well, can't use those quite yet. I have to season the cast iron grate. Actually, I have to wash it well with soap and water first. Bleh... But I think I can get those two things done.
I was just... going along this morning. I wasn't getting to anything. But I didn't see the problem until it got worse. Later.
---------------------
Yeah, okay, I figured out the problem with the system. The water filter has no female coupling. When I was at the store I checked several. They all seemed the same. It seems there are thieves or they don't check their kit when it arrives. Being my first time, I just thought it would work out somehow. Nope, so I have to run that back in. While in town I might as well exchange the grill deck, do some meat and milk shopping, and see if I can find out where dry ice might be sold. Hmm, and look for a haircut. Or not. I really am tired. Perhaps a nap first. Bleh. Dinner is coming this evening so I can't go far until it arrives.
Hmm, I can clean the packing gunk off the grill and light the coals to season the grill for use. There are probably a few other little things to tinker with while I get ready for a nap. Hmm... Might look at the front tire, see how to remove it. Maybe put up the tent and take measurements... Not sure if that is a little job or not.
---------------------
Oh, today you ask?
.
.
I went to bed well. I made it to 20:00, give or take. Down like a rock I went. Bubble Yum! Again, oddly, I woke midsleep, emptied the bladder, then back to bed. I'm not sure why that is happening. It is an oddity, only really explainable in that possibly, as I stretch the day, my bladder goes to sleep before I do. Up at 4:00, give or take, the final time.
I am hoping to set up the tent today, and measure it out for D.C. I also hope to figure out the bike tire removal, plus how to then keep the handle bars locked back while I drive. But first, and earlier, I plan to begin working on the watering system. Much is dependent on how long that takes, which will depend on how well everything falls in place. If I get through all of that, then I might also work on the plumbing... just figure out a little woodblock setup to put the thing together whole and in place, then solder it all at once before then installing it as a chunk. That will cut the time of production down significantly, requiring only one cool down rest period before installing the cold water out all at once. Yeah...
Tomorrow? Weeds. The rest of the week will be dedicated to weeds. I will have to go back into town for meats, to return the larger grill grate and find the correct size, and look for a pizza stone. Nothing fancy, just... Oh, and milk, and dry ice. Ugh but it seems like a lot to do. And it is and isn't. I think I will look at the weather reports and pick a day they suggest might be a bit cooler. Though... their numbers are off so often I am not sure why I bother. Tea leaves would do as well. Hmm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are all supposed to be only 90. That's the best it gets for a while. I will have insulin coming in probably Thursday. Other than that, my schedule is clear. Depending on when it arrives, that might be a good enough day.
Well, and through out the week I need to begin packing. My backpack, fully assembled, is said to have 6,100 cubic inches of space. How to pack that is a whole different matter. I am hoping to use one of the side rockets, initially, for a road pack. The other I am hoping will take the odds and ends of Burning Man kit and maybe medical (not medicines, those go in my travel pack, just first aid and such). The main pack will get gear and kit for survival such as the tent, stove, and such; extra clothes; and things of that sort. It is a lot of space but it won't hold everything even of that sort. MRE's, for example. Some will go in, for the day pack, but certainly not all. If I were simply camp packing, yeah. But not for a week of extremes of temp plus doodads, a long travel to get to that point, and a long travel back. Should be interesting. I've never packed this bag, if other big bags, and haven't packed in decades otherwise.
I remember always having two seabags when I'd go on subs. Had one chief ask about it. I just told him my clothes were outsized, that I had no choice. He looked me over, his eyes crossed, and he said nary another word. I just grinned, walked on through, then chuckled. My crew friends just patted me on the back and laughed about the event as long as I knew them. They were sure he was going to make me pack down. There was a pool, or so I heard. They didn't know as much as they thought though, either. My bad. Should have gotten into the pool, though if I had known about it I would have, that's all I'm saying. I was "special", minus hardhats, arson, temper tantrums, and short buses, mostly. Still am, some things never change.
Oh, the great thing about the pack is that I can cut it down to one or two of those rocket pods, the side pods, each being 915 in^3, which I can use alone or together with the same harness that carries the whole kit. So, yeah, it is quite versatile. Has it's own, attached, rain cover too, on the main body, as it might not fit under most rain ponchos. If I have one of the pods for first aid, one for a rough day pack that will only need to be slightly repacked once there, I will be good to go. Can always leave the day pack, empty the medical, and bike to get ice... in theory. Ice seller is only open from 9:00 to 5:00 or such, the hottest part of the day, of course! Ugh... Still, if it's hot, better sometimes to be quick and hot than slow and cooked? Will find out.
So, that is what is happening this week. Watering, weeds, a bit more shopping, and more weeds. Oh, and fertilizer. I'll be studying that yet this morning before the sun comes up. Later.
.
I went to bed well. I made it to 20:00, give or take. Down like a rock I went. Bubble Yum! Again, oddly, I woke midsleep, emptied the bladder, then back to bed. I'm not sure why that is happening. It is an oddity, only really explainable in that possibly, as I stretch the day, my bladder goes to sleep before I do. Up at 4:00, give or take, the final time.
I am hoping to set up the tent today, and measure it out for D.C. I also hope to figure out the bike tire removal, plus how to then keep the handle bars locked back while I drive. But first, and earlier, I plan to begin working on the watering system. Much is dependent on how long that takes, which will depend on how well everything falls in place. If I get through all of that, then I might also work on the plumbing... just figure out a little woodblock setup to put the thing together whole and in place, then solder it all at once before then installing it as a chunk. That will cut the time of production down significantly, requiring only one cool down rest period before installing the cold water out all at once. Yeah...
Tomorrow? Weeds. The rest of the week will be dedicated to weeds. I will have to go back into town for meats, to return the larger grill grate and find the correct size, and look for a pizza stone. Nothing fancy, just... Oh, and milk, and dry ice. Ugh but it seems like a lot to do. And it is and isn't. I think I will look at the weather reports and pick a day they suggest might be a bit cooler. Though... their numbers are off so often I am not sure why I bother. Tea leaves would do as well. Hmm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are all supposed to be only 90. That's the best it gets for a while. I will have insulin coming in probably Thursday. Other than that, my schedule is clear. Depending on when it arrives, that might be a good enough day.
Well, and through out the week I need to begin packing. My backpack, fully assembled, is said to have 6,100 cubic inches of space. How to pack that is a whole different matter. I am hoping to use one of the side rockets, initially, for a road pack. The other I am hoping will take the odds and ends of Burning Man kit and maybe medical (not medicines, those go in my travel pack, just first aid and such). The main pack will get gear and kit for survival such as the tent, stove, and such; extra clothes; and things of that sort. It is a lot of space but it won't hold everything even of that sort. MRE's, for example. Some will go in, for the day pack, but certainly not all. If I were simply camp packing, yeah. But not for a week of extremes of temp plus doodads, a long travel to get to that point, and a long travel back. Should be interesting. I've never packed this bag, if other big bags, and haven't packed in decades otherwise.
I remember always having two seabags when I'd go on subs. Had one chief ask about it. I just told him my clothes were outsized, that I had no choice. He looked me over, his eyes crossed, and he said nary another word. I just grinned, walked on through, then chuckled. My crew friends just patted me on the back and laughed about the event as long as I knew them. They were sure he was going to make me pack down. There was a pool, or so I heard. They didn't know as much as they thought though, either. My bad. Should have gotten into the pool, though if I had known about it I would have, that's all I'm saying. I was "special", minus hardhats, arson, temper tantrums, and short buses, mostly. Still am, some things never change.
Oh, the great thing about the pack is that I can cut it down to one or two of those rocket pods, the side pods, each being 915 in^3, which I can use alone or together with the same harness that carries the whole kit. So, yeah, it is quite versatile. Has it's own, attached, rain cover too, on the main body, as it might not fit under most rain ponchos. If I have one of the pods for first aid, one for a rough day pack that will only need to be slightly repacked once there, I will be good to go. Can always leave the day pack, empty the medical, and bike to get ice... in theory. Ice seller is only open from 9:00 to 5:00 or such, the hottest part of the day, of course! Ugh... Still, if it's hot, better sometimes to be quick and hot than slow and cooked? Will find out.
So, that is what is happening this week. Watering, weeds, a bit more shopping, and more weeds. Oh, and fertilizer. I'll be studying that yet this morning before the sun comes up. Later.
Another start, another day, another chance.
.
.
I've been rolling those dice as if I could afford it. Now, I always have gotten something for the roll, just nothing that creates wealth, only capacity. Some of the capacity has no value itself beyond something like BMan. Some of it has limitied life application. Some of it has a broader use. Due to my health, there is little I could invest in which would lend to me yielding wealth from the exchange. Goats can't really be sold without access to federally inspected slaughterhouses. I wonder if even chickens can be sold out? Eggs? I suppose I could figure out how to buy woodworking equipment and do something there, but without the skills, or way to get them other than expensive trial and error, that is beyond me. That, too, is a very slow income... unless you build a client list, and then you quickly become overwhelmed. For me the equipment could not be kept busy enough to ever pay for itself. Health doesn't allow it.
Now, I suppose I could buy gold and silver or other direct forms of wealth. But right now those are being used by the ubber wealthy and governments to artificially hold stores of wealth. They are inflated beyond their true worth, in any situation, if also being kept low so that bubble doesn't pop next. They will go up and down as the various sides spar, as those holding it try to check prices (most likely in order to hold it as a store... if prices sore governments and billionaires will liquidate, destroying the artificial economic edifice). Personally I don't have the way to make a sale fast enough not to lose grandly. While silver will have some value even after upheaval, surviving the upheaval itself it what I am shooting for at my level of income. And silver will just, most likely, be barter fodder. There will be no such thing as wealth save in herds of livestock, tracts of land and the equipment to tend it, access to potable water and other foods. Wealth as we know it may be a thing of the past. No million dollar cars, no $40k watches, no yachts, no multi-million dollar penthouse suites. The safety of such people is being kept in place by civility, not police. And hungry people are not civil, not at all. Those things will be taken as if from children, broken children if they try to cling to "their stuff". There won't be any safe place to go, either. Everyone, everywhere, will be hungry. Possibly even them. Most don't realize their advantage would give them a chance to flee and find isolated but rough refuge. No, many think their shit doesn't stink and law and their hubris is enough to keep the world in check. Then again, they think that is what made them rich in the first place. Great success, zero understanding... they were just a golden cog, at the right place at the right time, not an island unto themselves.
These social and economic storms come about from time to time, much as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and the rest, to wipe away the old and set things fresh. It quickens, gets rid of those who can't or won't adjust, and makes the playing field flat as a real pancake once more. We haven't had one in a while. One way or another it is coming.
Many eschew wars. And wisely by notion. Little wars, good or bad of cause or outcome, often... are like setting little fires in the forest, seen in the bigger picture. While it is best to choose wars justly, carry them out rightly, and then see them to fruits, most politicians don't have that interest. I still wonder if Vietnam was allowed to fail simply to get rid of more Vietnamese. Let huge numbers of them be genocided out of existence. It would also wash, according to anti-Americans in power at the time, the stain of Americanism from those shores. Oddly, those very same sorts, and their cohorts, starting with Kennedy, where who took us there. Vietnam, itself, seen as a study, should itself be a reason for "why not Democrat". That hasn't improved. Using conscripts was the largest mistake of the whole thing for us. Cutting off aid, knowing what would happen, was the worst internationally. Our allies had to understand then that America is a nation of two minds. One of those minds is insane, evil, pernicious, capricious, and careless... hell, suicidal.
Hmm... just waking... Blathering. I'll get to a today post separate from this one.
.
I've been rolling those dice as if I could afford it. Now, I always have gotten something for the roll, just nothing that creates wealth, only capacity. Some of the capacity has no value itself beyond something like BMan. Some of it has limitied life application. Some of it has a broader use. Due to my health, there is little I could invest in which would lend to me yielding wealth from the exchange. Goats can't really be sold without access to federally inspected slaughterhouses. I wonder if even chickens can be sold out? Eggs? I suppose I could figure out how to buy woodworking equipment and do something there, but without the skills, or way to get them other than expensive trial and error, that is beyond me. That, too, is a very slow income... unless you build a client list, and then you quickly become overwhelmed. For me the equipment could not be kept busy enough to ever pay for itself. Health doesn't allow it.
Now, I suppose I could buy gold and silver or other direct forms of wealth. But right now those are being used by the ubber wealthy and governments to artificially hold stores of wealth. They are inflated beyond their true worth, in any situation, if also being kept low so that bubble doesn't pop next. They will go up and down as the various sides spar, as those holding it try to check prices (most likely in order to hold it as a store... if prices sore governments and billionaires will liquidate, destroying the artificial economic edifice). Personally I don't have the way to make a sale fast enough not to lose grandly. While silver will have some value even after upheaval, surviving the upheaval itself it what I am shooting for at my level of income. And silver will just, most likely, be barter fodder. There will be no such thing as wealth save in herds of livestock, tracts of land and the equipment to tend it, access to potable water and other foods. Wealth as we know it may be a thing of the past. No million dollar cars, no $40k watches, no yachts, no multi-million dollar penthouse suites. The safety of such people is being kept in place by civility, not police. And hungry people are not civil, not at all. Those things will be taken as if from children, broken children if they try to cling to "their stuff". There won't be any safe place to go, either. Everyone, everywhere, will be hungry. Possibly even them. Most don't realize their advantage would give them a chance to flee and find isolated but rough refuge. No, many think their shit doesn't stink and law and their hubris is enough to keep the world in check. Then again, they think that is what made them rich in the first place. Great success, zero understanding... they were just a golden cog, at the right place at the right time, not an island unto themselves.
These social and economic storms come about from time to time, much as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and the rest, to wipe away the old and set things fresh. It quickens, gets rid of those who can't or won't adjust, and makes the playing field flat as a real pancake once more. We haven't had one in a while. One way or another it is coming.
Many eschew wars. And wisely by notion. Little wars, good or bad of cause or outcome, often... are like setting little fires in the forest, seen in the bigger picture. While it is best to choose wars justly, carry them out rightly, and then see them to fruits, most politicians don't have that interest. I still wonder if Vietnam was allowed to fail simply to get rid of more Vietnamese. Let huge numbers of them be genocided out of existence. It would also wash, according to anti-Americans in power at the time, the stain of Americanism from those shores. Oddly, those very same sorts, and their cohorts, starting with Kennedy, where who took us there. Vietnam, itself, seen as a study, should itself be a reason for "why not Democrat". That hasn't improved. Using conscripts was the largest mistake of the whole thing for us. Cutting off aid, knowing what would happen, was the worst internationally. Our allies had to understand then that America is a nation of two minds. One of those minds is insane, evil, pernicious, capricious, and careless... hell, suicidal.
Hmm... just waking... Blathering. I'll get to a today post separate from this one.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Great until a poke in the eye.
.
.
Yeah. Got a shower in. Having clean folded clothes right and ready is fantastic. Then to check the bike rack. I think it will work but I will have to take off the front wheel. I want to drive with it, to ensure it will not bang. I don't want to be down the road on a virgin run with it, in a time crunch, and have to try to figure it out. No! I am fearful about messing with the tire as much trouble as I had with the breaks. Hmm, then again, it's just the front tire. I may not need to mess with it? I'll know shortly. I was running low on time so I just stowed everything for another time.
Into town. I stopped at a hardware store and found most of my needs and wants. Charcoal, wood chips of various sorts, apple, cherry, pecan, and hickory I believe. I found a grate, but it is too large. When he suggested the grate for a 22" grill, I think he meant the sub-grate. They had that, at 17", but he said the 22" grate (or, so I believed). I did keep the receipt, so no problem. I meant to measure it, but lost track of time tinkering with the bike rack and never did do that.
I wanted to stop for a few other things. I also didn't want to leave meat in the auto, or other groceries, and time was drawing too close for a haircut. I assumed I would be able to get to those things after the eye exam. So, finally, to the eye doc. It all looks good. He was impressed and pleased with some strange things, like some parts of my eyes being so perfectly round. I am sure docs have their favorite... stats, traits? I am not sure if my eyes have changed. Since he is a new to me doc, he may not know either. Then again, they did test the glasses I was wearing so they have some idea. Forgot to ask. I did ask about contacts. For disposables he had daily and month. Daily, for sure. I don't have to worry about them being in a container and forgetting how long they have been in there, unused or used a few times. Bleh, nasty.
He hooked me up with a sample. And he checked to see if they aligned as designed. They did. And I could see fairly well in the office. Due to the stuff he put in my eyes though, this and that, between dilation and something else, I can't see for squat right now. Sunglasses helped, outside, a bit. But it isn't great. Yeah, you will have to pardon me for no editing. I can't even see what I am writing, not well or easily.
As such, and being 100 in town on top of the general rush, I had to call the rest of my trip off. I'll get back to town perhaps in a few days. I need meats to try out. I never did track down dry ice in Logan, on the internet. I did try though. I'll probably just call around to the most likely places. Sometimes even ice cream shops carry it.
All in all, though, I am pleased with the day. I just wish my eyes would return to focus. I still have the contacts in. Maybe they aren't letting my eyes return to normal? Whatever... I'll just take them out, I guess, and see what else I can do. Gaming is out, working with anything small is out, reading is out. I hate this. Later.
Hmm, yeah... contacts out, glasses on... I can mostly read. To painful still to try to edit so...
.
Yeah. Got a shower in. Having clean folded clothes right and ready is fantastic. Then to check the bike rack. I think it will work but I will have to take off the front wheel. I want to drive with it, to ensure it will not bang. I don't want to be down the road on a virgin run with it, in a time crunch, and have to try to figure it out. No! I am fearful about messing with the tire as much trouble as I had with the breaks. Hmm, then again, it's just the front tire. I may not need to mess with it? I'll know shortly. I was running low on time so I just stowed everything for another time.
Into town. I stopped at a hardware store and found most of my needs and wants. Charcoal, wood chips of various sorts, apple, cherry, pecan, and hickory I believe. I found a grate, but it is too large. When he suggested the grate for a 22" grill, I think he meant the sub-grate. They had that, at 17", but he said the 22" grate (or, so I believed). I did keep the receipt, so no problem. I meant to measure it, but lost track of time tinkering with the bike rack and never did do that.
I wanted to stop for a few other things. I also didn't want to leave meat in the auto, or other groceries, and time was drawing too close for a haircut. I assumed I would be able to get to those things after the eye exam. So, finally, to the eye doc. It all looks good. He was impressed and pleased with some strange things, like some parts of my eyes being so perfectly round. I am sure docs have their favorite... stats, traits? I am not sure if my eyes have changed. Since he is a new to me doc, he may not know either. Then again, they did test the glasses I was wearing so they have some idea. Forgot to ask. I did ask about contacts. For disposables he had daily and month. Daily, for sure. I don't have to worry about them being in a container and forgetting how long they have been in there, unused or used a few times. Bleh, nasty.
He hooked me up with a sample. And he checked to see if they aligned as designed. They did. And I could see fairly well in the office. Due to the stuff he put in my eyes though, this and that, between dilation and something else, I can't see for squat right now. Sunglasses helped, outside, a bit. But it isn't great. Yeah, you will have to pardon me for no editing. I can't even see what I am writing, not well or easily.
As such, and being 100 in town on top of the general rush, I had to call the rest of my trip off. I'll get back to town perhaps in a few days. I need meats to try out. I never did track down dry ice in Logan, on the internet. I did try though. I'll probably just call around to the most likely places. Sometimes even ice cream shops carry it.
All in all, though, I am pleased with the day. I just wish my eyes would return to focus. I still have the contacts in. Maybe they aren't letting my eyes return to normal? Whatever... I'll just take them out, I guess, and see what else I can do. Gaming is out, working with anything small is out, reading is out. I hate this. Later.
Hmm, yeah... contacts out, glasses on... I can mostly read. To painful still to try to edit so...
Seems strange but I am becoming impressed with trip prep.
.
.
Oh, not to get ahead of myself. There is still much to do. Starting too early would have been a mistake, fatigue sets in. I started from fatigue and am working myself toward readiness. I am not rushing, yet. But each day sees little or bigger parts of the equation coming together. Today the grill, so far, yesterday a testing and sorting of pieces of new equipment and support materials. Today I will be seeing about contacts, getting bits and pieces to make the grill work more exactly, finding sources for dry ice and buying enough to play with, testing the bike rack I ordered, and buying meats. I will either set the tent up today or tomorrow. I have eight 10" and 15" tent stakes, and whatever tent stakes are with the tent. I do believe I customized those already but will have to check. Hmm, I ought to put my extra rubber mallet in with that kit. Or should I get a small sledge hammer? Dunno, thinking on it. Money is starting to have to be watched carefully and I keep seeing "more stuff". Gah!
Tomorrow will be working in the garden and putting up the tent if I don't get to it yet this morning. I think I will work on the drip line first, in hopes that will help with the weeds. Then, if I have time and energy, weeds. If weeds aren't tended tomorrow, then I will be tending them the rest of the week, while looking over the fertilizers. I know it's a bit late but it's what I have, when I have it, as I can do it.
There are things I didn't get done. There is more I might want or think I need. But given time, money, concentration, and energy and with schedule issues, I am doing fine. Actually this summer has been quite good. Spring was pretty good. Sure, had some down times, but I got over them sooner rather than later. Life continues to improve. Who knows, before I am sixty, maybe before I am fifty, I might finish my engineering degree. One never knows. Mechanical, this time, and directed at working with firearms though. Or... maybe. Dunno, would think about it as time approached, should that happen. It is actually feasible, now that they are treating the real health issue and at least somewhat successfully.
Oh, the leftover ribs are my treat for being a good boy through putting the grill together, rarely such a fine treat for what turns out to be so easy of a trick! Later.
.
Oh, not to get ahead of myself. There is still much to do. Starting too early would have been a mistake, fatigue sets in. I started from fatigue and am working myself toward readiness. I am not rushing, yet. But each day sees little or bigger parts of the equation coming together. Today the grill, so far, yesterday a testing and sorting of pieces of new equipment and support materials. Today I will be seeing about contacts, getting bits and pieces to make the grill work more exactly, finding sources for dry ice and buying enough to play with, testing the bike rack I ordered, and buying meats. I will either set the tent up today or tomorrow. I have eight 10" and 15" tent stakes, and whatever tent stakes are with the tent. I do believe I customized those already but will have to check. Hmm, I ought to put my extra rubber mallet in with that kit. Or should I get a small sledge hammer? Dunno, thinking on it. Money is starting to have to be watched carefully and I keep seeing "more stuff". Gah!
Tomorrow will be working in the garden and putting up the tent if I don't get to it yet this morning. I think I will work on the drip line first, in hopes that will help with the weeds. Then, if I have time and energy, weeds. If weeds aren't tended tomorrow, then I will be tending them the rest of the week, while looking over the fertilizers. I know it's a bit late but it's what I have, when I have it, as I can do it.
There are things I didn't get done. There is more I might want or think I need. But given time, money, concentration, and energy and with schedule issues, I am doing fine. Actually this summer has been quite good. Spring was pretty good. Sure, had some down times, but I got over them sooner rather than later. Life continues to improve. Who knows, before I am sixty, maybe before I am fifty, I might finish my engineering degree. One never knows. Mechanical, this time, and directed at working with firearms though. Or... maybe. Dunno, would think about it as time approached, should that happen. It is actually feasible, now that they are treating the real health issue and at least somewhat successfully.
Oh, the leftover ribs are my treat for being a good boy through putting the grill together, rarely such a fine treat for what turns out to be so easy of a trick! Later.
I think I did well in the Char-Griller Kamado.
.
.
I went looking for a guide video about putting the grill together. Nothing, naturally. But I did find a guy who is doing a series of reviews. The first is going over the features, and some after construction directions, namely seasoning the grill and the center piece. He also checked for air tight seal, shut down time, and some other things. The next in the series in roasting a pork butt low and slow, something I am quite curious about. That is something we could share out. The thing is, I don't know how many people it is supposed to feed, I wouldn't have anything but the meat to offer, and... well, just not sure about doing that this year. Pork butt, a beef roast, anything like that would be great. Just let it cook while out doing things and have it ready in the evening or morning. Though, of course, some practice to know how to set it and when to expect it to be ready. Given the day and night temps in the desert, I am sure that will throw timing. Bleh...
.
I went looking for a guide video about putting the grill together. Nothing, naturally. But I did find a guy who is doing a series of reviews. The first is going over the features, and some after construction directions, namely seasoning the grill and the center piece. He also checked for air tight seal, shut down time, and some other things. The next in the series in roasting a pork butt low and slow, something I am quite curious about. That is something we could share out. The thing is, I don't know how many people it is supposed to feed, I wouldn't have anything but the meat to offer, and... well, just not sure about doing that this year. Pork butt, a beef roast, anything like that would be great. Just let it cook while out doing things and have it ready in the evening or morning. Though, of course, some practice to know how to set it and when to expect it to be ready. Given the day and night temps in the desert, I am sure that will throw timing. Bleh...
Oh, sweetness.
.
.
A few nights of pushing my bedtime and I am falling in love with a good night of sleep like that first time with lady love. No guilt involved, no complexity, just sweet bliss. I made it well into 19:00, and nigh on to 20:00. Waking at, perhaps, 1:30... after a bladder check, it was back to bed. I don't usually wake in need of going to the bathroom, even with all my seeming frailties, save when I am just restarting medicines after a long hiatus, it's the water pill that will then kick it out like a waterfall until my body is at equilibrium. My guess is as I push the envelope I am more inured to the calls of nature before bedtime. Then again, I am also not completely convinced that this is what is waking me. Anyway, getting back to sleep was simplicity itself. I woke at 4:00 give or take five or ten, depending on when I first started bubbling to the surface and when consciousness finally kissed me on the forehead with a punch. Gotta love passive-aggressive! Come to think of it... Yeah, I need a wife. Heh.
I was dreaming. Something became clear. Most of my women have had or developed a wry sense of humor. As I think back I have to suggest I played a part in that. Both in application of humor to them that they didn't necessarily always see or appreciate (sometimes at all) and the man-cowpies I would leave around our lives and home that they would find, often barefoot and unhappily, and their reactions to those, proverbially to be sure in the latter. No, I am not saying I am a conscientious stinker, I just realize that just being a man, even simply human, and doing what I do as such and the fact that my defecation is an attack on the olfactory is a fact despite my immunity has added to the reality on the ground. Fair enough. Still, one way or another, a woman around me will become wryly humorous. Some of them grow into it more willingly, graceful, accepting it well. Some not so much. None escape the slightly dark fate. I do wonder how many realized what happened to them.
Ah, today? I have an appointment this afternoon. Late afternoon. What day is today, Tuesday? Okay. I can call my dinner folk and suggest if dinner will be earlier than to just skip me. Just... getting that sorted.
I am hoping, a little earlier than I tried it yesterday morning, to try to get going on that grill. I didn't look up construction instructions online last night. I was fading fast at my last post. I put the notion in short term memory, then linked that to my bootup runtime. I'll do that after this post. I would also like to see if the bike rack fits the Xterra and holds the bike securely. I know I will need to use bungee cords and maybe a bike lock to keep the thing secure. I hate having stuff on my vehicle when I stay at places near big cities. When people want, some people, they don't mind breaking, even unnecessarily, to get what they are probably just going to destroy or abandon at some point anyway. This is why you can't give certain people enough to ever secure their place in civility. They, in congregate, are why people like me were created. It just never really balances out. Glad I got out of the faux balancing act. Heck, most of America's leaders are busy negotiating away what made America special to try to placate the implacable, if more to gain power to become more like the horde than what they suggest they are, civil.
Anyway. While in town, charcoal or such, a few meats to go with what I have, some dry ice, and then the eye doctor visit. Hmm, I may try to locate dry ice before heading into town. Hopefully there is a place that services dry ice and regular ice needs plus offers charcoal, all in a one stop event. Actually, with the meats, I might as well pick up all that I am taking today. I'll simply split out what I am taking, mash it if needed, bag it, freeze it, and have it prepped for the ice chest in it's due. The thing with the dry ice is to use a small chest and fill the void with a few things, explore filling the space of sublimation with various things, and perhaps try various things to see what will keep the cooler itself safe from cracking. It will have to be left outside, but I can put it in shade and in my old sleeping bag. Actually I have two old bags, I will be using the lesser of these just as I will be on the trip.
Pieces and parts and things and doings. Hmm... It is going forward. The cave is even getting a lick and a spit as I am waking and rising to the demands of the events. Oh... One thing? I realized I needed an extra camera chip less than extra batteries. Bleh. A chip will hold 9,999 pictures (if I am not sure how it is set). But a battery will only offer 200-300 pictures, max. I have three batteries, but in the heat I am not positive the batteries will last as they otherwise might, either in camera or out. Still, that is, I can hope, 600 pictures. Enough, most likely. I am not even sure I will use it all that much. And it is supposed to be registered before I even use it. I will have to see if you can pre-register it or if you have to clamor for registration once there. It might be a gate thing. Bleh. With all the rules and regs, and given the nature of the event, I have to wonder if Jobs or Gates isn't somehow involved with all the legal aspects of this thing. Pirates are the most protective of their loot, and other people's (until they can raid it). Never mind.
I will be taking lots of batteries. But many of the things I will be taking eat batteries. Some batteries are exclusively rechargeable types though. With the Xt'ter there, and a minor dc to ac converter, I could do some of that. And we are in the alternative energy camp so their might be some availability for that. But it might just be use items until they drop and then go without thing. Running down the battery in the X would be unwise. Next year I hope to have various rechargeable and a solar recharger, or two, if I go.
Yeah, morning blather. I have some things to do, and waking up first. Hmm, back to looking for video instructions on putting that grill together first thing. Later.
.
A few nights of pushing my bedtime and I am falling in love with a good night of sleep like that first time with lady love. No guilt involved, no complexity, just sweet bliss. I made it well into 19:00, and nigh on to 20:00. Waking at, perhaps, 1:30... after a bladder check, it was back to bed. I don't usually wake in need of going to the bathroom, even with all my seeming frailties, save when I am just restarting medicines after a long hiatus, it's the water pill that will then kick it out like a waterfall until my body is at equilibrium. My guess is as I push the envelope I am more inured to the calls of nature before bedtime. Then again, I am also not completely convinced that this is what is waking me. Anyway, getting back to sleep was simplicity itself. I woke at 4:00 give or take five or ten, depending on when I first started bubbling to the surface and when consciousness finally kissed me on the forehead with a punch. Gotta love passive-aggressive! Come to think of it... Yeah, I need a wife. Heh.
I was dreaming. Something became clear. Most of my women have had or developed a wry sense of humor. As I think back I have to suggest I played a part in that. Both in application of humor to them that they didn't necessarily always see or appreciate (sometimes at all) and the man-cowpies I would leave around our lives and home that they would find, often barefoot and unhappily, and their reactions to those, proverbially to be sure in the latter. No, I am not saying I am a conscientious stinker, I just realize that just being a man, even simply human, and doing what I do as such and the fact that my defecation is an attack on the olfactory is a fact despite my immunity has added to the reality on the ground. Fair enough. Still, one way or another, a woman around me will become wryly humorous. Some of them grow into it more willingly, graceful, accepting it well. Some not so much. None escape the slightly dark fate. I do wonder how many realized what happened to them.
Ah, today? I have an appointment this afternoon. Late afternoon. What day is today, Tuesday? Okay. I can call my dinner folk and suggest if dinner will be earlier than to just skip me. Just... getting that sorted.
I am hoping, a little earlier than I tried it yesterday morning, to try to get going on that grill. I didn't look up construction instructions online last night. I was fading fast at my last post. I put the notion in short term memory, then linked that to my bootup runtime. I'll do that after this post. I would also like to see if the bike rack fits the Xterra and holds the bike securely. I know I will need to use bungee cords and maybe a bike lock to keep the thing secure. I hate having stuff on my vehicle when I stay at places near big cities. When people want, some people, they don't mind breaking, even unnecessarily, to get what they are probably just going to destroy or abandon at some point anyway. This is why you can't give certain people enough to ever secure their place in civility. They, in congregate, are why people like me were created. It just never really balances out. Glad I got out of the faux balancing act. Heck, most of America's leaders are busy negotiating away what made America special to try to placate the implacable, if more to gain power to become more like the horde than what they suggest they are, civil.
Anyway. While in town, charcoal or such, a few meats to go with what I have, some dry ice, and then the eye doctor visit. Hmm, I may try to locate dry ice before heading into town. Hopefully there is a place that services dry ice and regular ice needs plus offers charcoal, all in a one stop event. Actually, with the meats, I might as well pick up all that I am taking today. I'll simply split out what I am taking, mash it if needed, bag it, freeze it, and have it prepped for the ice chest in it's due. The thing with the dry ice is to use a small chest and fill the void with a few things, explore filling the space of sublimation with various things, and perhaps try various things to see what will keep the cooler itself safe from cracking. It will have to be left outside, but I can put it in shade and in my old sleeping bag. Actually I have two old bags, I will be using the lesser of these just as I will be on the trip.
Pieces and parts and things and doings. Hmm... It is going forward. The cave is even getting a lick and a spit as I am waking and rising to the demands of the events. Oh... One thing? I realized I needed an extra camera chip less than extra batteries. Bleh. A chip will hold 9,999 pictures (if I am not sure how it is set). But a battery will only offer 200-300 pictures, max. I have three batteries, but in the heat I am not positive the batteries will last as they otherwise might, either in camera or out. Still, that is, I can hope, 600 pictures. Enough, most likely. I am not even sure I will use it all that much. And it is supposed to be registered before I even use it. I will have to see if you can pre-register it or if you have to clamor for registration once there. It might be a gate thing. Bleh. With all the rules and regs, and given the nature of the event, I have to wonder if Jobs or Gates isn't somehow involved with all the legal aspects of this thing. Pirates are the most protective of their loot, and other people's (until they can raid it). Never mind.
I will be taking lots of batteries. But many of the things I will be taking eat batteries. Some batteries are exclusively rechargeable types though. With the Xt'ter there, and a minor dc to ac converter, I could do some of that. And we are in the alternative energy camp so their might be some availability for that. But it might just be use items until they drop and then go without thing. Running down the battery in the X would be unwise. Next year I hope to have various rechargeable and a solar recharger, or two, if I go.
Yeah, morning blather. I have some things to do, and waking up first. Hmm, back to looking for video instructions on putting that grill together first thing. Later.
Monday, August 5, 2013
It's a good thing I started pushing.
.
.
My eye doctor appointment is late tomorrow afternoon. When I set an appointment, even just a month in advance, I honestly don't know if mornings or afternoons are best. Sometimes neither will work. It's like I live on a rotating shift and am given no warning. Oh, I can fight it. Sometimes I can dance around it. Sometimes I can do little, even call and rescheduling is out of my grasp. Yeah. People don't like that. Being mostly dead doesn't register in people's minds and telling them you have a bad heart doesn't make sense either. Apologizing doesn't really seem to matter.
I should make it tomorrow. I may need a nap though.
I had hoped to get to more work today. But with the road trip, the heat, and pushing my day, it's just not going to happen. I should be able to finish putting the grill together tomorrow morning, so that getting several bags of coals to test it can go forward. Actually I was thinking of getting a bigger cut of meat, like pork shoulder or brisket. Maybe not the whole thing, just a larger chunk in order to test. That and hamburger. I have hamburger, but it's pretty lean. I mix with storebought and it works better. I also have sausage thawed, and I could thaw some chicken drumsticks. Yeah, that would give me a good idea how long a bag lasts hot, how well it does at a cooler setting, and how to adjust the heat best.
Oh, I think I am going to see if YouTube has someone putting the thing together. Instructions are okay, but there are often steps later in the reading that tell you to do something they should have instructed ahead. Yeah... No fun. Yeah, sure, I could read ahead. But often instructions don't make sense until your into that part of the project, and that assumes memory will work every time. Simply, it's annoying to have to backtrack. Well, and as I suggested, the instructions aren't exactly perfect. For example, they tell me to make sure the wheels are set in a certain way compared to the front and back. However I can't tell the difference between the front and the back. Two sides of the thing have what appear to be identical hinges, or handle brackets. So, which one is the front and which is the back? The instructions offer zero help.
It's nearing bedtime. I'm just waiting for dinner. So very tired, and getting a headache. Aspirin! Good night.
.
My eye doctor appointment is late tomorrow afternoon. When I set an appointment, even just a month in advance, I honestly don't know if mornings or afternoons are best. Sometimes neither will work. It's like I live on a rotating shift and am given no warning. Oh, I can fight it. Sometimes I can dance around it. Sometimes I can do little, even call and rescheduling is out of my grasp. Yeah. People don't like that. Being mostly dead doesn't register in people's minds and telling them you have a bad heart doesn't make sense either. Apologizing doesn't really seem to matter.
I should make it tomorrow. I may need a nap though.
I had hoped to get to more work today. But with the road trip, the heat, and pushing my day, it's just not going to happen. I should be able to finish putting the grill together tomorrow morning, so that getting several bags of coals to test it can go forward. Actually I was thinking of getting a bigger cut of meat, like pork shoulder or brisket. Maybe not the whole thing, just a larger chunk in order to test. That and hamburger. I have hamburger, but it's pretty lean. I mix with storebought and it works better. I also have sausage thawed, and I could thaw some chicken drumsticks. Yeah, that would give me a good idea how long a bag lasts hot, how well it does at a cooler setting, and how to adjust the heat best.
Oh, I think I am going to see if YouTube has someone putting the thing together. Instructions are okay, but there are often steps later in the reading that tell you to do something they should have instructed ahead. Yeah... No fun. Yeah, sure, I could read ahead. But often instructions don't make sense until your into that part of the project, and that assumes memory will work every time. Simply, it's annoying to have to backtrack. Well, and as I suggested, the instructions aren't exactly perfect. For example, they tell me to make sure the wheels are set in a certain way compared to the front and back. However I can't tell the difference between the front and the back. Two sides of the thing have what appear to be identical hinges, or handle brackets. So, which one is the front and which is the back? The instructions offer zero help.
It's nearing bedtime. I'm just waiting for dinner. So very tired, and getting a headache. Aspirin! Good night.
It's hot out there folks.
.
.
Yes it is. Not in the extreme, but heat fatigue from a long hot summer just adds to it. It isn't severe, mind you. I am dealing with it just fine. I simply noticed. And, with my screwy hours, how I feel about things is just plain weird.
I made it on time, just a little more than an half hour early. I would have been a bit earlier yet but for highway work. You know, it's one thing to take a four lane down to a two lane, but why take a four lane down to a zero lane? both sides were driving on the shoulder for about 10 miles. It's not like they don't work that road either. Every summer they close down two lanes at a time at some point. Nope, this time they needed them all. On the way home I decided to take the long but faster way. Construction there as well, but they did give us a lane. Thanks. And a third of the overpasses were being worked. My guess is it's more stimulus money being doled out to make it look like money is flowing. They are getting desperate. Time is getting short folks.
My doctor says it is about time for them to send another insulin so he will go ahead with that. I think he suggested, from now on, I will be getting two bottles at a time. They just wanted to make sure this would work. It seems to be working, so... I told him I wouldn't be here for the diabetes clinic, this one I will make because it won't be preaching about making food that doesn't impact me. I don't, and can't make my own food regularly and I am not about to get picky about what comes in. I appreciate that food in ways you can't understand. Beggars, in my book, can't be choosers. No, this will be to teach me how to dose the insulin so as to adjust for food intake. He asked about private insurance, because the pens are better. If I did it on my own it would be $130 a month. No such luck though. They are cheaper than the bottle, with syringes, and all, but... the V.A. takes... time to catch up to the markets. Ah well, it'll happen.
I had to go to the front desk to deal with the change in schedule for the diabetic thing. It was there I learned my doc is leaving, going back East. *sigh* So, now, I get to learn a new doctor. Bleh.
On the way home I stopped at for lunch. Beef ribs, I thought. Never having even seen that as a menu item I had no idea how much would arrive. Being quite hungry, I simply ordered a full rack. Needless to say a bit more than half of it is in my refrigerator! You know, if I was 15-25 again it wouldn't have been a problem. I might have ordered a second. No more, those days are gone. Still, it was some darned good eats. I love my smoked food restaurants. Mostly beef, but you never know.
I didn't stop anywhere with traffic and such. Bummed about the change in docs to. Ah well. I have to be in Logan tomorrow for an eye appointment. I will be looking for dry ice, some meats to try on the grill, and maybe a haircut of the BMan variety. Freaky but it's the way of it. I've been working up to a mohawk for some time now. It's about time.
A quick check of most of items I ordered and all looks good. I ordered some small blacklight flashlights. At first I thought they sent the wrong items. Frustrated I put the one I opened back in it's package and in with the others and looked over the rest of the gear. One of the extra camera batteries is charging. I'll check it when done. It looks like I got exactly what I ordered, save maybe the flashlights. But... why not at least check those. Batteries in, click... Hmm, if it isn't blacklight it IS something different. Yeah, even those are probably right. I might have to tinker with some of this stuff before long. Oh, and I did order a rooftop carry bag. Not canvas, but waterproof, with a lot of sales and good reports. That simply allows for a bit more space, with the interior being limited.
Blathering. I have a bunch of packages that arrived I need to look through. I suppose I could read some of the mail that arrived to. Dunno. Later!
.
Yes it is. Not in the extreme, but heat fatigue from a long hot summer just adds to it. It isn't severe, mind you. I am dealing with it just fine. I simply noticed. And, with my screwy hours, how I feel about things is just plain weird.
I made it on time, just a little more than an half hour early. I would have been a bit earlier yet but for highway work. You know, it's one thing to take a four lane down to a two lane, but why take a four lane down to a zero lane? both sides were driving on the shoulder for about 10 miles. It's not like they don't work that road either. Every summer they close down two lanes at a time at some point. Nope, this time they needed them all. On the way home I decided to take the long but faster way. Construction there as well, but they did give us a lane. Thanks. And a third of the overpasses were being worked. My guess is it's more stimulus money being doled out to make it look like money is flowing. They are getting desperate. Time is getting short folks.
My doctor says it is about time for them to send another insulin so he will go ahead with that. I think he suggested, from now on, I will be getting two bottles at a time. They just wanted to make sure this would work. It seems to be working, so... I told him I wouldn't be here for the diabetes clinic, this one I will make because it won't be preaching about making food that doesn't impact me. I don't, and can't make my own food regularly and I am not about to get picky about what comes in. I appreciate that food in ways you can't understand. Beggars, in my book, can't be choosers. No, this will be to teach me how to dose the insulin so as to adjust for food intake. He asked about private insurance, because the pens are better. If I did it on my own it would be $130 a month. No such luck though. They are cheaper than the bottle, with syringes, and all, but... the V.A. takes... time to catch up to the markets. Ah well, it'll happen.
I had to go to the front desk to deal with the change in schedule for the diabetic thing. It was there I learned my doc is leaving, going back East. *sigh* So, now, I get to learn a new doctor. Bleh.
On the way home I stopped at for lunch. Beef ribs, I thought. Never having even seen that as a menu item I had no idea how much would arrive. Being quite hungry, I simply ordered a full rack. Needless to say a bit more than half of it is in my refrigerator! You know, if I was 15-25 again it wouldn't have been a problem. I might have ordered a second. No more, those days are gone. Still, it was some darned good eats. I love my smoked food restaurants. Mostly beef, but you never know.
I didn't stop anywhere with traffic and such. Bummed about the change in docs to. Ah well. I have to be in Logan tomorrow for an eye appointment. I will be looking for dry ice, some meats to try on the grill, and maybe a haircut of the BMan variety. Freaky but it's the way of it. I've been working up to a mohawk for some time now. It's about time.
A quick check of most of items I ordered and all looks good. I ordered some small blacklight flashlights. At first I thought they sent the wrong items. Frustrated I put the one I opened back in it's package and in with the others and looked over the rest of the gear. One of the extra camera batteries is charging. I'll check it when done. It looks like I got exactly what I ordered, save maybe the flashlights. But... why not at least check those. Batteries in, click... Hmm, if it isn't blacklight it IS something different. Yeah, even those are probably right. I might have to tinker with some of this stuff before long. Oh, and I did order a rooftop carry bag. Not canvas, but waterproof, with a lot of sales and good reports. That simply allows for a bit more space, with the interior being limited.
Blathering. I have a bunch of packages that arrived I need to look through. I suppose I could read some of the mail that arrived to. Dunno. Later!
As I suggested.
.
.
While many see China as the boogeyman in the night, sneaking up and taking over the US position as super power, the truth is quite another thing. I have mentioned this dozens of times here on this blog and in comments out there. Often I was scorned as a simpleton fool. All you have to understand is that if you give a poor man a billion dollars he will be broke before he cashes the check. A communist is not only poor, he is a fool, and there is a saying just for that regarding coin. China has been being used for it's cheap labor, and being abused for it as to the quality of their wares. All other cheap labor nations built up and became both good at manufacturing and rose above 'their stations', save those with regimes that strictly limited ascension. As ascension meets caps to success and productivity, that boat (China) is sinking. Quite literally in some cases. *grins*
No, America, even with a anti-American president, if our industrious are fleeing one way or another, is still the business capital of the world. Oh, she is floundering. Caps are being put on, as in China. Wealth is dying in groves or simply not being created. Further, wealth is being squandered supporting industries that have to be allowed to fail in order for organic economic improvement and that improvement is being hindered by regulation meant to strangle the economy. The attempt to redistribute wealth world wide is both failing and killing us right now. But unless the switch has permanently been turned (albeit a distinct possibility) there is a chance to rebuild. Of course, that won't involve simply electing Republicans, most of whom are simply Democrats with an R. No, it will require a sea change , a paradigm shift in orders of magnitude above an election cycle. I don't actually see that just happening, I am not sure there are enough who understand who also aren't bought. Time will tell.
Then again it is train wrecks and plane crashes that are the only things that lead to improvements in some cases. Not a appetizing notion to those ON the trains or planes, just the facts. Of course, how many Russians and others died to prove Stalanism wrong? Best to figure it out before we get to that point. If... at best... time is short.
.
While many see China as the boogeyman in the night, sneaking up and taking over the US position as super power, the truth is quite another thing. I have mentioned this dozens of times here on this blog and in comments out there. Often I was scorned as a simpleton fool. All you have to understand is that if you give a poor man a billion dollars he will be broke before he cashes the check. A communist is not only poor, he is a fool, and there is a saying just for that regarding coin. China has been being used for it's cheap labor, and being abused for it as to the quality of their wares. All other cheap labor nations built up and became both good at manufacturing and rose above 'their stations', save those with regimes that strictly limited ascension. As ascension meets caps to success and productivity, that boat (China) is sinking. Quite literally in some cases. *grins*
No, America, even with a anti-American president, if our industrious are fleeing one way or another, is still the business capital of the world. Oh, she is floundering. Caps are being put on, as in China. Wealth is dying in groves or simply not being created. Further, wealth is being squandered supporting industries that have to be allowed to fail in order for organic economic improvement and that improvement is being hindered by regulation meant to strangle the economy. The attempt to redistribute wealth world wide is both failing and killing us right now. But unless the switch has permanently been turned (albeit a distinct possibility) there is a chance to rebuild. Of course, that won't involve simply electing Republicans, most of whom are simply Democrats with an R. No, it will require a sea change , a paradigm shift in orders of magnitude above an election cycle. I don't actually see that just happening, I am not sure there are enough who understand who also aren't bought. Time will tell.
Then again it is train wrecks and plane crashes that are the only things that lead to improvements in some cases. Not a appetizing notion to those ON the trains or planes, just the facts. Of course, how many Russians and others died to prove Stalanism wrong? Best to figure it out before we get to that point. If... at best... time is short.
Oh, heavens, sleep is grand!
.
.
I made it to 22:00 and change before waking. I could have waken fully at that time. As I was playing bladder paddy whack I decided against that theme. Back to bed, hard. Easy. Half after 2:00 and again my eyes fluttered. It's been a while since I woke in the dark. Beautiful. There is something about waking in a room that doesn't immediately flood the senses.
My medicine has been, at best sporadically being taken. Blood pressure is a little elevated but blood sugar is down to 129! That is the lowest I have seen it in... two years? Essentially without the shots for the last week. Yeah, they don't know. I think the insulin headed it down. But daily dosing will become a problem. Dosing before carbs might still be a good plan, to prevent spikes, but I'll have to check on that. Some things just don't add up. As I said, I think I have diabetes because my heart simply isn't sharing enough blood to all my organs, and things get hairy in there. As my heart improves, and with just a bit of attention for the spikes, that should be good. Daily doses will, again, drive my blood sugar to below sixty and I am simply not always able to be aware enough to see that coming and prevent it. As I have said, a below 60 blood sugar is the closest thing I have seen to death since the last time I died. I have a nose for these things these days. Prefer not to go there. Still, seeing my doc so we will discuss this.
My fear from personal experience is greater than my trust in his knowledge... too many doctors have suggested the wrong things too many times, based on "science". Still, I like him enough to trust to tell him and work out a plan rather than just using him for medicines and figuring it out solo. A vast improvement. I do the same with my heart docs, if a little more gingerly and sparingly for them. Honesty is paying dividends, but then it has been earned on their part. I'll give them that. And I have been trying to play my part, so long as any doctor order is seen as a "try everything on your plate, if you can't, we renegotiate", not a strict do or die thing. Simply, I won't allow myself too close to death or medicinal crippling.
I will probably do a quick hot rinse of the dishes rinsing, take a shower, and put the last few dishes to soak, pull the load of laundry out of the dryer and mess with those, then see if the headlamp and a lantern provides enough light to tinker with the grill. Okay, maybe not in that order but somewhere along those lines. I almost had a breakfast. Instead, a pot of coffee went on. It seems that I can have either water or black coffee. Neither is all that appealing but being that those are my choices I choose a rich, strong, coffee.
Ah, but a touch of music to light the fires... Oh, and a cup of joe. Later.
.
I made it to 22:00 and change before waking. I could have waken fully at that time. As I was playing bladder paddy whack I decided against that theme. Back to bed, hard. Easy. Half after 2:00 and again my eyes fluttered. It's been a while since I woke in the dark. Beautiful. There is something about waking in a room that doesn't immediately flood the senses.
My medicine has been, at best sporadically being taken. Blood pressure is a little elevated but blood sugar is down to 129! That is the lowest I have seen it in... two years? Essentially without the shots for the last week. Yeah, they don't know. I think the insulin headed it down. But daily dosing will become a problem. Dosing before carbs might still be a good plan, to prevent spikes, but I'll have to check on that. Some things just don't add up. As I said, I think I have diabetes because my heart simply isn't sharing enough blood to all my organs, and things get hairy in there. As my heart improves, and with just a bit of attention for the spikes, that should be good. Daily doses will, again, drive my blood sugar to below sixty and I am simply not always able to be aware enough to see that coming and prevent it. As I have said, a below 60 blood sugar is the closest thing I have seen to death since the last time I died. I have a nose for these things these days. Prefer not to go there. Still, seeing my doc so we will discuss this.
My fear from personal experience is greater than my trust in his knowledge... too many doctors have suggested the wrong things too many times, based on "science". Still, I like him enough to trust to tell him and work out a plan rather than just using him for medicines and figuring it out solo. A vast improvement. I do the same with my heart docs, if a little more gingerly and sparingly for them. Honesty is paying dividends, but then it has been earned on their part. I'll give them that. And I have been trying to play my part, so long as any doctor order is seen as a "try everything on your plate, if you can't, we renegotiate", not a strict do or die thing. Simply, I won't allow myself too close to death or medicinal crippling.
I will probably do a quick hot rinse of the dishes rinsing, take a shower, and put the last few dishes to soak, pull the load of laundry out of the dryer and mess with those, then see if the headlamp and a lantern provides enough light to tinker with the grill. Okay, maybe not in that order but somewhere along those lines. I almost had a breakfast. Instead, a pot of coffee went on. It seems that I can have either water or black coffee. Neither is all that appealing but being that those are my choices I choose a rich, strong, coffee.
Ah, but a touch of music to light the fires... Oh, and a cup of joe. Later.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Oh, ouch, Yikes. And three other such.
.
.
No, I didn't drop something on my foot, nearly cut off a finger, or any such. It's just that I am still awake and it is hitting 16:30. Pushing that envelope is simply painful. Supper came early, so I can go to bed at any time I like. Work stopped some time ago, no focus. The stuff on the line should be dry, as with the clothes in the dryer, when I wake. The dishes are in a final rinse soak. If I do get them done this evening/night when I wake, they will be fine. It's just when I leave them in that "final" rinse for a few days that the water gets yucky and I have to redo everything. Bleh. So, yeah, I'll get them done. Plus, I didn't get a shower today and want one. It's only been a day or two, but it is summer.
I have an appointment tomorrow morning, including a bit of a drive. And I have to remember not to eat or drink anything after midnight. It's difficult to know what time I will wake. The goal is 1:00, but midnight to even 3:00 is fine. That should put me in good humors and on track for the appointment. What IS early, what IS late, when you don't have a schedule, you don't sleep regular periods, you don't stay awake similar times every "day"? Crazy, I tell you.
Oh, yes. Bedtime. This pain must stop. Good... well yeah... good night.
.
No, I didn't drop something on my foot, nearly cut off a finger, or any such. It's just that I am still awake and it is hitting 16:30. Pushing that envelope is simply painful. Supper came early, so I can go to bed at any time I like. Work stopped some time ago, no focus. The stuff on the line should be dry, as with the clothes in the dryer, when I wake. The dishes are in a final rinse soak. If I do get them done this evening/night when I wake, they will be fine. It's just when I leave them in that "final" rinse for a few days that the water gets yucky and I have to redo everything. Bleh. So, yeah, I'll get them done. Plus, I didn't get a shower today and want one. It's only been a day or two, but it is summer.
I have an appointment tomorrow morning, including a bit of a drive. And I have to remember not to eat or drink anything after midnight. It's difficult to know what time I will wake. The goal is 1:00, but midnight to even 3:00 is fine. That should put me in good humors and on track for the appointment. What IS early, what IS late, when you don't have a schedule, you don't sleep regular periods, you don't stay awake similar times every "day"? Crazy, I tell you.
Oh, yes. Bedtime. This pain must stop. Good... well yeah... good night.
Hmm, more to the old goat than I thought.
.
.
The final load is in the wash, though I have one load of wash waiting on the dryer as I forgot to start that load. Odd. Just that, even for me, that is an extremely rare occurrence. Clothes are being sorted, folded, stored, as I go. Even some previously cleaned but untended clothing and sundry are now being tended. At least most of them were neatened so as to not have wrinkles. I plan on hitting the dishes before too long, then a shower before soaking the last little bit of them. Further, I am in the middle of setting up the grill. I had to flee the sun, it was just too bright this morning and shown directly on the only place I had to work.
Fine, I'll get to it in the early afternoon. My goal is to be up until supper arrives anyway. I am officially restarting days as the norm again. I will be working and tinkering off and on all day. I do take long rests. To blog, read other blogs, listen to music, or game. I don't quite understand just sitting still and quiet, save for prayer but that isn't the majority of my day. Well, and even that is active save for the part when I just open myself up to anything God wishes to... imbue, speak, teach. Yes, yes, I do that. I ask that I be His agent as I may and as He wills it. Listening is a part of that. I try to do bits of that during the day as well, but... well... I do try to remember and do succeed from time to time. Still, I hear Him even when active occasionally. Never mind.
Life is pretty good today. I can't say what flipped the switch. I could say it was restarting medicine. But I actually think that is only the half of it. Stopping medicine in the first place was the thing. This time there were no side effects. I guess I was deep enough in my funk that nothing mattered. But the stoppage and restart seemed to be drawing me out of the funk. All else remains equal. Good timing to. I am hoping to have my home in order, everything chosen to go either packed or ready, and even perhaps a dry pack to see how to fit things and if everything will fit. I don't know if I can afford it, but I would love to get a canvas bag, a big one, for the roof. Something that would hold at least the water jugs I intend to take. I don't think the roof would hold that much water weight (positively not) but it would hold the empty jugs and some other stuff easily. I'll look into that while I'm on my break, or next one?
Later.
.
The final load is in the wash, though I have one load of wash waiting on the dryer as I forgot to start that load. Odd. Just that, even for me, that is an extremely rare occurrence. Clothes are being sorted, folded, stored, as I go. Even some previously cleaned but untended clothing and sundry are now being tended. At least most of them were neatened so as to not have wrinkles. I plan on hitting the dishes before too long, then a shower before soaking the last little bit of them. Further, I am in the middle of setting up the grill. I had to flee the sun, it was just too bright this morning and shown directly on the only place I had to work.
Fine, I'll get to it in the early afternoon. My goal is to be up until supper arrives anyway. I am officially restarting days as the norm again. I will be working and tinkering off and on all day. I do take long rests. To blog, read other blogs, listen to music, or game. I don't quite understand just sitting still and quiet, save for prayer but that isn't the majority of my day. Well, and even that is active save for the part when I just open myself up to anything God wishes to... imbue, speak, teach. Yes, yes, I do that. I ask that I be His agent as I may and as He wills it. Listening is a part of that. I try to do bits of that during the day as well, but... well... I do try to remember and do succeed from time to time. Still, I hear Him even when active occasionally. Never mind.
Life is pretty good today. I can't say what flipped the switch. I could say it was restarting medicine. But I actually think that is only the half of it. Stopping medicine in the first place was the thing. This time there were no side effects. I guess I was deep enough in my funk that nothing mattered. But the stoppage and restart seemed to be drawing me out of the funk. All else remains equal. Good timing to. I am hoping to have my home in order, everything chosen to go either packed or ready, and even perhaps a dry pack to see how to fit things and if everything will fit. I don't know if I can afford it, but I would love to get a canvas bag, a big one, for the roof. Something that would hold at least the water jugs I intend to take. I don't think the roof would hold that much water weight (positively not) but it would hold the empty jugs and some other stuff easily. I'll look into that while I'm on my break, or next one?
Later.
All of it?
.
.
Maybe not.
I have one load of laundry dried and put up, another partially drying in the dryer but with the sun up I wanted to put pants and towels out on the line, and another load going. The dishes, which have been soaked twice were good enough to scrub what had been scale off and set to one last soak. Simply, I washed everything again before putting back in another soak. The dishwater was too "meh" for my tastes. I'll have those cleaned and dried before I go to bed. To handle some questions D.C. had about my towing kit, I went out with a tape measure, to be sure, and then checked the wiring connection. Yes, 2"x2" and 7-pin. I found pictures of what I saw and sent those as well.
The grill? I don't know. If I finish the dishes before I go to bed I may try to sneak a shower in before setting the last dozen pieces of dirty cooking and eating ware in for a soak. The grill? Yeah, I said it before. I really want to do it. It should be easy. But when a mind gets weary little tricks that are common knowledge or well known dissipate into the fog and I can become like a child mechanically. Still, the grill? Ha!
As I do the laundry I am picking out this and that to wear for the trip. The trick is I need clothes for heat and clothes for serious cool. Shorts, of course. But pants of several sorts. Shirts, hopefully to layer. Longjohns, actually, as well. The trick is to look for pieces that can layer. I can easily handle 40 degree whether. I literally often sleep with the windows wide open in the winter, when it gets down to -20 commonly this last winter. The thing is, going from 110 down to 40 is a new experience, one I will have to test a bit. It does go from the mid 90's to the 50's here currently, but I am not out in it. Still, I am getting a bit of a taste. I want to be prepared to not be too cold. I will be too hot, from time to time. That is the way of this thing, the desert.
I did order a couple of things for the heat. One was in accord with D.C.'s recent experiment, the other was on my own impetus. A soak cooling vest and a water fan/ac. Those should be in quite soon, I will test them post haste. The fan will work, I suppose. But I had hoped to wear it under my ghast gillie suit. It would have been perfect under it. It should suffice anyway, just not probably as good. Time will tell all things.
Later.
.
Maybe not.
I have one load of laundry dried and put up, another partially drying in the dryer but with the sun up I wanted to put pants and towels out on the line, and another load going. The dishes, which have been soaked twice were good enough to scrub what had been scale off and set to one last soak. Simply, I washed everything again before putting back in another soak. The dishwater was too "meh" for my tastes. I'll have those cleaned and dried before I go to bed. To handle some questions D.C. had about my towing kit, I went out with a tape measure, to be sure, and then checked the wiring connection. Yes, 2"x2" and 7-pin. I found pictures of what I saw and sent those as well.
The grill? I don't know. If I finish the dishes before I go to bed I may try to sneak a shower in before setting the last dozen pieces of dirty cooking and eating ware in for a soak. The grill? Yeah, I said it before. I really want to do it. It should be easy. But when a mind gets weary little tricks that are common knowledge or well known dissipate into the fog and I can become like a child mechanically. Still, the grill? Ha!
As I do the laundry I am picking out this and that to wear for the trip. The trick is I need clothes for heat and clothes for serious cool. Shorts, of course. But pants of several sorts. Shirts, hopefully to layer. Longjohns, actually, as well. The trick is to look for pieces that can layer. I can easily handle 40 degree whether. I literally often sleep with the windows wide open in the winter, when it gets down to -20 commonly this last winter. The thing is, going from 110 down to 40 is a new experience, one I will have to test a bit. It does go from the mid 90's to the 50's here currently, but I am not out in it. Still, I am getting a bit of a taste. I want to be prepared to not be too cold. I will be too hot, from time to time. That is the way of this thing, the desert.
I did order a couple of things for the heat. One was in accord with D.C.'s recent experiment, the other was on my own impetus. A soak cooling vest and a water fan/ac. Those should be in quite soon, I will test them post haste. The fan will work, I suppose. But I had hoped to wear it under my ghast gillie suit. It would have been perfect under it. It should suffice anyway, just not probably as good. Time will tell all things.
Later.
A bit more going on.
.
.
Laundry was started, one load now in the dryer. Dishes were collected to add to the soak and a new soak was initiated. As I've been doing this and that, I've also been doing bits of that and this. Little bits and pieces of BMan kit are being noticed and collected as well. It's not like I'm burning with the flame of a workaholic but it is better than a bit ago.
Whatever else I get done today I am hoping to put the grill together. I have an appointment in several different town in the next few days. The hope is to find a bit of dry ice while I am at it, and some charcoal, along with bits of meat, so as to experiment with it all. Yum? Yes. Yum indeed. I may also set up my tent today, to measure. And while at it, check what sort of plugs I have for a trailer. I am positive it is a 7-point plug but it is best to be sure than have to drive around looking for the right item on short notice. Ugh.
The sun is coming up. I wish I didn't have so much else trying to get done right now or I would be out in the garden. Yeah, well... Okies. I have some tasks to attend. Later. Hmm... breakfast first.
Oh, best remember, I have to fast from midnight until my appointment tomorrow for blood work. Not a problem if I remember. I don't eat all that often anyway. If I am going to eat, best eat early. Right, tonight is a meal night... So, that should be good. Just no coffee or soda after midnight, save for black coffee. Yeah... maybe... Yeah, later.
.
Laundry was started, one load now in the dryer. Dishes were collected to add to the soak and a new soak was initiated. As I've been doing this and that, I've also been doing bits of that and this. Little bits and pieces of BMan kit are being noticed and collected as well. It's not like I'm burning with the flame of a workaholic but it is better than a bit ago.
Whatever else I get done today I am hoping to put the grill together. I have an appointment in several different town in the next few days. The hope is to find a bit of dry ice while I am at it, and some charcoal, along with bits of meat, so as to experiment with it all. Yum? Yes. Yum indeed. I may also set up my tent today, to measure. And while at it, check what sort of plugs I have for a trailer. I am positive it is a 7-point plug but it is best to be sure than have to drive around looking for the right item on short notice. Ugh.
The sun is coming up. I wish I didn't have so much else trying to get done right now or I would be out in the garden. Yeah, well... Okies. I have some tasks to attend. Later. Hmm... breakfast first.
Oh, best remember, I have to fast from midnight until my appointment tomorrow for blood work. Not a problem if I remember. I don't eat all that often anyway. If I am going to eat, best eat early. Right, tonight is a meal night... So, that should be good. Just no coffee or soda after midnight, save for black coffee. Yeah... maybe... Yeah, later.
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