.
.
The last time I went shopping, I bought beer. It was on sale, 2/3rds the regular price, so I bought two 18 packs. I prefer cases, but at the store I was shopping, this is all they carry. At that price, I didn't worry. However, until I took care of trash, including cleaning the refrigerator, I didn't have space to cool one of the packs. After finishing that yesterday, I got a pack in. Just getting around to having one. Wanted one the night I bought them, but... wasn't that ambitious.
Today I have set the dishes to a fresh soak every once in a while. Oh, they will get dried before too long, probably. If you let them just sit, in the same water, they get... funny. So, rinse and... well... repeat. I have been gaming today. I'm making my way through it, but it is rather brutal at the level I am playing. On easy, my first play through, I figure out most of the puzzles, which don't change, and learn the paths and secrets. In this particular game, about every other stop is a puzzle. At the harder levels. every other fight is nearly a mini-boss. Both at the same time is more annoying than not. Still, it is what it is... something to do when nothing else seems to be possible.
The girls have been fed, their litter cleared as well. I just refreshed the soak water, so in about three hours I will get in and start drying them. Medicine has gone down, on time. Not much else has been possible today. Oh, I've thrown some ideas around, even hen-pecked at some tasks. I just couldn't keep focused. It was mostly overcast. It doesn't take much to cripple me, at times, it seems. And yet, this is better. Now crippled doesn't mean a month or three, or six, sleeping. It means I don't do much. Better, much better.
I might, later, sneak out and pick up my packages at the post office, and grab a late night burger. Don't know, but it is possible. I am only going to have a couple beers. I just needed a taste. So that won't be an issue, especially since I won't be going out until, if I get to it, I dry the dishes. Treat for tat. Later.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Alrighty?
.
.
While doing this and that, yesterday, I... decided to do something else. I decided to air my cave out. It actually seemed warm enough. So, last night, at about 18:00, give or take, I opened the windows. With a bit of a wind storm going on, I got some serious airflow. I, of course, turned off the furnace. Oh, I was a bit nervous. While I can handle some serious cool, downright cold really, there are probably limits. And it might not have been truly wise, thinking on it now, due to the risk of pipes freezing. Looking at the weather, it suggest the low, last night/yesterday, was 38.
I wasn't able to get to bed until midnight. I set the alarm for 8:00, but, possibly due to the cool, wasn't able to wake until... 9:30ish. The first thing I did was to turn the furnace back on. The thermostat read 60 F. Not bad, if I am not sure... Hmm, with the foundation down into the earth, and the stone being what it is, perhaps it is a sort of geothermal heating? I don't know, but that was interesting. The girls pretty much cuddled me all night, but didn't seem all that perturbed by the cool. Though they were as difficult to get going this morning as I was. I tried to get them to help me wake up, but calling out "food", a term that will often get them to push for me to wake. It didn't work so well this morning.
What to do today? I don't know. Let me thaw a bit, first. Now, I was warm all night. Warm enough. I didn't shiver. But getting out of bed was difficult, more the differential. I have been taking my medicines very well for the last four to six days now. And, things are seeming up. A day or two of sunshine in there, has been helping. And yet I don't have a lot to give. I will keep pushing. I did set the dishes to a fresh rinse this morning, if more so that they will be easier to dry in a few hours. I've fed the girls, but need to adjust their litter. Laundry is in dire shape. And I need to figure out a couple of pieces of business and pick some stuff up at the post office. Ugh... I can't keep it all straight, but I'll keep trying. Later.
.
While doing this and that, yesterday, I... decided to do something else. I decided to air my cave out. It actually seemed warm enough. So, last night, at about 18:00, give or take, I opened the windows. With a bit of a wind storm going on, I got some serious airflow. I, of course, turned off the furnace. Oh, I was a bit nervous. While I can handle some serious cool, downright cold really, there are probably limits. And it might not have been truly wise, thinking on it now, due to the risk of pipes freezing. Looking at the weather, it suggest the low, last night/yesterday, was 38.
I wasn't able to get to bed until midnight. I set the alarm for 8:00, but, possibly due to the cool, wasn't able to wake until... 9:30ish. The first thing I did was to turn the furnace back on. The thermostat read 60 F. Not bad, if I am not sure... Hmm, with the foundation down into the earth, and the stone being what it is, perhaps it is a sort of geothermal heating? I don't know, but that was interesting. The girls pretty much cuddled me all night, but didn't seem all that perturbed by the cool. Though they were as difficult to get going this morning as I was. I tried to get them to help me wake up, but calling out "food", a term that will often get them to push for me to wake. It didn't work so well this morning.
What to do today? I don't know. Let me thaw a bit, first. Now, I was warm all night. Warm enough. I didn't shiver. But getting out of bed was difficult, more the differential. I have been taking my medicines very well for the last four to six days now. And, things are seeming up. A day or two of sunshine in there, has been helping. And yet I don't have a lot to give. I will keep pushing. I did set the dishes to a fresh rinse this morning, if more so that they will be easier to dry in a few hours. I've fed the girls, but need to adjust their litter. Laundry is in dire shape. And I need to figure out a couple of pieces of business and pick some stuff up at the post office. Ugh... I can't keep it all straight, but I'll keep trying. Later.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Lunch!
.
.
The oil in the skillet has been used well. It was still, technically, good. But flour, used for breading, had gotten in there, enough of it, and turned brown. And I was hungry. So, I cleaned out the lard, got out the bacon, and started a late breakfast, really. The bacon I got with the hog, more and more, impresses me. It isn't soft, as a lot of bacon is. It's fresh pork. My guess is many places "age" their bacon, or side pork. They say they do this for you, but that is not the case. It is frozen, then shipped to whomever, and then thawed when demand calls for it. Then frozen again. That might be it right there. Twice frozen meats lose some of their integrity... bite. This bacon tastes like relatively fresh meat, once frozen. After that, eggs. Nothing fancy. With the pan well seasoned, they don't stick, and flip easily, keeping the yoke in place and wet.
I have checked the dishes. Still a bit too hot. Oh, sure, I could do them. I can handle pretty intense heat, including that lard heated to frying temperatures on my fingers. Still, I like letting them cool a bit more, so that I don't feel rushed. As well, if the water is too hot, the pans dry out too quickly. That is good for some things, not so good if they still have gunk that needs removal. Then you have to soak them all over again, somehow. Although, I am a wearing down a bit. Even before lunch, but certainly after the meal. I might get more done, yet today, but not much. And yet I am pleased with what I did do. Anything else is gravy.
I keep getting phone calls, offering to lower my credit card interest rates. It's some kind of recorded automated system. Just press one and prepare to see your credit information jacked. It's always "the final call". I wish. I have to wonder how many people have fallen for that. Look, legitimate companies will not do that. You could call your credit card company and negotiate, perhaps. But they aren't going to call you, your government doesn't love you (it's on the companies side). The only people who would call you have no power or your interest. Yeah, but a lot of people fall for it.
I'd love a nap but... I think not. Later.
.
The oil in the skillet has been used well. It was still, technically, good. But flour, used for breading, had gotten in there, enough of it, and turned brown. And I was hungry. So, I cleaned out the lard, got out the bacon, and started a late breakfast, really. The bacon I got with the hog, more and more, impresses me. It isn't soft, as a lot of bacon is. It's fresh pork. My guess is many places "age" their bacon, or side pork. They say they do this for you, but that is not the case. It is frozen, then shipped to whomever, and then thawed when demand calls for it. Then frozen again. That might be it right there. Twice frozen meats lose some of their integrity... bite. This bacon tastes like relatively fresh meat, once frozen. After that, eggs. Nothing fancy. With the pan well seasoned, they don't stick, and flip easily, keeping the yoke in place and wet.
I have checked the dishes. Still a bit too hot. Oh, sure, I could do them. I can handle pretty intense heat, including that lard heated to frying temperatures on my fingers. Still, I like letting them cool a bit more, so that I don't feel rushed. As well, if the water is too hot, the pans dry out too quickly. That is good for some things, not so good if they still have gunk that needs removal. Then you have to soak them all over again, somehow. Although, I am a wearing down a bit. Even before lunch, but certainly after the meal. I might get more done, yet today, but not much. And yet I am pleased with what I did do. Anything else is gravy.
I keep getting phone calls, offering to lower my credit card interest rates. It's some kind of recorded automated system. Just press one and prepare to see your credit information jacked. It's always "the final call". I wish. I have to wonder how many people have fallen for that. Look, legitimate companies will not do that. You could call your credit card company and negotiate, perhaps. But they aren't going to call you, your government doesn't love you (it's on the companies side). The only people who would call you have no power or your interest. Yeah, but a lot of people fall for it.
I'd love a nap but... I think not. Later.
I was just about...
.
.
To write a neg about how I couldn't get anything done, and nothing was going my way. Go ahead, sing along, you know the tune.
.
To write a neg about how I couldn't get anything done, and nothing was going my way. Go ahead, sing along, you know the tune.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Yeah, well, no.
.
.
Supper arrived. And, yes, I was hungry. Turkey and gravy, with mashed potatoes and noodles. Loverly but... *bam* right in the kisser. I won't be doing much else. I'm going to bed very shortly. The nice thing is, when he arrived tonight? Nothing but dead bugs. I'll bet there are between one and two thousand dead boxelder bugs. Of course, the ones that got in are, well, in. In a day or three, I'll shoo the girls out some evening and take care of what is in here. I may just head to town on that night, myself. What to do it town? Oh, I suppose I could hit my friends computer, and finish that up. I could also do a very little shopping.
It's a rough month. I am confused and tired. Medicines are back on track, and I am trying to do my part regarding stats. I just can't keep up on those like they would like. They just have to take what they can get. Like the rest of us. Not even I get even close to what I want. They get their portion, I get mine, the world gets it's, but there isn't a whole portion in the whole pot to split out, so...
A shower always feels good, as does a bit of a shave. I may start doing full shaves a good deal more often. This afternoon it was just with the trimmer. That gets it rather close, but nothing like a razor. I'd love to figure out my straight razors. I have three or four. Not safety razors, mind you, but the real deals. I might have a strop, but I need to find something else. What I tried before really didn't work. I'm thinking, maybe, several wet stones, from mid 400's, then a 1000, and perhaps a 4k for finishing before stropping. I've heard varying opinions, some suggest the two lower and a strop will do fine. What would really be nice is to find someone who works with straight razors, take mine in, and have them check the blades, set them to rights, show me how, and show me how to begin shaving right. Mentors are fantastic, with almost any discipline.
Why a straight razor? In a shtf scenario, or even out camping, tech just doesn't cut it. Beards, I suppose, are fine. But a fine shave has been... a thing... for a very long time in Western Civ. I'd at least like to be able to clean up once in a while. Having extras, and learning a steady hand, might also mean I would be able to get a silver dime, quarter, or even dollar, from time to time, just helping out. Might even be able to make a very pretty nickle selling or or two of them. And teaching others how it is done. But, for now, it offers a skill, a steady hand, and a cheap shave, since the gear is already bought. Mostly. If I can figure it out. Old tech is still tech. And tech has never been for the faint of heart.
Well, yeah, bedtime. I'll set the alarm earlier, and try to be up in time to get the trash and recycling out. I just can't do it tonight. Good night.
.
Supper arrived. And, yes, I was hungry. Turkey and gravy, with mashed potatoes and noodles. Loverly but... *bam* right in the kisser. I won't be doing much else. I'm going to bed very shortly. The nice thing is, when he arrived tonight? Nothing but dead bugs. I'll bet there are between one and two thousand dead boxelder bugs. Of course, the ones that got in are, well, in. In a day or three, I'll shoo the girls out some evening and take care of what is in here. I may just head to town on that night, myself. What to do it town? Oh, I suppose I could hit my friends computer, and finish that up. I could also do a very little shopping.
It's a rough month. I am confused and tired. Medicines are back on track, and I am trying to do my part regarding stats. I just can't keep up on those like they would like. They just have to take what they can get. Like the rest of us. Not even I get even close to what I want. They get their portion, I get mine, the world gets it's, but there isn't a whole portion in the whole pot to split out, so...
A shower always feels good, as does a bit of a shave. I may start doing full shaves a good deal more often. This afternoon it was just with the trimmer. That gets it rather close, but nothing like a razor. I'd love to figure out my straight razors. I have three or four. Not safety razors, mind you, but the real deals. I might have a strop, but I need to find something else. What I tried before really didn't work. I'm thinking, maybe, several wet stones, from mid 400's, then a 1000, and perhaps a 4k for finishing before stropping. I've heard varying opinions, some suggest the two lower and a strop will do fine. What would really be nice is to find someone who works with straight razors, take mine in, and have them check the blades, set them to rights, show me how, and show me how to begin shaving right. Mentors are fantastic, with almost any discipline.
Why a straight razor? In a shtf scenario, or even out camping, tech just doesn't cut it. Beards, I suppose, are fine. But a fine shave has been... a thing... for a very long time in Western Civ. I'd at least like to be able to clean up once in a while. Having extras, and learning a steady hand, might also mean I would be able to get a silver dime, quarter, or even dollar, from time to time, just helping out. Might even be able to make a very pretty nickle selling or or two of them. And teaching others how it is done. But, for now, it offers a skill, a steady hand, and a cheap shave, since the gear is already bought. Mostly. If I can figure it out. Old tech is still tech. And tech has never been for the faint of heart.
Well, yeah, bedtime. I'll set the alarm earlier, and try to be up in time to get the trash and recycling out. I just can't do it tonight. Good night.
Not super. It is what it is.
.
.
I couldn't really do much today. I did, finally, get the bug sprayer going. I bought more than I thought I would need. But, with no experience, I had no real way to qualitatively analyze my needs. As it turns out, at least for outside, I have enough for four applications and change. I am using a stronger dose outside than inside, double, actually. But inside will take a lot more material. I am, just guessing, of the mind that I should have enough for two complete, indoor and outdoor, applications with the components purchased. Which means... I need to order more before too long. Another pair of doses would give me, I am hoping, about two years of treatment. Once in the spring and once in late summer or early fall if the first dose wears off. Or... sort of... as needed. I am hoping for a three to five month capacity on this stuff. After spraying, I decided it was just the right time to take a shower. The wind was having mini-gusts while I was spraying. Nothing directly in/on the skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. And yet... Showers fix much.
The girls are in until after 20:00. That is actually leaving four hours for drying. Some suggest as little as an half hour, others suggest three hours. I see no reason to fidget. It is dry out there, hasn't rained in a bit though something might be moving in. I just want it to be good and dry. I've already seen one of my girls very sick. I wasn't sure she was going to make it. I don't want to go there again. Besides, Sam is the one who likes to go out. She has been out twice, once for a little longer than planned. I think she'll be just fine with not going out for a bit.
Showered, dressed, but not really going anywhere, probably, or doing much. I would like to get the trash and recycling out tonight, perhaps take cardboard boxes to a local receptacle, pick up the mail and perhaps install the parts, and just maybe take a late night run into town for a second meal. We'll see... Hmm... If these things go as planned/hoped, I might even put the dishes in for an overnight soak. It could all happen.
Later.
.
I couldn't really do much today. I did, finally, get the bug sprayer going. I bought more than I thought I would need. But, with no experience, I had no real way to qualitatively analyze my needs. As it turns out, at least for outside, I have enough for four applications and change. I am using a stronger dose outside than inside, double, actually. But inside will take a lot more material. I am, just guessing, of the mind that I should have enough for two complete, indoor and outdoor, applications with the components purchased. Which means... I need to order more before too long. Another pair of doses would give me, I am hoping, about two years of treatment. Once in the spring and once in late summer or early fall if the first dose wears off. Or... sort of... as needed. I am hoping for a three to five month capacity on this stuff. After spraying, I decided it was just the right time to take a shower. The wind was having mini-gusts while I was spraying. Nothing directly in/on the skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. And yet... Showers fix much.
The girls are in until after 20:00. That is actually leaving four hours for drying. Some suggest as little as an half hour, others suggest three hours. I see no reason to fidget. It is dry out there, hasn't rained in a bit though something might be moving in. I just want it to be good and dry. I've already seen one of my girls very sick. I wasn't sure she was going to make it. I don't want to go there again. Besides, Sam is the one who likes to go out. She has been out twice, once for a little longer than planned. I think she'll be just fine with not going out for a bit.
Showered, dressed, but not really going anywhere, probably, or doing much. I would like to get the trash and recycling out tonight, perhaps take cardboard boxes to a local receptacle, pick up the mail and perhaps install the parts, and just maybe take a late night run into town for a second meal. We'll see... Hmm... If these things go as planned/hoped, I might even put the dishes in for an overnight soak. It could all happen.
Later.
Not the preferred way.
.
.
Still, I won't complain. I lost track of time and didn't go down until about 00:30. I hit it hard when I did hit it though. Lights went out in my Georgia as soon as the pillow was within landing gear range. Thank God for autopilot. I did set the alarm before dropping into Sleepville, for 8:00. And yet I hoped to be up shy of that.
I woke, at some point. I heard this weird... perhaps electronic... humming... or something. Sometimes, if while turning off my alarm and I hit the wrong button, the radio will turn on. It isn't set to a channel, and the volume is low from tinkering with the thing while mostly asleep. It's amazing what even a dysfunctional mind can do, and get right, as it seeks to... figure things out while in a state not fully capable of rational considerations. I wondered if I had either hit the snooze, or turned off the alarm wholesale, while mostly asleep, and then hit the radio. Couldn't quite be impelled to roll and check, so I just tried to wake and listen more closely, to try to definitely identify the sound... Nope, not the alarm radio... But what... More listening... What time is it? Good question, not checking, listen... Ah! A mourning dove. It was doing a high/low chirp, repeating at a quick pace, exactly the same each time. Irritating. Then I remembered, and smiled. They are legal to hunt in Utah, they weren't in Iowa. *smile*
I did finally garner the... whatever it takes... to decide to make an attempt at checking the time. Hmm, 7:--... something. The finer details simply wouldn't come into mental focus. I couldn't remember, at that time, what I had set the alarm at. A quick check reminded me that it was set for 8:00. Ugh. I turned the thing off, being pretty sure I was going to get up. I really shouldn't do that. And I almost did fall back into sleep when I rolled back away from the alarm. But no, I wanted to be up before the alarm. And even with it off, 8:00 was stuck in my mind. A bit of wrestling with sleep and I made it out, pretty much within a minute of fussing with checking the time. I think it was about 7:44.
I fed the girls, emptied the tank, checked my blood pressure, and... started my morning. I must admit to being a bit frustrated. While I am on meds, full dose, and mostly keeping to that, my ability to do much more is strongly impinged. I haven't accumulated a lot of dirty dishes. One, and a smaller load, would fix that. But getting to it is just murder. I am drooling to do a number of things. I WANT to do some cleaning but there isn't much to support that. Dishes, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, steam vacuuming, bug spraying... All on my list and with a lot of will and interest, just no... well... nothing there to use to do that. Very frustrated.
The sun was out yesterday. It looks like it will be out again today. I will be opening the curtains, so that I get light, if I think I will avoid too much direct sunshine. I've pretty much been running dark, and with clouds for a good long time even when up in the day, my capacity to handle sunshine is somewhat diminished. My friend doesn't quite understand why evenings work best for me. I'll... work on that. I'll keep pushing. The idea of mourning dove wrapped in bacon, eggs, and a cup of hot joe might just be enough to... egg me on to more. Oh, I'll probably never hunt them, probably. But that isn't always the point.
Later.
.
Still, I won't complain. I lost track of time and didn't go down until about 00:30. I hit it hard when I did hit it though. Lights went out in my Georgia as soon as the pillow was within landing gear range. Thank God for autopilot. I did set the alarm before dropping into Sleepville, for 8:00. And yet I hoped to be up shy of that.
I woke, at some point. I heard this weird... perhaps electronic... humming... or something. Sometimes, if while turning off my alarm and I hit the wrong button, the radio will turn on. It isn't set to a channel, and the volume is low from tinkering with the thing while mostly asleep. It's amazing what even a dysfunctional mind can do, and get right, as it seeks to... figure things out while in a state not fully capable of rational considerations. I wondered if I had either hit the snooze, or turned off the alarm wholesale, while mostly asleep, and then hit the radio. Couldn't quite be impelled to roll and check, so I just tried to wake and listen more closely, to try to definitely identify the sound... Nope, not the alarm radio... But what... More listening... What time is it? Good question, not checking, listen... Ah! A mourning dove. It was doing a high/low chirp, repeating at a quick pace, exactly the same each time. Irritating. Then I remembered, and smiled. They are legal to hunt in Utah, they weren't in Iowa. *smile*
I did finally garner the... whatever it takes... to decide to make an attempt at checking the time. Hmm, 7:--... something. The finer details simply wouldn't come into mental focus. I couldn't remember, at that time, what I had set the alarm at. A quick check reminded me that it was set for 8:00. Ugh. I turned the thing off, being pretty sure I was going to get up. I really shouldn't do that. And I almost did fall back into sleep when I rolled back away from the alarm. But no, I wanted to be up before the alarm. And even with it off, 8:00 was stuck in my mind. A bit of wrestling with sleep and I made it out, pretty much within a minute of fussing with checking the time. I think it was about 7:44.
I fed the girls, emptied the tank, checked my blood pressure, and... started my morning. I must admit to being a bit frustrated. While I am on meds, full dose, and mostly keeping to that, my ability to do much more is strongly impinged. I haven't accumulated a lot of dirty dishes. One, and a smaller load, would fix that. But getting to it is just murder. I am drooling to do a number of things. I WANT to do some cleaning but there isn't much to support that. Dishes, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, steam vacuuming, bug spraying... All on my list and with a lot of will and interest, just no... well... nothing there to use to do that. Very frustrated.
The sun was out yesterday. It looks like it will be out again today. I will be opening the curtains, so that I get light, if I think I will avoid too much direct sunshine. I've pretty much been running dark, and with clouds for a good long time even when up in the day, my capacity to handle sunshine is somewhat diminished. My friend doesn't quite understand why evenings work best for me. I'll... work on that. I'll keep pushing. The idea of mourning dove wrapped in bacon, eggs, and a cup of hot joe might just be enough to... egg me on to more. Oh, I'll probably never hunt them, probably. But that isn't always the point.
Later.
It's nearing bedtime.
.
.
It wasn't a terrible day. I did take my medicine. I didn't do much else. I'm not busted up, I simply am not moving quickly. Well, I did get the spray bottle for the insecticide put together, and I read the instructions for the stuff, then put the dose in that I will need. All I need to do is open it back up and add water. By the time I had gotten to that it was dark. Which, with a flashlight, isn't a problem. It's just that I want to really see, closely, what I am doing. I figure, tomorrow, after I have let Sam out, and she has returned, I will go out. Then I'll set the timer for four hours. No one gets to go outside during that time.
I did have a fellow stop by this afternoon. He wanted to use my acreage for crop. Either grass, or alfalfa, or a mix. I just suggested he plant whatever is best for him. I do like alfalfa, but if the mix is what works, all good. He asked about payment. He is the young man who used the backhoe, and has some other equipment. I just suggested that he keep the money, and should I need a favor that he lend the mechanical muscle. I would much rather have that kind of equipment to call in, sort of duty free, than a bit of extra money. Further, I like that the field will be used and useful. Oh, and while he is plowing, I may see if he will simply plow the garden area again. Two rows, probably 12 actual rows, half the width of the field, the rest is his to enjoy. When I find out he is coming, I will probably sprinkle some weed killer to be plowed under. Though, if I do garden this year, and I may, I will be using drip irrigation. Though should make weeding much easier, and be easier on my conscience if we have another dry summer.
Tomatoes and peppers. Nothing too fancy. But in as early as I can get them and weather allows, heirloom if I can find and afford good enough plants, and another go at making it all work. Either way I need to set something up for the hoses and pipe, for next winter. This last winter they were simply, sort of, rolled up and tossed in the laundry room. That's... too messy. Live and learn. And one thing at a time. And... *cough* Yeah...
My parts are in, but they are at the post office. I hate that. At least the post office has been gentle with my lack of proper timing. They know I'm a gimp, and can become housebound for extended periods, and do what they can to allay my troubles. And, while I hate it, I love it too. It's a gift I have to go get. Actually, several. Hmm, I might do it tomorrow. I'd like to get that foregrip installed before I shoot the ak for the first time. I also bought a bugger recoil pad. I don't think it is necessary for recoil, but it might add life to the rifle. Dunno, was curious. A couple of pulley systems, to try to move a few things, and a very good flashlight for my keychain. I'll have to do some work on it, too, though. While the flashlight, for what it is, is quite superior at the pricepoint and function, the chain was poorly made. I swear these companies make sweet devices then create obsolescence directly. They don't even care if you buy from them again, as long as you have to spend on a new item or possibly bits for the item. I have the parts, so no dice. Yum!
While I don't like junking things up too much, I have been thinking of putting camo patterning on the ak. It has practical applications, both for it's intended and as a social thing. People truly are less intimidated by a 'other than black' black gun! As well, the right stuff adds rust resistance, and there are things that can add clear texture to some parts of a rifle that might be slick or just hard to grip. Yeah, but I won't be spending a fortune having it done, or buying a crazy kit for one gun. DIY all the way. More the pattern and colors bellow, but with horizontal stripes, like above. Uhrm, no tripod for this gun, for me. It's... just not that kind of gun. It's only got a 12-14 inch barrel, with the flash suppressor. Bleh. Whatever.
Yeah, well, good night.
.
It wasn't a terrible day. I did take my medicine. I didn't do much else. I'm not busted up, I simply am not moving quickly. Well, I did get the spray bottle for the insecticide put together, and I read the instructions for the stuff, then put the dose in that I will need. All I need to do is open it back up and add water. By the time I had gotten to that it was dark. Which, with a flashlight, isn't a problem. It's just that I want to really see, closely, what I am doing. I figure, tomorrow, after I have let Sam out, and she has returned, I will go out. Then I'll set the timer for four hours. No one gets to go outside during that time.
I did have a fellow stop by this afternoon. He wanted to use my acreage for crop. Either grass, or alfalfa, or a mix. I just suggested he plant whatever is best for him. I do like alfalfa, but if the mix is what works, all good. He asked about payment. He is the young man who used the backhoe, and has some other equipment. I just suggested that he keep the money, and should I need a favor that he lend the mechanical muscle. I would much rather have that kind of equipment to call in, sort of duty free, than a bit of extra money. Further, I like that the field will be used and useful. Oh, and while he is plowing, I may see if he will simply plow the garden area again. Two rows, probably 12 actual rows, half the width of the field, the rest is his to enjoy. When I find out he is coming, I will probably sprinkle some weed killer to be plowed under. Though, if I do garden this year, and I may, I will be using drip irrigation. Though should make weeding much easier, and be easier on my conscience if we have another dry summer.
Tomatoes and peppers. Nothing too fancy. But in as early as I can get them and weather allows, heirloom if I can find and afford good enough plants, and another go at making it all work. Either way I need to set something up for the hoses and pipe, for next winter. This last winter they were simply, sort of, rolled up and tossed in the laundry room. That's... too messy. Live and learn. And one thing at a time. And... *cough* Yeah...
My parts are in, but they are at the post office. I hate that. At least the post office has been gentle with my lack of proper timing. They know I'm a gimp, and can become housebound for extended periods, and do what they can to allay my troubles. And, while I hate it, I love it too. It's a gift I have to go get. Actually, several. Hmm, I might do it tomorrow. I'd like to get that foregrip installed before I shoot the ak for the first time. I also bought a bugger recoil pad. I don't think it is necessary for recoil, but it might add life to the rifle. Dunno, was curious. A couple of pulley systems, to try to move a few things, and a very good flashlight for my keychain. I'll have to do some work on it, too, though. While the flashlight, for what it is, is quite superior at the pricepoint and function, the chain was poorly made. I swear these companies make sweet devices then create obsolescence directly. They don't even care if you buy from them again, as long as you have to spend on a new item or possibly bits for the item. I have the parts, so no dice. Yum!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
AR-15 versus the AK-47?
.
.
Okay, while waking, I was a bit bored. I jumped over to YouTube and started looking around. A video popped which indicated a thorough examination. It ended up being... at least five parts, each video being 20 minutes, give or take. Still, while waking I have little else to do, so I dove in. At first the comparison seemed practical. But then, in the last part of the second part and definitely into the third part, the series took a dive.
The tester admitted that, within 200 yards (seriously? that's the effective range of both rifles), that the AK hit much harder. He showed numbers, as to velocity, drop, pounds of pressure at the hit, and such, and admitted the numbers simply don't fully explain how much better the 7.62x39 is, in real life. Fair enough. Numbers are a part of it, but as noted, not all of it. In spite of admitting that the 7.62 topped the .223, he favored the .223 for weight, allowing him to carry more ammunition. Now, let me stop right there and explain why not. Oh, and the video that started the problem, the first in the series anyway.
.
Okay, while waking, I was a bit bored. I jumped over to YouTube and started looking around. A video popped which indicated a thorough examination. It ended up being... at least five parts, each video being 20 minutes, give or take. Still, while waking I have little else to do, so I dove in. At first the comparison seemed practical. But then, in the last part of the second part and definitely into the third part, the series took a dive.
The tester admitted that, within 200 yards (seriously? that's the effective range of both rifles), that the AK hit much harder. He showed numbers, as to velocity, drop, pounds of pressure at the hit, and such, and admitted the numbers simply don't fully explain how much better the 7.62x39 is, in real life. Fair enough. Numbers are a part of it, but as noted, not all of it. In spite of admitting that the 7.62 topped the .223, he favored the .223 for weight, allowing him to carry more ammunition. Now, let me stop right there and explain why not. Oh, and the video that started the problem, the first in the series anyway.
Hate does have a place.
.
.
Have you ever been hurt? Physically, emotionally, it matters little. Pain is the first thing you feel. Sometimes you see it coming, sometimes you don't realize what is coming until you can feel nothing else. All else escapes your thoughts as you focus on figuring out what is wrong and what to do with or about it. Unless you are very well trained, experienced in handling pain, or better both, you may do some... really stupid things. Or, if you are well trained, you swallow hard, end whatever is causing the pain, treat the pain directly and immediately if the cause is finished, find a safer place to deal with it, or just keep going until you can do something else while mentally checking the pain receptors off the list of things to do while you do what you must. The thing is, pain lets you know you have a problem. It is, while a thing of it's own, also a messenger.
Hate, too, is a messenger. For most people, who strive to live a right life, it means something is wrong. It is, if I had to qualify it, a type of pain. It means people see something is wrong and is a cry out for justice. The thing with hate is that it can be twisted. Being an emotional response, and that it comes without a clearly visible cause always, some people have learned to manipulate this sense of injustice that others have. But hate is not wrong, it is merely an, or the, initial stage of understanding that something is terribly wrong. Like physical pain, there is a cause, I would say a very good reason, to feel such a thing. The problem comes with dealing with both the feeling and the cause.
An example of how hate can be manipulated to evil ends? Feminism. Feminism, as it has come to be understand in modern parlance, is the notion that women are equal, in all ways, to men. Oh, when confronted well, the sellers of the notion will give and take about this and that, but will never surrender the notion, no matter how plainly it has been disproven. Because feelings. The underlying cause of modern feminism comes from self loathing. That a woman really can't do what a man does is seen as a failing. That failing turns to a hate. And that hate is used to fuel a political movement based on a lie. And that movement leads to all sorts of evil, both to legislate something that isn't possible, and to cover up any proof that it is a lie. What is missing, I think, for many women, is the understanding that while women can't do what men do, men can't do what women do. The need to be equal is silly, when considered in full. What is funniest of all, is that those who support modern feminism, which tries to make men and women the same, also in the next breath propose to support... multiculturalism... or... the very differences in a general population as being equal (which is also untrue) that they are trying to quash between the sexes. The only thing that supports either notion, however, is pure, untreated, never maturing, hatred.
On the other hand, hatred can mature. If a man is robbed, and hates for it... not just the theft of property, but also having been imperiled to his life, he can either become violent toward his robbers or those appearing as they do, or he can set out to create a system that doesn't allow for robbery. He can seek legitimate justice through the courts, but he can also work to ensure his rights to self defense and attack cultures in which robbers are allowed in a more general way. He can advise others on situations and places, work within politics to make sure laws are enforced evenly and positively, and do other positives. But only if he takes that hate and forges it into something more mature.
Hate not only has a place, it is a reality we have to deal with, personally, socially. Left to fester, rather than being treated and matured, it will yield much evil. Tended, matured, and correctly aimed, it can yield great good. The choice is ours. If you encounter hate, approach it not as a crusader, but as a medical practitioner. Find where the sore spot is, identify the cause, and perhaps offer some suggestions or a better healer if you know of one. My guess is that family and friends, now that psychiatry has been weaponized against people and their constitutional rights, is the best method of treatment. When the government corrupts the (potentially) better tools, once again depend on family and friends first. Then again, you are going to get more honest, and practical, feedback. No coddling, mostly. Treat hate as you would any other wound, but find out how to get over it. It is your reaction, you are now responsible for it. Deal with it.
.
Have you ever been hurt? Physically, emotionally, it matters little. Pain is the first thing you feel. Sometimes you see it coming, sometimes you don't realize what is coming until you can feel nothing else. All else escapes your thoughts as you focus on figuring out what is wrong and what to do with or about it. Unless you are very well trained, experienced in handling pain, or better both, you may do some... really stupid things. Or, if you are well trained, you swallow hard, end whatever is causing the pain, treat the pain directly and immediately if the cause is finished, find a safer place to deal with it, or just keep going until you can do something else while mentally checking the pain receptors off the list of things to do while you do what you must. The thing is, pain lets you know you have a problem. It is, while a thing of it's own, also a messenger.
Hate, too, is a messenger. For most people, who strive to live a right life, it means something is wrong. It is, if I had to qualify it, a type of pain. It means people see something is wrong and is a cry out for justice. The thing with hate is that it can be twisted. Being an emotional response, and that it comes without a clearly visible cause always, some people have learned to manipulate this sense of injustice that others have. But hate is not wrong, it is merely an, or the, initial stage of understanding that something is terribly wrong. Like physical pain, there is a cause, I would say a very good reason, to feel such a thing. The problem comes with dealing with both the feeling and the cause.
An example of how hate can be manipulated to evil ends? Feminism. Feminism, as it has come to be understand in modern parlance, is the notion that women are equal, in all ways, to men. Oh, when confronted well, the sellers of the notion will give and take about this and that, but will never surrender the notion, no matter how plainly it has been disproven. Because feelings. The underlying cause of modern feminism comes from self loathing. That a woman really can't do what a man does is seen as a failing. That failing turns to a hate. And that hate is used to fuel a political movement based on a lie. And that movement leads to all sorts of evil, both to legislate something that isn't possible, and to cover up any proof that it is a lie. What is missing, I think, for many women, is the understanding that while women can't do what men do, men can't do what women do. The need to be equal is silly, when considered in full. What is funniest of all, is that those who support modern feminism, which tries to make men and women the same, also in the next breath propose to support... multiculturalism... or... the very differences in a general population as being equal (which is also untrue) that they are trying to quash between the sexes. The only thing that supports either notion, however, is pure, untreated, never maturing, hatred.
On the other hand, hatred can mature. If a man is robbed, and hates for it... not just the theft of property, but also having been imperiled to his life, he can either become violent toward his robbers or those appearing as they do, or he can set out to create a system that doesn't allow for robbery. He can seek legitimate justice through the courts, but he can also work to ensure his rights to self defense and attack cultures in which robbers are allowed in a more general way. He can advise others on situations and places, work within politics to make sure laws are enforced evenly and positively, and do other positives. But only if he takes that hate and forges it into something more mature.
Hate not only has a place, it is a reality we have to deal with, personally, socially. Left to fester, rather than being treated and matured, it will yield much evil. Tended, matured, and correctly aimed, it can yield great good. The choice is ours. If you encounter hate, approach it not as a crusader, but as a medical practitioner. Find where the sore spot is, identify the cause, and perhaps offer some suggestions or a better healer if you know of one. My guess is that family and friends, now that psychiatry has been weaponized against people and their constitutional rights, is the best method of treatment. When the government corrupts the (potentially) better tools, once again depend on family and friends first. Then again, you are going to get more honest, and practical, feedback. No coddling, mostly. Treat hate as you would any other wound, but find out how to get over it. It is your reaction, you are now responsible for it. Deal with it.
A good sleep.
.
.
Medicine just right yesterday. I got it all in, on time as time goes. I didn't get a lot else done. I wasn't feeling great. I am not feeling really well today. Mind you, how I feel isn't an excuse to not act, but it can be a reason, in hindsight. I will try to work through it, if I am able. I went down a bit after 21:00, setting the alarm for 7:00. I was hoping to wake more around 5:00 but I didn't try to lock that in. Locking it in offers no guarantee, but it ups the chances considerably. If nothing else, I REALLY wanted to wake before the alarm. When I am not feeling good, on top of hating alarm clocks already, that just doubles down. I am edging toward a headache, though it is more like sprinting toward the wall... on a treadmill. I'm not quite getting there, but I don't want to test it with an alarm. That @$#*ing train, blasting it's horn, even miles away, isn't helping. GO FASTER. Gah!
I woke at 6:14. I sorely wanted to get up, but was having... a little trouble. So... I called on the Kraken. "Food!", I said. 'mew' "FOOD?" 'meow?' "Food, dinner, yummy!" Out of the cave she came. Face in my face, fur rubbed on arm and everywhere. *purrrrrrr* Yep, I have my methods. Sassy, the youngest, I taught her "food", "treats", and have sort of tried to add "Yum!". She knows what those mean, and will help me wake up if I say them. Love you long time, until you feed me! :) Sam has come around. But she will only lick her lips and gulp, now, when I say food. Actually, I think Sassy taught her, believe it or else. Not a minute passed before the furball had me up and in, first to bladder duty, then to the food bowls. And, yes, I do wash my hands, mind you.
I remembered, this morning, before imbibing a morning brew or eating even a banana, to check blood pressure, blood sugar, and weigh in. All good, actually. I had to take my blood pressure twice, but it wasn't even all that bad the first time. 141/91, pulse at 68 then 71, blood sugar at 178 (beats the high four hundreds that they got at the blood draw... by a lot), and 278 on the scale. None of it is optimal. But beings that I actually just took my first dose of insulin last night, and after having been living a... well... non-diabetic life for the last two weeks sort of in a pout over the high blood sugar count and getting rid of some regular soda I had... Never mind. I told you it doesn't make sense. When they got the 470 or whatever blood sugar? I had been living nearly a monastic style diabetes diet life. Oh, and missing meds, off and on, sometime for a few days, seems to be somewhat tolerable, if that... isn't the goal. Still, I'd like to become more regular on stuff. I'll try and test, as they wish, at least until my appointment with my primary in a few weeks. We'll see.
Since I didn't get to much yesterday, I am going to keep the goals pretty much the same. Setting up the bug sprayer and using it around the perimeter. When it warms enough to put the girls out in the early evening, then using that to spray around the inner perimeters, high and low. Finishing the dishes I have used since washing last. There aren't many. I simply haven't been cooking or eating much. And perhaps a load or three of laundry. Some straightening, in general, might be good. Hmm, well, and getting to the post office. The parts for my rifle and some other things went to the post office and are sitting in their large box benefit lockboxes. I'd like to get the new foregrip on. The one on it will do, but it is metal, and rides the barrel so that it will get hot when shot much. Gloves would be fine, in cool weather, but when it hits 90, gloves aren't preferred. I don't really worry about the looks of a tactical item, just how it operates. It's a tool, not a toy.
Hmm... yeah... I need to wake up and get going on some things. Later.
.
Medicine just right yesterday. I got it all in, on time as time goes. I didn't get a lot else done. I wasn't feeling great. I am not feeling really well today. Mind you, how I feel isn't an excuse to not act, but it can be a reason, in hindsight. I will try to work through it, if I am able. I went down a bit after 21:00, setting the alarm for 7:00. I was hoping to wake more around 5:00 but I didn't try to lock that in. Locking it in offers no guarantee, but it ups the chances considerably. If nothing else, I REALLY wanted to wake before the alarm. When I am not feeling good, on top of hating alarm clocks already, that just doubles down. I am edging toward a headache, though it is more like sprinting toward the wall... on a treadmill. I'm not quite getting there, but I don't want to test it with an alarm. That @$#*ing train, blasting it's horn, even miles away, isn't helping. GO FASTER. Gah!
I woke at 6:14. I sorely wanted to get up, but was having... a little trouble. So... I called on the Kraken. "Food!", I said. 'mew' "FOOD?" 'meow?' "Food, dinner, yummy!" Out of the cave she came. Face in my face, fur rubbed on arm and everywhere. *purrrrrrr* Yep, I have my methods. Sassy, the youngest, I taught her "food", "treats", and have sort of tried to add "Yum!". She knows what those mean, and will help me wake up if I say them. Love you long time, until you feed me! :) Sam has come around. But she will only lick her lips and gulp, now, when I say food. Actually, I think Sassy taught her, believe it or else. Not a minute passed before the furball had me up and in, first to bladder duty, then to the food bowls. And, yes, I do wash my hands, mind you.
I remembered, this morning, before imbibing a morning brew or eating even a banana, to check blood pressure, blood sugar, and weigh in. All good, actually. I had to take my blood pressure twice, but it wasn't even all that bad the first time. 141/91, pulse at 68 then 71, blood sugar at 178 (beats the high four hundreds that they got at the blood draw... by a lot), and 278 on the scale. None of it is optimal. But beings that I actually just took my first dose of insulin last night, and after having been living a... well... non-diabetic life for the last two weeks sort of in a pout over the high blood sugar count and getting rid of some regular soda I had... Never mind. I told you it doesn't make sense. When they got the 470 or whatever blood sugar? I had been living nearly a monastic style diabetes diet life. Oh, and missing meds, off and on, sometime for a few days, seems to be somewhat tolerable, if that... isn't the goal. Still, I'd like to become more regular on stuff. I'll try and test, as they wish, at least until my appointment with my primary in a few weeks. We'll see.
Since I didn't get to much yesterday, I am going to keep the goals pretty much the same. Setting up the bug sprayer and using it around the perimeter. When it warms enough to put the girls out in the early evening, then using that to spray around the inner perimeters, high and low. Finishing the dishes I have used since washing last. There aren't many. I simply haven't been cooking or eating much. And perhaps a load or three of laundry. Some straightening, in general, might be good. Hmm, well, and getting to the post office. The parts for my rifle and some other things went to the post office and are sitting in their large box benefit lockboxes. I'd like to get the new foregrip on. The one on it will do, but it is metal, and rides the barrel so that it will get hot when shot much. Gloves would be fine, in cool weather, but when it hits 90, gloves aren't preferred. I don't really worry about the looks of a tactical item, just how it operates. It's a tool, not a toy.
Hmm... yeah... I need to wake up and get going on some things. Later.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Had to chuckle.
.
.
I was watching Stan Lee's show about superhumans. They were talking about holding breath, and how the average human can only hold their breath for about a minute. Seriously? Then they brought on a guy who was going to hold his breath for five minutes. Okay, he can hold it for longer, but he does a bunch of breathing exercises to supersaturate oxygen into his system, even to hold his breath for five minutes. My personal record is five minutes, but without any supersaturation techniques. Actually, when I was swimming back in Iowa, and had gotten up to swimming 1 mile, not an half mile as I recently recalled in error, I had begun working on anaerobic exercise while there. I had gotten to where I could swim, underwater, without air, for about three and a half minutes. I could do between two and three laps, I think, underwater. I did that as my final exercises for the last month, and that is as good as I was able to get up to. School started, which ate everything I had. I think that was the year I started calc III after having been out of school for two to two and a half years, when they were first trying to shove blood pressure medicine down my gullet to very bad reactions, so had to spend the first two to three weeks doing 18 hours a day, five to six days a week, between class and review to... catch up. Only got a B+, so not sure I really handled it as well as I had hoped, but... not bad on a level plane.
Still, I ought to practice holding my breath and see where I can get, starting, and how well I can do in a few weeks or months. I suppose you could hurt yourself, though in water is the real danger, especially if you go past an atmosphere or two, though even a bit down can do it, and while you are coming up to the surface? *Blam!* Lights out. I've never had it happen. And I used to do that a lot before I knew the risk. Size might help, dunno. I really do chuckle. As bad of shape as I am in I might still have some of what some people consider super human traits. Crazy, baby.
Oh, was just watching television as the console was warming up. I'm having trouble getting going. Sometimes gaming will put a little fire in my belly. Yum! I told you I am a different cat. And if they ever fix the hold, I'll be dancing with my brothers if I hope I won't forget Father. :p Later.
.
I was watching Stan Lee's show about superhumans. They were talking about holding breath, and how the average human can only hold their breath for about a minute. Seriously? Then they brought on a guy who was going to hold his breath for five minutes. Okay, he can hold it for longer, but he does a bunch of breathing exercises to supersaturate oxygen into his system, even to hold his breath for five minutes. My personal record is five minutes, but without any supersaturation techniques. Actually, when I was swimming back in Iowa, and had gotten up to swimming 1 mile, not an half mile as I recently recalled in error, I had begun working on anaerobic exercise while there. I had gotten to where I could swim, underwater, without air, for about three and a half minutes. I could do between two and three laps, I think, underwater. I did that as my final exercises for the last month, and that is as good as I was able to get up to. School started, which ate everything I had. I think that was the year I started calc III after having been out of school for two to two and a half years, when they were first trying to shove blood pressure medicine down my gullet to very bad reactions, so had to spend the first two to three weeks doing 18 hours a day, five to six days a week, between class and review to... catch up. Only got a B+, so not sure I really handled it as well as I had hoped, but... not bad on a level plane.
Still, I ought to practice holding my breath and see where I can get, starting, and how well I can do in a few weeks or months. I suppose you could hurt yourself, though in water is the real danger, especially if you go past an atmosphere or two, though even a bit down can do it, and while you are coming up to the surface? *Blam!* Lights out. I've never had it happen. And I used to do that a lot before I knew the risk. Size might help, dunno. I really do chuckle. As bad of shape as I am in I might still have some of what some people consider super human traits. Crazy, baby.
Oh, was just watching television as the console was warming up. I'm having trouble getting going. Sometimes gaming will put a little fire in my belly. Yum! I told you I am a different cat. And if they ever fix the hold, I'll be dancing with my brothers if I hope I won't forget Father. :p Later.
Okay, alright, already.
.
.
I love it when I start putting a sentence together and it finishes itself and seems to make a different sense. The title, it means just what it says. I do need to start paying attention, though it isn't as if I haven't been trying. It is simply that my attempts and capacity have been shy of the goal. I'm not going to fuss about it, too much. As mentioned in a comment, I am simply redoubling my efforts. Medicines went down. Which, while fine, isn't enough. I need to start tracking my stats, especially with diabetes doing a loop. I don't ignore family, friends, doctors, as a druther, merely because I can't hear you, or my own sage words. Hearing is still a bit off, but the shock of what has been deafening me has lifted enough that I can see your hands waving and sort of read your expression and lips a bit. Yeah, yeah, I'm... back on it.
Why do you think I am so seemingly brutal at times? When the mind is in shock, while it is trying to do things, the hands can flail about, crashing and bashing in attempt to find pain, as a start back into the real world. I do understand the frustrations, and occasional violence toward the world, of the deaf, dumb, even simple minded. Further, I know that, at times, I am falling to my literal death, all the while. A Houdini, chained in a box, dropped from an airplane. All I need to do is get out of the shackles, unlock the box, and get to the parachute in time. I didn't choose the contraption, I didn't take the dare, I'm just another who ended up in the situation. What wasn't accounted for was how cold it gets at altitude. I'm... working at it.
Oh, yeah, no. I don't take your yells and protests personally or such. I know you are trying to help. Even those who aren't trying, probably are helping. Though it can, when I break through the numbness, hurt the ears in some cases. No worries there.
Today? I don't know. I think I missed a dental appointment. I am going to call and check on that. I was sure I put it in my phone, on the calendar, but I am not finding it. I have a niece's b-day coming up. I have not gotten her a gift or card yet in her life. This year is different. I have spent a bit deeply this month, but I think I can do it. And I have plans for her sister next month. Each has a preference, my mom, their grandmother, has filled me in on the specs. I'd still rather get them each a shotgun/rifle (410/22 or such) combo, but where they live they can't have them. So... I'll get them something else for now. When they get older, if I don't have my own kids, they will get pistols, some ammunition, and range costs for a year asap.
I did get a letter written and printed at my friends while I was thinking about why things weren't working. Sometimes a change of task buys time to consider the problem from a distance and in another, other than direct, state of mind. I need to find where to send the letter, and get that out. I have to wonder how many letters I will end up having to send though. Not that I think it will matter. The V.A., regardless of who didn't contact them for debt collection, will probably say they don't care and, for them, legally, it doesn't matter. At which point I will have to begin working on the hospital to release the debt they incurred, through their own laziness, without prejudice, to get my credit report straightened out. That probably won't happen either. It's the way of the world.
Hmm... but today, you ask? Not much, most likely. I went down right at 22:00. I set the alarm for 8:00, just as a... last defense, hoping I would wake earlier. I crawled out, to use the facilities at 4:00 and change, and really thought about getting up. But I have been pushing it, time wise, so decided to go back to bed. I reset the alarm for 6:00, since I thought that was doable. Nope! I wrestled with the alarm until almost 7:44. Bleh. Still, not bad, for as much as I have been pushing things. Dreams, that last spit of sleep. Fighting, not war just... pushing and pulling to get what is right. Still, that is what kept me down so long. Those dreams can be taxing and demanding.
I will try to figure out a few things. I have the spray for boxelder bugs, and would like to hit the doorways, and spray around the outside foundation. And, when the weather is warmer, shoo the girls out just as it gets dark, and spray around the inner perimeter, upstairs, main floor, and even in the basement. The stuff I used the last time actually worked okay, but didn't last very long. This stuff is supposed to have a longer effective life. Well, dishes, garbage, and recycling would be good to kick out, as well. That's the plan. Later.
.
I love it when I start putting a sentence together and it finishes itself and seems to make a different sense. The title, it means just what it says. I do need to start paying attention, though it isn't as if I haven't been trying. It is simply that my attempts and capacity have been shy of the goal. I'm not going to fuss about it, too much. As mentioned in a comment, I am simply redoubling my efforts. Medicines went down. Which, while fine, isn't enough. I need to start tracking my stats, especially with diabetes doing a loop. I don't ignore family, friends, doctors, as a druther, merely because I can't hear you, or my own sage words. Hearing is still a bit off, but the shock of what has been deafening me has lifted enough that I can see your hands waving and sort of read your expression and lips a bit. Yeah, yeah, I'm... back on it.
Why do you think I am so seemingly brutal at times? When the mind is in shock, while it is trying to do things, the hands can flail about, crashing and bashing in attempt to find pain, as a start back into the real world. I do understand the frustrations, and occasional violence toward the world, of the deaf, dumb, even simple minded. Further, I know that, at times, I am falling to my literal death, all the while. A Houdini, chained in a box, dropped from an airplane. All I need to do is get out of the shackles, unlock the box, and get to the parachute in time. I didn't choose the contraption, I didn't take the dare, I'm just another who ended up in the situation. What wasn't accounted for was how cold it gets at altitude. I'm... working at it.
Oh, yeah, no. I don't take your yells and protests personally or such. I know you are trying to help. Even those who aren't trying, probably are helping. Though it can, when I break through the numbness, hurt the ears in some cases. No worries there.
Today? I don't know. I think I missed a dental appointment. I am going to call and check on that. I was sure I put it in my phone, on the calendar, but I am not finding it. I have a niece's b-day coming up. I have not gotten her a gift or card yet in her life. This year is different. I have spent a bit deeply this month, but I think I can do it. And I have plans for her sister next month. Each has a preference, my mom, their grandmother, has filled me in on the specs. I'd still rather get them each a shotgun/rifle (410/22 or such) combo, but where they live they can't have them. So... I'll get them something else for now. When they get older, if I don't have my own kids, they will get pistols, some ammunition, and range costs for a year asap.
I did get a letter written and printed at my friends while I was thinking about why things weren't working. Sometimes a change of task buys time to consider the problem from a distance and in another, other than direct, state of mind. I need to find where to send the letter, and get that out. I have to wonder how many letters I will end up having to send though. Not that I think it will matter. The V.A., regardless of who didn't contact them for debt collection, will probably say they don't care and, for them, legally, it doesn't matter. At which point I will have to begin working on the hospital to release the debt they incurred, through their own laziness, without prejudice, to get my credit report straightened out. That probably won't happen either. It's the way of the world.
Hmm... but today, you ask? Not much, most likely. I went down right at 22:00. I set the alarm for 8:00, just as a... last defense, hoping I would wake earlier. I crawled out, to use the facilities at 4:00 and change, and really thought about getting up. But I have been pushing it, time wise, so decided to go back to bed. I reset the alarm for 6:00, since I thought that was doable. Nope! I wrestled with the alarm until almost 7:44. Bleh. Still, not bad, for as much as I have been pushing things. Dreams, that last spit of sleep. Fighting, not war just... pushing and pulling to get what is right. Still, that is what kept me down so long. Those dreams can be taxing and demanding.
I will try to figure out a few things. I have the spray for boxelder bugs, and would like to hit the doorways, and spray around the outside foundation. And, when the weather is warmer, shoo the girls out just as it gets dark, and spray around the inner perimeter, upstairs, main floor, and even in the basement. The stuff I used the last time actually worked okay, but didn't last very long. This stuff is supposed to have a longer effective life. Well, dishes, garbage, and recycling would be good to kick out, as well. That's the plan. Later.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Never quite right.
.
.
I had a pretty good idea about what I wanted to do when I started on my friend's machine. Unfortunately, that isn't how it works. First of all, after spending a good bit of time trying to figure out how to configure, I came to the conclusion that you can't configure, as I had hoped to do, the "free trial download". The free download, from what I can tell after having bought it, does... absolutely nothing. Then, after buying it, and tinkering with how to activate it, I realized you can't activate it if the "free trial download" was still active. So, finally, I uninstalled the "free trial software", got the purchased software downloaded and installed, then I found the functions I had been looking for and the setup page I had seen on videos.
I did search for how this was all supposed to be done, but there really wasn't anything on the web that I could find that suggested any of this. No matter. I did get it bought and installed. But by then I was pretty much done for the day. I think my friend was too. Unfortunately, since I don't have it set up just so, he is going to have to figure out a few things on his own. All over again. So... I'm going to review some material here, then head back in, probably sometime this weekend. I want to get it set up, but have a good enough handle on it that I can just show him what to do. Oh, I did install Firefox, along with the add-ons that keep the ads from destroying YouTube, and actually much of the rest of the net these days.
I am zapped. But then, I have been up since 1:00 this morning. Yeah, things are a bit screwy, but... spring. What else can I say? I keep missing medicine, I keep trying to remember, sleep being off doesn't help. Gah!
.
I had a pretty good idea about what I wanted to do when I started on my friend's machine. Unfortunately, that isn't how it works. First of all, after spending a good bit of time trying to figure out how to configure, I came to the conclusion that you can't configure, as I had hoped to do, the "free trial download". The free download, from what I can tell after having bought it, does... absolutely nothing. Then, after buying it, and tinkering with how to activate it, I realized you can't activate it if the "free trial download" was still active. So, finally, I uninstalled the "free trial software", got the purchased software downloaded and installed, then I found the functions I had been looking for and the setup page I had seen on videos.
I did search for how this was all supposed to be done, but there really wasn't anything on the web that I could find that suggested any of this. No matter. I did get it bought and installed. But by then I was pretty much done for the day. I think my friend was too. Unfortunately, since I don't have it set up just so, he is going to have to figure out a few things on his own. All over again. So... I'm going to review some material here, then head back in, probably sometime this weekend. I want to get it set up, but have a good enough handle on it that I can just show him what to do. Oh, I did install Firefox, along with the add-ons that keep the ads from destroying YouTube, and actually much of the rest of the net these days.
I am zapped. But then, I have been up since 1:00 this morning. Yeah, things are a bit screwy, but... spring. What else can I say? I keep missing medicine, I keep trying to remember, sleep being off doesn't help. Gah!
Not good or bad.
.
.
Just an odd day. I'm about ready to shower and head to town. I did make a early lunch, fried potatoes, twice fried actually, and fried fish. It all came out quite well. I didn't make all that much, so I suspect I will call my friend to check whether he is hungry, as either way I will grab a bite to eat on the way in. After that bite, I hope to get his machine in order. As for the printer? Those have been terribly bad in the last nearly fifteen years. I have tried all price ranges, many brands, and tinkered with them. I have more problems with printers than I can handle. I have two, here at the cave, neither of which work. They haven't worked since out of the box. I just sort of gave up on printing. Hmm... some of the problem was my computer. This replacement isn't very good, and it has had to be fixed. But it is working. I haven't tried the most recent printer since... Not now though.
I received a letter of rejection. The V.A. says it won't pay for the emergency medical due to the time involved. I am supposed to write a letter in order to ask for a review. Which, if I can remember to do in a timely manner, I will. I got permission from the V.A. for all but one E.R. visit, because I was in shock. I let the hospital know, at the time of the visit. I let the hospital know every time it contacted me. I hand walked paperwork to the V.A. from this hospital. I let the collection agency know who would pay. I have done as much as I could do. If a company doesn't want paid, it can go without pay. But I am not going to pay for the laziness of a hospital staff. And I won't pay, either way. I was not, and am not, morally or financially liable for payment. I might just copy and past that paragraph.
Well, I best get moving. A couple of songs for the day.
.
Just an odd day. I'm about ready to shower and head to town. I did make a early lunch, fried potatoes, twice fried actually, and fried fish. It all came out quite well. I didn't make all that much, so I suspect I will call my friend to check whether he is hungry, as either way I will grab a bite to eat on the way in. After that bite, I hope to get his machine in order. As for the printer? Those have been terribly bad in the last nearly fifteen years. I have tried all price ranges, many brands, and tinkered with them. I have more problems with printers than I can handle. I have two, here at the cave, neither of which work. They haven't worked since out of the box. I just sort of gave up on printing. Hmm... some of the problem was my computer. This replacement isn't very good, and it has had to be fixed. But it is working. I haven't tried the most recent printer since... Not now though.
I received a letter of rejection. The V.A. says it won't pay for the emergency medical due to the time involved. I am supposed to write a letter in order to ask for a review. Which, if I can remember to do in a timely manner, I will. I got permission from the V.A. for all but one E.R. visit, because I was in shock. I let the hospital know, at the time of the visit. I let the hospital know every time it contacted me. I hand walked paperwork to the V.A. from this hospital. I let the collection agency know who would pay. I have done as much as I could do. If a company doesn't want paid, it can go without pay. But I am not going to pay for the laziness of a hospital staff. And I won't pay, either way. I was not, and am not, morally or financially liable for payment. I might just copy and past that paragraph.
Well, I best get moving. A couple of songs for the day.
Well, it happens.
.
.
My nap went astray. I didn't get down until 15:00. I set the alarm for 18:00. I remember hearing it, but not what went on. I woke, in the dark, with no clue. Nothing was working at first. Where I was, even who I am, were not immediately available. I just laid there, in the dark, for moments to minutes, letting life return. Actually, rather than that frightening me, it merely makes me curious. It all filtered in, fairly quickly I would guess. But what time was it? A small roll and a peek, it was right at 1:00... well... the alarm suggested 1:15 I think, but when I want the real time, my mind subtracts the 15 minute lead I keep on there. Actually :14, but I round. Hush!
I really wanted to just sleep a bit more, to arrange for more of an official "day". I could tell, by how my body felt, that more sleep was a bad thing. I can always take a nap later. Sleeping too much is almost as bad not sleeping enough. My body doesn't sit well with either, and really I had already slept a bit more than I should have. Given that I was awake longer than usual the day before, I suppose it was evening out. That's just how it works around here.
I have been tinkering with a couple of notions. I set up the altimeter for local altitude. I looked over some of the other tools purchased. I read blogs and looked over the "news". A comment here, a chuckle there. I fed the girls, after their... smoke signals finally registered that they were hungry and not happy about it. Sam, immediately after eating, has taken over my lap. I tried to wave her off, and as is typical of my women, she just ignored me and laid claim to "her property". Yeah, well, I can still bark really well. Not that everybody listens. Pwnd! So... don't go thinking even Doom is absolute lord and master of his domain. Just sayin'.
I keep thinking about a couple of notions, regarding prepping. One issue that keeps bugging me is that I haven't put together a complete, well thought out, medical kit. I found a vid that seemed to cover the topic, but then it wouldn't allow me to put it on my blog. There are several problems with what was presented, for me personally, however. While I am deathly ill... I don't get sick. When my nasal passages are blocked, blowing my nose works fine. I don't get diarrhea, I don't get acid stomach, I don't have a problem with allergies, I just suffer through any minor and some major things that occur. I haven't seen an improvement from using most drugs, herbals, or such, when I have had minor problems. As well, those things are difficult to track, as to how long they are useful. Still, there were some good ideas in there, and on a budget.
The other thing, which might help, would be using a spreadsheet to organize. Someone recently suggested that organization is a top skill for a prepper. I would extend that to say that organization is a top skill for life, business, even play. Some people have it naturally, some of us don't really understand even the basics. Now, I am probably better prepared than even some middling preppers. But if they are organized, they have an advantage. Of course, there is too much of a good thing as well, as I learned in my trip to Burning Man. Still, the experience... taught me more than any video or piece of advice could. Two lessons. Ignore those who tell you that everything possible is needed. And don't worry so much about much of what you could worry about. I never needed a bobby pin. I didn't need pen and paper. I didn't need 90% of what I took, or more. Further, I would guess, if I had need, and asked around, someone would have had it.
Not that I am recommending that you not prep at all. Just... perhaps... be a little more practical. And... figure out two things... how to improvise and when that fails, how to make do. You would be amazed at how little you really need. Figure out water, figure out food, figure out shelter and heat for cooking and warmth. Then figure out how to make those things, and yourself, slightly less at risk. But don't be ignoring those around you, as potential enemies, allies, help, or hindrances of various sorts. You know, that little old lady that you go check on, and secure as you may? She might be able to fix those torn pants, be able to teach you how to garden without access to chemicals, or be willing to tend children when a trip must be taken. Favors come around, if that really shouldn't be the aim.
I do take breaks from prepping, or at least in some areas. But then, really, my whole life is about prepping. It didn't start as a means to deal with the end of the world as we know it. I remind you, for periods of time, as long as six months in my life, I have been unable to even get to the store. I have learned how to live, to a degree, as if the world had ended. Mine, until medicines provided some hope for improvement, had ended. It is still tenuous. I have to be ready to hunker down and deal with life in the best way possible. Now that some improvements have arrived, and there is hope for a few more, when I am not working on food I am working on firearms. When I am not working on those, I am figuring out water. When I am not doing that, I am trying to figure out land navigation, hiking, camping, and the techniques and tools that makes primitive living not only possible but just maybe enjoyable.
Well... I suppose I should get on to other things. I'll be looking over the maps and deciding which among them are preferable for a start to land navigation exploration. A couple of maps, easier trails with some reasonable room for off-trail exploration, the tools I have and how to use those... Well, and soon, to set up a pack so that if I head out and... do what so many others do and quite often, get a bit lost... I have what it takes to grumble and stumble my way back to civilization more surely. It doesn't take much, but not having the right things can mean everything. Later.
.
My nap went astray. I didn't get down until 15:00. I set the alarm for 18:00. I remember hearing it, but not what went on. I woke, in the dark, with no clue. Nothing was working at first. Where I was, even who I am, were not immediately available. I just laid there, in the dark, for moments to minutes, letting life return. Actually, rather than that frightening me, it merely makes me curious. It all filtered in, fairly quickly I would guess. But what time was it? A small roll and a peek, it was right at 1:00... well... the alarm suggested 1:15 I think, but when I want the real time, my mind subtracts the 15 minute lead I keep on there. Actually :14, but I round. Hush!
I really wanted to just sleep a bit more, to arrange for more of an official "day". I could tell, by how my body felt, that more sleep was a bad thing. I can always take a nap later. Sleeping too much is almost as bad not sleeping enough. My body doesn't sit well with either, and really I had already slept a bit more than I should have. Given that I was awake longer than usual the day before, I suppose it was evening out. That's just how it works around here.
I have been tinkering with a couple of notions. I set up the altimeter for local altitude. I looked over some of the other tools purchased. I read blogs and looked over the "news". A comment here, a chuckle there. I fed the girls, after their... smoke signals finally registered that they were hungry and not happy about it. Sam, immediately after eating, has taken over my lap. I tried to wave her off, and as is typical of my women, she just ignored me and laid claim to "her property". Yeah, well, I can still bark really well. Not that everybody listens. Pwnd! So... don't go thinking even Doom is absolute lord and master of his domain. Just sayin'.
I keep thinking about a couple of notions, regarding prepping. One issue that keeps bugging me is that I haven't put together a complete, well thought out, medical kit. I found a vid that seemed to cover the topic, but then it wouldn't allow me to put it on my blog. There are several problems with what was presented, for me personally, however. While I am deathly ill... I don't get sick. When my nasal passages are blocked, blowing my nose works fine. I don't get diarrhea, I don't get acid stomach, I don't have a problem with allergies, I just suffer through any minor and some major things that occur. I haven't seen an improvement from using most drugs, herbals, or such, when I have had minor problems. As well, those things are difficult to track, as to how long they are useful. Still, there were some good ideas in there, and on a budget.
The other thing, which might help, would be using a spreadsheet to organize. Someone recently suggested that organization is a top skill for a prepper. I would extend that to say that organization is a top skill for life, business, even play. Some people have it naturally, some of us don't really understand even the basics. Now, I am probably better prepared than even some middling preppers. But if they are organized, they have an advantage. Of course, there is too much of a good thing as well, as I learned in my trip to Burning Man. Still, the experience... taught me more than any video or piece of advice could. Two lessons. Ignore those who tell you that everything possible is needed. And don't worry so much about much of what you could worry about. I never needed a bobby pin. I didn't need pen and paper. I didn't need 90% of what I took, or more. Further, I would guess, if I had need, and asked around, someone would have had it.
Not that I am recommending that you not prep at all. Just... perhaps... be a little more practical. And... figure out two things... how to improvise and when that fails, how to make do. You would be amazed at how little you really need. Figure out water, figure out food, figure out shelter and heat for cooking and warmth. Then figure out how to make those things, and yourself, slightly less at risk. But don't be ignoring those around you, as potential enemies, allies, help, or hindrances of various sorts. You know, that little old lady that you go check on, and secure as you may? She might be able to fix those torn pants, be able to teach you how to garden without access to chemicals, or be willing to tend children when a trip must be taken. Favors come around, if that really shouldn't be the aim.
I do take breaks from prepping, or at least in some areas. But then, really, my whole life is about prepping. It didn't start as a means to deal with the end of the world as we know it. I remind you, for periods of time, as long as six months in my life, I have been unable to even get to the store. I have learned how to live, to a degree, as if the world had ended. Mine, until medicines provided some hope for improvement, had ended. It is still tenuous. I have to be ready to hunker down and deal with life in the best way possible. Now that some improvements have arrived, and there is hope for a few more, when I am not working on food I am working on firearms. When I am not working on those, I am figuring out water. When I am not doing that, I am trying to figure out land navigation, hiking, camping, and the techniques and tools that makes primitive living not only possible but just maybe enjoyable.
Well... I suppose I should get on to other things. I'll be looking over the maps and deciding which among them are preferable for a start to land navigation exploration. A couple of maps, easier trails with some reasonable room for off-trail exploration, the tools I have and how to use those... Well, and soon, to set up a pack so that if I head out and... do what so many others do and quite often, get a bit lost... I have what it takes to grumble and stumble my way back to civilization more surely. It doesn't take much, but not having the right things can mean everything. Later.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Corned beef, potatoes, and insulin.
.
.
Well... the insulin arrived. I was only sent two vials. Which means I will be running out or using the old too long. It is invariable. Whatever. Lunch was as I suggested, otherwise. Along with the insulin, some of the items for exploration and shooting arrived. A barometer based altimeter, a compass that I am well satisfied will both work and last, and a shooting chart called mildot master. While the altimeter, being barometrically based, will therefore not be absolutely accurate as to altitude for that reason... which at first sort of annoyed me... will do fine. I had to stop just a second and consider. The only reason I want the altimeter is to have something by which to begin working with other factors in order to adjust for... the barometric pressure. Yeah, I did chuckle. I'm not sure, yet, if it will work as I hope. Time and practice will tell. In some locations I can use my smart phone and google maps, or whatever, to check. How accurate and precise that is, is a whole other ball of wax. Both can be tested using static information sources.
I have various map reading tools coming in, shortly as well. The compass came with a manual. I will be looking that over, while tinkering the the compass, and looking over the maps I pulled down. If those are the maps I want, I may see if they exist in town. The problem, the first time I went into town, was that I didn't know which maps to buy. With the files on my computer, and after having looked them over, I will actually know the names, perhaps have file or other numbers for them, and won't feel so unsure. As I recall, the last time I was in, they still weren't treating my heart. Life, in those days, was very raw and dependent on factors that just didn't make sense.
While still ill, still sensitive to changes from weather to bodily failings, my mind doesn't lose track and have to start completely over every time I fall anymore. Continuity of thought has improved to nearly normal levels. Of course, without a body that can fulfill projects always, and with a constantly changing battlefield of life, it is still difficult to stay on track. The improvement, however, is significant. Of course, a 500% improvement, coming from where I was, isn't exactly optimal even so. Something like a man in a wheelchair becoming well enough to stand. While that is an improvement, it isn't up to running, let alone walking. One step at a time though.
I used to be able to almost blank while thinking, or talking. And, of course, continuity of thought was rather weak. What I thought last week would not necessarily be what I was planning the next week. While I still can forget an exact thing from last week, if reminded, or something comes back from that, I am not left guessing at what it all meant to me then. It's the difference between amnesia and typical forgetfulness. Now if I could improve the body as much as I have improved the mind. And there is still a good deal of improvement for the mind. Memory is just one aspect. Logic, and a few other things, are still relatively weak. Still, I'm... trying. And succeeding, if, as suggested, one step, and small ones, at a time.
I'm not sure I will get to much more today. I don't know though. Perhaps a short nap. It's 14:00, but... fine. Should still work. Tomorrow I hope to make it back into town to finish setting up my friend's computer and checking out the printer. Perhaps I can do a few things in the morning. Yeah, no... I'm not much of a housekeeper, true... Oh well. Later.
.
Well... the insulin arrived. I was only sent two vials. Which means I will be running out or using the old too long. It is invariable. Whatever. Lunch was as I suggested, otherwise. Along with the insulin, some of the items for exploration and shooting arrived. A barometer based altimeter, a compass that I am well satisfied will both work and last, and a shooting chart called mildot master. While the altimeter, being barometrically based, will therefore not be absolutely accurate as to altitude for that reason... which at first sort of annoyed me... will do fine. I had to stop just a second and consider. The only reason I want the altimeter is to have something by which to begin working with other factors in order to adjust for... the barometric pressure. Yeah, I did chuckle. I'm not sure, yet, if it will work as I hope. Time and practice will tell. In some locations I can use my smart phone and google maps, or whatever, to check. How accurate and precise that is, is a whole other ball of wax. Both can be tested using static information sources.
I have various map reading tools coming in, shortly as well. The compass came with a manual. I will be looking that over, while tinkering the the compass, and looking over the maps I pulled down. If those are the maps I want, I may see if they exist in town. The problem, the first time I went into town, was that I didn't know which maps to buy. With the files on my computer, and after having looked them over, I will actually know the names, perhaps have file or other numbers for them, and won't feel so unsure. As I recall, the last time I was in, they still weren't treating my heart. Life, in those days, was very raw and dependent on factors that just didn't make sense.
While still ill, still sensitive to changes from weather to bodily failings, my mind doesn't lose track and have to start completely over every time I fall anymore. Continuity of thought has improved to nearly normal levels. Of course, without a body that can fulfill projects always, and with a constantly changing battlefield of life, it is still difficult to stay on track. The improvement, however, is significant. Of course, a 500% improvement, coming from where I was, isn't exactly optimal even so. Something like a man in a wheelchair becoming well enough to stand. While that is an improvement, it isn't up to running, let alone walking. One step at a time though.
I used to be able to almost blank while thinking, or talking. And, of course, continuity of thought was rather weak. What I thought last week would not necessarily be what I was planning the next week. While I still can forget an exact thing from last week, if reminded, or something comes back from that, I am not left guessing at what it all meant to me then. It's the difference between amnesia and typical forgetfulness. Now if I could improve the body as much as I have improved the mind. And there is still a good deal of improvement for the mind. Memory is just one aspect. Logic, and a few other things, are still relatively weak. Still, I'm... trying. And succeeding, if, as suggested, one step, and small ones, at a time.
I'm not sure I will get to much more today. I don't know though. Perhaps a short nap. It's 14:00, but... fine. Should still work. Tomorrow I hope to make it back into town to finish setting up my friend's computer and checking out the printer. Perhaps I can do a few things in the morning. Yeah, no... I'm not much of a housekeeper, true... Oh well. Later.
Nothing so happy as snappy.
.
.
Not me, mind you. I started on my rifle right after that post. I got her torn down. One of the pieces of advice in the doing of that proved wrong, but, when all else fails find another way. Which I did. Now, not all ak-47s are exactly the same. Many countries have and still make them. Further, various American, and perhaps European, legit and fly-by-night companies and people, have made them. So, exact advice offered in a general manner might not work. Fair enough for sure.
Stripped, then degreased. Whoever built this particular rifle was quite sound. There truly wasn't much grease to be removed. Actually, if I had to lay money on it, I would guess everything removed was a fair oil, it had simply outlived it's shelf-life and turned into what oil on a gun turns into after five years, or six? And yet, it was still working to protect the gun, but more as a light grease than as anything like the oil it had started life as. Purchased in Iowa several years before I moved, not touched since really. Fair enough. After it was stripped and degreased, I started looking at some of the parts I wanted to clean up, sand. The pins for the trigger and hammer, for sure. The rails for the bolt carrier group. A bit more on the bolt and hammer interfaces. And the bolt carrier group rails.
The sanding was simple. One fellow had suggested he spent fifteen minutes on each of those areas. I think he had too much time on his hands. Some guys suggested using a Dremel. Not for my money, electric can take off far too much. The simple path is to use courser grit sand paper, use it by hand until it has taken off what it looks to be able to remove, then go up a bit. That's what I did. I doubt if I spent ten minutes total time sanding those areas, and by hand. The parts where sanded until my eyes and hands told me I was satisfied.
A new part went in, a replacement for the shepherds hook. Several fellows had indicated that they needed to drill, or otherwise fabricate, so the piece would fit. I can't swear to it, but I guessed, even while watching the vids, that these guys were not mechanically minded, and didn't understand what they were doing. Initially I ran into the same problem. However, trusting industry, in some areas, more than my own damned lying eyes, and having seen and disbelieved the other fellows thinking I saw the problem, I wiggled this, worked with that, and... Ah-ha! As I suspected. The fellows in the vids probably weren't working the pin in far enough so that the connector plate fit onto the shelf of the pin. I did work it to get that right, and when I did? Like a glove. I didn't, at first, realize the plate also held the trigger pin, fitting on it's shelf, as well, so I had to take it back down and refit that part. No problems, once you have a simple grasp and a tiny bit of mechanical mind muscle, redoing or fixing something that works on the same principle is child's play.
Now? She cycles snappy! No hang when I pull the bolt carrier rearward. If I let go, easy or instant, she slams home, loading easily if a magazine is in place. I no longer have that artificial bolt hold open problem. While I might like the bolt carrier to hold open, I don't think I'll use the various methods often prescribed. And what was happening was unreliable, and really unsafe in my mind. Cutting the safety might well work. And there are some other options. However, on some magazines, there are devices that do that. I may see about finding some of those and doing it that way. Still... as I suggested, snappy is happy. I oiled her, including the pins for the hammer and trigger as I was installing them, a bit down the barrel with the snake following through a couple of times, hitting moving parts and a few other areas with just a dab of oil here and there. A drop will do you easily. The oil will do for now, but on the slides, as with my .45 and soon with the 9, I would like to get some grease. Something that won't just disappear. For now, though, Doom is happy.
A new foregrip and a few other parts will be arriving shortly. Those should go on with no problems. I have heard, from advisers I do trust, that a little tinkering with the installation of the foregrip might be necessary. I have a dremel and the time. The rest should work without fuss. Even so, I have her ready so, with or without the new bits, she will work like a tiger, right now. Yeah, I think she is about to be put through some paces shortly. Exciting. This will 'be the first ak I have ever shot'.
I need to take a bit of a break. And... a nap, perhaps, at noon. If not, or even if so, I do believe I can get on to a few more things today. It's just one of those days. Just remember... snappy is happy.
------------
A bit of an update. I did a bit more checking with the rifle. It used to stick, whether the bolt was pulled back all of the way or part way. With my testing, I had strictly been pulling the bolt carrier back all of the way and releasing hard or soft. I wanted to see if there was still a place where it might catch. There is, actually. I am not sure... if that was designed to work that way on this particular style of ak, or if the maker added that, or if it is something that fits with the original magazine catches (on some magazines and rifles). I'll dig more. On the good side, it actually holds a bit better, somehow, than it did before working on it. It used to hold, but would snap shut, sometimes just by moving the rifle. Now it holds rather firm, if one takes the bolt carrier back to the specific point. It's a new rifle, from a group of rifles that are not very... well understood, I think. I'll learn more with some practice and a little more reading.
.
Not me, mind you. I started on my rifle right after that post. I got her torn down. One of the pieces of advice in the doing of that proved wrong, but, when all else fails find another way. Which I did. Now, not all ak-47s are exactly the same. Many countries have and still make them. Further, various American, and perhaps European, legit and fly-by-night companies and people, have made them. So, exact advice offered in a general manner might not work. Fair enough for sure.
Stripped, then degreased. Whoever built this particular rifle was quite sound. There truly wasn't much grease to be removed. Actually, if I had to lay money on it, I would guess everything removed was a fair oil, it had simply outlived it's shelf-life and turned into what oil on a gun turns into after five years, or six? And yet, it was still working to protect the gun, but more as a light grease than as anything like the oil it had started life as. Purchased in Iowa several years before I moved, not touched since really. Fair enough. After it was stripped and degreased, I started looking at some of the parts I wanted to clean up, sand. The pins for the trigger and hammer, for sure. The rails for the bolt carrier group. A bit more on the bolt and hammer interfaces. And the bolt carrier group rails.
The sanding was simple. One fellow had suggested he spent fifteen minutes on each of those areas. I think he had too much time on his hands. Some guys suggested using a Dremel. Not for my money, electric can take off far too much. The simple path is to use courser grit sand paper, use it by hand until it has taken off what it looks to be able to remove, then go up a bit. That's what I did. I doubt if I spent ten minutes total time sanding those areas, and by hand. The parts where sanded until my eyes and hands told me I was satisfied.
A new part went in, a replacement for the shepherds hook. Several fellows had indicated that they needed to drill, or otherwise fabricate, so the piece would fit. I can't swear to it, but I guessed, even while watching the vids, that these guys were not mechanically minded, and didn't understand what they were doing. Initially I ran into the same problem. However, trusting industry, in some areas, more than my own damned lying eyes, and having seen and disbelieved the other fellows thinking I saw the problem, I wiggled this, worked with that, and... Ah-ha! As I suspected. The fellows in the vids probably weren't working the pin in far enough so that the connector plate fit onto the shelf of the pin. I did work it to get that right, and when I did? Like a glove. I didn't, at first, realize the plate also held the trigger pin, fitting on it's shelf, as well, so I had to take it back down and refit that part. No problems, once you have a simple grasp and a tiny bit of mechanical mind muscle, redoing or fixing something that works on the same principle is child's play.
Now? She cycles snappy! No hang when I pull the bolt carrier rearward. If I let go, easy or instant, she slams home, loading easily if a magazine is in place. I no longer have that artificial bolt hold open problem. While I might like the bolt carrier to hold open, I don't think I'll use the various methods often prescribed. And what was happening was unreliable, and really unsafe in my mind. Cutting the safety might well work. And there are some other options. However, on some magazines, there are devices that do that. I may see about finding some of those and doing it that way. Still... as I suggested, snappy is happy. I oiled her, including the pins for the hammer and trigger as I was installing them, a bit down the barrel with the snake following through a couple of times, hitting moving parts and a few other areas with just a dab of oil here and there. A drop will do you easily. The oil will do for now, but on the slides, as with my .45 and soon with the 9, I would like to get some grease. Something that won't just disappear. For now, though, Doom is happy.
A new foregrip and a few other parts will be arriving shortly. Those should go on with no problems. I have heard, from advisers I do trust, that a little tinkering with the installation of the foregrip might be necessary. I have a dremel and the time. The rest should work without fuss. Even so, I have her ready so, with or without the new bits, she will work like a tiger, right now. Yeah, I think she is about to be put through some paces shortly. Exciting. This will 'be the first ak I have ever shot'.
I need to take a bit of a break. And... a nap, perhaps, at noon. If not, or even if so, I do believe I can get on to a few more things today. It's just one of those days. Just remember... snappy is happy.
------------
A bit of an update. I did a bit more checking with the rifle. It used to stick, whether the bolt was pulled back all of the way or part way. With my testing, I had strictly been pulling the bolt carrier back all of the way and releasing hard or soft. I wanted to see if there was still a place where it might catch. There is, actually. I am not sure... if that was designed to work that way on this particular style of ak, or if the maker added that, or if it is something that fits with the original magazine catches (on some magazines and rifles). I'll dig more. On the good side, it actually holds a bit better, somehow, than it did before working on it. It used to hold, but would snap shut, sometimes just by moving the rifle. Now it holds rather firm, if one takes the bolt carrier back to the specific point. It's a new rifle, from a group of rifles that are not very... well understood, I think. I'll learn more with some practice and a little more reading.
Today?
.
.
I went down late and a little hard. I was awake and 4:00(ish) and down at about 22:00, add in the trip to town, a half a dozen stops at stores, various shopping, wheeling my friend around, a couple of meals, and... when I finally calmed to sleep I went in hard. I think I saw the ground coming at me, or was it the other way around? I leveled her out as much as possible, and think I did a pretty good job, actually. It was still a hard bump, and I woke sometime last night needing to empty a whining bladder but never rose above the level of zombie with a simple task and sleep was an easy thing to find when I finished.
I set the alarm for 6:00. I had, at that hour, thought that was 10 hours? Math was fuzzy as I was heading down. The goal, in my mind, was to wake at 4:00, or at least before the alarm went off. I was up by 5:15 alarm time (5:00 real time, I put in an edge on all my clocks because I am who, and what, I am). As it turns out I slept less than I really recommend. In part due to poor late night math skills and some ability to regulate my internal alarm at the moment. Still, seven hours should be sufficient. I won't be doing a great deal of work today. A bit in the kitchen is on the menu. Stripping the rifle down for a thorough stripping, cleaning, partial part kit upgrade, and oiling in prep for it's first firing, perhaps as early as early next week. Laundry is in the queue as well.
If I can stick to the plans, I have some chance at getting some things done. But there are always distractions, there is the possibility that I pushed a bit hard yesterday and the batteries are not back to enough of a charge, and my life is not mine, always, to command. Still, it's about making a plan and working at it. That is all any of us have, if some can go further.
I was speaking with a gentleman recently. It seems I am concrete in his eyes. Not a terrible thing, and with it's place, and somewhat respected to a degree. We spoke on the matter a bit. And, it is true. If someone suggests a rock is a tree, I will chew up and spit out that idea. If they try to tell me that blue is purple, I will rip that notion apart. I generally try to be non-personal, unless I believe I am dealing with a snake. Snakes in the grass need to be dealt with harshly and directly. Fools won't be suffered, but they can be taught. Or at least given no options but to not head out. Don't try parlor tricks, I am better at them. I simply have no interest, or need, to fool people... mostly.
Still, I don't think he understood some things. While I am intellectually, ideally, solid, unmoving, unemotional, and with very strict guidelines, he, I suggested, was so of flesh. Many don't understand that. He has many responsibilities. He has had and still has many things he has to do, every day, that all claim some of him. He has overcome obstacles that aren't really his area. In life, even if he isn't in business for himself, he is a stock hard core businessman and he does his business and tends his responsibilities no less rigorously than I defend my perceptions of truth and fact and some such. "Oh, well, you know... I never thought of it that way." Aye, that is what friends are for. He is every bit as hard iron as I am, just in a slightly different way. I know, I have met his sons. Not a brutal father, just a solid one. Some men have a hard time seeing their worth, so busy being it. He's got a solid wife, too. Some folk amaze me. Humble, too, in the right way.
Anyway... I will finish waking, then... figure out what to do next. Life doesn't wait on fools... does that mean I am not a fool, since life does wait on me? :p Never the notion. Just a misinterpretation of a miscalculation, but the idea does tickle my fancy. Later.
.
I went down late and a little hard. I was awake and 4:00(ish) and down at about 22:00, add in the trip to town, a half a dozen stops at stores, various shopping, wheeling my friend around, a couple of meals, and... when I finally calmed to sleep I went in hard. I think I saw the ground coming at me, or was it the other way around? I leveled her out as much as possible, and think I did a pretty good job, actually. It was still a hard bump, and I woke sometime last night needing to empty a whining bladder but never rose above the level of zombie with a simple task and sleep was an easy thing to find when I finished.
I set the alarm for 6:00. I had, at that hour, thought that was 10 hours? Math was fuzzy as I was heading down. The goal, in my mind, was to wake at 4:00, or at least before the alarm went off. I was up by 5:15 alarm time (5:00 real time, I put in an edge on all my clocks because I am who, and what, I am). As it turns out I slept less than I really recommend. In part due to poor late night math skills and some ability to regulate my internal alarm at the moment. Still, seven hours should be sufficient. I won't be doing a great deal of work today. A bit in the kitchen is on the menu. Stripping the rifle down for a thorough stripping, cleaning, partial part kit upgrade, and oiling in prep for it's first firing, perhaps as early as early next week. Laundry is in the queue as well.
If I can stick to the plans, I have some chance at getting some things done. But there are always distractions, there is the possibility that I pushed a bit hard yesterday and the batteries are not back to enough of a charge, and my life is not mine, always, to command. Still, it's about making a plan and working at it. That is all any of us have, if some can go further.
I was speaking with a gentleman recently. It seems I am concrete in his eyes. Not a terrible thing, and with it's place, and somewhat respected to a degree. We spoke on the matter a bit. And, it is true. If someone suggests a rock is a tree, I will chew up and spit out that idea. If they try to tell me that blue is purple, I will rip that notion apart. I generally try to be non-personal, unless I believe I am dealing with a snake. Snakes in the grass need to be dealt with harshly and directly. Fools won't be suffered, but they can be taught. Or at least given no options but to not head out. Don't try parlor tricks, I am better at them. I simply have no interest, or need, to fool people... mostly.
Still, I don't think he understood some things. While I am intellectually, ideally, solid, unmoving, unemotional, and with very strict guidelines, he, I suggested, was so of flesh. Many don't understand that. He has many responsibilities. He has had and still has many things he has to do, every day, that all claim some of him. He has overcome obstacles that aren't really his area. In life, even if he isn't in business for himself, he is a stock hard core businessman and he does his business and tends his responsibilities no less rigorously than I defend my perceptions of truth and fact and some such. "Oh, well, you know... I never thought of it that way." Aye, that is what friends are for. He is every bit as hard iron as I am, just in a slightly different way. I know, I have met his sons. Not a brutal father, just a solid one. Some men have a hard time seeing their worth, so busy being it. He's got a solid wife, too. Some folk amaze me. Humble, too, in the right way.
Anyway... I will finish waking, then... figure out what to do next. Life doesn't wait on fools... does that mean I am not a fool, since life does wait on me? :p Never the notion. Just a misinterpretation of a miscalculation, but the idea does tickle my fancy. Later.
Mistaken.
.
.
Last night I put up a post with some ire in it. I had thought my haiku had been removed. It had been a long day, and when I visited the site, and looked at the haiku page, I didn't see my poems. As it turns out, for some reason, the contest has been split into two parts. My haiku is still there, but on the other page. Okay, fair enough, I was wrong. I asked a fellow contestant what might be happening. The feedback allowed me to understand. After a long day, however, I couldn't quite deal with the initial understanding or the revised understanding, so I simply, for the night, removed my post.
And, while it might have looked as if I was angry, it wasn't quite what it seemed. I had meant to prick what I had thought was a tempestuous psyche, to get it's owner to... discuss things. If someone is angry, enjoin that anger. I can't find it off-hand, but there was a suggestion that as you speak with people, speak with them in the way that they understand. And so I set out to do just that. I was attempting to create engagement. It doesn't always work. Sometimes reverse psychology is a better method. It's an art, however, not a science. While stewing just a bit, I was... chuckling back in there too. Why? Well... for my own peculiarities? Something like that. I don't worry about most things, not really, mostly, personally. If I am not perfectly wooden, mind you. But the anger, or what appears to be anger, from some folk, the fairer folk... is a little joy, at times, in places, in ways. As I have mentioned.
Never mind. My mistake. Rather than just sweeping it aside, however, I am choosing to... mention it. And apologize if any umbrage was taken at my mistake. It's... what I can do. Being the whole thing is haiku related, I went digging in my own back yard and...
.
Last night I put up a post with some ire in it. I had thought my haiku had been removed. It had been a long day, and when I visited the site, and looked at the haiku page, I didn't see my poems. As it turns out, for some reason, the contest has been split into two parts. My haiku is still there, but on the other page. Okay, fair enough, I was wrong. I asked a fellow contestant what might be happening. The feedback allowed me to understand. After a long day, however, I couldn't quite deal with the initial understanding or the revised understanding, so I simply, for the night, removed my post.
And, while it might have looked as if I was angry, it wasn't quite what it seemed. I had meant to prick what I had thought was a tempestuous psyche, to get it's owner to... discuss things. If someone is angry, enjoin that anger. I can't find it off-hand, but there was a suggestion that as you speak with people, speak with them in the way that they understand. And so I set out to do just that. I was attempting to create engagement. It doesn't always work. Sometimes reverse psychology is a better method. It's an art, however, not a science. While stewing just a bit, I was... chuckling back in there too. Why? Well... for my own peculiarities? Something like that. I don't worry about most things, not really, mostly, personally. If I am not perfectly wooden, mind you. But the anger, or what appears to be anger, from some folk, the fairer folk... is a little joy, at times, in places, in ways. As I have mentioned.
Never mind. My mistake. Rather than just sweeping it aside, however, I am choosing to... mention it. And apologize if any umbrage was taken at my mistake. It's... what I can do. Being the whole thing is haiku related, I went digging in my own back yard and...
not for me to say
asking in earnest, receiving -
what is afforded
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
I see.
.
.
-----------------------------------------------------removed---------------------------------------------
I made it into town, helped my friend do some shopping, did some of my own, and set a few things up. I found everything, by brand, at about the same price, for cleaning the guns. The only thing I couldn't find was a specific degreaser and a specific gun grease. After several hours of shopping, though, and a meal, I think we were both a bit too worn out to mess with his machine. It sounds like there is a printer problem, something to figure out next time I am in. I want to get the system windowed too. He is stuck in the Win 8 monstrosity, and can, sort of, get around. But it's an ugly stupid thing that really needs to be fixed. He shouldn't have to hope he can remember how to get to the internet, or hope that email is something he catches, before being distracted by a mistake and having to just... think of something else to do, something he hadn't intended but... it's there and he lost his train of thought.
It is good to get out once in a while. Later this week, I told him, I should be back. If the weather clears we will get out shooting next week. He has a pistol, maybe two, that he hasn't gotten to shoot yet. I should have the ak in order by then, and I'd like to try the 30 round mags for the 9mm. I'm sure they will work just fine. I guess it's the novelty of having to not load as often. With three of those, and one of the tens, that's two boxes of ammo, in the hand, ready to shoot. I would love to get the .22 Henry out. That thing... you just can't miss with it. But the ammunition is impossible to find and it's one thing I can't reload. My guess is that even .22 reloaders have problems finding components. Yeah, there are some who have that equipment. But that is for extreme shooters, in a specialty niche.
Later.
.
-----------------------------------------------------removed---------------------------------------------
I made it into town, helped my friend do some shopping, did some of my own, and set a few things up. I found everything, by brand, at about the same price, for cleaning the guns. The only thing I couldn't find was a specific degreaser and a specific gun grease. After several hours of shopping, though, and a meal, I think we were both a bit too worn out to mess with his machine. It sounds like there is a printer problem, something to figure out next time I am in. I want to get the system windowed too. He is stuck in the Win 8 monstrosity, and can, sort of, get around. But it's an ugly stupid thing that really needs to be fixed. He shouldn't have to hope he can remember how to get to the internet, or hope that email is something he catches, before being distracted by a mistake and having to just... think of something else to do, something he hadn't intended but... it's there and he lost his train of thought.
It is good to get out once in a while. Later this week, I told him, I should be back. If the weather clears we will get out shooting next week. He has a pistol, maybe two, that he hasn't gotten to shoot yet. I should have the ak in order by then, and I'd like to try the 30 round mags for the 9mm. I'm sure they will work just fine. I guess it's the novelty of having to not load as often. With three of those, and one of the tens, that's two boxes of ammo, in the hand, ready to shoot. I would love to get the .22 Henry out. That thing... you just can't miss with it. But the ammunition is impossible to find and it's one thing I can't reload. My guess is that even .22 reloaders have problems finding components. Yeah, there are some who have that equipment. But that is for extreme shooters, in a specialty niche.
Later.
Best get going.
.
.
My friend called, to see what the plan is. Of course, I'll be coming in. I had hoped to be a little further along. It's simply a slow day. I gave him a time, and one I can keep... probably. He has a few other things to do. Never a problem. I try to be ready to deal with any shopping or transport he might need, while visiting. As is, it works out that I need to visit some of the shops he wants to visit. It's great when that works out. As well, he might know where a shop or two I want to visit are. The city is his home. He just natively knows where some places are. Remember, I am mostly dead. If I don't need to know, I don't go looking. I have limits on energy usage and don't look to add anything I don't immediately need. If I need it, more than once especially, I will... dial it in, plug it on, and keep it. Otherwise it is a waste of energy. Limits.
I am hoping to find some items for gun cleaning. By this Friday, all of the parts for the ak-47 should be in. At which time, I am hoping to completely break it down, cutting the shepherds hook if need be as that is giving me problems, and rebuilding the rifle with new parts and kit. The rifle hasn't been cleaned yet, but looks to be in very good order, not packed in grease as I had feared. Still, a complete stripping of the metal, then oiling, while I am rebuilding, would... make me more comfortable as to finally getting it out to shoot. I really am picky, but... well... It works for me. I have the exact items, a price sheet to compare with another source, of the items I am looking for, and... yeah... we will see. I could always strip it, clean it, and have it ready for the last of the new parts, if I can find the cleaning supplies I want.
I don't know if he will want me to set up the windowed platform, at this point. I think, in the end, it would be easier for him. Not so much for his sister, who now has Win 8 and is used to it. Though his other friend would appreciate it. He simply has no experience, so adding a seeming complexity onto an already complex new system might not be appreciated. Much as someone with a wound dressing might not wish to have that dressing changed. Might just have to do it anyway. *zip* *Yeow!* It's what friends are for. Oh, and as I suggested, FireFox. He won't know why, but... that isn't any more the point than is following some doctor's instructions. Now, in my case, when doctors prove neither always correct, willing to listen, or able to fix given their way, I have a reason to ignore, at times, mind you. But that is really and truly different.
Yes, a shower will feel good. I might kick that out right away, so as to give myself fifteen minutes to air dry before gearing and going. I'm hungry, but would rather grab a bite in town. Good day, and... later.
.
My friend called, to see what the plan is. Of course, I'll be coming in. I had hoped to be a little further along. It's simply a slow day. I gave him a time, and one I can keep... probably. He has a few other things to do. Never a problem. I try to be ready to deal with any shopping or transport he might need, while visiting. As is, it works out that I need to visit some of the shops he wants to visit. It's great when that works out. As well, he might know where a shop or two I want to visit are. The city is his home. He just natively knows where some places are. Remember, I am mostly dead. If I don't need to know, I don't go looking. I have limits on energy usage and don't look to add anything I don't immediately need. If I need it, more than once especially, I will... dial it in, plug it on, and keep it. Otherwise it is a waste of energy. Limits.
I am hoping to find some items for gun cleaning. By this Friday, all of the parts for the ak-47 should be in. At which time, I am hoping to completely break it down, cutting the shepherds hook if need be as that is giving me problems, and rebuilding the rifle with new parts and kit. The rifle hasn't been cleaned yet, but looks to be in very good order, not packed in grease as I had feared. Still, a complete stripping of the metal, then oiling, while I am rebuilding, would... make me more comfortable as to finally getting it out to shoot. I really am picky, but... well... It works for me. I have the exact items, a price sheet to compare with another source, of the items I am looking for, and... yeah... we will see. I could always strip it, clean it, and have it ready for the last of the new parts, if I can find the cleaning supplies I want.
I don't know if he will want me to set up the windowed platform, at this point. I think, in the end, it would be easier for him. Not so much for his sister, who now has Win 8 and is used to it. Though his other friend would appreciate it. He simply has no experience, so adding a seeming complexity onto an already complex new system might not be appreciated. Much as someone with a wound dressing might not wish to have that dressing changed. Might just have to do it anyway. *zip* *Yeow!* It's what friends are for. Oh, and as I suggested, FireFox. He won't know why, but... that isn't any more the point than is following some doctor's instructions. Now, in my case, when doctors prove neither always correct, willing to listen, or able to fix given their way, I have a reason to ignore, at times, mind you. But that is really and truly different.
Yes, a shower will feel good. I might kick that out right away, so as to give myself fifteen minutes to air dry before gearing and going. I'm hungry, but would rather grab a bite in town. Good day, and... later.
Laughing or a rictus grin?
.
.
Oh, I know. Many would see me dead. I don't fit their beliefs. I say truths that, even if they know, they don't want to hear. I won't change my tune, no matter threat or bribe. I am immune to sexual appeal, physical threat, the lusts of fruits, or the glitter of gold. I am not even afraid of death, or pain. How do you deal with a man who just won't go along to get various legs up? Even when you, he, and the world has tried to end it, he keeps going. Ignore? Ah, but for some reason, you can't. Truth is sweeter than the pain it causes those who don't wish to know it. For some unGodly(?) reason? *grin*
While I have changed, life is hard for me. Still, I will keep it, and at it, as I may and God willing. I don't fear what is done to me for not going along, one way or the other. Oh, not to say I am fearless, only that anything that can be done to me can be handed to God, and actually with honest thanks. Unreachable by the way of flesh, the link is immutable. I am, now and forever more, my Father's child. And yet, if it were to be God's will, that I should leave my mortal coil, I would do so just as happily, more so to be sure. The briars of liars tear, the hate of the unloving burns, the weight of the world is great upon my shoulders, the sureness of sin is a horror among the willfully sinful.
Those who would tear me apart do not understand. Even in their hate, they can not know the pains I suffer to stay, or the great patience I lend the command of my God to stay. They simply do not know the extent of the physical suffering I endure. Should they get their deepest, darkest desire? They would be doing me a favor. I don't think, if I can't undo my Father's will, that they can. Christ prayed to live as much as I have prayed to be released, both of us understand that it is not our will that matters. Bloody tears indeed.
.
Oh, I know. Many would see me dead. I don't fit their beliefs. I say truths that, even if they know, they don't want to hear. I won't change my tune, no matter threat or bribe. I am immune to sexual appeal, physical threat, the lusts of fruits, or the glitter of gold. I am not even afraid of death, or pain. How do you deal with a man who just won't go along to get various legs up? Even when you, he, and the world has tried to end it, he keeps going. Ignore? Ah, but for some reason, you can't. Truth is sweeter than the pain it causes those who don't wish to know it. For some unGodly(?) reason? *grin*
While I have changed, life is hard for me. Still, I will keep it, and at it, as I may and God willing. I don't fear what is done to me for not going along, one way or the other. Oh, not to say I am fearless, only that anything that can be done to me can be handed to God, and actually with honest thanks. Unreachable by the way of flesh, the link is immutable. I am, now and forever more, my Father's child. And yet, if it were to be God's will, that I should leave my mortal coil, I would do so just as happily, more so to be sure. The briars of liars tear, the hate of the unloving burns, the weight of the world is great upon my shoulders, the sureness of sin is a horror among the willfully sinful.
Those who would tear me apart do not understand. Even in their hate, they can not know the pains I suffer to stay, or the great patience I lend the command of my God to stay. They simply do not know the extent of the physical suffering I endure. Should they get their deepest, darkest desire? They would be doing me a favor. I don't think, if I can't undo my Father's will, that they can. Christ prayed to live as much as I have prayed to be released, both of us understand that it is not our will that matters. Bloody tears indeed.
I ended up taking a nap.
.
.
Late in the afternoon, around 16:00, I went down pretty hard. Dinner was set to arrive, so I had set the alarm for 18:00. I blew through the alarm, but heard the phone. They call before visiting, just in case I am asleep. I used to be asleep often, almost always in the beginning. Even after a bit, I would go through spells of sleep that would last a long time. I wonder if they remember that, and actually in spite of my current condition, how much that has improved? Never mind. After a spot of dinner, I stayed up a bit, a very short bit. I had meant to stay up until 20:00 but that did not work. I went back to bed no more than an half hour after dinner arrived.
I didn't set the alarm. I wasn't sure... what time to set it at. Things are sort of free-floating, I can't gain purchase on a good schedule, don't have a good handle on what is going on with my body, and things are just screwy. I ended up waking at 4:00, give or take. I have set alarm on the clock, so as to feed the girls shortly. Perhaps take a shower then as well. I promised my friend I would be in to town to help figure out his machine a bit more today. I may need a nap in there, so... a shower is a bit iffy. If I take one, then take a nap, I'll just have to take another shower before I head out. Hmm, could just wear a baseball cap, if that isn't my preferred way.
Oh, the call I received yesterday, from the V.A.? The nurse asked if I worked. I do have to laugh. They must spend more time reading my blog and hating on it then they do my medical file. Government workers, unions, and women... all things lead to the wrong pages. I wonder if they ask everyone with a failed heart if they are working, or just me. And you wonder why I question so many things? Proof? Again... pudding. I suppose reading a file on a long term "client" is asking a bit much, before putting foot in mouth though? It's not even like I haven't tried to work, or get an education. Some things don't mix. Women just work for spending money, though, not to do a dedicated job. Unless they can't find a man, and don't believe the governments handouts are enough for their styles of new shoes, or whatever it is they want. Hey, I'm not the one who was being stupidly passive aggressive on the phone with a medically incapacitated man. Don't even look at me funny for seeing what was wrong with the picture. If I thought I could work, even make it in to work, I would give it a shot. I can't even wake up on a regular schedule.
These boxelder bugs are extremely annoying. For the moment, I have the screen door cracked open, so that they don't congregate in there. Something about it being closed offers them a warm, dry, box that they can still get into. And when the door is opened, they swarm in. When the spray arrives, I'll be taking care of that, and getting a few other areas for a few other things. But for now, just keeping that screen door open keeps them from gathering, then swarming, quite like they otherwise wood.
I should get on to a few other things this morning. Blogging is slow lately. News is pretty much focused on Zero's inability to cope with anything that his teleprompt writers won't write about. He picks on friends and allies while fearing tin-pot dicators. Those being more potent than himself, sadly. Coffee boys really shouldn't try to play class presidents, not even to fill a quota. Of course, with B. Clinton having been both the first black and the first woman president, somehow, I'm not sure we really needed an actual one of either sort. Voting I.D. laws would probably prevent both, but that's another topic. Oh, just a reminder, if you ever go to an anti-Voter I.D. forum? Remember to bring your I.D., it's required. *grin*
Yeah... on to something.
.
Late in the afternoon, around 16:00, I went down pretty hard. Dinner was set to arrive, so I had set the alarm for 18:00. I blew through the alarm, but heard the phone. They call before visiting, just in case I am asleep. I used to be asleep often, almost always in the beginning. Even after a bit, I would go through spells of sleep that would last a long time. I wonder if they remember that, and actually in spite of my current condition, how much that has improved? Never mind. After a spot of dinner, I stayed up a bit, a very short bit. I had meant to stay up until 20:00 but that did not work. I went back to bed no more than an half hour after dinner arrived.
I didn't set the alarm. I wasn't sure... what time to set it at. Things are sort of free-floating, I can't gain purchase on a good schedule, don't have a good handle on what is going on with my body, and things are just screwy. I ended up waking at 4:00, give or take. I have set alarm on the clock, so as to feed the girls shortly. Perhaps take a shower then as well. I promised my friend I would be in to town to help figure out his machine a bit more today. I may need a nap in there, so... a shower is a bit iffy. If I take one, then take a nap, I'll just have to take another shower before I head out. Hmm, could just wear a baseball cap, if that isn't my preferred way.
Oh, the call I received yesterday, from the V.A.? The nurse asked if I worked. I do have to laugh. They must spend more time reading my blog and hating on it then they do my medical file. Government workers, unions, and women... all things lead to the wrong pages. I wonder if they ask everyone with a failed heart if they are working, or just me. And you wonder why I question so many things? Proof? Again... pudding. I suppose reading a file on a long term "client" is asking a bit much, before putting foot in mouth though? It's not even like I haven't tried to work, or get an education. Some things don't mix. Women just work for spending money, though, not to do a dedicated job. Unless they can't find a man, and don't believe the governments handouts are enough for their styles of new shoes, or whatever it is they want. Hey, I'm not the one who was being stupidly passive aggressive on the phone with a medically incapacitated man. Don't even look at me funny for seeing what was wrong with the picture. If I thought I could work, even make it in to work, I would give it a shot. I can't even wake up on a regular schedule.
These boxelder bugs are extremely annoying. For the moment, I have the screen door cracked open, so that they don't congregate in there. Something about it being closed offers them a warm, dry, box that they can still get into. And when the door is opened, they swarm in. When the spray arrives, I'll be taking care of that, and getting a few other areas for a few other things. But for now, just keeping that screen door open keeps them from gathering, then swarming, quite like they otherwise wood.
I should get on to a few other things this morning. Blogging is slow lately. News is pretty much focused on Zero's inability to cope with anything that his teleprompt writers won't write about. He picks on friends and allies while fearing tin-pot dicators. Those being more potent than himself, sadly. Coffee boys really shouldn't try to play class presidents, not even to fill a quota. Of course, with B. Clinton having been both the first black and the first woman president, somehow, I'm not sure we really needed an actual one of either sort. Voting I.D. laws would probably prevent both, but that's another topic. Oh, just a reminder, if you ever go to an anti-Voter I.D. forum? Remember to bring your I.D., it's required. *grin*
Yeah... on to something.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Haiku Monday - Daydreaming
.
.
Our girl is up! Becca has the theme and instructions up here. Go play as you will.
.
Our girl is up! Becca has the theme and instructions up here. Go play as you will.
beautiful lake and
gentle breeze on a warm day ~
quit honking, moving
shifting thoughts pull
can't concentrate - might as well
enjoy the kind flow
bear, elk, cat, friends all
life on a different plane
no needs but kindness
I paced the meal just right.
.
.
Not too much, not too little, and my appetite seems well sated. That it existed surprised me. Despite what you may think, I am a being of hope. I approached my meal with such. It did it's part, me mine. I enjoyed the cabbage much better, it not being overdone. Further, it is still crisp enough that warming it will not ruin it. The carrots still had some bite to them, though next time I may just add them with the cabbage. Something to tinker with.
It is a good day. An odd day but a good one. I am a bit slow, with only less than a handful of hours of sleep, give or take a finger. No, not that one. Mood is cheery even if the body is less than enamored with fine motor control or muscle usage. Oh, I suppose I could do one thing before the day is spent, a call to the pharmacy. I can't take more insulin if I don't have any on hand. I don't even need heavy math for that.
With the weather warming, Sam is getting out more often and staying out longer. That brings me some happiness, as I know she loves to be outside. I really need to see about joining her once in a while. She loves the company. She might even bring me half of a mouse! I am quite sure she has been eating good in the neighborhood. It is a joy to watch her work. She does so with intensity and relish. She is indeed a fisher of mice.
Later.
.
Not too much, not too little, and my appetite seems well sated. That it existed surprised me. Despite what you may think, I am a being of hope. I approached my meal with such. It did it's part, me mine. I enjoyed the cabbage much better, it not being overdone. Further, it is still crisp enough that warming it will not ruin it. The carrots still had some bite to them, though next time I may just add them with the cabbage. Something to tinker with.
It is a good day. An odd day but a good one. I am a bit slow, with only less than a handful of hours of sleep, give or take a finger. No, not that one. Mood is cheery even if the body is less than enamored with fine motor control or muscle usage. Oh, I suppose I could do one thing before the day is spent, a call to the pharmacy. I can't take more insulin if I don't have any on hand. I don't even need heavy math for that.
With the weather warming, Sam is getting out more often and staying out longer. That brings me some happiness, as I know she loves to be outside. I really need to see about joining her once in a while. She loves the company. She might even bring me half of a mouse! I am quite sure she has been eating good in the neighborhood. It is a joy to watch her work. She does so with intensity and relish. She is indeed a fisher of mice.
Later.
No nap will be needed.
.
.
Perhaps. Though, if I enjoy a bit too much corned beef and cabbage, that might change the tune. It is almost ready. In 15 minutes I will add cabbage, and let that cook for about another 15 minutes, then done. I did hold off on the carrots, putting them in just now. An half hour should be plenty, and they will retain some of their bite. While cooking, I finally finished the last, I think, of the Hannibal Lector series, for me anyway. I am not sure I watched them in order. Hannibal Rising, I believe it was. A free view for Amazon Prime members. Finally, I see his driving factors. While it may seem to be one thing, it rarely is. Though, a few darker moments and notions can... color things much more harshly in the totality.
It's sort of strange though, to know, finally, what made a movie anti-hero... and yet not know my own story. Not all of it. Not, probably, the half of it at the most. After watching the show, I do realize why the mind might keep some things secret, keep them safe. At least I know, anything I have left is, has been, blessed. I think most of the problems have already been handled, and are behind me. Some can never quite escape what they have become, some are called away. If lucky, they follow the voice. I am a lucky man. It's fragile though, I won't allow some things to ever be revisited. Not while I draw breath. Not in my presence.
I was thinking, though, that should I find a wife, I will teach her some things. No, gently you fool. While a woman cannot defeat a warrior, she can surprise him and escape peril. I can teach a woman much. Enough, perhaps, for a chance. Just in case her firearms are out of reach, for some reason. I can't give her the will to fight, but that is what children and love can do. Women are free to be liberal because they have nothing to lose when they are alone, in the short or long run. When they have a family, a home, a husband who loves them, that's when they turn a corner. Guided, and taught, the love can be... trained. Ask God about lethal love, innit?
I don't need to get the garbage bin out, but if it had been recycling day I would have taken that out. I did check, but it doesn't look like the neighbors have that bin out. So, next week, if I can remember. I received a call from the V.A. It seems my a1c is elevated, so a new order came through. Hmm, I best check on insulin, however, as I am pretty much out. My doc said she would wait for the a1c results before deciding what to send. I have heard nothing since. I meant to check with the women with whom I was speaking, but she distracted me with a few other issues and then it was lost. I'll call the pharmacy shortly.
There are so many little tasks I keep meaning to do. And, I keep forgetting to do them. I may explore the tasks section of my phone. I am using the calendar just swell. I might as well figure out and beginning using the rest of the phone's capabilities. I just don't want it to begin ruling my life, either. No worries, I know how to deal with busybody tech, mostly.
Later.
.
Perhaps. Though, if I enjoy a bit too much corned beef and cabbage, that might change the tune. It is almost ready. In 15 minutes I will add cabbage, and let that cook for about another 15 minutes, then done. I did hold off on the carrots, putting them in just now. An half hour should be plenty, and they will retain some of their bite. While cooking, I finally finished the last, I think, of the Hannibal Lector series, for me anyway. I am not sure I watched them in order. Hannibal Rising, I believe it was. A free view for Amazon Prime members. Finally, I see his driving factors. While it may seem to be one thing, it rarely is. Though, a few darker moments and notions can... color things much more harshly in the totality.
It's sort of strange though, to know, finally, what made a movie anti-hero... and yet not know my own story. Not all of it. Not, probably, the half of it at the most. After watching the show, I do realize why the mind might keep some things secret, keep them safe. At least I know, anything I have left is, has been, blessed. I think most of the problems have already been handled, and are behind me. Some can never quite escape what they have become, some are called away. If lucky, they follow the voice. I am a lucky man. It's fragile though, I won't allow some things to ever be revisited. Not while I draw breath. Not in my presence.
I was thinking, though, that should I find a wife, I will teach her some things. No, gently you fool. While a woman cannot defeat a warrior, she can surprise him and escape peril. I can teach a woman much. Enough, perhaps, for a chance. Just in case her firearms are out of reach, for some reason. I can't give her the will to fight, but that is what children and love can do. Women are free to be liberal because they have nothing to lose when they are alone, in the short or long run. When they have a family, a home, a husband who loves them, that's when they turn a corner. Guided, and taught, the love can be... trained. Ask God about lethal love, innit?
I don't need to get the garbage bin out, but if it had been recycling day I would have taken that out. I did check, but it doesn't look like the neighbors have that bin out. So, next week, if I can remember. I received a call from the V.A. It seems my a1c is elevated, so a new order came through. Hmm, I best check on insulin, however, as I am pretty much out. My doc said she would wait for the a1c results before deciding what to send. I have heard nothing since. I meant to check with the women with whom I was speaking, but she distracted me with a few other issues and then it was lost. I'll call the pharmacy shortly.
There are so many little tasks I keep meaning to do. And, I keep forgetting to do them. I may explore the tasks section of my phone. I am using the calendar just swell. I might as well figure out and beginning using the rest of the phone's capabilities. I just don't want it to begin ruling my life, either. No worries, I know how to deal with busybody tech, mostly.
Later.
Sleep never happened but...
.
.
It's all good. It's 7:45 and I am up and at it still. Actually going pretty strong. If I need a nap, I'll take one at about noon. As is, I am cooking a corned beef. There is about three and an half hours to go on that, with potatoes going in at the last hour mark, and carrots, then cabbage for the last 15 minutes. Hmm, might do carrots at that last half hour mark? Yeah.
It is nice to have soda around, for when I don't feel like making coffee. Splenda sweetened, with lemon flavor, to through off the horrible taste. I did grab a bit of regular soda, for a treat, should I not make it to town for a while. A couple of cans of regular a few times a week, just to say I did. And, actually, that helps my blood sugar stay lower, usually. Nothing really works for regularity, but no sugar does hurt the levels. You gotta do what you gotta do and the meters don't lie. If they skewed one way, they would do that always. It's just the way it is.
I did place a minor order. Bug spray and a pump sprayer, a new forward grip for the ak, an mechanical altimeter (barometer based, so there is some... play in it), a better compass, a mildot master (a card with shooting particulars and mechanical inclinometer (by which to check the angle of a shot)), and a few other odds and ends. Just trying to get some of the smaller items out of the way as regards getting more serious about shooting. As well, I found free maps to pull down from USGS, at least to review. I have a few areas I would like to hike, pretty much areas I shoot. But I want to make sure the maps will work for my needs. If so, I may order them, or try to find them locally, in weathertight conditions. I just need to look them over closely, to make sure they offer enough coverage for my applications, and to begin land nav training. Who knows, but... that's the idea.
The rest of today? No clue. But while I am still going, I may try to do a few other things. Perhaps a spot of laundry. Maybe sweeping and vacuuming finally. I might get to the few dishes as soon as lunch is prepared. Just... things to do. My recent blogging seems to have chased off some folk. That's fine, I don't write for readership, as I have mentioned. I simply have lost all patience with the feelings of people as they try to rob, murder, and denigrate. And I simply won't be quiet about it one second longer. Don't like it, doesn't matter, as I suggested. You are voting for the fix, especially if you think you aren't. I now understand why God doesn't worry to much. Rabbit... circle... *thump* If need be. He knows where everything, and everyone is, knows our path, and can wait, or not, at His will. He just suggests, those of us who believe in truth, that we not be quiet, even at great cost. So... *sing*
Hmm, yeah... I'm going to... browse, or view, or read, or... something. Later.
.
It's all good. It's 7:45 and I am up and at it still. Actually going pretty strong. If I need a nap, I'll take one at about noon. As is, I am cooking a corned beef. There is about three and an half hours to go on that, with potatoes going in at the last hour mark, and carrots, then cabbage for the last 15 minutes. Hmm, might do carrots at that last half hour mark? Yeah.
It is nice to have soda around, for when I don't feel like making coffee. Splenda sweetened, with lemon flavor, to through off the horrible taste. I did grab a bit of regular soda, for a treat, should I not make it to town for a while. A couple of cans of regular a few times a week, just to say I did. And, actually, that helps my blood sugar stay lower, usually. Nothing really works for regularity, but no sugar does hurt the levels. You gotta do what you gotta do and the meters don't lie. If they skewed one way, they would do that always. It's just the way it is.
I did place a minor order. Bug spray and a pump sprayer, a new forward grip for the ak, an mechanical altimeter (barometer based, so there is some... play in it), a better compass, a mildot master (a card with shooting particulars and mechanical inclinometer (by which to check the angle of a shot)), and a few other odds and ends. Just trying to get some of the smaller items out of the way as regards getting more serious about shooting. As well, I found free maps to pull down from USGS, at least to review. I have a few areas I would like to hike, pretty much areas I shoot. But I want to make sure the maps will work for my needs. If so, I may order them, or try to find them locally, in weathertight conditions. I just need to look them over closely, to make sure they offer enough coverage for my applications, and to begin land nav training. Who knows, but... that's the idea.
The rest of today? No clue. But while I am still going, I may try to do a few other things. Perhaps a spot of laundry. Maybe sweeping and vacuuming finally. I might get to the few dishes as soon as lunch is prepared. Just... things to do. My recent blogging seems to have chased off some folk. That's fine, I don't write for readership, as I have mentioned. I simply have lost all patience with the feelings of people as they try to rob, murder, and denigrate. And I simply won't be quiet about it one second longer. Don't like it, doesn't matter, as I suggested. You are voting for the fix, especially if you think you aren't. I now understand why God doesn't worry to much. Rabbit... circle... *thump* If need be. He knows where everything, and everyone is, knows our path, and can wait, or not, at His will. He just suggests, those of us who believe in truth, that we not be quiet, even at great cost. So... *sing*
Hmm, yeah... I'm going to... browse, or view, or read, or... something. Later.
Now that I have gotten my feet wet...
.
.
Now that I have seen what Win 8 is about, and installed Stardock's Start 8 and have operated within that to a degree, I decided to dig just a bit deeper. Digging beforehand, without applicable experience, was simply producing information overload. Ten thousand questions without a basis in which to answer the questions or begin exploring solutions is less than useless. Now I have ten thousands questions moderately answered, which... opened up a hundred thousand questions, but with a grounding from which to begin solving. And so, since I am still awake, I began answering those.
I met a gentleman this evening. And in discussing various matters, he suggested another program, free, I think it was called Win Shell, or... such. I haven't looked that up. Yet. At least now, if I remember the name, I can dig into it. However, I think it would have to be very good, and much better than Start 8, for me to choose it. Still, worth a look. Then again, Start 8 is only ~$5. And if my friend doesn't want to buy it... or maybe I'll just buy it while he isn't looking. While free is free, $5 isn't even a meal or a magazine, not even .22 anymore. Bleh.
There is an advanced set of tools with Start 8, but that runs ~$50. I finally looked those over. Now, for me, I might pull that trigger. There are some advanced options I know enough about to appreciate. I like optimizing and some other things. My friend would have no real use. He is not like an ogre, multi-layered... like an onion. Although, the device that allows a sense of movement in the screen art might... Well, not for $50, probably. Unless I could get Brenda Lee jiggling up there or something. Yeah, he was a bad boy too, at one time. I think. Just thought I'd toss that out there. And, reminding, I still haven't looked over win-shell, or whatever. I'll look for that after writing this.
The more I have looked at Start 8, the more I am impressed. I see where I was going wrong, if I am not quite sure how to transition back from Win 8's nasty start screen to a windowed environment. However, Start 8 offers modifications that don't allow a jump to Win 8's screen to start with. Shutting off charms, even disabling the function of the windows key.
One of my huge problems with Win 8, and it's start page, is that multitasking is a pain in the butt. Trying to check mail, while installing drivers, and doing a search on something else, all at once, is more than annoying. Actually, it's not really possible from what I could tell. Oh, it happens, but getting from one screen to the other is madness. Even with a touch screen it would be annoying. What, did MS buy into touch-screen futures? I think they will lose their shirts, and the pc market shares. I would, if my friend were a bit younger and more computer savvy to start, try to dig into Linux or BSD-Open/Free/etc., just for him. As is, if I do that, it will be just for me. I think my friend may be stuck with MS at this point in his life. However, he doesn't have to just take the modernist crap, with a little help.
If I do decide to get a new machine, though, and can't get it with Win 7, I don't feel quite as against it now. I still worry, a bit, about support issues, update problems, and some other things. But, then, with or without even MS, that will always be an issue. Separating out what MS is doing poorly and what is just a grump of life is an issue I won't get into, I have more serious ones to deal with. However, I do know what I like, and I do know what I don't like. That part is simple and I don't like Win 8, stock. I'll leave that for the fools who finger-paint with their dinner, eat glue and lead paint, have nothing to do in a hurry and wouldn't know how, and enjoy a fine drool when thinking. Bleh. *chuckles*
I may not be genius, but given a little task, a few inputs and advice, and doing a little leg or finger work, I can get a few things sorted, still. Today is Monday, so... tomorrow... But I will be ready. And, on whatever is there, I now know how to target specific things, have some goals about installs (FireFox and possibly their email system), perhaps some screen art for the windowed version, making sure the printer is working and figure that out otherwise, and some other things. Hey, it's something to do and someone actually appreciates it, finding my small abilities useful. All good.
Hmm... Later, or good night again.
-------
Okay, a bit of a quick review leaves me where I started, at least for my friend. Start 8 will be kept and used. However, for my own purposes, I might go with Classic Shell. I don't mind a little bit of digging into tech, whereas I want things as simple as possible for my friend. Here is a post which describes the differences. The other thing, too, is that I won't have my friends computer for hours, or days, in order to set up. So... the ease of Start 8 makes my task of setting the thing up fast much more predictably functional. Any problems and I should be able to reconfig without an issue.
.
Now that I have seen what Win 8 is about, and installed Stardock's Start 8 and have operated within that to a degree, I decided to dig just a bit deeper. Digging beforehand, without applicable experience, was simply producing information overload. Ten thousand questions without a basis in which to answer the questions or begin exploring solutions is less than useless. Now I have ten thousands questions moderately answered, which... opened up a hundred thousand questions, but with a grounding from which to begin solving. And so, since I am still awake, I began answering those.
I met a gentleman this evening. And in discussing various matters, he suggested another program, free, I think it was called Win Shell, or... such. I haven't looked that up. Yet. At least now, if I remember the name, I can dig into it. However, I think it would have to be very good, and much better than Start 8, for me to choose it. Still, worth a look. Then again, Start 8 is only ~$5. And if my friend doesn't want to buy it... or maybe I'll just buy it while he isn't looking. While free is free, $5 isn't even a meal or a magazine, not even .22 anymore. Bleh.
There is an advanced set of tools with Start 8, but that runs ~$50. I finally looked those over. Now, for me, I might pull that trigger. There are some advanced options I know enough about to appreciate. I like optimizing and some other things. My friend would have no real use. He is not like an ogre, multi-layered... like an onion. Although, the device that allows a sense of movement in the screen art might... Well, not for $50, probably. Unless I could get Brenda Lee jiggling up there or something. Yeah, he was a bad boy too, at one time. I think. Just thought I'd toss that out there. And, reminding, I still haven't looked over win-shell, or whatever. I'll look for that after writing this.
The more I have looked at Start 8, the more I am impressed. I see where I was going wrong, if I am not quite sure how to transition back from Win 8's nasty start screen to a windowed environment. However, Start 8 offers modifications that don't allow a jump to Win 8's screen to start with. Shutting off charms, even disabling the function of the windows key.
One of my huge problems with Win 8, and it's start page, is that multitasking is a pain in the butt. Trying to check mail, while installing drivers, and doing a search on something else, all at once, is more than annoying. Actually, it's not really possible from what I could tell. Oh, it happens, but getting from one screen to the other is madness. Even with a touch screen it would be annoying. What, did MS buy into touch-screen futures? I think they will lose their shirts, and the pc market shares. I would, if my friend were a bit younger and more computer savvy to start, try to dig into Linux or BSD-Open/Free/etc., just for him. As is, if I do that, it will be just for me. I think my friend may be stuck with MS at this point in his life. However, he doesn't have to just take the modernist crap, with a little help.
If I do decide to get a new machine, though, and can't get it with Win 7, I don't feel quite as against it now. I still worry, a bit, about support issues, update problems, and some other things. But, then, with or without even MS, that will always be an issue. Separating out what MS is doing poorly and what is just a grump of life is an issue I won't get into, I have more serious ones to deal with. However, I do know what I like, and I do know what I don't like. That part is simple and I don't like Win 8, stock. I'll leave that for the fools who finger-paint with their dinner, eat glue and lead paint, have nothing to do in a hurry and wouldn't know how, and enjoy a fine drool when thinking. Bleh. *chuckles*
I may not be genius, but given a little task, a few inputs and advice, and doing a little leg or finger work, I can get a few things sorted, still. Today is Monday, so... tomorrow... But I will be ready. And, on whatever is there, I now know how to target specific things, have some goals about installs (FireFox and possibly their email system), perhaps some screen art for the windowed version, making sure the printer is working and figure that out otherwise, and some other things. Hey, it's something to do and someone actually appreciates it, finding my small abilities useful. All good.
Hmm... Later, or good night again.
-------
Okay, a bit of a quick review leaves me where I started, at least for my friend. Start 8 will be kept and used. However, for my own purposes, I might go with Classic Shell. I don't mind a little bit of digging into tech, whereas I want things as simple as possible for my friend. Here is a post which describes the differences. The other thing, too, is that I won't have my friends computer for hours, or days, in order to set up. So... the ease of Start 8 makes my task of setting the thing up fast much more predictably functional. Any problems and I should be able to reconfig without an issue.
Yeah, for some reason I woke.
.
.
In the middle of the night. Too hot. Whatever. I'll try to get back to bed, if I can. It may just be that the weather is simply too warm for me. Coming into spring and all.
.
In the middle of the night. Too hot. Whatever. I'll try to get back to bed, if I can. It may just be that the weather is simply too warm for me. Coming into spring and all.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Zapped, but...
.
.
I'm going to try and push it a few more hours. If I can make it to 20:00, anyway, I can go to bed somewhat satisfied. Turning night into day would probably have even taxed Moses and Samson! I won't be getting trash out tonight, but I will probably be waking early enough to get it out when I wake. Just don't have anything in the bag to pull out and burn. Still, I'm happy with the trick I pulled, just not all of the consequences. Merely, on balance, with foreknowledge, I made a choice and was able to pull it off... so far. Who says anyone is going to like anything about even a success? Not moi, or even Moi, probably. I like that gal.
Anyway. Perhaps a bit of gaming? Research? I dunno. I can't think all that well. Oh, but bedtime medicine. I've been keeping up on it, but I wouldn't say it is easier. I am just remembering to remember since I don't want to slip too often or for too long. Bleh.
Good night.
.
I'm going to try and push it a few more hours. If I can make it to 20:00, anyway, I can go to bed somewhat satisfied. Turning night into day would probably have even taxed Moses and Samson! I won't be getting trash out tonight, but I will probably be waking early enough to get it out when I wake. Just don't have anything in the bag to pull out and burn. Still, I'm happy with the trick I pulled, just not all of the consequences. Merely, on balance, with foreknowledge, I made a choice and was able to pull it off... so far. Who says anyone is going to like anything about even a success? Not moi, or even Moi, probably. I like that gal.
Anyway. Perhaps a bit of gaming? Research? I dunno. I can't think all that well. Oh, but bedtime medicine. I've been keeping up on it, but I wouldn't say it is easier. I am just remembering to remember since I don't want to slip too often or for too long. Bleh.
Good night.
Nap indeed.
.
.
I am not sure this one did much good, and I rode the alarm, almost hitting snooze. No getting out of bed before the alarm was possible. Then again, I just literally flipped my schedule 180 degrees, and in the shade. The sun just isn't playing nice. A good thing, sort of. It is already in the high 40s and low 50s for highs. The sun would make it hot, or too hot for my immediate tastes as I am coming out of hibernation. My friend suggested that we have a week or more of sun coming up. Bleh. But that might get me moving.
How does a barely alive creature even have the capacity to complain about things he shouldn't really be able to sense? I still think the Navy realized it was the heart, and how bad it was, but didn't think I'd live very long so just didn't care. One less meat pile to serve. When the V.A. got me, since I hadn't been properly diagnosed, they simply kept me on as an experiment. They make more, in study grants, for specific cases possibly, than what I cost them a year. Business. That is one possibility. I am not sure which of the possibilities is worse though. But they all dive to the bottom as fast as quota-folk.
I may cook a solid meal tonight. Most of my dishes are done, so... The cave is still messy, but that is just the way it goes. And it will probably stay that way until conditions improve, change, or more both, probably. It's just haggard, it isn't... terrible. Mostly. Later.
.
I am not sure this one did much good, and I rode the alarm, almost hitting snooze. No getting out of bed before the alarm was possible. Then again, I just literally flipped my schedule 180 degrees, and in the shade. The sun just isn't playing nice. A good thing, sort of. It is already in the high 40s and low 50s for highs. The sun would make it hot, or too hot for my immediate tastes as I am coming out of hibernation. My friend suggested that we have a week or more of sun coming up. Bleh. But that might get me moving.
How does a barely alive creature even have the capacity to complain about things he shouldn't really be able to sense? I still think the Navy realized it was the heart, and how bad it was, but didn't think I'd live very long so just didn't care. One less meat pile to serve. When the V.A. got me, since I hadn't been properly diagnosed, they simply kept me on as an experiment. They make more, in study grants, for specific cases possibly, than what I cost them a year. Business. That is one possibility. I am not sure which of the possibilities is worse though. But they all dive to the bottom as fast as quota-folk.
I may cook a solid meal tonight. Most of my dishes are done, so... The cave is still messy, but that is just the way it goes. And it will probably stay that way until conditions improve, change, or more both, probably. It's just haggard, it isn't... terrible. Mostly. Later.
Sleep was great.
.
.
I suppose. I laid down, stretched out, and was preparing for my night struggle to find sleep. I rolled over, rolled back, heard the girls banging on the door, and checked the time. Brain was a little loose in it's socket so exactitude was not to be had. Somewhere a little before or after... 5:00? Yep. I had to think about whether I should get up. A quick system check said everything was in order. I was rested, comfy, and actually done with the bed. So... out of bed I went.
I set the alarm on the stove, after morning duties, for an hour and an half. I'll feed the girls then. And take my medicine. I ground fresh beans and put a pot of coffee on to cook. Hmm, that should be done. Might take my medicines right now, since I am thinking about it. Blog check in, then I'll check my mail, next I will... I don't know! News?
Yesterday started out with a bloody nose, when I was taking my morning shower, and ended in a bloody nose. A few drops on one of my new colored t's, that last time. I put detergent on it, and soaked it in cold water over night. Yeah, I might get to some laundry this morning. Hmm... maybe some other things. I've been pretty lame lately. I'd like to try to get back up on the horse, and maybe dig deeper than last time. I do think it was the dark rainy spell that sort of sent me into a tailspin. It'll do that. Good weather, as my friend suggested, for a murder. Speaking of which, as I was driving, right in the middle of traffic, as it slowed, I had a raven come right down in traffic, beside me in a sometimes busy turn lane, walk right over to my vehicle and look up to me, and kaw a few times. I have a history with these creatures, so it shook me just a bit. I mentioned it to my friend. I've told him of this before.
You just don't understand what it means to dance with death, and to have... some... things of this world which relate to that. Death is a cold, flat, icky place, at least for the bits as you are sliding into it, fading from here to there. You will learn, but probably only once in your life. You will be thankful for that. All that came back, for a moment, with the member of the murder calling my name in it's tongue. Never to worry, seems to have just been... a call to humility, or a reminder of the bitter sweet, or some such, not an omen.
I could tell you of other things that happened yesterday, but... Some of my little and big joys, and funny things that happen, are just mine. Oh... Doom is known, and heard. I will say that much. But too, a lion is known from and by hyenas. Some people are having to suck on the sour of wisdom. You can have gold, but you have to go looking, dig, then pick, all the while making sure to tend the structure, while praying for blessings and mercy. Any other way is... the road to the only promise I have ever been able to keep. But the children do believe, they just want so hard to hate it, but can't quite seem to carry the courage of their convictions in a face to face. Yum! Do not think it is idle, what is suggested.
.
I suppose. I laid down, stretched out, and was preparing for my night struggle to find sleep. I rolled over, rolled back, heard the girls banging on the door, and checked the time. Brain was a little loose in it's socket so exactitude was not to be had. Somewhere a little before or after... 5:00? Yep. I had to think about whether I should get up. A quick system check said everything was in order. I was rested, comfy, and actually done with the bed. So... out of bed I went.
I set the alarm on the stove, after morning duties, for an hour and an half. I'll feed the girls then. And take my medicine. I ground fresh beans and put a pot of coffee on to cook. Hmm, that should be done. Might take my medicines right now, since I am thinking about it. Blog check in, then I'll check my mail, next I will... I don't know! News?
Yesterday started out with a bloody nose, when I was taking my morning shower, and ended in a bloody nose. A few drops on one of my new colored t's, that last time. I put detergent on it, and soaked it in cold water over night. Yeah, I might get to some laundry this morning. Hmm... maybe some other things. I've been pretty lame lately. I'd like to try to get back up on the horse, and maybe dig deeper than last time. I do think it was the dark rainy spell that sort of sent me into a tailspin. It'll do that. Good weather, as my friend suggested, for a murder. Speaking of which, as I was driving, right in the middle of traffic, as it slowed, I had a raven come right down in traffic, beside me in a sometimes busy turn lane, walk right over to my vehicle and look up to me, and kaw a few times. I have a history with these creatures, so it shook me just a bit. I mentioned it to my friend. I've told him of this before.
You just don't understand what it means to dance with death, and to have... some... things of this world which relate to that. Death is a cold, flat, icky place, at least for the bits as you are sliding into it, fading from here to there. You will learn, but probably only once in your life. You will be thankful for that. All that came back, for a moment, with the member of the murder calling my name in it's tongue. Never to worry, seems to have just been... a call to humility, or a reminder of the bitter sweet, or some such, not an omen.
I could tell you of other things that happened yesterday, but... Some of my little and big joys, and funny things that happen, are just mine. Oh... Doom is known, and heard. I will say that much. But too, a lion is known from and by hyenas. Some people are having to suck on the sour of wisdom. You can have gold, but you have to go looking, dig, then pick, all the while making sure to tend the structure, while praying for blessings and mercy. Any other way is... the road to the only promise I have ever been able to keep. But the children do believe, they just want so hard to hate it, but can't quite seem to carry the courage of their convictions in a face to face. Yum! Do not think it is idle, what is suggested.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)