.
.
No, I didn't get to a thing, again, today. Sat. It's the way it has to be sometimes. It's not like getting busy helps me sleep though either. It often kicks the ball further down the field than resting does. I never did make that call, either. I guess I'll know when I wake, or if I hear the phone, if a call comes in. We'll see.
My first set of books arrived today. One is "Wilderness Navigation" by Bob and Mike Burns. I do need to pick up a number of 7.5 series maps, and maybe a few 15 series, with probably an even larger general map. Still, I can begin reading this, tinkering with various of my compasses, and just making a few notes to self. The other book will also cover orienteering, and I may review that section as well when I begin tinkering out of doors. The second book is "Mountaneering: The Freedom of the Hills", the 8th edition. The name says it all. It has very solid reviews and many purchases. That last should be a serious resource for summer or winter exploration, travel, camping, and perhaps more serious hikes should I get that far. Nothing is as good as an experienced guide, and teacher, on the mountain. But, barring that, and as a beginning, this will do. It covers climbing, of course, and the various forms of it from roping to frozen waterfalls to simply climbing to a peak however is needed. It also covers so much more. It has a section on knots in which I found a knot I knew, roughly, but couldn't remember well enough to replicate. Nor could I find it in extensive searches, other knot books I have, and I simply could not remember the name. They call it a 'rewoven figure eight', but we called it something else. It's a tidy way to put a figure eight into a system that doesn't allow other forms of tying such. Yeah, I... just had to see if they had that.
I'll be reading and playing with these books as I can. Since I can't sleep, actually, and now that I remember, I may hit one or both yet tonight. Okay, so I have poked my head into both books already. While I lay some claim to having done some things with these topics in the past, that is in my alternate reality memory. I... don't know what, if anything, I really know. But I will say... I suspect my skills are beyond the basics, as to orienteering, from what I read. Now, there are holes in my knowledge, things forgotten from hands long unfamiliar with the tools and techniques. So I will go slow, flesh things out. But, honestly, I think there is much still there. Just under a bit of rust.
On a side note, one of the good things about learning orienteering is that it will help with some of the concepts of long range shooting. There is, from what I have seen so far, a LOT of crossover, if you are into the more technical aspects of both. Some of it is more peripheral, such as using an altimeter and inclinometer, but for varying reasons, along with some crossover reasons. Some of it is exactly the same. Ranging, location, triangulation, and some other things. Yum! And they do involve math, if the lower forms of it. But, finally, some functional math! Yeah, I'm... geekish. Sue me.
One of the things many books and guides don't discuss is that, when out there, it is really easy to begin believing you are going the wrong way, or have gone too far. Your mind can, and does, play tricks on you. Especially as you near exhaustion, as you get hungry, when you get cold wet or both, and as other factors play against your psychic nerve. I have what it takes to set that aside, and rather than panic, if anything, sit down, take a load off, catch a bite, maybe a nap and some water or something warm, then do a check. But, if pressed, that isn't always possible. So... learn to trust your equipment over your mind. Just make sure you have good equipment. Some people can't be trained to deal with that, and will always panic. Take the average cityfolk, even townfolk, out into the bush. It can get ugly. So, yes, I do have that. That I know, it's been tested and relatively recently. One might even say often. It's not perfect, but nothing is. But it ain't too bad. Even wounded, going in and out of shock, I do fairly well.
On another topic, the vanities I am thinking about are more along these lines, here and here. These aren't, really, all that close to my vision. Simply they are closer than what else I have seen. Either skeletonized open, or a small, wall hung, off the floor drawer or cabinet set. Though probably a bit larger than these, as well. Still... it's the idea, give or take. Now, I would be making them, somehow, as I honestly don't like the "quality" of storebought. If it is good, and I mean just good, quality, starts at $1k. But that often isn't worth what they are charging for the usual stuff. I understand, if you have money but no time, you are stuck. I have the time, tools, and some of the talents and want to learn more. If I could just figure out how to make some of the other things on the list. And... I may be thinking about that, and looking around. Medicine cabinets, for example, might be eminently producible. Fixtures... not so much.
Oh, well, I suppose I should go read. Later or good night.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Tough, rough, call it what you will.
.
.
Yesterday was hard. I really was down for that count. Sore, stiff, and rough, even as I wake this morning. But the stiffness is more of a setting up than a breaking down, or so I tell myself. Pain in enough areas, and if small enough not to be a terror, solidifies the body. And my body is hardening. I don't know how long I can take pushing. I will continue to push, however, until I can't, as I am able anyway. Not today though. I'll be lucky to pull off a few minor stupid human pet tricks, but that is what I am aiming for. Just a few things today, to try to prove life concept. :p
I told my friend tomorrow, or the next day, I would try to be back into town. He was thinking shopping is what he would prefer to do. Well, whatever. For me it will be another day out. Hopefully an easier one. The only thing I am really planning, otherwise, is a hike to the dam later this week sometime. I'm simply not up to doing a whole lot more, though you never know.
Cool days, but sunny. I actually really am enjoying spring this year. I think this is the second spring I have enjoyed in my adult life. A few years ago I enjoyed spring, if even then I wasn't as active. This is even better. I can see the strong potential for pushing my spring right on through into the summer. But I do know, at some point, I am going to hit a stoppage.
I don't know if you remember the first time you rode a bike? When you finally learned how to stay on it, but before you learned how to stop and dismount well? Yeah, well, I'm sort of at that point in life. I get a little uneasy about it. It could be just a worry, as my health seems to have improved. But history suggests otherwise. At some point, in any case, I will have to dismount and rest. How well that goes, most likely, will suggest other things. I think, though, in my current condition, I can handle a fall well. We'll see. Oh, I don't mean a physical fall. That I can handle without issue. You would think, at my age, infirmity, and decades of inactivity, that I would be physically fragile. And I am, just as fragile as your average five year old bear.
Well, on to waking then maybe a few chores. I think I can, I think I can, I...
.
Yesterday was hard. I really was down for that count. Sore, stiff, and rough, even as I wake this morning. But the stiffness is more of a setting up than a breaking down, or so I tell myself. Pain in enough areas, and if small enough not to be a terror, solidifies the body. And my body is hardening. I don't know how long I can take pushing. I will continue to push, however, until I can't, as I am able anyway. Not today though. I'll be lucky to pull off a few minor stupid human pet tricks, but that is what I am aiming for. Just a few things today, to try to prove life concept. :p
I told my friend tomorrow, or the next day, I would try to be back into town. He was thinking shopping is what he would prefer to do. Well, whatever. For me it will be another day out. Hopefully an easier one. The only thing I am really planning, otherwise, is a hike to the dam later this week sometime. I'm simply not up to doing a whole lot more, though you never know.
Cool days, but sunny. I actually really am enjoying spring this year. I think this is the second spring I have enjoyed in my adult life. A few years ago I enjoyed spring, if even then I wasn't as active. This is even better. I can see the strong potential for pushing my spring right on through into the summer. But I do know, at some point, I am going to hit a stoppage.
I don't know if you remember the first time you rode a bike? When you finally learned how to stay on it, but before you learned how to stop and dismount well? Yeah, well, I'm sort of at that point in life. I get a little uneasy about it. It could be just a worry, as my health seems to have improved. But history suggests otherwise. At some point, in any case, I will have to dismount and rest. How well that goes, most likely, will suggest other things. I think, though, in my current condition, I can handle a fall well. We'll see. Oh, I don't mean a physical fall. That I can handle without issue. You would think, at my age, infirmity, and decades of inactivity, that I would be physically fragile. And I am, just as fragile as your average five year old bear.
Well, on to waking then maybe a few chores. I think I can, I think I can, I...
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Ideas...
.
.
Being pretty much down for the count today, sitting is what is happening. Nothing else is actually possible. Believe you me, if I could get to a few things I would. Still, no reason to pout. Though I would argue that reason isn't always required. Still, the mood for a good pout is not in session, so I set my sights on other endeavors. When my feet will not walk, and there is nothing immediate that I could set my mind to solving, I seek problems that might be tenable in theory. The bathroom, this time. No, not it's use, it's development.
I am far from sorting it out. But looking here, reading this, watching that, and the notion is coming together. The truth is, with any project I have ever undertaken, until all that is needed is purchased, and not even then absolutely, the notion is simply not chiseled in stone. Sometimes, of course, I have lived with the simple consequences of a bad choice, or a choice I ended up not liking, or such. Between time, money, and energy, what you have is what you get. Which is why I am looking over as much as I can.
I had thought, perhaps, a sort of skeletonized vanity might be the way to go. And that still is of interest. In looking at other bathrooms, something else that caught my eye was elevated cabinets, really. Attached to the wall with the plumbing hidden. Not simply for the style, but as a way to architecturally open up the space. The style is... interesting. And it would go with the more modern seeming styles that are otherwise striking my fancy. It may, to a degree, depend on the sink I am considering. The sink that strikes my fancy, at this point, is this style. I don't know if this is the one, but something along it's lines. Fixtures, of the right material and placement, might also tend to help open up the space literally and psychologically. To that end, the style I am liking is along these lines. And I really do like the idea, anyway, of this faucet. I don't know about that kind of money, and I don't know how well it really works, how long it would last, or how it looks in real life, but the idea is there. Oh, and medicine cabinets have crossed my mind, with two sort of stand out as at least ideals, this one and this one. Both have large mirrored surfaces, one has to be inset, the rectangular one 'can be' inset, and they offer plenty of storage space. As to floor tiles? Two are really sticking out, this one and this one. I think the seemingly darker one, from other pictures is much brighter than it appears. Though a real viewing, of anything I consider, would have to take place along these sorts of lines. Perhaps one for the floor, the other for the vanity top? I could see the darker one as a counter materials, contrasting with the floor and, maybe, elongating the feel of the distance between the two, or at least minimizing the size of the vanity in contrast?
I remind you, I am just playing with ideas. Think concept cars. Then again, if money works out, and I like what I am seeing... perhaps. Notions, exploration, no limits, just... sorting ideas here. I think the bathroom is painted a medium to light beige. I think. It's been a while since I've really been in there, and the color is so nondescript that... I simply don't remember. If I do anything with paint, it would be to lighten it just slightly. Which, in real world terms, means I won't do a dang thing to it unless I absolutely have to, for some reason. The only thing I would like to do is to add more lighting and mirrors. A nice big mirror, inset medicine cabinet probably, above the vanity/station, and maybe a mirror behind the toilet. To add and enhance natural and electrical light and to open up the area.
Well... a man can plot. I am also trying to figure out how to create a... toilet drip pan type thing. It seems no matter how big, tall, round, or such, a toilet is, it's still just plain too small for my... gear, and how I am configured. If I find something that works, I will probably retrofit my other toilet as well. It's hell being a giant in the land of men. Seriously. I even have to duck, or time my step just right, going into the bathrooms, or I hit my head on the door frames. *le sigh* At least leaking out of the toilet doesn't hurt my... never mind.
Something interesting. About the time I moved to Pale Moon the Russians disappeared. They no longer visit. I don't know if they were using loopholes to work through FF, or if Russia has shut down access to certain *cough* sites. If the latter, they are preparing for war. I just didn't notice it until several days passed in my switch. What is odd is that the last two or three months, the Russians had been visiting in huge numbers. Usually a fifth to a third of my visitors, they had been coming in equal or higher than my American visitors. Hmm, using PM has cut all visits by a factor of three. Probably some hacking thing, I am thinking. But... I simply don't know.
Actually, that makes me think that I don't want to pull my file over from FF. I'm simply not sure if it is tainted, or what part of it was corrupted. Bookmarks, and the rest, they can keep. I'll just start fresh. Actually, I may do that every once in a while. There are several versions of browsers along the lines of FF and PM, and of course the monster info grabber and big brother collaborator browsers. And, probably, if I would get to linux or BSD-Free, there are more secure browsers yet. Bleh. Oh, but don't worry. Many of my readers do not show any signs of being here. Trust me. I know this absolutely and without any doubt. I have, for my own purposes, absolute proof enough to cover the notion to my full needs and wants. Coincidence, while I don't believe mostly, is possible and would leave room for doubt. Dozens of them in the same field? Not so much.
Later.
.
Being pretty much down for the count today, sitting is what is happening. Nothing else is actually possible. Believe you me, if I could get to a few things I would. Still, no reason to pout. Though I would argue that reason isn't always required. Still, the mood for a good pout is not in session, so I set my sights on other endeavors. When my feet will not walk, and there is nothing immediate that I could set my mind to solving, I seek problems that might be tenable in theory. The bathroom, this time. No, not it's use, it's development.
I am far from sorting it out. But looking here, reading this, watching that, and the notion is coming together. The truth is, with any project I have ever undertaken, until all that is needed is purchased, and not even then absolutely, the notion is simply not chiseled in stone. Sometimes, of course, I have lived with the simple consequences of a bad choice, or a choice I ended up not liking, or such. Between time, money, and energy, what you have is what you get. Which is why I am looking over as much as I can.
I had thought, perhaps, a sort of skeletonized vanity might be the way to go. And that still is of interest. In looking at other bathrooms, something else that caught my eye was elevated cabinets, really. Attached to the wall with the plumbing hidden. Not simply for the style, but as a way to architecturally open up the space. The style is... interesting. And it would go with the more modern seeming styles that are otherwise striking my fancy. It may, to a degree, depend on the sink I am considering. The sink that strikes my fancy, at this point, is this style. I don't know if this is the one, but something along it's lines. Fixtures, of the right material and placement, might also tend to help open up the space literally and psychologically. To that end, the style I am liking is along these lines. And I really do like the idea, anyway, of this faucet. I don't know about that kind of money, and I don't know how well it really works, how long it would last, or how it looks in real life, but the idea is there. Oh, and medicine cabinets have crossed my mind, with two sort of stand out as at least ideals, this one and this one. Both have large mirrored surfaces, one has to be inset, the rectangular one 'can be' inset, and they offer plenty of storage space. As to floor tiles? Two are really sticking out, this one and this one. I think the seemingly darker one, from other pictures is much brighter than it appears. Though a real viewing, of anything I consider, would have to take place along these sorts of lines. Perhaps one for the floor, the other for the vanity top? I could see the darker one as a counter materials, contrasting with the floor and, maybe, elongating the feel of the distance between the two, or at least minimizing the size of the vanity in contrast?
I remind you, I am just playing with ideas. Think concept cars. Then again, if money works out, and I like what I am seeing... perhaps. Notions, exploration, no limits, just... sorting ideas here. I think the bathroom is painted a medium to light beige. I think. It's been a while since I've really been in there, and the color is so nondescript that... I simply don't remember. If I do anything with paint, it would be to lighten it just slightly. Which, in real world terms, means I won't do a dang thing to it unless I absolutely have to, for some reason. The only thing I would like to do is to add more lighting and mirrors. A nice big mirror, inset medicine cabinet probably, above the vanity/station, and maybe a mirror behind the toilet. To add and enhance natural and electrical light and to open up the area.
Well... a man can plot. I am also trying to figure out how to create a... toilet drip pan type thing. It seems no matter how big, tall, round, or such, a toilet is, it's still just plain too small for my... gear, and how I am configured. If I find something that works, I will probably retrofit my other toilet as well. It's hell being a giant in the land of men. Seriously. I even have to duck, or time my step just right, going into the bathrooms, or I hit my head on the door frames. *le sigh* At least leaking out of the toilet doesn't hurt my... never mind.
Something interesting. About the time I moved to Pale Moon the Russians disappeared. They no longer visit. I don't know if they were using loopholes to work through FF, or if Russia has shut down access to certain *cough* sites. If the latter, they are preparing for war. I just didn't notice it until several days passed in my switch. What is odd is that the last two or three months, the Russians had been visiting in huge numbers. Usually a fifth to a third of my visitors, they had been coming in equal or higher than my American visitors. Hmm, using PM has cut all visits by a factor of three. Probably some hacking thing, I am thinking. But... I simply don't know.
Actually, that makes me think that I don't want to pull my file over from FF. I'm simply not sure if it is tainted, or what part of it was corrupted. Bookmarks, and the rest, they can keep. I'll just start fresh. Actually, I may do that every once in a while. There are several versions of browsers along the lines of FF and PM, and of course the monster info grabber and big brother collaborator browsers. And, probably, if I would get to linux or BSD-Free, there are more secure browsers yet. Bleh. Oh, but don't worry. Many of my readers do not show any signs of being here. Trust me. I know this absolutely and without any doubt. I have, for my own purposes, absolute proof enough to cover the notion to my full needs and wants. Coincidence, while I don't believe mostly, is possible and would leave room for doubt. Dozens of them in the same field? Not so much.
Later.
Questions in the ether.
.
.
What, she asked, is a woman who is not enemy, potential love or lover, since there is no room for friendship. A reasonable question, of course. I almost missed the notion, drifting and burning life as if I had it. But, there it was, in the rear-view mirror as I was pulling away for another go at life today. I did have to stop, think. I knew there was an answer. I have plowed this ground before. But the question so surprised me, in part due to my focus on other issues, that I couldn't lay my hands to previous work, briefs on the topic, or the single answer, at least not straightaway.
Yes, there is a place for those women. Some have not been satisfied with it, of course. To some women, women with intent, it is akin to being, themselves, relegated to a type of "friends" category. Not happily have all women gone to this categorization. Ah, what is the category? It is a word. A very potent, true, and variable in nature term.
Sister.
She would be a sister. In all ways, for my part, in her accord. And, once a woman becomes a sister? She will never progress with me. Which... is a good thing. Brick wall I might be, but there is comfort in that. Trust me.
.
What, she asked, is a woman who is not enemy, potential love or lover, since there is no room for friendship. A reasonable question, of course. I almost missed the notion, drifting and burning life as if I had it. But, there it was, in the rear-view mirror as I was pulling away for another go at life today. I did have to stop, think. I knew there was an answer. I have plowed this ground before. But the question so surprised me, in part due to my focus on other issues, that I couldn't lay my hands to previous work, briefs on the topic, or the single answer, at least not straightaway.
Yes, there is a place for those women. Some have not been satisfied with it, of course. To some women, women with intent, it is akin to being, themselves, relegated to a type of "friends" category. Not happily have all women gone to this categorization. Ah, what is the category? It is a word. A very potent, true, and variable in nature term.
Sister.
She would be a sister. In all ways, for my part, in her accord. And, once a woman becomes a sister? She will never progress with me. Which... is a good thing. Brick wall I might be, but there is comfort in that. Trust me.
Sore, boys and girls.
.
.
A bit on the tired side as well. I don't know what time I finally could sleep, but it was mid-morning, between 7:00 and 9:00, if I should be forced to guess, which I am. I simply could not sleep. Beyond thought, reason, pain, and exhaustion, I drifted into another place. A special part of my accidental transcendentalism, where I might see dreams while awake. Trying to explain that to you is akin to explaining the death of a puppy to a child. Only, I am not sure who is the child, dead, or even the puppy. All and none. Never mind. I've done what I can with the notion, here, now.
My legs are a bit stiff, upper body just a touch, some muscles have the fever. I didn't sleep well, nor have I waken well. Pushing, right to the limit, then as far over as my legs and time will allow. Even my ribs, a little bit, carry the burden of my efforts. All good. A few days down and back to it. A few more outings and I should be ready to serve. Browning is happening as if paint is being applied a few molecules deep, each time I enter the sun zone. It's almost difficult to believe I had lost almost all pigmentation. Usually I don't, even over winter, but this winter was something... special. I was out of the house so rarely, and needed, or thought I needed, to keep those shades so very tightly closed. A tomb, yes. A few more days and I may even be mistaken for the living!
While I do need rest, if I can, I am hoping to try to do a bit more than on the last few days of rest. No promises. And I won't endanger future outings. But just a bit of this and that, to move around a bit more, to fulfill the list, to be moving forward on some things. Life. I can't always do that. I simply can't. I am more exhausted than last time, but... I almost sense that in spite of that, I also have more potential. Waking has to hurt. Sometimes that hurt is a motivator, sometimes a stoppage. I never can be sure.
Again with the kitchen. The goal is to finish off the dishes and finally create a working space for honing the razor, and perhaps getting to that. As well, laundry. Getting out tends to make that pile up faster. But, at that, oh and tending trash and maybe recycling for pickup tomorrow, and I should be in good order. That will be enough, if I can get to it. Just... an hour, or two, more... just sitting here, though, I do believe.
Later.
.
A bit on the tired side as well. I don't know what time I finally could sleep, but it was mid-morning, between 7:00 and 9:00, if I should be forced to guess, which I am. I simply could not sleep. Beyond thought, reason, pain, and exhaustion, I drifted into another place. A special part of my accidental transcendentalism, where I might see dreams while awake. Trying to explain that to you is akin to explaining the death of a puppy to a child. Only, I am not sure who is the child, dead, or even the puppy. All and none. Never mind. I've done what I can with the notion, here, now.
My legs are a bit stiff, upper body just a touch, some muscles have the fever. I didn't sleep well, nor have I waken well. Pushing, right to the limit, then as far over as my legs and time will allow. Even my ribs, a little bit, carry the burden of my efforts. All good. A few days down and back to it. A few more outings and I should be ready to serve. Browning is happening as if paint is being applied a few molecules deep, each time I enter the sun zone. It's almost difficult to believe I had lost almost all pigmentation. Usually I don't, even over winter, but this winter was something... special. I was out of the house so rarely, and needed, or thought I needed, to keep those shades so very tightly closed. A tomb, yes. A few more days and I may even be mistaken for the living!
While I do need rest, if I can, I am hoping to try to do a bit more than on the last few days of rest. No promises. And I won't endanger future outings. But just a bit of this and that, to move around a bit more, to fulfill the list, to be moving forward on some things. Life. I can't always do that. I simply can't. I am more exhausted than last time, but... I almost sense that in spite of that, I also have more potential. Waking has to hurt. Sometimes that hurt is a motivator, sometimes a stoppage. I never can be sure.
Again with the kitchen. The goal is to finish off the dishes and finally create a working space for honing the razor, and perhaps getting to that. As well, laundry. Getting out tends to make that pile up faster. But, at that, oh and tending trash and maybe recycling for pickup tomorrow, and I should be in good order. That will be enough, if I can get to it. Just... an hour, or two, more... just sitting here, though, I do believe.
Later.
Easter.
.
.
Rising from the dead is a thing I consider often. One did it in the finest fashion, of His own accord, and died for a reason in the first place. Like a little brother who just hasn't caught how to do the trick, I keep doing my little thing. So, please, don't roll a rock in front of my door. Oh, I'll get through it, just not without a lot of effort. I am actually not sure if it is the resurrection I can't do well, the healing that comes with it, or the dying that has me confused. All in good time. A bit jealous, perhaps. Still, I know He will eventually teach me the rest of the trick. Probably just in the wrist, like roping?
I really do have more reason to consider, even believe, in Christ's resurrection. It isn't unbelievable to me. Some parts, ascending to heaven, healing from death, these things I have to take on faith, but they are much easier if you can believe that even a mere man can walk out of the grave without divine... or direct divine intervention. And He simple did what He did, with full intent albeit. Christ did not call me from the grave, and God did not send me back to earth that one time. With that covered, the rest isn't much of a stretch.
Still, it's an impressive act. More, it is the third part of a three part deal that is all as impressive as the previous act, and then some. Beside delivering hope for the resurrection to perfection, or the potential should we choose that, it is the hope of perfection itself. There is so much thought that can be focused here, in so many places. Ideas, notions, emotions, much as the men whose nets were dry until Christ told them to cast their nets on the other side. He tells me, of mind and soul, to cast over here. And I too am richly rewarded. While I must war with those who refuse to believe, often, I spend as much... nay more time... praying for them. Such an empty and doomed life without miracles, hope, and the possibility of perfection. I understand why they shoot for a utopia on earth. I also realize why they will always fail, and the costs.
A call to my mother. Perhaps I will call my brother as well. I don't like disturbing his little life, invading his domain. He is lonely, but an insane (according to the world) pseudo-profit of doom, is not a fit companion. He is a simple, humble, man. He has a nice little family. A rabbit? Maybe. He has enough weight to carry. It isn't me, but my message, that is heavy. And, further, it really isn't for him. Or even you. As noted, it is just a thing, in the background, for me, as far as I can tell.
Never worry too much about it, in any case. When a man can work himself to exhaustion, and then not sleep past reason, for eight, twelve, even fifteen hours, and in the past a day or three or week, his mind will bend a little to a lot. As with last night and what I wrote. So far beyond just mere exhaustion, but sleep was out of the question, so the deserts of the mind were travailed. Things were seen, touched, explored, found, and some of it lost in the mists as my time ran down.
Never mind. I hope you enjoy this Easter of mind and spirit, with family friends or on your own. I hope you enjoy the world we are in and can yet contemplate the world to come. It is, none of it, truly bad. It is what we make of it, as is, and how we go forward with our givens and little crosses, that will make the difference. We have had a Sibling show us that the monsters under the bed, while real, can't hurt us in the final truth. It can be a long hard road, but it's not impossible, with faith, and a loving God.
Good day.
.
Rising from the dead is a thing I consider often. One did it in the finest fashion, of His own accord, and died for a reason in the first place. Like a little brother who just hasn't caught how to do the trick, I keep doing my little thing. So, please, don't roll a rock in front of my door. Oh, I'll get through it, just not without a lot of effort. I am actually not sure if it is the resurrection I can't do well, the healing that comes with it, or the dying that has me confused. All in good time. A bit jealous, perhaps. Still, I know He will eventually teach me the rest of the trick. Probably just in the wrist, like roping?
I really do have more reason to consider, even believe, in Christ's resurrection. It isn't unbelievable to me. Some parts, ascending to heaven, healing from death, these things I have to take on faith, but they are much easier if you can believe that even a mere man can walk out of the grave without divine... or direct divine intervention. And He simple did what He did, with full intent albeit. Christ did not call me from the grave, and God did not send me back to earth that one time. With that covered, the rest isn't much of a stretch.
Still, it's an impressive act. More, it is the third part of a three part deal that is all as impressive as the previous act, and then some. Beside delivering hope for the resurrection to perfection, or the potential should we choose that, it is the hope of perfection itself. There is so much thought that can be focused here, in so many places. Ideas, notions, emotions, much as the men whose nets were dry until Christ told them to cast their nets on the other side. He tells me, of mind and soul, to cast over here. And I too am richly rewarded. While I must war with those who refuse to believe, often, I spend as much... nay more time... praying for them. Such an empty and doomed life without miracles, hope, and the possibility of perfection. I understand why they shoot for a utopia on earth. I also realize why they will always fail, and the costs.
A call to my mother. Perhaps I will call my brother as well. I don't like disturbing his little life, invading his domain. He is lonely, but an insane (according to the world) pseudo-profit of doom, is not a fit companion. He is a simple, humble, man. He has a nice little family. A rabbit? Maybe. He has enough weight to carry. It isn't me, but my message, that is heavy. And, further, it really isn't for him. Or even you. As noted, it is just a thing, in the background, for me, as far as I can tell.
Never worry too much about it, in any case. When a man can work himself to exhaustion, and then not sleep past reason, for eight, twelve, even fifteen hours, and in the past a day or three or week, his mind will bend a little to a lot. As with last night and what I wrote. So far beyond just mere exhaustion, but sleep was out of the question, so the deserts of the mind were travailed. Things were seen, touched, explored, found, and some of it lost in the mists as my time ran down.
Never mind. I hope you enjoy this Easter of mind and spirit, with family friends or on your own. I hope you enjoy the world we are in and can yet contemplate the world to come. It is, none of it, truly bad. It is what we make of it, as is, and how we go forward with our givens and little crosses, that will make the difference. We have had a Sibling show us that the monsters under the bed, while real, can't hurt us in the final truth. It can be a long hard road, but it's not impossible, with faith, and a loving God.
Good day.
Innocent guilt.
.
.
Not being able to sleep, I went in search of stories. Music, movies, combinations of those. Nothing. Well, nothing out there. In the search, for horror that was respectable and intriguing, I saw a wasteland of lost human endeavor. But... that wasn't the tail, the horror, that came to my mind.
.
Not being able to sleep, I went in search of stories. Music, movies, combinations of those. Nothing. Well, nothing out there. In the search, for horror that was respectable and intriguing, I saw a wasteland of lost human endeavor. But... that wasn't the tail, the horror, that came to my mind.
A thoroughly enchanting week.
.
.
Oh, sure, aches and pain. Fits of exhaustion. Many of my planned projects went nowhere. But the big things and some of the little things went ahead. I am not quite to the point where I can always, with solid surety, pick what will and will not go forward. I can, to a degree, focus. The big things take a ton of effort, leaving little for the piles of small things. And, no, I can't just fit small things in there, always. It really is sort of like your cellphone having an half, perhaps a quarter, of the energy storage it is supposed to have, and recharging at a slower pace than usual. A battery you cannot change, so must simply learn to arrange your needs around. Now, the "batteries" are much stronger than they have been my entire adult life, to this point. And recharge, at least when medication is going down like clockwork, is much faster. But that is relative to me and yesterday, last week, last year, a decade, and two of those, ago.
I did miss one morning medication in the last two weeks, and I think one night. But that was it. The last time I checked diabetes, it was still at 200. I don't get that, really. Between fasting for several days at a time, not hitting much in the way of sugar, carbs, or even all that much meat, and taking 45 cc's of the goober juice, the numbers simple do not fall. I have never had a dangerously low reading without the original insulin. This stuff doesn't seem to be as potent. It is supposed to be time release. Dunno. I am not seeing much difference between fasting and and after meal checks, but I haven't been checking day on day, as suggested, so I'm not sure that is a fair evaluation. I'll try to run the tests better on the trip and when I return. I'm into too many things, right at the moment.
Oh, while I was goofing with shutting down for the night, I started looking at various flooring for my bathroom. It is quite small. I have to admit, some of the flooring that might be prohibitive for a larger floor might be affordable in my small bathroom. Then again, with as many cuts as might be needed, the rental of a wetsaw might be a requirement addition. Still, it would be nice to walk into a small but affordably luxurious bathroom for my various needs. To some extent, as I see things, with a well mini-tiled shower, it is already nearly there. A rather plain, but good hardwood, stained and lacquered, open, hand made vanity would cut costs and add greatly to the area. I'm... just sort of spinning as I continue to expand into the world.
Tomorrow will be a day of rest. I won't have much choice. Monday as well, most likely. My days and nights spin as I work and then have to figure out how to come down enough to go to bed. I may have to figure out how to do things in the evening, even in the night, in order to keep it spinning. A simple hike through town, perhaps, at night. Keeping to the well lighted main street so as to not cause concern in residential areas, of course. It has to be physical, and somewhat demanding. My pack would go along, just so I become more familiar with it. I don't think I'll need to survive in town. Of course you never know. Oh, the next time I am in town, I need to look for boot inserts. For use now, perhaps, or at least as a thing to test, have on hand if I take it a bit far and need a bit of relief, and to keep on hand for a b.o.b. situation, where I am not prepared in my cycle but simply have to get going, and on foot.
I do feel my body tightening up. It will take much more than what I am doing to cause any real affect. But... start at the start, I suppose. This is what I have, that is what I can do, I seem to be able so I am just doing it, time will simply have to fill out the rest. Though, really, I doubt if I can actually work hard enough, or long enough, to actually change my body form, at this point. I simply am not healthy enough to maintain what it would take. Then again, as I said, I am not doing this for the sake of health. Curiosity, specific interests, a few goals as to capacity. Health? I have sort of given up on that. Nothing I do, or don't do, seems to fix that problem. Medicines seem to be helping, a bit. But I'm not sure I trust the docs. I don't think they are on my side. When living in the margins, I don't have the luxury of trust. I trust what works and discard the rest, and much attitude.
Marble tile floors? It's actually potentially not as expensive as it might seem. Though I need to make sure it is "waterproof", whatever I end up using... >.5% absorption, anyway. I'm not sure, but I think going with lighter floors and perhaps slightly darker walls would be the effect I am after. To enlarge the space, visually, if only of course an illusion. To brighten the space, a bit, through reflection? I'll be looking other small bathroom projects over as I ponder this thing.
Bedtime, if I can, I suppose. Nah... a bit more music. Just, I know I won't sleep. Not yet. Good night.
.
Oh, sure, aches and pain. Fits of exhaustion. Many of my planned projects went nowhere. But the big things and some of the little things went ahead. I am not quite to the point where I can always, with solid surety, pick what will and will not go forward. I can, to a degree, focus. The big things take a ton of effort, leaving little for the piles of small things. And, no, I can't just fit small things in there, always. It really is sort of like your cellphone having an half, perhaps a quarter, of the energy storage it is supposed to have, and recharging at a slower pace than usual. A battery you cannot change, so must simply learn to arrange your needs around. Now, the "batteries" are much stronger than they have been my entire adult life, to this point. And recharge, at least when medication is going down like clockwork, is much faster. But that is relative to me and yesterday, last week, last year, a decade, and two of those, ago.
I did miss one morning medication in the last two weeks, and I think one night. But that was it. The last time I checked diabetes, it was still at 200. I don't get that, really. Between fasting for several days at a time, not hitting much in the way of sugar, carbs, or even all that much meat, and taking 45 cc's of the goober juice, the numbers simple do not fall. I have never had a dangerously low reading without the original insulin. This stuff doesn't seem to be as potent. It is supposed to be time release. Dunno. I am not seeing much difference between fasting and and after meal checks, but I haven't been checking day on day, as suggested, so I'm not sure that is a fair evaluation. I'll try to run the tests better on the trip and when I return. I'm into too many things, right at the moment.
Oh, while I was goofing with shutting down for the night, I started looking at various flooring for my bathroom. It is quite small. I have to admit, some of the flooring that might be prohibitive for a larger floor might be affordable in my small bathroom. Then again, with as many cuts as might be needed, the rental of a wetsaw might be a requirement addition. Still, it would be nice to walk into a small but affordably luxurious bathroom for my various needs. To some extent, as I see things, with a well mini-tiled shower, it is already nearly there. A rather plain, but good hardwood, stained and lacquered, open, hand made vanity would cut costs and add greatly to the area. I'm... just sort of spinning as I continue to expand into the world.
Tomorrow will be a day of rest. I won't have much choice. Monday as well, most likely. My days and nights spin as I work and then have to figure out how to come down enough to go to bed. I may have to figure out how to do things in the evening, even in the night, in order to keep it spinning. A simple hike through town, perhaps, at night. Keeping to the well lighted main street so as to not cause concern in residential areas, of course. It has to be physical, and somewhat demanding. My pack would go along, just so I become more familiar with it. I don't think I'll need to survive in town. Of course you never know. Oh, the next time I am in town, I need to look for boot inserts. For use now, perhaps, or at least as a thing to test, have on hand if I take it a bit far and need a bit of relief, and to keep on hand for a b.o.b. situation, where I am not prepared in my cycle but simply have to get going, and on foot.
I do feel my body tightening up. It will take much more than what I am doing to cause any real affect. But... start at the start, I suppose. This is what I have, that is what I can do, I seem to be able so I am just doing it, time will simply have to fill out the rest. Though, really, I doubt if I can actually work hard enough, or long enough, to actually change my body form, at this point. I simply am not healthy enough to maintain what it would take. Then again, as I said, I am not doing this for the sake of health. Curiosity, specific interests, a few goals as to capacity. Health? I have sort of given up on that. Nothing I do, or don't do, seems to fix that problem. Medicines seem to be helping, a bit. But I'm not sure I trust the docs. I don't think they are on my side. When living in the margins, I don't have the luxury of trust. I trust what works and discard the rest, and much attitude.
Marble tile floors? It's actually potentially not as expensive as it might seem. Though I need to make sure it is "waterproof", whatever I end up using... >.5% absorption, anyway. I'm not sure, but I think going with lighter floors and perhaps slightly darker walls would be the effect I am after. To enlarge the space, visually, if only of course an illusion. To brighten the space, a bit, through reflection? I'll be looking other small bathroom projects over as I ponder this thing.
Bedtime, if I can, I suppose. Nah... a bit more music. Just, I know I won't sleep. Not yet. Good night.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
That went very well.
.
.
A bit of shopping first. No problems with memory. Every time I go shooting I aim to bring more ammunition home than what I shoot, at least until I get my reserves in that caliber up to snuff, and add a bit of .45 ammunition once in a while as well. The goal, for sidearms is 2k rounds. Battle rifles, to my mind, require about 6k rounds. And a long range rifle, where the goal is accuracy more than volume of lead, 4k-6k, as starts. That would be enough to last a year or two of middling use, until trade, a return to some technology might kick, alternative technologies could be put into play, or some combination of those things might come together. I bought less 9 mm than what I had intended, but I found 5 one hundred round boxes of .22 shorts. They aren't my favorite, for function, but will work well enough. They are fun to shoot though. Since I was allowed to do so, I bought all five. I meant to grab my .22 rifle on the way but... had second thoughts, wavering on whether to shoot any of it or not. I have decided, but it will be next time we go out.
I also picked up a pocket knife I have been needing. I gave one away and didn't think I would miss it as I have. As well, I looked over the ferro rods. I've been looking at them, online, for a while. I have magnesium bars, or at least one, and other waterproof tinder. But I had no ferro rods. Waterproof matches, a good lighter, and some other things. But... fire is just one of those things having backups to backups, as well as eventually learning how to carry coals, is vital. Fire, put simply, is life. It was our first magic, and remains so today if it is mostly hidden away behind walls, deep in the belly of our homes, automated and regulated, tamed to the point where we generally don't think about it. One of these days that may not be quite the way of it. Besides, there is something about fire that is so primal. I think, when we first learned to corral it, and tame it passively, we saw something of ourselves in it. This one isn't even a thing just for me. Women... loves exploring it's secrets too, or many of the women I have known.
I looked over what they had. And I am glad to have seen the objects in person. I could tell, right away, there were only two that would do. Same size, but one was three or four times the price. The reason, from a relatively close inspection, seems to be the handle. But having done a touch of research, I have heard that almost all of the handles fall off with use. So, I wasn't impressed with a fancy handle, or a fancy price. I bought a couple of them. Perhaps, with the lint and paraffin tinder, I will light the grill with these, with backups just a few steps away, of course. I haven't tried the magnesium bars, either. But I don't worry about that. I know it works.
After that, I took my friend to the local tool shed so as to buy a few items. He always has a project, or dozen, that requires a this or that. And, I or he knows where this or that may be found. It sort of reminds me of when a pal, in gradeschool, and myself, would go to the five and dime and figure out what we needed to make our Tonka Truck "construction" sites complete, or fill out our little green armies, or even how to decimate them. War is hell, even for little green men, especially under the care and supervision of five to seven year olds. *cough* And... older. Older just meant new and better means of elimination. Though, I suppose, eating them at even younger ages might have been one of the worst fates of all? What a humiliating elimination. *smirk*
Finally, on to the range. He brought a .38 super, a 9 mm, and a .380. He loves guns and calibers like some women love flowers and nick-knacks. I must admit, on this, I'm with him. For myself I will stick with 9's and .45's. But I do appreciate his form of diversity. It comes down to availability, and cost. The ammunition for a .380 and .38 super seem, finally, to be available, again. But they come at a premium. While .45's and 9's are available daily, they can still cost between $16-$25 for 50, and reloading (I suppose if you use lead, and cast yourself) is not a bargain. Though I haven't run the numbers lately. Then again, with reloading, availability has been, in the recent past at least, very on and off. Powder? Sure. But no primers. Primers? Sure, but no bullets or powder. We are being gamed. Hard. Still, I was quite pleased to find the .22s. They were a bit pricey, but this brand usually is. It was, pretty much, in line with what it used to be, given a bit of a ding regarding inflation (but inflation has been a serious thing lately, so it's reasonable). If .22's ever become available again, I am stocking up about 10k on those. Why? When rightly priced, it is the cheapest ammo to practice with, get new shooters in on the game, and functionally isn't at all a bad round. It can take a deer. It can be used handily for self defense. It is, when priced right, quite inexpensive. It is an impressive little round.
I love it though. While a little later than I hoped, and with some serious struggles with exhaustion for it, I have made it out three times this week. I think? I know I have, in any case, had three days of extra effort. Yes, four days actually. Monday I hit it hard. Then a shoot. Then a hike. Then this shoot. I think? Can't... climb through the memory hole well, but I think so. I am somewhere between red and brown now, given my general olive, on the much lighter side, complexion. I brown up fine, given time. Sore? Sure. Tired? You bet. As I said, that is the goal.
Next week? Probably one shoot with my friend, and a couple of hikes. Or, that's the goal. One hike to the dam, plus a target shoot, and of course... back to home. Then a hike up into the mountains. Most likely I will take the same path I took last time, up Green Canyon. Anything else I can get in on the side is just gravy. After that, perhaps, maybe, one more hike before the burn. Although that would be a good week to get out and tinker with the garden. Perhaps setting up the water runs for the drip feed water system. I won't be planting until I return from the burn, if I can find plants that are good enough, hopefully heirloom, and at a price I can manage.
I think, after this coming month, I am taking some time off from spending to gather a bit for a consideration regarding Burning Man proper, or some electrical work (220v 60a x 2 to the garage, along with a number of 120v 20a and 15a outlets as well), or flooring for the bathroom. I haven't moved forward with the en suite because I want to change out the flooring, and put in at least a humble drip drain in the new flooring (though I may connect that to the drain proper if I think it's within my capacity). Lots of things to think about. Oh, with the new flooring would come a new 'water closet' and mirror arrangement. No marble, Bermuda tile, onyx, or such, but at the prices they charge, you would think that would be included. Then again, if I get my garage workstop together, perhaps I could produce my own stand and spend a little extra on a fashionable wash bowl and faucet or maybe this one with a nice square, flat-bottomed ceramic basin? No, not a modernist, but I might steal a few notions from them that... strike my fancy and fit my wallet.
Oh, right, on to... something else or other. Later. I doubt if I will sleep for a while. Too bad but oh well. Yeah, later.
.
A bit of shopping first. No problems with memory. Every time I go shooting I aim to bring more ammunition home than what I shoot, at least until I get my reserves in that caliber up to snuff, and add a bit of .45 ammunition once in a while as well. The goal, for sidearms is 2k rounds. Battle rifles, to my mind, require about 6k rounds. And a long range rifle, where the goal is accuracy more than volume of lead, 4k-6k, as starts. That would be enough to last a year or two of middling use, until trade, a return to some technology might kick, alternative technologies could be put into play, or some combination of those things might come together. I bought less 9 mm than what I had intended, but I found 5 one hundred round boxes of .22 shorts. They aren't my favorite, for function, but will work well enough. They are fun to shoot though. Since I was allowed to do so, I bought all five. I meant to grab my .22 rifle on the way but... had second thoughts, wavering on whether to shoot any of it or not. I have decided, but it will be next time we go out.
I also picked up a pocket knife I have been needing. I gave one away and didn't think I would miss it as I have. As well, I looked over the ferro rods. I've been looking at them, online, for a while. I have magnesium bars, or at least one, and other waterproof tinder. But I had no ferro rods. Waterproof matches, a good lighter, and some other things. But... fire is just one of those things having backups to backups, as well as eventually learning how to carry coals, is vital. Fire, put simply, is life. It was our first magic, and remains so today if it is mostly hidden away behind walls, deep in the belly of our homes, automated and regulated, tamed to the point where we generally don't think about it. One of these days that may not be quite the way of it. Besides, there is something about fire that is so primal. I think, when we first learned to corral it, and tame it passively, we saw something of ourselves in it. This one isn't even a thing just for me. Women... loves exploring it's secrets too, or many of the women I have known.
I looked over what they had. And I am glad to have seen the objects in person. I could tell, right away, there were only two that would do. Same size, but one was three or four times the price. The reason, from a relatively close inspection, seems to be the handle. But having done a touch of research, I have heard that almost all of the handles fall off with use. So, I wasn't impressed with a fancy handle, or a fancy price. I bought a couple of them. Perhaps, with the lint and paraffin tinder, I will light the grill with these, with backups just a few steps away, of course. I haven't tried the magnesium bars, either. But I don't worry about that. I know it works.
After that, I took my friend to the local tool shed so as to buy a few items. He always has a project, or dozen, that requires a this or that. And, I or he knows where this or that may be found. It sort of reminds me of when a pal, in gradeschool, and myself, would go to the five and dime and figure out what we needed to make our Tonka Truck "construction" sites complete, or fill out our little green armies, or even how to decimate them. War is hell, even for little green men, especially under the care and supervision of five to seven year olds. *cough* And... older. Older just meant new and better means of elimination. Though, I suppose, eating them at even younger ages might have been one of the worst fates of all? What a humiliating elimination. *smirk*
Finally, on to the range. He brought a .38 super, a 9 mm, and a .380. He loves guns and calibers like some women love flowers and nick-knacks. I must admit, on this, I'm with him. For myself I will stick with 9's and .45's. But I do appreciate his form of diversity. It comes down to availability, and cost. The ammunition for a .380 and .38 super seem, finally, to be available, again. But they come at a premium. While .45's and 9's are available daily, they can still cost between $16-$25 for 50, and reloading (I suppose if you use lead, and cast yourself) is not a bargain. Though I haven't run the numbers lately. Then again, with reloading, availability has been, in the recent past at least, very on and off. Powder? Sure. But no primers. Primers? Sure, but no bullets or powder. We are being gamed. Hard. Still, I was quite pleased to find the .22s. They were a bit pricey, but this brand usually is. It was, pretty much, in line with what it used to be, given a bit of a ding regarding inflation (but inflation has been a serious thing lately, so it's reasonable). If .22's ever become available again, I am stocking up about 10k on those. Why? When rightly priced, it is the cheapest ammo to practice with, get new shooters in on the game, and functionally isn't at all a bad round. It can take a deer. It can be used handily for self defense. It is, when priced right, quite inexpensive. It is an impressive little round.
I love it though. While a little later than I hoped, and with some serious struggles with exhaustion for it, I have made it out three times this week. I think? I know I have, in any case, had three days of extra effort. Yes, four days actually. Monday I hit it hard. Then a shoot. Then a hike. Then this shoot. I think? Can't... climb through the memory hole well, but I think so. I am somewhere between red and brown now, given my general olive, on the much lighter side, complexion. I brown up fine, given time. Sore? Sure. Tired? You bet. As I said, that is the goal.
Next week? Probably one shoot with my friend, and a couple of hikes. Or, that's the goal. One hike to the dam, plus a target shoot, and of course... back to home. Then a hike up into the mountains. Most likely I will take the same path I took last time, up Green Canyon. Anything else I can get in on the side is just gravy. After that, perhaps, maybe, one more hike before the burn. Although that would be a good week to get out and tinker with the garden. Perhaps setting up the water runs for the drip feed water system. I won't be planting until I return from the burn, if I can find plants that are good enough, hopefully heirloom, and at a price I can manage.
I think, after this coming month, I am taking some time off from spending to gather a bit for a consideration regarding Burning Man proper, or some electrical work (220v 60a x 2 to the garage, along with a number of 120v 20a and 15a outlets as well), or flooring for the bathroom. I haven't moved forward with the en suite because I want to change out the flooring, and put in at least a humble drip drain in the new flooring (though I may connect that to the drain proper if I think it's within my capacity). Lots of things to think about. Oh, with the new flooring would come a new 'water closet' and mirror arrangement. No marble, Bermuda tile, onyx, or such, but at the prices they charge, you would think that would be included. Then again, if I get my garage workstop together, perhaps I could produce my own stand and spend a little extra on a fashionable wash bowl and faucet or maybe this one with a nice square, flat-bottomed ceramic basin? No, not a modernist, but I might steal a few notions from them that... strike my fancy and fit my wallet.
Oh, right, on to... something else or other. Later. I doubt if I will sleep for a while. Too bad but oh well. Yeah, later.
Well... There is that.
.
.
I didn't get down until 8:00, or almost 9:00? Something. My friend, sometimes, is a bit hesitant to bug me. Thankfully, today, he rang three times. I got the last call and assured him I would be in. And I will be, pretty shortly. A good day, it looks, for shooting. He asked about tomorrow. But I know tomorrow will be no easier. So I suggested we just hit it today. A quick shower, shortly, then on to town. I let him know I needed to pick up some ammunition, in case I forget by the time I get there. Coffee would be good but I just don't have time. By the time it is ready, I'd be showered and headed out the door. Go cup, sure, but... more fuss, more time, and I'm running late as is. Just... I guess I am bragging that I am actually getting out in spite of whatall.
Later.
.
I didn't get down until 8:00, or almost 9:00? Something. My friend, sometimes, is a bit hesitant to bug me. Thankfully, today, he rang three times. I got the last call and assured him I would be in. And I will be, pretty shortly. A good day, it looks, for shooting. He asked about tomorrow. But I know tomorrow will be no easier. So I suggested we just hit it today. A quick shower, shortly, then on to town. I let him know I needed to pick up some ammunition, in case I forget by the time I get there. Coffee would be good but I just don't have time. By the time it is ready, I'd be showered and headed out the door. Go cup, sure, but... more fuss, more time, and I'm running late as is. Just... I guess I am bragging that I am actually getting out in spite of whatall.
Later.
No sleep.
.
.
I just can't find that magical path that leads to the nether realms. Not awake, here and now, either. A stranger in a strange land. Then, to, I know this place better than I know sleep or waking. It is where most of what I write is created. The bother though. I will go shooting, tomorrow, one way or the other and mostly on time.
I have all but given up on getting the FireFox profile transferred. But I refuse to continue using FF. So, I guess, for a while, I will be using Pale Moon, and transferring what I can before removing FF. PM, by the way, is much faster. I have some wonder if they didn't kick soandwhositz out so they could add in government or corporate spying, or other things. I never believe the reasons given. And, since he resigned, it may simply be that he wanted nothing to do with what was about to happen. In any case, PM is my new browser. I even went to Vox's, and tracked down his tutorial on how to make PM show as PM and not FF. One user is just a drop in the bucket over at his place, but when you are going for the sweetspot, every millimeter counts! Oh... that's gotta hurt.
Coffee. Yeah, that would be good. If I can't sleep I hate just drifting through fog. Coffee, indeed. Soda doesn't do it. Coffee. Hmm, music. That Annie Lennox song really gets to me. I never said I liked being me, always. Then again, if you do, your are probably a psychopath. Really. And I don't always like the pieces of the story when they coalesce from the fog. But there can be a certain horrible magic to it. Then again, truth be told, such is the brutal nature of love, so I don't always give a shit either. It is... a magical thing, the attempt to find love. It's just as ugly as war, maybe more so since they try to paint it as a thing of pure beauty so that when the truth of it rips people apart, they often have no idea how hard it is. I've mostly been immune. Oh, a bit flustered about this or that, often knowing somewhere back in there that I was asking the impossible. Save once. But only after the funeral. She never knew, not... really. She thought she did, but... they all thought that way. Not even sure it was true now, but the cost was high to learn... or let go of everything. The first step into nothingness, anyway. That, and a few other, passages, are rather narrow and problematic on my way back to the world.
Coffee. Yeah. That might keep me from... telling it straight. You aren't ready. Later.
.
I just can't find that magical path that leads to the nether realms. Not awake, here and now, either. A stranger in a strange land. Then, to, I know this place better than I know sleep or waking. It is where most of what I write is created. The bother though. I will go shooting, tomorrow, one way or the other and mostly on time.
I have all but given up on getting the FireFox profile transferred. But I refuse to continue using FF. So, I guess, for a while, I will be using Pale Moon, and transferring what I can before removing FF. PM, by the way, is much faster. I have some wonder if they didn't kick soandwhositz out so they could add in government or corporate spying, or other things. I never believe the reasons given. And, since he resigned, it may simply be that he wanted nothing to do with what was about to happen. In any case, PM is my new browser. I even went to Vox's, and tracked down his tutorial on how to make PM show as PM and not FF. One user is just a drop in the bucket over at his place, but when you are going for the sweetspot, every millimeter counts! Oh... that's gotta hurt.
Coffee. Yeah, that would be good. If I can't sleep I hate just drifting through fog. Coffee, indeed. Soda doesn't do it. Coffee. Hmm, music. That Annie Lennox song really gets to me. I never said I liked being me, always. Then again, if you do, your are probably a psychopath. Really. And I don't always like the pieces of the story when they coalesce from the fog. But there can be a certain horrible magic to it. Then again, truth be told, such is the brutal nature of love, so I don't always give a shit either. It is... a magical thing, the attempt to find love. It's just as ugly as war, maybe more so since they try to paint it as a thing of pure beauty so that when the truth of it rips people apart, they often have no idea how hard it is. I've mostly been immune. Oh, a bit flustered about this or that, often knowing somewhere back in there that I was asking the impossible. Save once. But only after the funeral. She never knew, not... really. She thought she did, but... they all thought that way. Not even sure it was true now, but the cost was high to learn... or let go of everything. The first step into nothingness, anyway. That, and a few other, passages, are rather narrow and problematic on my way back to the world.
Coffee. Yeah. That might keep me from... telling it straight. You aren't ready. Later.
Friday, April 18, 2014
A call.
.
.
My friend. He had his phone on mute yet received many calls today. I don't think he could tell who all called, so I think he was checking. No worries there, not here. While I didn't call, I was thinking about tomorrow, yesterday in a few days, and shooting or hiking, here, or there, or... somewhere. I think I wrote about it, if I never can be sure when a thought made it here or otherwise. In any case, he believes a bit of shooting tomorrow sounds like a plan to keep. I will pick up a couple more boxes of 9 mm while in town. I'm going through the stuff as if I knew what I was doing.
Yes, floaty, lately. Pushing allows me to divest of flesh, remembering the lives I used to lead when I am in a better condition, and putting those things into some sort of order. Traveling into death, and back, changes a man. Going there on a regular basis, and visiting the borderlands often, fundamentally changes the nature of the structure of what, perhaps even who, I am. Perhaps even changing who I was. Some things cannot be reckoned quite at this time. Science can't go where it can't test and religion is run by men who are afraid of that dark, who avoid looking around some corners. True, there is a cat around that corner, for the mice that are men, all men really. But the cat isn't as mechanical, or simple, as some may believe. Once you have been soundly introduced to the cat, and know it's claws and teeth well enough, you understand there is no need for fear. But you can't tell the uninitiated any such thing. They cling to their fear as they do to their lives. It won't help them, whether the cat comes to play or do what they think is it's job. True, most men only see that beast once, up close, and in person. Perhaps I have become a bit... blase about the notion.
I must either seem a truly odd creature, a funny sort of storyman, a madman, or someone lost. And while each has it's place, when the wind howls, the lightening strikes, and all you know is gone, perhaps you will remember a tale or two. Perhaps you will see, in fear, that there truly is nothing to fear. Even if what I write is just a collection of entertaining words. Still, the hope, regardless of the nature of my writing, is that you pass on what you know and into Wisdom. The rest is... just a mild pursuit for you, and me, I suppose. That will work for now. Just remember, when you hear the cat at your little mouse door, that I have indeed been in your shoes. It isn't the cat you must fear. It is the fear you must fear. None of it is up to do, save what you choose to do, or not.
Yeah, it has been a slow day. Neither awake nor asleep, resting. Tired and a bit sore. Satisfied with it, as with a decent meal. It's been a while since I could work myself into this condition and still plan for more. Hmm... seems like the girls are hungry. Even to them, from time to time, I am a ghost. Just... not at dinner time! You never can tell until you have no choice? Later.
.
My friend. He had his phone on mute yet received many calls today. I don't think he could tell who all called, so I think he was checking. No worries there, not here. While I didn't call, I was thinking about tomorrow, yesterday in a few days, and shooting or hiking, here, or there, or... somewhere. I think I wrote about it, if I never can be sure when a thought made it here or otherwise. In any case, he believes a bit of shooting tomorrow sounds like a plan to keep. I will pick up a couple more boxes of 9 mm while in town. I'm going through the stuff as if I knew what I was doing.
Yes, floaty, lately. Pushing allows me to divest of flesh, remembering the lives I used to lead when I am in a better condition, and putting those things into some sort of order. Traveling into death, and back, changes a man. Going there on a regular basis, and visiting the borderlands often, fundamentally changes the nature of the structure of what, perhaps even who, I am. Perhaps even changing who I was. Some things cannot be reckoned quite at this time. Science can't go where it can't test and religion is run by men who are afraid of that dark, who avoid looking around some corners. True, there is a cat around that corner, for the mice that are men, all men really. But the cat isn't as mechanical, or simple, as some may believe. Once you have been soundly introduced to the cat, and know it's claws and teeth well enough, you understand there is no need for fear. But you can't tell the uninitiated any such thing. They cling to their fear as they do to their lives. It won't help them, whether the cat comes to play or do what they think is it's job. True, most men only see that beast once, up close, and in person. Perhaps I have become a bit... blase about the notion.
I must either seem a truly odd creature, a funny sort of storyman, a madman, or someone lost. And while each has it's place, when the wind howls, the lightening strikes, and all you know is gone, perhaps you will remember a tale or two. Perhaps you will see, in fear, that there truly is nothing to fear. Even if what I write is just a collection of entertaining words. Still, the hope, regardless of the nature of my writing, is that you pass on what you know and into Wisdom. The rest is... just a mild pursuit for you, and me, I suppose. That will work for now. Just remember, when you hear the cat at your little mouse door, that I have indeed been in your shoes. It isn't the cat you must fear. It is the fear you must fear. None of it is up to do, save what you choose to do, or not.
Yeah, it has been a slow day. Neither awake nor asleep, resting. Tired and a bit sore. Satisfied with it, as with a decent meal. It's been a while since I could work myself into this condition and still plan for more. Hmm... seems like the girls are hungry. Even to them, from time to time, I am a ghost. Just... not at dinner time! You never can tell until you have no choice? Later.
Yeah, okay.
.
.
I kept thinking I would just get up and go after pushing as I have. For a while life was very easy. Further, test runs went well. Yeah, there was that. So, I just assumed that a full run would be easy. And, to a degree, it was. What I failed to account into the equation was multiple expenditures of energy. I simply, still, do not regenerate well or quickly when taxed over some limit. And, so, yesterday, and today... I sit. No matter of will, no laziness, no lack of want, exists. Simply my body has nothing to give. A few lessons learned, however.
First lesson is that if I am going out? Spend everything I have and then some. It honestly doesn't matter how much, or little, I spend, energywise. I will need the same amount of recuperation regardless, after a certain point. Now, I do have limits. For example, what should be, say, a three day hike into the wilds, and back? I could probably push in those three days, but maybe not get as far as a well versed wanderer. Then? I might need two, three, even four days, to recoup, and then begin the hike back out. Which means, if I go in I will need to account for that with both food and water sources. Those two to four days down I won't be able to collect foods, even fish. I will be down, hard.
Another lesson is that no matter how good I feel, that doesn't have much relationship with what I can actually do. I've died three times, I should know this. Every time I died, that I remember... so at least two of those times, I went through a phase where I was sure, if I could just get up, I would be fine. I just, thought... a hand up, a little walking around, I could walk it off. The mind is a very interesting thing. Sometimes it is in line with the body, sometimes not at all. And because of feelings, emotions, when it is off, it can be polar opposite off. Yeah, there is that. How quickly I forget, and how deeply. Gotta keep that in mind.
No worries. I'll spend today, again, down. I didn't get to a thing yesterday. Nothing, no thing, natch, snake-eyes. I am not sure I will get to much today, either. Soreness, from stretching, hit me yesterday night and is here gangbusters today. It isn't terrible pain, or debilitating stiffness, just... highly noticeable. All good. As I have said, this is exactly what I want and need. Truth be told, I need to, pretty much, get to this level and try to keep it right about here, adding intensity as I am able. A truly fit human is, sort of, miserable. They are simply used to it. I'm telling you, when you die, heaven or hell, you will no longer know this weight. You will cry just for that. But uhrm, I do advocate figuring the path to heaven. All costs are gone there.
Yeah, it does feel good to ache. And I love stretching against stiffness. I have an outing planned for tomorrow, with my friend, unless it is raining. If he asks for a raincheck, I may try to hike to the dam instead. If my 5mph pace holds, one way should only be about 36 minutes, give or take. A good rest when I get there, water consumption throughout, a test of my water filter, some target practice, another good long rest, then a hike back. I figure, even if I can keep pace, it will take a good hour and an half, maybe two, at best. Either tomorrow if my friend cancels, or Monday or Tuesday otherwise. Then, later in the week, another hike or two. I thought about biking, but honestly I want to hike to the dam a number of times, first, so that I actually appreciate the bike when I start using that. Any time biking to the dam starts seeming a bore, I'll hike it to remember "why". :) You don't think I'm just a hardass on my people, do you? Being a hardass starts at home, boys and girls. Start with yourself, then empathy and sympathy for whiny babies dries up into hard smoke and a hard-on. Yum! Move them donkeys! *Whipash!*
Later.
.
I kept thinking I would just get up and go after pushing as I have. For a while life was very easy. Further, test runs went well. Yeah, there was that. So, I just assumed that a full run would be easy. And, to a degree, it was. What I failed to account into the equation was multiple expenditures of energy. I simply, still, do not regenerate well or quickly when taxed over some limit. And, so, yesterday, and today... I sit. No matter of will, no laziness, no lack of want, exists. Simply my body has nothing to give. A few lessons learned, however.
First lesson is that if I am going out? Spend everything I have and then some. It honestly doesn't matter how much, or little, I spend, energywise. I will need the same amount of recuperation regardless, after a certain point. Now, I do have limits. For example, what should be, say, a three day hike into the wilds, and back? I could probably push in those three days, but maybe not get as far as a well versed wanderer. Then? I might need two, three, even four days, to recoup, and then begin the hike back out. Which means, if I go in I will need to account for that with both food and water sources. Those two to four days down I won't be able to collect foods, even fish. I will be down, hard.
Another lesson is that no matter how good I feel, that doesn't have much relationship with what I can actually do. I've died three times, I should know this. Every time I died, that I remember... so at least two of those times, I went through a phase where I was sure, if I could just get up, I would be fine. I just, thought... a hand up, a little walking around, I could walk it off. The mind is a very interesting thing. Sometimes it is in line with the body, sometimes not at all. And because of feelings, emotions, when it is off, it can be polar opposite off. Yeah, there is that. How quickly I forget, and how deeply. Gotta keep that in mind.
No worries. I'll spend today, again, down. I didn't get to a thing yesterday. Nothing, no thing, natch, snake-eyes. I am not sure I will get to much today, either. Soreness, from stretching, hit me yesterday night and is here gangbusters today. It isn't terrible pain, or debilitating stiffness, just... highly noticeable. All good. As I have said, this is exactly what I want and need. Truth be told, I need to, pretty much, get to this level and try to keep it right about here, adding intensity as I am able. A truly fit human is, sort of, miserable. They are simply used to it. I'm telling you, when you die, heaven or hell, you will no longer know this weight. You will cry just for that. But uhrm, I do advocate figuring the path to heaven. All costs are gone there.
Yeah, it does feel good to ache. And I love stretching against stiffness. I have an outing planned for tomorrow, with my friend, unless it is raining. If he asks for a raincheck, I may try to hike to the dam instead. If my 5mph pace holds, one way should only be about 36 minutes, give or take. A good rest when I get there, water consumption throughout, a test of my water filter, some target practice, another good long rest, then a hike back. I figure, even if I can keep pace, it will take a good hour and an half, maybe two, at best. Either tomorrow if my friend cancels, or Monday or Tuesday otherwise. Then, later in the week, another hike or two. I thought about biking, but honestly I want to hike to the dam a number of times, first, so that I actually appreciate the bike when I start using that. Any time biking to the dam starts seeming a bore, I'll hike it to remember "why". :) You don't think I'm just a hardass on my people, do you? Being a hardass starts at home, boys and girls. Start with yourself, then empathy and sympathy for whiny babies dries up into hard smoke and a hard-on. Yum! Move them donkeys! *Whipash!*
Later.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
She asked why.
.
.
Oh, I did give a bit of an answer. I knew there were better answers. Not that I went looking, but I found in spite of no real interest. Perhaps it takes a woman to tell another woman some things.
.
Oh, I did give a bit of an answer. I knew there were better answers. Not that I went looking, but I found in spite of no real interest. Perhaps it takes a woman to tell another woman some things.
Haunted, lately.
.
.
How is it that a ghost is haunted I'd surely like to know. Not my affair, other than the effects, I suppose. Wrestling with her in dreams, awake, and between. Them, also, at times. And, of course, what I was, am, and may be... in time. Time, of course, is never what it seems. Most haven't seen around that corner, however, so stick with what they know. It's less frightening to believe in straight lines as shorter paths and traverses being in a single direction, so I... leave them to it. Only hinting at the greater bulk of the truth.
.
How is it that a ghost is haunted I'd surely like to know. Not my affair, other than the effects, I suppose. Wrestling with her in dreams, awake, and between. Them, also, at times. And, of course, what I was, am, and may be... in time. Time, of course, is never what it seems. Most haven't seen around that corner, however, so stick with what they know. It's less frightening to believe in straight lines as shorter paths and traverses being in a single direction, so I... leave them to it. Only hinting at the greater bulk of the truth.
A day of rest.
.
.
It took some time to decide. I wanted to get out, be out, and get going. So I really explored the notion. I kept checking, looking for the energy, checking my general status, thinking, and... wanting. Simply put, what is needed isn't there. In some ways it is close to being there, in others it is miles away. I even thought about a drive to the range. But, honestly, not even that is there, not with a Saturday outing planned and with the given of what resources I have on hand.
Now, a day of rest in these times, is not actually a down day. It merely means a day in which big things aren't done. And, honestly though, little things need to be kept in check. Too many little things leads to the sum total of a bit thing. Pacing is key.
As I am coming to some sort of life again, I am having to learn to evaluate projects. I considered getting to my garage, and straightening that out. While, to my mind, that seems like a little project, and is compared to SOME PEOPLE'S garages, it is no small task. Oh, I could spend an half hour out there, at a time, but that isn't what my other mind had in mind. No, it was thinking to dive in as if the task were a pool, and only surface when the task is done. A fine notion if alone and to itself. But not with many tasks, chores, and promises to keep all vying for time, space, money, and energy. Still, an half hour out there, with allowances for an hour, might not be a bad thing. I think the whole project, all at once, is probably too much for me at this point, truth be told. Shifting, moving, sorting, making space for the bench, etc. Tools, equipment, oil, sweeping, dusting, maybe even some real cleaning. So much work for such a small space. Yes, maybe an half hour to hour. That will get me some fresh air, while I am at it.
Tomorrow might have to be a slower day too. Then the shoot, a few days down perhaps, and then back to hiking, and maybe biking. All I will be taking on the bike is water. Several canteens, probably strapped to the bike if I can do it. Squirt bottles don't quite cut it, at least at this point. I wish there was an easier way to town, with the bike. I get hot when bikers ride too far out. And, since I try to be a man of my words, I won't ride unless I can keep tightly into the margins. At this point, I will be honest with you, I know I can't. I also, after these considerations, understand why others don't. They aren't in shape enough to handle the extra effort riding on graveled roadsides affords. Yes, I do understand. About 23 miles, one way, would be a perfect eventual test of my bike-fu, and with a town in which to get a little food, perhaps a park in which to take a short nap, and maybe even small window shopping, or a small purchase, just to make the event more real. Riding for riding's own sake, as even with hiking, is... difficult. I think they call that "dry".
On to... something or other. Later.
.
It took some time to decide. I wanted to get out, be out, and get going. So I really explored the notion. I kept checking, looking for the energy, checking my general status, thinking, and... wanting. Simply put, what is needed isn't there. In some ways it is close to being there, in others it is miles away. I even thought about a drive to the range. But, honestly, not even that is there, not with a Saturday outing planned and with the given of what resources I have on hand.
Now, a day of rest in these times, is not actually a down day. It merely means a day in which big things aren't done. And, honestly though, little things need to be kept in check. Too many little things leads to the sum total of a bit thing. Pacing is key.
As I am coming to some sort of life again, I am having to learn to evaluate projects. I considered getting to my garage, and straightening that out. While, to my mind, that seems like a little project, and is compared to SOME PEOPLE'S garages, it is no small task. Oh, I could spend an half hour out there, at a time, but that isn't what my other mind had in mind. No, it was thinking to dive in as if the task were a pool, and only surface when the task is done. A fine notion if alone and to itself. But not with many tasks, chores, and promises to keep all vying for time, space, money, and energy. Still, an half hour out there, with allowances for an hour, might not be a bad thing. I think the whole project, all at once, is probably too much for me at this point, truth be told. Shifting, moving, sorting, making space for the bench, etc. Tools, equipment, oil, sweeping, dusting, maybe even some real cleaning. So much work for such a small space. Yes, maybe an half hour to hour. That will get me some fresh air, while I am at it.
Tomorrow might have to be a slower day too. Then the shoot, a few days down perhaps, and then back to hiking, and maybe biking. All I will be taking on the bike is water. Several canteens, probably strapped to the bike if I can do it. Squirt bottles don't quite cut it, at least at this point. I wish there was an easier way to town, with the bike. I get hot when bikers ride too far out. And, since I try to be a man of my words, I won't ride unless I can keep tightly into the margins. At this point, I will be honest with you, I know I can't. I also, after these considerations, understand why others don't. They aren't in shape enough to handle the extra effort riding on graveled roadsides affords. Yes, I do understand. About 23 miles, one way, would be a perfect eventual test of my bike-fu, and with a town in which to get a little food, perhaps a park in which to take a short nap, and maybe even small window shopping, or a small purchase, just to make the event more real. Riding for riding's own sake, as even with hiking, is... difficult. I think they call that "dry".
On to... something or other. Later.
To bed a bit earlier and so up just a bit earlier.
.
.
The sun is well up. No clouds. But it seems cool. I slept well, and right. All good.
She did come for me in my sleep. Oh boy did she. I expected her yesterday night, not tonight. But... she probably knew that. She had me dead to rights. I honestly thought that was it. How I escaped her charms I do not know. But she ultimately failed. Stirred, and shaken, but then left in the container. I wish I could say it was purely my no-fu at work, but that wasn't all of it. Prayers were being cast, but that wasn't it. I had run out of options and lost, I just never surrendered. More a technicality than a win, but a win it ended up being, and I'll take it.
I don't know if I will get to a hike today or not. I just, essentially, woke. So, actually, I am not awake quite yet. How do I write while still asleep. I don't. I merely think while sitting at a keyboard, with everything turned on. I am not writing, just reviewing thoughts and waking. Medicine went down. A bit of coffee is going down. Other thoughts are peculating around, beside, and against what I write. I'll figure out some sort of day before too long. I may be a bit tired for a hike. I'll know more later.
Thursday, is it? Yeah, alright. Today would be a good day to get out. I could rest tomorrow for a Saturday outing. Yes, that might work. Though there simply aren't any guarantees. And there is much I need to do here in the cave. Of course, I could do everything on my immediate list and just create another list, a much more difficult list, a much more expansive list. When you are fulling living, which I am not quite, the list never ends. When you are dead, which isn't quite my thing either, there are no more lists. I am somewhere between those two. Someday, I suppose, I will get closer to the former than I am to the latter. Or, maybe, it will always be a thing in flux. You don't cross some lines and ever fully come back. Reality changes. Trust me.
Well... On to a bit o' reading and waking. Later.
.
The sun is well up. No clouds. But it seems cool. I slept well, and right. All good.
She did come for me in my sleep. Oh boy did she. I expected her yesterday night, not tonight. But... she probably knew that. She had me dead to rights. I honestly thought that was it. How I escaped her charms I do not know. But she ultimately failed. Stirred, and shaken, but then left in the container. I wish I could say it was purely my no-fu at work, but that wasn't all of it. Prayers were being cast, but that wasn't it. I had run out of options and lost, I just never surrendered. More a technicality than a win, but a win it ended up being, and I'll take it.
I don't know if I will get to a hike today or not. I just, essentially, woke. So, actually, I am not awake quite yet. How do I write while still asleep. I don't. I merely think while sitting at a keyboard, with everything turned on. I am not writing, just reviewing thoughts and waking. Medicine went down. A bit of coffee is going down. Other thoughts are peculating around, beside, and against what I write. I'll figure out some sort of day before too long. I may be a bit tired for a hike. I'll know more later.
Thursday, is it? Yeah, alright. Today would be a good day to get out. I could rest tomorrow for a Saturday outing. Yes, that might work. Though there simply aren't any guarantees. And there is much I need to do here in the cave. Of course, I could do everything on my immediate list and just create another list, a much more difficult list, a much more expansive list. When you are fulling living, which I am not quite, the list never ends. When you are dead, which isn't quite my thing either, there are no more lists. I am somewhere between those two. Someday, I suppose, I will get closer to the former than I am to the latter. Or, maybe, it will always be a thing in flux. You don't cross some lines and ever fully come back. Reality changes. Trust me.
Well... On to a bit o' reading and waking. Later.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Life isn't making sense.
.
.
No, I don't mean on my side of things. That never will make sense! I mean, things are... very strange out there. Imagine, if you went traveling, and the way was made clear. Gas prices were all unusually low, traffic made way for you inexplicably, and all ways that the world can somehow become set to the easy setting. I would explain more, save that I won't. I assure you, I have no way of affecting that which has changed. But, yes, I see it.
It seems that the sewing machine I sent to my niece has been delivered. The thread has arrived as well. The extra bobbins and needles are on the way. I'm not too worried, as her birthday is a bit off yet. It should all, easily, be there well in time for... her parents to wrap it! :p I sent it as a gift, which was as much as I could do. No wrapping was offered.
While I was doing bits of business tonight, I set up my account to pay off, pretty much, my phone bill this coming month, then set up automatic pay thereafter. That should take care of it, but I best watch that until it looks to be on an even keel. I don't mind paying my bills. I do get a bit grumpy at the size of the bills, from time to time. And I do fuss when things get out of kilter. Especially in times when I don't have what it takes to fuss with it, or even make sense of it. For the moment, I have what it takes. Still, it's a fuss. No real problem though.
I am financially ready for the burn trip, too. I wasn't sure I would be. With the presents to my nieces, I worried that I might... have to use the credit card for some of the gas. Looks like I am good for that, and food, and else. Not that I am rich, I'm just not as against it as I thought I might end up being. All good.
I might be able to get to sleep in an hour or two. I am going to try. I called my friend this evening. He thinks Saturday is the time to get out. So, tomorrow, if I can get to it, I may try to simply hike out to the dam, solo, with pack and pistol, and put a few rounds down range and test the water filter. It's a much longer hike than the other day, but completely flat. And, if it's still cloudy, it should be just about the perfect weather for a little spin. I must say, my skin is starting to change from the boiled lobster red to a little deeper sort of reddish-brown. By the time I get to the burn I should almost be a foreigner! A native foreigner? Maybe.
Oh, and by the way... I got the camera hooked up and I have explored the pictures I have on it. It was quite easy. The thing, now, will be to pick and choose. I am not a good photographer, of course. I realize, now, why I am not much of a camera guy. When taking the pictures, it seems like they should just work. But, quite often, they simply don't. One bland version of another, no really story in them, not much to work with. Blah. I'll see what I can come up with though. Hmm... I might have to read a bit on how to do a photographic spread that makes sense, before long. It's difficult to create a... path, through photographs, that will lead others to an understanding. Meh, I'll look into whether I can give that a shot, or not. One less thing to take if it seems too daunting.
Later, or good night. Hmm... hungry though. Yeah, I think I have something ready to at least cook.
.
No, I don't mean on my side of things. That never will make sense! I mean, things are... very strange out there. Imagine, if you went traveling, and the way was made clear. Gas prices were all unusually low, traffic made way for you inexplicably, and all ways that the world can somehow become set to the easy setting. I would explain more, save that I won't. I assure you, I have no way of affecting that which has changed. But, yes, I see it.
It seems that the sewing machine I sent to my niece has been delivered. The thread has arrived as well. The extra bobbins and needles are on the way. I'm not too worried, as her birthday is a bit off yet. It should all, easily, be there well in time for... her parents to wrap it! :p I sent it as a gift, which was as much as I could do. No wrapping was offered.
While I was doing bits of business tonight, I set up my account to pay off, pretty much, my phone bill this coming month, then set up automatic pay thereafter. That should take care of it, but I best watch that until it looks to be on an even keel. I don't mind paying my bills. I do get a bit grumpy at the size of the bills, from time to time. And I do fuss when things get out of kilter. Especially in times when I don't have what it takes to fuss with it, or even make sense of it. For the moment, I have what it takes. Still, it's a fuss. No real problem though.
I am financially ready for the burn trip, too. I wasn't sure I would be. With the presents to my nieces, I worried that I might... have to use the credit card for some of the gas. Looks like I am good for that, and food, and else. Not that I am rich, I'm just not as against it as I thought I might end up being. All good.
I might be able to get to sleep in an hour or two. I am going to try. I called my friend this evening. He thinks Saturday is the time to get out. So, tomorrow, if I can get to it, I may try to simply hike out to the dam, solo, with pack and pistol, and put a few rounds down range and test the water filter. It's a much longer hike than the other day, but completely flat. And, if it's still cloudy, it should be just about the perfect weather for a little spin. I must say, my skin is starting to change from the boiled lobster red to a little deeper sort of reddish-brown. By the time I get to the burn I should almost be a foreigner! A native foreigner? Maybe.
Oh, and by the way... I got the camera hooked up and I have explored the pictures I have on it. It was quite easy. The thing, now, will be to pick and choose. I am not a good photographer, of course. I realize, now, why I am not much of a camera guy. When taking the pictures, it seems like they should just work. But, quite often, they simply don't. One bland version of another, no really story in them, not much to work with. Blah. I'll see what I can come up with though. Hmm... I might have to read a bit on how to do a photographic spread that makes sense, before long. It's difficult to create a... path, through photographs, that will lead others to an understanding. Meh, I'll look into whether I can give that a shot, or not. One less thing to take if it seems too daunting.
Later, or good night. Hmm... hungry though. Yeah, I think I have something ready to at least cook.
Haiku Monday - Spring
.
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It looks like he is up. It seems Karl has opened the contest, to be judged this coming Monday, the 21st. All good by me. Even if I am grimacing about this and that, the truth is this season is truly in my blood. To get out, when I can, and often would be my guess. The weather, as it comes, the scent of a new time for hereabouts, of growth and life, is upon me. I am in a condition that should make spending heavily on enjoying it... a breeze. A spring breeze at that. So, I've produced a few poems right off the top of the hat and... you might even enjoy them.
.
It looks like he is up. It seems Karl has opened the contest, to be judged this coming Monday, the 21st. All good by me. Even if I am grimacing about this and that, the truth is this season is truly in my blood. To get out, when I can, and often would be my guess. The weather, as it comes, the scent of a new time for hereabouts, of growth and life, is upon me. I am in a condition that should make spending heavily on enjoying it... a breeze. A spring breeze at that. So, I've produced a few poems right off the top of the hat and... you might even enjoy them.
sailing on warm breath
earth giving us a fine break
and a sunny smile
cool to warm - ready
rain and growth, green, blue, and grey
the world is calling
a step out the door
a spring in my step, a pack
on my back - go time!
Yeah, well.
.
.
I didn't go down until... 6:00, or so? Yep, something right in there. And I slept until 15:00, I think. I didn't check, after that first look. And, when I first wake after going in hard I can really mess up what the time I think I see is compared to the real time. Slept hard, and well. No dreams haunted me. I let the cats in to help maintain proper posture, and then did so. My best run at absolute celibacy is somewhere at a month and a half and two. I am going to try to best that. The time for such notions is done. No need to keep any potential. Might as well make my life fully holy, as much as is possible. Another form of death, I suppose. But, so be it. It will go well with the rest of my collection.
I do need to rest today. Monday was a hard and heavy day. And yesterday was at least a pretty good shot at it. I might try to do a few things, but I do need a little bit of restfulness. Thankfully, though, I am not crushed. My sleep is off. But, if what I am seeing is true, then a major push day nets me three to six hours of time change, so... if I push every few days, somehow, then I will see myself to days, again, then back to nights, in short order. In other words, I will be tumbling through time until I gain some stamina and strength. Rather than wasting energy fighting the clock, I will use energy doing what I can, and spitting out activities, tasks, chores, and such, and just let the clock deal with itself.
Tomorrow I plan on going shooting. I don't know when I will be able to sleep, or wake though. Still, I may call him tonight and see if he wants to go. If not, or perhaps Saturday, either way, I may take a hike to the dam. It's about three miles one way, but it's flatland. I was trained to make, give or take, five mile an hour paces. Not sure I am up to doing that for three miles straight, let alone six miles, if that was at the time geared for 20 mile runs. Old, I am. And ill. The hike would give me a chance to test my water filter though too. And, perhaps, get another box or two of ammunition down the pipe in order to keep improving my ability to hit more than the side of the barn. Bleh.
A record, of sorts, yesterday. Well, from 17:00, or so, last night, until now, I have had 170, plus, visitors. What did they put in their soup? Or... what did I write? My record, before that, was a hundred visitors. Now, usually, when I get a run, it is Russian. This time it was Americans. Russians, for the last month or two, have been visiting at three to four times their normal numbers. Outpacing Americans. But, yesterday? Americans caught up. No idea, really. I can't tell what either the Russians, or these new American viewers, are looking at. Well shielded. Could be government, might be corporate or workers behind corporate. Don't know. I doubt if anyone cares that I got out hiking, I'm... pretty sure of that. Most of the hits were between 19:00 and 21:00, about 103 of them, and it wasn't really a mass single, short, hit. Lots and lots of little hits, one to three at a time. Lots of them.
Well, on to... something. Perhaps I can get the table cleared and arranged for honing. And perhaps a load of laundry and a few dishes. Dunno. Won't be much though... and, that, only after I wake a bit better. Later.
.
I didn't go down until... 6:00, or so? Yep, something right in there. And I slept until 15:00, I think. I didn't check, after that first look. And, when I first wake after going in hard I can really mess up what the time I think I see is compared to the real time. Slept hard, and well. No dreams haunted me. I let the cats in to help maintain proper posture, and then did so. My best run at absolute celibacy is somewhere at a month and a half and two. I am going to try to best that. The time for such notions is done. No need to keep any potential. Might as well make my life fully holy, as much as is possible. Another form of death, I suppose. But, so be it. It will go well with the rest of my collection.
I do need to rest today. Monday was a hard and heavy day. And yesterday was at least a pretty good shot at it. I might try to do a few things, but I do need a little bit of restfulness. Thankfully, though, I am not crushed. My sleep is off. But, if what I am seeing is true, then a major push day nets me three to six hours of time change, so... if I push every few days, somehow, then I will see myself to days, again, then back to nights, in short order. In other words, I will be tumbling through time until I gain some stamina and strength. Rather than wasting energy fighting the clock, I will use energy doing what I can, and spitting out activities, tasks, chores, and such, and just let the clock deal with itself.
Tomorrow I plan on going shooting. I don't know when I will be able to sleep, or wake though. Still, I may call him tonight and see if he wants to go. If not, or perhaps Saturday, either way, I may take a hike to the dam. It's about three miles one way, but it's flatland. I was trained to make, give or take, five mile an hour paces. Not sure I am up to doing that for three miles straight, let alone six miles, if that was at the time geared for 20 mile runs. Old, I am. And ill. The hike would give me a chance to test my water filter though too. And, perhaps, get another box or two of ammunition down the pipe in order to keep improving my ability to hit more than the side of the barn. Bleh.
A record, of sorts, yesterday. Well, from 17:00, or so, last night, until now, I have had 170, plus, visitors. What did they put in their soup? Or... what did I write? My record, before that, was a hundred visitors. Now, usually, when I get a run, it is Russian. This time it was Americans. Russians, for the last month or two, have been visiting at three to four times their normal numbers. Outpacing Americans. But, yesterday? Americans caught up. No idea, really. I can't tell what either the Russians, or these new American viewers, are looking at. Well shielded. Could be government, might be corporate or workers behind corporate. Don't know. I doubt if anyone cares that I got out hiking, I'm... pretty sure of that. Most of the hits were between 19:00 and 21:00, about 103 of them, and it wasn't really a mass single, short, hit. Lots and lots of little hits, one to three at a time. Lots of them.
Well, on to... something. Perhaps I can get the table cleared and arranged for honing. And perhaps a load of laundry and a few dishes. Dunno. Won't be much though... and, that, only after I wake a bit better. Later.
Gah!
.
.
I was down for three hours before I gave up the chase. I hurt to sleep. It just will not happen.
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I was down for three hours before I gave up the chase. I hurt to sleep. It just will not happen.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Yeah, a noon wake.
.
.
We all know what that means. Nothing will happen. Too late to even get a good wakeup going. And, probably, it means sluggishness. Still, I thought I would at least act like I was going to go hiking. I got everything set up, anyway. I found the food, and put that in, did a quick check of the gear I wanted to take, filled the canteens, and all the rest. I went on and got everything in the vehicle. It seemed too late, so... I went anyway.
It took a bit to find the canyon trailhead. But not so much as a complete noob, on several fronts. I've been there, once, about five years ago. I did find it, if I went in a back way. I wouldn't try that with even a 4x4 pickup, mind you. The Xterra has a bit more... flexibility thataway. I even remembered the camera, the camera that Desert Cat guided me to as a purchase and foam reminded me to take. Poor Charley Brown, nobody leaves him alone. :)
I made it, with the pack, a good 45 minutes hike up into the canyon. I did have to rest ever so often. And yet I was keeping well ahead of some hikers behind me. Eventually I lost them. Though they must not have been too serious, either, as they were gone on my return. A few bikers were up there. Seeing me on the path is probably not too unlike seeing a bear. Big eyes said it all. My pack and gear weighs in at about 25 pounds, if you were curious. Next time I might leave the water filter, as the stream is dry. But I will need to take the extra canteen. Honestly though, the weight was not the problem, nor did it add to the difficulty. Walking up a mountain path just takes some wind is all. The weight never caused an ounce of wince. The trip down only took 15 to 20 minutes, and I didn't need to stop, at all, for a break. It was getting late, my one canteen was about half used, and I wasn't sure about weather and some other things. I made it as far as reason dictated, and returned upon the same premise. Knowing more, and how easy the return is, and timing and water use, I will try to make it a full couple of hours up in there the next time I go. The goal, eventually, is to hike up in there with a couple of days stores and set up a base camp, and hike to and from that.
Yes, yes, I took some pictures. I am not sure how well they came out, or if I can doctor them. I haven't learned how to mess with them yet, or even how to load them to the computer. Then I have to upload them somewhere else and learn how to port them. Which... is why I don't mess with f'ing new things so much. Something more, and problematic, and insecure, to deal with, at every step. Still... I suppose I could look into it. Maybe. Bleh. Now, if razors aren't your chat topic, perhaps *cough* pictures and computer handling and porting, are? *cough*
I'm not really all that tired. I even, on the way back home, stopped and picked up some hose for slingshots and some hose I am hoping will work at adding a charcoal filter to the water filter. I ought to sleep well tonight. That is one of the hopes. And, maybe, this will set me up for a full week, as I had hoped. Mind you, a full week means two trips out hiking/biking and one or two trips to the range, some of those being double duty. Anything else I can fit in there is fine, out there or at home, so long as it doesn't impinge upon those basics.
Later.
.
We all know what that means. Nothing will happen. Too late to even get a good wakeup going. And, probably, it means sluggishness. Still, I thought I would at least act like I was going to go hiking. I got everything set up, anyway. I found the food, and put that in, did a quick check of the gear I wanted to take, filled the canteens, and all the rest. I went on and got everything in the vehicle. It seemed too late, so... I went anyway.
It took a bit to find the canyon trailhead. But not so much as a complete noob, on several fronts. I've been there, once, about five years ago. I did find it, if I went in a back way. I wouldn't try that with even a 4x4 pickup, mind you. The Xterra has a bit more... flexibility thataway. I even remembered the camera, the camera that Desert Cat guided me to as a purchase and foam reminded me to take. Poor Charley Brown, nobody leaves him alone. :)
I made it, with the pack, a good 45 minutes hike up into the canyon. I did have to rest ever so often. And yet I was keeping well ahead of some hikers behind me. Eventually I lost them. Though they must not have been too serious, either, as they were gone on my return. A few bikers were up there. Seeing me on the path is probably not too unlike seeing a bear. Big eyes said it all. My pack and gear weighs in at about 25 pounds, if you were curious. Next time I might leave the water filter, as the stream is dry. But I will need to take the extra canteen. Honestly though, the weight was not the problem, nor did it add to the difficulty. Walking up a mountain path just takes some wind is all. The weight never caused an ounce of wince. The trip down only took 15 to 20 minutes, and I didn't need to stop, at all, for a break. It was getting late, my one canteen was about half used, and I wasn't sure about weather and some other things. I made it as far as reason dictated, and returned upon the same premise. Knowing more, and how easy the return is, and timing and water use, I will try to make it a full couple of hours up in there the next time I go. The goal, eventually, is to hike up in there with a couple of days stores and set up a base camp, and hike to and from that.
Yes, yes, I took some pictures. I am not sure how well they came out, or if I can doctor them. I haven't learned how to mess with them yet, or even how to load them to the computer. Then I have to upload them somewhere else and learn how to port them. Which... is why I don't mess with f'ing new things so much. Something more, and problematic, and insecure, to deal with, at every step. Still... I suppose I could look into it. Maybe. Bleh. Now, if razors aren't your chat topic, perhaps *cough* pictures and computer handling and porting, are? *cough*
I'm not really all that tired. I even, on the way back home, stopped and picked up some hose for slingshots and some hose I am hoping will work at adding a charcoal filter to the water filter. I ought to sleep well tonight. That is one of the hopes. And, maybe, this will set me up for a full week, as I had hoped. Mind you, a full week means two trips out hiking/biking and one or two trips to the range, some of those being double duty. Anything else I can fit in there is fine, out there or at home, so long as it doesn't impinge upon those basics.
Later.
Son of a... gun.
.
.
My doings yesterday were a bit more than I had thought. Reminds me of when used ritalin, but without the awful feeling that particular medication brings. Much was done, and at a solid pace. I was, relatively, productive. I tried to sleep at about 22:30 if I doubt if I slept until 0:00 or a bit later. The horses were running. I set the alarm for 7:00. I heard it and had to change it. I simply could not rise, or at the reset, or even at the third reset. I don't remember the last alarm, only I do remember setting it. Noon, boys and girls. That is when I rose. It simply wasn't a choice. I tried, pushed, but there was nothing to push with, or even seemingly against. It felt like what I must presume a pinned bug must sense. Stuck. When I could though, I did.
Fed the girls first thing. And good thing too. I sort of remember them being in attendance, at least when I was struggling, and usually failing, to wake, much as those at a wake... if more as vultures than mourning kin. At least I know if I die, they won't go hungry. And, I have given them permission, and told my mother to forgive them if she needs to, such is my will. But NOT until I am dead. Though, no worries, boys and girls. I have seen Sassy, the youngest, twice now... as a crone girl cat. I will outlive her, to much sadness. Yes, I do see. Don't always like what I see, but...
And yet, I think I am going to wake a bit then perhaps see about something yet today. I'm not tired or sore, and it wouldn't matter. Rain or shine, though it looks more like rain or at least cool and cloudy, I will just take what is offered. As I suggested, and why I aimed for being ready for what is there and not some idyllic circumstances, I will go when the window is available, not when conditions are just so. I do need a bit to wake up. I have little choice there.
Sleep was very good. Dreams. Being aloft. Whether of air or situation I cannot tell. Staying above the muck and mud of life or land, all good. Preparing the way, scouting, seeing. The future, for good or ill, is the way of it. I will never again be betrayed by my own eyes easily, and I will not betray Wisdom within the confines of what I see. It is good to be a child of God. I also realized something... interesting. Some say, after heaven, on the new earth, we will no longer go armed, or with intent. We will be pacifists. I tell you this. We will not be pacifists, but the grown children of God. We will go forth as He has shown us. And we will be armed with His will, after being finally perfected. That is, we will do right and we will be armed with what is more powerful than any weapons we know today, the weapons of pure mind and will which make nuclear weapons literally insignificant in scope, range, power. Not even the angels have a weapon like this. Believe. That it won't be used to kill one another is a thing not relevant. Those who might be targeted will be protected from that by hell.
Hmm... Don't know. I best get to waking. And maybe a trim using the electric trimmer for now. The straight razor? Oh, right, I will get to honing soon. But I almost forgot. I won't be using that until I get back from camping. I don't want to go afield with a bunch of nicks and outright cuts on my face. Oh, and if I get out today, I may stop and look for balloons with which to practice. Boyo, those little slices sting and hurt. Even my face is somewhat sensitive. Later.
.
My doings yesterday were a bit more than I had thought. Reminds me of when used ritalin, but without the awful feeling that particular medication brings. Much was done, and at a solid pace. I was, relatively, productive. I tried to sleep at about 22:30 if I doubt if I slept until 0:00 or a bit later. The horses were running. I set the alarm for 7:00. I heard it and had to change it. I simply could not rise, or at the reset, or even at the third reset. I don't remember the last alarm, only I do remember setting it. Noon, boys and girls. That is when I rose. It simply wasn't a choice. I tried, pushed, but there was nothing to push with, or even seemingly against. It felt like what I must presume a pinned bug must sense. Stuck. When I could though, I did.
Fed the girls first thing. And good thing too. I sort of remember them being in attendance, at least when I was struggling, and usually failing, to wake, much as those at a wake... if more as vultures than mourning kin. At least I know if I die, they won't go hungry. And, I have given them permission, and told my mother to forgive them if she needs to, such is my will. But NOT until I am dead. Though, no worries, boys and girls. I have seen Sassy, the youngest, twice now... as a crone girl cat. I will outlive her, to much sadness. Yes, I do see. Don't always like what I see, but...
And yet, I think I am going to wake a bit then perhaps see about something yet today. I'm not tired or sore, and it wouldn't matter. Rain or shine, though it looks more like rain or at least cool and cloudy, I will just take what is offered. As I suggested, and why I aimed for being ready for what is there and not some idyllic circumstances, I will go when the window is available, not when conditions are just so. I do need a bit to wake up. I have little choice there.
Sleep was very good. Dreams. Being aloft. Whether of air or situation I cannot tell. Staying above the muck and mud of life or land, all good. Preparing the way, scouting, seeing. The future, for good or ill, is the way of it. I will never again be betrayed by my own eyes easily, and I will not betray Wisdom within the confines of what I see. It is good to be a child of God. I also realized something... interesting. Some say, after heaven, on the new earth, we will no longer go armed, or with intent. We will be pacifists. I tell you this. We will not be pacifists, but the grown children of God. We will go forth as He has shown us. And we will be armed with His will, after being finally perfected. That is, we will do right and we will be armed with what is more powerful than any weapons we know today, the weapons of pure mind and will which make nuclear weapons literally insignificant in scope, range, power. Not even the angels have a weapon like this. Believe. That it won't be used to kill one another is a thing not relevant. Those who might be targeted will be protected from that by hell.
Hmm... Don't know. I best get to waking. And maybe a trim using the electric trimmer for now. The straight razor? Oh, right, I will get to honing soon. But I almost forgot. I won't be using that until I get back from camping. I don't want to go afield with a bunch of nicks and outright cuts on my face. Oh, and if I get out today, I may stop and look for balloons with which to practice. Boyo, those little slices sting and hurt. Even my face is somewhat sensitive. Later.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Well, you know, I think that is it.
.
.
I brought a chair down, for when I go shooting. I did a few other things, but nothing important. I am thinking, to try and keep my day schedule in order that I'll start shutting down and going on to bed. I'll set the alarm for eight hours, give or take. And depending of if I can sleep well, easily, an fairly early rise. That will give me some time to wake, and then plan, something for tomorrow. I'm pretty much ready for a hike, a little target practice, a bike ride, but I'm not quite sure about trying to do double duty. If I do target practice I will drive. If I bike out there, I'll just use the water filter, take a bit of a break, then return. K.I.S.S. I gotta remember that, even should I get into shape.
I am pleased with what I did today. I was doing double, or triple, duty, compared to the down days. While it isn't the energy consumption level that a hike, bike, or even shoot will be, it is enough that I feel like I did something and actually got some things done. It is more like what most people do on the weekend, at least folk who try. But, for me, it was a lot. And it was grand. It feels like a crawl, but I do see progress, good solid progress. Real things are arranged, fixed, done, moved, found, placed, set up, and such.
As I get busier, blogging may suffer. No problem, though. It looks like my regular readers have taken flight. But... this isn't for them anyway. I just hope they have interesting things in life pulling them away. If it is just anger, either they will have to deal with it, or bring it in for tending, or go away. I don't have time for... some things. And I am used to being alone, so...
A bit more music, then off to bed. Good night.
.
I brought a chair down, for when I go shooting. I did a few other things, but nothing important. I am thinking, to try and keep my day schedule in order that I'll start shutting down and going on to bed. I'll set the alarm for eight hours, give or take. And depending of if I can sleep well, easily, an fairly early rise. That will give me some time to wake, and then plan, something for tomorrow. I'm pretty much ready for a hike, a little target practice, a bike ride, but I'm not quite sure about trying to do double duty. If I do target practice I will drive. If I bike out there, I'll just use the water filter, take a bit of a break, then return. K.I.S.S. I gotta remember that, even should I get into shape.
I am pleased with what I did today. I was doing double, or triple, duty, compared to the down days. While it isn't the energy consumption level that a hike, bike, or even shoot will be, it is enough that I feel like I did something and actually got some things done. It is more like what most people do on the weekend, at least folk who try. But, for me, it was a lot. And it was grand. It feels like a crawl, but I do see progress, good solid progress. Real things are arranged, fixed, done, moved, found, placed, set up, and such.
As I get busier, blogging may suffer. No problem, though. It looks like my regular readers have taken flight. But... this isn't for them anyway. I just hope they have interesting things in life pulling them away. If it is just anger, either they will have to deal with it, or bring it in for tending, or go away. I don't have time for... some things. And I am used to being alone, so...
A bit more music, then off to bed. Good night.
Tools, well, and toys.
.
.
Not all tools are just toys. Not all toys are just toys, either. While considering side, one off, hunting gear, I was looking at pellet guns. After a very short evaluation, I decided that the humble slingshot offers just about everything a pellet gun offers, and at a vast discount. Sure, you could spend $1,600 on a pellet gun that will take deer sized game. But a bow, or even a standard rifle, even in smaller calibers, would do just as well. A simple .22 pistol, the right one, might actually do the same thing. Not impressed. A good quality air gun, of any type, will set you back $500, starting, no frills. A slingshot will set you back an hour of your time and some 1/4" tubing. While it won't take a deer, neither will a $500 air gun. You have to get north of $1k for that. Not going to happen. I don't have money to throw away.
So, a little digging into just what it takes to build a slingshot. Not much, as it turns out. If you use fresh wood, you can even microwave the moisture out! Or, so it is said. And, yes, that particular author used that process, and learned how to, and not to, do that. Hint: don't wrap the branch in a towel, set the microwave on high for 10 minutes, then go off to do something almost as silly. Something about FIRE was mentioned. Oh I bet the mrs. was pleased as a wet cat! The suggest was 30 second intervals, wrapped in a towel, until the hissing stops (the wood hisses as it dries). Then, just a bit of work with various things, and you have a homemade slingshot. Seems... possible.
But while I was considering that, I thought about a particular tool that has been on my mind. Whether it is needed for this project, or not, is irrelevant. It came to mind, so I started doing a bit of research. Oh, a hand drill, non-electric. Or two, if the price was right. The first two I found, one at Amazon, and one at Ace, were plastic. Now, that might be fine if access remained viable, especially at the price. Just grab several, test them out, and if they hold up, keep them in stock. But, that's not how I prep. I prep as if what I buy is all that I will have. So I looked a bit further. Lehman's still offers, what looks like, an all metal hand drill. At between 4 and 10 times the price of the others, that is the price of something that will last, that you can depend on... if it pans out. But, now I have a name. And, there is the notion of gimlets, not a bad set to get for a travel tool kit, backup, or even as a starter kit. They don't look fun to tinker with, but if you have to do it and don't have other options, they would do the job in a pinch.
Yes, as I wake, I tend to want to... get to my lists. I am surprised how easily one thing leads to another, then another, and memory comes flooding back. But to organize the thoughts, make lists, then prioritize. That I don't have yet, but I am working on even that part of it. If I can just stay awake long enough to get the lists made and prioritized, then if I need crash, and hit it when I wake up again. So many things to do, so many things planned, limits even in good times... *breath* Yeah, okay... working on it. These last few years are the first in decades, though, that I have been living to live, not die. While the world seems to be suggesting otherwise. Right here, in my country.
By the way, I think I am going to have to see if anyone has formed an information circle regarding the Bundy ranch. I couldn't go this time, budget, time, other events and plans. Next time, if I can, I will want to go. Or, if another event occurs. I don't think the feds and BLM understand just what they touched off, but it's bigger than they have any imagining would be my guess. If you are going to shoot, shoot, don't talk about it first. Although, for their sakes, it's probably a very good thing they didn't go in shooting. Still, they have just dried up local, on a national level, good will and willingness to compliance. They are, essentially, on their own now. At best. I hope other leo's take a good hard look at what just happened and start thinking about whether they really want to murder civilians for a few dollars more and very questionable "legal" persuasion. If nothing else, it is becoming very dangerous. Got to think about... self... home... hearth. Choices... time... tick-tock, tick-tock.
Later.
---------------
UPDATE: My small search for information regarding the Bundy ranch situation lead me to the Bundy ranch blog. I have added this to my sidebar, and will look for other sources of information, as this blog is an easy target. I don't know if there are any remote cameras keeping an eye on things, or other folks watching and updating, but I will be looking for those, and will be passing those on as I can. I may even, if I get several feeds, create a special sidebar. I don't believe this is over. I want to keep an eye on things and be able, at least, to pass on information, if I can't make it.
.
Not all tools are just toys. Not all toys are just toys, either. While considering side, one off, hunting gear, I was looking at pellet guns. After a very short evaluation, I decided that the humble slingshot offers just about everything a pellet gun offers, and at a vast discount. Sure, you could spend $1,600 on a pellet gun that will take deer sized game. But a bow, or even a standard rifle, even in smaller calibers, would do just as well. A simple .22 pistol, the right one, might actually do the same thing. Not impressed. A good quality air gun, of any type, will set you back $500, starting, no frills. A slingshot will set you back an hour of your time and some 1/4" tubing. While it won't take a deer, neither will a $500 air gun. You have to get north of $1k for that. Not going to happen. I don't have money to throw away.
So, a little digging into just what it takes to build a slingshot. Not much, as it turns out. If you use fresh wood, you can even microwave the moisture out! Or, so it is said. And, yes, that particular author used that process, and learned how to, and not to, do that. Hint: don't wrap the branch in a towel, set the microwave on high for 10 minutes, then go off to do something almost as silly. Something about FIRE was mentioned. Oh I bet the mrs. was pleased as a wet cat! The suggest was 30 second intervals, wrapped in a towel, until the hissing stops (the wood hisses as it dries). Then, just a bit of work with various things, and you have a homemade slingshot. Seems... possible.
But while I was considering that, I thought about a particular tool that has been on my mind. Whether it is needed for this project, or not, is irrelevant. It came to mind, so I started doing a bit of research. Oh, a hand drill, non-electric. Or two, if the price was right. The first two I found, one at Amazon, and one at Ace, were plastic. Now, that might be fine if access remained viable, especially at the price. Just grab several, test them out, and if they hold up, keep them in stock. But, that's not how I prep. I prep as if what I buy is all that I will have. So I looked a bit further. Lehman's still offers, what looks like, an all metal hand drill. At between 4 and 10 times the price of the others, that is the price of something that will last, that you can depend on... if it pans out. But, now I have a name. And, there is the notion of gimlets, not a bad set to get for a travel tool kit, backup, or even as a starter kit. They don't look fun to tinker with, but if you have to do it and don't have other options, they would do the job in a pinch.
Yes, as I wake, I tend to want to... get to my lists. I am surprised how easily one thing leads to another, then another, and memory comes flooding back. But to organize the thoughts, make lists, then prioritize. That I don't have yet, but I am working on even that part of it. If I can just stay awake long enough to get the lists made and prioritized, then if I need crash, and hit it when I wake up again. So many things to do, so many things planned, limits even in good times... *breath* Yeah, okay... working on it. These last few years are the first in decades, though, that I have been living to live, not die. While the world seems to be suggesting otherwise. Right here, in my country.
By the way, I think I am going to have to see if anyone has formed an information circle regarding the Bundy ranch. I couldn't go this time, budget, time, other events and plans. Next time, if I can, I will want to go. Or, if another event occurs. I don't think the feds and BLM understand just what they touched off, but it's bigger than they have any imagining would be my guess. If you are going to shoot, shoot, don't talk about it first. Although, for their sakes, it's probably a very good thing they didn't go in shooting. Still, they have just dried up local, on a national level, good will and willingness to compliance. They are, essentially, on their own now. At best. I hope other leo's take a good hard look at what just happened and start thinking about whether they really want to murder civilians for a few dollars more and very questionable "legal" persuasion. If nothing else, it is becoming very dangerous. Got to think about... self... home... hearth. Choices... time... tick-tock, tick-tock.
Later.
---------------
UPDATE: My small search for information regarding the Bundy ranch situation lead me to the Bundy ranch blog. I have added this to my sidebar, and will look for other sources of information, as this blog is an easy target. I don't know if there are any remote cameras keeping an eye on things, or other folks watching and updating, but I will be looking for those, and will be passing those on as I can. I may even, if I get several feeds, create a special sidebar. I don't believe this is over. I want to keep an eye on things and be able, at least, to pass on information, if I can't make it.
Ah, right.
.
.
I was wondering what the struggle with getting going this morning was. Last night I must have turned the furnace down, in the dark. Now, on off days, that is sort of okay. Days where nothing but needed rest and little activity really is necessary. But when I am trying to stir, 66 is just a bit low. I've turned it up but it'll take a bit to warm the house, then myself.
Not much is happening in the world. Or, I should say, everything is at a tipping or boiling point, but most of it, for now, is just sitting there. The, not our, for we are our, government, thinks that by backing off, for a little bit, that it will come back in when people forget. This time, however, we aren't forgetting, or forgiving. Russia is on the border, threatening to consume the first of many small nations. South America has a number of things, in various stages of what is happening. Even Europe is beginning to splinter, with groups advocating everything from leaving the EU to splitting from their own countries. It's beautiful. Of course, those "in power" are cracking down. It's funny, they never learn from those they themselves took that batons away from. There are too few of those "in power", and governance is only an allowance, and ends when violence becomes the method to madness. You can rule poorly, you can be corrupt, you can be filthy, as a ruler, but you pull out the whip, and use it on free men, you will lose everything. Beautiful.
When I warm up? Dunno. A shower, just in case I can get out and just because. A bit of straightening in the kitchen. A little more tinkering with my pack, and doing a breaking in of the water filter. Maybe figuring out something to eat. Who knows. Hmm... Oh, and I would like to get the bike up to specs. Check the tires for air and probably put a bit in. For my trip, I might ride out, or drive, to the gravel pit and put a few rounds downrange. I can use my lumbar pack for ammunition, a snack, and one jug of water. Perhaps even taking the water filter to test at the damn, and refresh my water. Who knows, really, though. But... a little heat is definitely needed to get me going. Oh, and light. I'll open the curtains while I... sort my day. I ought to call my friend, but I might wait until mid-week for him. I think I tuckered him out last week, with two outings and whatever else he had going on.
Later.
-------
I got up to do something? A cup of coffee? Gah! Where is my coffee... I'll get it shortly. I did make it. But a funny thing happened on the way back to my seat. Something about something, and tools, then... I found myself upstairs, packing my camping kit. The sleeping bag can be a bear. But it seemed rather easy this time. Then the sleeping mat. These aren't your father's camping gear, by the way. Both the bag, pad, and cot are made 3' x 7', give or take a half a foot, if more on the give side. And the mat is 3"-4" thick. So, it was more of a wrestling match. As I said, the sleeping bag went down without a whimper, same with the mat. The cot was easy enough, but "somehow" (don't look at me) a screw and bolt had fallen out. The screw was three feet away and the nut was where it dropped. That isn't even possible, but... I ended up having to go down and get a screwdriver and the socket set. After getting that back together, I folded and scrunched that together, and into it's own carry bag. Finally, the tent. Wow. Now that is what I call wrestling. I had to work it over several times, trying to get more and more air out, and figure out how to get the fly to fit in there, and compress, compress, compress. Oh, I finally got it together, and in there. But I knew I had worked. Well, for a short bit.
That was on my list, and I am not close to being done. I am still moving a bit slowly. Oh, right, COFFEE! Yeah. I am not sure I will get out today, though it is possible. Barring that, I have a ton of leftover projects from the weekend. And, since it isn't the weekend, and the rest period is over, I may push it a bit harder. Not like a casual observer might know, but I will. Push, pull, plunge, drag, sort, fix, store, go, go, go! Oh, right, I think I'll set up the water filter when I get my coffee, then take just a short rest before... whatever is next. I sort of have to hurry. While I do have the rest of my life, I only have until I am too tired to move as well. And, hopefully, I can keep it going until Thursday, maybe Friday.
-------
Well, yes, I did head out to find my coffee. Which I found, but then remembered something else, and... promptly lost. It's a 26 ounce, urhm, cup. Glass. Not petite. But... with gear here, the rain protection sleeves for the pack out and drying there (there are two, one black and one standard forest camo), and my mind trying to figure out how to do or find a dozen or more things all at once, you might be surprised at what can go missing. Ah, but what I remembered was where the charger for some walky-talkys was. I knew the general area. After a bit of searching I did find them, but they are for the wrong devices. As I was coming back to sit for a bit, I espied the water filter, and knew that had to be readied. Running half a liter of definitely good water through it works. But, then you have to dry it out. While the ceramic filter is silver impregnated, it is just best to use caution. So, I figured out how to set it up, ran the water through it, and now it is drying. I went to sit down but finally remembered my coffee. A quick search and here I am.
Really, bit by bit, it is coming together. I just have to remember to check the temps in the morning. It must have dipped pretty low outside last night and 66 wasn't enough to get me going. Turning the thermostat down at night is the only way I can really let the girls sleep with me, or the heat wafts in. Even at 70 it can be a little difficult for me to sleep. At least I figured out the problem and solved it, before I lost a day. Not bad. For me. More to do. Always more. Now I have to figure out where the battery charger for the walky-talkys are, on top of clearing space for honing, doing a few remaining dishes, and perhaps knocking another load of laundry through, or two. It's mostly the specialty stuff remaining, wools, synthetics, whites, and a hodgepodge of remnants.
Tomorrow though? I will get out. Bike, in the vehicle then on foot? I don't know that! I just don't know. But that won't be all. I have plenty else to do and prep, for short, mid, and long term projects. Finally, I am busy. Able to be and enjoying it. But, oh yeah, I will try to remember to check and probably fill the tires for the bike tonight, and maybe oil the chain, sprocket, and whatever else looks dusty, then run those things through their paces while I am at it. Hmm, sometime this week or next I need to get an oil change and tire rotation. I might, eventually, learn to do those things myself, and get the kit needed, but for now it is much more convenient to take it in. It wouldn't save much, probably... nothing on the tires since free rotation comes with the purchase. But for convenience, and just doing it when it is ready, and learning to check the oil, for sure, and know... myself. Plus... it's manly! Bleh. Like I care or that even means anything. Hype. But... it has it's reasons.
A bit more music, then... on to something else. Later
-------
.
I was wondering what the struggle with getting going this morning was. Last night I must have turned the furnace down, in the dark. Now, on off days, that is sort of okay. Days where nothing but needed rest and little activity really is necessary. But when I am trying to stir, 66 is just a bit low. I've turned it up but it'll take a bit to warm the house, then myself.
Not much is happening in the world. Or, I should say, everything is at a tipping or boiling point, but most of it, for now, is just sitting there. The, not our, for we are our, government, thinks that by backing off, for a little bit, that it will come back in when people forget. This time, however, we aren't forgetting, or forgiving. Russia is on the border, threatening to consume the first of many small nations. South America has a number of things, in various stages of what is happening. Even Europe is beginning to splinter, with groups advocating everything from leaving the EU to splitting from their own countries. It's beautiful. Of course, those "in power" are cracking down. It's funny, they never learn from those they themselves took that batons away from. There are too few of those "in power", and governance is only an allowance, and ends when violence becomes the method to madness. You can rule poorly, you can be corrupt, you can be filthy, as a ruler, but you pull out the whip, and use it on free men, you will lose everything. Beautiful.
When I warm up? Dunno. A shower, just in case I can get out and just because. A bit of straightening in the kitchen. A little more tinkering with my pack, and doing a breaking in of the water filter. Maybe figuring out something to eat. Who knows. Hmm... Oh, and I would like to get the bike up to specs. Check the tires for air and probably put a bit in. For my trip, I might ride out, or drive, to the gravel pit and put a few rounds downrange. I can use my lumbar pack for ammunition, a snack, and one jug of water. Perhaps even taking the water filter to test at the damn, and refresh my water. Who knows, really, though. But... a little heat is definitely needed to get me going. Oh, and light. I'll open the curtains while I... sort my day. I ought to call my friend, but I might wait until mid-week for him. I think I tuckered him out last week, with two outings and whatever else he had going on.
Later.
-------
I got up to do something? A cup of coffee? Gah! Where is my coffee... I'll get it shortly. I did make it. But a funny thing happened on the way back to my seat. Something about something, and tools, then... I found myself upstairs, packing my camping kit. The sleeping bag can be a bear. But it seemed rather easy this time. Then the sleeping mat. These aren't your father's camping gear, by the way. Both the bag, pad, and cot are made 3' x 7', give or take a half a foot, if more on the give side. And the mat is 3"-4" thick. So, it was more of a wrestling match. As I said, the sleeping bag went down without a whimper, same with the mat. The cot was easy enough, but "somehow" (don't look at me) a screw and bolt had fallen out. The screw was three feet away and the nut was where it dropped. That isn't even possible, but... I ended up having to go down and get a screwdriver and the socket set. After getting that back together, I folded and scrunched that together, and into it's own carry bag. Finally, the tent. Wow. Now that is what I call wrestling. I had to work it over several times, trying to get more and more air out, and figure out how to get the fly to fit in there, and compress, compress, compress. Oh, I finally got it together, and in there. But I knew I had worked. Well, for a short bit.
That was on my list, and I am not close to being done. I am still moving a bit slowly. Oh, right, COFFEE! Yeah. I am not sure I will get out today, though it is possible. Barring that, I have a ton of leftover projects from the weekend. And, since it isn't the weekend, and the rest period is over, I may push it a bit harder. Not like a casual observer might know, but I will. Push, pull, plunge, drag, sort, fix, store, go, go, go! Oh, right, I think I'll set up the water filter when I get my coffee, then take just a short rest before... whatever is next. I sort of have to hurry. While I do have the rest of my life, I only have until I am too tired to move as well. And, hopefully, I can keep it going until Thursday, maybe Friday.
-------
Well, yes, I did head out to find my coffee. Which I found, but then remembered something else, and... promptly lost. It's a 26 ounce, urhm, cup. Glass. Not petite. But... with gear here, the rain protection sleeves for the pack out and drying there (there are two, one black and one standard forest camo), and my mind trying to figure out how to do or find a dozen or more things all at once, you might be surprised at what can go missing. Ah, but what I remembered was where the charger for some walky-talkys was. I knew the general area. After a bit of searching I did find them, but they are for the wrong devices. As I was coming back to sit for a bit, I espied the water filter, and knew that had to be readied. Running half a liter of definitely good water through it works. But, then you have to dry it out. While the ceramic filter is silver impregnated, it is just best to use caution. So, I figured out how to set it up, ran the water through it, and now it is drying. I went to sit down but finally remembered my coffee. A quick search and here I am.
Really, bit by bit, it is coming together. I just have to remember to check the temps in the morning. It must have dipped pretty low outside last night and 66 wasn't enough to get me going. Turning the thermostat down at night is the only way I can really let the girls sleep with me, or the heat wafts in. Even at 70 it can be a little difficult for me to sleep. At least I figured out the problem and solved it, before I lost a day. Not bad. For me. More to do. Always more. Now I have to figure out where the battery charger for the walky-talkys are, on top of clearing space for honing, doing a few remaining dishes, and perhaps knocking another load of laundry through, or two. It's mostly the specialty stuff remaining, wools, synthetics, whites, and a hodgepodge of remnants.
Tomorrow though? I will get out. Bike, in the vehicle then on foot? I don't know that! I just don't know. But that won't be all. I have plenty else to do and prep, for short, mid, and long term projects. Finally, I am busy. Able to be and enjoying it. But, oh yeah, I will try to remember to check and probably fill the tires for the bike tonight, and maybe oil the chain, sprocket, and whatever else looks dusty, then run those things through their paces while I am at it. Hmm, sometime this week or next I need to get an oil change and tire rotation. I might, eventually, learn to do those things myself, and get the kit needed, but for now it is much more convenient to take it in. It wouldn't save much, probably... nothing on the tires since free rotation comes with the purchase. But for convenience, and just doing it when it is ready, and learning to check the oil, for sure, and know... myself. Plus... it's manly! Bleh. Like I care or that even means anything. Hype. But... it has it's reasons.
A bit more music, then... on to something else. Later
-------
Had to chuckle.
.
.
Someone suggested that there is nothing new under the sun, so you should know history. Well, that wasn't funny. And maybe not to you, but I saw that answer and had to chuckle for my purposes. The following is an abbreviated, but absolutely accurate, single word version of history.
.
Someone suggested that there is nothing new under the sun, so you should know history. Well, that wasn't funny. And maybe not to you, but I saw that answer and had to chuckle for my purposes. The following is an abbreviated, but absolutely accurate, single word version of history.
Today?
.
.
Good question. I've spent the weekend prepping for "the week". And, while I didn't get to everything I did give it a hardy effort, did much, did a few things that weren't on the list, and kept up a nice calm pace. I am pretty much ready to hit a trail, go shooting, perhaps do some business. I've also been waking a bit later, staying up too late as well. Last night, actually, I didn't get down until about 2:00. But, having rested, and just having worked so hard on getting my days straight, I decided to set the alarm for 8:00 and just push it a bit, with the goal of stabilizing my day, wakeup, through the week, at about 6:00. That gives me a few hours to tinker and wake before the sun, or even get out and do a few things, should I feel the need, in the cool of the morning. To that end, I may open the curtains and setting the slats just right so sun, but not eyes, can enter my bedroom in the mornings.
My neighbor suggested Green Canyon, for hiking. The other paths still have snow. Snoeshoes, it was suggested, might work on others, if the particular path isn't too steep. I am not quite ready for snowshoeing yet. As I suggested, I wish to take very simple paths, and small areas, first. I want to become familiar with them in flatter areas to boot. I have done Green Canyon, that is the path my last lady friend and I traversed, unwisely, as noob "crosscountry" skiers. [hint: don't pick a mountain pass as your first (for me) or second (for her) crosscountry skiing trip] We went up and over and back in to the yurt they have set up back in there. Basically, a half day trek. Only then we returned. Without skins or other sort of options on our skis to make the trek "possible". Heh. So, I have a pretty good idea of what the path is like. Flat, back to a green gate, then up-up-up! Lots of bends, some decent views, trees, plenty of space usually to take a rest, and a stream/river off to the side. And I don't have to go all of the way to the yurt. Still, if it isn't snowed in, or too muddy, a nice little hour in, and back, would not be a bad thing, all give or take.
I am just not sure if today is the day. The sun seems to be out, and well. And while I didn't wake exactly at 8:00, resetting the alarm for 9:00. Waking more like at 8:24 or something, as while I couldn't wake exactly at 8:00, and beside hating the alarm, I really wanted to push waking as early as I could. Not a lot of sleep, and pushing it a bit this morning, so... Just not sure if today is the day. I need to get to bed just a wee earlier, 22:00 if I can swing it, perhaps even 20:00 if I can pull that off. I may just finish my tinkering and cleaning and honing, today, with the goals of going to bed earlier, and waking earlier, tomorrow. And, should that fail, getting out hiking, one way or the other, Tuesday, earlier in the day, and seeing if that won't help me rearrange my sleep. If not? Do it again, only harder, longer, and such.
While Einstein, for what it is worth, suggested that doing the same thing, expecting different results, is insanity, or some such, I understand a few things. First, what I have tried, that is waiting until my body is ready, absolutely will never work. Second, that while hiking may not help initially, one shot is not enough. Like antibiotics, sometimes it takes a series of the medicine to work. So... there is that. I am excited. I am pretty much ready. Oh, I found my shoe polish last night. It might be good to treat my boots before I head out. A little extra water resistance, and a bit of a shine, would all be good things.
Good day and later.
.
Good question. I've spent the weekend prepping for "the week". And, while I didn't get to everything I did give it a hardy effort, did much, did a few things that weren't on the list, and kept up a nice calm pace. I am pretty much ready to hit a trail, go shooting, perhaps do some business. I've also been waking a bit later, staying up too late as well. Last night, actually, I didn't get down until about 2:00. But, having rested, and just having worked so hard on getting my days straight, I decided to set the alarm for 8:00 and just push it a bit, with the goal of stabilizing my day, wakeup, through the week, at about 6:00. That gives me a few hours to tinker and wake before the sun, or even get out and do a few things, should I feel the need, in the cool of the morning. To that end, I may open the curtains and setting the slats just right so sun, but not eyes, can enter my bedroom in the mornings.
My neighbor suggested Green Canyon, for hiking. The other paths still have snow. Snoeshoes, it was suggested, might work on others, if the particular path isn't too steep. I am not quite ready for snowshoeing yet. As I suggested, I wish to take very simple paths, and small areas, first. I want to become familiar with them in flatter areas to boot. I have done Green Canyon, that is the path my last lady friend and I traversed, unwisely, as noob "crosscountry" skiers. [hint: don't pick a mountain pass as your first (for me) or second (for her) crosscountry skiing trip] We went up and over and back in to the yurt they have set up back in there. Basically, a half day trek. Only then we returned. Without skins or other sort of options on our skis to make the trek "possible". Heh. So, I have a pretty good idea of what the path is like. Flat, back to a green gate, then up-up-up! Lots of bends, some decent views, trees, plenty of space usually to take a rest, and a stream/river off to the side. And I don't have to go all of the way to the yurt. Still, if it isn't snowed in, or too muddy, a nice little hour in, and back, would not be a bad thing, all give or take.
I am just not sure if today is the day. The sun seems to be out, and well. And while I didn't wake exactly at 8:00, resetting the alarm for 9:00. Waking more like at 8:24 or something, as while I couldn't wake exactly at 8:00, and beside hating the alarm, I really wanted to push waking as early as I could. Not a lot of sleep, and pushing it a bit this morning, so... Just not sure if today is the day. I need to get to bed just a wee earlier, 22:00 if I can swing it, perhaps even 20:00 if I can pull that off. I may just finish my tinkering and cleaning and honing, today, with the goals of going to bed earlier, and waking earlier, tomorrow. And, should that fail, getting out hiking, one way or the other, Tuesday, earlier in the day, and seeing if that won't help me rearrange my sleep. If not? Do it again, only harder, longer, and such.
While Einstein, for what it is worth, suggested that doing the same thing, expecting different results, is insanity, or some such, I understand a few things. First, what I have tried, that is waiting until my body is ready, absolutely will never work. Second, that while hiking may not help initially, one shot is not enough. Like antibiotics, sometimes it takes a series of the medicine to work. So... there is that. I am excited. I am pretty much ready. Oh, I found my shoe polish last night. It might be good to treat my boots before I head out. A little extra water resistance, and a bit of a shine, would all be good things.
Good day and later.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Impressed.
.
.
No, not by anything I have done. By the one who has mapped well enough to direct others.
.
No, not by anything I have done. By the one who has mapped well enough to direct others.
Oh but the plans are moving forward and coming together.
.
.
I'm still just a bit bodily rough from all the rocking and rolling last week, but it isn't interfering with my plans. I actually think, when I am doing better, these aches and pains help. These non-health pains tend to get me to look forward to more, and better, pains. Yum! Of course, any sympathy I can milk them with is just icing on the cake. :)
I am still moving a bit slowly. Which is fine. So far today I have put a load through, folded that, and put it up, with another load in the washer and dryer. There would have been even another load through, but I wanted to wash the moldy stuff again. I'm not going to fuss with it anymore. I have put that load in the dryer and am washing my big pack and a camp pillow. I also put my pack together. Mostly. I need to figure out what to do with the water filter before it's first use, square a few more items away in there, made a decision on a few pieces, and grab an MRE, maybe two. But it's... pretty much ready. I didn't think I liked that little pack much. But then I have never really used it more than as a holding device. Packing it for the trail, I am finding that it is a well made smaller day pack, with easy but secure access to various pockets and a few other additional more open areas. It will do very well for it's intended purpose. I also have a waste pack that might go along for more intermediate trips, just to add a few more things, such as a tarp, maps, extra food, and just a few other items. I could always use the bigger bag, modulated down. The big pack has three main "packs", a huge center bag along with two, what they call rockets, that can either attach to the main bag, be used individually, or used as a pair. It offers a lot of flexibility. The main pack even has a rain cover for it that is big enough to cover the "rockets", if they are also attached. You can live out of that for weeks, with a little caution as to packing.
Resting, now. After the next load of laundry is dealt with, I may refresh the rinse on the dishes to be done after the next load of laundry and rest cycle, but clean off the kitchen table and prep for some honing. I certainly have a lot going on, especially for a resting weekend. But, to be honest, I think I am at a point where this will be more the normal. As I get better, I see things I can, and want, to do. I have much prepared to be done. I have many interests, needs, and wants. And, while still rather crippled up, I'm not dead yet either. I honestly don't know how long this will last, or how well I can stay on track are regards health, but no one ever does know. You could be hit by a bus tomorrow, you could have an x-ray for a different thing pop cancer into your life, there is no guarantee. All I know is that while I can, I will. It's all I've got like you will never ever know. And I'll take it. Yes sir, I'll take it and run with it as fast as I can.
This coming week? Trailhead finding and exploring, a bit more shooting, perhaps even a ride out to the range on my bike. Well, and checking to see if the tires need some air. One trip will be with my friend, if he wants to get out. Shooting, a drive, a trip downtown shopping, whatever he wants. I will need to stock up on ammo a bit. Simply put, getting my shooting back into good order is going to take bullets, and I don't wish to be caught flatfooted, as I have been, on too many things, these last years. I just hope .22 ammunition comes back before long. Once I get ranged and practiced, that is absolutely the cheapest way to keep it up, when prices run as they should. While I do believe there are more shooters, and they are learning and practicing with the .22, I do lay most of the scarcity on the government, one way or the other. Don't listen to the paid talking heads out there. They are either ignorant or stooges.
Well... On to seeing what you all are up to, perhaps a review of the news' (like a' = a not). It's not what they write, it's what they don't, things that slip through, and other such I review, not the news' that they present. Later.
-----
Another load through, folded, and put up. I moved the pack to the dryer. Since I only ever use fluff, I don't really mind drying it that way. Because of pockets, folds, and areas of thicker material, it may still need to be air dried to finish it. The load that I took out of the dryer was the previously moldy clothing. After five washes, two spins in the dryer, and some time to air out, there is no mold scent left. I did find the pack shovel, and put it in a pocket that holds it perfectly, and is set aside for just that purpose. So many little and big things yet to do, even today. Cleaning off the table, honing then cleaning that off, setting up the water filter and getting that packed, figuring out whether the big pack and "rockets" will need airing out. And, if I can get to it, I may pack my sleeping bag, tend, and such, and have those ready to go. They have been airing out since burning man. :p
I found my motorola talkabouts. The batteries are dead, rechargeables, so I will need to find the charger. I never did figure them out. But it seems that, to use certain channels, and really any channel on high power, one has to have some licenses. I think they are easy, considering it is the government, to obtain those. But, really? Two licenses, or forms anyway, for a walky-talky? More than annoying. Even Canada doesn't require that. More make work, and problems, bureaucracy. I sure we take our country back from those useless shats, soon.
A shower went in. When I can, I do. And, I can. Every other day, every third day in rest periods if I'm not up to it, every day if I need to do business and associate with folk. I thought about shaving, but I'd like to have some whiskers when I start using the straight razor. I'm not sure when that will be, could be as early as Tuesday, maybe tomorrow though I doubt it. Hmm... I might use the trimmer to knock the bush back a bit though. Yeah...
Oh, Sam says hello. She is just doing chin rests on my arm as I try to type. She owns my arms, and lap, and any food I might have, for her or me. Hey, nothing personal, she suggests, but... MINE! Later.
.
I'm still just a bit bodily rough from all the rocking and rolling last week, but it isn't interfering with my plans. I actually think, when I am doing better, these aches and pains help. These non-health pains tend to get me to look forward to more, and better, pains. Yum! Of course, any sympathy I can milk them with is just icing on the cake. :)
I am still moving a bit slowly. Which is fine. So far today I have put a load through, folded that, and put it up, with another load in the washer and dryer. There would have been even another load through, but I wanted to wash the moldy stuff again. I'm not going to fuss with it anymore. I have put that load in the dryer and am washing my big pack and a camp pillow. I also put my pack together. Mostly. I need to figure out what to do with the water filter before it's first use, square a few more items away in there, made a decision on a few pieces, and grab an MRE, maybe two. But it's... pretty much ready. I didn't think I liked that little pack much. But then I have never really used it more than as a holding device. Packing it for the trail, I am finding that it is a well made smaller day pack, with easy but secure access to various pockets and a few other additional more open areas. It will do very well for it's intended purpose. I also have a waste pack that might go along for more intermediate trips, just to add a few more things, such as a tarp, maps, extra food, and just a few other items. I could always use the bigger bag, modulated down. The big pack has three main "packs", a huge center bag along with two, what they call rockets, that can either attach to the main bag, be used individually, or used as a pair. It offers a lot of flexibility. The main pack even has a rain cover for it that is big enough to cover the "rockets", if they are also attached. You can live out of that for weeks, with a little caution as to packing.
Resting, now. After the next load of laundry is dealt with, I may refresh the rinse on the dishes to be done after the next load of laundry and rest cycle, but clean off the kitchen table and prep for some honing. I certainly have a lot going on, especially for a resting weekend. But, to be honest, I think I am at a point where this will be more the normal. As I get better, I see things I can, and want, to do. I have much prepared to be done. I have many interests, needs, and wants. And, while still rather crippled up, I'm not dead yet either. I honestly don't know how long this will last, or how well I can stay on track are regards health, but no one ever does know. You could be hit by a bus tomorrow, you could have an x-ray for a different thing pop cancer into your life, there is no guarantee. All I know is that while I can, I will. It's all I've got like you will never ever know. And I'll take it. Yes sir, I'll take it and run with it as fast as I can.
This coming week? Trailhead finding and exploring, a bit more shooting, perhaps even a ride out to the range on my bike. Well, and checking to see if the tires need some air. One trip will be with my friend, if he wants to get out. Shooting, a drive, a trip downtown shopping, whatever he wants. I will need to stock up on ammo a bit. Simply put, getting my shooting back into good order is going to take bullets, and I don't wish to be caught flatfooted, as I have been, on too many things, these last years. I just hope .22 ammunition comes back before long. Once I get ranged and practiced, that is absolutely the cheapest way to keep it up, when prices run as they should. While I do believe there are more shooters, and they are learning and practicing with the .22, I do lay most of the scarcity on the government, one way or the other. Don't listen to the paid talking heads out there. They are either ignorant or stooges.
Well... On to seeing what you all are up to, perhaps a review of the news' (like a' = a not). It's not what they write, it's what they don't, things that slip through, and other such I review, not the news' that they present. Later.
-----
Another load through, folded, and put up. I moved the pack to the dryer. Since I only ever use fluff, I don't really mind drying it that way. Because of pockets, folds, and areas of thicker material, it may still need to be air dried to finish it. The load that I took out of the dryer was the previously moldy clothing. After five washes, two spins in the dryer, and some time to air out, there is no mold scent left. I did find the pack shovel, and put it in a pocket that holds it perfectly, and is set aside for just that purpose. So many little and big things yet to do, even today. Cleaning off the table, honing then cleaning that off, setting up the water filter and getting that packed, figuring out whether the big pack and "rockets" will need airing out. And, if I can get to it, I may pack my sleeping bag, tend, and such, and have those ready to go. They have been airing out since burning man. :p
I found my motorola talkabouts. The batteries are dead, rechargeables, so I will need to find the charger. I never did figure them out. But it seems that, to use certain channels, and really any channel on high power, one has to have some licenses. I think they are easy, considering it is the government, to obtain those. But, really? Two licenses, or forms anyway, for a walky-talky? More than annoying. Even Canada doesn't require that. More make work, and problems, bureaucracy. I sure we take our country back from those useless shats, soon.
A shower went in. When I can, I do. And, I can. Every other day, every third day in rest periods if I'm not up to it, every day if I need to do business and associate with folk. I thought about shaving, but I'd like to have some whiskers when I start using the straight razor. I'm not sure when that will be, could be as early as Tuesday, maybe tomorrow though I doubt it. Hmm... I might use the trimmer to knock the bush back a bit though. Yeah...
Oh, Sam says hello. She is just doing chin rests on my arm as I try to type. She owns my arms, and lap, and any food I might have, for her or me. Hey, nothing personal, she suggests, but... MINE! Later.
Alright, I'm going to have to fix that.
.
.
Sleep has been rolling over. Midnight is, really, a bit late to be going to bed. Last night, if because I was tinkering with laundry, it rolled around past 1:00, and pretty close to 2:00, maybe. Which means a late start. No sir, no siree. I'm simply going to have to push that back.
Now, on the good side, I have done fairly well this weekend. Two loads of laundry through, and another about to be dried. Dishes were washed, mostly. I did find the last item I need for shaving, if I haven't completely cleared a space for honing on the kitchen table, but I do have today. All the gear wanted for the hiking pack has been found and gathered. I am washing one of the covers for one of the canteens. Other than that, and cleaning the water purifier as per first use instructions, I'll be packing that up today. Actually, that will be my generic vehicle b.o.b. The only thing I want to add to that are some gel inserts. Until my feet get used to putting some miles on them, I want to have something as an insurance that I can continue. Or, if I somehow end up having to walk many miles, and am not really prepped for it, these will give me a very slight boost. Generally speaking, I won't use those. Or, that is the intent up front.
I have been opening the curtains. I am almost getting used to that bright shiny burning thing in the sky. My eyes aren't have so sensitive. And, from being out often, my skin is actually getting used to the sky broiler. It's not enough, if it never is. But last week was a hardy start to a summer of, for me, work. Many of you would call what I am preparing to do a lazy man's extended summer vacation. Just remember, I am a dead man. Dead men don't dance, so me giving it a whirl is no small feat. It's taken decades, if mostly because they weren't treating the health issue. Idiots. I would say that I am lucky to be alive, but neither was it fortuitous as torturous as it was, nor do I believe luck had a thing to do with it. But, now that I am here, and getting my feet back on the ground, I'll just move forward as hard, fast, and strong as I may. I... have things to do.
Lovely day here. A mix of sun and clouds. I just enjoy that because anything could happen, or nothing. Today is a mystery day, but I get to see the sun right up front. If it goes away, I don't mind. If it goes and then shines through, off and on all day, all good. And if the sun and wind chase off the clouds, even that is alright. But a quick sip of sun, first thing, on this particular day anyway, sees me off to a good start. Have a great day yourselves. Now get off my damned porch. Sunday? Oh, and go to church, or at least read the passages for the day and pray for your sinful soul, and mine, you heathen.
.
Sleep has been rolling over. Midnight is, really, a bit late to be going to bed. Last night, if because I was tinkering with laundry, it rolled around past 1:00, and pretty close to 2:00, maybe. Which means a late start. No sir, no siree. I'm simply going to have to push that back.
Now, on the good side, I have done fairly well this weekend. Two loads of laundry through, and another about to be dried. Dishes were washed, mostly. I did find the last item I need for shaving, if I haven't completely cleared a space for honing on the kitchen table, but I do have today. All the gear wanted for the hiking pack has been found and gathered. I am washing one of the covers for one of the canteens. Other than that, and cleaning the water purifier as per first use instructions, I'll be packing that up today. Actually, that will be my generic vehicle b.o.b. The only thing I want to add to that are some gel inserts. Until my feet get used to putting some miles on them, I want to have something as an insurance that I can continue. Or, if I somehow end up having to walk many miles, and am not really prepped for it, these will give me a very slight boost. Generally speaking, I won't use those. Or, that is the intent up front.
I have been opening the curtains. I am almost getting used to that bright shiny burning thing in the sky. My eyes aren't have so sensitive. And, from being out often, my skin is actually getting used to the sky broiler. It's not enough, if it never is. But last week was a hardy start to a summer of, for me, work. Many of you would call what I am preparing to do a lazy man's extended summer vacation. Just remember, I am a dead man. Dead men don't dance, so me giving it a whirl is no small feat. It's taken decades, if mostly because they weren't treating the health issue. Idiots. I would say that I am lucky to be alive, but neither was it fortuitous as torturous as it was, nor do I believe luck had a thing to do with it. But, now that I am here, and getting my feet back on the ground, I'll just move forward as hard, fast, and strong as I may. I... have things to do.
Lovely day here. A mix of sun and clouds. I just enjoy that because anything could happen, or nothing. Today is a mystery day, but I get to see the sun right up front. If it goes away, I don't mind. If it goes and then shines through, off and on all day, all good. And if the sun and wind chase off the clouds, even that is alright. But a quick sip of sun, first thing, on this particular day anyway, sees me off to a good start. Have a great day yourselves. Now get off my damned porch. Sunday? Oh, and go to church, or at least read the passages for the day and pray for your sinful soul, and mine, you heathen.
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