.
.
While tinkering with various things, I noticed that the rear sight flat spring plate seemed to have a bit of rust. Because of the way it was sitting under the front sight, I could not tell if it was severely rusted or just had a touch. I noticed this some time ago, but... well... it wasn't the top of the list, just a little nag in the back of my mind. I happened to be reviewing various sight options, specifically peep sites, when I found a video about removing the front sight! Of course, that would be optimal for checking the rust, and dealing with it. Blah.
After reviewing the video, I was able to easily pop the sight off and look at the spring. Thankfully, the rust was very minor and very much just on the very top of the top layer of the surface metal. I simply cleaned it with the dremel. Easily removing the tiny spot, then removing paint further around to make sure it was as isolated as it seemed. Bare metal isn't optimal, but it beats letting rust set in. Further, I will be painting soon enough, with a rust preventing primer and then layers of rust resisting paint. That should fix that quite well.
As far as the game goes, I had really thought I would just stop. If I couldn't get a specific trophy to pop, I wasn't going to mess too much further. As it turns out, the trophy popped. Which means I can, possibly, go on to get the platinum trophy. The thing is, there is a set of challenges that have to be completed for the platinum. They are a beast. I have decided to run the game on the hardest difficulty, attempting to use methods required, or advised, for the challenges. It's a pain, but it also opens some other things in the game. New outfits or such, and perhaps a few other things.
I haven't been tinkering with the HP-48g lately. Only so much can be done. The next step with it is to figure out how to use the graphing capabilities, just simple graphs to begin with, and figure out how to find specific parts of the graphs, like intercepts and such. I truly hate HP for making such a lousy manual. It seems no one has chosen to write a decent manual for it. I have looked at others, but most that I have found seem to have been written by goobers like the original authors. They all seem to have some stick stuck somewhere it shouldn't, and choose not to deign to speak to people who don't use only higher level math parlance. And while I am good at math, or have been, I'm not an idocrat mathnerd. Grh!
Tomorrow? Hmm... Probably to town. I need to buy a couple of cards, get a gift certificate, and check on my friend. Oh, and buy heat resistant spray paint. Always something else, innit? But... I sort of like that. Good night.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Haiku Monday - Corner (late, but upon request)
.
.
I didn't play last week, and probably not this week. Just... not quite up to it. Still, a glad request gets a glad response. :)
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I didn't play last week, and probably not this week. Just... not quite up to it. Still, a glad request gets a glad response. :)
it seems like a turn
at 90 degrees, no-go?
with the right help - easy
I can see it. Just
over there. My time arrives.
Believe it or else, life.
Oh, these aren't finger pointing, boys and girls. These are just my stories, one past, one possibly future. I thought about the topic. I just couldn't figure out how to... get it all down. Yeah, that might make one question the last. Just... trust me. Life is returning. While speaking with a gentleman who knows me, he mentioned something I had forgotten. In spite of even my mid-range troubles... he can't remember the last time I haven't been awake when he called. The phone was dead one day, but other than that... When he first knew me, he never knew when I would be awake, or in what kind of shape I might be found.
I may be heading for a corner, in my health. Of course, even with bright eyes and bushy tail about it? I'm still just a wee... doubtful. Death? *grins* I don't think so, but that WOULD be a turn in my health. *laughs* Oh, just teasing. I really do think things are preparing to improve. Time will tell.
Those tools I purchased for no apparent use are quite handy.
.
.
From mother to sister to girlfriends, I have always been question about my interest in buying tools. In my mind, I always saw the uses, applications, even if I wasn't buying them for a specific task at hand. And, when I had a specific job, and need a tool, I will often pick up a few other tools. Simply getting the foregrip on the rifle, another non-necessary item if you ask most women albeit, was not possible without a dremel. No, it doesn't look perfect. While I did make it functional, mistakes went along with the task. I am guessing, that is how it is with most work. Fabrication, mechanics, plumbing, welding... these are arts. Aesthetics are second, for real work applications, if they do have their place. For beginners, such as me, that place is rather far down the line.
Oh, I didn't ding up the job terribly. There are limits. And I did clean up my mistakes fairly well. But in the process, the work is very messy. You sort of have to ignore that, to a degree, and hope cleanup shakes out anything too rough. There are guys who have learned a steady hand, absolute proper tools, and perhaps additional gear by which to perfect the art. Of course, that may well go downhill with age, too. We just aren't meant to attain perfection... yet. I sure our second earth will have a place for guns, at least until we get bored with 40 mile target practice, figuring out the perfect caliber for this or that, and tiring of it all, save for shoots on Saturday or something.
After fitting the foregrip, still snug as I wanted it, and assembling the forepart of the rifle, I see that there is not looseness between the grip top and bottom. With the gas tube in place and tightened, and some other things as they should be, the grip is perfect. I did remove the side picatiny rails. No use for them, in my book, as I see things... at this time. However I am saving those, along with the other extra, old, and parts under consideration. Who knows, maybe a flashlight on the side might be nice. I just don't think so. Too much prep and tactical is, essentially, junk. Rechargeable batteries? Lasers? My idea of extra might be a night sight. To two hundred yards, the iron sights are just fine.
I have one other manual piece of work to do with the rifle. AK iron sights are fine, for what they are, simple additions to an inexpensive, cheap really, rifle. The sight picture on the rear sights is barely a slat, just enough to barely be able to put the forward blade in the slat, but not really great at evening the blade in the slat. A piece of advice I heard, and approved, was that opening up the window would greatly improve the capacity of the sight system. To that ends, I plan to do a bit of filing... using one of those extra tool sets I happened to purchase while getting a circular saw, or the blades for it, I do believe.
Then? Painting. I did forget something else I wanted though. I would like to get black, heat tolerant, spray paint. Basically what you would use for a grill or such. I want to paint the barrel with that. I'm going to do some research to decide if primer should go on before even that or not. Probably primer first, but this is a new type of project for me. As well, I plan on painting the inside of the foregrip with that stuff, and the gas tube. Then put it all together and finish with a camo job. Further, I do believe I have figured out how to keep a tan/khaki outline. It'll be a little trickier to work the tape, as what I need to do is paint a base tan, cut a general outline in the tape, cut out a lesser outline keeping the trim I want... Hmm... well. Not quite. I'll continue pondering. Gah!
Why such minor details, why this paint and that, why, why, why!?! Because... if I have to, or want to, do a job, I want to do it right, from the start, through the process, and to the end. While it might be a cheap way of throwing lead, it is an item I both enjoy and appreciate. It is mine. And it will be done correctly, or at least as correctly as I can. It started with the purchase, went on to the first degreasing and cleaning, then on to sanding the surfaces and oiling and soon to be greasing, and now to finish the thing off just right. Some things I can't do well, housekeeping. I love the notion, but it doesn't make sense to me on many levels. But a rifle? That makes sense. My guess is there are other areas that make sense. Mostly in the mechanical field, though perhaps there is room for other things, such as minor electrical. So... I do what I do and I do it as right as I know how. Learning, always, in any case. Yum!
.
From mother to sister to girlfriends, I have always been question about my interest in buying tools. In my mind, I always saw the uses, applications, even if I wasn't buying them for a specific task at hand. And, when I had a specific job, and need a tool, I will often pick up a few other tools. Simply getting the foregrip on the rifle, another non-necessary item if you ask most women albeit, was not possible without a dremel. No, it doesn't look perfect. While I did make it functional, mistakes went along with the task. I am guessing, that is how it is with most work. Fabrication, mechanics, plumbing, welding... these are arts. Aesthetics are second, for real work applications, if they do have their place. For beginners, such as me, that place is rather far down the line.
Oh, I didn't ding up the job terribly. There are limits. And I did clean up my mistakes fairly well. But in the process, the work is very messy. You sort of have to ignore that, to a degree, and hope cleanup shakes out anything too rough. There are guys who have learned a steady hand, absolute proper tools, and perhaps additional gear by which to perfect the art. Of course, that may well go downhill with age, too. We just aren't meant to attain perfection... yet. I sure our second earth will have a place for guns, at least until we get bored with 40 mile target practice, figuring out the perfect caliber for this or that, and tiring of it all, save for shoots on Saturday or something.
After fitting the foregrip, still snug as I wanted it, and assembling the forepart of the rifle, I see that there is not looseness between the grip top and bottom. With the gas tube in place and tightened, and some other things as they should be, the grip is perfect. I did remove the side picatiny rails. No use for them, in my book, as I see things... at this time. However I am saving those, along with the other extra, old, and parts under consideration. Who knows, maybe a flashlight on the side might be nice. I just don't think so. Too much prep and tactical is, essentially, junk. Rechargeable batteries? Lasers? My idea of extra might be a night sight. To two hundred yards, the iron sights are just fine.
I have one other manual piece of work to do with the rifle. AK iron sights are fine, for what they are, simple additions to an inexpensive, cheap really, rifle. The sight picture on the rear sights is barely a slat, just enough to barely be able to put the forward blade in the slat, but not really great at evening the blade in the slat. A piece of advice I heard, and approved, was that opening up the window would greatly improve the capacity of the sight system. To that ends, I plan to do a bit of filing... using one of those extra tool sets I happened to purchase while getting a circular saw, or the blades for it, I do believe.
Then? Painting. I did forget something else I wanted though. I would like to get black, heat tolerant, spray paint. Basically what you would use for a grill or such. I want to paint the barrel with that. I'm going to do some research to decide if primer should go on before even that or not. Probably primer first, but this is a new type of project for me. As well, I plan on painting the inside of the foregrip with that stuff, and the gas tube. Then put it all together and finish with a camo job. Further, I do believe I have figured out how to keep a tan/khaki outline. It'll be a little trickier to work the tape, as what I need to do is paint a base tan, cut a general outline in the tape, cut out a lesser outline keeping the trim I want... Hmm... well. Not quite. I'll continue pondering. Gah!
Why such minor details, why this paint and that, why, why, why!?! Because... if I have to, or want to, do a job, I want to do it right, from the start, through the process, and to the end. While it might be a cheap way of throwing lead, it is an item I both enjoy and appreciate. It is mine. And it will be done correctly, or at least as correctly as I can. It started with the purchase, went on to the first degreasing and cleaning, then on to sanding the surfaces and oiling and soon to be greasing, and now to finish the thing off just right. Some things I can't do well, housekeeping. I love the notion, but it doesn't make sense to me on many levels. But a rifle? That makes sense. My guess is there are other areas that make sense. Mostly in the mechanical field, though perhaps there is room for other things, such as minor electrical. So... I do what I do and I do it as right as I know how. Learning, always, in any case. Yum!
Welding.
.
.
I have been thinking about putting together more of a shop. I still don't have my area in the garage worked, but then I'm still not quite on my feet, and I have a few things coming up and in the works as is. I do have real limits. Still, welding has been on my mind for quite some time. Beyond being a neat toy, there is some serious function to it. I will need to redo the electrical in my garage, and push 240 to it. Might as well add in a number of other solid, higher amp, outlets while I am at it, for other tools. So, yeah, a whole pack of projects just to get to the point where welding could even take place. Still, Desert Cat is just figuring out his electrical works in order to begin opening his welding shop.
.
I have been thinking about putting together more of a shop. I still don't have my area in the garage worked, but then I'm still not quite on my feet, and I have a few things coming up and in the works as is. I do have real limits. Still, welding has been on my mind for quite some time. Beyond being a neat toy, there is some serious function to it. I will need to redo the electrical in my garage, and push 240 to it. Might as well add in a number of other solid, higher amp, outlets while I am at it, for other tools. So, yeah, a whole pack of projects just to get to the point where welding could even take place. Still, Desert Cat is just figuring out his electrical works in order to begin opening his welding shop.
What a dream.
.
.
In the dream, the government and citizens were at war. Beyond battle gear, which had pretty much been standardized, environment suits were required. Not that the whole nation had been contaminated, nor was what was contaminated long term, but the use of chemicals and bios was in play. Returning home from a scouting mission, one of the women came out to great us. Some of the guys were talking trash, but I can't remember what it was about. The woman became offended about some of the language. As one of the elders on the council for running affairs, she believed she had a duty.
She let it be known that these men would not be allowed their environment suits, an area she was managing... the repair and replacement was one of her areas. I called a meeting, held on a cliff. In the meeting, where all who could make it were present, as well as the council, I let it be known that no longer was thought policing in effect. I told the woman that she was threatening the lives of the soldiers who made her, and everyone else's lives possible, and that this would no longer, ever again, be tolerated. I called her up to the bench, grabbed her, and whirled her off the cliff. I then suggested that if any others had any complaints, sort them out personally. But any threat against men for speaking, officially or unofficially, would never be tolerated. That is what we are fighting against.
Things will reset back to the way they were. It is the way it will go. Those who have forced this government monstrosity to were it is will also have to be taught. It's just the way of it. Nag? Fine. Though police? Not tolerable. Men will speak their minds, even if they are wrong, again. Other men will handle that. If a man proves unworthy of civil living, he will be dealt with, but by his actions not words will he be judged. Women, in politics, is the problem. This too will be dealt with. Even if my side loses, the other side merely completely invalidates the vote, or North Korea's dictator would not have gotten 100% of the vote. Either women lose their emancipation, or we all do. Simple choices.
.
In the dream, the government and citizens were at war. Beyond battle gear, which had pretty much been standardized, environment suits were required. Not that the whole nation had been contaminated, nor was what was contaminated long term, but the use of chemicals and bios was in play. Returning home from a scouting mission, one of the women came out to great us. Some of the guys were talking trash, but I can't remember what it was about. The woman became offended about some of the language. As one of the elders on the council for running affairs, she believed she had a duty.
She let it be known that these men would not be allowed their environment suits, an area she was managing... the repair and replacement was one of her areas. I called a meeting, held on a cliff. In the meeting, where all who could make it were present, as well as the council, I let it be known that no longer was thought policing in effect. I told the woman that she was threatening the lives of the soldiers who made her, and everyone else's lives possible, and that this would no longer, ever again, be tolerated. I called her up to the bench, grabbed her, and whirled her off the cliff. I then suggested that if any others had any complaints, sort them out personally. But any threat against men for speaking, officially or unofficially, would never be tolerated. That is what we are fighting against.
Things will reset back to the way they were. It is the way it will go. Those who have forced this government monstrosity to were it is will also have to be taught. It's just the way of it. Nag? Fine. Though police? Not tolerable. Men will speak their minds, even if they are wrong, again. Other men will handle that. If a man proves unworthy of civil living, he will be dealt with, but by his actions not words will he be judged. Women, in politics, is the problem. This too will be dealt with. Even if my side loses, the other side merely completely invalidates the vote, or North Korea's dictator would not have gotten 100% of the vote. Either women lose their emancipation, or we all do. Simple choices.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Out and about.
.
.
I did get out today. I made it to the event. I've been locked away in the cave for so long, I almost forgot there are people out there. It was a smaller crowd, and the focus was on the events. Still, I am pleased to have made it, and that I was in the condition to get ready and go. All prep, as with dinner last night, was pretty spur of the moment on my part. Since first becoming ill, that is usually the way of it. No major fuss, mind you. My guess is, that may have been the way of it my whole life. I am lousy at time management.
After the event, I made it to the store. There is one thing I forgot, that might make painting the gun a bit easier. Wax paper. Put the tape on that, then cut the tape on it. It makes it far easier to work with the tape. I am still thinking about how to get the khaki trim. I've been looking at videos, and how they do some of the various camo patterns. None are really as complicated. Often there are only a few uses of tape, over the base layer. I have seen some really neat patterns. And I have seen less complex tiger stripe designs. I simply having seen anything quite as involved as the design I want seem to be. It was too windy to mess with trying to paint today. I could have emptied the garage, and tried in there, but... Beyond the wind, I am a bit tired. I almost want to go to bed now. Nope... Not until 20:00 to 22:00. I have kept on days and would like to keep that going.
I have a new problem, in the game. It's not something on my side, however. It's not a skill or knowledge issue. A trophy, something given in the game for doing specific things, is not dropping. So... I've tried several methods others have used, to no good effect so far. There are two other options. Each requires a complete playthrough though. I'm not sure, if this first method doesn't work, if I have the patients for another, other, again, playthrough. I haven't been working on the HP, though my next project for that is to figure out how to use it's graphing capabilities. Yesterday I was busy with the game. Tomorrow, perhaps, I will begin looking for the goods on that. Why? Why not. Further, it will help me get back into math. I would like to get that all heavy again. I'm almost thinking, in spite of the tough last six months, that a corner may be on the horizon. We'll see.
Hmm... How about a deep fried hamburger? I may have some potatoes that were baked but not used as well. I've never tried a deep fried burger. It just sounds... interesting. Later.
.
I did get out today. I made it to the event. I've been locked away in the cave for so long, I almost forgot there are people out there. It was a smaller crowd, and the focus was on the events. Still, I am pleased to have made it, and that I was in the condition to get ready and go. All prep, as with dinner last night, was pretty spur of the moment on my part. Since first becoming ill, that is usually the way of it. No major fuss, mind you. My guess is, that may have been the way of it my whole life. I am lousy at time management.
After the event, I made it to the store. There is one thing I forgot, that might make painting the gun a bit easier. Wax paper. Put the tape on that, then cut the tape on it. It makes it far easier to work with the tape. I am still thinking about how to get the khaki trim. I've been looking at videos, and how they do some of the various camo patterns. None are really as complicated. Often there are only a few uses of tape, over the base layer. I have seen some really neat patterns. And I have seen less complex tiger stripe designs. I simply having seen anything quite as involved as the design I want seem to be. It was too windy to mess with trying to paint today. I could have emptied the garage, and tried in there, but... Beyond the wind, I am a bit tired. I almost want to go to bed now. Nope... Not until 20:00 to 22:00. I have kept on days and would like to keep that going.
I have a new problem, in the game. It's not something on my side, however. It's not a skill or knowledge issue. A trophy, something given in the game for doing specific things, is not dropping. So... I've tried several methods others have used, to no good effect so far. There are two other options. Each requires a complete playthrough though. I'm not sure, if this first method doesn't work, if I have the patients for another, other, again, playthrough. I haven't been working on the HP, though my next project for that is to figure out how to use it's graphing capabilities. Yesterday I was busy with the game. Tomorrow, perhaps, I will begin looking for the goods on that. Why? Why not. Further, it will help me get back into math. I would like to get that all heavy again. I'm almost thinking, in spite of the tough last six months, that a corner may be on the horizon. We'll see.
Hmm... How about a deep fried hamburger? I may have some potatoes that were baked but not used as well. I've never tried a deep fried burger. It just sounds... interesting. Later.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Forgot!
.
.
No worries. The people I invited to dinner know me well enough. My phone was dead, so they came over and... I had to get out of my skivvies and into something proper. Answering the door, finally. Wasn't sure what it was about. Remember, I said I forgot. No problem. After the reminder, I jumped into the shower, then dressed, and was on the road quite quickly. Uhm! A 36 inch pizza pie. It is pi day, and many non-tech types convert that to sweet pies. Savory pies are just fine. Excellent. These are truly homemade pies. The sauce is awesome. The toppings really are great. It's just good pie. And, they not only split it, they are willing to put four different topping regions on the thing. Perfect. There was enough mix for everyone. And there was enough that we each took some decent amount home.
While out, I decided to do a little shopping. I have been reviewing color schemes, and textures, for my rifle(s). Definitely the ak. I looked online for ideas, looked at Amazon for prices, and have an idea in my mind. While at Walmart, I decided to look at their prices. Half of what Amazon was charging! It doesn't always work out that way. So... I bought everything I need for probably several rifles. Primer, if the stuff I am using suggests it doesn't need it. I always prime. Always. Then I bought several colors I had been looking for, as well as some textured colors! I had seen clear texture, but not camo colored textures. I also bought the tape I want to use.
After that, and some other shopping... bought some things for a little girl. An event coming up, mind you, I headed back home. I did remember to check the post office. Most of the stuff that was supposed to be there was in, but one thing was not. Gah! I don't know why, but the USPS, about a fifth of the time, sends my packages to some weird other town. Oh, it always ends up going back to the sender, who then asks if I want it sent back and where. Something is just wrong with USPS. It's not the locals, it's probably some gov contracted routing software that works only slightly better than Zerocare. I'll... figure out the little flashlight sooner or later.
I did tinker with the foregrip. I will need to sand it so that it fits snug, and perhaps work an area in the hind part, that fits to the body proper. But it looks good. It has removal picatiny rail mounts on each side, which I will probably remove. There is one on top and one underneath. The one on top won't bother me, the one under the device has a cover. I could get covers for the side rails but I'm looking for lightening the system, and have no earthly intention of adding a light or laser. Silly. If I need something for night I'll buy a topmount device. A thought, but just gear to have, and maybe practice with a tine bit, but not depend upon. I have something going on tomorrow midday so I won't be painting, first thing. But it would be nice to get the foregrip fit and the gun painted before the weekend is through. Then to figure out a single point strap for the rifle. Then I can go shooting in style, when the weather is warm enough to kidnap my pal. I think he'll like what I've done with the rifle.
Well... A bit more gaming as I end the day. I finished the second run through, but am having problems getting a trophy to pop. I'll work on that. Good night.
.
No worries. The people I invited to dinner know me well enough. My phone was dead, so they came over and... I had to get out of my skivvies and into something proper. Answering the door, finally. Wasn't sure what it was about. Remember, I said I forgot. No problem. After the reminder, I jumped into the shower, then dressed, and was on the road quite quickly. Uhm! A 36 inch pizza pie. It is pi day, and many non-tech types convert that to sweet pies. Savory pies are just fine. Excellent. These are truly homemade pies. The sauce is awesome. The toppings really are great. It's just good pie. And, they not only split it, they are willing to put four different topping regions on the thing. Perfect. There was enough mix for everyone. And there was enough that we each took some decent amount home.
While out, I decided to do a little shopping. I have been reviewing color schemes, and textures, for my rifle(s). Definitely the ak. I looked online for ideas, looked at Amazon for prices, and have an idea in my mind. While at Walmart, I decided to look at their prices. Half of what Amazon was charging! It doesn't always work out that way. So... I bought everything I need for probably several rifles. Primer, if the stuff I am using suggests it doesn't need it. I always prime. Always. Then I bought several colors I had been looking for, as well as some textured colors! I had seen clear texture, but not camo colored textures. I also bought the tape I want to use.
After that, and some other shopping... bought some things for a little girl. An event coming up, mind you, I headed back home. I did remember to check the post office. Most of the stuff that was supposed to be there was in, but one thing was not. Gah! I don't know why, but the USPS, about a fifth of the time, sends my packages to some weird other town. Oh, it always ends up going back to the sender, who then asks if I want it sent back and where. Something is just wrong with USPS. It's not the locals, it's probably some gov contracted routing software that works only slightly better than Zerocare. I'll... figure out the little flashlight sooner or later.
I did tinker with the foregrip. I will need to sand it so that it fits snug, and perhaps work an area in the hind part, that fits to the body proper. But it looks good. It has removal picatiny rail mounts on each side, which I will probably remove. There is one on top and one underneath. The one on top won't bother me, the one under the device has a cover. I could get covers for the side rails but I'm looking for lightening the system, and have no earthly intention of adding a light or laser. Silly. If I need something for night I'll buy a topmount device. A thought, but just gear to have, and maybe practice with a tine bit, but not depend upon. I have something going on tomorrow midday so I won't be painting, first thing. But it would be nice to get the foregrip fit and the gun painted before the weekend is through. Then to figure out a single point strap for the rifle. Then I can go shooting in style, when the weather is warm enough to kidnap my pal. I think he'll like what I've done with the rifle.
Well... A bit more gaming as I end the day. I finished the second run through, but am having problems getting a trophy to pop. I'll work on that. Good night.
My two projects are finished.
.
.
After having figured out the problem with assigning 'pi' to a numerical value (and back, should I prefer to see a longer equation in a certain form, first), I got to work on the game. Beastly, it was. I did figure out how to do it, but knowing and doing, in this particular game, is not that simple. Basically you have to train your muscle movements to be fast enough, and you have to have a bit o' luck. Finally got it all together. Three days working on that area. Although, I do believe, if I decide to play the last level of difficulty, it won't be as difficult. Still, with luck playing a factor, it will never be automatic.
Now I am just finishing the game in a second play through, but with... the extras you earn from a first playthrough, in order to sort of figure some things out and stick them in memory... for an even harder run, potentially. I also would like to get into town before too long. Today. I need to do a few things, before businesses close. A couple of hours of gaming, then a shower, then on to town, I hope.
The sun is up. And it feels somewhat warmer. All help. Medicines are pretty much on track. I did miss a day, several days ago, but that is going to happen. I don't even mind that. It seems to help, so long as it is very limited. A breather, I think, is what that is called. While gaming and a calculator don't help me in real life, as things stand, they do give me something upon which to focus, challenges to be figured out, and in there time, within my capacities to function. I'll take that. The struggle sets me up for a better start when I can finally get to doing more functional care around and about. A hike will be a challenge, in these mountains. I will need some spit and push, if I do end up hitting those. These little things prepare me for that.
Yeah, well, on to getting things done. Later.
.
After having figured out the problem with assigning 'pi' to a numerical value (and back, should I prefer to see a longer equation in a certain form, first), I got to work on the game. Beastly, it was. I did figure out how to do it, but knowing and doing, in this particular game, is not that simple. Basically you have to train your muscle movements to be fast enough, and you have to have a bit o' luck. Finally got it all together. Three days working on that area. Although, I do believe, if I decide to play the last level of difficulty, it won't be as difficult. Still, with luck playing a factor, it will never be automatic.
Now I am just finishing the game in a second play through, but with... the extras you earn from a first playthrough, in order to sort of figure some things out and stick them in memory... for an even harder run, potentially. I also would like to get into town before too long. Today. I need to do a few things, before businesses close. A couple of hours of gaming, then a shower, then on to town, I hope.
The sun is up. And it feels somewhat warmer. All help. Medicines are pretty much on track. I did miss a day, several days ago, but that is going to happen. I don't even mind that. It seems to help, so long as it is very limited. A breather, I think, is what that is called. While gaming and a calculator don't help me in real life, as things stand, they do give me something upon which to focus, challenges to be figured out, and in there time, within my capacities to function. I'll take that. The struggle sets me up for a better start when I can finally get to doing more functional care around and about. A hike will be a challenge, in these mountains. I will need some spit and push, if I do end up hitting those. These little things prepare me for that.
Yeah, well, on to getting things done. Later.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Bits at a time.
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I'm working on two problems, currently. One I just solved, actually earlier in the day. I figured out how to take the symbol for pi and turn it into a functional number on my calculator. Now? Now I will begin figuring out how to do algebra, geometry, trigonometry, matrices, and calculus on the thing. It's been a while since I messed in those fields. But... as deeply as I put those in, it will just require a bit of rust removal and some dusting. The other problem? The game. An area that has been a devil to get through. The guides on YouTube are dysfunctional. After trying a number of those methods, I finally just started crafting my own method. I don't think I got one good idea out of the various guides I reviewed. Most were replays, with special attributes only available after beating the game the first time through. Useless and a lie.
A shower, in a bit, and maybe a later run to town. Hmm, or not. I think I will scrub some potatoes and bake them. After letting them cool, I will chunk them. Last time I made french fries, this time I am going to make steak fries. That will go perfect with the fish fillets I have thawed. I think I even have some malted vinegar. I'm telling you know lie, I can make some serious eats when I can be kept on track. This meal is something people pay small fortunes to eat. When it is all done just right... Oh yeah. While I am baking the potatoes I will continue trying to make it through the game.
I keep thinking about that first song in that last post. I remember, my last for sure though there were others... who I worked to get them to say they hated me. Eventually they... figured some things out and would resist my... humble efforts. She, as I was changing to what I am now but still deeply in the process, was of the other side, the side I was leaving. "For the man that I hate? I'm going to hell." Oh, and she did hate me. I feel like... I played a cameo in the vid. Yeah, and the skirt thing? Listen closely. Knew that well with her. Uhm... the things I have done, seen, and known... Yeah. Immune, now, to those ways. But I do remember them as I lived them. Quite a road. The reason I became Catholic? Only the Eucharist claims to be the holy Blood and Body. From what I could tell, from my research and understandings and faith? I believe, absolutely. It was the only way to know if... I was... human... possessed. Yeah... it was... that bad.
It's a wonderful day, but still rather cool. Just a bit cool to get out shooting. I can do it, if I can get to it, but my friend really can't. He is always low on iron, but more importantly, he is often low on actual blood. I think the last time he got a fill, which he gets every two to three months, they pump three units of blood into him. Yeah, so cool just isn't something he can tolerate well. No problems, it is getting closer to being warm, faster and faster. Ah, but soon, I need to get in to town and figure out his machine. Bleh. Late, slow, not doing as much as I would like, but alive against all bets. And... I'll be alive for a very long time, barring... mishaps. Later.
.
I'm working on two problems, currently. One I just solved, actually earlier in the day. I figured out how to take the symbol for pi and turn it into a functional number on my calculator. Now? Now I will begin figuring out how to do algebra, geometry, trigonometry, matrices, and calculus on the thing. It's been a while since I messed in those fields. But... as deeply as I put those in, it will just require a bit of rust removal and some dusting. The other problem? The game. An area that has been a devil to get through. The guides on YouTube are dysfunctional. After trying a number of those methods, I finally just started crafting my own method. I don't think I got one good idea out of the various guides I reviewed. Most were replays, with special attributes only available after beating the game the first time through. Useless and a lie.
A shower, in a bit, and maybe a later run to town. Hmm, or not. I think I will scrub some potatoes and bake them. After letting them cool, I will chunk them. Last time I made french fries, this time I am going to make steak fries. That will go perfect with the fish fillets I have thawed. I think I even have some malted vinegar. I'm telling you know lie, I can make some serious eats when I can be kept on track. This meal is something people pay small fortunes to eat. When it is all done just right... Oh yeah. While I am baking the potatoes I will continue trying to make it through the game.
I keep thinking about that first song in that last post. I remember, my last for sure though there were others... who I worked to get them to say they hated me. Eventually they... figured some things out and would resist my... humble efforts. She, as I was changing to what I am now but still deeply in the process, was of the other side, the side I was leaving. "For the man that I hate? I'm going to hell." Oh, and she did hate me. I feel like... I played a cameo in the vid. Yeah, and the skirt thing? Listen closely. Knew that well with her. Uhm... the things I have done, seen, and known... Yeah. Immune, now, to those ways. But I do remember them as I lived them. Quite a road. The reason I became Catholic? Only the Eucharist claims to be the holy Blood and Body. From what I could tell, from my research and understandings and faith? I believe, absolutely. It was the only way to know if... I was... human... possessed. Yeah... it was... that bad.
It's a wonderful day, but still rather cool. Just a bit cool to get out shooting. I can do it, if I can get to it, but my friend really can't. He is always low on iron, but more importantly, he is often low on actual blood. I think the last time he got a fill, which he gets every two to three months, they pump three units of blood into him. Yeah, so cool just isn't something he can tolerate well. No problems, it is getting closer to being warm, faster and faster. Ah, but soon, I need to get in to town and figure out his machine. Bleh. Late, slow, not doing as much as I would like, but alive against all bets. And... I'll be alive for a very long time, barring... mishaps. Later.
Nothing about life is guaranteed.
.
.
Between the vagaries of age and health, the uncertainties of mind and will, the humbling that comes with understanding that even if we are correct and do the hard things required, our consciences should be plagued. We don't own this world, even if we have the title to parts of it. We don't even own our own bodies, which will do things to survive we might not think we would approve. And, yet, here we are. Once you learn these things, and then get over them, perhaps even enjoying life in spite of it's price, and even a great deal as I do, you can move on to other notions. Most of our struggle in life, assuming the basics are covered, is dealing with ourselves. Most people never have to look themselves in the eyes, honestly, unfortunately. Many will never become an honest friend of themselves. The first step is to realize... you, and others, do wrongs, so that you can exist as you do. Then you have to sort that. Not much you can do about it, but you need to come to some... understanding with that. I'm not sure women and children count in this area. Whether the state says they are equal, super equal, and independent, that isn't true, never has been, and never will be. They are wards, of business, of government, of men. They have different rules.
In any case, I am satisfied to have faced most of what I am, what I have been, what I have done, and what others have done for me. While not always completely happy with the exact methods, the wisdom involved, the intellect brought to bear, or the outcomes, the general truth is, until very recently, I am satisfied with the general gist. Some corruptions of politics in the earlier part of the last century, however, has led inextricably to the decline and fall of this nation. I am not certain if that was inevitable or a form of social suicide.
I was looking things over in my sleep last night. Why is most of the world socialist or worse? Ah, look, my mind said and then showed me. There is no nation, save America, that has not butchered their leaders, thinkers, doers, shapers, and makers within the last two hundred years, nearly to a man. Russia, China, Europe, much of the rest of Asia, and islam is set, like a locust swarm when it hits critical mass, to send it's extras, often the brightest and strongest, out to butcher and be butchered. America is the only nation that has not enacted genocide upon it's best and brightest. Yet. The pictures in my mind, that remain from the dream exercises, are stark. The first iteration of the rule of law was to kill any many above or below some average. Too short, too tall, too bright, too aggressive, too lazy, and they were put to death. As it was so shall it be, unless men resist with their lives and our enemies deaths. We, in America, have the means... so far.
To bed, at what I first thought was midnight thirty. Then I remembered the time change. I truly despise daylight savings, and would eradicate that if I had the power. It's a headache and a half, and of very questionable use. With electricity, there is no longer a need to worry about the dark. Even then, if locals want to change something, how about changing when school starts, rather than changing the rest of the function of life? Businesses want to open an hour, or two, later? That's on them. Mandates, that is the issue. End them. Anyway, before I slept, I checked the real new time, and set the alarm clock to the correct time, then set the alarm for 9:00. I couldn't do it. When the alarm went off, I had little to offer. I simply turned the alarm off and rolled back to sleep. I woke right at 10:00, however, and simply got up. Good enough.
Hmm... what about today? I don't know, not yet. With dishes done, I thawed fish fillets and hamburger. I'll... figure something out that way. The lady who cooks my meals several times a weak makes meatballs. I had never really been a fan of those, partly due to the rarity with which I had consumed them. I must admit to be changing so that I am a fan of them. I am considering tinkering with the notion. She usually goes sweet, but with a housefull of young, that is probably much more favored. And that is fine even here. However, to change things up, I am looking more toward savory. It would add balance to a new food fascination. Spaghetti and meatballs, with sauce? I'm sure thinking on it. Other than that? I don't know.
Later.
.
Between the vagaries of age and health, the uncertainties of mind and will, the humbling that comes with understanding that even if we are correct and do the hard things required, our consciences should be plagued. We don't own this world, even if we have the title to parts of it. We don't even own our own bodies, which will do things to survive we might not think we would approve. And, yet, here we are. Once you learn these things, and then get over them, perhaps even enjoying life in spite of it's price, and even a great deal as I do, you can move on to other notions. Most of our struggle in life, assuming the basics are covered, is dealing with ourselves. Most people never have to look themselves in the eyes, honestly, unfortunately. Many will never become an honest friend of themselves. The first step is to realize... you, and others, do wrongs, so that you can exist as you do. Then you have to sort that. Not much you can do about it, but you need to come to some... understanding with that. I'm not sure women and children count in this area. Whether the state says they are equal, super equal, and independent, that isn't true, never has been, and never will be. They are wards, of business, of government, of men. They have different rules.
In any case, I am satisfied to have faced most of what I am, what I have been, what I have done, and what others have done for me. While not always completely happy with the exact methods, the wisdom involved, the intellect brought to bear, or the outcomes, the general truth is, until very recently, I am satisfied with the general gist. Some corruptions of politics in the earlier part of the last century, however, has led inextricably to the decline and fall of this nation. I am not certain if that was inevitable or a form of social suicide.
I was looking things over in my sleep last night. Why is most of the world socialist or worse? Ah, look, my mind said and then showed me. There is no nation, save America, that has not butchered their leaders, thinkers, doers, shapers, and makers within the last two hundred years, nearly to a man. Russia, China, Europe, much of the rest of Asia, and islam is set, like a locust swarm when it hits critical mass, to send it's extras, often the brightest and strongest, out to butcher and be butchered. America is the only nation that has not enacted genocide upon it's best and brightest. Yet. The pictures in my mind, that remain from the dream exercises, are stark. The first iteration of the rule of law was to kill any many above or below some average. Too short, too tall, too bright, too aggressive, too lazy, and they were put to death. As it was so shall it be, unless men resist with their lives and our enemies deaths. We, in America, have the means... so far.
To bed, at what I first thought was midnight thirty. Then I remembered the time change. I truly despise daylight savings, and would eradicate that if I had the power. It's a headache and a half, and of very questionable use. With electricity, there is no longer a need to worry about the dark. Even then, if locals want to change something, how about changing when school starts, rather than changing the rest of the function of life? Businesses want to open an hour, or two, later? That's on them. Mandates, that is the issue. End them. Anyway, before I slept, I checked the real new time, and set the alarm clock to the correct time, then set the alarm for 9:00. I couldn't do it. When the alarm went off, I had little to offer. I simply turned the alarm off and rolled back to sleep. I woke right at 10:00, however, and simply got up. Good enough.
Hmm... what about today? I don't know, not yet. With dishes done, I thawed fish fillets and hamburger. I'll... figure something out that way. The lady who cooks my meals several times a weak makes meatballs. I had never really been a fan of those, partly due to the rarity with which I had consumed them. I must admit to be changing so that I am a fan of them. I am considering tinkering with the notion. She usually goes sweet, but with a housefull of young, that is probably much more favored. And that is fine even here. However, to change things up, I am looking more toward savory. It would add balance to a new food fascination. Spaghetti and meatballs, with sauce? I'm sure thinking on it. Other than that? I don't know.
Later.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
I am younger than I thought!
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.
.
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Stolen from a fellow blogger.
h/t Sig94
Yeah, I see my problem. I didn't understand honesty as a weakness. It's a matter of putting things in the right perspective.
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.
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Stolen from a fellow blogger.
Yeah, I see my problem. I didn't understand honesty as a weakness. It's a matter of putting things in the right perspective.
More tinkering.
.
.
I did, finally, take care of the dishes. Ugh! Such an easy thing, but... life just isn't easy for me. Why? Who knows. Who even cares? Well, I do. But that is me and makes sense.
I've been goofing on the game, trying to get through a particularly difficult spot. When I run out of steam for that, I pick up the HP and begin tinkering with it. Stacks, they say. Fine. The problem with stacks, regarding the HP, is that once used they go away. The TI 89, if I recall correctly and I do, allows one to go back into the history of the stacks, to look fore errors, edit, whatever. Perhaps the newer HPs don't do that, but it looks like they do.
The good thing about the calculator, to a degree, is that older and newer ones seem to perform similarly. HP wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel with each new device, merely adding memory, or crafting minor improvements. So the videos of some of the oldest models and some of the newest models share enough of the forms and functions that I can pretty much figure things out. A good thing too, as I can find no video guides for the 48G, specifically. I keep hitting roadblocks in learning though. Right now I am trying to figure out how to get the 'pi' symbol, easily accessible on the keyboard, to actually equate to 'pi'. Right now, it is just a symbol, no different than any other algebraic symbol letter. It took a little bit of hunting and pecking in the manual to find the instructions for how to make the 'pi' symbol (as well as e and four others) equal their typical values. I did find the instructions, but they are pretty much useless. I can find some of the buttons and menus, but some of what they describe is not plainly visible, so I suspect they are in hidden menus. The instructions are pretty much useless. Back to gaming, I suppose. Though I might work on understanding the rPn just a bit more. I have been able to work out some minor equations. I haven't started on algebra, geometry, matrices, or calculus yet. I'm just doing very simple things. Then again, until I can get certain values set up so that I don't have to jump through several menus, I think I best keep it simple.
Yeah, no. I'm done with the calculator for tonight. Gaming... In the next few days, I may have to look for instructions, non HP instructions, regarding the programming language on this calculator, and maybe the TI, to see if one of those might be... conducive to my understanding of the craft. Dunno... If I can... remember. It just isn't going all that well right at the moment. The sun was nice. It just didn't help as much as I had hoped. Kept those curtains open until people might too easily see in. I like to be... invisible, mostly. Later.
.
I did, finally, take care of the dishes. Ugh! Such an easy thing, but... life just isn't easy for me. Why? Who knows. Who even cares? Well, I do. But that is me and makes sense.
I've been goofing on the game, trying to get through a particularly difficult spot. When I run out of steam for that, I pick up the HP and begin tinkering with it. Stacks, they say. Fine. The problem with stacks, regarding the HP, is that once used they go away. The TI 89, if I recall correctly and I do, allows one to go back into the history of the stacks, to look fore errors, edit, whatever. Perhaps the newer HPs don't do that, but it looks like they do.
The good thing about the calculator, to a degree, is that older and newer ones seem to perform similarly. HP wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel with each new device, merely adding memory, or crafting minor improvements. So the videos of some of the oldest models and some of the newest models share enough of the forms and functions that I can pretty much figure things out. A good thing too, as I can find no video guides for the 48G, specifically. I keep hitting roadblocks in learning though. Right now I am trying to figure out how to get the 'pi' symbol, easily accessible on the keyboard, to actually equate to 'pi'. Right now, it is just a symbol, no different than any other algebraic symbol letter. It took a little bit of hunting and pecking in the manual to find the instructions for how to make the 'pi' symbol (as well as e and four others) equal their typical values. I did find the instructions, but they are pretty much useless. I can find some of the buttons and menus, but some of what they describe is not plainly visible, so I suspect they are in hidden menus. The instructions are pretty much useless. Back to gaming, I suppose. Though I might work on understanding the rPn just a bit more. I have been able to work out some minor equations. I haven't started on algebra, geometry, matrices, or calculus yet. I'm just doing very simple things. Then again, until I can get certain values set up so that I don't have to jump through several menus, I think I best keep it simple.
Yeah, no. I'm done with the calculator for tonight. Gaming... In the next few days, I may have to look for instructions, non HP instructions, regarding the programming language on this calculator, and maybe the TI, to see if one of those might be... conducive to my understanding of the craft. Dunno... If I can... remember. It just isn't going all that well right at the moment. The sun was nice. It just didn't help as much as I had hoped. Kept those curtains open until people might too easily see in. I like to be... invisible, mostly. Later.
A little bit of something.
.
.
Digging further into the HP 48G, the calculator I bought long ago and never really had time to learn, is an experience. I have already found one of the first problems I had with the calculator. I figured it out back when, but couldn't remember how I had done it. Yes, I tinkered with it just a bit. Changing the menu system on the calculator is sort of a trick. You don't actually change menus, or back out of one. You simply hit a menu button. Of course, getting into the menu, but without a clear way out, I didn't want to just go pushing other buttons. The manuals I downloaded, from HP, aren't searchable. So... I had to hunt and peck. Even then, the menu system isn't explained. The buttons are not listed as to what they do. It is simply that I understand what some of these tech nerds are talking about and figured the rest out on my own.
And, following along in the guide, I was trapped several times. They suggested that pushing this and that button would get to this or that, then didn't describe how to get out of this or that. I actually think the thing was set up as a trap to either shoo people away who were just curious or make those who were reading with intent dig. Nerds are passive-aggressive, mind you. I did figure out several things. First, how to get out of several operation types, second, not to trust passive-aggressive nerds. They sort of lead me to follow what they were doing, then up and stopped guiding how to undo things.
In my search for answers, I did some side research on the device. Honestly? It is a full blown computer, with alpha-numerics, many forms of mathematics easily arranged, tables for constants with room to easily add others. This thing, for mathematics, along with the graphing capabilita, is truly a serious little device. Time will tell how it compares with the TI-89. My guess is that they are quite similar. The thing is, if you are used to one form of data input, the other will always be sort of out of reach. Which is another part of the reason I didn't dig into, while in engineering school. It could have ended up being more confusing than helpful, throwing off my better function. Now I can play. Oh, it is even quite programmable. As is the TI 89. They might be the right tools for me to experiment in that area. I have wanted to learn, but... classes weren't really all that good at teaching, either too fast or too slow, and I simply never had the time. I don't know if I will, but the option to tear into things on my own, at least a bit, is now available.
I opened the windows, pulled the curtains, opened the doors, and turned off the furnace. It is a bit chill. But the light is amazing. I was having a great deal of difficulty reading the buttons on the calculator. I guess, with light, my eyes aren't as bad as I had thought. :p Hmm... On to something or other else. The calculator, and manual, were as frustrating as my computer game! Bleh. Later.
.
Digging further into the HP 48G, the calculator I bought long ago and never really had time to learn, is an experience. I have already found one of the first problems I had with the calculator. I figured it out back when, but couldn't remember how I had done it. Yes, I tinkered with it just a bit. Changing the menu system on the calculator is sort of a trick. You don't actually change menus, or back out of one. You simply hit a menu button. Of course, getting into the menu, but without a clear way out, I didn't want to just go pushing other buttons. The manuals I downloaded, from HP, aren't searchable. So... I had to hunt and peck. Even then, the menu system isn't explained. The buttons are not listed as to what they do. It is simply that I understand what some of these tech nerds are talking about and figured the rest out on my own.
And, following along in the guide, I was trapped several times. They suggested that pushing this and that button would get to this or that, then didn't describe how to get out of this or that. I actually think the thing was set up as a trap to either shoo people away who were just curious or make those who were reading with intent dig. Nerds are passive-aggressive, mind you. I did figure out several things. First, how to get out of several operation types, second, not to trust passive-aggressive nerds. They sort of lead me to follow what they were doing, then up and stopped guiding how to undo things.
In my search for answers, I did some side research on the device. Honestly? It is a full blown computer, with alpha-numerics, many forms of mathematics easily arranged, tables for constants with room to easily add others. This thing, for mathematics, along with the graphing capabilita, is truly a serious little device. Time will tell how it compares with the TI-89. My guess is that they are quite similar. The thing is, if you are used to one form of data input, the other will always be sort of out of reach. Which is another part of the reason I didn't dig into, while in engineering school. It could have ended up being more confusing than helpful, throwing off my better function. Now I can play. Oh, it is even quite programmable. As is the TI 89. They might be the right tools for me to experiment in that area. I have wanted to learn, but... classes weren't really all that good at teaching, either too fast or too slow, and I simply never had the time. I don't know if I will, but the option to tear into things on my own, at least a bit, is now available.
I opened the windows, pulled the curtains, opened the doors, and turned off the furnace. It is a bit chill. But the light is amazing. I was having a great deal of difficulty reading the buttons on the calculator. I guess, with light, my eyes aren't as bad as I had thought. :p Hmm... On to something or other else. The calculator, and manual, were as frustrating as my computer game! Bleh. Later.
Not the best idea.
.
.
I started playing my game on hard mode. It's the next to the hardest mode, two levels of difficulty above my first play through. On the good side, I know half of the game, the puzzles. And more, I know what sort of things I will be facing in the way of opponents. However, now each battle is essentially a mini-puzzle as well. What worked on easy doesn't, usually, come close to working in hard mode. Some of the tactics, as to bosses, is similar, or even the same. But it takes a number more repetitions, failure is much more possible in doing those moves, and death can be had in a second.
The thing is, I started playing and... well... got stuck playing. I made it through most of the game, playing until about 3:30? Still amped, however, I couldn't quite get to sleep. So I went looking for a manual for the HP 48G. It's reverse Polish logic, but also a definite scientific and graphing calculator. I have browsed YouTube, but was surprised to find no help there. HP did have the manual and a quick start guide for download, which I did. I am pretty sure I have the guide in a box somewhere. I used to have it with the calculator but... things happen? They must or the manual would be there. Still, the manual is typed in very small letters. What I downloaded I can fill the screen with. Much less messy to try to read, even before my eyes began to get old. Blah! Oh, and I put batteries in the machine and started tinkering with it. The time and date are set, I figured out how to change the various modes, and did a very short introduction, so far, just adding data.
Right now, in the game, I have hit a spot that... well... is burning me out. Though, with what I went through yesterday, and this morning already, a break might be good. I didn't set the alarm, but woke at 10:30 or so. When I first woke, I looked at my watch, and somehow I thought it suggested it was 15:00 and change. That was depressing, so... I rolled back into the covers and, eventually, woke and realized it was still, actually, morning. It's almost 14:00. But I think I will set gaming aside for a while, tinker with the HP, maybe try to arrange a few other more practical tasks... But who knows. I don't have a lot going on lately.
The sun is out. But it still seems really cool. I think opening the curtains might help... somehow. As I am feeling, it may take a couple of days of shine to get back on some sort of track. Crap. But I'll just keep at it. Later.
.
I started playing my game on hard mode. It's the next to the hardest mode, two levels of difficulty above my first play through. On the good side, I know half of the game, the puzzles. And more, I know what sort of things I will be facing in the way of opponents. However, now each battle is essentially a mini-puzzle as well. What worked on easy doesn't, usually, come close to working in hard mode. Some of the tactics, as to bosses, is similar, or even the same. But it takes a number more repetitions, failure is much more possible in doing those moves, and death can be had in a second.
The thing is, I started playing and... well... got stuck playing. I made it through most of the game, playing until about 3:30? Still amped, however, I couldn't quite get to sleep. So I went looking for a manual for the HP 48G. It's reverse Polish logic, but also a definite scientific and graphing calculator. I have browsed YouTube, but was surprised to find no help there. HP did have the manual and a quick start guide for download, which I did. I am pretty sure I have the guide in a box somewhere. I used to have it with the calculator but... things happen? They must or the manual would be there. Still, the manual is typed in very small letters. What I downloaded I can fill the screen with. Much less messy to try to read, even before my eyes began to get old. Blah! Oh, and I put batteries in the machine and started tinkering with it. The time and date are set, I figured out how to change the various modes, and did a very short introduction, so far, just adding data.
Right now, in the game, I have hit a spot that... well... is burning me out. Though, with what I went through yesterday, and this morning already, a break might be good. I didn't set the alarm, but woke at 10:30 or so. When I first woke, I looked at my watch, and somehow I thought it suggested it was 15:00 and change. That was depressing, so... I rolled back into the covers and, eventually, woke and realized it was still, actually, morning. It's almost 14:00. But I think I will set gaming aside for a while, tinker with the HP, maybe try to arrange a few other more practical tasks... But who knows. I don't have a lot going on lately.
The sun is out. But it still seems really cool. I think opening the curtains might help... somehow. As I am feeling, it may take a couple of days of shine to get back on some sort of track. Crap. But I'll just keep at it. Later.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Beer and some gaming.
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.
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.
.
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.
Alrighty?
.
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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!
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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